Iwo Jima

What does the Battle of Iwo Jima and Harlingen, Tx have in common?  Why am I talking about Iwo Jima when we are thousands of miles away. As you continue to read I will answer these questions and more but first here is a little history lesson.

The island of Iwo Jima is a volcanic island located in the South Pacific approximately 660 miles south of Tokyo, Japan. The island itself is 2 miles wide and 4 miles long. Not very big but very strategically located during WW II being midway between Japan and the US bomber bases in the Marianas.

The need for the United States to occupy Iwo Jima came from the inability to defend against attacks on the long range B-52 Superfortresses by Japanese fighters.
General Kuribayashi, the Japanese Commander in charge of Iwo Jima had unique strategies to fight this battle. Firstly, the Japanese did not fight above ground. Their entire battle was fought from below ground. They dug 16 miles of connecting tunnels in the rock with over 1500 rooms.  Kuribayashi's cement command center had 5' thick walls, a 10' thick roof, and was under 75' of solid rock. Secondly, Japanese strategy called for no Japanese survivors meaning all would perish. Lastly, each Japanese soldier would kill 10 Americans before being killed themselves.

Below is one of many bunkers in Iwo Jima severely damaged by military shelling. Also, a picture of one of many catacombs in which the Japanese sought shelter.

The U.S. invaded Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945 after months of naval and air bombardment. Over 70,000 Americans and 18,000 Japanese soldiers took part in the battle. In 36 days of fighting nearly 7,000 Marines were killed and 20,000 wounded. The Marines captured 216 Japanese, the rest were killed in action. The island was officially declared secure on March 26, 1945.

On February 23, 1945 five days after the battle began, an American flag was raised atop Mt. Suribachi. Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal took the famous photograph which became an image of heroism and bravery. From this iconic photograph, sculptor Felix de Weldon was so moved he made a scale model with 48 hours. Nine years later the plaster model was completed, disassembled, and shipped to Brooklyn NY for bronze casting. From NY the bronze casts were shipped to Arlington National Cemetery for assembly.

In 1981 de Weldon gifted his original full sized working model to the Marine Military Academy (MMA) as an inspiration to young cadets. And where is MMA? But of course Harlingen, TX.

The 32 foot high figures are erecting a 78 foot high steel flagpole from which the flag is flown 24 hours a day. The base is made from black Brazilian granite. The 6 individuals raising the flag where Sgt Micheal Strank, USMC; Cpl Harlon Block, USMC; PFC Franklin Sousley, USMC; PFC Rene Gagnon, USMC; PFC Ira Hayes, USMC; and PhM 2/c John Bradley.

The Marine placing the flagpole into the ground was Cpl Harlon Block a South Texas native from Weslaco, TX. Killed in action days after the famous picture was taken, Blocks final resting place is at the base of the statue.

The museum was so worth the time spent seeing several artifacts and memorabilia from the war. There was an amazing 30 minute film recounting the Battle of Iwo Jima. But the most moving moment was walking next to this larger than life memorial.

Susan couldn't help herself when she saw this beautiful cat. Her name is Heather, so if you're visiting the museum look for her (the cat not Susan) roaming around just looking for a little lovin'. If you see Susan give her some lovin" too.