Yet the photo from four days into the battle remains its enduring image, spreading rapidly throughout the world and becoming a powerful recruiting and morale tool for the U.S. government.

“The United States Flag was raised on the crater’s rim at ... Franklin Sousley — would be killed in action during the same ...

By March 26, 1945, the United States declared control of the ... went on to die in later phases of the battle. Film footage taken of the flag-raising in action proves the photo’s authenticity ...