Mike East

US Marines who lowered embassy flag in 1961 back in Havana

Jim Tracy, Mike East and Larry C. Morris received a standing ovation at the seaside diplomatic mission as they handed a folded flag to three active Marines, who raised it to a brass band rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Secretary of State John Kerry lauded the men for their composure during a tense moment, in 1961, when they emerged from the building to find a large crowd between them and the flagpole.