Joe Rosenthal: The Iconic Photographer Behind Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima

A Snapshot of Glory

Joe Rosenthal is renowned for capturing one of the most iconic images of World War II - "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima" - a photograph that has become an enduring symbol of American patriotism and sacrifice. This Pulitzer Prize-winning image, taken on February 23, 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima, has been etched in the collective consciousness of humanity, transcending generations and inspiring countless adaptations, parodies, and homages.

Early Life and Career

Born on October 9, 1911, in Washington, D.C., to Russian-Jewish immigrants, Rosenthal developed an interest in photography during the Great Depression. He began his career as an office boy before moving to San Francisco, where he worked as a reporter-photographer for The San Francisco News in 1932. Rosenthal's passion for photography led him to attend the University of San Francisco, and later, he joined the staff of the Associated Press (AP) in 1941.

War Correspondent and Photographer

Rejected by the U.S. Army as a photographer due to poor eyesight, Rosenthal instead joined the United States Maritime Service as a photographer in 1943, serving as a warrant officer documenting life aboard ship in the British Isles and North Africa. In 1944, he rejoined the AP and followed the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater of Operations as a war correspondent, covering key battles in Hollandia, New Guinea, Guam, Peleliu, Angaur, and Iwo Jima.

The Flag-Raising Moment

On that fateful morning of February 23, 1945, Rosenthal heard that an American flag was being raised atop Mount Suribachi, a volcano at the southern tip of Iwo Jima. He hurried to the scene, lugging his bulky Speed Graphic camera, and captured the legendary image as six Marines - Sgt. Mike Strank, Pharmacist Mate 2nd Class John Bradley, Pfc. Rene Gagnon, Pfc. Ira Hayes, Pfc. Franklin Sousley, and Pfc. Harlon Block - raised the Stars and Stripes in a symbol of triumph and solidarity.

Awards and Legacy

Rosenthal's iconic photograph earned him the Pulitzer Prize in 1945, and it has since been immortalized as the United States Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. His work has inspired countless adaptations, from postage stamps to sculptures, and has become an enduring symbol of American courage and sacrifice.

Personal Life and Later Years

Rosenthal converted to Catholicism during his youth and had four brothers. He passed away on August 20, 2006, at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

Impact on Modern Society

Rosenthal's photograph has transcended the realm of journalism, becoming a cultural touchstone that evokes feelings of patriotism, sacrifice, and unity. It has inspired countless works of art, from sculptures to paintings, and has been referenced and parodied in popular culture.

Philosophical Contributions and Beliefs

Through his work, Rosenthal demonstrated the power of photography to capture the human experience, freeze time, and convey complex emotions. His iconic image has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and sacrifice, inspiring generations to reflect on the human cost of war.

Influence on Photography

Rosenthal's work has influenced generations of photographers, journalists, and artists, demonstrating the importance of capturing the human experience in times of conflict and strife. His photograph has become a benchmark for war photography, inspiring others to document the human side of conflict.

Timeline of Major Works

• 1932: Began working as a reporter-photographer for The San Francisco News
• 1941: Joined the Associated Press (AP) as a photographer
• 1943: Joined the United States Maritime Service as a photographer
• 1944: Rejoined the AP as a war correspondent in the Pacific Theater of Operations
• 1945: Took the iconic photograph "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima" on February 23
• 1945: Awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Photography

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Rosenthal's photograph was taken with a Speed Graphic camera, which weighed around 10 pounds
• The six Marines in the photograph were not the first to raise the flag on Mount Suribachi, but they were the ones who raised the second, larger flag
• Rosenthal's photograph was initially met with skepticism, with some questioning its authenticity