06/22/09

Iwo Jima

The assault on Iwo Jima took place on February 19, 1945. The Americans wanted Iwo Jima because they needed an airfield for damaged bombers to land. When the invasion happened, the marine landings had little opposition.

 It was hard for the Americans because there was very little cover and tanks got stuck in sand. The 28^th regiment fought hard to take Mount Suribachi on the 23^rd. When they took the mountain they raised an American flag atop it. This is one of the most symbolic moments of the Marine Corps.

An all out attack was mounted on the 24^th to take the rest of the island. There was tremendous naval gunfire, artillery, carrier air, and tank preparation. They took the first airstrip on the first day of the offensive. On February 28^th the Americans took the second airstrip. For the next few weeks there was continuing mopping up of the Japanese still hiding in the hills and caves.