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Over 20,000 Japanese Troops Held a Tiny Island: How Did They Make 220,000 Allied Forces Fight for 36 Days with 26,000 Casualties?
A Stalwart Defensive Battle by the Japanese During World War II
On February 19, 1945, the Battle of Iwo Jima commenced, lasting 36 days until it concluded on March 26.
The attacking force comprised primarily of American troops, totaling 220,000 Allied soldiers, while the defenders consisted of 23,000 Japanese troops.
The Allies initially thought it would only take 6 days to capture this tiny island, but the battle dragged on for over a month.
At the end of the battle, the Allies suffered 26,000 casualties, lost 33 ships, and more than 160 aircraft were destroyed.
It is well-known that of the six soldiers who raised the flag on Iwo Jima, three were killed by the time the battle ended.
Despite being severely lacking in supplies and heavy firepower support, the Japanese forces managed to achieve this feat.
Why did the Allied forces falter so badly in this campaign?
