January 29, 2010
People of Faith
Iwo Jima vet thanks God every day for life
People of Faith is a Message feature in which Steve Halbig asks a series of questions of people of the diocese – some who have reached the “age of wisdom” and some who are younger. All will share stories of their faith.
The story of Nativity Church parishioners Jim and Rose Bruce centers around Jim’s near fatal wounds on Iwo Jima on Feb. 19, 1945 during World War II. By the way, Jim is now 94; Rose is 84.
When asked how faith helped you through a difficult time in your life, Jim said: “When I lost part of my right leg on Iwo Jima, my prayers were answered. I was found in a mortar hole with four dead Marines and put on a ship to go to the hospital.” Jim had landed on Iwo Jima the first day in the first wave to hit the island. He was carrying communications supplies and equipment.
“God only knows what saved my life,” Jim says now. “I thank God every day that I’m still alive.”
To top it all off, some thought Jim was killed that day because of a letter his wife at the time received from Jim.
War correspondent Keith Wheeler’s 1945 book, “We Are the Wounded,” devotes a chapter to “How Not To Write A Letter.” Jim had sealed his “just in case” letter to Joyce Elaine in an envelope and pinned a note on it that said, “Please send this letter in case something happens to me.” The same mortar shell that wounded him also blew off his pack and scattered its contents on Iwo Jima’s bloody battlefield.
While doctors were working to save Jim’s leg, somebody on the beach found the envelope with its attached note and sent the letter to Joyce Elaine in Vincennes. It was not until 11 days later when a telegram from the government arrived that Joyce Elaine knew for sure that Jim was alive. The telegram said he had been wounded but was expected to live.
Joyce Elaine and Jim had two daughters together. Jim was a widower when he met Rose in 1968. “It was love at first sight,” Rose said. They married in January 1969.
Recently, Jim was asked to go to the White House as a Marine representative but because of his health he was unable to go.
Here are Jim’s and Rose’s responses to other questions.
Have you lived in Southern Indiana all your life? Jim was born in Chicago and came to Bedford in 1919 at the age of 4. When he moved to Evansville in 1939, he was doing janitorial work with Indiana Bell. He worked his way up to supervisor for the southwestern Indian region of AT&T. He worked there for 42 years.
Rose has lived here all her life. After graduating from Bosse High School in 1944, she became a secretary at National City Bank, later Integra. She retired as a bank officer 37 years later.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Jim wanted to be a priest. “I signed papers to go to St. Meinrad,” Jim said, “but I changed my mind. I told the priest I would rather go to Bedford High School and play basketball.” He was All-State in basketball and track and a Little All-American in basketball.
Rose didn’t really think about it too much; she just went to work at National City after high school.
Who influenced you growing up? Jim said two uncles who were police officers in Indianapolis and his mother and dad. His uncles “used to do everything in the world for me.”
Rose said her father and mother were “special parents.” She also thought a lot of the people who worked at the bank.
Who do you consider the best role models today? With no hesitation, Jim says the United States Marines.
Do you have any hobbies? Jim used to play golf. He played with a brace on his right leg and is especially proud of coming in second in the U.S. Senior Olympics in 1989 in St. Louis. He played many years in the Nativity golf league.
Rose used to sew a lot and play cards. Now she reads authors like James Patterson and Colleen McCullough, does crosswords and “takes care of Jim.”
What do you like most about being Catholic? Jim: “Going to Mass and meeting the people.” Rose: “I have always enjoyed going to Mass.”
Do you have a favorite saint? A favorite religious item? Jim’s favorite saint is St. Michael, the patron saint of the Marine Corps. The Marines’ St. Michael medal is his favorite religious item.
Rose: “I pray to St. Jude for the hard things and always pray to the Blessed Virgin for other things.”
Any regrets in life? Jim: “That I couldn’t do more for my family.” Rose: “I have had a nice life, have been happy and thankful for Jim and the two girls.” They also have three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Tell us a few more things about yourself: Jim rescued a firefighter from a fire at McGary School and for his life-saving action received a key to the city. He also is a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Knights of Columbus.
Any other special memories?
- While on maneuvers off the Hawaiian islands before the war, Jim was ordered to set up telephone service in a tent. When he finished the job, he turned around and said, “Sir, your phone is in.” It was President Franklin Roosevelt. Jim saluted and Roosevelt said, “Go ahead Marine, you have other things to do.”
- Was awarded eight medals during the service, including the Purple Heart.
- Was voted the top ranking Marine in his class at San Diego.
- In 2008, members of the River Cities Marine Corps League Detachment 1090 paid tribute to Jim by presenting him with a plaque at his Southeast Side home. In a story in the Evansville Courier & Press, Sparky Perrette, commandant of the organization, said, “What Jim has done deserves recognition.” Jim served in the 5th Marine Division, 27th Regiment.
What do you do in your spiritual life that you would recommend to others? Jim: “Attend your church and pray and be good and help others.”
Email steve@themessageonline.org.