Iwo Jima (Battle of)

The Battle of Iwo Jima was a major World War II confrontation in early 1945 between the United States and Japan. U.S. forces aimed to capture the volcanic island of Iwo Jima, which was strategically important for launching future attacks on Japan and serving as a crucial base for air operations. The battle was intense and brutal, marked by fierce fighting and heavy casualties on both sides. Despite strong Japanese defenses, the U.S. eventually secured the island after over a month of fighting. The iconic image of U.S. Marines raising the flag became a symbol of American perseverance and sacrifice.