It’s a great week when a new photo of a 1/24 Marine becomes available, and this past week has been better than great; FOUR new photos were submitted by the families of two decorated Iwo Jima veterans.
On February 24, 1945, First Battalion received several dozen new men from the 24th Replacement Draft. Most had been in uniform for less than a year, all were experiencing combat for the first time. Privates Dale Noyes and Charles Aldinger, Jr. were among those chosen to join 1/24.
Dale Noyes had just turned 22; he was trained as an antitank gunner, but went into combat as a rifleman with Charlie Company. From February 24 to February 28, he was in reserve; on March 1, his company went into the assault. Noyes was badly wounded on March 2, and after his subsequent evacuation, he never returned to the battalion. After recovering in an East Coast hospital, he served out his hitch stateside. Noyes died earlier this year.
Dale Noyes in 1944 (left) and some time after the war. Note his Ruptured Duck patch, and the evident age difference.
Photos provided by Dale Noyes’ granddaughter, Jennifer Noyes Larimore.
Charles Aldinger Jr. was ordered to report to Company B. Despite being new to combat, he distinguished himself under fire, and would be awarded the Bronze Star for his service on Iwo. He survived the war unwounded, spent the rest of his service in Hawaii, and died in 1990.
Photo provided by Steven Aldinger.