Battle of Iwo Jima

1945

Objective• To learn and understand

the importance of theBattle of Iwo Jima

Background• Iwo Jima was

in range of Japan for the US Bombers

• America was moving from island to island prior to the assault

American Strategy

• Sent more Marines to Iwo Jima then in any other battle.– 110,000 Marines in 880 Ships

• Largest aerial attack of the war• Armada invasion

5th Division Marines work their way up Red Beach

General Holland Smith

• General in the United States Marine Corps

• The "father" of modern US amphibious warfare

• Nicknamed

"Howlin' Mad"

Japanese Strategy

• Fought the battle underground– 1,500 rooms in the rock– Connected by 16 miles of tunnels

• Did not plan to survive • Kill 10+ Americans before they were killed

Japanese Artillery

Japanese Caves

General Kuribayashi

• The Japanese Commander of Iwo Jima

• His strategies were marvels in the history of warfare

The result of Japanese artillery and mortar fire

Flag Raisers•6 men

•2 in front 4 in the back

•All become national heroes

•3 died in the battle

•Americans secure Iwo Jima

•Now B-29 and other bombers are in range of Japan

Casualties

• Americans– 6,821 Dead– 19,189 Wounded– 494 MIA

• Japanese– 20,703 Dead– 216 Captured