On February 19, 1945, three U.S. marine divisions landed on the Japanese-controlled, volcano covered island of Iwo Jima. In this attack, the Allies continued their island-hopping strategy. They sought to gain control of this particular island for a number of reasons. The island was in close proximity to Japan making it an ideal place for a U.S. base, and the island was the home of approximately three Japanese controlled airfields. Japanese fighter planes used these airfields to to attack American bombers on their flights to Japan. Removing this power from Japan would greatly benefit the Allied powers. The Americans were lead by General Holland Smith, who was often referred to by his nickname, “Howlin’ Mad”. The Axis powers present in this
