60 years on

Does anyone recognise this photo?



If not, you should. Sixty years ago today, that was the raising of the flag atop Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima. That first was hoisted on a steel pipe above the island by First Lieutenant Harold Schrier, platoon commander, Sergeant Ernest I. Thomas, platoon sergeant, Corporal Charles W. Lindberg, and Private First Class James R. Nicel.

It wasn't until three hours later that the more recognisable flag was raised by (from left to right) Private First Class Ira H. Hayes, Private First Class Franklin R. Sousley, Sergeant Michael Strank, Pharmacist's Mate Second Class John Bradley, Private First Class Rene A. Gagnon, and Corporal Harlon Block.



To the best of my knowledge, only Mr. Lindberg is still alive.

Very few men ever made it off that hell hole of an island. Think of them today.