ANTIGO, Wis. — James Bradley, the bestselling American author whose historical works brought renewed focus to the Pacific Theater of World War II, has died at age 72.
According to published reports and an obituary released by his family, Bradley passed away on June 5, 2026. Additional details regarding the cause of death were not immediately disclosed.
Bradley was best known as co-author of Flags of Our Fathers, the landmark 2000 book written with Ron Powers. The work chronicled the lives of the men associated with the iconic flag-raising on Iwo Jima during World War II. The book became a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a critically acclaimed 2006 film directed by Clint Eastwood.
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Bradley had a personal connection to the story that shaped his literary career. He was the son of John Bradley, the Navy corpsman long believed to be among those depicted in the famous Iwo Jima flag-raising photograph. That family history sparked his lifelong interest in military history and his commitment to telling the stories of American service members.
Beyond Flags of Our Fathers, Bradley authored several widely read titles, including Flyboys and The Imperial Cruise. His books drew praise for meticulous research, compelling narrative style, and a willingness to examine overlooked or controversial aspects of American and international history.
Throughout his career, Bradley helped bring national attention to lesser-known stories from World War II and encouraged broader conversations about memory, sacrifice, and the human experiences behind historical events. His writings remain influential in both academic and historical circles and continue to be read by those seeking a deeper understanding of the Pacific War and America’s global legacy.
