Iwo Jima: The Cost, Part II

A view of the cemetery containing the dead of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th United States Marine Divisions on the island of Iwo Jima. Mount Suribachi is seen in the distance, looking from North to South. Following the war, families could have their loved one’s remains returned to the states for re-burial. All of the Marines buried here in this cemetery were removed and brought home before the island was turned back over to the Japanese government. However, many American remains are still on the island, buried within the underground tunnels and caves where they fell in mortal combat with the enemy.

Iwo Jima: The Cost, Part I

Four U.S. Marines carry a wounded comrade back to the relative safety of the rear area for medical treatment during the Battle for Iwo Jima.

Marines Take a Break on Iwo Jima

U.S. Marines are seen taking a meal break behind the wreckage of a downed Japanese aircraft during a lull in their fierce battle on Iwo Jima — February 1945.

The Marines’ Cost on Iwo Jima

The body of a dead United States Marine, killed during the vicious fighting on Iwo Jima, remains in a fighting position — note bullet hole in helmet. The American casualties for the battle were 6,821 dead and 19,189 wounded.

To the Shores of Iwo Jima — Part 2

To the Shores of Iwo Jima — Part 1

“To the Shores of Iwo Jima” is a 1945 Kodachrome color short war film produced by the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. It documents the Battle of Iwo Jima, and was the first time that American audiences saw in color the footage of the famous flag raising on Iwo Jima.

The film follows the servicemen through the battle in rough chronological order, from the bombardment of the island by warships and carrier-based airplanes to the final breakdown of resistance — though, after it shows the taking of Suribachi, it then switches to the footage of the second flag raising.

The film ends by acknowledging the 4,000 men who died in the month-long battle, and tells the audience that their deaths weren't in vain, showing a bomber aircraft taking off from the island for a mission over Japan.

Four cameramen, including Bill Genaust, who shot the famous flag raising sequence, died bringing this footage to the public. Ten were wounded. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short.

Beach Unloading — Iwo Jima

U.S. Marines unload equipment & supplies onto the sands of Iwo Jima from large Coast Guard & Navy landing craft shortly after troops gained a foothold on the strategically important island — February 19, 1945.

"Howlin' Mad" Smith — 1944

General Holland McTyeire "Howlin' Mad" Smith (April 20, 1882 – January 12, 1967) served several commands in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He is sometimes called the "father" of modern U.S. amphibious warfare.

On the eve of World War II, General Smith directed extensive Army, Navy, and Marine amphibious training, which was a major factor in successful U.S. landings in both the Atlantic and Pacific. Later, he helped prepare U.S. Army and Canadian troops for the Kiska and Attu landings, then led the V Amphibious Corps in the assaults on the Gilberts, the Marshalls, and Saipan, and Tinian in the Marianas.

During the Marianas operation, besides the V Amphibious Corps, he commanded all Expeditionary Troops, including those which recaptured Guam. After that, he served as the first Commanding General of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, and headed Task Force 56 (Expeditionary Troops) at Iwo Jima, which included all the assault troops in that battle.

Welcome to the Blog

Today marks the opening of our online museum of World War II photography. We call it “WWII Through the Lens” and hope that it will contribute to the memory of those who died and served in this momentous conflict of the Twentieth Century.

We start off our exhibit with what we consider to be one of the most iconic images of the war — the photo of the second flag-raising on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. It was taken by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal on Friday, February 23, 1945. This photo inspired millions back home at a time when the war was wearing thin on morale, and inspired war bond sales like never before.

It also inspired the recent book “Flags of Our Fathers,” written by James Bradley (the son of one of the flag-raisers) and the film adaptation, directed by Clint Eastwood.