A Proud Day. For Us All.

Today is February 19.  A proud day for us all.

On this day in 1945, at precisely 8:59 am (one minute ahead of schedule - gotta love the Marines), the first of over 30,000 Americans stormed ashore on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima.  Many of those brave lads, men from the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Marine Divisions, never returned home.  In fact, nearly 1/3 of all Marine deaths in World War II occurred on Iwo Jima.

The initial carrier raids against Iwo Jima began as early as June 1944.  The island defenders were subjected to 3 days of naval bombardment.  Then the assault began.

The 36-day battle resulted in more than 26,000 American casualties, including 6,800 dead.  Of the 20,000 Japanese defenders, only 1,083 survived.  Historians described the US Marines' attack as "throwing human flesh against reinforced concrete."  In the end, Iwo Jima was won by the indominable spirit of the Corps.

Twenty-seven medals of honor were awarded to Marines and sailors, most posthumous.  More than any other single operation of the war.

Of its efforts to take this vital island, the United States Marine Corps is justly proud.