Charles Tatum

Charles W. Tatum is an American author, World War II war veteran and race car driver from Stockton, California. Tatum served as a machine gunner with the United States Marines at the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his conduct in the battle.

Tatum is active in Marine affairs and was twice president of the Stockton Marines Corps Club. In honor of all fallen Marines on Iwo Jima, he arranged a memorial service for John Basilone (with whom he served) and other Medal of Honor recipients on the 50th Anniversary of the battle in Washington D.C.

Tatum and his wife Evelyn have been married over 50 years and have six children.

Writings

Tatum has written numerous articles for national publications including a feature about John Basilone in Leatherneck Magazine. His book, , is a personal memoir about his time with the Marines, through enlistment, basic training, the Battle of Iwo Jima, and the battles aftermath. Tatum is also the Associate Producer and Historical Technical Consultant of the companion video to his book, also titled "Iwo Jima: RED BLOOD, BLACK SAND."

The Pacific' Miniseries

Tatum's memoir, , about his time with the marines and his experiences at Iwo Jima is amongst the works being used as historical source material for the upcoming Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks produced miniseries The Pacific, which will screen on HBO. Tatum will be portrayed in the series by Australian actor Ben Esler.

References

MarinesWW2 Website: [http://www.marineswwii.com/biography.htm]