Approximately two hours after the first flag was raised, Lt. Col. Johnson decided that a larger U.S flag should replace it so the flag could be more visible on the other side of the mountain where thousands of Marines were fighting to take island. Sgt. Michael Strank, a rifle squad leader of Second Platoon, E Company, was ordered by Captain Severance to take three of his Marines up to the top pf Mount Suribachi and raise a second flag which was obtained from one of the ships docked on shore. Sgt. Strank selected Cpl. Harlon Block, Pfc. Ira Hayes, and Pfc. Franklin Sousley. Capt. Severance also ordered Pfc. Gagnon, E Company's runner, to take radio batteries and the replacement flag up the mountain and return back with the battalion's flag.