Being only 5’5″, photographer Joe Rosenthal had to climb on top of a Japanese sandbag to snap a photo while on this peak

On the Jeopardy episode airing Monday, January 19, 2026, contestants faced a compelling clue in the category “Famous Photos.” The clue transported viewers to one of the most iconic moments in wartime journalism and highlighted the extraordinary conditions under which history was captured. The clue read: “Being only 5’5″, photographer Joe Rosenthal had to climb on top of a Japanese sandbag to snap a photo while on this peak.” This clue prompted contestants to think back to a pivotal scene from World War II, one that became an enduring symbol of American resilience and unity.

What is Mount Suribachi?

The correct response to the Final Jeopardy clue was: What is Mount Suribachi? This volcanic peak on the island of Iwo Jima was the site of one of the most enduring photographs in U.S. history—Joe Rosenthal’s image of five Marines and a Navy corpsman raising the American flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945.

Mount Suribachi stands at the southwestern tip of Iwo Jima and rises to a height of about 546 feet. Though not a towering mountain, its prominence on the relatively flat island gave it a strategic advantage during the war. Capturing this point was a major objective for U.S. forces during the battle, as it provided a critical vantage point over the rest of the island.

The Story Behind the Photo

Joe Rosenthal, an Associated Press photographer, captured the now-famous image on February 23, 1945. The photograph depicts six servicemen raising the second American flag on Mount Suribachi after the first flag was deemed too small to be visible from a distance. Rosenthal had arrived shortly after the initial flag was raised and, when he learned a second flag was being brought up, quickly prepared to capture the moment.

Standing only five feet five inches tall, Rosenthal reportedly needed to climb on top of a Japanese sandbag emplacement to get a clear angle of the scene. He used a Speed Graphic camera with no viewfinder and snapped the shot without knowing whether it would be usable. The resulting image turned out to be not only usable, but legendary.

Impact and Legacy of the Image

Rosenthal’s photograph became an instant classic, symbolizing the determination and sacrifice of American troops. It was widely published in newspapers across the United States and went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Photography in 1945, the same year it was taken. The image served as the model for the Marine Corps War Memorial near Arlington National Cemetery, immortalizing the moment in bronze.

Despite its fame, the photograph also sparked debates and confusion over the identities of the men depicted and the staging of the photo. Rosenthal himself faced accusations of having staged the moment, which he consistently denied. He later clarified that he had posed a group shot of the Marines after the flag raising but that the famous image was spontaneous and authentic.

The Significance of Mount Suribachi

Mount Suribachi remains a key symbol in the history of World War II and American military history. The battle for Iwo Jima was one of the bloodiest in the Pacific Theater, with nearly 7,000 U.S. servicemen losing their lives. The raising of the flag atop Suribachi provided a rare moment of hope and triumph amid the grim realities of combat.

Today, Mount Suribachi is recognized not just as a geographic feature but as a location steeped in historical significance. It stands as a testament to the bravery of those who fought there and to the power of photography to capture and preserve defining moments in human history.

A Lasting Image from a Moment in Time

Joe Rosenthal’s quick instincts and determination to get the shot, despite physical and environmental limitations, led to one of the most widely recognized photographs ever taken. His work on Mount Suribachi offers an enduring reminder of how the tools of journalism—paired with courage and timing—can create something that resonates across generations.

The Final Jeopardy clue on January 19 invited viewers to recall not just a place or a photo, but a moment that has been etched into the historical memory of a nation. Mount Suribachi and the image it gave the world continue to stand as icons of sacrifice, unity, and the enduring power of visual storytelling.