LETTER: Port Angeles man’s brother was also at Iwo Jima

I read the touching article about Marion “Skip” Yandell on Iwo Jima [“Iwo Jima Survivor Tells Of War’s Grief, Patriotism,” PDN, May 28].

Turns out my brother, William “Don” Heiskala, was there at exactly the same time and went through the same horrifying experiences.

He brought home a Japanese ceremonial sword.

My brother is pictured in a widely published photo about a day after the flag was raised on Mount Suribachi.

He was in a large group of 18 soldiers who were standing in front of the flag.

He made it back home safely but underwent an awful personality change.

Vic Heiskala,

Port Angeles

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