V/E
10-11-2004, 06:16 AM
Location: Approximately 650 miles south of Tokyo, Japan.
Size of Island: Approximately 2 miles wide, 4 miles long; 8 square miles
Iwo Jima was the first native Japanese soil invaded by Americans in W.W.II. Approximately 60,000 Americans and 20,000 Japanese participated in the Battle.
The American Flag Raising on Mt. Suribachi took place on February 23, 1945 - the fifth day of battle. The Battle continued with increased intensity for a month more. Almost 7,000 Americans were killed in action at Iwo Jima - more than 20,000 American casualties.
Approximately one-third of all Marines killed in action in World War II were killed at Iwo Jima, making Iwo Jima the battle with the highest number of casualties in Marine Corps history.
Twenty-seven Congressional Medals of Honor were awarded in the Battle - more than were awarded to Marines and Navy in any other Battle in our country's history.
Three of the men who raised the flag in the Joe Rosenthal photo were killed before the Battle was over.
After the capture of Iwo Jima, more than 30,000 American Airmen's lives were saved when more than 2,400 disabled B-29 bombers were able to make emergency landings at the Iwo Jima Airfield after making bombing flights over Japan.
Approximately 132 Americans killed at Iwo Jima were unidentifiable and listed as unknown.
More than 50 4th Division Marines died of wounds aboard ship and were buried at sea.
The U.S. government returned the island of Iwo Jima to the Japanese government in 1968, after the bodies of the men in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Division cemeteries were removed to the United States.
http://www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org/COLLECTIONS/IWO-JPAP/Images/IWO-JPAP-03.jpg
The 5th Division of the U. S. Marine Corps Approach the Coast of Iwo Jima. Mount Suribachi is in the Background
http://www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org/COLLECTIONS/IWO-JPAP/Images/IWO-JPAP-04.jpg
Marines of the 5th Division Landing on Iwo Jima - Mt. Suribachi is in Background - February 19, 1945 - Signed by Lou Lowery, a Photographer with the 5th Division
http://www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org/COLLECTIONS/IWO-JPAP/Images/IWO-JPAP-05.jpg
Damaged and Destroyed Vehicles Litter the Landscape on the Beach of Iwo Jima
http://www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org/COLLECTIONS/IWO-JPAP/Images/IWO-JPAP-06.jpg
http://www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org/COLLECTIONS/IWO-JPAP/Images/IWO-JPAP-07.jpg
Marines Look Into the Crater of Mt. Suribachi on the Island of Iwo Jima
http://www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org/COLLECTIONS/IWO-JPAP/Images/IWO-JPAP-08.jpg
6,821 marines lost their lives during the battle for Iwo Jima. This marine lies dead after suffering a mortal wound to the side of his neck. From appearances, he tried to help himself before succumbing from his wound
http://www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org/COLLECTIONS/IWO-JPAP/Images/IWO-JPAP-09.jpg
Marines of Easy Company, Under Heavy Fire From the Japanese, Carry the American Flag Up the Side of Mt. Suribachi on the Island of Iwo Jima
http://www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org/COLLECTIONS/IWO-JPAP/Images/IWO-JPAP-10.jpg
The Raising of the First American Flag on the Summit of Mt. Suribachi
http://www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org/COLLECTIONS/IWO-JPAP/Images/IWO-JPAP-12.jpg
Navy Corpsmen Attend to the Wounded Marines on the Beach at Iwo Jima
http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1776.jpg
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http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1779.jpg
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http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1781.jpg
http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1054.jpg
http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1037.jpg
http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1773.jpg
http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1105.jpg
http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1772.jpg
http://www.threeworldwars.com/pics/albums/userpics/ww2/ww2_155.jpg
Smashed by Jap mortar and shellfire, trapped by Iwo's treacherous black-ash sands, amtracs and other vehicles of war lay knocked out on the black sands of the volcanic fortress.
http://www.threeworldwars.com/pics/albums/userpics/ww2/ww2_158.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/rbackstr2000/tanks/Pic106-1a.JPG
Japanese medium tank emplaced in a fixed position to act as a pillbox. Rugged terrain throughout the area dictated this use of tank. This tank had a 57 mm gun mounted in the turret. (TA-216S)
http://www.hernandosportsmansclub.com/images/Military%20Museum/sinars/WWII029.jpg
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_174.jpg
Description: A group of F6F’s attacking in support of the ground force at Iwo Jima. February 21, 1945. (National Archives, US Navy 80-G-303624).
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_303.jpg
Going inland. Determination written on their countenances, Marines start the drive to the interior of Iwo Jima. Running at a crouch, they dart across the table-land in the shadow of Mount Suribachi, taking advantage of the scant protection offered by small rises in the volcanic island. (National Archives, USMC Hqrts 109,975).
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_309.jpg
Out but not down. The 5th Divison Marine was fighting in the front lines of Iwo Jima when a Japanese mortar shell landed beside him. Badly shocked but still on his feet, he was hurried to the rear by two supporting comrades. (National Archives, USMC 110,794).
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_312.jpg
Lieutenant R.A. Tilghman, of F. Co., 2nd Battalion, 27th Marines holds battlefield briefing under fire. He and his men are advancing up the west coast of Iwo Jima, time 1040. February 20, 1945. (Marine Corps photo, National Archives).
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_366.jpg
Frontal attack. With the support of their tanks, the Marines launch a frontal attack on enemy positions in the craggy ridges of the northern part of the island. At a cost of thirty casualties the assault gained twenty yards of ground. The mortar burst was meant for the tank. (National Archives, USMC 111,099).
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_368.jpg
As the green lines meet. Shell craters and rubble dot the landscape as the forward lines of the green-clad fourth and fifth division Marines meet in the inland push over the black sand of Iwo Jima. (National Archives, USMC 110,100).
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_369.jpg
Not a dummy run. These Marines of the fifth division never saw as much brass in their entire boot training as they have around their machine gun on Iwo Jima. The battle of Suribachi wasn’t a dummy run and they didn’t have to pick up their brass as the battle was played for keeps. (National Archives, USMC 110,606).
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_370.jpg
Howling Mad views the wreckage. Marine Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith, Commander of the Expeditionary troops in the Iwo Jima operation, and his chief staff, Colonel Dudley S. Brown, survey the bogged down, surf battered wreckage that marks the landings of the leathernecks on the Japanese bastion. The soft volcanic sands of the beach stalled heavy equipment making the vehicles “sitting ducks” for enemy artillery and mortar fire. (National Archives, USMC 110,635).
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_376.jpg
All the comforts of home. Marine Corps combat correspondents and photographers take time out from covering the battle for Iwo Jima to perform the morning ritual of polishing the ivories. They are left to right, Technical Sergeant Bryd F. Fernryhough of Washington DC, Sergeant James Dugan of Los Angeles, CA and staff Sergeant Albert Schulenverg of St. Louis, Missouri. (National Archives, USMC 109,605).
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_591.jpg
Out of the gaping mouths of Coast Guard and Navy Landing craft rose the great flow of invasion supplies to the blackened sands of Iwo Jima, a few hours after the Marines had wrestled their foothold on the vital island. (National Archives, Coast Guard 026-G-4098).
http://www.nps.gov/wapa/indepth/extContent/usmc/pcn-190-003131-00/pcn-190-003131-
The crew of the Sherman tank "Cairo" awaits a repair crew to replace its tread after it hit a Japanese mine. Note wooden sheathing on sides of vehicle to protect against magnetic mines. Damaged vehicles became prime enemy targets. Colonel William P. McCahill Collection
http://www.grunts.net/album/usmc/4thmardivarty.gif
Across the litter on Iwo Jima's black sands, Marines of the 4th Division shell Japanese positions cleverly concealed back from the beaches. Here, a gun pumps a stream of shells into Japanese positions inland on the tiny volcanic island.
http://www.grunts.net/album/usmc/wardog.gif
Private First Class Rez P. Hester, 7th War Dog Platoon, 25th Regiment, takes a nap while Butch, his war dog, stands guard. Iwo Jima, February 1945.
National Archives photo
Size of Island: Approximately 2 miles wide, 4 miles long; 8 square miles
Iwo Jima was the first native Japanese soil invaded by Americans in W.W.II. Approximately 60,000 Americans and 20,000 Japanese participated in the Battle.
The American Flag Raising on Mt. Suribachi took place on February 23, 1945 - the fifth day of battle. The Battle continued with increased intensity for a month more. Almost 7,000 Americans were killed in action at Iwo Jima - more than 20,000 American casualties.
Approximately one-third of all Marines killed in action in World War II were killed at Iwo Jima, making Iwo Jima the battle with the highest number of casualties in Marine Corps history.
Twenty-seven Congressional Medals of Honor were awarded in the Battle - more than were awarded to Marines and Navy in any other Battle in our country's history.
Three of the men who raised the flag in the Joe Rosenthal photo were killed before the Battle was over.
After the capture of Iwo Jima, more than 30,000 American Airmen's lives were saved when more than 2,400 disabled B-29 bombers were able to make emergency landings at the Iwo Jima Airfield after making bombing flights over Japan.
Approximately 132 Americans killed at Iwo Jima were unidentifiable and listed as unknown.
More than 50 4th Division Marines died of wounds aboard ship and were buried at sea.
The U.S. government returned the island of Iwo Jima to the Japanese government in 1968, after the bodies of the men in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Division cemeteries were removed to the United States.
http://www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org/COLLECTIONS/IWO-JPAP/Images/IWO-JPAP-03.jpg
The 5th Division of the U. S. Marine Corps Approach the Coast of Iwo Jima. Mount Suribachi is in the Background
http://www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org/COLLECTIONS/IWO-JPAP/Images/IWO-JPAP-04.jpg
Marines of the 5th Division Landing on Iwo Jima - Mt. Suribachi is in Background - February 19, 1945 - Signed by Lou Lowery, a Photographer with the 5th Division
http://www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org/COLLECTIONS/IWO-JPAP/Images/IWO-JPAP-05.jpg
Damaged and Destroyed Vehicles Litter the Landscape on the Beach of Iwo Jima
http://www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org/COLLECTIONS/IWO-JPAP/Images/IWO-JPAP-06.jpg
http://www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org/COLLECTIONS/IWO-JPAP/Images/IWO-JPAP-07.jpg
Marines Look Into the Crater of Mt. Suribachi on the Island of Iwo Jima
http://www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org/COLLECTIONS/IWO-JPAP/Images/IWO-JPAP-08.jpg
6,821 marines lost their lives during the battle for Iwo Jima. This marine lies dead after suffering a mortal wound to the side of his neck. From appearances, he tried to help himself before succumbing from his wound
http://www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org/COLLECTIONS/IWO-JPAP/Images/IWO-JPAP-09.jpg
Marines of Easy Company, Under Heavy Fire From the Japanese, Carry the American Flag Up the Side of Mt. Suribachi on the Island of Iwo Jima
http://www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org/COLLECTIONS/IWO-JPAP/Images/IWO-JPAP-10.jpg
The Raising of the First American Flag on the Summit of Mt. Suribachi
http://www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org/COLLECTIONS/IWO-JPAP/Images/IWO-JPAP-12.jpg
Navy Corpsmen Attend to the Wounded Marines on the Beach at Iwo Jima
http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1776.jpg
http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1180.jpg
http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1182.jpg
http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1163.jpg
http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1778.jpg
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http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1841.jpg
http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1780.jpg
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http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1840.jpg
http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1781.jpg
http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1054.jpg
http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1037.jpg
http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1773.jpg
http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1105.jpg
http://www.worldwar2database.com/photos/wwii1772.jpg
http://www.threeworldwars.com/pics/albums/userpics/ww2/ww2_155.jpg
Smashed by Jap mortar and shellfire, trapped by Iwo's treacherous black-ash sands, amtracs and other vehicles of war lay knocked out on the black sands of the volcanic fortress.
http://www.threeworldwars.com/pics/albums/userpics/ww2/ww2_158.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/rbackstr2000/tanks/Pic106-1a.JPG
Japanese medium tank emplaced in a fixed position to act as a pillbox. Rugged terrain throughout the area dictated this use of tank. This tank had a 57 mm gun mounted in the turret. (TA-216S)
http://www.hernandosportsmansclub.com/images/Military%20Museum/sinars/WWII029.jpg
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_174.jpg
Description: A group of F6F’s attacking in support of the ground force at Iwo Jima. February 21, 1945. (National Archives, US Navy 80-G-303624).
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_303.jpg
Going inland. Determination written on their countenances, Marines start the drive to the interior of Iwo Jima. Running at a crouch, they dart across the table-land in the shadow of Mount Suribachi, taking advantage of the scant protection offered by small rises in the volcanic island. (National Archives, USMC Hqrts 109,975).
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_309.jpg
Out but not down. The 5th Divison Marine was fighting in the front lines of Iwo Jima when a Japanese mortar shell landed beside him. Badly shocked but still on his feet, he was hurried to the rear by two supporting comrades. (National Archives, USMC 110,794).
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_312.jpg
Lieutenant R.A. Tilghman, of F. Co., 2nd Battalion, 27th Marines holds battlefield briefing under fire. He and his men are advancing up the west coast of Iwo Jima, time 1040. February 20, 1945. (Marine Corps photo, National Archives).
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_366.jpg
Frontal attack. With the support of their tanks, the Marines launch a frontal attack on enemy positions in the craggy ridges of the northern part of the island. At a cost of thirty casualties the assault gained twenty yards of ground. The mortar burst was meant for the tank. (National Archives, USMC 111,099).
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_368.jpg
As the green lines meet. Shell craters and rubble dot the landscape as the forward lines of the green-clad fourth and fifth division Marines meet in the inland push over the black sand of Iwo Jima. (National Archives, USMC 110,100).
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_369.jpg
Not a dummy run. These Marines of the fifth division never saw as much brass in their entire boot training as they have around their machine gun on Iwo Jima. The battle of Suribachi wasn’t a dummy run and they didn’t have to pick up their brass as the battle was played for keeps. (National Archives, USMC 110,606).
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_370.jpg
Howling Mad views the wreckage. Marine Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith, Commander of the Expeditionary troops in the Iwo Jima operation, and his chief staff, Colonel Dudley S. Brown, survey the bogged down, surf battered wreckage that marks the landings of the leathernecks on the Japanese bastion. The soft volcanic sands of the beach stalled heavy equipment making the vehicles “sitting ducks” for enemy artillery and mortar fire. (National Archives, USMC 110,635).
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_376.jpg
All the comforts of home. Marine Corps combat correspondents and photographers take time out from covering the battle for Iwo Jima to perform the morning ritual of polishing the ivories. They are left to right, Technical Sergeant Bryd F. Fernryhough of Washington DC, Sergeant James Dugan of Los Angeles, CA and staff Sergeant Albert Schulenverg of St. Louis, Missouri. (National Archives, USMC 109,605).
http://www.npswapa.org/gallery/albums/album26/NA_591.jpg
Out of the gaping mouths of Coast Guard and Navy Landing craft rose the great flow of invasion supplies to the blackened sands of Iwo Jima, a few hours after the Marines had wrestled their foothold on the vital island. (National Archives, Coast Guard 026-G-4098).
http://www.nps.gov/wapa/indepth/extContent/usmc/pcn-190-003131-00/pcn-190-003131-
The crew of the Sherman tank "Cairo" awaits a repair crew to replace its tread after it hit a Japanese mine. Note wooden sheathing on sides of vehicle to protect against magnetic mines. Damaged vehicles became prime enemy targets. Colonel William P. McCahill Collection
http://www.grunts.net/album/usmc/4thmardivarty.gif
Across the litter on Iwo Jima's black sands, Marines of the 4th Division shell Japanese positions cleverly concealed back from the beaches. Here, a gun pumps a stream of shells into Japanese positions inland on the tiny volcanic island.
http://www.grunts.net/album/usmc/wardog.gif
Private First Class Rez P. Hester, 7th War Dog Platoon, 25th Regiment, takes a nap while Butch, his war dog, stands guard. Iwo Jima, February 1945.
National Archives photo