Step into the boots of Donald Ruhl, a Columbus, Montana native whose journey from Joliet’s quiet fields to the volcanic sands of Iwo Jima forged a legacy of valor. On The Big Fat Podcast, we uncover the story of a high school dreamer turned Marine hero who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor with his ultimate sacrifice—diving on a Japanese explosive to save his squad. Part of our "They Gazed on the Beartooths" series, this episode brings you raw tales of bravery, heartbreak, and resilience, in partnership with the Museum of the Beartooths and sponsored by Pinnacle Property of Montana. Like, subscribe, and share to keep these stories alive!
**Thank You to Our Sponsor: Pinnacle Property of Montana**
Donna West, Owner/Broker
https://www.pinnacleproperty.com
**Thank You to Penny Redli, Executive Director - Museum of the Beartooths**
https://www.museumofthebeartooths.com
**Chapter Timestamps:**
00:00 Introduction: A Montana Marine’s Legacy
01:00 Donald Ruhl: From Columbus to Combat
05:00 High School Dreams: Baseball and Boyhood
09:00 Enlisting in the Marines: A Call to Duty
14:00 Iwo Jima D-Day: Facing the Ninth Wave
20:00 You Should Know: Camp Rimini’s Tactical Sleds
23:00 D-Day Plus One: Dragging a Brother to Safety
28:00 February 21, 1945: The Ultimate Sacrifice
35:00 Medal of Honor: Honoring a Fallen Hero
42:00 Letters of Loss: Mothers Connected by Grief
50:00 The Flag on Suribachi: A Bittersweet Victory
57:00 Reflections: Montana’s Quiet Courage