Paul Blatchford

File — Box: 1, Volume: 1

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Paul Blatchford, from Tuba City, AZ, joined the Marines as a volunteer. He trained as a code talker, and because he had operated a two-way radio for the Bureau of Indian Affairs before the war, he taught the men how to keep the radios in repair. He also taught radio operation and advance code for nine months. Once, he asked for a promotion and a transfer, but did not get either, so he went AWOL. He returned after a time, and Phillip Johnston was very angry with him and so sent him to be disciplined by a high-ranking official.

Blatchford was told that he could volunteer for the Fifth Reconnaissance, which he did. In five weeks he was promoted to Corporal. He was sent to Iwo Jima. During the invasion, he told the boats to zig zag, not to go straight in as they had been. They all escaped being hit.

Dates

1971

Language of Materials

From the Collection: Collection materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.