Battle of Iwo Jima
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The Battle of Iwo Jima (February-March 1945) took place near the end of World War II, on the volcanic island of Iwo Jima, about 750 miles south of Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean. The Americans invaded this island for use as an emergency air base for bombers and for fighter escorts to operate from. It would also be useful during a planned invasion of the home islands.
Despite intense naval bombardment, the Japanese defenders were able to hide in underground fortifications and conduct a protracted resistance. Their defense of the island and heavy casualties on both sides contributed to the decision to use the atomic bombs a few months later.