Making more Mike Stranks – teaching values in the United States Marine Corps

Abstract

Why the Corps has values Mike Strank released the American flag into the February wind that blew from behind. He steadied his five weary men as they raised a makeshift flagpole atop which the Stars and Stripes whipped straight and true. Across Iwo Jima and offshore, Americans paused briefly in recognition of the flag's message – they would prevail. In one modest act, the six Marines forged an enduring symbol of the honor, courage, and commitment upon which the Marine Corps depends upon in peace and war. Sergeant Strank, who later died leading his men on that island, embodied the qualities found in the best of leaders. He forged the group of men who raised the flag; he steadied them morally and mentally through trial after trial just as he steadied them physically on that windy February day; and he remained committed to their success and well being until the day he died. One of his contemporaries, Joe Rodriguez, offered Everybody idolized Mike. He was a born leader, a natural leader, and a leader by example. Harlon, Ira and Franklin all loved him. Even his lieutenant, Lieutenant Pennel, stood somewhat in awe of Mike. How did Mike Strank become such a “natural” leader? Some declare that he was made into a leader at Marine Corps boot camp; others insist that leaders like Mike are born and not made. To the US Marine Corps, the argument misses a simple point: the Corps and America will never have enough Mike Stranks – we will always need more.