Chuck Tatum

Charles William Tatum (23 July 1926 – 22 June 2014) was an American World War II veteran, Bronze Star recipient, race car driver and builder. On 19 February 1945, he was among the first wave of marines to land on the Japanese island stronghold of Iwo Jima. He was a friend of John Basilone.

Chuck Tatum
Born(1926-07-23)23 July 1926
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Died22 June 2014(2014-06-22) (aged 87)
Stockton, California
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
Years of service19431945
Rank Private first class
UnitBaker Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division
Battles/warsWorld War II
Awards Bronze Star Medal with
Combat "V"
Purple Heart
Other workAuthor
Racing driver

Tatum's war memoir, Red Blood, Black Sand, was one of five books used as source material for the Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks produced HBO miniseries The Pacific. Tatum is portrayed in the series by actor Ben Esler.

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