Sullivan, colleagues introduce resolution honoring the 80th anniversary of Iwo Jima

Senator Dan Sullivan, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), introduced a resolution with his Senate colleagues recognizing the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, which began on February 19, 1945, and lasted until March 26, 1945.

“Eighty years ago, the brave Marines who stormed the beaches of Iwo Jima turned the tide of the Pacific Theater in one of the greatest displays of valor and sacrifice in our military’s history,” Senator Sullivan said.

Iwo Jima was a Japanese a stronghold located halfway between Tokyo and U.S. based in the Mariana Islands that could not be bypassed. It was strategically important as an air base for fighter escorts supporting B-29 Superfortress bombers headed to Japan. Because of the distance between mainland Japan and U.S. bases in the Mariana Islands, the capture of Iwo Jima would provide an emergency landing strip for crippled B-29s returning from bombing runs. The seizure of Iwo would allow for sea and air blockades, the ability to conduct intensive air bombardment and to destroy the enemy's air and naval capabilities.

The Battle of Iwo Jima was a turning point in World War II, but victory would not come easy. The fighting that took place during the 36-day assault would be immortalized in the words of Commander, Pacific Fleet/Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who said, "Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue."

More than 450 ships massed off Iwo as the aerial bombardment pounded the island. Coarse volcanic sand hampered the movement of men and machines as they struggled to move up the beach. As the protective naval gunfire subsided to allow for the Marine advance, the Japanese emerged from their fortified underground positions to begin a heavy barrage of fire against the invading force.

The Marines pushed forward against heavy opposition to take the Quarry, a Japanese strong point, completing the mission of isolating Mount Suribachi. Both tasks were accomplished that day.

Feb. 20, one day after the landing, Marines secured the southern end of Iwo and moved to take the summit of Suribachi. By day's end, one third of the island and Motoyama Airfield No. 1 was controlled by the Marines. By Feb. 23, the 28th Marines would reach the top of Mount Suribachi and raise the U.S. flag.

The resolution received bipartisan support as it was cosponsored by Republican, Democratic, and Independent senators.

“It is an honor to introduce this resolution with my colleagues to recognize the members of the U.S. military who fought in Iwo Jima and inspired enduring peace and allyship between the United States and Japan. The United States, and our military members in particular, has done more to liberate humankind from tyranny and oppression than literally any other force in history. Hundreds of millions of people have been liberated because of our military and our country—and Iwo Jima was a proud part of that legacy.”

Specifically, the resolution honors the Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Army Air Crew, and Coast Guardsmen who fought bravely on Iwo Jima. It also remembers the brave service members who lost their lives in the battle and commemorates the iconic and historic raising of the United States flag on Mount Suribachi that occurred on February 23, 1945.

The resolution also encourages Americans to honor the veterans of Iwo Jima and reaffirm the bonds of friendship and shared values that have developed between the United States and Japan over the last 80 years.