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Battle of Iwo Jima
Date Range
February 19 – March 26, 1945
Location
Iwo Jima Island, Pacific Ocean
Combatants
United States (Marines) vs. Imperial Japan
Outcome
American victory after fierce combat
Casualties
US: 6,821 killed, 19,217 wounded; Japan: 18,844 killed, only 216 prisoners
Strategic Significance
Revealed the enormous cost of island assaults against Japan. Provided vital air bases for B-29 bomber raids on Japan. Influenced US decision-makers to consider nuclear alternatives to a land invasion.