Battle of Iwo Jima (1945): The Bloody Clash Behind th"e Iconic Flag-Raising


The Battle of Iwo Jima, fought between February 19 and March 26, 1945, was one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific Theater of World War II. This small volcanic island, located about 750 miles south of Japan, became a crucial battleground as U.S. forces sought to secure airfields for strategic bombing raids on the Japanese mainland.

The island was defended by approximately 21,000 Japanese soldiers under General Tadamichi Kuribayashi, who constructed an extensive network of tunnels and fortifications. The U.S. Marines faced relentless resistance as they landed on the black sand beaches, enduring fierce gunfire and hidden traps. After weeks of brutal combat, American forces eventually captured the island, though at a tremendous cost—nearly 7,000 U.S. troops were killed, and over 19,000 were wounded. Almost all of the Japanese defenders fought to the death or committed suicide rather than surrender.

The most enduring image from the battle is the iconic flag-raising atop Mount Suribachi, captured by photographer Joe Rosenthal. This moment symbolized American courage and sacrifice, later inspiring the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.

The Battle of Iwo Jima remains a testament to the resilience and determination of those who fought. While the island’s strategic value was debated, the battle underscored the ferocity of the Pacific War and foreshadowed the intense fighting expected in an invasion of Japan, ultimately influencing the decision to use atomic bombs later that year.


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Location: Iwo Jima, Iōjima, Ogasawara, Tokyo 100-2100, Japan

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