USMCGrunt
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"Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue" —Admiral Chester W. Nimitz
Today, marks the 76th anniversary of the battle of Iwo Jima. 70,000 Marines invaded Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945, after months of naval and air bombardment of the small island. Approximately 18,000 Japanese defenders held the island by digging bunkers deep into the volcanic rock. Nearly 7,000 Marines were killed over the thirty-six days it took to capture the island. Another 20,000 were wounded. 216 Japanese soldiers were captured and the rest were killed in action. The island was finally declared secured on March 26, 1945. Twenty-seven Medals of Honor were earned for action on Iwo Jima—more than any other battle in U.S. history.
Today, marks the 76th anniversary of the battle of Iwo Jima. 70,000 Marines invaded Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945, after months of naval and air bombardment of the small island. Approximately 18,000 Japanese defenders held the island by digging bunkers deep into the volcanic rock. Nearly 7,000 Marines were killed over the thirty-six days it took to capture the island. Another 20,000 were wounded. 216 Japanese soldiers were captured and the rest were killed in action. The island was finally declared secured on March 26, 1945. Twenty-seven Medals of Honor were earned for action on Iwo Jima—more than any other battle in U.S. history.
The Battle of Iwo Jima: A 36-day bloody slog on a sulfuric island
The Japanese defending Iwo Jima on D-day displayed superb tactical discipline. As Lieutenant Colonel Justus M. ‘Jumpin’ Joe’ Chambers led his 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, across the first terrace on the right flank of the landing beaches, he encountered interlocking bands of automatic-weapons...
www.militarytimes.com