In this Feb 23, 1945, file photo, U.S. Marines of the 28th Regiment, 5th Division, raise the American flag atop Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima, Japan.

WASHINGTON — Pfc. Harold Schultz was actually one of the Marines who raised the American flag over Iwo Jima in 1945 in what is considered “the most famous war photograph,” the Marines acknowledged Thursday.

The photo captured the imagination of the nation at the time, Marines raising the flag atop Mt. Suribachi during the World War II battle to control the Pacific Ocean island. The men who were identified in the image went on a U.S. tour and were hailed as heroes. But Schultz was not part of that celebration. Instead, Navy Pharmacist’s Mate 2nd Class John Bradley was identified as the servicemember in the photo not Schultz. Bradley’s life inspired the book and movie “Flags of Our Fathers.”

Schultz died in 1995 without being recognized as the Marine in the iconic photo.

Gen. Robert Neller, commandant of the Marine Corps, launched an investigation into the accuracy of the photograph after two researchers raised questions about whether the identities were correct. A panel determined it was Schultz after reviewing related images and film.

“Our history is important to us, and we have a responsibility to ensure it’s right,” Neller said.

The Marines’ history will now show that the six men raising the flag in the photo were: Cpl. Harlon Block, Pfc. Rene Gagnon, Pfc. Ira Hayes, Pfc. Harold Schultz, Pfc. Franklin Sousley, and Sgt. Michael Strank.

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