Biography
John Keith Wells was the Marine of United States in the battle of World War II who led 3rd Platoon, Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, and 5th Marine Division. He was born on February 5, 1922, and passed away on February 11, 2016. John “Keith” Wells was the leader of the platoon to raise the American flag over the Japanese island of Iwo Jima. The most decorated Marine infantry platoon to emerge from a single engagement. The unit gained notoriety for its assault on Mount Suribachi and for planting the first flag atop the peak.
Prior to Iwo Jima
Keith grew up in north Texas, being born in 1922. From 1940 to 1942, he was a student at Texas A&M College. In March 1942, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, and soon after, he was chosen for Officer Candidate School (OCS). In August 1943, Wells finished Marine Parachute Training School after completing OCS. Then, in December 1943, Lt. Wells was sent with the 1st Marine Regiment to Guadalcanal. Wells assumed command of 3rd Platoon, Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division, upon his return from Guadalcanal and took the position in battlefield.
Iwo Jima
As Lt. Wells arrived on the island of Iwo Jima, he was assigned to spearhead an attack at the foot of Mount Suribachi. Wells was given the Navy Cross, the second-highest decoration for valor in the Marine Corp, during this raid. It was noted that “by his leadership and fierce fighting spirit, 1st Lt Wells contribute materially to the demolition of a minimum 25 Japanese emplacements…..”. Wells was hurt in this incident and sent to a medical ship for evacuation, before the first flag was raised.
Charles Lindberg, one of the flag raisers on both flag raisings, assisted Wells to the peak of Mount Suribachi once he arrived at the base of the mountain. Upon learning of this, Lieutenant Colonel Chandler Johnson, his commanding officer, gave Wells the order to surrender platoon leadership and head back to the aid station. Sgt. Ernest “Boots” Thomas (KIA many days later) was then given command. Wells stayed on the island until it was deemed secure, even though he was unable to command his soldiers.
Wells returned to Texas following World War II, enrolled at Texas Tech College, and graduated in the summer of 1948 with a degree in Petroleum Geology. First Lt. Wells was honorably retired from the Marine Reserves in 1959 with the rank of Major. “Give Me Fifty Marines Not Afraid to Die: Iwo Jima” is a memoir he published about his experiences commanding and serving with 3rd Platoon, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division during the war. Wells passed away in Arvada, Colorado, on February 11, 2016, at the age of 94.
