Flags of Our Fathers - The Firearms Forum

Pistolenschutze · 07-02-2006, 11:48 AM

I just finished reading a wonderful book, originally published in 2000 but out just this year in paperback, entitled Flags of Our Fathers, authored by James Bradley. It is a book well worth the read for anyone interested in the Iwo Jima campaign of February-March, 1945.

James Bradley is the son of John Bradley who, unfortunately, passed away in 1994. John Bradley, for the last 16 years of his life, was the sole survivor of the six men who were immortalized in the famous Joe Rosenthal photograph of the second flag raising on Mt. Surabachi on Iwo Jima in February 1945, three of whom did not even live long enough to survive the Iwo Jima battle itself.

The author's father steadfastly refused to tell of his experiences on Iwo Jima during his lifetime, which surprises me not at all, though it seems to have been a very misunderstood point for the author all of his life. James Bradley, upon the death of his father, decided to research the subject for himself. He did a magnificent job.

This book looks not only at the Iwo Jima campaign and the flag-raising, but much more importantly, at the lives and character of each of the men who were involved in the flag-raising, and how that 1/400th of a second chance photograph by Joe Rosenthal affected their lives thereafter. In the process, Bradley describes the Iwo Jima campaign and its unspeakable horrors better than any author I've ever read. Anyone who foolishly thinks there is any "glory" in war, should read this book.

nevjohn · 07-02-2006, 02:16 PM

Yes, that is a great book. I found it in paperback 2 years ago. What intriged me that the landing on Iwo Jima was on my 3rd birthday, so 2/19/1945 sorta has a fondness for me, plus WWII history has always gotten my attention. Another good book is "Flyboys", also by James Bradley. This dealt with the aerial fighting over Chichi Jima, where "W" was shot down.

John

DanC_1968 · 07-02-2006, 02:19 PM

I read that book a couple of years ago, and found it so compelling I couldn't put it down. It had a good combination of facts/technical info as well as being told in a very personal way. I think i like books which are written like that better than ones with mostly dry technical info about weapons or strategy and tactics.

I believe Clint Eastwood is producing/directing a film based on the book. I hope it turns out well, and that he stays true to the facts.

Pistolenschutze · 07-02-2006, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanC_1968

I believe Clint Eastwood is producing/directing a film based on the book. I hope it turns out well, and that he stays true to the facts.

Yes, he is Dan. There was a blurb about that in the edition I just read. I think it is well that Eastwood is doing the producing and directing. At least he's not a bleeding-heart liberal revisionist trying to re-write history.

07-02-2006, 11:48 AM	#1
Pistolenschutze Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 13,094	Flags of Our Fathers I just finished reading a wonderful book, originally published in 2000 but out just this year in paperback, entitled Flags of Our Fathers, authored by James Bradley. It is a book well worth the read for anyone interested in the Iwo Jima campaign of February-March, 1945. James Bradley is the son of John Bradley who, unfortunately, passed away in 1994. John Bradley, for the last 16 years of his life, was the sole survivor of the six men who were immortalized in the famous Joe Rosenthal photograph of the second flag raising on Mt. Surabachi on Iwo Jima in February 1945, three of whom did not even live long enough to survive the Iwo Jima battle itself. The author's father steadfastly refused to tell of his experiences on Iwo Jima during his lifetime, which surprises me not at all, though it seems to have been a very misunderstood point for the author all of his life. James Bradley, upon the death of his father, decided to research the subject for himself. He did a magnificent job. This book looks not only at the Iwo Jima campaign and the flag-raising, but much more importantly, at the lives and character of each of the men who were involved in the flag-raising, and how that 1/400th of a second chance photograph by Joe Rosenthal affected their lives thereafter. In the process, Bradley describes the Iwo Jima campaign and its unspeakable horrors better than any author I've ever read. Anyone who foolishly thinks there is any "glory" in war, should read this book. __________________ --Pistolenschutze (Pistol Shooter) -->

07-02-2006, 02:16 PM	#2
nevjohn Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: N. Las Vegas, NV Posts: 18	Re: Flags of Our Fathers Yes, that is a great book. I found it in paperback 2 years ago. What intriged me that the landing on Iwo Jima was on my 3rd birthday, so 2/19/1945 sorta has a fondness for me, plus WWII history has always gotten my attention. Another good book is "Flyboys", also by James Bradley. This dealt with the aerial fighting over Chichi Jima, where "W" was shot down. John

07-02-2006, 02:19 PM	#3
DanC_1968 Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 19	Re: Flags of Our Fathers I read that book a couple of years ago, and found it so compelling I couldn't put it down. It had a good combination of facts/technical info as well as being told in a very personal way. I think i like books which are written like that better than ones with mostly dry technical info about weapons or strategy and tactics. I believe Clint Eastwood is producing/directing a film based on the book. I hope it turns out well, and that he stays true to the facts.