Southern Indiana Leathernecks proudly recognize one of their own.
On Thursday July 19, 2012 Frank Ebenkamp was presented with the Flag that was flown in his honor over the Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington DC. The Marines of the Southern Indiana Leatherneck detachment of the Marine Corps League presented the flag to Ebenkamp in a ceremony on July 19.
The presentation and ceremony was conducted by Jim Webb, Commandant, Pat Moriarty Sr. Vice Commandant and Allen Fritz, Sergeant-at-Arms of the Southern Indiana Leathernecks.
Pharmacist 2nd Class Ebenkamp, Francis R (Frank) served as a 19-year-old US Navy Corpsman in Company “B”, 5th Medical Battalion, 5th Marine Division in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. He was in the sixth wave landing on the beaches of Iwo Jima which landed 15 minutes after the first wave.
The assault on the island lasted 36 days between February and March of 1945 and resulted in more than 26,000 American casualties, including 6,800 dead. Of the 20,000 Japanese defenders, only 1,083 survived. The battle and eventual securing of the island was instrumental in the success of the war in the Pacific.
The fighting that took place during the assault would be immortalized in the words of Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, “Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue”[quote float=”none”]The fighting that took place during the assault would be immortalized in the words of Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, “Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue”[/quote]
Frank Ebenkamp endured 35 days in combat on Iwo Jima treating wounded Marines until the island was secured. During that time he earned the bronze star for bravery. Amazingly, Frank was not wounded, which would have earned him a purple heart because in his own words, “I was always at the right place at the right time”.
The Southern Indiana Leatherneck Detachment of the Marine Corps League submitted a commemorative US Flag donated by the Jasper American Legion to be flown in his honor at the Iwo Jima Memorial located near Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC. This monument has come to symbolize the spirit of the Corps to all Marines and dedicated to those who have given their lives in defense of their country.
The flag was flown on the Iwo Jima Memorial on July 6, 2012 and has since been returned to the Marine Corps League along with a certificate of authenticity.
The flag will be kept on display at the Jasper American Legion Post #147.
