WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -American forces invaded the island on February 19, 1945, and the ensuing Battle of Iwo Jima lasted for five weeks. In some of the bloodiest fighting of World War II, it’s believed that all but 200 or so of the 21, 000 Japanese forces on the island were killed, as were almost 7, 000 Marines.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Americans secured victory on Iwo Jima on March 26, 1945, after both sides had paid a devastating toll in lives. Out of an estimated 20, 000 Japanese troops on the island, only slightly over 200 survived the battle.

Detailed explanation-3: -Then, in the Battle of Midway the following month, US carrier aircraft dealt a devastating blow to the Japanese navy, destroying four aircraft carriers. The battle marked the first major US victory against Japan and was a turning point in the war.

Detailed explanation-4: -In thirty-six days of fighting on the island, nearly 7, 000 U.S. Marines were killed. Another 20, 000 were wounded. Marines captured 216 Japanese soldiers; the rest were killed in action. The island was finally declared secured on March 26, 1945.

Detailed explanation-5: -On Iwo Jima, Marines achieved a costly victory as they grappled with tenacious Japanese defenders dug into the island’s volcanic terrain. Americans faced even worse on Okinawa, the natural springboard for an invasion of Japan’s home islands.