Lot 687
Iwo Jima Photo Signed by the Three Survivors. Glossy 9 5/8 x 9" photo signed and inscribed by the three survivors of the battle of Iwo Jima known for raising the flag over Mt. Suribachi : Ira Hayes, a Puma Indian; Rene A. Gagnon; and John Bradley (father of James Bradley, who wrote "Flags of Our Fathers"), no place, no date. The photo is of American artist Felix de Weldon's 20-ton statue, based on Joe Rosenthal's memorable photograph, taken on February 23, 1945, of U.S. Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima. Rosenthal's historic photograph won him a Pulitzer Prize and became a powerful victory symbol for the war-weary American public. Felix de Weldon began work on his statue in 1946 and completed it nine years later. It stands at the edge of Arlington National Cemetery and was dedicated in 1954 to all Marines who died for their country, past and present. Lest we forget, Franklin Sousley, Michael Strank, and Harlon Block were the three flag-raisers who did not survive the battle.
Rosenthal's photo actually documented the second flag-raising on Iwo Jima. On the morning of February 23, Lt. Harold G. Schrier, executive officer of Easy Company, volunteered to lead a 40-man combat patrol up the mountain to raise an American flag. Upon successfully reaching the top, a flag from the battalion's transport ship, the USS Missoula, was attached to a pipe and raised by Schrier, with the help of platoon guide Sgt. Henry Hansen. This flag-raising was photographed by Sgt. Louis R. Lowery but the flag was supposedly too small to be easily seen from the nearby landing beaches. A second, larger flag was raised and today, it is the one remembered because of Rosenthal's iconic photo. Lt. Schrier received the Navy Cross for volunteering to take the patrol up the mountain and raising the American flag; Schrier would also receive a Silver Star Medal while commanding another rifle company on Iwo Jima.
Estimated Value $300 - 500.
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| Realized $3,120 |
