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From the Stars and Stripes archivesIe Shima services salute the memory of Ernie Pyle
Stars and Stripes
April 21, 1964
Sp4 James Boggs and Sgt. Harman King of the 29th Army Band participate in a concert prior to the Ernie Pyle memorial service on Ie Shima in April, 1964. (Eikoh Goya/Stars and Stripes)
IE SHIMA, Ryukyus - Ernie Pyle, frontline war correspondent who was killed in action while with the 77th Infantry Div. here, April 18, 1945, was honored Sunday at memorial services held at the spot where he died.
Thousands of Americans and Ryukyuans gathered for the ceremony and listened to an address given by Brig. Gen. Ellis W. Williamson, commanding general, 173d Airborne Brigade.
Air Force T/Sgt. Andrew Pejko, currently of Kadena AB, laid a wreath at the base of the monument. He was on Ie Shima when Pyle was killed.
Twenty-two wreaths, from veteran's organizations and their auxiliaries, boy and girl scout units and other organizations, were also placed on the monument during the ceremony.
The 29th Army band played Taps and Echoes and the National Anthem.
Sp4 James Boggs and Sgt. Harman King of the 29th Army Band participate in a concert prior to the Ernie Pyle memorial service on Ie Shima in April, 1964. (Eikoh Goya/Stars and Stripes)
Brig. Gen. Ellis W. Williamson speaks during thge 13th annual memorial service at the spot on Ie Shima where Ernie Pyle was killed. Standing at left is Chaplain Oliver E. Porter. (Eikoh Goya/Stars and Stripes)
Thousands of Americans and Ryukyuans attended the memorial service for Ernie Pyle. (Eikoh Goya/Stars and Stripes)
Ruth Cortez of the Philippine-American Veterans Association placed a wreath at the Ernie Pyle monument. (Eikoh Goya / Stars and Stripes)
A member of the firing squad from 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade stands at attention as Pfc. Henry Smolak plays taps at the memorial service for Ernie Pyle. (Eikoh Goya/Stars and Stripes)