Includes a response to the Saints At War questionnaire describing his living conditions, support received from his family and church, and relationships with other LDS servicemen. Contains a detailed memoir of Brown's military service. Discusses his induction, training, transport to Hawaii, and further preparations (drills and maneuvers) for invasions. Describes the living conditions on the ships and on the Hawaiian bases. Brown writes of his division's assignment to the Iwo Jima invasion group and of hearing the rumor that the island was broken from bombing runs and deserted. Relates Brown's surprise when the invasion, which resulted in many brutish casualties among the Marines, began. Contains a detailed, day-by-day account of the naval coastal bombardments and combat on the Iwo Jima beachheads and jungles, including a narrative of the Marines raising the first U.S. flag on Mt. Surabachi. Includes a few stories where Brown narrowly escaped death. Discusses his missionary experiences and service with the military hospitals, grave registrars, and chaplains. Describes his unit's role in the occupation of Japan following the close of the war and Brown's chance to visit Nagasaki, affording him a view of the material and human devastation caused by the atomic bomb. Includes his thoughts on war, friendship, patriotism, and the plight of civilians affected by war. Contains photographs of battles on Iwo Jima, Brown in military dress, Brown's company, and his living quarters. Also contains maps of Iwo Jima, sketches of battles, newspaper clippings concerning the war in the Pacific, and obituaries of Brown's comrades. Includes a short biography of Loren Oakey, one of Brown's fellow LDS servicemen and a close friend.
