The Battle of Iwo Jima
- Mick Young
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
The Battle of Iwo Jima: A Defining Fight for Freedom
The Battle of Iwo Jima and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) are forever linked in one of the most iconic and hard-fought chapters of American military history, being fought in the Pacific Theater of WWII.
Iwo Jima is a volcanic island located about 750 miles south of Tokyo. Capturing it was strategically critical. The Japanese used the island to launch early warning alerts and intercept American bombers heading for Japan. Securing the island would provide emergency landing runways for B-29 bombers, serve as a staging area for a future invasion of Japan, and eliminate a deadly threat to American air operations.
The battle of Iwo Jima ran from February 19 to March 26, 1945, primarily fought by the U.S. Marine Corps 4th and 5th Marine Divisions. But later it was supported by both the Army and the Navy. The Marines at Iwo Jima didn’t just win a battle: they embodied the very spirit of the Corps: Honor! Courage! Commitment!
The Marines bore the brunt of the battle. Over 70,000 landed on black volcanic ash beaches under heavy fire from entrenched Japanese defenders. The terrain was nightmarish: no cover, hidden tunnels, and relentless resistance. There were over 26,000 American casualties, with nearly 7,000 Marines and Navy corpsmen giving their lives. But virtually all of the 21,000 Japanese defenders were either killed or committed suicide.
On February 23, 1945, five Marines and one Navy corpsman raised the American flag at the top Mount Suribachi. The photograph taken by Joe Rosenthal became an eternal symbol of American grit and sacrifice, and it solidified the Marine Corps legacy. The image was not staged. In fact, it was the second flag raising: done so that a larger flag could be seen across the island. But the image captured the heart of a nation at war.
27 Medals of Honor were awarded for Iwo Jima, 22 of them to Marines, the most in any single battle in Marine Corps history. The price was high, but the battle saved countless American bomber crews and hastened the end of WWII. The battle remains a cornerstone of Marine Corps pride, history, and training. It's the kind of fight that forged legends and reminds us that freedom isn’t free: it’s paid for in blood, sweat, and sacrifice.
The brave men and women of our military services, whether they are currently serving, have served in the past, or are retired, they are all heroes! We salute you! We honor you! We remember you! Help us celebrate these heroes, they truly deserve our thanks and admiration.
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