Battle of Iwo Jima

The Battle of Iwo Jima was a significant World War II conflict fought between February 19 and March 26, 1945. It involved U.S. Marine Corps forces capturing the small Japanese-held island in the Pacific. The battle was crucial for the U.S. to secure airfields for launching attacks on mainland Japan. Despite fierce Japanese resistance and heavy casualties, the U.S. ultimately succeeded, symbolized by the iconic photograph of Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi. The battle showcased the high cost of war, with over 26,000 American and 18,000 Japanese soldiers losing their lives.