BTW, You are NOT supposed to take pictures of this flag. Says it right there in the display.
If you have not been to the US Marine Corps museum in Quantico you are missing one of the finest museums in the world.
10 years ago while touring the Museum We entered a Higgins Boat and was briefed on the pending assault landing on the island of Iwo Jima. Motion, sound and video provide a realistic experience. When the door dropped we were met by an elderly man who talked about the fierceness of the fighting on the island. The way he talked made it clear he was an IWO JIMA veteran. I confirmed it with a simple; “You were there weren’t you?” He simply replied; “I was.”
The casualties suffered at Iwo Jima reportedly caused FDR to recoil in shock.
Uncommon Valor WAS a common virtue during the battle of Iwo Jima.
Marines have always taken the heavy brunt of casualties. I have always thanked the good Lord above that I have survived for as long as I have.