Joe Caminiti, longtime member of Post 2 in Connecticut has been asked by the Iwo Jima Association of America to travel to the island to take part in a ceremony between the United States and Japan. The organization is picking up the cost of Joe's travel.
Joe is listed as the last-known living survivor in Connecticut. We are searching, but so far, no others have come forth. We are waiting on word if any other survivors will be traveling with Joe from across the country to Guam and Iwo Jima.
Joe, who turned 100 on Oct. 13, 2024, has agreed to take part. He will fly to Guam where he will be honored for being part of the campaign there, and then on to Iwo Jima for a day for the event. Joe is looking forward to seeing it. You can see stories of his birthday events and how he honors his fellow veterans in other articles here on Legiontown.
The association is planning to cover his trip in their newsletters and websites.
In October Joe was made a member of the Third Marine Division Association.
Joe landed troops on the island that first day and remained for the duration of the fighting.
He guarded the airfield at night. During the day he moved supplies, offloaded vessels and went to the front to bring the fighting troops needed supplies. He recovered the dead and moved the wounded, many times taking the severely wounded from the battles directly out to the waiting medical ships. Joe witnessed the raising of the flag from the airfield; he always said that he said, "It is about time" as the flag was raised.