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Raymond Jacobs Obituary
Jacobs died Jan. 29 at a Redding hospital, his daughter, Nancy Jacobs, told The Associated Press.
Jacobs spent his later years working to prove that he was the radio operator photographed gazing up at the American flag as it was being raised by other Marines over Mount Suribachi on Feb. 23, 1945.
Newspaper accounts from the time show he was on the mountain during the initial raising of a smaller American flag, though he had returned to his unit by the time a more famous AP photograph was taken of a flag-raising re-enactment later the same day.
Annette Amerman, a historian with the Marine Corps History Division, said in an e-mailed statement "there are many that believe" Jacobs was the radioman. "However, there are no official records produced at the time that can prove or refute Mr. Jacobs' location."
The man with a radio on his back had usually been identified as Pfc. Gene Marshall, a radio operator with the 5th Marine Division who died in 1987. The other men involved in the raising all have died.
Jacobs was honorably discharged in 1946. He was called up during the Korean conflict in 1951 before retiring as a sergeant, his daughter said.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
64 Entries
marcia brandwynne
February 18, 2021
Ray hired the first woman to anchor the prime time news at KTVU in the early 70's. That was me. He was a good boss, someone who listened and had heart. He was a good and decent man as I remember him.
Russ Melgar
December 30, 2020
The man was tough but fair. And a real, rare gentlemen. God speed sir
Harry Simpson
January 29, 2015
Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni.
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
January 29, 2014
My Condolences to the Jacobs family. Ps 37: 11, 29. In hopes this will bring some comfort
How you can show support
Sgt. Terry Yuhouse
May 2, 2009
It was an honor to speak with you back in Feb. of 2007. I believe ya. You will be missed.
Chief Will Urick
April 8, 2008
Ray,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. you are a hero! thanks for all of your emails- you made a difference! As I always told you... Go Air Force! and okay.. Semper Fi
your friend Will
Betty McMahon
April 5, 2008
A Letter to Ray from Betty:
Dear Ray - I'm so sorry to hear that I won't be seeing you at future Marine Corps. activities. However, I will never forget meeting you in Minnesota and keeping in touch with you ever since. I will treasure the copy you gave me of "Iwo Jima, Feb.23,1945-First Flag Raising-An Eyewitness Account by Radioman Raymond Jacobs." You did so much work to prove you were there. I believed you Ray.
Your note to me still brings tears to my eyes. It says "To Betty Boop for your friendship & support. Your Dad and I will always be together on Mt. Suribachi."
Rest in peace my hero. You deserve it.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Jacobs' Family at this time.
Semper Fi,
Pfc. James Michels' (foreground in 1st Iwo Jima Flag raising) daughter
February 21, 2008
I am very sorry to hear this trajic newa, I am a USNavy Corpsman serving with the fleet marine force. The Iwo Jima flag raising is found nearly everywhere I read and study here on base, and on most every base. I wish you all the best, I know we lost a good man.
American Hero
Wade L. Brooks
February 21, 2008
Jacob's family,
I pray with you and also mourn the lose of this Wonderful, Great American Patiriot Hero, who not only fought for the freedom of all Americans, but the freedom of the World.
Peace be to you knowing Raymond's job on Earth is "Misson Accomplished"
Son of TSGT Kenneth Cross
USMC (40-46) Battled at Midway
Patrick Buckles, GySgt., USMC, Ret.
February 12, 2008
Thank you, and Semper Fi.
Ginger Morton
February 10, 2008
Jacobs family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Everyone in the U.S. has lost a great man, even though we did not know him personally.
We thank God for his service to our country and for helping to keep us free.
(G-niece of LTCol. Tom Trotti, KIA Iwo Jima)
Herb Cram
February 8, 2008
To the Jacobs family, I am so sorry for your loss, another member of "Americas Greatest Generation" has passed. A Marine during a time when "uncommon valor was a common virtue", a heroic participant in an event that will live on forever and set the standard for all Marines to follow. Thank you, Ray Jacobs, for your sacrifices that have allowed me the freedoms that I have. May God bless your soul. SEMPER FIDELIS
Linda Wood
February 7, 2008
I didn't personally know Raymond but Jay Julian (whom I graduated high school with) has been gracious enough to keep me infomed over the past couple years. I commend you for all your accomplishments.
Lance and Becky Turner
February 7, 2008
Rest in peace brave Marine. Your earthly job is done. Our sincere sympathies to the family and friends of this WWII hero. Rest in peace, Mr. Jacobs, and may the angels greet you at the gates of Heaven.
Gloria & Harry
February 7, 2008
Im sorry for your loss, I know that you dont know me but I feel your pain. Raymond-thank you.
John Jacobs
February 6, 2008
All of your Dad's generation who met the call should be honored. My Dad, Paul Jacobs, fought with Merrill's Marauders in Berma. A few years ago, I tried to document his service and found that all of the records had been lost. I quess that it is not the records that are important.
Trapper Sherwood
February 6, 2008
Thank you.
Semper Fi Marine.
Jim S. Keller
February 6, 2008
Simper Fi Ray. I was in the Fighting 4th div., on the north end of the island when the flag went up. It was a sobering moment for all of us to see our Flag flying over the island. My cousin was killed on the mountain. We should all pray this never happens again.
Samuel Kurtz III
February 6, 2008
God bless Raymond Jacobs and God bless the U.S.A. It doesn't matter if he was the radio operator it maters that he went through Hell so you and me could be FREE.
Ivy Faber
February 6, 2008
Sorry about the death of your loved one. May you find comfort in knowing that one day soon God will put an end to all sickness,pain, suffering and even death.
Respectfully,
Jeff Dunnett
February 6, 2008
To the Jacobs Family,
My heart goes out to you , having just lost my Dad 2 weeks ago today, he too was a WWII vet. THANK YOU SIR, for your service to our country, for they truly were part of the GREATEST GENERATION.
Amy Hogan
February 6, 2008
To a Hero who will live on in the hearts of all Americans.
Semper Fi and rest easy.
Robert O'Neill
February 6, 2008
Condolences to the Jacobs' family. Semper Fidelis Marine, rest in peace.
Jim McCallum
February 6, 2008
Thank YOU for your Service and contribution to peace in the world. You will not be fogotten.
SEMPER FI MARINE
Jeff Speights LtCol, USMC (Ret.)
February 6, 2008
To the Jacobs family: My prayers go out to you during this time of loss. Your husband/father, as you well know, was a true American hero, and an inspiration to thousands of Marines. It was my honor to meet him at the Museum's dedication in 2006. God Bless Ray Jacobs. Semper Fidelis.
Juanita Mikell
February 6, 2008
To the Jacobs Family, may the God of peace and comfort be with you today and everyday during this time of deep sadness. Psalms 83:18
Andrew Revering
February 6, 2008
Ray Jacobs Family: My prayers and thoughts are with you in these initial difficult times. I lost my wife a year ago, so I truly understand the depth of your sorrow. I will always treasure a certificate signed by Ray making an old Air Force veteran an honorary Marine. He will always be one of my greatest Heroes. Andy Revering
Tim Robinson
February 6, 2008
To the Family of my Fellow Marine, it matters not whether it was the first flag or no flag, all I ask is that you RIP under the flag for which you so gallantly fought! Your place in the history of this great nation will live on for many years to come. Having traveled to Iwo Jima on 2 different occsaions, I can say, you had to do remarkable things in order to survive that place. Semper Fi Brother
SgtMaj Robinson
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
February 6, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to the Jacobs family in the loss of Raymond. Raymond thank you for serving.
Hiltrude Watts
February 5, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Tom Walker
February 5, 2008
May he rest in peace.....it is men like Ray who gave us what we have and treasure today...our freedom, and our families......Thank you forever, Ray...
Dave Greenbaum
February 5, 2008
Thank you and welcome home!
DUANE Kiser
February 5, 2008
On behalf of a Greatfull nation, I as an average everyday american who has had the priveledge of being free would like to pay tribute for your courage and sacrifice. Salute!
Dennis Ebner
February 5, 2008
Deepest sympathize to the family.
Tom Allen
February 5, 2008
Thank you, Mr. Jacobs, for your service to our country. My condolences to you family.
Mike Enright
February 5, 2008
Sgt. Jacobs,
Thank you for your loyal service to our nation. Rest well Marine!
Paul Ortiz
February 5, 2008
TO Ray Jacob's wonderful family, my prayers and comments were forwarded earlier - great memories for a great American, a great father, a great friend and a Marine Warrior! Semper Fi Paul Ortiz Colonel, USMC (Retired)
Radio Operator Ray Jacobns on Iwo Jima Feb 1943
February 5, 2008
Fifth Marine Div. Memorial Iwo Jima
February 5, 2008
12 Original Signers of John Shaw's Lithograph
February 5, 2008
Just an OLd Fashion Flag Raising
February 5, 2008
A Hard Won Haven
February 5, 2008
S.W Dockham
February 5, 2008
Semper Fi Marine, Thank you for your honor and courage, may you rest in peace!
Charlene Ainsworth
February 5, 2008
As the mother of an ex U.S. Sailor and an active duty U.S. Marine, I share in the pride you feel for your loved one, and in your loss of a life well-lived. I shudder to think where our country would be without the sacrifice of Mr. Jacobs and others like him. We owe our great freedoms to each member of our military (past, present and future)and to their loved ones for their sacrifices. May your memories comfort you. God bless you.
Respectfully, Charlene Ainsworth
Clarice Barron
February 5, 2008
Thanks to great, heroic, unselfish people like Raymond Jacobs we Americans can enjoy so many freedoms. May God bless his family and may God bless America.
Thomas Farrell
February 5, 2008
Ray you were a great friend and a true gentleman. Semper Fi Marine.
Lee Williams
February 5, 2008
God Bless you and your family, you are a Hero..
William Richee
February 5, 2008
Thank you for your sacrifice and service to our country. May your soul be at peace now.
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
February 5, 2008
REST IN PEACE
An End of an Era - and A Time to Remember
Jay julian
February 5, 2008
Ray, I know you can hear me - I just want you to know I will deliver all those cherished momemtos of yours to your family in March. You departed to soon for me to deliver them in person. I forgive you, as I know God has a new mission for you. I just want you to know I am both honored and proud to say you were my friend as well as a fellow Marine. I treasure those emails you sent me while I was training cops in Iraq and the time we spent together at the dedication of the National Marine Corps Museum in Quantico on Nov 10. 2006. In addition to being a true gentleman, you will always be known as the Marines, Marine. Rest in peace "Sparks" Semper FI -
Chris & Michael Smith
February 5, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We appreciate all you did. God Bless American and God Bless you.
Hartford, Connecticut
February 5, 2008
May Sgt.Jacobs be met at the gates by the Honor Guard in dress blues. And may the memory of his contribution comfort his family.
Stephanie Rodriguez
February 5, 2008
Semper Fi!! God Bless you Sgt. Jacobs. Thank you for your service.
Rodney & Beverly Colling
February 5, 2008
Thank you Ray, for your service to this great nation, The United States Of America.
Terrence Crooks
February 5, 2008
Semper Fidelis. May u now rest in peace and guard the pearly gates of heaven.
James Crosslin
February 5, 2008
Semper Fi! May you rest in peace.
Martha
February 5, 2008
A grateful nation thanks you for your service. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.
Paul Renfro
February 5, 2008
Thank you for defending our flag and keeping us free. Your service means more to me than you'll ever know.
Jim
February 5, 2008
Another American Hero now guarding the Pearly Gates. God's speed Marine...........
Bill Fead
February 5, 2008
Thanks for your Military Service.
Past Commander V.F.W.
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