ABSTRACT
The idea of invading Iwo Jima was discussed as early as September 1943, but the need to first secure bases in the central Pacific put any plans on hold. The commander of the US Army Air Forces strategic bombers based on the Marianas, Major General Curtis LeMay, summed up the value of Iwo Jima for his operations to the naval commanders: Without Iwo Jima I couldn't bomb Japan effectively. Iwo Jima is a volcanic island in the Volcano Islands, some 350 miles south of Tokyo. The Japanese commander on Iwo Jima was Lieutenant General Tadamichi Kuribayashi, a dedicated and intelligent officer. He hoped that by making the cost of taking Iwo Jima as high as possible he could make the USA reluctant to invade Japan and willing to consider peace. To carry out the invasion the Americans put together a force composed of experienced commanders and largely veteran troops.
