Vernon Prince

With deep respect and heavy hearts, we remember Walter LaSota, one of the last surviving Marines from the Battle of Okinawa, who passed away at the age of 99. In May 1945, during one of the fiercest battles of World War II, LaSota was fighting at Sugar Loaf Hill in Naha when a Japanese bomb exploded near the foxhole he shared with another Marine. The blast threw him down the hillside, leaving him wounded, unable to see or hear in the chaos. Disoriented and separated from his fellow Marine, he never learned what became of the man beside him a question that stayed with him for the rest of his life. Despite the devastation around him, LaSota fought on and was wounded twice during the battle, earning two Purple Hearts for his bravery and sacrifice. For decades he carried the memories of Okinawa with quiet strength, representing a generation that endured unimaginable hardship in service to their country. Today we honor not only a Marine and a survivor, but a witness to one of history's most brutal battles. Rest in peace, Marine - your courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. 🙏🇺🇸

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