Iwo Jima - Summary of Battle

A Japanese possession, the island of Iwo Jima was sacred to Japan and desired by America. Without it, the Allies would keep losing damaged war planes as they fell into the Pacific. With it, they would have a base from which to launch attacks on the Japanese home islands.

This video clip, from a U.S. government-produced documentary (World War II - Rare Colored Film), helps to explain why the battle was so vicious. Includes historical footage of war scenes, some graphic, with narration.