Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley - Alberto R

 

In this memorable account of what is arguably the most iconic moment in American military history, James Bradley has skillfully depicted the greatness, the victory, the sorrow, and the enduring impact of the six individuals who raised the flag at Iwo Jima. This story shows the real story behind the iconic photograph that has come to represent the bravery and unwavering determination of the United States.

During February of 1945, American Marines charged into the shores of Iwo Jima, and beginning a bloody battle that would go on to last 36 days. Amid a relentless barrage of machine gun and mortar fire, which left their comrades scattered across the shores, they fought their way to the island's highest mountain; Mount Suribachi . Scaling a landscape that resembled a nightmare, they raised the American flag.

Now, the son of one of the flag-raisers has told a powerfull story about six young men of diverse backgrounds who converged in a moment that will endure for eternity.

John Bradley (the father of the author) never spoke about the photograph or the war to his family. However, following his passing at the age of seventy, his family discovered sealed boxes containing letters and photographs. In "Flags of Our Fathers," James Bradley uses these documents to trace the lives of his father and the men from Easy Company. As he follows their journey to Iwo Jima, Bradley delivers an account of the valiant battle for the Pacific's most pivotal island, a place filled with Japanese tunnels and 22,000 determined defenders who were prepared to fight to the last man.

Yet, the most intriguing aspect of the story may be what transpired after the victory. The men captured in the famous photograph—three of whom perished during the battle—were hailed as heroes and sent home to become unwilling icons. For two of them, the fame was overwhelming. Only James Bradley's father endured it, choosing not to display a copy of the famous photograph in his home and telling his son: "The real heroes of Iwo Jima were the guys who didn't come back."

Few books have ever managed to capture the confusion and turbulence of war and its aftermath as effectively as "Flags of Our Fathers." This is an insightful portrayal of a generation in a time of war, told with great detail, honesty, and the passion of a son paying tribute to his father. It tells the story between reality and legend, the spirit of heroism, and the center of the human experience during wartime. 8/10 I would definitely recommend to war and history enthusiasts.