This is Jocco Podcast number 83 with Echo Charles and me, Jocco Willink. Good evening, Echo. Good evening.

On the 19th of February 1945 after three days of heavy pre-landing bombardment, which attempted to destroy the

heavy fortifications that the Japanese had built. On that day, the 19th of February 1945 in American

amphibious forces, primarily US Marines of the 3rd, 4th and 5th Marine divisions along with soldiers from the US Army's 147th Infantry Regiment

landed on the island of Iwo Jima. By the end of the first day, some battalions had a casualty rate of over 80% on the morning of 20 February 1945.

Marine Corps first lieutenant Isaacs was taking cover in a foxhole about 300 yards from the beach when he was hit by a Japanese mortar strike.

He was severely wounded in his left arm and in his head. He was evacuated to a hospital ship offshore, which is where he died the next day.

On February 21, 1945. It was about two months prior to that. On December 17, 1945, that first lieutenant Leonard Smith Isaacs had written a letter to his two boys.

Now, I have a lot of people ask me questions about parenting. I got four kids, so two people want to know my thoughts on it. People also obviously ask me about war and ask me what kind of advice I have for my son.

I think that first lieutenant Isaacs answers many of these questions a lot better than I ever could.

Here's what he told them in that letter. December 17, 1944. My dear little boys, I'm writing you today just a week before Christmas Eve.

In the hope that you will get this little note at Christmas time. All of this coming week will be holidays.

And I can just imagine the fun you will be having, especially when you know it's just a few days before Santa Claus will be coming.

If it were possible, I would like to come down the chimney myself and crawl right into your stocking. Wouldn't that be a surprise?

I would enjoy it even more than you. But since your dad is far away and Santa Claus has the only rain deers that will fly through here, I'm afraid we'll have to let Santa Claus use them.

After all, he has so many places to go in such a short time.

I won't be able to give you a Christmas present personally this year. But I do want you to know that I think of you all the time and feel very proud of the way you have been helping your mother while I'm gone.

I know that it's only natural for young, healthy and strong boys like you are to want to play and have fun all the time.

But I do want you to think about helping mommy because it is hard for her to do everything while I'm gone.

I know that you would like to give me a Christmas present too. So I will tell you what you can do and this will be your Christmas present to me.

Every day ask mommy if there are errands that you can do for her. And when there are errands to run, say sure mommy and then give her a big smile. Then during the day go up to your room and look around if there are toys scattered all around or you left some of your clothes on the floor, pick them up.

Also, when mommy is busy trying to clean up the house, don't leave her by herself. But ask mommy if you can help her take care of baby sister.

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