On February 16, 1945, the Americans initiated a pre-invasion naval bombardment that lasted 3 days. On the following Monday at 9:00 am, the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions landed on the southeastern shore of Iwo Jima. Within 20 minutes, the marines were 250 yards inland. After three gruesome days of fighting, on February 23, a 40 man patrol of the 5th Division’s 2nd battalion, 28 Marines, cleared the 550 foot summit of Mt. Suribachi. There they raised an American flag, signifying a victory over the Japanese on the island of Iwo Jima. However, all was not won until the evening of March 25th, when the last pocket of Japanese resistance was secured at Kitano Point on the northern tip of the island.
The Battle of Iwo Jima was a gruesome fight between the Americans and the Japanese that lasted form February 19th to March 25th.
Nearly all of the Japanese troops placed on Iwo Jima were killed, while only 7,000 American troops were killed. 27 Medals of Honer were rewarded to troops, more than any other battle. The capture of Iwo Jima allowed the U.S. to breech the inner defenses of Japan. Their next move was to take Okinawa, only 360 miles away from Japan.
Nearly all of the Japanese troops placed on Iwo Jima were killed, while only 7,000 American troops were killed. 27 Medals of Honer were rewarded to troops, more than any other battle. The capture of Iwo Jima allowed the U.S. to breech the inner defenses of Japan. Their next move was to take Okinawa, only 360 miles away from Japan.