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Iwo Jima
July 3, 2017 Grunt.com Admin

Iwo Jima

What started as a quick, violent attack on February 19, 1945, turned into 36 days of some of the fiercest and bloodiest fighting the Marines would ever encounter. The amphibious assault on Iwo Jima was considered to be the “ultimate storm landing,” with a striking force of 74,000 Marines. The US sent more Marines to Iwo than to any other battle, 110,000 Marines in 880 Ships. The U.S. Marine 4th and 5th Divisions led the invasion, with the 3rd Division in reserve. The first day saw more then 2,400 American casualties but, during the battle U.S. Marines, killed an estimated 20,000 Japanese and captured over 1,000 prisoners.

The Marines successfully invaded and conquered the 8 square mile island on March 25, 1945. After 5 weeks of continuous fighting, the U. S. had suffered over 26,000 Casualties, including 6,800 Dead. The Battle for Iwo Jima earned 27 Congressional Medals of Honor for Marines and Sailors, of which more Posthumous Awards were bestowed than for any other single operation during WWII.

Of the flag raisers pictured in the famous Joe Rosenthal photograph only three survived. The others were killed in action on Iwo. The picture is the most reproduced picture in the world. Please take some time out of your busy lives to remember the day and lives that were lost to secure the freedoms we are enjoying as we speak. Thank You. Semper Fidelis

“Among the Americans who served on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue. –Admiral Nimitz”

Filed in: Marine Corps Stories
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Comments

Gary Nash - April 21, 2020

In reply to Nick Bailey, former Sgt. 79 now, but always a Marine.
Hi, Nick Bailey! Thanks for your interesting comment, but there is a difference between the 5th Marine Division and the 5th Marines, a regiment in the 1st MarDiv. Semper fidelis!

Vince Piquet - April 21, 2020

Very humbling. Hard to find the words. Much respect for those that secured that living hell. SSgt. ’79-’90

Lefker, John T. Former Sgt. 1953 to 1957 - April 21, 2020

In reply to Michael Moore.
Mike, I was with How Company 3rd Batt, 9th Marines in Okinawa and we made the landing in 1955.

Benjamin E. Branson Msgt Ret - April 21, 2020

Iwo Jima is a very harrowing place, I was privileged t,o take small groups of Marines out to the Island for Battle Field Study when I was Stationed in Japan. Over the course of two (2) years I took about 12 Groups for a weeks stay. While we were their on several occasions, we discovered The site of an underground Japanese Hospital and several other sites that uncovered live ordnance stored there by the Japanese. I also had the privilege of reenlisting my last time on Mt Saribachi where the second American Flag was raised. I am trying yo find the pictures of it and will send then once I find them. I was presented the American Flag Raised that day by the last U S Coast Guard Detachment to be stationed there which was a great Honor. Semperfi.

John Johnston - April 21, 2020

As the son of an Iwo Jima survivor (4th Marine Division), all be it a severely wounded one. And a marine myself (72-74) I can only tell you that my father paid a long and painful price for freedom, but would not have changed a thing. The only thing I can say to that is of course “SEMPER FI”.

dennis king - April 21, 2020

My father,my hero. Cpl. Warren King was severely wounded on that island. Having lost the use of his left hand never stopped him from anything. Never ever talked about it ever. I was also in the Marine Corps and was also wounded in Viet Nam and am 100% disabled. Iwo Jima was HELL on earth.

Nick Bailey, former Sgt. 79 now, but always a Marine - April 21, 2020

Iwo means a lot to me, as a small boy in 1945 my Uncle, a 2ndLt. , Platoon Leader landed with the 5th Marines. He landed just before all hell broke loose and something very strange happened that I doubt occurred to any Platoon on the beach that day, he didn’t lose a man the first day. He recounted this to me when I was a Marine, but he also said that he lost half his men on the second day advancing on the airfield. He told me of the sleepless nights and sometimes the hand to hand fighting that occurred during the Japanese mad charges. He landed as a Platoon Leader and came off as a Company Commander. The horrors of war haunted my Uncle throughout his life, and as for as I know he never sought help for PTSD.

He gave me his K-Bar which I treasure today.

A sequel to the story my Nephew, a Captain in the Marine Corp. went a shore on Iwo Jima, scooped up some sand where the 5th Marines, Red 1 landed and sent it to me. It sits on my desk today.

Semper Fi

Andrew H. Gardner 69-71 - April 21, 2020

In reply to James Norton, 2377865, former Sgt..
It was late Nov. or early Dec. 1969 that the colors were retired. I was with B Co. 13th Engineers at that time at Area 15 Camp Pendleton. Quite a memorable experience. My Father in Law was at Iwo with the 5th,and the colors were rolled up in early 1946 while he was still a part of the 5th Marine Div. Semper Fi,

Rudy Romo - April 21, 2020

In reply to mike alu.
Semper Fi

James Norton, Once and always a Marine - April 21, 2020

In reply to James Norton, 2377865, former Sgt..
Make that James Norton, 2377865,…….. I should have said ‘Recovering Marine Sgt.’– (Not Former)– I embarrassed myself. It won’t happen again guys. Don’t tell Chesty on me………. You never get over your experiences in the Corps. Love you guys! Semper Fi

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