The Lion, Marines and Island “X”

Marine Corps League member Kathy Painton shows a World War II artifact during the January Talk Story Program at Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site.

Visitors from all over Hawaii, the Mainland and Canada were delighted with colorful stories of life on Hawaii Island during World War II. Jim Browne and Kathy Painton of the Marine Corps League, Camp Tarawa Detachment #1255 told a variety of stories about everything from rodeos in Waimea to “Roscoe” the 350 pound lion, mascot of the U.S. Marines at Camp Tarawa. Many visitors, including local residents, had no idea until this talk story program how large of a military presence there had been on the Island. As well, visitors learned of the vital importance the Kohala Coast played in the invasion of Iwo Jima.

The audience had a chance to ask questions, as well as to retell their own personal or family stories of the Second World War.

Many in the audience were surprised to learn that one of the most popular recreational beaches in Hawaii, Hapuna Beach, was used by thousands of marines and navy personnel in mock invasions involving amphibious landing craft and live fire training. Jim Browne showed a training map for the invasion of “Island X” (now known to be Iwo Jima), which turned out to be a map of Iwo Jima superimposed on a map of the Kohala Coast! The audience had a chance to ask questions and to see actual artifacts from World War II. As well, several visitors shared their own personal and family stories of the Second World War.

If you would like more information about what the Marine Corps League is doing, you may visit their site. Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site’s next “Talk Story Program” will be on February 20. Mahalo to the Marine Corps League… “Semper Fidelis!”

Jim Browne, a decorated Marine himself, told of his organization's efforts to preserve the World War II history of Hawaii Island.