Concerns have been raised whether PhM2C John Bradley was actually one of the six original flag raisers captured in Joe Rosenthal’s iconic photo during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
The Marine Corps has opened an inquiry based on the review of the photo initiated by amateur two historians.
John Bradley died in 1994 at the age of 70 in his home town of Antigo, WI.
His son, James Bradley and author of the book “Flag of Our Fathers” has stated he also doubts that it was his father in the famous photo.
The story related to me by the late Jerry Copeland who was a Marine in 2/28 and close friend of Ira Hayes had confirmed that fact that Bradley was in the picture. He thought it was relevant since I too was a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman.
doc, thank you for your service
my uncle was a medic on first wave to iwo, close to ira as well
my memory says they were at saipan too
Why wasn’t this issue solved in 1954? Why does it come up now?
always remember what our men did for this country, as it slips into the ditch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLCupx1UExg
Who cares who they were, give back the prize money.
The names of those in the photo mean a great deal to their families.
For the rest of us, it isn’t “these” men in particular, but all whom they represent. Every man there was a hero, doing a dirty, often thankless, dangerous job.
I’ve read that Rosenthal had set his Speed Graphic and cocked it to take a shot in another direction when the commotion he saw in his peripheral vision made him turn and reflexively press the shutter release.
I use a 1940 Speed Graphic with the Kodak 127mm lens like the one he used when I shoot the annual WWII re-enactment near Dallas
It’s a bitter irony that it’s manufacturer went out of business in 1973 the tooling was bought by Toyo. . . the Japanese.
Maybe it’s another attempt at changing our history.
Hah! Maybe obama wants to make him a muzzie!
The Marines should have left them all stay anonymous to recognize and honor the service all everyone who served on Iwo Jima in particular and the Pacific theater in general.
They are going to tell us a tranny was there
Going by way of the Confederate Monuments.
Maybe just a pretense to have the US Marine Corps War Memorial dismantled and placed on an undisclosed, suitable site so as not to offend or hurt anyone’s feelings of Japanese dissent.
Of course the name will have to be changed.
“US” is too national pride-ish and imperialistic.
“Marine Corps” is comprised of brutish, win at all cost Warriors.
“War” well there’s killing in war. War is bad, regardless of the reason.
“Memorial” is to honor and remember.
We mustn’t honor war or warriors, as we choose not to remember the world’s acceptance of and complacency toward fascism that started WWII and what we are dealing with today (fascist islam).
All these offensive and hurtful words must all go.
I suspect in the next generations they’ll tear it down as they are attempting with Confederate Memorials that honor and remember men of principle and the sacrifices they made to protect the now lost Constitutional State’s Rights that has fostered uncontrollable BIG Federal Government……..
But then again, there just might be enough character that rubbed off of those who sacrificed everything and life itself to build this once great nation and return it to its roots.
I hope I live to see it.
Great new policy: Why don’t you leave things the f**k alone.
#blackflagraisersmatter
They’ll probably discover it was actually Brian Williams.
?
Doc Bradley was awarded a Navy Cross for actions on Iwo. Regardless of the photo, can you imagine the number of Marines Doc Bradley saved? I’m just damned thankful we’ve had men with the courage of Doc Bradley. (And that goes for you, too, Doc). Thanks and Semper Fidelis.
Doc Bradley was the epitome of a Corpsman, a squid who had the distinct honor of serving with the USMC, the greatest fighting force this young country ever produced and renowned the world over. As a young Corpsmen myself in the 80’s, I still recall the respect I received from my Marines based on the heroic deeds of men like Doc Bradley and others, while I stood in their shadow and strived to continue in their tradition. The “Flags of Our Fathers” is a must read and will leave you in awe and gratitude of what these men and their families went through.
Doc Julio, thanks & Semper Fi.
Marines have no closer or respected brother than a Corpsman.
God Bless them all.
In am awaiting a comment from President Ocorpseman. Once he weighs in, we can all rest knowing that the least deserving man to ever mispronounce corpsman has had the last word. Just thinking about it makes me want to chunder.
That photo was shot in Arizona, just like the moon landing, WTF?
I can see Doc Julio is the real deal. Most people would say “…the respect I received form the Marines” Like a true FMF Corpsman he referred to them as “…my Marines”. It’s the same as saying MY BROTHERS!
Semper Fi Doc, and many thanks. Lord only knows how many Marines are walking around today because of you.