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land on Iwo Jima |
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 In the Volcano Islands... On Iwo Jima, 2 divisions of the US 5th Amphibious Corps are landed in Operation Detachment. Before the landing the bombardment groups already deployed are joined by 2 battleships, several cruisers and destroyers from US Task Force 58. The initial assault forces are from US 4th and 5th Marine Divisions with 3rd Marines in reserve. They are carried transported by TF53 (Admiral Hill) and land on the southeast of the island. About 30,000 men go ashore on the first day. The Japanese garrison of about 21,000 troops, commanded by General Kuribayashi, have prepared exceptionally elaborate and tough defenses so that the eight square miles of the island is completely fortified. The Americans realize that the island is well defended since it is part of metropolitan Japan. However, the island is strategically important because it is within fighter range of Tokyo. By controlling the airfields here, American B-29 bombers flying from the Mariana Islands can be escorted.
In the Philippines... There are American landings on the northwest islands of Samar and Capul. No Japanese resistance is encountered. |
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This
chronological study of the Second World War provides a
comprehensive day-by-day account of WWII. While focused on the
military history of the war, with an emphasis on the battles
and campaigns fought, the timeline includes social and
political history as well. Some Holocaust related events are
already recorded and additional updates are pending. In so far
as possible, the images included in this presentation are
pictures from the given days. Additional information and
images are welcome through the feedback form found on the
index.
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