Catholics of Iwo Jima Battle and Flag Raising

On February 23rd, 1945, six US Marines ascended Mt. Suribachi on the remote island of Iwo Jima. This iconic moment preceded three days and nights of fierce fighting from the USMC to take control of the island. There were Catholics who played a role in this

Iconic Photo Taken by Catholic Convert

The iconic photo was taken by Joe Rosenthal, who would win a Pulitzer Prize for photography while on staff for the Associated Press. While attending school at the University of San Francisco, Rosenthal converted to Catholicism from Judaism.

Surviving Flag-Raiser Lived Out His Faith in Word and Deed

Although Old Glory was raised, the island would not be secured until a month later. One of the famous people who raised the flag on the history-making day was John Bradley, a Navy corpsman.

Bradley was one of the six men who took part in raising the flag. He would live to tell until his passing in 1994. Yet, he kept much of his experience to himself with humility. As one writer puts it,

He kept that prestigious award hidden in a box in his closet for the remainder of his life, turned down all interview requests from journalists, and never discussed his famous role in the flag-raising on Iwo Jima with his family members or anyone else in town. He adamantly refused to allow his subsequent civilian life to be defined by what he sincerely considered his undeserved status as a military celebrity.

The account of this day would be recorded and written into a best-seller called Flag of our Fathers by his son, James in 2000. A 2015 article for Catholic 365 lays out a reason that this hero should be considered a saint for the Catholic Church.

Mass On Mountain Top

Father Donald Crosby's book Battlefield Chaplains: Catholic Priests in World War II, recounts heroism among many Catholic chaplains who answered the call not only to serve but to provide the spiritual needs of every GI serving in the Pacific and European theaters. One was Father Charles Suver, who was with the 5th Marines Division. On the eve of the invasion, marines issued a challenge to raise the flag when the island was secured.  Father Suver added to the challenge with holy boldness, “You put it up there and I celebrate a Mass under it!” Sure enough, on the day the flag was raised, he celebrated Mass on the top of Mt. Suribachi.

Medal of Honor Recipient Lays Down Life for Marines

While there was so much heroism in the month-long battle, one Catholic Marine who was a veteran of the Guadalcanal campaign would volunteer for another combat tour. His name was Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone.

Basilone, a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, would fall during the invasion of the island on February 19th, 1945. For his heroic actions, he was posthumously awarded the Naval Cross. His citation reads the following:

He repeatedly exposed himself to the blasting fury of exploding shells and, later in the day, coolly proceeded to the aid of a friendly tank which had been trapped in an enemy minefield under intense mortar and artillery barrages, skillfully guiding the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite the overwhelming volume of hostile fire. In the forefront of the assault at all times, he pushed forward with dauntless courage and iron determination until, moving upon the edge of the airfield, he fell, instantly killed by a bursting mortar shell.

The account of Basilone’s heroism was portrayed as part of The Pacific miniseries on HBO in 2010.

Catholics proved once more that they could rise to the occasion. These men were heroes for not only their love for their country but also their love for both God and their country. Let us never forget their sacrifice and heroism.