WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - An emotional reunion between a WWII veteran and the tank he drove on Iwo Jima.

The Museum of the Marine Corps held a special ceremony on the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender.

Corporal Leighton Willhite saw for the first time in 80 years the tank he drove at Iwo Jima.

“It's amazing. I never thought I'd ever see the tank again. Really to me, that tank was my life,” said Willhite.

Willhite helped the U.S. capture the Japanese island and rescued fellow Marines under fire in the process. He earned the Bronze Star with valor.

“We were able to accomplish what we were out to do, and I was grateful for that. But you see I was only 18 years old and scared,” he said.

Willhite watched as Marines raised the stars and stripes on Mount Suribachi, in what's now become an

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