James Bradley, a renowned author, harnessed his intrigue surrounding his father’s military service during the Battle of Iwo Jima into the acclaimed book “Flags of Our Fathers.” The narrative explored both the famous photograph of U.S. servicemen raising the flag on Mount Suribachi and the story behind it, although it was mistakenly believed his father was featured in the image. Bradley passed away at age 72 on June 5, as confirmed by his daughter, Alison Cinnamond, who refrained from sharing further details.

Co-authored with Ron Powers, a Pulitzer Prize recipient, “Flags of Our Fathers” remained on the New York Times best-seller list for 46 weeks, eventually reaching the top position. The book was later adapted into a film directed by Clint Eastwood in 2006, with Ryan Phillippe portraying Bradley’s father. The work vividly depicts the brutal, five-week battle against Japanese forces on the small volcanic island of Iwo Jima. The conflict resulted in the deaths of approximately 6,800 American personnel, including three of the six flag raisers.

Through his book, Bradley chronicled the lives of the surviving flag raisers, including his father, John (Doc) Bradley, as well as Rene Gagnon and Ira Hayes. After their return to the United States, these men participated in a national war bonds tour and navigated their challenging postwar experiences. Doc Bradley, who settled into a career as a funeral director in Antigo, Wisconsin, seldom discussed his wartime ordeals. Notably, he was awarded the Navy Cross for his brave efforts in treating and rescuing a fellow Marine amid enemy fire in Iwo Jima.