James Bradley
Flags of Our Fathers is a book written by James Bradley about the five United States Marines and one Navy Corpsman who are photographed raising the flag at the battle of Iwo Jima. This battle is significant because it was one of, if not the most costly and gruesome battle fought in the Pacific during World War II. John Bradly, the author's father, Rene Gagnon, Ira Hayes, Mike Strank, Harlon Block, and Franklin Sousley are the men in the renowned photograph pictured on the cover. The last 3 men mentioned died later during the battle. Three men were Privates, Strank was a Seargeant, and Block was a Corporal who reported to Strank. John Bradley was a Navy Corpsman who was tasked with providing first aid to the …show more content…
It talks about their enlistment and other tours they went on. Bradley references Howlin Mad Smith, and his thoughts on amphibious assault, despite what the media said. Finally, all of the 6 men come together at the same spot. They all get stationed at Camp Pendleton in California, and are put under the command of Captain Dave Severance. They became a part of the 28th regiment of Easy Company. This company was also known as “Spearhead” for the role that they were going to play in their invasion of Iwo Jima. Over the course of the next six months, Easy Company is trained in weaponry, assaults, and battle tactics for an impending assault. They then set out on their journey to Island X, or Iwo Jima. Bradley and the other 5 men set out on the USS Missoula with the rest of Easy Company and the others. They learn shortly after departing from Pearl Harbor that they are actually travelling to Iwo Jima and that it is essential to the war that they take this island. Despite bombing attempts, the island remains in full control of the Japanese forces. Unfortunately for the Americans, the Japanese knew they were coming and knew exactly where they planned on landing. He and his men transformed the island into an interconnected palace where they had the perfect