Recently I ran across a handwritten copy of a story that I was told this summer by my friend David Gosnell. It is about a man who defended American freedom. I thought your readers would benefit from hearing his story.
Pastor Dave Gosnell preaches in a church that was started years ago by his father, Richard Gosnell. During World War II, Richard was a private in the Marines. He watched the famous flag go up on Iwo Jima. He said that on his side of Mount Suribachi the roar of gunfire stopped for a moment when the Marines saw that flag at the top, but then the fighting started again. That was one brief moment of glory and encouragement to the U.S. troops.
When the Marines landed on mainland Japan, Private Gosnell was involved in liberating American POWs. The stench was unbearable as he descended into the dungeon. Gosnell approached one emaciated man in the far corner. This man said one word, “Marine.”
When they brought him up out of the dungeon, he covered his eyes for the glare of the sun. Soon tears of joy flooded his eyes as he clapped his fists and said, “I’m free, I’m free!”
This was one of Pastor Richard Gosnell’s favorite stories as he later told people from the pulpit that Christ will set men free from their sins.
Dan Manka
Fairmont
West Virginia
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