Albert Warner Rood

Albert Warner Rood served in the United States Marine Corps and achieved the rank of Corporal.

Following the path of many of his generation, and anxious to serve his country, Mr. Rood left high school as soon as he received his draft card. Midway through his senior year, he entered the service of his choice, the U.S. Marine Corps, in February 1944. As part of the newly created 5th Marine Division, he served in the Communications Unit, coordinating naval gunfire units.

Bravely serving in the 5th assault wave on the beach at the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, Mr. Rood was charged with setting up and maintaining beach communications during the heat of battle, coordinating gunfire with the naval ships behind. Mr. Rood vividly recalls taking fire from every direction as he made his way farther onto the island. In addition to engaging the enemy, Mr. Rood would many times have to repair and splice broken communication lines together in the dead of night, under enemy fire. Tragically, over half his unit lost their lives at Iwo Jima.

Amazingly, Mr. Rood personally witnessed the original first raising of the United States flag on Mt. Suribachi. He was stationed on the island for 36 days and eventually became part of the occupational force in Japan.

Mr. Rood achieved the rank of Corporal and returned to his hometown of Binghamton, after serving for two and a half years, at the age of 21. For his service and dedication to our Nation, Mr. Rood earned numerous awards and medals, including the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Medal, World War II Iwo Jima Commemorative Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asian Pacific Theater Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Marine Corps Occupation Medal.

When he returned from the War, he married his beloved high school sweetheart, Audrey Jane Jones. Together, they raised four children, and they now have twelve grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Putting his military skills to good use, Mr. Rood worked 40 years for the New York Telephone Company as a Lineman and Repairman. 

At 96 years old, he continues his service as part of the Marine Corps League Funeral Honor Guard, where he can be heard playing "Taps" for his departed brethren. He was, and remains, a true American hero.