Chuck Tatum | |
|---|---|
| Born | 23 July 1926 Tulsa, Oklahoma[1] |
| Died | 22 June 2014 (aged 87) Stockton, California |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service |  United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1943–1945 |
| Rank |  Private first class |
| Unit | Baker Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division |
| Battles / wars | World War II |
| Awards |  Bronze Star Medal with  Combat "V" Purple Heart |
| Other work | Author Racing driver |
Charles William Tatum (23 July 1926 – 22 June 2014)[1] was an American World War II veteran, Bronze Star recipient, race car driver and builder. On 19 February 1945, he was among the first wave of Marines to land on the Japanese island stronghold of Iwo Jima. He was a friend of John Basilone.
Tatum's war memoir, Red Blood, Black Sand, was one of five books used as source material for the Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks produced HBO miniseries The Pacific. Tatum is portrayed in the series by actor Ben Esler.
- ^ a b Legends of the 5th Marine Division Archived 16 April 2014 at the Wayback Machine from the 5th Marine Division website. Retrieved 15 April 2014.