The image is one of the most famous photographs in American history — the flag rising over Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima in 1945.

But what most Americans do not know is this:

There were two flag raisings that day.

In this powerful conversation, bestselling author James Bradley reveals the hidden story behind the photograph that defined the Pacific War. His father, John “Doc” Bradley, was present at the first flag raising — but not the second, more famous one captured by photographer Joe Rosenthal.

When military officials realized the power of the second image, they needed surviving Marines to return home to raise desperately needed war bonds. Bradley’s father — a quiet Navy corpsman who rarely spoke about the war — was pulled into a national campaign built around a single photograph.

But behind the symbol was a brutal battle.

The fight for Iwo Jima was not a clean moment of triumph. It was weeks of cave-to-cave combat, unimaginable casualties, and young men who carried the trauma long after the cameras stopped rolling.

In this episode of Pacific Front Untold, we explore:

The difference between the first and second flag raisings

How wartime propaganda shaped the image

Why the men in the photo struggled with sudden fame

And how memory, myth, and politics transformed a battlefield moment into a national legend

This is not about diminishing heroism.

It is about understanding it fully.

If you care about the untold stories of the Pacific War — the human stories behind the headlines — subscribe to Pacific Front Untold and join us as we revisit history beyond the textbook version.

#IwoJima #PacificWar #WWIIHistory #FlagsOfOurFathers #MilitaryHistory #JamesBradley #PacificFrontUntold

In this compelling discussion, author James Bradley dives deep into his groundbreaking book, The Imperial Cruise, to peel back the layers of American expansionism. Moving beyond the standard "Rough Rider" mythology, Bradley explores how Theodore Roosevelt’s administration fundamentally shaped the trajectory of Asia through secret diplomacy and imperial ambition.

In this conversation, James Bradley discusses his book 'The Imperial Cruise,' which explores the historical context of American imperialism, particularly focusing on Theodore Roosevelt's policies towards Japan and Asia. The discussion covers the opening of Japan by Commodore Perry, Japan's military transformation, the Sino-Japanese War, and the Russo-Japanese War, highlighting Roosevelt's role in these events. Bradley emphasizes the propaganda efforts led by Baron Kaneko and the implications of Roosevelt's actions on Korea and Japan's future. The conversation concludes with reflections on Roosevelt's legacy and the ongoing impact of his policies.


Takeaways
James Bradley's book reevaluates Theodore Roosevelt's administration.
The U.S. had a vested interest in Japan's military growth.
Japan's transformation was influenced by Western imperialism.
Roosevelt's policies had long-lasting effects on Asia.
Roosevelt proposed a Monroe Doctrine for Japan.
Baron Kaneko played a crucial role in American propaganda.
The Russo-Japanese War was a pivotal moment in history.
Roosevelt's image as a hero is challenged by historical facts.
The legacy of American imperialism continues to affect relations today.
The Imperial Cruise reveals hidden narratives of American history.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Imperial Cruise
00:30 The Historical Context of Theodore Roosevelt
02:19 Commodore Perry and American Expansionism
05:48 Japan's Response to Western Imperialism
08:39 The Concept of American Progress
11:50 Japan's Military Ambitions and Early Victories
17:12 The Role of Theodore Roosevelt in Japanese Expansion
21:00 Baron Kanoko and American Propaganda
25:15 The Japanese Monroe Doctrine
29:01 The Secret Negotiations of Roosevelt
32:18 The Imperial Cruise and Its Implications
35:27 The Legacy of Roosevelt's Policies
38:06 The Myth of Teddy Roosevelt

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#TheImperialCruise #JamesBradley #TheodoreRoosevelt #AmericanHistory #Imperialism #AsianHistory #WWI #Geopolitics #MilitaryHistory #USJapanRelations #HiddenHistory #HistoryPodcast #RooseveltLegacy #ForeignPolicy #PacificAtrocities

Discover the origins of Japan's pacifist stance under Article 9, how it has been strategically modified over time, and what this means for regional stability and potential global conflict. This episode offers a detailed historical and geopolitical analysis of Japan, China, and the risk factors that could lead to a larger war in Asia.


Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Article 9 and regional security concerns
00:21 - What is Article 9 and its origins post-World War II
01:10 - The explicit peace clause in Japan's constitution
02:13 - The context of Japan's militarization during the occupation
02:29 - Japan's imperial expansion and the threat of WWII
04:18 - The scale of WWII casualties caused by Japanese aggression
06:18 - How Japan might revoke or reinterpret Article 9
06:56 - Political figures and legal changes to Japan’s self-defense policies
07:23 - The 2015 revision: collective self-defense and regional threats
09:47 - Media narratives and regional fearmongering about China
12:42 - The potential for conflict over Taiwan and the historical background
14:12 - Treaties recognizing Taiwan as part of China
16:01 - The role of US and Japanese support for separatism in Taiwan
19:26 - Historical lessons from Japan’s manipulation of Manchuria and early 20th-century invasions
22:17 - Rhetoric comparing historical invasions to current provocations
25:20 - Deepening connections between Japanese elites and past imperial lineages
28:20 - Military advancements and the strategic risk of blockade and proxy conflicts
33:02 - The long-term US military support for Taiwan and strategic questions

Resources & Links:
The Rise of the Kwantung Army, Japan's Empire in Manchuria to 1932
https://a.co/d/04GOpO4w
Japanese Constitution (Article 9 details)
https://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html
Shinzo Abe's 2015 Security Legislation
https://japan.kantei.go.jp/97_abe/statement/201505/0514kaiken.html
US-Taiwan Relations - Shanghai Communique
https://history.state.gov/milestones/1969-1976/rapprochement-china#:~:text=The%20People's%20Republic%20of%20China%20affirmed%20that%20Taiwan%20was%20a,States%20and%20the%20Soviet%20Union.
China’s Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles
https://news.usni.org/2025/12/26/chinese-forces-fielding-intercontinental-anti-ship-ballistic-missiles-capable-of-reaching-u-s-west-coast-pentagon-says
Louise Young, Japan’s Total Empire (Historical context of Japanese imperialism)
https://www.amazon.com/Japans-Total-Empire-Manchuria-Imperialism/dp/0520219341


Support our work at
pacificatrocities.org/support-us

What is gunboat diplomacy—and why does it keep coming back?

In this episode of Pacific Front Untold, we trace the long arc of gunboat diplomacy: the use of military force, intimidation, and spectacle to shape global politics. From 19th-century imperial expansion to modern geopolitical standoffs, this strategy has repeatedly reshaped nations—and public opinion.

We begin with the origins of gunboat diplomacy and examine key historical case studies, including Venezuela, the arrival of the U.S. Navy’s “Black Ships” in Japan, and America’s expansion into the Philippines. Along the way, we explore how media influence and yellow journalism helped manufacture consent for war, turning aggression into “necessity” and empire into “destiny.”

The episode also looks closely at Theodore Roosevelt’s role in American imperialism, the power dynamics behind intervention, and how propaganda operates not just through weapons—but through headlines. Finally, we connect past to present by examining Japan’s current position in global politics and asking an uncomfortable question: Has gunboat diplomacy ever really disappeared, or has it just changed its language?

This is not just a history lesson—it’s a warning about cycles of power, media, and war that continue to shape our world today.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Gunboat Diplomacy
00:54 Historical Context of Gunboat Diplomacy
02:03 The Case of Venezuela
03:56 Understanding Power Dynamics in Venezuela
04:56 The Black Ships and Japan's Opening
08:53 Media Influence and Yellow Journalism
11:06 The Philippines and American Expansionism
15:05 The Role of Propaganda in War
19:35 Teddy Roosevelt and American Imperialism
21:32 Japan's Current Role in Global Politics
27:24 Venezuela's Geopolitical Landscape
29:55 The Future of Gunboat Diplomacy
34:13 The Cycle of History and War
39:51 Conclusion and Reflections on Media

In this conversation, historian James Bradley and Quin Cho discuss America's national security strategy amid rising tensions with China. They explore the economic foundations of military power, the implications of the military-industrial complex, and the role of allies like Japan and South Korea. The discussion also touches on historical perspectives, media influence, and the potential for peace amidst growing militarization.

In this episode, Jenny Chan and Kayla Dones discuss a range of topics, including Jenny's recent interviews with authors, particularly focusing on Operation Ichigo, a significant yet often overlooked military campaign during World War II. They delve into the complexities of Japanese military strategies, the role of US involvement, and the political turmoil surrounding key figures like Tojo. The conversation also explores the broader implications of these historical events on modern geopolitics and the lessons learned from past conflicts. For more: https://www.pacificatrocities.org/blog/operation-ichi-go

For the first time ever, New York Times bestselling author James Bradley (Flags of Our Fathers, Fly Boys, Imperial Cruise, China Mirage, Precious Freedom) reveals all — the raw, unfiltered story of how a kid from Wisconsin became the world’s leading Pacific military historian. From 27 brutal publisher rejections to #1 bestseller in 40+ languages… From his father’s war bonds tour with John Wayne to behind-the-scenes with Clint Eastwood… From 1970s Tokyo streets to sealed Marine files… This is a series of deep dives with personal letters, the lost tapes, the truths Hollywood cut, and the Pacific atrocities (Iwo Jima, Chichijima incident, torture prisons) no one wanted told. Co-hosted by Jenny Chan of Pacific Atrocities Education. 2 explosive episodes per month. No filters. No myths. Just the truth.

This clip features a conversation with the author of The Able Queen, Rainy Horvath. The discussion delves into the author's journey, the inspiration behind their work, and the historical context of World War II aviation, particularly focusing on the Hump operation. The author shares personal anecdotes and insights into their father's experiences during the war, highlighting themes of cross-cultural resilience and the humanization of war.

Did the U.S. and China share a true alliance in WWII, or was it a facade betrayed by postwar cover-ups? Join Jenny Chan and investigative journalist Kayla Dones as we uncover the untold story of China’s 14 million deaths, the Flying Tigers, and the Doolittle Raid’s deadly aftermath tied to Unit 731’s bioweapons. From PAE’s exclusive archives, we reveal how Japan’s virus hunts and U.S. complicity echo today’s tensions

Why is this history taboo in 2025, and could it change U.S.-China relations? Subscribe for more hidden WWII Pacific stories: youtube.com/@PacificFrontUntold Support PAE’s mission: Donate to preserve survivor testimonies: pacificatrocities.org/donate Read more: Grab Marutas of Unit 731 by Jenny Chan on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hGa2kzz