A Moment In Time.........

The Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the most costly battles of the Pacific campaign of World War II, fought in February and March 1945 on the island of Iwo Jima (now Iwo To). About 6,800 United States personnel (including about 6,000 Marines) lost their lives in capturing the island from the Japanese; Japanese losses were estimated at more than 21,000. The conquest of the island provided American air units with the first base inside the Japanese inner-defense system from which to attack the heart of industrial Japan with medium bombers escorted by fighters.

Before the actual invasion on February 19, the island was subjected to air and sea bombardment for three months. In spite of the preinvasion assault, some Japanese were still firmly entrenched in underground fortifications in the soft volcanic soil. The marines secured the island after a month of the most severe fighting in their history. Mount Suribachi, the highest point on the island and an important defense position, was captured on February 23. The campaign was officially declared ended on March 16

Despite the heavy losses on both sides the entire battle could readily be summed up with the planting of the flag on the summet of Mt.Suribachi. This photo renewed Americas effort in the war and caused countless Americans to purchase war bonds to help finance the war effort. This supplied the much needed funds to finance our efforts in the Pacific Theater.It also inspired many of the youth of that time to enlist in the services and ralley to our nations aid. To this day it remains one of the most inspirational photos of all time. At least that is the way I see it here on Arrathorns Alley !!!