Iwo Jima and Okinawa
- From these bases Americans could fly and return with bombers to bomb Tokyo
- Men fought to the death and very few prisioners
- Kamikazes active
- Fire bombing Tokyo after islands taken
- Invasion of Japan estimated to take 1 million American casualties
Interesting Fact
After Iwo Jima was captured only 200 of the 21,000 soldiers deployed survived to be taken prisoner. After Okinawa, the Japanese lost more than 100,000 men and an island critical to the defense of Japan.
Quote
"The battle of Iwo Island has been won. The United States Marines by their individual and collective courage have conquered a base which is as necessary to us in our continuing forward movement toward final victory as it was vital to the enemy in staving off ultimate defeat.
By their victory, the 3rd, 4th and 5th Marine Divisions and other units of the Fifth Amphibious Corps have made an accounting to their country which only history will be able to value fully. Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue."
-Admiral Chester W. Nimitz
By their victory, the 3rd, 4th and 5th Marine Divisions and other units of the Fifth Amphibious Corps have made an accounting to their country which only history will be able to value fully. Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue."
-Admiral Chester W. Nimitz
Subjunctive Question
What would have happened if the Japanese were not trained to fight till death? Would they have pulled out sooner?
Summary
The Americans wanted Iwo Jima and Okinawa becuase from these two islands they could fly and return with bombers to bomb Tokyo. The Japanese men were taught to fight to the death so they would not give up unless they were told to do so. Soon after the islands were taken, the Americans fire bomber Tokyo. This invaion activated the Kamikazes. It also took the lives of 1 million casualties.