About FMDA
FMDA History
The Fifth Marine Division Association, established in 1949 by Gen. K. E. Rockey, Division Commander, honored those who fought and died in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Its annual reunions have allowed these men and their families to reconnect and commemorate those who did not return. New friendships are also formed, particularly among the legacy (family) members.
Original members of the Association were primarily the surviving Iwo Jima veterans of the 5th Division and their families, including parents, wives, sons, daughters, and other relatives of those lost in that horrific battle. Also included were men and families of attached units of the Navy and Army, and Marines attached to the Fifth Amphibious Corps. Former Seabees, corpsmen, and Army Air Corps pilots have joined the ranks of the Gyrenes they fought alongside.
Later, the men of 5th Marine Division regiments activated for Vietnam were invited to join the Association. However, many of these men connect more closely with the Divisions to which they were attached. The 26th and 27th Marines and elements of the 13th Marines (artillery) were activated and sent to Vietnam but did not fight as units of the 5th Division. The 26th and part of the 13th were initially attached to the 3rd Division, and the 27th was attached to the 1st Division. Nevertheless, the spirit of Iwo Jima lived on at Khe Sanh and Da Nang.
Survivors and their families have been able to meet to renew old friendships, share memories, and support one another through the venue of the annual FMDA Reunions.
Current Membership
The Fifth Marine Division Association has close to six hundred registered members. Our current members include surviving veterans who fought on Iwo Jima, Marines who served in 5th Division Regiments activated for Vietnam, and their family members.
We have also welcomed people with an interest or connection to the Fifth Marine Division, including journalists, historians, and service members who served in other branches of the military. We also have some veterans of Iwo Jima from other Divisions whose associations have been disbanded.
FMDA is blessed to include a member who is fluent in reading and writing Japanese, and who has enabled the Association to continue with one of its primary and ongoing projects. Returning Battle Souvenirs to bereaved Japanese families began in 1970 when FMDA members met with Japanese survivors on Iwo Jima for the 25th Anniversary of the Battle.
Additionally, FMDA is extremely lucky to have among its rank several young, enthusiastic history teachers. They continue to carry out the FMDA stated mission to conduct educational programs.
Increasingly sons and daughters, and other family members of Iwo Jima Veterans, have joined the association to discover more details about their loved ones or to meet other Marines who knew them. These Legacy Members are taking an increased leadership role in the Association and in keeping the history of the 5th Division alive.
Our Mission
Our purpose is to honor the men and women who served in the Fifth Marine Division and attached components in WWII and Vietnam. We keep their legacies alive via reunions, gatherings, documentaries, and other resources available.