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
