Well this is my last post for this book. I have really enjoyed it! The chapters of 16-20 were just a little boring to me. I could tell that Rene, Ira, and Jack didn't really like the fame and attention they were getting, and i wouldnt either. I know the author put these chapters here for a reason but i just didn't like how they were honored as better marines than the others. They thought the same way too. But it sure was an outstanding book!
It is know James Bradley telling the story in 1st person. A week before Christmas in 1954, Ira is arrested (51st time) again for being drunk and disorderly. One month later, he was found dead in the snow after a fight. He was under a lot of stress from his instant fame. James Bradley believes that "his alcoholism was caused by what would today be diagnosed as posttraumatic stress disorder caused from the battle at Iwo Jima." James Bradley felt a connection with Rene Gagon Jr. because their parents were the only 2 of the 6 flag raisers to have kids. He was a janitor and after Rene's marriage, he was never happy his son always said. His wife was always emotionally abusive. He soon died of a heart attack and was buried in the same cemetery as Ira. God this is terrible! I think the quote "The real heros of Iwo Jima, are the ones who didnt come back" has something to do with their deaths because they survived and don't think of themselves as "hero's." But the constant stress of reporters and news saying that they were heros interfered with them if you know what i mean.
Chapter 20, last chapter, Jack Bradley avoids reunions with his fellow Marines because he thinks he will be a totally different man i guess....? James Bradley never asks Jack about his time in the war because he knows he wont talk about..Jack Bradley dies of a stoke in 1994. Hundred of people come to his funeral and they played a recording of him in an interview, "People refer to us as heroes. We certainly weren't heroes. And I speak for the rest of the guys as well"
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