Staff Sgt . Michael Strank was among those who famously raised flag on Okinawa Island . However , U.S . Strank , born in Czechoslovakia , became a US citizen after his father was naturalized . Strank , killed on Iwo Jima in World War II battle , did n't have citizenship papers . Certificate given to his sister on Tuesday .
Staff Sgt . Michael Strank was among those who famously raised flag on Okinawa Island . Strank , born in Czechoslovakia , became a US citizen after his father was naturalized . Strank , killed on Iwo Jima in World War II battle , did n't have citizenship papers . Certificate given to his sister on Tuesday .