By Jim Mikula, President/CEO
"Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue." This powerful quote was made by Nimitz in March 1945, before the battle had even concluded, reflecting on the extraordinary bravery displayed by American forces during the fierce fighting on the island.
This past weekend, the National Museum of the Pacific War held three days of programming for the 80th anniversary of the battle for Iwo Jima. The battle is known for the iconic raising of the American Flag on Mt Suribachi by six US Marines on February 23, 1945. Those who attended the programs certainly learned much more about the battle:
70,000 Marines (three divisions commanded by General Harry Schmidt) were deployed in the battle, the most Marines ever deployed for a single battle
In all, nearly 1 out of 3 Marines became casualties with 6,800 Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice and 26,000 Marines were wounded
The Navy’s 5th Fleet, comprised of 450 ships, was deployed and provided air and artillery cover for the Marines
Sherman M4A3R3 medium tanks equipped with flamethrowers played a key role in clearing Japanese positions
The Joint Expeditionary Force (Task Force 51), created by Admiral Nimitz, planned and executed the invasion—250,000 personnel were engaged in the planning and execution of the invasion
The deployment of six Navajo code talkers, who sent and received over 800 error-free messages in the first two days, was crucial for secure communications
18,000 Japanese troops defended the island with only about 1,000 survivors captured at the end of the battle
·Invasion started on February 19 and fighting continued through March 26—36 days in all
Just think about the logistics of getting all the Marines and equipment from various locations throughout the Pacific to a small island, 8 square miles (Fredericksburg is 9.25 square miles within the city limits). All the fuel, tanks, ammunition, food, medical supplies, etc., must have been astounding. When we think about Iwo Jima, it is typically the six marines raising Old Glory on Mt. Suribachi. It was the dedicated work of 250,000 men and women of Task Force 51 that allowed those six Marines to raise our beloved flag.
The National Museum of the Pacific War is a Smithsonian Affiliate and is operated by the Admiral Nimitz Foundation. The museum’s mission is “to foster responsible citizenship and leadership by inspiring all ages with our collection and the enduring relevance of the stories from the Pacific War.”
This past weekend’s programming for the 80th anniversary of Iwo Jima is a perfect example of the museum fulfilling its mission. Congratulations to all the employees and volunteers at the museum that planned and executed the Iwo Jima 80th anniversary events flawlessly and once again honored our Greatest Generation.
The Chamber’s Leaders Breakfast on June 18 will focus on the leadership decisions of Admiral Nimitz from Pearl Harbor to the battle for Okinawa and the surrender of Japan on August 15, 1945. Mike Hagee, retired US Marine General and 33rd Commandant of the Marines, will be the keynote speaker.
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