A very large portion of the modern ethos of the Marine Corps was forged in the crucible of the battles in the Central Pacific in World War II. The two most famous battles are likely Tarawa and Iwo Jima. And a large reason why they are so well known is because they were very well documented on film.
A large portion of the footage of the battles was the work of Norman Hatch. Hatch enlisted in the Marines in 1939. His film on Tarawa was prominently featured in the documentary short “With the Marines at Tarawa.” Hatch was so close to the front lines, he was able to capture film of Japanese soldiers and US Marines in the same frame.
Hatch passed away Saturday, aged 96.
I think it is fair to say every modern Marine owes Hatch a debt of gratitude for helping cement the reputation of the Marines as an elite force in the public’s mind.
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