Iwo Jema!
By: Alanah Alexander
Information about Iwo Jima
Iwo Jima is a key island in Bonin about 575 miles from the Japanese coast. It was a desired place where B-29 bombers damaged over Japan and they could land without returning all the way to Marianas. It was also a base for escort fighters that would assist in the bombings. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-iwo-jima#
Attacked
Iwo Jima was defended by about 23,000 Japanese army and navy troops. They were attacked by three marine divisions. The Japanese fought from an elaborate system of caves, tunnels, dugouts, and underground installations that were difficult to find and destroy. Except for 1,083 prisoners, the whole garrison was wiped out. There was 5,900 american losses and 17,400 was wounded.