“Who is Iron Mike?” you might ask. Iron Mike is more than just a statue. It embodies toughness, bravery, and inspiration. The term itself was once nautical slang. It referred to a gyrocompass that kept ships steady.
Before the Iwo Jima Statue, there was Iron Mike. Erected in 1924, Iron Mike honors Marines. These Marines fought in World War I. This statue predates the Iwo Jima Statue by 28 years.
Originally, Iron Mike stood in a prominent spot. It was in the center of Parris Island. For a time it was the symbol of Parris Island itself.
Funding for Iron Mike came from an unusual source. Officers and enlisted men gave small amounts during the war. Their aim was to erect a memorial. It would honor Marines trained at Parris Island. These men lost their lives during World War I. Sculptors were asked to submit designs.
Brig. Gen. Eli Cole spearheaded the monument project. He commanded Parris Island in 1918. After a stint in France, he returned in 1919. During his time, the project moved forward. Cole contacted the National Academy of Design. He also had support from Marine Corps war veterans. One such veteran was Lt. Col. Frank Evans. By 1922, the fund had nearly $8,000.
Cole received a proposal from Captain Robert Aitken. Aitken was also an internationally known sculptor. He offered a design for the memorial. The statue would depict a Marine carrying a heavy machine gun.
Cole sought clarification from Aitken. He wanted to know how the statue would be exhibited and when it would be done. Cole then forwarded everything to Commandant John A. Lejeune. Lejeune sought advice from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts.
By October 1922, they approved a location. It was at the head of the base’s Civic Center, in front of the Hostess House. The statue faced north. It had a clear view of Boulevard de France and the parade deck. The pedestal would be five feet six inches high. It would be constructed of Stony Creek granite.
The inscription would read “In memory of the men of Parris Island who gave their lives in the World War.” It would also state “Erected by their comrades.”
Aitken completed a wax statue in his New York studio by February 1923. By March, the Marine Corps and the Fine Arts Chairman approved the design. In April, Aitken created a final plaster model. Lejeune and Brig. Gen. Eli K. Cole approved it.
The Rowan Bronze Works in New York cast the monument. The unveiling took place on July 25, 1924. VIPs attended. Lejeune was the principal speaker. Mrs. Nellie Glen unveiled the statue. Her two sons were Parris Island recruits killed in action in France.
During a base expansion before World War II, the statue was moved. It was moved from its original location in front of the Post Inn. Panama Street was extended west. This required the statue to be moved in 1940. It was placed on Boulevard de France near Building 144.
Though referred to as the “Devil Dog Statue” in 1923, it became known as “Iron Mike.” This title is given to any renowned fighting man. The exact date it acquired this title is unknown.
So here stands Iron Mike. It is a testament to bravery and sacrifice. It’s a reminder of the Marines who gave their all. Take a moment to reflect on their service.