“In the Sands of Iwo Jima movie, Sgt. Stryker (John Wayne) hands the flag over to three guys. Those guys were the actual flag raisers”
Early in the film, Colonel David Shoup has a bit role as an officer interrupting a fight between the John Wayne-Forrest Tucker characters. Colonel Shoup later served as Commandant of the Marine Corps, 1960-1963. Cameo appearance at films end by Rene Gagnon, Ira Hayes and John Bradley.
Yep, I believe there were a few other real Marines who had minor parts in the movie. That movie is such a wonderful tribute to our military, in particular the Marines.