1945: US flag raised over Iwo Jima

BBC ^ | BBC

[Dubya]

US troops have raised the Stars and Stripes over Iwo Jima four days after landing on the Japanese-held volcanic island. The 28th Regiment of the 5th Marine Division took Mount Suribachi at 1030 local time. The extinct volcano offers a strategic vantage point for the ongoing battle for control of the island. Lying in the north-west Pacific Ocean 650 miles (1,045 kms) from Tokyo, Iwo Jima would serve as a useful base for long-range fighters to cover B-29 Superfortresses in a bombing campaign against the Japan's capital. Although the Stars and Stripes are flying over the island the battle is far from over and the Japanese are reported to be defending every inch of the island using elaborate underground defences. The battle for Iwo Jima has been described as the toughest fight in US Marine history by the commander of the Marines in the Pacific, Lt-General M "Howling Mad" Smith. On 19 February, after four days of naval and air bombardment had pounded the beaches and weakened Japanese defences, the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions landed on the south side of the island under the overall command of Vice-Admiral Richmond Kelly Turner.

[Dubya]

[libh8er]

[max americana]

We get this info from the BBC of all places. Nevertheless, thanks for the post and God Bless the Marines who fought tooth and nail against the Japs.

[Jolla]

I have 5x10 48 star flag, it is the pride of our neighborhood when I put it over the garage door on flag days, received many very kind regards. I was gone one 4th of July for my parents 50th anniv. and caught enough grief I give it to a neighbor to put out if I am away.

[WesternPacific]

My Daddy was there with the 5th Marine Division. His Spearhead Book is my most prized and cherished possessions.

[death2tyrants]

[A_Former_Democrat]

That photo and the one of the soldier kissing the cute little nurse are my favorite WW2 pictures.

[al baby]

This is one of my favorites

[Dubya]

FAREWELL IWO JIMA

[1COUNTER-MORTER-68]

[Dubya]

[Revolting cat!]

All dead now!

[Dubya]

[Dubya]

Good for you.

[Dubya]

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks, I used to have that beach image, and somehow lost track of it.

[Andyman]

On the same day, 2,200 civilian internees were liberated from Los Banos Internment Camp by a combined airborne, land-based, and amphibious assault on the camp that was 25 miles behind enemy lines. Freed that day were my mother and father.

[tubebender]

More WWII photos...

[Dubya]

[Dubya]