Iwo Jima
The Battle of All Battles
T
here are many “signature” battles in the Marine Corps History. WW1 has the “Battle of Belleau Wood”,” Korea “The Battle of the Chosin Reservoir,” Vietnam “The Battle of Khe Sahn” and the Global War on Terror “The Battle of Fallujah” but in WW2 the “Battle of Iwo Jima” cemented the legacy of the United States Marine Corps. The Battle of Iwo Jima started By Kenneth Reige on 19 February and ended on 25 USAF Veteran March 1945 was a major battle in which the United States Marine Corps and Navy captured from the Imperial Japanese Army. The main purpose of capturing the island were its two airfields designated South Field and Central Field.
This is considered the most iconic photo of WW2, which was taken by Joe Rosenthal of the Associated Press at the top of Mount Suribachi.
Here is the beautiful Marine Corps Memorial in Washington D.C.
I have had the extreme honor of meeting several veterans from that battle. Here is a picture of myself with US Marine and Navajo Code Talker Mr. Thomas Begay.
Here is a map of Iwo Jima. Many who fought there said it resembled a burnt pork chop. 44
February 2022
This picture was taken at the 2018 Duke City Marathon. Always such an honor getting to visit with Mr. Begay and hear his stories.
