Charles W. Lindberg - Post-war and Later Life

Post-war and Later Life

After being shot in the arm by a Japanese sniper on March 1, 1945, Corporal Lindberg was evacuated from the island to recuperate. When he was honorably discharged in 1946, Lindberg returned home to Grand Forks, North Dakota, married, moved to Richfield, Minnesota, raised two daughters and three sons, and worked as an electrician for 39 years.

Proud of his military service, he often spoke of his role in the first flag raising, only to have his account called into question, until the facts became known to the general public. Later in life, he often spoke at schools, sharing his memories of his wartime service with the children. He returned to Iwo Jima in 1995 for the 50th anniversary of the battle.

In a tribute to Lindberg, KARE TV ran the following report:

At Fort Snelling, Friday, June 29th, 2007 the nation bid farewell to a true World War II hero. Marine Chuck Lindberg was laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

The thundering jet fighters and some vintage WWII planes flew overhead to pay tribute. And it was well deserved.

Lindberg was the last survivor of the first flag-raising on Iwo Jima's Mount Suribachi. But his moment was overshadowed by a second flag-raising. He spent a lifetime correcting the record.

Still, on this Friday at Fort Snelling, there was no doubt about history's record.

During the ceremony one of Lindberg's daughters, Diane Steiger said, "The angels needn't worry tonight, another Marine has arrived. Our hero has gone home, the heavens are safer tonight."