1945

John Bradley

John Bradley of Appleton cared for wounded soldiers as a combat medic in the 3rd platoon of "Easy" Company. The Company invaded Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945, as part of a 70,000 Marine invasion force. "Easy" Company fought Japanese soldiers hidden in dugouts in Mount Suribachi on the south side of the island. Bradley received a Navy Cross for saving a Marine's life during heavy crossfire. He became a national hero when he and a group of Marines raised an American flag on the mountain.

Map of Iwo Jima

Bradley left Iwo Jima on March 11 after a Japanese mortar shell injured both his legs. He continued to serve his country as a spokesman in a war bond drive. Bradley returned to Appleton and married his grade school sweetheart, Betty Van Gorp, after the war. The couple moved to Antigo and raised eight children. Bradley ran a funeral home until he retired in 1990. He died at the age of 70 on January 11, 1994.

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Navy Pharmacist Mate John Bradley poses in dress uniform, 1944
Courtesy of Elizabeth Bradley

Bradley acted as a combat medic for Company E, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines. He landed on Iwo Jima in the twelfth wave at 9:55 am on February 19, 1945.