"first target for a number of bullets. I feel sure he never knew what happened to him.

The Marines forced the Japs deeper into the cave but could not get them out. More men would have been killed in carrying out of the narrow cave Bill's lifeless body.

TNT charges were quickly planted at the cave mouth and exploded. The whole cave mouth was blocked with earth from the explosion and Bill's body was completely buried by it.

That is why Bill has been carried as "missing in action." There is an iron bound rule that the body must be recovered and identified before a man is reported "killed in action." So until the cave is excavated and Bill's body is recovered he will be carried as "missing in action."

General Denig informs me that the movie of the flag raising on Mt. Suribachi was taken by Bill. You may have seen it in the news reels. Bill must have been standing beside Joe Rosenthal when Joe made his famous still picture of the flagraising which is so widely used as a poster for the 7th War Loan Drive. Bill got movies of the same event, and when I look at the picture I will always think of Sergeant Bill Genaust and be proud that he was one of my boys.

Inadequate as it is during times like these, I offer my deepest sympathy to you and the rest of Bill's family. The world and the Marine Corps has lost a fine, courageous man. I have lost a friend.

Please feel free to call upon me for anything in which I can help you. I shall of course send on to you any further information concerning Bill that I receive.

May Bill's courage and character be a source of strength to you at this time.

Sincerely, Donald L. Dickson Lt. Col. U.S.M.C."

From the William Genaust Collection (COLL/5364), Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections