Sergeant and flag raiser at the Battle of Iwo Jima, immortalized in the iconic photo, symbolizing American determination and sacrifice during World War II.
Michael Strank, a United States Marine Corps sergeant, is immortalized in history as one of the six Marines who raised the American flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. The iconic photograph, taken by Joe Rosenthal, has become a symbol of American courage and determination.
Michael Strank was born on November 10, 1919, in the village of Orjabyna, Czechoslovak Republic (now in Slovakia), to a Rusyn Ukrainian family. His parents, Vasil Strenk and Marta Grfikov, immigrated to the United States when Michael was a young boy, settling in Franklin Borough, Pennsylvania.
Strank enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1939 and served with the Marine Raiders in the Battle of Bougainville before being assigned to the 5th Marine Division for the invasion of Iwo Jima. On February 23, 1945, Strank, a rifle company squad leader, was ordered to raise a larger American flag on Mount Suribachi, which had been deemed too small.
Accompanied by three Marines, Strank climbed the mountain, where they were met with intense enemy fire. Despite the danger, Strank and his team successfully raised the second flag, which was captured in the famous photograph by Joe Rosenthal.
The photograph, "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima," has become one of the most recognizable images in American history. However, it was not without controversy. Of the six Marines depicted in the photo, Strank was the only one correctly identified from the beginning. The other five Marines were either misidentified or not present in the photo.
Michael Strank's bravery and sacrifice have inspired generations of Americans. The Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, was modeled after Rosenthal's photograph, and Strank's story has been featured in numerous books, films, and documentaries.
Strank's family remained in Pennsylvania while he served in the Marine Corps. His brothers, Petro and John, and sister Mary, were all born in the United States. Strank's parents, Vasil and Marta, remained proud of their son's service and sacrifice.
Just six days after the flag-raising, on March 1, 1945, Michael Strank was killed in action during the Battle of Iwo Jima. He was 25 years old.
Michael Strank's courage, sacrifice, and devotion to his country have left an indelible mark on American history. As we remember the heroism of the Marines who fought on Iwo Jima, we honor the memory of Michael Strank, a true American hero.
Born in 1923
A Native American marine who famously raised the U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima, capturing an iconic moment in World War II history.
Born in 1923
A Medal of Honor recipient for his heroic actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima, he was one of the six soldiers who raised the American flag on Mount Suribachi, an iconic moment in World War II history.
Born in 1911
Took iconic Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima" during World War II, capturing a pivotal moment in American history. This image has become an enduring symbol of patriotism and sacrifice.
Born in 1923
A Marine who fought in World War II, documenting his experiences in the Pacific Theater in his memoir "With the Old Breed," which is considered a classic of military literature.
