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World War Two -- Iwo Jima
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Battle of Iwo Jima
The island of Iwo Jima was strategically important as allied forces moved toward victory over Japan. The capture of the island would provide an air base for fighter planes supporting long bombing runs against the Japanese mainland and the ability to destroy their air and navel forces.
For months prior to the attack on Iwo Jima the island was subjected to intense air assault and naval bombardment. On February 19, 1945, the 3rd, 4th and 5th Marine Divisions and units of the Fifth Amphibious Corps launched their attack on Iwo Jima.
On the morning of February 23, a platoon of Marines was ordered to take Mount Suribachi and raise the American flag. Without meeting enemy resistance the platoon planted the flag, giving hope to the men fighting below. A larger flag was raised three hours later by another platoon. The raising of this second flag was captured by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal. Rosenthal won the 1945 Pulitzer Prize for this photo.
The fierce and bloody assault on Iwo Jima lasted for 36 days and resulted in more than 26,000 American casualties, including 6,800 dead. It was a heavy price to pay but the sacrifices of the Marines, along with the support provided by the Navy and Army, brought the United States one step closer to final victory.
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