|
|
|
I just finished watching a Discovery Channel documentary on the battle for Iwo Jima. In the 36 days it took take the island, the Marines suffered 26,000 casulties of which 7,000 died. The Japanese fought tenaciously and virtually never surrendered - even when their defeat was obvious.
The US military thought the battle would take just a few days. One Marine company, H Company, suffered an 82% casualty rate. After Iwo Jima was taken, the Marines went back to Hawaii to train for the invasion of Japan. Many Marines from Iwo Jima figured this would be a battle from which they would not return. They figured they'd used up all their luck on Iwo Jima. They were very pleased when the two atomic bombs were dropped and Japan surrendered.
One Japanese interviewed for the program, thought the death of all the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was terrible. In the same breath, however, he felt that sacrifice saved the lives of millions of Japanese. Had the US invaded Japan, the Japanese would have fought to the last man.
Here’s some facts about the Iwo Jima and the battle that ensued.
It is an island about two miles wide and eight miles long.
Approximately 60,000 Americans and 20,000 Japanese participated in the Battle.
Approximately one-third of all Marines killed in action in World War II were killed at Iwo Jima, making Iwo Jima the battle with the highest number of casualties in Marine Corps history.
Twenty-seven Congressional Medals of Honor were awarded in the Battle - more than were awarded to Marines and Navy in any other Battle in our country's history.
As one of the surviving Marines said, "Freedom isn't free."
Posted by Ted at June 6, 2004 9:10 PM