This photo is owned by a local WWII veteran and was published in today's Elkhart Truth newspaper.
It shows the body of Ernie Pyle only moments after he had been killed on the island of Ie Shima. According to the accompanying article, this is only the 2nd known post mortum photograph in existance. There are no known negatives as it is believed they were destroyed because of the impact on public morale at the time.
This posting may seem a little gruesome to some, and to them, I apologize. In view of Mr. Pyle's importance to WWII history, I wanted to share this important photograph.

HERE IS THE ACCOMPANYING TEXT:
Date:
Monday, February 04, 2008

Caption:
*Final photo: This photo provided by Richard Strasser of Goshen, perhaps never before published, shows famed World War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle shortly after he was killed by a Japanese machine gun bullet on the island of Ie Shima on April 18, 1945. Pyle, 44, had just arrived in the Pacific after four years of writing his popular column from European battlefronts. The Army photographer who crawled forward under fire to make this picture later said it was withheld by military officials. An AP survey of history museums and archives found only a few copies in existence, and no trace of the original negative.

Denny, hi
I grew up about 15 miles from Pyles home town of Dana Indiana. Spent summers going to ernie pyle days.
I had the fortune about 7 years ago to buy a photo lot with a few pyle pictures included.A very sad photo you show here, but a needed image none the less. he was a local hero before any of this. god bless! thanks Denny!
Bret Van Sant

Hi Bret,
I was born, raised and still live in Indiana and agree that he was a true hero.
According to the accompanying news article, the picture was taken by a combat photographer who sent his pictures for developing to the USS Panamint. The local veteran was assigned to this ship and was good friends with the sailor who ran the darkroom.

Denny, hey!
I'll scan and send you the pics I have. just so you can have'em. no biggie really.
I miss the area. we sold our home there in 2005. I had lived "up north" for about 25 years, and after mom and dad died it was just to much of a haul to keep up both places. life is sad and funny all in one. If you ever get down the dana way check it out. Its the old home place as dad called it. By the wabash and little vermillion rivers. was a great place as a kid! They made the heavy water for the bomb south of newport ind. the death rates due to cancer and also cancer related problems are among the highest in the nation. all in one tiny area. makes ya wonder.
Anyway on the plye thing. my family was very much of the ernie pyle kind of people. they were simple folks in a simple time. he was the small mans man if that makes any logic. my one uncle was the editor of a local paper before the war. another uncle was very worldly and traveled much. he was a big fan of pyle's. strange to imagine that a lone reporter from podunk indiana could influence so many. he was the voice of small folks. His background can be felt in his books also. It a feeling that only the people we grew up in that area can feel and see. The rest of the readers think it was a style, it wasnt!it was pyle, it was who he was.
Bret Van Sant