Charles Lindberg (OH 1224) | Oral History

Charles Lindberg (OH 1224)

Charles W. Lindberg (1920-2007), a North Dakota native, joined the Marines shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Along with other members of Easy Company in the 2nd Battalion, 28th Marine Regiment of the 5th Marine Division, Lindberg participated in the brutal "island-hopping" campaign against the Japanese in the South Pacific. On February 19, 1945, Lindberg and his fellow Marines landed on the rocky island of Iwo Jima during one of the bloodiest battles of World War II, and on February 23 he and five fellow Marines dodged Japanese sniper fire to raise a U.S. flag for the first time over the island's commanding Mount Suribachi. Marine photographer Louis R. Lowery snapped a photograph of the flag-raising. It might have become an iconic symbol of American military resolve in the Pacific Theater if Lindberg's superiors hadn't ordered Marines to raise another flag later that day. Lindberg shared his memories of his World War II service and his thoughts about the way his service has been remembered in a 1998 interview.

Lindberg describes his boot camp experience
Lindberg describes the sense of camaraderie his unit created
Lindberg remembers the amphibious landing at Iwo Jima
Lindberg learns that a second group of Marines has raised a flag at Mt. Suribachi
Lindberg regrets that his unit's role at Iwo Jima has seemingly been forgotten