Veterans Day Event Honoring Iwo Jima Marine
Harry Emert Tomlinson from Spring, Texas

In a poignant event that unfolded on Saturday, November 11, 2023, the Spring Historical Museum played host to a special Veterans Day commemoration from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event, titled “Celebration of All Veterans and the Honoring of Marine Cpl. Harry Emert Tomlinson,” unfolded at the Spring Historical Museum located at 403 Main Street, Spring, Texas.

The gathering was dedicated to paying homage to the remarkable life of Marine Cpl. Harry Emert Tomlinson, a native of Spring born in 1921. His tale resonates with themes of honor, sacrifice, and a profound connection to the Spring community. Overcoming adversity from a young age, losing his mother, Cpl. Tomlinson was raised by his sister Frances and her husband, Earl Wunsche, Sr. Following his graduation from Spring High School in 1941, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and found himself deployed to the Pacific, specifically to the intense battleground of Iwo Jima.

Cpl. Tomlinson’s valor and commitment to his fellow servicemen were evident when he volunteered for the perilous task of clearing tunnels where entrenched Japanese soldiers posed a formidable threat. Tragically, he sustained severe injuries in action and succumbed to them on May 12, 1945. The Battle of Iwo Jima claimed the lives of over 19,000 soldiers, making it a site of profound historical significance. Initially interred in Iwo Jima, Cpl. Tomlinson, along with numerous Pacific casualties, was later reburied at the National Cemetery of the Pacific (Punch Bowl) in Honolulu, Hawaii.

A pivotal piece of Cpl. Tomlinson’s legacy lies in the 48-star American flag that draped his casket. Sent to his sister in Spring, Texas, the flag remained in the family’s possession for many years. Generously donated by Cheryl and Homer Dunn of The Woodlands, Texas, the flag now finds a permanent home at the Spring Historical Museum. It will be showcased alongside personal artifacts and valuable information about the Battle of Iwo Jima, courtesy of the Iwo Jima Association.

This Veterans Day event served as a poignant opportunity for the Spring community and beyond to unite in honoring all veterans and to offer a special tribute to Marine Cpl. Harry Emert Tomlinson, whose sacrifice continues to echo today. Attendees were encouraged to join in recognizing the courage and dedication of those who have served in the nation’s armed forces.

The Spring Historical Museum, established by the Spring Historical and Genealogical Society in 1995, stands as a bastion dedicated to preserving the rich history of the North Harris County area. Rooted in the heritage of the town, the museum showcases the evolution of Spring from a predominantly German farming community in the mid-1800s to a vital railroad town officially established in 1873. Founded by descendants of original area settlers, the museum remains committed to sharing the storied past of this Texas community.

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For inquiries, please contact:
Sue Mallott, President
Spring Historical and Genealogical Society
Spring Historical Museum
Email: suemallott@gmail.com
Phone: (713) 419-9758