White faces on Marines? (1 Viewer)

[gk5717]

I have seen several bits of film on the Marines landing on IwoJima and in some of those the Marines have some white substance all over there faces. Does any one know what that is for?
I suspect it had to do with the blast of the big navy guns, I don,t think it is for sun protection.
Gary

 

[Leadmen]

Yes, I think it was some ointment to protect from burns.

 

[DMNamiot]

I think it was made of zinc oxcide like they use to really block the sun on already burned noses.

Does make them look really odd.

Dave

 

[theBaron]

If I'm not mistaken, it was to protect against flash burn, from explosions. Gunners on board the ships wore it, too, for the same reason.

Prost!
Brad