The Devastating Consequences of the US Capture of Iwo Jima and Okinawa

During World War II, the United States conducted significant military campaigns to capture strategic islands such as Iwo Jima and Okinawa. These operations, while crucial to the eventual defeat of Japan, came at a great cost to both sides. This article explores the distinct challenges and outcomes of the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, focusing on the disastrous impact for Japan and the profound human toll.

Battle of Iwo Jima

The Battle of Iwo Jima, fought from February 19 to March 26, 1945, was marked by relentless combat and unimaginable suffering. In this battle, the US Marines made extensive use of flame throwers filled with napalm, which were highly effective in closing in on Japanese trenches. However, the Marines encountered a severe lack of essential supplies, particularly water, which significantly impaired their performance.

The Japanese, despite being vastly outnumbered, put up fierce resistance. Despite losing approximately 20,000 out of 22,000 soldiers, their determined defense nearly stopped the US advance. The US lost around 7,000 Marines and Sailors who never left the battlefield, with around 20,000 more wounded. These brutal battles underscore the high human cost of military conflict.

Photo of the Raising of the Flag on Iwo Jima

Among the most iconic images of World War II is Joe Rosenthal's photograph of the American flag being raised on Iwo Jima. The image, taken on February 23, 1945, shows six Marines raising the flag atop Mount Suribachi. This picture, taken by Rosenthal while stationed on the USS El Dorado, quickly became a symbol of American determination and resilience. The photo’s power is evident in its timing. Despite the chaos of the battle, Rosenthal was brave enough to capture the moment, and the Photo Agency in New York developed the film within just 17 hours, ensuring the image was printed in newspapers around the world.

Rosenthal worked for the Associated Press and did not have the opportunity to see the picture until the next morning. He believed that this photograph was the most significant he had taken on Iwo Jima, capturing the essence of the battle. The image has endured as a powerful symbol of American victory and sacrifice.

Battle of Okinawa

The Battle of Okinawa, the largest amphibious operation prior to the invasion of Japan, lasted from April to June 1945. In this brutal three-month campaign, the US Marines and Army divisions inflicted massive casualties, similar to Iwo Jima. By the end, the Japanese were left with nothing but the Pacific Ocean, teeming with American naval vessels. The loss of Okinawa led to the deaths of an estimated 110,000 Japanese soldiers and up to 150,000 Okinawan civilians. Many of these deaths were attributed to starvation and the destruction of food supplies stockpiled by the Japanese military.

The Japanese army also used civilians as human shields and forced them into suicide missions, further exacerbating the already tragic situation. Eventually, with no hope of victory and as starvation loomed, Japanese soldiers began to surrender in large numbers. The last Japanese soldier to surrender was an islander named Shumei Watanabe, who handed himself over to the Marines on June 21, 1945. His act was followed by thousands more, and the Battle of Okinawa concluded. About a week later, Japan faced the ultimate consequence – the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Aftermath and Legacy

Both Iwo Jima and Okinawa represented turning points in the Pacific Theater, facilitating the eventual end of World War II. However, the high casualty rates on both sides underscored the immorality and horror of these battles. The Japanese, facing starvation and bombarded by the relentless US forces, were eventually depleted of their fighting strength. The United States, despite sustaining significant losses, gained crucial strategic advantages that ultimately led to the end of the war.

Following the end of the war, the United States retained control of Iwo Jima until 1968, when it was returned to Japan. Okinawa, which had been a key strategic location, remained under American control and continues to serve as a major US military base to this day.

Key Figures in the Battles

Joe Rosenthal, the photographer who captured the iconic flag-raising image, remains a celebrated figure in history. His bravery and dedication to capturing the moment ensured that the image would endure as a powerful symbol of American resolve. Bill Genaust, the Marine who filmed the flag-raising, tragically lost his life just three weeks after the event, further adding to the somber legacy of these battles.

Post-war, Rosenthal continued to work for the San Francisco Chronicle until his death at the age of 95. He spent the latter part of his life explaining that the famous photograph was not orchestrated but captured in a split-second of action. His work has become permanently embedded in the USImagePath/emotional and cultural fabric.

The photographs from these battles, such as the wounded Marine clutching an M-1 rifle, serve as harrowing reminders of the brutal realities of war. They highlight the severe physical and psychological toll that the conflict inflicted on all participants.