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Iwo Jima, which means "Sulfur Island," was strategically important as an air base for fighter escorts supporting long-range bombing missions against mainland Japan. Because of the distance between mainland Japan and U.S. bases in the Mariana Islands, the capture of Iwo Jima was necessary to provide an emergency landing strip for crippled B-29s returning from bombing runs. The seizure of Iwo Jima would allow for sea and air blockades, and would provide the ability to conduct intensive air bombardment and to destroy the enemy's air and naval capabilities.
The seizure of Iwo Jima was deemed necessary, but the prize would not come easy. The fighting that took place during the 36-day assault would be immortalized in the words of Commander, Pacific Fleet/Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who said, "Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue."
To the Japanese leadership, the capture of Iwo Jima meant the battle for Okinawa, and the invasion of Japan itself, was not far off.
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 Multi Million dollar weapons into the sea weighed to 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.
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Winner of iwo jima?
My uncle received the Bronze Star for Iwo Jima. I have pictures of him receiving the medal and newspaper clippings reporting the event.
What battle in World War 2 mainly took place on land?
The Battle of Iwa Jima
Why was the Battle for Iwo Jima an important event in World War II?
Iwo Jima was so important in WWII because it meant that the U.S. was close enough to Japan to bomb them. It had been critical for the Allied Forces to capture this island because it had two airfields created by the Japanese. The Allied Forces needed these runways to enable pilots to land their damaged planes or planes without enough fuel. It was a good supply point for the Allied Forces too.
How long did the battle of Iwo Jima last for?
The Iwo Jima battle occurred on 19 February - 26 March 1945. The battle lasted for 36 days.
What are the 4 famous battles in world war 2?
Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, Midway, and Iwo Jima-
