Iwo Jima, a small volcanic island in the Pacific, is historically significant due to a fierce World War II battle that occurred 80 years ago this month. The battle symbolized both desperate combat and American military success.
On February 23, 1945, American Marines reached the summit of Mount Suribachi, the island's highest point, where they raised an American flag. This moment was captured in an iconic photograph by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal.
U.S. troops landed on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945, four days prior to the flag-raising. The battle for control of the island would continue for an additional month, despite the early symbolic victory.
Keyes Beech, a technical sergeant and combat correspondent with the U.S. Marine Corps Fifth Division, was present during the battle. He documented the valor of American forces while facing the harsh realities of combat, as many of his fellow soldiers lost their lives.
The battle was characterized by intense and brutal fighting within the island's confined space, which measures less than eight square miles. The Japanese forces had heavily fortified the island with tunnels and defenses, leading to significant casualties on both sides.
Approximately 70,000 American soldiers fought in the battle, resulting in over 6,500 American deaths and nearly 19,000 Japanese fatalities. The battle concluded on March 26, 1945, marking Iwo Jima as the first piece of Japanese territory captured by U.S. forces.
Following the war, the United States established a military base on the island, which was returned to Japan in 1968. The island was officially renamed Iwo To in 2007, reflecting its historical name prior to the battle.
Many veterans, including Beech, rarely spoke of their experiences in World War II. Beech lived in Japan for about 30 years and developed a personal connection to the country, even marrying a Japanese woman.
The legacy of Iwo Jima continues to resonate, as evidenced by the Marine Corps War Memorial, which features Rosenthal's famous photograph. The memories of the battle and its impact on those who fought remain significant to this day.