This monument on Ie Shima marks the spot where famed war correspondent Ernie Pyle was killed by Japanese machine-gun fire on 18 April 1945, just weeks before the end of WWII in the Pacific. Erected by the soldiers of the 77th Infantry Division who considered him one of their own, the memorial's simple inscription -- 'At this spot the 77th Infantry Division lost a buddy' -- captures the deep affection American servicemen held for the reporter who told their story from the front lines. Project: 218239