Battle of Iwo Jima

Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima

Action Report on Iwo Jima Operation - 19 February 1945 to 27 March 1945.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Feb. 19, 2026) Photo illustration depicting The Battle of Iwo Jima Remembrance Day. (U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Stack)

Retired Marine and veteran of the Iwo Jima battle John Baker displays his hat at the 4th Marine Division reunion where Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was the keynote speaker. The event was held in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 5, 2007.

Greeley Wells, who commissioned in the Marines, serving in WWII

250328-N-ML137-1202 TUMON, Guam (March 27, 2025) From top left row; Marine Corps Col. Ernest Govea, commanding officer of Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz; Susumu Ueda, Japanese Consulate of Guam; Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero; Jeffrey Cook, first gentleman; and Navy Rear Adm. Brent DeVore, commander, Joint Region Marianas, pose with World War II veterans following a ceremony for the Iwo Jima Association of America’s Reunion of Honor Tour and 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort, March 27. From bottom left row; Retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Delmar Beard, a World War II veteran who served in the Navy at Iwo Jima before he transferred branches into the Army where he also served in the Korean and Vietnam wars; Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Joseph Caminiti, who fought at Iwo Jima; Marine Corps Capt. Edward Cavallini, who fought at Iwo Jima as an infantry platoon leader; Navy Pharmacist Mate Corpsman 2nd Class Charles Cram, who fought at Iwo Jima; Navy Lt. jg. Patrick Zilliacus, who served aboard Balao-class submarine USS Spot (SS-413) on patrols in the Pacific; and Marine Corps Pfc. Walter LaSota, who fought at Okinawa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Samantha Jetzer)

A Happy Easter greeting created by Lieutenant Allan A. Campbell featuring the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem, bunny rabbit, and the words, "Happy Easter, Iwo Jima". Campbell mailed the greeting to his wife, Thirza during World War II. From the collection of Allan Campbell COLL/5036, United States Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections OFFICIAL USMC PHOTOGRAPH

A Happy Easter letter written by Stanley Ewashko to his sister, Mary, during the Battle of Iwo Jima (February-March 1945). During this time, Ewashko served with the 4th Marine Division. The partial letter reads: "Dear Mary, The Battle of Iwo Jima is over and I came out o.k. You are probably waiting to hear my experiences but, Mary I just can't find the words to describe the battle..." From the collection of Stanley Ewashko, COLL/4997, United States Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections OFFICIAL USMC PHOTOGRAPH

Newsreels of wounded Marines being evacuated from the beaches of Iwo Jima. It happened on this day in 1945.

Iwo Jima - Landing Plan

Iwo Jima: Amphibious Epic.

Japanese shell casings from Iwo Jima on display at the Marines' Memorial Hotel in San Francisco, California.

"A map of Iwo Jima. At Iwo Jima I was photographic officer for the Third Marine Division. We were in reserve. We didn't go ashore until D plus 3 so especially in this first album, practically all the picture were taken before I got ashore." From the Thayer Soule Collection (COLL/2266) at the Archives Branch, Marine Corps History Division OFFICIAL USMC PHOTOGRAPH

"Military Transport Boats at Iwo Jima" by Harry Reeks, 1945.

Nils Mockler, former U.S. Marine Corps private first class and a veteran of the Battle of Iwo Jima, pays respects to fallen comrades during the 80th Reunion of Honor ceremony at Iwo To, Japan, March 29, 2025. The 80th Reunion of Honor is a milestone anniversary that commemorates the sacrifices made by both Japanese and American service members during the Battle of Iwo Jima, honoring their legacy and ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations. This milestone anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring partnership between both nations and the progress made toward regional stability over the past 80 years. The U.S. Marine Corps was born on November 10th, 1775. From that day until the present, Marines have served with distinction in every clime and place, including the hallowed battle fields of Iwo Jima. This year, the U.S. Marine Corps celebrates 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment across the globe.  (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Johnathan Wright)

The Honorable Peter Hegseth, United States Secretary of Defense; ISHIBA Shigeru, prime minster of Japan; the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith; and other U.S. and Japan government officials and military and self-defense force leadership pose for a group photo following the conclusion of the 80th Reunion of Honor ceremony at Iwo To, Japan, March 29, 2025. The 80th Reunion of Honor is a milestone anniversary that commemorates the sacrifices made by both Japanese and American service members during the Battle of Iwo Jima, honoring their legacy and ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations. This milestone anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring partnership between both nations and the progress made toward regional stability over the past 80 years. The U.S. Marine Corps was born on November 10th, 1775. From that day until the present, Marines have served with distinction in every clime and place, including the hallowed battle fields of Iwo Jima. This year, the U.S. Marine Corps celebrates 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment across the globe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Wright)

Charles Cram, former U.S. Navy Pharmacist Mate 2nd Class and a veteran of the Battle of Iwo Jima, speaks with Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, prior to the 80th Reunion of Honor ceremony at Iwo To, Japan, March 29, 2025. The 80th Reunion of Honor is a milestone anniversary that commemorates the sacrifices made by both Japanese and American service members during the Battle of Iwo Jima, honoring their legacy and ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations. This milestone anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring partnership between both nations and the progress made toward regional stability over the past 80 years. The U.S. Marine Corps was born on November 10th, 1775. From that day until the present, Marines have served with distinction in every clime and place, including the hallowed battle fields of Iwo Jima. This year, the U.S. Marine Corps celebrates 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment across the globe.  (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Wright)

From left to right, Joseph Young, Charge d’Affaires for U.S. Embassy Tokyo; the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith; and the United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, lay a commemoration wreath at the Reunion of Honor memorial during the 80th Reunion of Honor ceremony at Iwo To, Japan, March 29, 2025. The 80th Reunion of Honor is a milestone anniversary that commemorates the sacrifices made by both Japanese and American service members during the Battle of Iwo Jima, honoring their legacy and ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations. This milestone anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring partnership between both nations and the progress made toward regional stability over the past 80 years. The U.S. Marine Corps was born on November 10th, 1775. From that day until the present, Marines have served with distinction in every clime and place, including the hallowed battle fields of Iwo Jima. This year, the U.S. Marine Corps celebrates 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment across the globe.

U.S. distinguished visitors and veterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima stand in silence during the invocation for the Reunion of Honor ceremony at Iwo To, Japan, 29 March, 2025. The 80th Reunion of Honor is a milestone anniversary that commemorates the sacrifices made by both Japanese and American service members during the Battle of Iwo Jima, honoring their legacy and ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations. This milestone anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring partnership between both nations and the progress made toward regional stability over the past 80 years. The U.S. Marine Corps was born on November 10th, 1775. From that day until the present, Marines have served with distinction in every clime and place, including the hallowed battle fields of Iwo Jima. This year, the U.S. Marine Corps celebrates 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment across the globe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Le)

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth pays his respects at the Reunion of Honor memorial during the Reunion of Honor ceremony at Iwo To, Japan, 29 March, 2025. The 80th Reunion of Honor is a milestone anniversary that commemorates the sacrifices made by both Japanese and American service members during the Battle of Iwo Jima, honoring their legacy and ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations. This milestone anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring partnership between both nations and the progress made toward regional stability over the past 80 years. The U.S. Marine Corps was born on November 10th, 1775. From that day until the present, Marines have served with distinction in every clime and place, including the hallowed battle fields of Iwo Jima. This year, the U.S. Marine Corps celebrates 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment across the globe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Le)

Ceremonial wreaths lie in front of the Reunion of Honor memorial during the Reunion of Honor ceremony at Iwo To, Japan, 29 March, 2025. The 80th Reunion of Honor is a milestone anniversary that commemorates the sacrifices made by both Japanese and American service members during the Battle of Iwo Jima, honoring their legacy and ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations. This milestone anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring partnership between both nations and the progress made toward regional stability over the past 80 years. The U.S. Marine Corps was born on November 10th, 1775. From that day until the present, Marines have served with distinction in every clime and place, including the hallowed battle fields of Iwo Jima. This year, the U.S. Marine Corps celebrates 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment across the globe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Le)

U.S. Marines prepare a ceremonial wreath for the Reunion of Honor ceremony at Iwo To, Japan, 29 March, 2025. The 80th Reunion of Honor is a milestone anniversary that commemorates the sacrifices made by both Japanese and American service members during the Battle of Iwo Jima, honoring their legacy and ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations. This milestone anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring partnership between both nations and the progress made toward regional stability over the past 80 years. The U.S. Marine Corps was born on November 10th, 1775. From that day until the present, Marines have served with distinction in every clime and place, including the hallowed battle fields of Iwo Jima. This year, the U.S. Marine Corps celebrates 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment across the globe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Le)

U.S. veterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima pay their respects to the Reunion of Honor memorial during the Reunion of Honor ceremony at Iwo To, Japan, 29 March, 2025. The 80th Reunion of Honor is a milestone anniversary that commemorates the sacrifices made by both Japanese and American service members during the Battle of Iwo Jima, honoring their legacy and ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations. This milestone anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring partnership between both nations and the progress made toward regional stability over the past 80 years. The U.S. Marine Corps was born on November 10th, 1775. From that day until the present, Marines have served with distinction in every clime and place, including the hallowed battle fields of Iwo Jima. This year, the U.S. Marine Corps celebrates 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment across the globe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Le)

U.S. Marines assist U.S. veterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima during the Reunion of Honor ceremony at Iwo To, Japan, 29 March, 2025. The 80th Reunion of Honor is a milestone anniversary that commemorates the sacrifices made by both Japanese and American service members during the Battle of Iwo Jima, honoring their legacy and ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations. This milestone anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring partnership between both nations and the progress made toward regional stability over the past 80 years. The U.S. Marine Corps was born on November 10th, 1775. From that day until the present, Marines have served with distinction in every clime and place, including the hallowed battle fields of Iwo Jima. This year, the U.S. Marine Corps celebrates 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment across the globe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Le)

From left to right, the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith; United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth; and Joseph Young, Charge d’Affaires for U.S. Embassy Tokyo pay their respects at the Reunion of Honor memorial during the Reunion of Honor ceremony at Iwo To, Japan, 29 March, 2025. The 80th Reunion of Honor is a milestone anniversary that commemorates the sacrifices made by both Japanese and American service members during the Battle of Iwo Jima, honoring their legacy and ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations. This milestone anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring partnership between both nations and the progress made toward regional stability over the past 80 years. The U.S. Marine Corps was born on November 10th, 1775. From that day until the present, Marines have served with distinction in every clime and place, including the hallowed battle fields of Iwo Jima. This year, the U.S. Marine Corps celebrates 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment across the globe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Le)

U.S. veterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima sit in their seats for the Reunion of Honor ceremony at Iwo To, Japan, 29 March, 2025. The 80th Reunion of Honor is a milestone anniversary that commemorates the sacrifices made by both Japanese and American service members during the Battle of Iwo Jima, honoring their legacy and ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations. This milestone anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring partnership between both nations and the progress made toward regional stability over the past 80 years. The U.S. Marine Corps was born on November 10th, 1775. From that day until the present, Marines have served with distinction in every clime and place, including the hallowed battle fields of Iwo Jima. This year, the U.S. Marine Corps celebrates 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment across the globe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Le)