Produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, HBO’s The Pacific (2010) follows the intertwined journeys of three U.S. Marines—Robert Leckie, Eugene Sledge, and John Basilone—as they endure the unthinkable across the Pacific islands. 

From the humid jungles of Guadalcanal to the volcanic sands of Iwo Jima and the meat-grinder of Peleliu, this series captures the psychological toll of combat in a way few war movies ever have. My Father was in the Army, 81st Infantry Division, 81th "Wildcats", sent to assist the Marines after the Marines took heavy loses. .. 

He received three Bronze Stars due to his actions during the taking of island. He and his squad were responsible for recon into Japanese held sections prior to any actions to take those areas. When he was told injuries would send him to the rear, he had the medic "Fix him up" and not report the injuries. (we pulled shrapnel out of his back and rear of his legs occasionally until his death in 1995.) 

In 1952 he was notified that after review of battlefield reports he was to be awarded two additional Bronze Stars. He was back to his family farm and refused the awards. Said he didn't go thru hell for medals. After surviving WWII, a accidental firearm discharge in late 1952, struck him in the neck paralyzing him from the chest down. He married the girl next door, adopted me and built a empire in real estate from a bed and a wheelchair.