The Battle of Iwo Jima began in 1945 when U.S. forces launched an attack on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima during World War II.
The invasion that marked the beginning of the Battle of Iwo Jima took place on February 19, 1945. Iwo Jima’s strategic position, located midway between Japan and the U.S. B-29 bomber bases in the Mariana Islands, made it a target for the U.S. military. The island could serve as an airstrip for damaged bombers and as a base for U.S. fighter escorts.
Strategic Location
Despite its isolation, Iwo Jima became a highly important strategic area by the end of 1944. Since the victory at Guadalcanal in 1943, the U.S. military had been advancing closer to Japan’s main islands. By 1945, the Mariana Islands, which Japan had held for a long time, were in American hands and had become a base for the B-29 bombers. These giant four-engine aircraft frequently conducted bombing raids on Japan.
These raids required the bombers to fly long distances across the Pacific to reach Japan. If damaged, these planes had no place to land safely. Therefore, capturing Iwo Jima would serve as a “safety net,” allowing damaged aircraft to land more safely.
Fortifications on the Island
Like other Japanese bases, Iwo Jima was heavily fortified, with two airfields and a network of tunnels stretching for 11 miles. The island’s garrison consisted of around 20,000 soldiers, mostly conscripts. These soldiers hid in tunnels, using hidden artillery, machine guns, and mortars to defend the island. The Japanese knew that the arrival of U.S. forces was inevitable, and their goal was to make the Americans pay a heavy price.
The Japanese commander, General Kuribayashi, did not expect reinforcements and was prepared to fight to the death. When the first 30,000 U.S. Marines landed on the island, the defenders put up fierce resistance, turning the island into a bloody battlefield. Eight months of bombing before the American landings had caused little significant damage to the island’s defenses.
U.S. Objectives
By the end of 1944, the fate of Iwo Jima was no longer in question. The U.S. decision to invade Japan made the island a critical strategic position. In addition to serving as an emergency airstrip for the B-29s, Iwo Jima was also used as a base for fighter escorts. A squadron of P-51 Mustangs began using the airstrip even while the battle was ongoing. Later, another squadron joined, followed by four additional squadrons for attack and rescue missions.
The Mustangs were tasked with protecting the B-29 bomber formations, fighting off Japanese aircraft attempting to intercept. Some Mustangs also carried out attack missions, guided by special B-29 aircraft on the long round-trip flight of 1,500 miles.
Preparation and Timing
Knowing that the Japanese would fight to the end, the U.S. military bombarded and shelled Iwo Jima from December 1944 until just before the invasion (D-Day). The U.S. deployed 450 warships, including 12 aircraft carriers, 8 battleships, and 3 experienced Marine divisions. Heavy bombers from the Mariana Islands were also ready to be deployed if needed. The nearby island of Honshu was also attacked to support the invasion.
The southeastern beaches of the island were chosen for the landings for each division. Thirty thousand Marines would take part in the initial assault, while another division was kept as a reserve force on ships. One hundred supply ships were anchored offshore, ready to provide support when necessary.
The First Days of the Battle of Iwo Jima
On February 19, 1945, U.S. Marines began landing on Iwo Jima after a fierce bombing raid by naval and air forces. Following orders from General Kuribayashi, the Japanese did not fire immediately but waited an hour before beginning their counterattack. This tactic, initiated by Kuribayashi, caused heavy losses for the U.S. forces. The Japanese positions, hidden deep underground, were almost unaffected by the previous attacks.
The U.S. Marines attempted to dig trenches in the black volcanic sand but were unsuccessful. Even tracked vehicles became bogged down in the sand. The steep beaches caused congestion, creating opportunities for Japanese artillery and mortars to maintain continuous fire, killing many soldiers and destroying equipment.
Despite facing fierce resistance, U.S. Marines reached the top of Mount Suribachi on February 19. A week later, they reached the opposite shore, splitting the island in two. Close-quarter combat was brutal, often involving hand-to-hand fighting.
U.S. forces used flamethrowers, napalm, and tanks to root out Japanese soldiers from trenches and bunkers. Initially, American planners expected the battle to end in three days, but Kuribayashi’s meticulous preparations and pre-determined artillery coordinates extended the conflict, causing significant U.S. casualties.
More Intense Battles
As with all military campaigns, some battles at Iwo Jima were named to reflect the intensity of the fighting, such as the “Bloody Gorge” or “Meat Grinder,” where more than 800 U.S. Marines died to capture a Japanese position. On the third day of the battle, a lone kamikaze attack occurred, sinking the U.S.S. Bismarck Sea and severely damaging the U.S.S. Saratoga, forcing the latter to withdraw.
U.S. forces used tanks for direct assault because the walls of the Japanese bunkers were made of thick concrete. The Japanese countered with mines, suicide squads, and hidden anti-tank guns to destroy American tanks. The battle dragged on; by March 4, the second airfield had fallen into American hands. On the same day, a B-29 bomber made an emergency landing on the island, refueled, and took off again, demonstrating one of the primary reasons for the assault. Such instances continued to occur.
The fighting at Iwo Jima ended on March 23, 1945. The battle remains controversial, with 7,000 U.S. Marines and 19,000 Japanese soldiers dying to secure a landing site. Very few Japanese soldiers chose to surrender. The numbers vary, but it is estimated that nearly 2,000 B-29 bombers landed at Iwo Jima after the battle.
Conclusion
The Battle of Iwo Jima was not only one of the fiercest battles in World War II, but it also marked a significant turning point in the U.S. military strategy in the Pacific Theater. From capturing the island with its strategic importance to providing a safe landing spot for thousands of B-29 bombers, the battle showed the determination and sacrifice of both sides.
We hope that through this article, Thefactsofwar has provided readers with a deeper insight into the Battle of Iwo Jima—its causes, events, and consequences. This battle is not only a testament to the harsh challenges of war but also a reminder of the value of perseverance and strategy during decisive moments. We hope the lessons from history will guide future generations toward peace and global understanding.
Translated by: Minh Tuan
Source: thecollector.com – When Was the Battle of Iwo Jima?
