Service to America Salute Whiskey – Battle of Iwo Jima

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February 19th, 2025 marks the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. Three divisions of Americas fiercest amphibious warriors, tasked with seizing the strategic airfields on the island of Iwo Jima, attacked 18,000 dug-in Japanese Imperial Army soldiers ordered to fight to the death.

36 days of unimaginably brutal combat unfolded on this small, volcanic island that reeked of sulfur and was covered in gritty, black ash. On March 26th, 1945, the island was declared secured. Only 200 Japanese soldiers were captured. The rest were killed. Our forces lost nearly 7,000 of their own, with 20,000 wounded. Uncommon valor was a common virtue; 27 Congressional Medals of Honor (the highest award for combat bravery) were awarded during this battle, more than for any other battle in US history.

The captured airfields on Iwo Jima were converted to emergency landing sites that were subsequently used by more than 2,200 battle-damaged B-29 bombers, saving the lives of approximately 24,000 thankful US airmen before the war was over.

The Pulitzer-prize winning photograph of six American Heroes who, five days into the fight, raised the US flag over Mt. Suribachi, carries enduring significance for these proud and faithful warriors. It represents their enduring spirit and tenacity. Three of these heroes were subsequently killed before the battle was over.

Your purchase meaningfully supports the Marine Raider Foundation, whose mission is to provide benevolent support to active duty and medically retired Amphibious Special Operators and their families, from World War II to the modern era. (10% of gross profits from every bottle of Iwo Jima Edition sold will go to the Marine Raider Foundation.)

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Non-Profit Partners

Available shipping nationwide to 45 states.Unfortunately we CANNOT ship to AK, HI, MI, SD, UT

WHAT’S INCLUDED

1 – 750ml bottle of matured 5 years Straight Bourbon Whiskey in keepsake bottle. Custom, fine artwork by renowned artist and veteran, Michael Solovey (www.soloveyart.com)

Receive free lithograph with every 2 bottles purchased.

SPECIFICATIONS

Spirit: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
52.5% ABV 105 Proof “Howitzer Strength”
Barrel Type: New medium charred American Oak
Color: Burnished Copper
Aroma: Caramel Apple, Pear, Honeysuckle
Taste: Marmalade, Balsam Fir, Brazil Nut, Dried Bay Leaf

This special whiskey is made from four grains including Corn, Wheat, Barley, and a small addition of Rye, leaning heavily on the scope of a Wheated Bourbon.

Charles H Meacham World War II Marine Raider

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Charles H. Meacham grew up in a family of loyal patriots with a long history of military service to our great nation. He traced his roots back to an ancestor who served in the Revolutionary War, and his mother and father had both served in World War I. After his brother was drafted, young Charles resolutely committed himself to helping defeat the forces of tyranny who had started World War II.

In 1943, at the age of 17, Charles enlisted in the US Marine Corps. Upon graduation from basic training, he immediately volunteered for the newly formed Marine Raiders, an early Special Operations light infantry and reconnaissance unit. After completing selection and training for the Raiders, was assigned to K Company, 3rd Raider Battalion in New Caledonia in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

Charles participated in the Raiders pre-invasion of Bougainville, helping secure Puruata Island in support of the follow-on, larger invasion. He went on to fight in several additional combat operations with the Raiders.

Then, in early 1944, his parent unit, the 1st Raider Regiment, was deactivated and reflagged as the 4th Marine Regiment, under the Third Marine Division. Charles, as a part of this new unit, then fought in the fierce, close-quarters combat during the invasion of Guam, followed by heavy engagement with the enemy during the Battle of Okinawa.

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Becoming very ill with a lung infection 36 days into this last invasion, he was medically evacuated for treatment. The war ended before he was discharged from the hospital seven months later.

Many years later, as an active member of the Marine Raider Association, Charles helped the effort to recover and repatriate the remains of several Marine Raiders who had been killed in 1942 during the storied Makin Island Raid.

NOTE: Charles is the father of a Marine Raider Foundation board member, Chuck Meacham, a long-time HDC friend and supporter.

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