Few images in history capture courage, sacrifice and determination like the photograph of U.S. Marines raising the American flag on Iwo Jima. On February 23, 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima, there were actually two flag raisings on Mount Suribachi.

• The first flag was smaller and raised shortly after the summit was captured. It was a victory signal but not widely seen.
• Later that morning, a second, larger flag was raised by six Marines, including Ira Hayes, and immortalised in Joe Rosenthal’s iconic photograph. This second flag raising became a lasting symbol of bravery, teamwork and sacrifice during one of World War II’s fiercest battles.

Understanding the context behind the second flag raising helps students appreciate both the strategy of the battle and the personal stories of the Marines involved.

What Is the Iwo Jima Flag Raising Photo?

The photo was taken by Joe Rosenthal, an Associated Press photographer, and shows six Marines hoisting the American flag atop Mount Suribachi, the island’s highest point.

It was not posed; the moment was spontaneous. Rosenthal’s perfect timing captured strength, teamwork and hope in a single frame. The flag rising symbolised more than a tactical victory; it represented the courage and determination of thousands of soldiers fighting under extreme conditions.

Why Iwo Jima Was Crucial in World War II

Iwo Jima may be a small volcanic island, but it was strategically vital. The Japanese had airfields on the island that allowed them to attack American bombers en route to Japan. Capturing Iwo Jima would give the Allies:

• Bases for fighter planes
• Emergency landing strips for damaged bombers
• A stepping stone toward Japan’s mainland

The Japanese heavily fortified the island, building tunnels, bunkers and artillery positions, especially around Mount Suribachi. Their strategy made Iwo Jima one of the deadliest battles in the Pacific campaign.

The Battle of Iwo Jima: Courage and Sacrifice

The invasion began on 19 February 1945. Over 70,000 U.S. Marines participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima. The Japanese defenders used snipers, artillery and hidden bunkers, resulting in nearly 7,000 American deaths and tens of thousands wounded.

Capturing Mount Suribachi was a key objective. Controlling it allowed the Marines to coordinate attacks across the island, making the flag-raising a symbol of a critical victory, even though the battle continued for several more weeks.

Meet the Marines in the Photo: Ira Hayes and Others

The six Marines captured in the photograph were:

• Ira Hayes – His story highlights the struggles veterans faced after the war
• Michael Strank – Killed days later in combat
• Harlon Block – Killed days later
• Franklin Sousley – Killed days later
• Rene Gagnon – Survived the war
• John Bradley – Survived the war

Ira Hayes became a symbol of heroism, but he also suffered from post-traumatic stress and alcoholism, showing the human cost behind the image.

“Here’s one for all time!”

John Bodkin
Associated Press (AP) Photograph Editor

The Photographer Who Captured History: Joe Rosenthal

Joe Rosenthal’s timing was perfect. His photograph won the Pulitzer Prize in 1945 and became one of the most reproduced images of World War II. Rosenthal’s work reminds us that history can be captured in a single, fleeting moment that tells the story of countless lives.

Why the Photo Became an Icon of World War II

The flag-raising photo represents:

• Courage under fire
• Teamwork and perseverance
• The human cost of war

It inspired the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, and has been featured in songs, books and films. Its symbolism goes beyond a military victory; it is a reminder of sacrifice and the human stories behind the battle.

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Lessons from Iwo Jima: Heroism, Strategy and History

For students studying GCSE and A-Level history, the Iwo Jima photograph teaches us:

• How strategy and geography shaped battles
• The extreme sacrifice of soldiers
• The personal stories behind historical events, like those of Ira Hayes and the other Marines

Understanding the context helps us see why a single image can carry so much meaning and continue to inspire generations.