Conversation so far:
Was Ira Hayes one of the people who raised the flag on Iwo Jima?
Ira Hayes was one of the six flag raisers immortalized in the iconic photograph of the second flag raising on Iwo Jima during World War II.
How many people were involved with the raising of the flag in Iwo Jima?
Six. Sergeant Michael Strank, three Marines form his rifle Squad in Second Platoon, Easy Company (Corporal Harlon Block, Private First Class Franklin Sousley, and Ira Hayes), Marine Private First Class Rene Gagnon and Private First Class Harold Schultz.
How were the three Marines from rifle squad, Easy Company chosen for the second flag raising on Iwo Jima?
Sergeant Michael Strank, was ordered to take three Marines from his rifle squad, Easy Company, to bring supplies up Mount Suribachi and raise a larger flag on the summit.
Were these three Marines from the rifle squad, Easy Company, chosen for any particular reason for the second flag raising on Iwo Jima?

Question: Why was a replacement flag needed?
Self-contained rewrite: Why was a replacement flag needed at Iwo Jima?