Iwo Jima (Battle of Iwo Jima)

The Battle of Iwo Jima was a major World War II conflict in early 1945 where U.S. forces fought to capture the Japanese-held volcanic island of Iwo Jima. Its strategic importance lay in providing a base for launching attacks on Japan and for rescuing damaged bombers. The battle was intense, marked by fierce fighting and high casualties, especially for the Japanese defenders who fought tenaciously. The iconic image of U.S. Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi symbolizes this battle. Ultimately, the U.S. victory facilitated further Pacific campaigns and contributed to ending the war.