The Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945 was a major battle between American and Japanese forces during World War II. The Americans sought to capture the island of Iwo Jima to position bombers closer to Japan. Over 100,000 American Marines invaded the island and faced fierce resistance from the entrenched Japanese forces led by General Kuribayashi, who had prepared an extensive network of fortified tunnels and artillery. After a costly month-long battle, the Americans were eventually victorious and raised the American flag over the island, securing it for use as a strategic airbase for bombing raids on Japan. Casualties were extremely high, with over 6,000 American and 20,000 Japanese deaths.

1. Battle of Iwo Jima 1945 Alex Faust Ethan Blum

2. Objective To learn and understand the importance of the Battle of Iwo Jima

4. Background Iwo Jima was in range of Japan for the US Bombers America was moving from island to island prior to the assault

5. American Strategy Sent more Marines to Iwo Jima then in any other battle. 110,000 Marines in 880 Ships Largest aerial attack of the war Armada invasion

6. 5 th Division Marines work their way up Red Beach

7. General Holland Smith General in the United States Marine Corps The "father" of modern US amphibious warfare Nicknamed "Howlin' Mad"

8. Japanese Strategy Fought the battle underground 1,500 rooms in the rock Connected by 16 miles of tunnels Did not plan to survive Kill 10+ Americans before they were killed

9. Japanese Artillery

10. Japanese Caves

11. General Kuribayashi The Japanese Commander of Iwo Jima His strategies were marvels in the history of warfare

12. The result of Japanese artillery and mortar fire

13. Flag Raisers 6 men 2 in front 4 in the back All become national heroes 3 died in the battle

14. Americans Victorious Americans secure Iwo Jima Now B-29 and other bombers are in range of Japan

15. Casualties Americans 6,821 Dead 19,189 Wounded 494 MIA Japanese 20,703 Dead 216 Captured

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