James Strain

Corporal 
Marine Corps

Mr. James Thomas Strain, native of Johnson City, TN, was born on January 12, 1921. When reporting to the draft board Mr. Strain volunteered to be a Marine. Mr. Strain was among the first wave of Marines who hit the beach at Iwo Jima and shares his memories of the invasion, the horror of battle and the pride, and wonder at seeing the flag raised on Mt. Suribachi. After Iwo Jima, Mr. Strain served in Northern China in the path of Mao Tse Tung and Xiang Chi Chek.