[pfflier]

I think the Marine photographer got a shot from a different angle that shows one group furling the first flag while the second flag is being raised. That picture is here:

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5230/5832867313_70437c1b4d_b.jpg

Looking at that picture it looks like a bunch of grunts just doing what it takes to get the job done.

[xrmusn]

I am not trying to start a ‘food fight’ here but I interpret that picture to be the ‘closest’ flag being taken down to allow the LARGER one to fly.
Note how the guys by the flag appear to be trying to grab it before it hits the ground. (Oh..you said that..<: <:)

Here is a bunch of them... from googling Lou Lowery

https://www.google.com/search?q=Lou+Lowery+Iwo+Jima+Photo&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjxq8vY373ZAhUSS2MKHbnZAHwQ7AkIRA&biw=1920&bih=987