Ditter, thanks so much for this. My father in law, now deceased, was one of the few who made it off that island alive. He never talked about his war experiences. He did tell my husband & siblings, once, as they were growing up about one night on the island. It was so dark you couldn't see you nose between your eyes. He was in a fox hole with other soldiers, some of whom were dead, and the Japaneses were on patrol. As they patrolled, one of the Jap soldiers stepped on my FIL's head. He held his breath and prayed and survived.
It's so easy to see a statue & contemplate the portrayal, but hearing Mr. Bradley's description certainly brings it to life. Last year, my DH & I were in Washington and made a special point to go see this memorial. Beyond moving to us both.