On February 23, 1945, U.S. Marines from the 28th Regiment of the Fifth Division achieved a significant milestone in World War II when they planted an American flag atop Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima. This iconic moment marked a turning point in the brutal Battle of Iwo Jima and symbolized the unyielding determination of the Allied forces.
The capture of Mount Suribachi was no easy feat. The 500-foot volcano-like mountain loomed over the island, providing the Japanese with a strategic advantage and making it a formidable defensive position. Despite heavy enemy fire and treacherous terrain, the Marines pressed on, scaling the steep slopes and battling through enemy strongholds.
The first flag-raising was a modest affair, using a small American flag scavenged from one of the landing ships. As news of this initial success spread among the troops, another larger flag was brought up to replace it. This second flag-raising, captured in an iconic photograph by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal, would become one of the most famous images of World War II.
The six Marines and Navy corpsman depicted in the photograph are forever immortalized as symbols of American courage and perseverance during wartime. They are identified as: from left to right, Pfc. Harold Schultz, Sgt. Henry Hansen, Cpl. Harlon Block, Pfc. Rene Gagnon, Pfc. Franklin Sousley, Sgt. Michael Strank, and Pharmacist’s Mate second class John Bradley.
The flag-raising on Mount Suribachi was more than just a military victory; it was a powerful symbol of hope for the Allied forces engaged in the grueling battle for Iwo Jima. The island, strategically located between Japan and the Mariana Islands, was crucial for establishing air bases to launch bombers against the Japanese mainland.
The Battle of Iwo Jima would continue for another month after the flag-raising on Mount Suribachi, with fierce fighting taking place in the island’s extensive network of tunnels and caves. However, the capture of the mountain turned the tide of the battle in favor of the Allies, paving the way for their eventual victory.
Today, a marble monument stands atop Mount Suribachi, commemorating the sacrifices made by the Marines who fought and died during the Battle of Iwo Jima. The flag-raising remains an enduring symbol of American resolve and unity in the face of adversity, serving as a poignant reminder of the high cost of freedom and the indomitable spirit of those who fight to protect it.