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Author of 'Flags of Our Fathers' Dies at 72
20 Jun
Summary
- Author James Bradley died June 5 at age 72.
- His book, 'Flags of Our Fathers,' became a bestseller.
- The book detailed the Iwo Jima flag-raisers' lives.
James Bradley, the author whose curiosity about his father's Navy service in the Battle of Iwo Jima inspired the best-selling book "Flags of Our Fathers," died on June 5. He was 72.
His book, co-written with Ron Powers, spent 46 weeks on The New York Times best-seller list, reaching the No. 1 spot. It was later adapted into a 2006 film directed by Clint Eastwood. The book chronicles the harrowing experiences of the six flag-raisers during the five-week battle on Iwo Jima.
Bradley's narrative focused on the survivors, including his father, Rene Gagnon, and Ira Hayes, detailing their national war bond tours and subsequent difficult lives. His father, a funeral director, rarely spoke of his combat experiences or his Navy Cross award.
