Battle of Iwo Jima

Iwo Jima, Battle of, one of the most costly battles of the Pacific campaign of

WWII, fought in February and March 1945 on the island of Iwo Jima. About 6800 U. S.

personnel lost their lives in seizing the island from the Japanese; Japanese losses were

estimated at more than 21,000. The capture of the island provided American air units

with the first base inside the Japanese inner-defense system from which to attack the heart

if industrial Japan with medium bombers escorted by fighters.

Before the actual invasion on February 19, the island was subjected to air and sea

bombing for three months. In spite of the preinvasion attack, some Japanese were still

firmly entrenched in underground fortifications in soft volcanic soil. The Marines secured

the island after a month of the most severe fighting in their history. Mount Suribachi, the

highest point on the island and an important defense position, was captured on February

23, 1945. The campaign was officially declared ended on March 16. Iwo Jima, Battle of, one of the most costly battles of the Pacific campaign of

WWII, fought in February and March 1945 on the island of Iwo Jima. About 6800 U. S.

personnel lost their lives in seizing the island from the Japanese; Japanese losses were

estimated at more than 21,000. The capture of the island provided American air units

with the first base inside the Japanese inner-defense system from which to attack the heart

if industrial Japan with medium bombers escorted by fighters.

Before the actual invasion on February 19, the island was subjected to air and sea

bombing for three months.