He was part of the combat patrol that climbed up Mount Suribachi and raised the first American flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima, on February 23, 1945.
[2] On February 23, Michels was part of the 40-man combat patrol that was sent at 8 AM to climb up the east slope of Mount Suribach to seize and occupy the crest.
[5] Michels' military decorations and awards include: The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal required 4 years service in World War II.
Michels was immortalized in Marine Staff Sergeant Lou Lowery's photograph of the first American flag flying over Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima.
Michels is shown on guard with his M1 carbine while three other members of the patrol place the flagstaff more securely into the ground to keep it vertical in the high winds on the volcano.