Feb. 19 was a big day for Joe Caminiti, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and Iwo Jima survivor, who 80 years ago on this day took part in landing Marines on the shore of Iwo Jima as part of the start of the Battle for Iwo Jima. Joe was part of the 10th wave that first day. He remained on the island for the 36 days of fighting.
During the day, his trac and crew resupplied the front areas where the heavy fighting took place. They also transported the dead and wounded. For anyone whose wounds were extreme, he bypassed his orders to take them to the rear to the aid station and just transported them directly to the awaiting medical ships, saving a number of fellow Marines' lives.
Of the 100 who died fighting on Iwo Jima from Connecticut, Joe knew three of them before the war started.
At night he was part of the line that stood between the airfield and Mount Suribachi to stop the Japanese from retaking the airfield.
On this day, Joe was saluted at the Noon Day Veterans Salute at the Mission BBQ in Southington, Conn. The meal was stopped and the management stood up and told about what Joe did 80 years earlier. Joe was presented with a meal and talked with those there.
Afterwards Joe assisted American Legion Post 2, where he is an active member. With the post historian, they presented two certificates to Mission BBQ. One for hosting an Iwo Jima Remembrance Day event and the second for all the support they have given local veterans and their organizations this past year.