Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate Andrew Thomasson spreads his grandfather's ashes on Iwo Jima's Invasion Beach, Aug. 28, 2012. During the Battle for Iwo Jima, Motor Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Oscar Thomasson's landing craft was destroyed while making its way to the island during the U.S. forces' initial assault. Thomasson ultimately survived the battle and went on to raise a family near Wichita, Kansas. He passed away December 22, 2006 at the age of 80.