Mar 15 min read

Flag Raisers of Iwo Jima February 23, 1945

The flag-raising at Iwo Jima during WWII is a symbol of bravery and sacrifice. Of the six flag-raisers in the photo, only three survived the battle. Difficult conditions, including relentless Japanese gunfire and the lack of tank support due to wet sand, challenged the Marines. Yet, they raised the flag, marking a military victory and their courage. This event is immortalized in James Bradley's book and movie "Flags of Our Fathers." An interview with Bradley provides insight into this significant event and its impact on the soldiers and their families.

The Flag Raisers of Iwo Jima: A Tale of Heroism

The iconic image of the flag-raising at Iwo Jima during World War II is etched into the collective memory of many. However, behind this historical event lie stories of incredible bravery and tragic loss.

Of the six flag raisers captured in the famous photo, only three made it home alive. The others heroically gave their lives on the battlefields of Iwo Jima, marking their legacy with courage and dedication to their country.

The battle conditions were extremely difficult. The Japanese had unobstructed fire lanes, mowing down the American troops with relentless gunfire. The Marines faced another significant challenge: the tanks they desperately needed in the battle couldn't get on the beach due to the wet sand. The absence of tank support drastically affected the course of the conflict, making the situation much more challenging for the Marine.

Despite the adversities, the flag was raised, symbolizing not only a military victory but also the immense courage and sacrifice of those involved. This event has been immortalized in the book and movie "Flags of Our Fathers," authored by James Bradley, the son of one of the flag raisers.

This story serves as a reminder of the price of freedom and the bravery of those who fight for it. We are presented with a unique opportunity to delve deeper into this tale by interviewing James Bradley. Through his perspective, we can further understand the significance of this event and its impact on the lives of those involved and their families.

Photos on display with a quote above that reads, "Among those who served on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue." - Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. during the ceremony commemorating the 65th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Triangle, VA, Feb. 19, 2010.

Why is Iwo Jima so important?

After the battle, Iwo Jima served as an emergency landing site for more than 2,200 B-29 bombers, saving the lives of 24,000 U.S. airmen. Securing Iwo Jima prepared the way for the last and largest battle in the Pacific: the invasion of Okinawa.

Iwo Jima Radio Show

On February 28, 2024 the Project Chaos Radio Show with Christopher Scott Kunkel featured Iwo Jima. You can listen HERE:

The discussion on the Iwo Jima Radio show discussed the history of Iwo Jima, but more importantly how it relates to today.

Comparing the Iwo Jima Approach to the Changes of Force Design 2030

The historical Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II and the contemporary changes of Force Design 2030 in the U.S. military may seem worlds apart. But, a closer look reveals striking parallels and important lessons.

The impacts of Force Design 2030:

As we reflect on our military's history and the significant changes underway, the Battle of Iwo Jima serves as a potent reminder of what it takes to win battles and secure our freedom. It is crucial that the U.S. military takes these lessons to heart as it charts its course for the future.

The Battle of Iwo Jima: A Tale of Heroism and Sacrifice

Lieutenant General Lawrence Snowden was the commander of Fox Company 2/23 at Iwo Jima. He understood that battles were ultimately won by infantry planting the flag and declaring authority over the land. On February 19, 1945, Captain Snowden's rifle company did just that.

His company landed at 0900. By 0920, the battalion landing team had claimed 10 acres of Japanese homeland territory. The Japanese response was swift and effective, making it clear how badly the Marines wanted to hold their ground. The ensuing battle was not for the faint-hearted, with the Marines enduring intense fire and heavy casualties.

The Marines were in dire need of tank support upon landing. The Marines called for tanks, but they got stuck in the muddy sand, leaving the Marines exposed to enemy fire.

For weeks this went on, with Marines under heavy fire, taking heavy casualties. Attempts were made to bring tanks ashore and coordinate with the infantry, each time failing for different reasons. But finally, the momentum shifted.

Over three weeks after the initial landing, a big push began. This push started with every ounce of preparatory fire that could be provided from the core level, including 12 battalions of artillery and naval gunfire, followed by a barrage of division level rockets. Around the same time, they were able to successfully disembark the tanks.

Interestingly, the Marines on shore were nervous about the tanks because tanks draw fire from the enemy. But in their own words, the most treasured piece of technology was the dozer tank. These were bulldozers fitted with armor to push through enemy lines, acting as a tank.

After nearly a month of fighting, the Marines prevailed, but not without heavy casualties.

The fight on Iwo Jima was a battle for coordination. Ultimately, the reason the Marines were successful at Iwo Jima was because they had worked on their game and brought it to Iwo Jima. They knew what right looked like, and it looked like the combined assault capability of their tank infantry team.

This tale of heroism and sacrifice serves as a reminder of the bravery of those who fight for their country. It is a vivid portrayal of the symbolism of the Marines' sacrifice on Iwo Jima.

Flags of Our Fathers

After the airing of the Iwo Jima radio show on Project Chaos, we interviewed James Bradley, author of the book and later movie, "Flags of Our Fathers"

In this in-depth interview with James Bradley, acclaimed author of "Flags of Our Fathers." Bradley discusses his father's role in the historic event of raising the flag at Iwo Jima, how he uncovered this story, and his journey of becoming a writer. Discover how writing the book changed his view of his father and get his perspective on Marines in general. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that gives a behind-the-scenes look at Bradley's writing process and his current projects.

You can listen to the interview with James Bradley HERE:

You’ve heard the saying, “Freedom isn’t free.” And it’s not.

The question is what’s the cost? The answer, 1.3 million. Bought and paid for. Thanks to the 1.3 million veterans that have given their lives protecting freedom. Service men and women, Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen, the 1.3 million warriors that have died defending this nation.

Many of them are buried in Arlington National Cemetery. A cemetery that covers 624 Acres. Freedom isn’t free and that’s the cost. 1.3 million. 624 acres.

The bigger question is why? Why did they give their lives, what did they give it for? You see, there’s a common bond that’s shared by every veteran, living or not. All branches, it’s the same. The oath of enlistment. A promise to uphold the constitution.

It’s a blank check made out to the American people with a simple promise to defend the freedoms defined in the constitution for an amount up to and including their life.

It’s not about political foreign policies, fighting foreign wars or even being the world's protection force. It’s about something much bigger than that. The purpose of the US military is to protect the constitution, and freedom loving people from tyrants.

It’s a legacy we should preserve and history we should we remember.