Lecture Notes on The Assault on Iwo Jima

Introduction

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Assault on Iwo Jima: Key Events

D+2: Preparation and Initial Assault

• Artillery Barrage at 7:30 AM

  • Naval guns, Marine artillery, and tanks target Mount Suribachi.
  • Colonel Harry Liversidge leads the 28th Marine Regiment.
  • Delay in tanks due to mortar fire and beach traffic.

• 8:00 AM: Assault Begins

  • Marines wait for tank support; begin attack at 8:30 AM.
  • Japanese defenders use tunnels for strategic advantage.

Tactics and Challenges

• Corkscrew and Blowtorch Technique

  • Flamethrowers used to clear Japanese blockhouses.
  • Notable figure: Chuck Lindsberg awarded Silver Star.

• Brutal Close-Quarters Combat

  • Marines face resistance even from behind due to tunnels.

D+2 Afternoon: Progress and Recognition

• Final Push on Mount Suribachi

  • Marines nearing victory by late afternoon.
  • Banzai charge anticipated and countered by Marines.

• Recognition and Awards

  • Sergeant Mike Strank and "Boots" Thomas are noted for bravery.
  • Several medals awarded to Easy Company.

Naval and Air Challenges

• Japanese Kamikaze Attacks
  • Kamikaze attacks on USS Saratoga and Bismarck Sea.
  • Bismarck Sea is sunk, the last US carrier lost in WWII.

Subsequent Days: Tactical Movements

D+3: Weather and Tactical Limits

• Weather Impacts

  • Poor weather limits air support and infantry attacks.

• Leadership Examples

  • Lieutenant Colonel Justice Chambers leads from the front.
  • Sergeant Ernst "Boots" Thomas conducts daring advances.

D+4: Climbing Mount Suribachi

• Summit Assault

  • Initial patrol finds no resistance; second larger patrol raises the first US flag.

• Flag-Raising Incident

  • Secretary of Navy James Forrestal attempts to claim the flag.
  • Lieutenant Colonel Johnson ensures it remains with the battalion.

D+5: Shifting Battle Focus

• Major Attack Launched

  • Marines gain territory, overrun rock quarry, and advance on Northern Airfield.

• Future Battle Developments

  • Expected easy victory is deceptive; northern rugged terrain presents challenges.
  • Many Marines who raised the flag will fall in subsequent battles.

Conclusion

• The battle's early days were crucial yet misleading in terms of the difficulty ahead.
• The enduring image of the flag-raising symbolizes Marine resilience and sacrifice.

Note: This compilation captures the significant events and strategies during the early days of the Battle of Iwo Jima, reflecting both the tactical complexities and the human elements involved in this critical WWII military operation.