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Franklin Sousley Branch of Service: U.S. Marines Rank: Private First Class Hometown: Hilltop, KY Honored By: Mike W. Reeser          Biography Franklin Sousley was born Sept. 19, 1924 in Hilltop, KY. He was a red-haired, freckle-faced boy raised on a tobacco farm. His favorite hobbies were hunting and dancing. Fatherless at the age of 9, Franklin was the middle child of three sons. When he was 3 years old his 5 year old brother died of appendicitis. Franklin received his draft notice at the age of 18 and decided to join the Marines. After extensive training, he eventually found himself part of the U.S. 5th Marine Division landing force in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Together with John Bradley, Ira Hayes, Michael Strank, Rene Gagnon and Harlon Block, he helped raise the infamous flag on Iwo Jima. On March 21, 1945, he was shot in the back by a Japanese sniper while taking a walk around the mostly-secured island. Franklin Sousley was only 19 years old. A fellow Marine saw Franklin lying on the ground and asked him how he was doing. Franklin's reply...and last words... "Not bad, I don't feel anything." Legend has it that his Mother's scream of anguish, when she heard the news of her son's death, could be heard throughout the valley. He was buried May 8, 1947 in Elizaville Cemetery, KY.