80 Years Ago, These Marines Went All the Way – And the World Watched!

On February 23, 1945, six Marines raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi, creating one of the most legendary images in U.S. history.

Amid the relentless battle for Iwo Jima, these men worked together to plant the flag, a moment caught on camera by military photographers. The photo became a symbol of American resilience, forever linked to the Allied triumph over Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan during World War II.

The battle had begun days earlier. On February 19, 1945, U.S. forces launched an invasion of Iwo Jima as part of their Pacific island-hopping strategy. It took four grueling days before Marines secured the summit of Suribachi. According to a Department of Defense report, “The taking of the 554-foot hill was significant, in that it suppressed the fire from Japanese who were dug in and who had prime vantage of much of the island.”

Despite reaching the peak, the battle was far from over. Fierce combat continued until March 26, costing the lives or wounding around 27,000 U.S. Marines and sailors. Japanese forces, entrenched in an elaborate network of caves, tunnels, and fortified pillboxes, fought until the bitter end. By the battle’s conclusion, 21,000 Japanese soldiers had perished.

Yet, it was the image from February 23 that left an indelible mark. The photo spread like wildfire, fueling national pride and bolstering the war effort. It wasn’t just an inspiring picture—it became a crucial recruiting and morale-boosting tool. The Pulitzer Prize Board noted its immense impact, stating, “The photo was the centerpiece of a war-bond poster that helped raise $26 billion in 1945.”

Over the years, the identities of the flag raisers sparked debate. However, the latest research confirms them as Pfc. Ira Hayes, Pfc. Harold Schultz, Sgt. Michael Strank, Pfc. Franklin Sousley, Pfc. Harold Keller, and Cpl. Harlon Block. Tragically, Block, Sousley, and Strank never left Iwo Jima alive, falling in battle soon after their historic moment.

But the image endured. It found its place on everything from stamps to a towering memorial near Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. More than just a photograph, it became an immortal symbol of sacrifice, unity, and the unwavering spirit of the U.S. Marines.