 |
| (Google Image) |
By
Terry Orr
The Battle of Iwo Jima (19 February – 26 March
1945), or Operation Detachment, was a major battle in which the United States
Armed Forces fought for and captured the island of Iwo Jima from the Japanese
Empire. The American invasion had the goal of capturing the entire island,
including its three airfields, to provide a staging area for attacks on the
Japanese main islands. This month-long battle included some of the fiercest and
bloodiest fighting of the War in the Pacific of World War II. [Source: Wikipedia]
 |
| (Google Image) |
Why was the Battle
of Iwo Jima so important?
The primary reason for taking Iwo Jima was a
requirement for an emergency landing for the two aircraft scheduled to deliver
the atomic bombs on Japan. The thought of losing one of these weapons into the
sea weighed too heavily on the war planners. The cost in lives of taking Iwo
Jima was weighed against the possibility of extending the War by at least two
years while replacements were manufactured.
 |
| (Google Image) |
Perhaps I read or heard about this – but I simply do
not recall that piece of information.
 |
| (Google Image) |
