Rene Gagnon

"Of the Marines on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue" ~ Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Iwo Jima WWII. [http://www.usmchangout.com/usmc/misc/quotes.htm] Rene Gagnon was one of those who possessed uncommon valor. He possessed more bravery than anyone else. He had to run under fire several times. Rene Gagnon even showed selflessness when he was off the battlefield. (Find a Grave)

Rene Gagnon in his marine uniform (http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/GifsadJpgs/gifsandjpgs3/IWOJIMA5.JPG)

When Rene Gagnon was in his junior year of high school, he left to help his mom at work in the mills. The day he was drafted he immediately joined the marines. He chose to be a runner (messenger). This meant he had to deliver messages and carry supplies through live battlefields with no protection. An example of him performing this task is the famous battle of Iwo Jima when he ran the flag up the mountain. After that glorious day he was dubbed a hero. Even then he remained very modest.

Rene’s childhood was not a perfect one. In fact far from it. He was an only child with an only mother. His mom worked in mills when her husband (Rene’s Dad) divorced her. In Rene’s junior year of high school he dropped out to help his mom. His amazing selflessness is one reason he’s a hero. Rene was always quiet and polite no matter what happened. When he was drafted he immediately joined the marines and chose the most dangerous job.

Rene Gagnon later in life (http://www.stripes.com/photoday/040804.jpg)

When Rene Gagnon joined the marines as a runner he had to do a lot of odd ball jobs. Most of them putting his life on the line. He performed most of them willingly. He mainly had to relay information, transport supplies, get stuff from point A to point B. What he’s known for truly is for the historic flag-raising of Iwo Jima. When he ran a flag up a mountain under fire and raised it on a makeshift flag pole. It takes a lot of courage and valor to perform a task he performed with such ease.

Hundreds of thousands of people have thought of Rene Gagnon as a hero. Most of them didn’t even know the whole story. Selflessness and valor are only 2 of his infinite list of admirable traits. He was well mannered, modest, and honest. Obviously he is a true hero.

Works Consulted Clio. Rene Gagnon. 24 Nov 2008. Onegreatefamily.com 1-28-95

O'Malley, Walter P. "A true soldier.(Letter to the editor)." Commonweal. 134. 2 (Jan 26, 2007): 43(1). Student Resource Center - Gold. Gale. DEL NORTE HIGH SCHOOL. 1 Feb. 2010 .

Rene Author Gagnon. 9 sep1999. Arlington national cemetery 1-19-10 < http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/rgagnon.htm>

Rene A. Gagnon. Arlington national cemetery 1-28-10< http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?GRid=1909&page=gr>