The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima

Overview

February 1945 marked a pivotal moment in history when Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal immortalized the moment U.S. Marines and a Navy Corpsman raised the American flag on Iwo Jima's summit. This iconic photograph, featuring five Marines and one Corpsman, symbolized hope and resilience during the fierce battle. As the story unfolds, it explores the identities and sacrifices of those involved, shedding light on the often-overlooked narratives behind a powerful image that captured the spirit of the American military during World War II.