WWII E154 Into the Black Sand: The First Days on Iwo Jima

2025-09-01

On the morning of February 19th, 1945, the invasion of Iwo Jima began. The Marines were coming in force. The 4th and 5th Marine Divisions led the assault, backed by the 3rd in reserve. Offshore, hundreds of ships filled the sea, their decks crowded with men climbing down cargo nets into landing craft and amphibious tractors. This episode takes us into the brutal opening six days of fighting that marked the start of the thirty-six-day campaign. We'll set aside Mount Suribachi...

On the morning of February 19th, 1945, the invasion of Iwo Jima began.

The Marines were coming in force. The 4th and 5th Marine Divisions led the assault, backed by the 3rd in reserve. Offshore, hundreds of ships filled the sea, their decks crowded with men climbing down cargo nets into landing craft and amphibious tractors.

This episode takes us into the brutal opening six days of fighting that marked the start of the thirty-six-day campaign. We'll set aside Mount Suribachi for now and turn instead to the central and northern fronts, where the hardest battle to secure ground was fought.

This is the story of those opening days. The confusion on the beaches, the struggle across the airfields, and the steep price paid for every yard. Iwo Jima had become a trial of endurance, and the battle was only starting.

*************

Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines).

Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.

Comments (3)