James Bradley is the son of Iwo Jima flag Raiser, John Bradley.
His father never talked about the war war while he was alive, and after he passed away, Bradley was inspired to learn more about the flagraising and personalities associated with what was arguable the most famous photograph taken during World War II.
Flags Of Our Fathers book tells the stories of the six flag raisers who were immortalized by photographer Joseph
Rosenthal's famous photograph. The true story of the men and events surrounding the famous photograph.
The flag was raised
by six men: John Bradley, Ira
Hayes, Franklin Sousley (KIA), Harlon Block (KIA), Michael
Strank (KIA) and Rene Gagnon. The covers the lives of each flag raiser: from childhood till their deaths. Three were killed during the battle of Iwo Jima.
For the three flag raisers who survived, the book also tells the story of their war bond tour and instant fame as the photograph captured the imagination of war-weary America and became instant 'heros'.
In 2006, the book was adapted as a Hollywood movie directed by Clint Eastwood, Flags of Our Fathers.