IWO JIMA
Iwo Jima was deemed an important military target because of it strategic location for launching fighters and providing a landing strip for crippled planes, as well as being able to set up air and sea blockades. The invasion was planned to take place on February 19th, 1945, but air bombardment started in June, 1944, and a naval bombarding started 10 days before the invasion. On D-Day, the 4th and 5th Marine divisions landed on the beaches, with the objectives of taking the Quarry and isolating the island's dormant volcano, Mount Suribachi, which were both accomplished on the first day. A day later the southern end of the island was taken and the marines moved to take Mount Suribachi.
The 3rd marines Divisions joined the battle soon after, but they encountered
heavy resistance in the form of the Japanese forces being deeply entrenched in
tunnels and bunkers in the mountains. The 3 divisions were fighting hard until
the Japanese launched a last ditch attack in the form of a small banzai attack
which was quickly dispatched. The 36 day battle for the island was over.
heavy resistance in the form of the Japanese forces being deeply entrenched in
tunnels and bunkers in the mountains. The 3 divisions were fighting hard until
the Japanese launched a last ditch attack in the form of a small banzai attack
which was quickly dispatched. The 36 day battle for the island was over.