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First Fight of the Battle
Gun shots from U.S. battleships were the first sign that the battle had begun. Soon after, 100 U.S. bombers dropped throughout the island. Mount Suribachi was Japan's main advantage because of its ability to shoot any of the U.S. Marines. Therefore, this was America's first target. By the end of the day, Mount Suribachi was isolated and there was progress in taking the first airfield being made. -
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Second-Fourth Days of the Battle
The U.S. used satchel charges, flame throwers, cruisers, destroyers, and ravines against the Japanese. In return, the Japanese used Kamikaze attacks on the Marines and sunk the Saratoga and Bismark Sea. The U.S. Marines eventually surrounded Mount Suribachi and started moving inward. -
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Raising of the Flag
U.S. Marines finally captured Mount Suribachi and Lieutenant Harold Schreir and his group of men raised a small flag on top. Later, a larger flag was brought out to replaced the smaller one. The Americans' next goal was the second airfield, near the middle of the island. Tanks failed to help the Americans take the airfield because of Japan's skilled use of anti-tank guns. -
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New Goals and Complications for the U.S.
The Japanese line succeeded in slowing down the U.S. flame-throwing tanks because of the amount of casualties. On February 23rd, however, the Americans took the second airfield. The following day, the third airfield was also taken. The hills around the airfields being still controlled by the Japanese complicated things. Both hills contained pillboxes, anti-tank guns, and artillery depsite their small size. Hill 382 was captured by the U.S. March 1st. -
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U.S. Airforce Assistance
The U.S. Marines fought for Hill 362A. The American airforce tried to speed up the pace and help the Marines. The Japanese tried to attack the marine regiments 23rd and 24th, but were stopped by the Marine's weaponry. Hill 362A was finally captured on March 8th. -
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Japanese Resistance and Surreneder
The Japanese continually fought for Iwo Jima. They tried fighting the U.S. lines to take out the head quarters and disconnect their communication. Japan's last attempt at defeating the U.S. was the night of March 25th at Kitano point. General Kurbayashi ordered 200 of his men to attack the U.S. lines. The morning of March 26th, 250 Japanese men were found dead near the U.S. lines. The Japanese had no choice but to surrender. Iwo Jima was now under America's control.