The Battle of Iwo Jima

1. The Battle of Iwo Jima Kelly Corcoran Period 2

2. Iwo Jima is a small island located in the Pacific. Specifically at the end of a chain of islands named Bonin, closer to Honshu, Japan One of the many volcanic islands of Japan. Just over 2.5 miles wide and 4.5 miles long. Before 1945, it had a single school and police officer. Relied on sulfur mining, fishing, sugarcane farming, and importing. Background

3. United States Gain land and air for: Emergency landing for B-29 jets bombing Japan. Shorter-range fighters escorting the Super fortresses to pit-stop. Hurting Japan emotionally. Japan Defending for: Tactical importance in location. Multiple airfields. Soldiers and citizens. Reasons for War

4. Japan Leader: Lieutenant General Tadamichi Kuribayashi 21,000 soldiers Usual tactic was fighting from the beaches, but the United States had too many men to fight off. Instead, they constructed an elaborate system of tunnels and caves dug into the island itself. Strategies United States Leader: Admiral Chester Nimitz • 80,000 soldiers • Start off with rounds of bombing. • When weakened, they would land on the island and attack from the beaches.

5. The Fighting Begins Though the Americans began bombing sometime before, the actual war did not start until February 19, 1945, the first day of ground assault. The Americans were surprised to find that their bombing was not as effective as expected. The explosions churned up the beaches leaving plenty of opportunity for the Japanese to get snipers ready for action. Though a bit overwhelmed, the Americans had a few tricks up their sleeves as well. They brought over forms of flamethrowers that shot out flaming liquid that they kept in tanks on their backs. The Japanese feared these weapons more than any other, because the fire could reach them no matter where they hid. Even with over 2,400 casualties, the American marines had taken half of the island on the first day. Their last task was to conquer over Mount Suribachi-an active volcano on the coast of the island.

6. Their last chance at a win was to conquor Mount Suribachi. Groups of four or five marines would try their luck at mounting the American flag atop the rough, mine stricken volcano. When all seemed lost, they finally made it after several attempts and several long days of fighting. It took all of the men to force the staff into the rocky soil, which would be the first foreign flag ever placed on Japanese territory. This monumental moment was photographed by Joe Rosenthal, who died on August 21, 2006. The war started to come to a close in March when the Japanese were trapped around Kitano Point. By March 26th, the island was securly in the hands of the United States, and all fighting had came to an end. A slap in the face for the Japanese, but also showed Americans how far the Japanese would go to defend their country. Casualties: • Japan: 21,569 Kidnappings: 216 • United States: 26,038 Deaths: 6,821 In the End

7. Remembering the Battle • Even after 66 years since this 35-day battle took place, America still takes the time to reminisce on those lost. • The United States have named several ships “USS Iwo Jima,” after this glorious battle. • Iwo Jima Day is honored annually on February 19th in the State House of Massachusetts. • Several movies have been made to interpret the battle such as “Letter from iwo Jima” and “Flags of Our Fathers.” • On February 19, 1985, which would be the 40th anniversary of the landings, the first Reunion of Honor took place • This event featured both Japanese and American veterans, though at different locations. The Japanese had a monument on mountain side while Americans had one on the shore.

8. Bibliography Costello, John. The Pacific War. New York: Rawson, Wade, 1982. Print.  Rice, Earle. Strategic Battles in the Pacific. San Diego, CA: Lucent, 2000. Print. Stiner, Megan L. "Department of Defense - Battle for Iwo Jima." The Official Home of the Department of Defense. 17 Feb. 2006. Web. 07 Feb. 2011. <http://www.defense.gov/home/features/iwo_jima/iwo.html>.