Final intelligence reports were distributed on the 16th, and the 5th arrived at Iwo Jima on February 19. The 5th reached Eniwetok, then moved on to Saipan, and conducted a final rehearsal on the 11th. Major milestones of preparation were accomplished in February 1945. Chapin, The Fifth Marine Division in World II ) ![]() This would be the division's first battle as a unit, although 40 percent of the men had been members of other battalions and experienced combat with other groups. The men began studying maps formally and were taught the battle strategy. Along the way, the word was finally passed that Island X was Iwo Jima. The 5th boarded ships and headed for the island. In planning and preparation, and for security purposes, the destination was called only "Island X." While at Camp Pendleton and in Hilo, the 5th practiced doing what it would be called upon to do when it reached "Island X." The 5th was on its way to Iwo Jima, but the men didn't know it yet. Training continued in Hawaii through December. The 5th was preparing for action in the Pacific. By October 19, the 5th was all together in Hilo, having trained and left Camp Pendleton in staggered echelons. Blair Lazzelle left Camp Pendleton for Hilo, Hawaii. From this description, we can assume that Pfc. Chapin detailed the actions of his division in a publication called The Fifth Marine Division in World II. An obituary, published in the Morgantown Post (May 22, 1945), notes he was a member of the UMWA #4452. Blair James Lazzelle in Young American Patriots states he attended University High School in Morgantown. America was nearly four years into World War II. On April 30, 1944, Blair Lazzelle was at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California, a member of the 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division. In the intervening time, he had joined the Marines in January 1944. The family lived in Osage, on the outskirts of Morgantown.įour years after the 1940 census, Blair Lazzelle's name appears on a muster roll. Arthur (the son) and Russell Lazzelle worked in the mines. By 1940, only Russell, Dale, and Blair lived at home with their parents. Blair, the youngest, was nearly 4 years old. Arthur was a tippleman at a coal mine, the older girls were working as servants, and Glen was a loader at a mine. ![]() The six children present in 1920 were now joined by Audrey, Dale, and Blair. In 1930, the family was living in Monongalia County in the Grant district. ![]() The oldest was a son named Glen, followed by twin daughters Oma and Alma, another daughter named Hazel, and a young son named Arthur Russell. Lazzelle had added six children to their household. In the eight years since their marriage, Mr. Arthur Lazzelle was a laborer for Hope Gas. ![]() Fleming Burbridge provided the information given on their marriage certificate.Īt the time of the 1920 census, the family was living in Harrison County near Kincheloe. At the time of the 1910 Federal Census, Arthur Lazzelle, from Monongalia County, was found living in the household of Fleming Burbridge in the New Milton district as a day laborer on the farm he was described as "a servant." Arthur married Dora Rymer, of Doddridge County, in 1912. "Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue."īlair Lazzelle was born on October 25, 1925, in Doddridge County, West Virginia, to Arthur and Dora Rymer Lazzelle. Publications | The Agency | Technical Assistance | Where We AreĬomments or Questions about our site? E-Mail Calendar of Events | Education | Exhibits |
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