Maine World War II veteran remembers Iwo Jima and spreads joy through his singing
Private First Class Leroy Peasley served at Iwo Jima, a five-week battle that helped the United States win the war. Author: Beth McEvoy (NEWS CENTER Maine), Aaron Tanguay (NEWS CENTER Maine) Published: 3:55 PM EST February 25, 2021 Updated: 4:42 PM EST February 25, 2021
ROCKLAND, Maine At 21-years-old, Private First Class Leroy Peasley landed on the shores of Iwo Jima. For five-weeks American and Japanese forces battled for the island leaving 7,000 Marines dead and another 20,000 wounded.
Peasley, from Rockland, didn t think he would live to see his next birthday. He worked helping injured men on the deck of the U.S.S. Callaway.