Battle Of Iwo Jima

The Battle of Iwo Jima took place near the end of World War II, in 1945. The United States invaded the Japanese territory of Iwo Jima, a volcanic island? in the Pacific Ocean.

Fighting on the island was particularly fierce due to the lack of cover, hostile terrain, and Japanese underground fortifications. Many of the Japanese made bonzai charges or committed suicide rather than surrender.

Offshore, kamikazes attacked the American fleet.

The battle is also famous for the marines capturing Mount Suribachi?, and raising the American flag there. The image was caught on film and also in a still photograph taken by Joe Rosenthal?.

Reasons

• Psychologically important to Japan because home territory, part of Tokyo prefecture
• Provide landing site for damaged B-29 bombers returning from Japan
• Provide base for fighters covering bombers going to Japan
• Deny Japan use of the island as an airbase, clearing the way for invasion

See also

• Ira Hayes?