February Uniform of the Month - Iwo Jima Flag Raiser

With my M1 rifle slung over my shoulder, I'm holding an original 48 Star flag from my collection.  

In honor of the Marine Corp's 69th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, I thought it would be fun to do an impression of an actual Iwo Jima flag raiser from the famous Joe Rosenthal photograph.  This was a pretty easy impression for me to put together as I have a pretty complete Marine Corps uniform and equipment collection.  The uniform consists of an M1 helmet with a Marine camouflage helmet cover, a cloth utility cap, a set of P41 Marine Corps dungarees, an Army M41 field jacket, leggings and a pair of Boondocker boots.  I wore only the equipment worn by Franklin Sousley.  Sousley was always thought to be the flag raiser standing behind Bradley, but based on what he is wearing and his equipment, I am positive that he is in the second slot behind Harlon Block in front.  Please visit my website to learn more about the flag raising and the 5th Marine Division in World War II and Vietnam.  http://www.5thmarinedivision.com

Many of the Marines on Iwo Jima wore a cloth cap under their helmet.  This is the Army's short-billed M41 Cap.

Back view of this impression.  Quite a few of the flag raisers went up Mt. Suribachi with minimal equipment. 

You can see here how the Jungle First Aid Kit can slide over the back strap of a Cartridge Belt.  It can also be hooked to a belt like the canteen carriers. 

On Iwo Jima, most of the Marines wore leggings over their boondocker boots and then just let their trousers hang loose.

Because of the constant fear of a surprise Japanese attack, a lot of Marines kept their bayonets affixed at all times. 

I am replicating the uniform and gear worn by the second flag raiser from the right who I believe is Franklin Sousley.