From Hilltop to Mountaintop
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This will be the third in a series of caches I am placing to honor some of my favorite stories and people from American history.
Number three in the series is dedicated to Franklin Runyon Sousley. Though you have probably never heard his name, you’ve no doubt seen his image many times. The photograph that immortalized the actions of Franklin Sousley and his fellow marines is one that upon viewing, swells American hearts with pride. The monument depicting their brave act, is one that everyone should see. You’ll find it in Washington, DC/Arlington, VA, a beautiful tribute to our United States Marine Corps. Take time to read this short story, take time to learn who Franklin Sousley was, and where he came from.
Franklin Runyon Sousley (September 19, 1925 – March 21, 1945) was one of the six men in the famous photograph of United States Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima in World War II. .
Sousley was born in Hilltop, Kentucky. Franklin attended a two-room schoolhouse in nearby Elizaville, and attended Fleming County High School in Flemingsburg from ninth to twelfth grade.
Sousley graduated from Fleming County High School in May 1943, and resided in Dayton, Ohio as a worker in a factory. He received his draft notice, and chose to join the United States Marine Corps in early 1944. He underwent extensive combat training as a member of the US 5th Marine Division. Sousley landed on Iwo Jima in February 1945, and participated in the battle for the island. Alongside John Bradley, Ira Hayes, Rene Gagnon, Harlon Block, and Michael Strank, he assisted in raising a replacement flag on Mount Suribachi, , an iconic photograph immortalized by Joe Rosenthal.
According to James Bradley’s “Flags of Our Fathers“, on March 21, 1945, PFC Sousley was shot in the back by a Japanese sniper as he was walking down an open road on the nearly-secured island. A fellow Marine witnessed Sousley fall to the ground and asked, "How bad are you hit?" Sousley's reply and last words were reportedly, "Not bad, I can't feel a thing." However, Ron Elliott’s “From Hilltop to Mountaintop” shows an affidavit signed by Rene Gagnon reporting that "Sousley was killed instantly." Originally buried on the island of Iwo Jima, his remains were reinterred on May 8, 1947, in Elizaville Cemetery in Fleming County, Kentucky.
You’re looking for a small round camoed container. Please place it back exactly as you found it so it won’t be muggled. There is a log sheet and a pathtag for a FTF prize. There may be room for small trade items in the container. BYOP
Congratulations to Wilddawg and Mistresslyn for the First to Find!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Vg'f abg zntargvp, abg ba gur ohvyqvat, ohg pybfr.