Pfc Harry Wallace Grant
27th Marines - 5th Div
Aug. 11, 1925 - Feb. 24, 1945
Harry Wallace Grant, was born in Cimarron on Aug. 11, 1925. Harry was a Cimarron High School graduate, Class of 1944. He was a private in the Marines and died February 24, 1945, in the battle for Iwo Jima.
The 27th Marine Regiment of the 5th Marine Division landed on Iwo Jima on D-Day, February 19, 1945, as part of the initial assault wave during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
The 5th Marine Division, along with the 4th and 3rd Marine Divisions, formed the primary assault force.
The 27th Marines, assigned to the 5th Marine Division, landed on the western beaches of Iwo Jima, specifically near Green and Red Beaches on the southern part of the island.
Their initial objective was to advance inland across the island’s narrow waist, securing the airfields and high ground held by entrenched Japanese forces.
The fighting was intense from the outset, with heavy resistance from prepared defenses, pillboxes, caves, and tunnels.
By February 24, 1945, the 27th Marines were heavily engaged in brutal combat, particularly in attempts to capture Hill 362A, one of the key defensive positions.
A VERY BRIEF HISTORY of the battle of Iwo Jima:
The 27th Marine Regiment of the 5th Marine Division played a pivotal role in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Below is a detailed day-by-day breakdown of their movements and engagements during the campaign:
February 19, 1945 (D-Day):
The 27th Marines landed on Red Beach 1 and Red Beach 2, situated northeast of Mount Suribachi. Their primary objective was to advance inland, securing the southern part of Airfield No. 1.
February 20-23, 1945:
The regiment faced intense resistance as they pushed northward. Their efforts were concentrated on securing Airfield No. 1 and advancing towards Airfield No. 2.
February 24, 1945:
Supported by a 76-minute naval bombardment and carrier air strikes, the 27th Marines advanced approximately 500 yards, focusing on capturing the western portion of Airfield No. 2.
February 25-27, 1945:
The regiment continued its assault, facing fierce resistance. They aimed to capture strategic high ground, including the Hill 362 series.
February 28, 1945:
The 27th Marines launched a significant attack on Hill 362A, encountering one of the bloodiest encounters on the island. Despite heavy casualties, they made crucial advancements.
March 1-3, 1945:
After securing Hill 362A, the regiment continued to push northward, targeting remaining enemy fortifications and supporting adjacent units in their assaults.
March 4-9, 1945:
The 27th Marines engaged in mopping-up operations, eliminating isolated pockets of resistance and securing the northern parts of the island.
March 10-16, 1945:
The regiment participated in final assaults against entrenched enemy positions, contributing to the overall securing of Iwo Jima.
March 17-26, 1945:
The 27th Marines continued mopping-up operations, ensuring all enemy resistance was neutralized. The island was declared secure on March 26, 1945.
Throughout the campaign, the 27th Marine Regiment demonstrated exceptional bravery and resilience, playing a crucial role in the eventual capture of Iwo Jima.