Members of 40 man patrol planting first American flag at Iwo Jima
Description: Louis R. Lowery's photo of members of the 40 man patrol that planted the first American flag on top of Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima. The raising of a larger flag 4 hours later was immortalized by AP photographer Joe Rosenthal. His photo was used for the creation of the Iwo Jima sculpture near Arlington Cemetery in Virginia. Soldiers shown are Sgt. Ernest I. "Boots" Thomas Jr. of Monticello (facing camera with rifle in hand), Cpl. Charles W. Lindberg of Minnesota, Pfc. Louis Chario, Sgt. Henry Hansen, 1st Lt. Harold G. Schrier and Pfc. James R. Michels. Thomas was killed a week later while calling in fire support for his men.
- Citation: Courtesy of the Florida State Archives
- Date Taken: 1/23/1945
