An incredible story and testament to the American soldier

“We found a water pipe, tied the flag to it and put it up. Then all hell broke loose below. Troops cheered, ships blew whistles, some men openly wept.” ~ Corporal Charles W. Lindbergh

On 23 February 1945, the Marines took control of Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima. Onlookers cheered as the assault platoon fought to the summit and raised a small flag. Later that day, different troops raised a larger flag while others respectfully lowered the original. Several combat photographers captured these stirring events on film, but Joe Rosenthal’s snapshot of the men struggling to raise the second flag in a stiff wind became an enduring symbol of American resolve.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps has both flags raised on Iwo Jima in our collection. Currently, the second flag raised on Mount Suribachi (seen in this video) is on display in our WWII Gallery. Semper Fidelis