Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very attractive framed signed photograph of U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Charles W. “Chuck” Lindberg, one of the Marines who participated in the first flag raising on Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945. Lindberg served with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division and fought in multiple Pacific campaigns during WWII.

The first flag flown over the southern end of Iwo Jima was regarded to be too small to be seen by the thousands of Marines fighting on the other side of the mountain where the Japanese airfields and most of their troops were located, so it was replaced the same day with a larger flag. Although there were photographs taken of the first flag flying on Mount Suribachi and some which include Lindberg, there is no photograph of Marines raising the first flag. The second flag-raising was photographed by Associated Press combat photographer Joe Rosenthal and became famous after copies of his photograph appeared in the newspapers two days later. Lindberg spent decades trying to bring awareness of the first flag raising and his participation in it.

This is a great signed photograph of Lindberg, the photo being a famous one of him wielding an M2 Flamethrower on one of the islands. The photo is signed:

Charles W. Lindberg
1st Flag Raiser, Iwo Jima,
Feb. 23, 1945, 10:30AM

The caption in the bottom right notes he received the Silver Star, his citation reading:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Flame Thrower Operator of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-eight Marines, Fifth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 1 March 1945. Repeatedly exposing himself to hostile grenades and machine-gun fire in order that he might reach and neutralize enemy pill-boxes at the base of Mount Suribachi, Corporal Lindberg courageously approached within ten or fifteen yards of the emplacements before discharging his weapon, thereby assuring annihilation of the enemy and the successful completion of his platoon's mission. As a member of the first combat patrol to scale Mount Suribachi, he courageously carried his flame thrower to the steep slopes and assisted in destroying the occupants of the many caves found in the rim of the volcano, some of which contained as many as seventy Japanese. While engaged in an attack on hostile cave positions on March 1, he fearlessly exposed himself to accurate enemy fire and was subsequently wounded and evacuated. By his determinations in manning his weapon, despite its weight and the extreme heat developed in operation, Corporal Lindberg greatly assisted in securing his company's position. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The frame measures 9¼ x 12¼” and is in good shape. The frame has no hanging wire, instead having velcro pieces on the top and bottom, so command strips are needed to hang it.

The combination of the Charles W. Lindberg signature, first flag raising inscription, February 23, 1945 date and time, flamethrower portrait, Silver Star association, and direct connection to the first flag raising on Mount Suribachi makes this a particularly appealing signed WWII Marine Corps display. Lindberg’s role in the events of February 23 gives the piece strong historical relevance to both the Battle of Iwo Jima and one of the most enduring episodes in Marine Corps history.