Battle of Iwo JimaParker Maimbourg

Facts about Iwo Jima• The Battle of Iwo Jima occurred in February 1945.• The capture of Iwo Jima was a part of a three point American plan. • The island was of great tactical importance because of the two Japanese airfields

located on the islands.• The Japanese were well aware of Iwo Jima’s strategic importance. • Strong Japanese defensive positions were built, especially in the North.• For three days prior to the attack on Iwo Jima, American battleships launched a

barrage on the island.• The first day of American landing was February 19, 1945 • The battleship bombings allowed Japanese soldiers to find hiding-holes for snipers.• By the end of the first day, America was successful in cutting the island in two, yet

suffered over 2,400 casualties. On the • On the second day of the attack, the Marines invaded Mount Suribachi and were

faced with Japanese defense. • Suribachi was taken 3 days after fighting, on February 23rd.

Facts about Iwo Jima cont.• Despite it’s small size, Iwo Jima proved to be a difficult target.• Many American lives were lost in a short period of time. • The Japanese had set up strong defense that occasionally drove Americans back, and

often slowed them down.• Japanese troops were trapped in an area surrounding Kitano Point, the most northern

point of the island.• The Japanese had put up strong defense there, but were still conquered by Americans.• On March 16th, the island of Iwo Jima was declared secure and all resistance and

fighting had ceased by March 26th.• The Japanese had set up such strong defensive positions that it took Americans over a

month to take of this island that is only 4.5 miles long and 2.5 miles wide. • The number of casualties on Iwo Jima were massive. • The United States Marines lost 6,891 men and over 18,000 were wounded

Map of Iwo Jima

Pictures

Importance of Iwo Jima

• Iwo Jima was Japan's "eye." The reason was that the island was a warning beacon for approaching bombers that were about to bomb Tokyo. Japanese saw the importance of the island, and turned the rocky, volcanic and non-vegetation island into a war fortress. The island was also of importance to America because the island was in-between American bases and Tokyo. The island would provide fuel for bombers, and would be a resort for damaged planes.

Impact of Iwo Jima in WWII

• The landing on Iwo Jima gave the Army Air Force an emergency landing strip for the far ranging B-29's. After the capture larger runways were constructed and it became a base for the bombers which now closed the range they had to fly. This base was the starting point for the Enola Gay and Bocks Car.

Bibliography• http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/296826/top_10_facts_about_t

he_battle_of_iwo_pg2.html?cat=37• http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/battle_of_iwo_jima.htm• http://library.thinkquest.org/26742/iwo_jima.html• Pictures: • http://www.iwojima.com/raising/raisingb.htm