Comments on: A SOLDIER’S STORY

By: Ray Bettoni

Ray Bettoni — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 04:42:50 +0000

I served on the USS Tarawa LHA-1 from 1982-1985 and then again from 1993-1996. The USS Tarawa LHA-1 is a Landing, helicopter and assault ship. When deployed it carries 3000 marines, Harrier Jump jets, Cobra Attack helicopters and other various Marine aircraft as well as the LCAC landing hover craft and a permanent US Navy crew of about 700 sailors. Part of our indoctrination aboard the ship was a film on the battle of Tarawa. This was a US Navy film and not one created by any civilian media so it was not edited to leave out the bad parts. It was very graphic. It was like the old drivers Ed film, blood on the highway only on steroids. The images still burn in my mind today. It made us appreciate not only the sacrifices made on that day but also the marines we would be serving with onboard the Tarawa. Because of that film I now understand why they call them the greatest generation. I personally would like to thank Leon and to let him know I consider it an honor to call him a shipmate and a fellow American.
I would also like to thank you Bill for bringing this story forward. This is the kind of stuff that should be taught in American schools instead of studding the Koran, or how to properly wear a condom.

By: Poli Sci Professor

Poli Sci Professor — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:59:10 +0000

It is always essential to see and hear these stories, so that we never ever forget to remember.

By: David Homoney

David Homoney — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:53:05 +0000

God Bless you Leon, thank you for your service and your sacrifice.

By: jb

jb — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:08:39 +0000

Leon Cooper is my hero. Thank you for all you did for us.

(In my youth I also aspired to be a whorehouse piano player)

By: Martha :

Martha : — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 22:57:24 +0000

We must never,ever forget.
Thank you Leon

By: Lily

Lily — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:53:11 +0000

Thank you, Leon Cooper, for serving the country so courageously and sharing your stories.

By: Nahkhii

Nahkhii — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:02:00 +0000

As a retired combat veteran, son of a WWII combat veteran and current Veterans Service Officer I am still amazed and humbled by the stories of the sacrifice, bravery, sense of duty and honor those men and women displayed.

God bless you, Leon, and all our comrades, both the living and those who have gone on before us. Thank you, sir.

And thank you, too, Bill for presenting Leon’s story.

By: USMCdaughter1

USMCdaughter1 — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:15:17 +0000

My Great Uncle was a survivor of Tarawa. Mr. Cooper, I wish there was something I could do to honor that in his name.

About a year ago, we were given an original article published about his experiences in our local paper. It’s very fragile now, yellowed with time, but it was priceless to me and my Dad. Upon my father’s passing, this original will be given to the Marine Corps. Heritage Foundation.

By: marlowe

marlowe — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:04:38 +0000

I thanked you, Leon Cooper, after watching Part I. I want to thank you again after watching Part II. Not much more I can say.

By: gswhite71

gswhite71 — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:43:47 +0000

Bill, you and your production team deserve an emmy for your interview of Leon Cooper.