Of the
22 Medals of Honor awarded to United States Marines for actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima, five were awarded to Paramarines. The battle remains a reminder of the cost paid to bring WWII to an end. Woven into the battle and much of the heroism was a unique Airborne connection.
On February 19, 1945, United States Marines attacked the island of Iwo Jima after months of naval and air bombardment. The shelling, however, only created defenses for the Japanese defenders.
For the Marines, the first and biggest obstacle was not enemy fire but the beaches themselves. The shores of Iwo Jima are made of small volcanic pebbles. For the men attempting to move up the slopes of the beaches, it was like trying to climb hills covered with ball bearings. Only when all the Marines were on shore did the Japanese open fire. Marines became desperate trying to scramble forward or dig fox holes, only to have the volcanic pebbles fill back in. There was no cover and no way to create any.
Approximately 70,000 U.S. Marines took part in the battle. In thirty-six days of fighting on the island, nearly 7,000 Marines were killed. Another 20,000 were wounded. The island was finally declared secured on March 26, 1945. Some Japanese defenders remained in hiding and only surrendered in 1947.
Iwo Jima proved to be one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history. After the battle, the island served as an emergency landing site for more than 2,200 B-29 bombers, saving the lives of 24,000 U.S. airmen. Securing Iwo Jima prepared the way for the last and largest battle in the Pacific, the invasion of Okinawa.
Three parachutists would participate in the famed flag raisings on Mount Suribachi four days into the battle. Sergeant Henry O. Hansen helped put the first flag in place and Corporals Ira H. Hayes and Harlon H. Block were among the group of six featured in Joe Rosenthal’s photograph of the second flag raising.
In fact, among the 5th Marine Division that went ashore at Iwo Jima was nearly the entire recently deactivated USMC 1st Parachute Regiment.
Navy Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz said About the battle, “Among the Americans who served on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.”
This goes out to all United States Marines past and present. Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful. All The Way.
Photo,
February 23, 1945, a squad of United States Marines advances up Mt. Suribachi under enemy fire for the flag raising. Photo public domain. Colorization by Nicholas Rodriguez/Mediadrumworld
77 years ago today.