[008]MTSU PROFESSOR TURNS PACIFIC ISLANDS INTO CLASSROOMS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 2, 2008
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Dr. Derek Frisby, 615-494-8620 or dfrisby@mtsu.edu

MTSU PROFESSOR TURNS PACIFIC ISLANDS INTO CLASSROOMS
Three Critical World War II Battles to be Scrutinized in Unique Study Experience

(MURFREESBORO) – An MTSU history professor will accompany students and members of the community on an exploration of the Central Pacific World War II battlefields of Guam, Iwo Jima and Peleliu in the Spring 2009 semester.
Dr. Derek Frisby, who is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, says the trip is part of MTSU’s Study Abroad program (MT Abroad) and will offer students college credit for studying in international settings. Frisby’s course, “Special Topics in Global History,” will examine public memory and World War II in the Pacific.
Scholarships and additional financial aid may be possible for students enrolled in the course. Participants who choose not to enroll in the course may still join the expedition.
Those who sign up for this fascinating adventure will study the World War II Pacific campaigns in the presence of surviving American and Japanese veterans. They will tour the War in the Pacific National Historical Park, hike through the jungles of Peleliu and meet on Guam with American and Japanese historians and Iwo Jima veterans during a Battle of Iwo Jima seminar prior to visiting the infamous volcanic island.
“Guam, Peleliu and Iwo Jima were some of World War II’s bloodiest battles and the evidence of the conflict still can be observed today around the islands,” says Frisby. “The Japanese government will end civilian excursions to the Iwo Jima in the next few years. Currently, Iwo Jima is open only one day per year to civilians.”
While in the Pacific region, students will film portions of a documentary honoring MTSU veterans. Additionally, Frisby and his group will honor those Tennesseans who fought in the three engagements under study, including the three known MTSU fatalities.
Former student body president and football star Roger Smith died on Guam and received a posthumous Navy Cross, the second highest award for valor given by the Navy and Marine Corps, for his attempts to rescue wounded Marines under fire. William “Ug” McCrory, another MTSU star athlete, landed with the Marines on Iwo Jima and was mortally wounded establishing defensive positions for his unit. MTSU alum Carl Yates was a member of the Underwater Demolition Teams, which were forerunners of today’s Navy SEALs. Yates perished during reconnaissance of Iwo Jima’s Mount Suribachi just prior to the main assault.
To find out more about this opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the “Greatest Generation,” contact Frisby at 615-494-8620 or dfrisby@mtsu.edu. Additional information can be found on Frisby’s Web site at http://www.mtsu.edu/~dfrisby.
Veterans of Iwo Jima, Peleliu, and Guam or those who have information on veterans of these battles also are encouraged to contact Frisby. If you would like more information about MTSU veterans and the ongoing project to build a memorial to them on campus, please visit http://www.mtsu.edu/veterans.

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