n the midst of the fighting on Iwo Jima, Pfc. James E. Leach receives a haircut from his squad leader, Cpl. John M. Luttrell, on February 23, 1945.
Both Marines were serving with the 5th Marine Division during the battle. The photograph captures a brief moment of normalcy amid one of the bloodiest campaigns of the Pacific War.
Leach survived World War II and died in 2002 at the age of 81. Luttrell also survived the war and died in 2000 at the age of 77.
Location: Iwo Jima, Japan
Date: February 23, 1945
Unit: 5th Marine Division
Source: U.S. National Archives
National Archives Identifier: 789575
Photo credit: U.S. National Archives