Iwo Jima is a small Pacific island; located at the bottom end of Honshu. This island is 2.5 miles wide and 4.5 miles long. The land was already being cleared for the use of the new “Superfortresses”. There were two airfields on the island that were controlled by Japan; these were used to attack American bombers. On February 19, 1945 the United States invaded Iwo Jima. The determination for capturing and invading Iwo Jima was apart of the vigorous plan to win the war. This battle is known as the bloodiest battle in Marine Corps history. Japan was without a doubt determined to keep control over Iwo Jima. Japanese commander, General Kuribayashi had about 22,000-23,000 soldiers under his command. He is responsible for setting up defense strategies
