Iwo Jima (feb 19, 1945 – mar 26, 1945)
Description:
- Chester W. Nimitz led the Allied forces at Iwo Jima- After recapturing most of the Philippines, the a Allies decided to attack the island of Iwo Jima which was described as "an ugly, smelly glob of cold lava squatting in a surly ocean."
- The island was critical to the Allies chance of success as it could serve as a base from which heavily loaded bombers could reach Japan. It was also likely to be the most defended place on the earth as nearly 20,700 Japanese troops entrenched in tunnels and caves, which caused nearly 25,000 American casualties and left only 200 Japanese surviving
- The battle was one of the deadliest battles in history but set the Allies up for a final assault on Japan after Okinawa
Added to timeline:
Date:
feb 19, 1945
mar 26, 1945
~ 1 months and 5 days