Through the Lens of War: One Marine’s Odyssey in World War II

On Friday, February 4, 2017 the Bandy Heritage Center for Northwest Georgia in partnership with the Creative Arts Guild will present Through the Lens of War: One Marine’s Odyssey in World War II. This photographic exhibit chronicles the experience of Lieutenant Andrew Waskey during the battle of Iwo Jima and post-war occupation duty in Japan. Andrew Waskey, father of Dalton State College Professor of Social Sciences, Jack Waskey, Ph.D., served in the 13th Regiment, the artillery arm of the Fifth Marine Division, during the battle that produced some of the fiercest fighting of the Pacific campaign of the Second World War. Artillery support provided by the 13th Regiment’s 75mm and 105mm howitzers was a crucial factor in the neutralization of Japanese forces entrenched on the slopes of Mount Suribachi and the elimination of Japanese resistance in the hills, ridges, and caves at Iwo’s northern end. After the Japanese surrender, Lieutenant Waskey and the 13th Regiment were assigned to occupation duty at the port city of Sasebo on the Japanese island of Kyushu. 

This collection of never-before published photographs provides a graphic view of the battle’s aftermath and the destruction wrought during the month-long struggle for control of this crucial Pacific outpost. Viewers will also gain a candid look into the lives of American servicemen and Japanese civilians as these two former antagonists tried to work together to rebuild a land shattered by war. 

Through the Lens of War is presented as part of the Creative Arts Guild’s monthly “First Friday” community arts program. The exhibit will remain on display at the Creative Arts Guild through February 24, 2017.

The Bandy Heritage Center for Northwest Georgia, a community outreach program of Dalton State College, was established in 2008 through the generosity of Dalton native and entrepreneur Jack Bandy and named for his parents, B.J. and Dicksie Bandy, community leaders who possessed an abiding respect for the area’s history and a dedication to preserving that history for future generations. The Center’s mission is to celebrate and preserve the region’s historical heritage and culture. This mission is achieved through collaboration with partnering historical and cultural organizations throughout the area, enabling the Center to fulfill its role as the primary source for information related to the region’s historic resources.