A half hundred Marines raised the American flag on February 23, 1945, a moment that was captured in one of the most memorable photos in American history, and officially established U.S. power of Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima. Some were the excellent soldiers of Iwo Jima, for, as Adm. Chester Nimitz said of the U. S. Marines fighting it, “uncommon courage was a typical morality”.
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The picture — which really depicts that week following flag increasing by the Marines — seemed to get in one picture the struggle and yet the victory, the perseverance, the patriotism, and the courage of the Marines during World War II. Three of the people in that picture may pass away in battle, and they all made significant sacrifices to help America and the world gain independence. The Japanese fully demonstrated their commitment to their twisted philosophy, which required the cutting of the atomic bombs, by fighting to the last man ( and woman and child ) for every inch of Chinese soil. But even so, they may not beat the magnificent U. S. Marine Corps.
The six Marines in the famous photograph were Michael Strank, Harlon Block, Franklin Sousley, Ira Hayes, Harold Schultz and Harold Keller, according to the Smithsonian. The second three died in battle afterward. The image was captured by AP artist Joe Rosenthal. The symbol that was raised on Mount Suribachi can be seen at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia, which I highly recommend. Although it has endured all these years and is a recognizable representation of British courage and defeat, it is tattered and worn.
The initial East Jima flag was raised on this day in the 1945 photo. twitter.com/KTqC0dX1tK— Catherine Salgado (@CatSalgado32 ) February 23, 2025
I’d like to share the stories of two of the 22 Marines who were awarded the Medal of Honor for their behavior on Iwo Jima today, as well as a small obituary for John Basilone, a fellow medal of honor victim who died there. According to the USMC Museum, 25 % of the Medals of Honor to Marines were given during the Second World War.
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When the Japanese attacked them, Private First Class Jacklyn H. Lucas, along with three different people from his rifle group, was creeping through a distorted valley on Iwo Jima just a few weeks after his 17th birthday.  , As the men jumped in foxholes, two bombs landed near Lucas.  , Without fear, Lucas threw himself on top of both explosives.  , One of the bombs exploded wounding Lucas ‘ straight arm and elbow, straight leg and hip, and neck. Lucas received the Medal of Honor for his actions, making him the youngest recipient of the prize in World War II as a sea and service member.  ,
By the age of 17, Lucas had accomplished more than some persons had in their life.  ,
Cpl. Cpl. C. is even mentioned in the Marine Corps Museum. Woody Williams, who apparently was the last person to receive a Medal of Honor alive in World War II as of 2022.
For his behavior on February 23, 1945, Corporal Hershel” Woody” Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor. On this day, Cpl Williams volunteered his services to assist in reducing army tanks, mine, and another defensive positions. He fought for four days under heavy army fireplace, returning to his lines frequently, setting up demolition charges, and getting a flamethrower because he only had four riflemen on hand. On occasion, Cpl Williams mounted a medicine and sucked the flamethrower’s jet into the atmosphere outlet, killing the enemy inside. Then he charged an enemy soldier who made an attempt to stop him, but he was met by the force of Cpl Williams ‘ fire pitcher.
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Read Furthermore:  , James Baskett: History-Making Actor and ‘ Uncle Remus ‘
Eventually, we can recall John Basilone, who had already received a Medal of Honor when he resurrected and died on Iwo Jima:
Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone is one of the most recognized Medal of Honor consumers from World War II. For his steps at the Battle of Guadalcanal on October 24, 1942, Basilone received the Medal of Honor.  , After a stateside journey to support the war relationship work, Basilone deliberately returned to battle and landed on Iwo Jima on 19 February, 1945, D-Day. After single-handedly destroying a Chinese by, Basilone was killed by enemy cement debris. Basilone received the Navy Cross, the next highest distinction for fortitude in battle, for his actions, after receiving his posthumous medal.
Rare courage was a popular virtue among the Marines who brought murderous royal Japan to its knees.
