This week, everyone's worst fears come true and Ernie Pyle's luck runs out. He lands with the Marines on Okinawa, a short time after the start of the bloodiest battle of World War II, but all of the 100,000 Japanese defenders had moved inland and did not oppose the landing. After a few uneventful days with the Marines, Pyle returned to a command ship, wrote 20 articles, learned of and mourned the passing of US President Franklin Roosevelt, and penned a draft of his thoughts on the end of the war in Europe, which everyone knew would happen any day now.

After finishing his draft, he went ashore with soldiers from the 77th Army Division on an island just north of Okinawa, called Ie Shima, where his death was quick, unexpected, and devastating for everyone.

This week's Ghosts of Arlington is Navy Seaman 3rd Class Ernest Taylor Pyle who is interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Section D, Grave 109.

The Ghosts of the Pacific Theme is Ukulele and Love Birds by emjaydabayou, with a few Waves of Hawaii added for ambiance.

The Ghosts of the Pacific Transition music are some Uke Chords by turkitron.

As always, a very special thanks to Mountain Up Cap Company for its continued help to spread the word about the podcast on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/MountainUpCapCompany Climb to Glory!

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