Most Americans are familiar with the 32-foot-tall Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va.

WSJ: Original Iwo Jima monument coming to NYC auction

History buffs have fawned over the sculpture, a miniature of the familiar 32-foot-tall bronze Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va.

WSJ: Original Iwo Jima monument unsold at NYC auction

She spotted Mr. Welch's Marine Corps pin and the dozen rifle-and-helmet memorial tattoos on his forearms, each bearing the surname of a fallen friend.

WSJ: For Wounded Vet, Love Pierces the Fog of War