Rene Gagnon, American soldier (d. 1979)

René Arthur Gagnon, born on March 7, 1925, and passing away on October 12, 1979, was a United States Marine Corps corporal whose service during World War II placed him at the heart of one of history's most iconic moments: the Battle of Iwo Jima. His name became inextricably linked with the dramatic events on Mount Suribachi, specifically the famed second flag-raising. However, the precise nature of his involvement, and indeed the identities of several Marines in the legendary photograph, would eventually become subject to historical re-evaluation.

The Iconic Iwo Jima Flag-Raising and Initial Identification

For decades, René Gagnon was widely recognized as one of the brave Marines depicted in Joe Rosenthal's Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph, "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima," taken on February 23, 1945. This powerful image captured the second U.S. flag being hoisted atop Mount Suribachi, a moment that instantly galvanized a war-weary nation and remains a potent symbol of courage and sacrifice. Its widespread reproduction cemented the image, and the men believed to be in it, into the American consciousness.

Unraveling the Truth: Gagnon's True Role

The story behind the flag-raisings on Iwo Jima is layered. Earlier on that pivotal day, a smaller U.S. flag had been raised. However, it was deemed too small to be seen adequately from the surrounding areas and ships, prompting the decision to replace it with a larger one. René Gagnon, serving as a runner with the 5th Marine Division, played a direct role in this historic replacement; he was entrusted with carrying the larger flag up the formidable slopes of Mount Suribachi. It was this second flag-raising that Joe Rosenthal's camera immortalized.

Yet, the precise identities of the six men in Rosenthal's photograph proved to be a complex puzzle. Gagnon was one of three individuals, alongside Hank Hansen and John Bradley, who were originally, but mistakenly, identified as flag-raisers in the iconic shot. The photograph’s fame and its subsequent use for morale and fundraising purposes led to public scrutiny and, eventually, a thorough re-examination of the historical record.

The Marine Corps Investigation and Re-identification

Decades after the event, advancements in photographic analysis and a renewed commitment to historical accuracy led the Marine Corps to conduct a comprehensive investigation. On October 16, 2019, they publicly announced their findings: Corporal Harold Keller, not René Gagnon, was in Rosenthal's famous photograph. This clarification brought to light the challenges of identifying individuals in the chaotic and often obscured conditions of wartime photography, especially when public memory and national sentiment become deeply intertwined with an image.

Legacy Beyond the Battle

Despite the later correction regarding his presence in the photograph, René Gagnon's involvement in the Iwo Jima flag-raising was undoubtedly significant. He was a crucial participant in the event that the famous image depicted. Following the brutal battle, Gagnon, along with two other men who were identified as surviving participants in the second flag-raising, was reassigned to a vital domestic mission. They traveled across the country to help raise funds for the Seventh War Loan drive, leveraging the image's power to encourage national support for the war effort. This tour underscored the photograph's immense cultural impact and the heroic status bestowed upon the perceived flag-raisers.

The enduring power of Rosenthal's photograph is further exemplified by the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. This magnificent bronze sculpture, a powerful tribute to all Marines who have died in service, is meticulously modeled after the iconic image of the six Marines collectively raising the second flag on Iwo Jima, forever etching that moment into the fabric of American history and memory.

Frequently Asked Questions About René Gagnon and Iwo Jima

Who was René Arthur Gagnon?
René Arthur Gagnon was a United States Marine Corps corporal who participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II, playing a role in the second flag-raising on Mount Suribachi.
What was Gagnon's initial perceived role in the iconic "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima" photograph?
For many years, Gagnon was generally known as being one of the Marines who raised the second U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi and was believed to be depicted in Joe Rosenthal's famous photograph.
Was René Gagnon actually in Joe Rosenthal's iconic photograph of the second flag-raising?
No. On October 16, 2019, the Marine Corps announced after an investigation that Corporal Harold Keller, not Gagnon, was in Rosenthal's photo. Gagnon was one of three men originally identified incorrectly.
What was Gagnon's actual involvement in the Iwo Jima flag-raising?
Gagnon, a runner in the 5th Marine Division, was given a larger flag to carry up Mount Suribachi later on February 23, 1945, to replace the first, smaller flag. He played a direct role in transporting the flag that was subsequently raised.
Why were there two flag-raisings on Mount Suribachi?
The first flag raised was deemed too small to be easily seen from the surrounding areas and ships, so a larger flag was sent up to replace it later the same day.
What did René Gagnon do after the Battle of Iwo Jima?
After the battle, Gagnon and two other men, initially identified as surviving second flag-raisers, were reassigned to help raise funds for the Seventh War Loan drive across the United States.
Is the Marine Corps War Memorial based on the Iwo Jima flag-raising?
Yes, the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, is modeled after Joe Rosenthal's iconic photograph of six Marines raising the second flag on Iwo Jima.