Iwo Jima Operation, 1945
"H-Hour" on "D-Day": Waves of amphibious tractors (LVTs) approach the Iwo Jima invasion beaches in the first moments of the U.S. Marine amphibious assault on the island, 19 February 1945. Mount Suribachi is in the left center background. This image is cropped from Photo # 80-G-415308. Taken from an airplane flying over the invasion area, it was flown to Guam, transmitted by radio, and printed in an American newspaper within fifteen hours after it was made. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.


Sixty-three years ago today, the largest armada invasion to date began on a small island in the Pacific.

Sixty-three years ago today, the black beaches of Iwo "ran red with blood."

It would be a battle that would prompt Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz (USN) to later say, "Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue."


Iwo Jima Links:
Iwo Jima Operation, February - March 1945 (navy.mil)
Iwo Jima.com
Battle of Iwo Jima - Wikipedia
Veterans honor those lost on Iwo Jima (Sign on San Diego)
U.S. Department of Defense Official Website - Battle for Iwo Jima

Labels: Iwo Jima, military history, photos, USMC, WWII