Pauline Georgette Harnois

Pauline Georgette Harnois (January 16, 1926 - January 16, 2006) is mainly known for being married to Rene Gagnon, a flag raiser in the World War II photograph "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima".

Early life

Pauline worked at Chicopee Manufacturing Plant in Chicopee Massachusetts, which made primarily gauze and cheesecloth. Pauline met Rene when he was old enough to be at the mill, and soon spent a lot of time with him. Rene promised he would would marry her after he returned from war.

Post-War and Marriage

After the war, Rene considered waiting a while before marrying Pauline. Therefore, she appeared before the media on the Seventh Bond Tour to raise money for the war. Eventually, she married Rene and had one son with him, Rene Gagnon, Jr.

Post-Marriage

After Rene's death Pauline pushed the federal government for Rene to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. At first they disagreed with her, but after two years and a telephone publicity campaign, she got Rene's remains to be moved to Arlington.

Portrayal in film

Pauline Harnois is featured in the 2006 Clint Eastwood movie "Flags of Our Fathers", where she is played by New Zealander actress Melanie Lynskey. The movie is based on the book of the same title.