On February 24, Lt. Schrier ordered Platoon Sgt. Thomas to report early the next morning to Marine Lieutenant General Holland Smith aboard Navy Vice Admiral Richmond K. Turner's flagship the  about the flag raising on Mount Suribachi. On February 25, Platoon Sgt.
On February 24, Lt. Schrier instructed Platoon Sgt. Thomas to arrive early the following morning to meet with Marine Lieutenant General Holland Smith aboard Navy Vice Admiral Richmond K. Turner's flagship the USS Bataan regarding the flag raising on Mount Suribachi. On February 25, Platoon Sgt.