WWII veteran shares story of enlisting underage and serving at Iwo Jima

Don Fotheringham enlisted in the Marines during World War II when he was just 16 years old, despite being underage, WPSD Local 6 reported. He was motivated to serve after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 and was determined to help win the war against Japan.

Fotheringham recounted that although some doubted he would be accepted due to his age, he was able to join the Marines quickly. He was stationed at a Marine base in Maui, Hawaii, before being sent to Japan and participating in battles at the Marshall Islands and Iwo Jima.

At Iwo Jima, Fotheringham served on D-Day and witnessed the loss of over 6,000 Marines. His role involved driving an amphibious truck to transport casualties and ammunition, a cycle that lasted for nearly a month during intense combat.

This Veterans Day, Fotheringham shared his story reflecting on the difficult times and the sacrifices made by many young men who felt compelled to serve their country during the war, according to WPSD Local 6.