Flag Raising on Iwo Jima (1945) – Joe Rosenthal

Around 21,000 Japanese and 6,800 Americans died fighting on the island of Iwo Jima. The US conquered Mount Suribachi on the fifth day, and the Marines raised a flag, but the commander wanted a bigger one to dishearten their enemies. These six men were just following the order, and Associated Press’ Joe Rosenthal captured one of the most striking war pictures in history.

This Pulitzer-winning picture immortalized the moment so much that it was turned into a postage stamp. A bronze memorial was cast and displayed in Washington to commemorate the 179th anniversary of the Marine Corps.