Flags of Our Fathers

As three U.S. servicemen—Marine Private First Class Ira Hayes, Private First-Class Rene Gagnon, and Navy Corpsman John “Doc” Bradley—are celebrated as heroes during a war bond drive, they reflect on their harrowing experiences through flashbacks.

Following their training at Camp Tarawa in Hawaii, the valiant 28th Marine Regiment 5th Marine Division embarks on a mission to the small yet fierce battleground of Iwo Jima, joining a formidable invading force. Anticipating heavy Japanese resistance, the Navy relentlessly bombs suspected enemy positions for three arduous days. Under the command of Sergeant Mike Strank, the Second Platoon prepares for the brutal landing.

On the fateful day of February 19, 1945, the Marines storm the beaches in Higgins boats, greeted initially by an eerie silence. Private First Class Ralph “Iggy” Ignatowski ponders whether the enemy has been neutralized, but that moment of quiet is abruptly shattered as Japanese heavy artillery and machine guns unleash a fierce barrage on the advancing troops and Navy ships. Despite heavy casualties, the Marines manage to secure the critical beachhead.

Just two days later, the Marines begin their assault on Mount Suribachi, facing a relentless downpour of Japanese artillery and gunfire; the Navy continues its bombardment of the mountain. Recognized for his bravery, Doc saves multiple Marines under fire, earning him the prestigious Navy Cross after they secure the mountain.

On February 23, the platoon, now led by Sergeant Hank Hansen, is ordered to ascend Mount Suribachi. As they reach the summit, they proudly hoist the United States flag, winning cheers from the onlooking forces below. Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal, witnessing the ceremony as he lands, expresses a desire for the flag, but Colonel Chandler Johnson insists that it belongs to his battalion. Rene is sent up with Second Platoon to replace the original flag with a second one for Forrestal’s collection. It is here, amid a group of marines including Mike, Doc, Franklin Sousley, and Ira, that a historic photograph is taken by Joe Rosenthal.

Tragedy strikes on March 1 when Second Platoon is ambushed by a Japanese machine gun nest. In the chaos, Mike is fatally wounded by friendly fire, followed closely by dear friends Hank and Harlon. As the battle rages on, Doc finds himself grappling with loss after Iggy is captured and brutally killed by Japanese forces. By March 21, Franklin, too, succumbs to machine gun fire in Ira’s arms, leaving only Doc, Ira, and Rene as the surviving members of their squad. Just days later, Doc is injured by artillery fire while bravely attempting to save a fellow corpsman but ultimately survives and is sent back home as the battle concludes on March 26 with a U.S. victory.

In the aftermath, Rosenthal’s emblematic photograph captivates the nation, emerging as a tremendous morale booster, prompting requests for prints from newspapers nationwide. Rene is tasked with naming the six men in the iconic image; he identifies himself, Mike, Doc, and Franklin, but mistakenly names Harlon for Hank. When he conveys this belief to Ira, a furious confrontation ensues, with Ira adamantly denying his presence in the photograph. Despite his refusal, with threats of returning to combat looming, Rene ultimately succumbs and names Ira.

The trio embarks on a bond tour across the country to raise funds to support the war effort, greeted with a hero’s welcome in Washington. It is here that Doc learns of Hank’s mother being on the list of the deceased flag raisers, prompting Ira to condemn the bond drive as a sham. In a stern reprimand, Bud Gerber from the Treasury Department emphasizes that the country’s need for funds is dire, warning that failure could lead to the abandonment of the Pacific campaign rendering their sacrifices meaningless. They collectively decide to withhold the truth about Hank not being in the photo.

While traveling the country to raise awareness and funds, Ira is plagued by guilt and discrimination as a Native American, falling into the grips of alcoholism, culminating in a public outburst before General Alexander Vandegrift. Enraged, Vandegrift orders Ira’s return to his unit, while the bond drive continues without him.

After the war, the three survivors attempt to reintegrate into civilian life. Ira, however, remains trapped in his struggle with alcohol and the unwanted notoriety his fame brings. Following a stint in jail, he travels over 1,300 miles to visit Harlon’s family, confessing to Harlon’s father that his son was indeed at the base of the famous flag. In 1954, the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial is dedicated, allowing the three flag raisers to reunite one last time. Sadly, in 1955, Ira succumbs to exposure after a night of drinking. Meanwhile, Doc drives to visit Iggy’s mother to convey the truth about how Iggy met his fate, though the implication is that he avoids the full truth. Rene, on the other hand, struggles in his post-war life, seeing opportunities from the bond drive evaporate, ultimately living out his days as a janitor. In stark contrast, Doc flourishes, owning and running a successful funeral home throughout his life. On his deathbed in 1994, Doc shares his story with his son, reflecting on the past and drawing the viewer back to the poignant moment in 1945 when the men celebrated after raising the flags in the ocean.

Last updated: November 03, 2024 at 20:21

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