LSU Commemorates Iwo Jima’s 80th Anniversary: Honoring the Legacy of the Duval Brothers
February 24, 2025
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, LSU unveiled its new exhibit at the William A. Brookshire Military Museum, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima and honoring the extraordinary legacy of Stanwood and Claude Duval, two LSU alumni who fought in the battle as part of the 4th Marine Division during World War II.
The Duval Brothers’ Legacy
The exhibit showcases the courage and resilience of the Duval brothers, who enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Through their experiences in battles such as Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima, the exhibit highlights their bravery, sacrifices, and the lasting impact of their service.
On Iwo Jima, the brothers faced unimaginable challenges, fighting through intense opposition and enduring the loss of many comrades. Both men returned home to Houma, Louisiana, where they were later honored as Citizens of the Year—a significant distinction that emphasized the community's deep admiration for their sacrifices.
“It means a great deal. Having attended LSU for law school, LSU is near and dear to my heart. My father and my uncle have been heroes to me since I could remember,” said Stanwood R. Duval Jr., son of Stanwood Duval Sr.
Duval described his father as an exceptional and loving person who maintained great strength after the war, despite the trauma he had endured. He also loved seeing the exhibit and his father’s mementos up close.
“The exhibit did a remarkable job, and it is meticulous and accurate,” he said. “I hope LSU students will recognize the sacrifice, honor, and principle—and understand the importance of stepping up when it’s not required, just as they did.”
Alexis Duval, daughter-in-law of Stanwood and Claude Duval, emphasized the significance of honoring their story.
“It keeps the history alive, and having LSU as the place that preserves their legacy is truly meaningful,” she said.
In addition to the Duval brothers, the exhibit also recognizes other LSU alumni who fought at Iwo Jima:
- Joseph C. D’Abadie – Served on Bougainville, Guadalcanal, Guam, and Iwo Jima
- Bowman B. Goetzmann – Served with the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines on Guam and Iwo Jima
- Clifton J. Laborde – Served on Iwo Jima, wounded in combat, later served in the Korean War
- Odie L. Lemoine – Served in the Recon Company, 5th Marine Division on Iwo Jima, fatally wounded by a landmine
- William K. Webb – Served in the 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines on Iwo Jima, awarded the Distinguished Service Cross
- Littleton P. Whittington III – Served in the 4th Battalion, 14th Marines on Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima
- Harvey D. Williams – Served as an aerial spotter on Iwo Jima, fatally wounded by antiaircraft fire
- James Wittmeier – Served as a Battalion Surgeon on Iwo Jima, awarded the Bronze Star
- William E. Worsham, Jr. – Served in the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines on Tinian and Iwo Jima
Honorable Guests
The exhibit also welcomed distinguished guests, including judges from the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana. Their attendance underscored not only the importance of the exhibit but also LSU’s deep-rooted military history and the museum’s significance to the state. By honoring those who served in World War II, the exhibit serves as a powerful tribute to their sacrifices and enduring legacy.
Among them were:
- Judge Susie Morgan and husband, Larry Feldman
- Judge Wendy Vitter
- Judge Darrell Papillion and wife, Lauren
- Magistrate Judge Janis VanMeerveld and husband, Charlie Cerise
- Magistrate Judge Donna Currault and husband, Douglas
- Retired Magistrate Judge Sally Shushan
- Judge Jane Triche Milazzo and husband, John
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