Local Marine among 5th Division fallen heroes at Iwo Jima In March 1945
IWO JIMA, Japan — No World War II battle represents the fighting spirit of the US Marine Corps better than Iwo Jima. In terms of its combat brutality and staggering casualties, it was the worst battle in the history of the Corps. The Marines’ 3rd, 4th and 5th Divisions led the assault of Iwo Jima with key support from the Army’s 147th Infantry Division and the Navy. Pacific Fleet Commander-in-Chief Admiral Chester W. Nimitz said that among America’s fighters at Iwo Jima, “uncommon valor was a common virtue.” The non-profit Stories Behind the Stars ...