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- Jun 27, 2007
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On 4-18-1945 correspondent Ernie Pyle was killed by a Japanese sniper on the island of Ie Shima, off the island of Okinowa. Ernie was the dog-faced G.I. best friend. He had covered the war in Europe and now he felt obligated to show the horrors of the war in the Pacific. The USMC maintains a small detachment on the island, every year they hold a ceremony on this date. My son was stationed there and he did participate in it. There was a movie made about him with Burgess Meredith.
What I found interesting about Ernie involved "combat pay". In WWII USAAF aircrews received "flight pay" for flying combat missions. However ground troops did not receive any additional compensation. When Ernie found out about this he petitioned Congress to correct this, and in 1944 "combat pay" was authorized. I think now it is called "hazardous duty pay" and it is tax-free for enlisted members.
What I found interesting about Ernie involved "combat pay". In WWII USAAF aircrews received "flight pay" for flying combat missions. However ground troops did not receive any additional compensation. When Ernie found out about this he petitioned Congress to correct this, and in 1944 "combat pay" was authorized. I think now it is called "hazardous duty pay" and it is tax-free for enlisted members.