The Battle of Iwo Jima - Marines remember their heritage

The Battle of Iwo Jima was the only battle in Marine Corps history where more Marines lost their lives than the enemy. Even still, from Feb. 19 to March 26, 1945, Marines fought and bled to secure a valuable assets for the United State's Pacific Fleet. On the fifth day, a contingent from the 28th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division, climbed Mount Suribachi and raised an American Flag. The photo of five Marines and a Navy corpsman holding the flag became a symbol of hope for the war effort in the Pacific and the Marine Corps. Twenty-seven Medals of Honor were awarded to American service members for actions on Iwo Jima. The seizure of Iwo Jima eliminated a strong defense near Japan's mainland, and gave the United States a much-needed resupply point in the advance toward Japan.