Loss of Iwo Jima
Eight square miles of volcanic hell cost Japan dearly in February 1945. Almost all 21,000 defenders perished in the 36-day battle for Iwo Jima. Though Americans paid with 6,800 lives, the strategic gain proved enormous. Newly captured airfields allowed P-51 Mustang fighters to escort B-29 bombers to Japan, dramatically increasing bombing accuracy. The iconic flag-raising photograph boosted American resolve while demoralizing Japanese leaders. Each outer island’s fall brought enemy forces closer to Japan’s heart.
