Ralph Cicero Brohard

Generation 6

Born

1 July, 1922
Jackson County, Ohio

Died

26 August, 2004
Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio

Parents

Spouse

Helen Brohard
View Family

Children

  1. Mark Alan Brohard
  2. Cheryl Brohard

Biography

He served in the 62nd United States Navel Construction Battalion in the Pacific during WWII, and fought in the invasion of Iwo Jima (February 1945) spending 33 days there, and acquired a Samuari sword off a deceased Japanese officer. One of only four or five sords found on Iwo Jima, it is signed Minamoto (Clan affiliation) Morinobu (Swordsmith) with Kao (artist's stamp), and was made about 1940. The swordsmith's real name is Terada Iwao and was born in 1910. His last known address was Ashikito-gun (County), Futami-mura (Village).The sword came with a small leather purse, a few Japanese coins, a broken pair of goggles, and what appears to be a family photo in very ratty condition. On the back, it is stamped, and signed, entered into military evidence. Ralph was driving a bulldozer and along with some other servicemen on the ground, saw the sword was exposed. Ralph promptly moved a pile of dirt over the trophy. Later Ralph went back and uncovered the sword, and wallet with photo as well.

Iwo Jima Family Photo

Iwo Jima Japanese Katana found by Ralph Brohard

Iwo Jima Japanese Katana found by Ralph Brohard

After the war, Ralph worked as a construction foreman, and superintendent in Surname overseeing many projects including dams and airports; and in West Virginia interstate highway projects. A victim of PTSD, he never spoke about his combat experiences, maintaining a distrust of his old enemy for a lifetime, Ralph remembered the war years favorably and attended Seabee reunions where memories were shared about the raising of the American flag over Iwo Jima, the rebuilding of the airstrip and the Samuari sword he brought home. Ralph married Helen (Graves) Brohard in April 1950. Ralph & Helen were the parents of Mark Alan Brohard, and Cheryl Brohard. The Journal-Herald 2-1995

PDF icon Ralph Brohard & Iwo Jima Article (14.91 MB)

Sixty Second CB Minute Men, 1942-1945 62nd Naval Construction Battalion Book - Ralph was a member of Company B, is pictured with his Samuri soard, and is listed in the roster of enlisted men.

PDF icon Sixty Second CB Minute Men - Brohard (1.05 MB)