This monument was erected on the spot where Franklin Sousley, Harlon Block, Michael
Strank, John Bradley, Rene Gagnon, and Ira Hayes raised the American flag 4 days into the
battle for Iwo Jima . Iwo Jima is like Mecca for the Marines. Visiting Marines leave personal
mementos behind during their 'pilgrimages'.

The Eagle, Globe and Anchors on the left and right side of the monument are completely
covered in dog tags left by visiting Marines and service men to honor the 6,131 killed. texag57



Flag Location on Suribachi

A heavy machine gun, possibly a Japanese Type 92 Heavy Machine Gun, lies abandoned in
a bunker overlooking the landing beaches. There are still dozens of these bunkers all over
the island. Most of them were destroyed during the battle. This pillbox still bore the scars of
the fighting. It was pockmarked with bullet holes and the inside was blackened. I imagine a
flame thrower was used to clear that pillbox. texag57


Iwo Jima Today

The guide for this trip asked the Marines to rush this dune to get an idea of what the Marines
who took Iwo Jima faced. Every step you take up, you slide down and into the dune. You
have to work hard to get to the top. Imagine doing it with 100 lbs on your back while being
shot at and artillery raining down on you. texag57