Stars and Stripes Over Suribachi #historyfacts #usa #ww2

The Battle of Iwo Jima began on February 19, 1945. The island— just 8 square miles of volcanic ash and sulfur— was one of the most fortified positions in the Pacific Ocean. The Japanese defenders, buried in tunnels and caves, fought with desperate determination.

On February 23rd, a patrol of the 28th Marine Regiment reached the top of Mount Suribachi, the highest point of the island. First, they raised a small flag, and a few hours later, a larger flag. It was the second elevation that Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal captured. His picture of six men sticking a flag into the ground with all their might against a smoky sky was broadcast to the world in a matter of hours.

Who are these six? Rosenthal's photo shows Marines Harold Schultz, Franklin Souzley, Harlon Block, Ira Hayes and Harold Keller, as well as Navy corpsman John Bradley. (For decades, the composition was thought to be different; the exact list was confirmed by a Marine Corps investigation in 2016.)

The photo instantly became an icon. She appeared on the front pages of newspapers, magazine covers, and recruitment posters. She helped sell $26 billion worth of war bonds, a staggering sum at the time. For Americans at home, it was proof that their sons were fighting, sacrificing themselves, and winning.

Of the six in Rosenthal's photo, two died during the battle: Harlon Block (March 1) and Franklin Souzley (March 21). The third victim, Michael Strank, participated in the first flag—raising (not in the famous shot) and died on March 1. The historical confusion between the two flag hoists has led to the common phrase "three died," which reflects the overall tragedy but requires clarification.

The Battle of Iwo Jima lasted 36 days and ended on March 26, 1945. Nearly 7,000 Americans died; more than 20,000 were injured. Of the approximately 21,000 Japanese defenders, only about 200 survived.

In 1954, the Marine Corps Memorial, a bronze sculpture created directly from Rosenthal's photograph, was unveiled in Arlington, Virginia. Today it stands as a monument not only to Iwo Jima, but also to every Marine who gave his life in the service of the nation.

This video contains historical archival footage and photographs from World War II for educational and documentary purposes only. All material is sourced from public domain archives: U.S. National Archives, U.S. Marine Corps History Division, Library of Congress, and other declassified historical collections.
Some footage and photographs in this video have been colorized. Original archival material was in black and white. Colorization is an interpretive process — colors shown are approximate and based on historical research, but may not be 100% accurate. Colorization is used for educational and visual enhancement purposes only.
This content is presented for historical education and does not glorify war, promote militarism, or endorse any political ideology. All material is used under fair use provisions for educational, historical, and documentary purposes.
The raising of the flag in Suribachi was not the end of the battle, but it became a symbol of what that battle meant: courage, sacrifice, and the indomitable will to see things through.
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