1945: Battle of Iwo Jima

When the United States sent the Marines to capture the Japanese airfields at Iwo Jima, the Marines showed the world the full strength of their determination.  
 
Japanese soldiers had turned the volcanic island into a trap, fighting from a maze of tunnels and steel bunkers built beneath Mt. Suribachi.  
 
Four days into the battle, a team of Marines and one Navy Corpsman reached the summit and raised the American Flag to encourage troops below. Within days, a photo of the moment became front page news, summing up the Marines’ struggle and victory to Americans at home.  
 
The Battle of Iwo Jima lasted 36 days with heavy casualties before the Marines secured the island. 
 
The flag raising at Iwo Jima has become iconic of the Marine Corps. It symbolizes a heritage as brave warriors, and a band of brothers.  
 
The monument of the Marine Corps War Memorial is cast in its image, inspiring each generation of Marines to strive for greatness.