James Michels
| James Michels | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 18, 1918 Chicago, Illinois |
| Died | January 17, 1982 Riverside, Illinois |
| Status | Survived |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Service number | |
| Unit | Company E, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division |
| Commands held | |
| Battles / wars | Battle of Iwo Jima |
| Awards | Purple Heart |
| Relations | |
| Later work | |
James R. Michels (January 18, 1918 – January 17, 1982) was a United States Marine present at the first U.S. flag raising atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945.
Michels served with the 3rd Platoon of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines.
Flag raising on Mount Suribachi
[edit]Michels is prominently visible in Sgt. Louis Lowery's photographs of the first flag raising, kneeling in the foreground holding an M1 carbine in a defensive position, watching for an enemy counterattack while the flag was raised behind him.
Legacy
[edit]Michels survived the war and died in Riverside, Illinois, on January 17, 1982, one day before his 64th birthday.