Marine Who Led Charge to Place American Flag Over Iwo Jima Dies

Teresa Neumann : Feb 19, 2016
Morgan Chalfant-The Washington Free Beacon

"He was a very warm, sensitive, spiritual man all the way to age 94. He honored and loved the Marine Corps with all his heart and soul. He loved his family and his last words were, 'My family.'" -Connie Schultz

(Arvada, CO)—First Lt. John Wells was the man who led the brave charge to plant the American flag atop Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima. The iconic photo of that event is an image forever seared into the annals of American history. (Photo: Harry Cabluck/AP/via MarineCorpsTimes.com)

A native Texan, Wells—recipient of the Navy Cross, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart for his heroic service in the war—died Thursday at a rehabilitation center in Arvada, Colorado.

Wells' daughter, Connie Schultz, was quoted as telling Denver 7 News that her father was a true family man. (Photo: AP/via Freebeacon.com)

"He was a very warm, sensitive, spiritual man all the way to age 94," she said. "He honored and loved the Marine Corps with all his heart and soul. He loved his family and his last words were, 'My family.'"

Click here to read more about Wells and his funeral arrangements.