The Battle of Iwo Jima: A Marine Corps Perspective – A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction

The Battle of Iwo Jima, a critical engagement in the Pacific theater of World War II, was fought between the United States and Japan from February 19 to March 26, 1945. This blog post will provide an in-depth analysis of the battle, highlighting key dates, events, and official statements from the U.S. Marine Corps perspective, with a focus on specific stages of the battle.

Prelude to the Battle

Prior to the invasion, the island was subjected to a prolonged air and naval bombardment campaign that began on June 15, 1944, and intensified in the weeks leading up to the assault. The bombardment was intended to weaken Japanese defenses and destroy key infrastructure. However, due to the extensive network of tunnels and bunkers constructed by the Japanese, the bombardment was less effective than anticipated.

The battleship USS New York (BB-34) firing its 14 in (360 mm) main guns on the island, 16 February 1945 (D minus 3).

Intelligence reports estimated that approximately 21,000 Japanese soldiers were stationed on the island, led by General Tadamichi Kuribayashi. Kuribayashi devised a defensive strategy that revolved around heavily fortified positions and a complex network of tunnels, with the aim of inflicting maximum casualties on the invading forces. This strategy marked a significant departure from previous Japanese defensive tactics, which focused on repelling invaders at the beaches.

Tunnels on Iwo Jima

In preparation for the assault, the V Amphibious Corps, consisting of the 3rd Marine Division, 4th Marine Division, and 5th Marine Divisions, was assembled under the command of Major General Harry Schmidt. The U.S. Navy provided extensive support, including battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and aircraft carriers. Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, the Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet, oversaw the operation and provided strategic direction.

The Assault Begins and Beachhead Expansion

At 08:59 on February 19, 1945, the first wave of Marines landed on Iwo Jima's southeastern beaches. The 4th and 5th Marine Divisions led the assault, with the 3rd Marine Division in reserve. The landing was initially met with minimal resistance, as the Japanese held their fire until the beaches were crowded with Marines and equipment.

LVTs approach Iwo Jima.

As the Marines pushed inland, they encountered a dense network of fortified positions, pillboxes, and hidden machine-gun nests. The volcanic ash and rocky terrain made movement difficult, and many of the tanks and other vehicles became bogged down. Despite these challenges, the Marines continued to advance, using flamethrowers, grenades, and small arms fire to clear the Japanese defenses.

Over the next two days, the Marines expanded their beachhead and pushed inland. The 4th Marine Division captured Motoyama Airfield No. 1 on February 21, while the 5th Marine Division secured Hill 362A. The fighting was intense, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The Marines quickly realized that the battle would be a long and brutal struggle.

U.S. Marines of the 2nd Battalion, 27th Marines, wait to move inland on Iwo Jima, soon after going ashore on 19 February 1945. An LVT(A)-5 amphibious tractor is in the background. Red Beach One.

Securing Mount Suribachi, Airfield No. 2, and Turkey Knob

On February 23, 1945, after four days of fighting, a small patrol from the 28th Marines reached the summit of Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima's highest point. Raising a small American flag, they were later replaced by a larger flag, resulting in the iconic photograph captured by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal. This image became a symbol of American determination and sacrifice.

Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, by Joe Rosenthal of the Associated Press.

While the flag raising on Mount Suribachi was a significant morale boost, the battle continued to rage across the island. The Marines pressed on, capturing Motoyama Airfield No. 2 on February 24. The 3rd Marine Division, which had been held in reserve, was committed to the fight and tasked with capturing Turkey Knob, a fortified blockhouse.

The struggle for Turkey Knob was brutal, with the Marines facing heavy resistance from entrenched Japanese defenders. Utilizing flamethrowers, demolitions, and close-quarters combat, the Marines eventually overcame the Japanese defenses and secured Turkey Knob on February 27. The capture of this key position allowed the Marines to advance further north and set the stage for the next phase of the battle.

Turkey Knob

Battle for Hill 362, Northern Advance, and Capture of Kitano Point

Hill 362, a heavily fortified position, was the scene of fierce fighting from February 28 to March 2. The Marines launched multiple assaults on the hill, with each attempt met by fierce Japanese resistance. The Marines finally secured the hill on March 2 after several days of intense combat.

A flamethrower operator of E Company, 2nd Battalion 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, runs under fire on Iwo Jima.

Following the capture of Hill 362, the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Marine Divisions advanced north, securing key objectives such as Hill 382, the "Meat Grinder," and the "Amphitheater". Progress was slow and costly, with the Marines facing entrenched Japanese defenders at every turn. The Japanese continued to use their network of tunnels and bunkers to launch surprise attacks and delay the Marine advance.

Hill 382 - It was captured by U.S. Marines on 10 March 1945. The hill was razed to make way for post-battle expanding works on the Iwo Jima air base. This sector was dubbed the "Meatgrinder" due to heavy American losses.

On March 11, the Marines captured Kitano Point, the northernmost point of Iwo Jima, further weakening the Japanese defense. The capture of Kitano Point allowed the Marines to focus their efforts on eliminating the remaining pockets of Japanese resistance on the island.

The Final Push and Victory

The final phase of the battle saw some of the most brutal fighting, with the Marines systematically eliminating Japanese resistance in the north. On March 25, a final banzai charge by the remaining Japanese defenders was repelled. This desperate attack marked the end of organized Japanese resistance on the island.

On March 26, 1945, Iwo Jima was declared secure. The cost of victory was staggering, with nearly 7,000 Marines killed and over 19,000 wounded. The Japanese suffered approximately 18,000 deaths, with only 216 prisoners taken.

5th USMC Division Cemetery entrance built by the 31st CB with Mt. Suribachi center.

The capture of Iwo Jima was a significant strategic victory for the United States, as it provided a crucial base for American bombers and fighter escorts. The island's proximity to the Japanese mainland, just 760 miles (1,220 km) away, made it an ideal location for launching air raids and supporting long-range bombing missions. Furthermore, it prevented the Japanese from using the island to intercept American aircraft en route to Japan. The Battle of Iwo Jima remains an enduring symbol of the courage and sacrifice of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Conclusion

The Battle of Iwo Jima was one of the most ferocious and memorable engagements of World War II. From the initial assault to the final push, the Marines fought relentlessly to secure the island. The battle's many aspects, from the iconic flag raising on Mount Suribachi to the intense struggle for Hill 362, underscore the bravery and determination of the U.S. Marine Corps.

In retrospect, the Battle of Iwo Jima serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit and dedication of the Marines who fought there. Their actions paved the way for the eventual Allied victory in the Pacific, and their sacrifices will forever be remembered as a vital part of American history.

The battle's legacy lives on in the form of the Marine Corps War Memorial, located in Arlington, Virginia, which is based on the iconic photograph of the flag raising on Mount Suribachi. The memorial stands as a tribute to the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of all U.S. Marines who have given their lives in the defense of their country.

Sources

1. Hammel, Eric. "Iwo Jima: Portrait of a Battle: United States Marines at War in the Pacific." Zenith Press, 2006.

2. Bartley, Whitman S., Lieutenant Colonel. "Iwo Jima: Amphibious Epic." Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, 1954.

3. McEnery, Jim, and Bill Sloan. "Hell in the Pacific: A Marine Rifleman's Journey From Guadalcanal to Peleliu." Simon & Schuster, 2012.

4. Bradley, James, and Ron Powers. "Flags of Our Fathers." Bantam Books, 2000.

5. Alexander, Joseph H. "Closing In: Marines in the Seizure of Iwo Jima." Marine Corps Historical Center, 1994.

6. Dyer, George C. "The Amphibians Came to Conquer: The Story of Admiral Richmond Kelly Turner." United States Government Printing Office, 1972.