James Michels

James R. Michels

Michels (in foreground with carbine) on Mount Suribachi
Born January 18, 1918(1918-01-18)
Riverside, Illinois
Died January 17, 1982(1982-01-17) (aged 63)
Riverside, Illinois
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
Rank Private First Class
Unit 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines
Battles/wars World War II
*Battle of Iwo Jima

Private First Class James R. Michels (January 18, 1918–January 17, 1982) was one of the six United States Marines who raised the first American flag[1] on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945.

Contents

Biography

James Michels was born in Riverside, Cook County, Illinois, in 1918.

During World War II, Michels joined the United States Marine Corps. He took part in the Battle of Iwo Jima. On February 23, 1945, Michels was with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division. He was immortalized in the picture of the first flag raising over Iwo Jima.

He survived World War II, and returned to Riverside at its conclusion. He died in Riverside on January 17, 1982.

See also

World War II portal
United States Marine Corps portal
Biography portal

Notes

  1. ^ On February 23, 1945, the American flag was raised twice on Mount Suribachi. The smaller first flag was raised in the morning and captured on film by U.S. Marine photographer Staff Sergeant Louis R. Lowery. The iconic second flag raising occurred around noon and was captured on film by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal. See Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima.
  2. ^ "America's Greatest Generation: Marine Heroes: Raymond Jacobs". World War II Stories — In Their Own Words. October 3, 2006. http://carol_fus.tripod.com/marines_hero_ray_jacobs.html. Retrieved 2007-01-19. 

References