Iwo Jima is a small volcanic island, a mere 700 miles from Tokyo.  Its location made the taking of it crucial to the United State's further plans in the war.  It would come at a cost.  For three days straight the island was relentlessly pounded by battleships, cruisers and planes from the aircraft carrier.  When America thought it safe ground troops were sent in, however 3,000 casualties resulted in the first day.  The island of Iwo Jima is honeycombed with caves and concrete pill boxes, so much so that the prior bombardment had done little to the 20,000 Japanese defenders.
    The job of the invasion was that of General Harry Schmidt, and the Fourth and Fifth Marine Divisions.  Within four hellish days of fighting the marines had pushed to the top of Mount Suribachi.  Here they raised the United States flag, and photographer Joe Rosenberg would take the snap shot that would become one of the most famous images to ever come out of World War II.
    Despite this inspirational moment the fighting was far from over.  The marines continued fighting the dug-in Japanese soldiers from hole to hole and cave to cave.  Soon U.S. soldiers were issued satchel charges filled with dynamite and napalm to force the Japanese out of their holes.  By the time the Americans had successfully captured the island only 200 fanatic Japanese soldiers were taken prisoner.   The rest had preferred death before defeat.