26 Photographs of the Heroes of Iwo Jima, Where Uncommon Valor Was a Common Virtue

Bombs from U.S. Army 7th Air Force planes are seen here about to fall on Iwo Jima. Although tiny, the island is the only major airbase between the Marianas and Japan. It is the last air barrier before the home islands, guarding the southeastern approach to the Empire. U.S. planes bomb it again and again. Funker530

Cpl. Edward Burckhardt found this kitten at the base of Mount Suribachi as the Marines were advancing. This image shows a completely different side of the bloody fight for Mount Suribachi. funker530

Smashed by Japanese mortar and shellfire, trapped by Iwo’s treacherous black-ash sands, amtracs and other vehicles of war lay knocked out on the black sands of the volcanic fortress. ca. February/March 1945. US Navy Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Robert Warren

Marines hiding in Japanese trenches after clearing them of enemy soldiers. US Marine Corps

U.S. Marines clearing out a cave on Iwo Jima. Pinterest

Marines take cover as they begin their clime up Mount Suribachi. Scouting

Marines torch a Japanese defensive position from a short distance with flamethrowers. The flamethrowers were an effective weapon for burning out entrenched Japanese fighters who would have otherwise fought to the death. funker530

Mount Suribachi looming in the distance. US Marine Corp

Sailors and Coast Guardsmen continued to land materials at the secure beachheads, giving the Marines more ammunition and other supplies. US Coast Guard Photagrapher’s Mate 2nd Class Paul Queenan

Marines posing with a captured Japanese Flag. National Park Service

Flag Raising on Iwo Jima by Joe Rosenthal

When the Marines first took the summit, they flew an American flag they had carried up. When it was spotted by Secretary of the Navy James V. Forrestal, Forrestal asked to keep it. The Marines gave him the flag and planted a second one in its place. US Marine Corps Staff Sergreant Louis Lowery

This is the photograph Joe Rosenthal thought was going to have the most impact when his film reel went home. Little did he know that it was the image of the Marines raising the flag on Suribachi that would be a sensation. funker530