Photo by Clay Bonnyman Evans.
Writing about books, hiking, the Battle of Tarawa and more
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Writing about books, hiking, the Battle of Tarawa and more
Photo by Clay Bonnyman Evans.
Wonderful story, and a heroic effort to bring our men home. My Dad was a 16 year old Navy Corpsman who was attached to some of the Island landings, Tarawa was one of them. He returned alive, but suffered PTSS for the remainder of his life. We, as a nation, need to bring all of our servicemen home – including those casualties who still walk among us. Mr. Bonnyman, thanks for showing us what determination and desire can accomplish.
Thanks, Brian. I am happy to report that History Flight (historyflight.org) continues to work on Tarawa, recovering the remainder of the Marines in the trench where my grandfather was buried just a couple of months ago, and elsewhere, including Europe and the Philippines.
Hoo-rah! Outstanding work by you and the History Flight team. It is amazing that you all fulfilled the one tenet that the US Marines strive to always do – bring their fallen home. I know your grandfather was sitting with his arm around your shoulder the day you sat where his bones had been. He and the rest of the Marines that rested there for 70+ years saluted you and the History Flight team that day. Hoo-rah!
Clay, What a wonderful thing to be able to bring your father back to his home! I’ve heard so much about him from my brother and father. Wish all of the vets were alive to see this incredible event.
Welcome home 1st Lt Alexander Bonnyman Jr
Wonderfull News Clay. As you know, your grandad was us kids hero growing up on Betio during 1970s 80s.
We were at the bunker everyday. And in 2013 i had the chance to leave you alittle something on top of the bunker. And as an adult pay my respects to him. And now i see him, thanks to your photo. Get him home Clay, get him home
Thank you, Kim.
I wish my Dad were alive today to see his Lieutenants’ remains recovered today. Congrats to Clay and the entire recovery crews for their amazing efforts to bring our fallen home!
Leroy, thank you so much for writing. I wish, too, that your father could know of this remarkable development. Thanks for your kindness and help over these last few years.
For my other readers, Sgt. Leroy Kisling was there at the bunker, helping in the assault, when Lt. Bonnyman fell in battle.