This collection relates to Ernest Ivy "Boots" Thomas Jr., who served with the Fifth Marine Division in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Thomas participated in the battle for Iwo jima, where he served as Platoon Sergeant to the men who raised the first flag atop Mt. Suribachi. He was subsequently killed in action on March 3, 1945 in Iwo Jima. This collection contains letters from Thomas to his mother, as well as photographs from the flag raising on Iwo Jima, letters to Mrs. Thomas after Ernest's death, and military magazines.
