Editing James Michels

{{Vet
| name = James Michels
| birth_date = January 18, 1918
| birth_place = Chicago, Illinois
| death_date = January 17, 1982
| death_place = Riverside, Illinois
| status = Survived
| allegiance = United States
| branch = United States Marine Corps
| rank = Corporal
| unit = Company E, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division
| battles = Battle of Iwo Jima
| awards = Purple Heart
}}

'''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 ==
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 ==
Michels survived the war and died in Riverside, Illinois, on January 17, 1982, one day before his 64th birthday.

[[Category:Mount Suribachi flag raisers]]
[[Category:Battle of Iwo Jima]]