Clem , who was on Iwo Jima when U.S. forces , in a brutal battle , took over that island between Japan and the Philippine Islands , and the iconic flag - raising photo was taken .
Because before he was Coach Clem , he was U.S. Marine Pvt .
Coach , who was on Iwo Jima when U.S. forces , in a brutal battle , took over that island between Japan and the Philippine Islands , and the iconic flag - raising photo was taken .
Because before he was Coach Clem , he was U.S. Marine Pvt .