The exact number of Americans who died during the Battle of Iwo Jima was 6,821.
This intense and pivotal battle took place over 36 days, from February 19 to March 26, 1945, during World War II. The vast majority of American casualties were U.S. Marines, who spearheaded the brutal ground assault against deeply entrenched Japanese defenders.
Breakdown of American Fatalities
The total American deaths at Iwo Jima include personnel from both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy.
- U.S. Marine Corps: 5,931 Marines were killed in action or died of wounds.
- U.S. Navy: Approximately 880 Navy personnel lost their lives. This figure largely includes Navy corpsmen who served on the front lines alongside Marine units, providing critical medical support, as well as other Navy personnel involved in naval bombardment and support operations.
The combined total underscores the immense human cost of securing the strategically vital island. The scale of American losses was significant, with total casualties (killed and wounded) exceeding 26,000. In fact, due to the ferocity of the fighting, nearly 7,000 U.S. Marines were killed or mortally wounded, highlighting the extreme sacrifices made by the primary ground combat force.
The Significance of Iwo Jima
The battle for Iwo Jima was crucial for the Allied war effort in the Pacific for several reasons:
- Airfield Access: Capturing the island provided emergency landing strips for American B-29 bombers returning from raids on mainland Japan, significantly reducing their risks and allowing for more effective bombing campaigns.
- Strategic Staging Point: Iwo Jima served as a vital forward base for fighter escorts, enabling them to accompany bombers on longer missions to Japan.
- Symbol of Resilience: Despite the staggering casualties, the American victory demonstrated the resolve and fighting prowess of U.S. forces.
The iconic flag-raising on Mount Suribachi, depicted in Joe Rosenthal's Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph, became a powerful symbol of American courage and unity during the war.
