The Battle for Iwo Jima

Wartime Heritage ASSOCIATION

A Time to Remember The Battle for Iwo Jima

A Time to Remember - The Battle for Iwo Jima For eighty years, the foreign policy of the United States supported the preservation of freedom and democracy around the world. The attack on Pearl Harbor was the immediate catalyst that influenced the United States decision to enter WWII. The rise of fascism in Europe and Asia posed a significant threat to the principles and values of the United States. Recent developments have raised concerns about a shift in United States foreign policy, one at odds with its traditional allies and has led to questions about its commitment to supporting democracies and freedom. Honouring the sacrifices of those who fought and died in World War II is important. Despite any controversial statements made by political figures, the legacy and valour of these individuals remain untarnished. While political statements may cause controversy, the enduring respect and gratitude for those who fought for freedom and democracy remain steadfast. Their contributions to the world are invaluable and deserve to be honoured and remembered. Sharing the stories of the bravery and sacrifices of WWII US Veterans who fought and died for preserving democracy in Europe, Asia, and in the United States, ensures that their legacy lives on. There is never a better time to remember. The Battle of Iwo Jima, fought between February 19 and March 26, 1945, was one of the most intense and battles of World War II and saw some of the fiercest and bloodiest fighting of the Pacific War. The United States Marine Corps (USMC) and United States Navy (USN) launched an amphibious invasion of the island of Iwo Jima, to capture its two airfields that would allow for the launching and landing of aircraft, vital for strategic bombing campaigns against Japan. The island was heavily fortified by the Imperial Japanese Army, with a dense network of bunkers, hidden artillery positions, and 18 kilometers of tunnels. The battle lasted for five weeks and saw some of the fiercest and bloodiest fighting of the Pacific War. American casualties were staggering. The U.S. forces suffered 6,821 dead during the main battle phase. The Japanese defenders, numbering around 21,000, fought tenaciously. Only 216 were taken prisoner. The rest were either killed in action or continued to resist within the island's cave systems until they eventually succumbed to their injuries or surrendered. Starting on June 15, 1944, the US Navy and the US Army Air Forces began shore bombardment and air raids against Iwo Jima, which would become the longest and most intense preliminary bombardments in the Pacific Theater. They consisted of a combination of naval artillery attacks and aerial bombings, which would last for nine months. Unaware of the Japanese tunnel defense system, some American planners assumed that most of the Japanese garrison had been killed by the constant bombing raids. Among those who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima were six men born in Nova Scotia or who had a family connection to Nova Scotia were the following: Assigned to fire support and shore bombardment, the USS Halligan departed Ulithi on February 10th and headed to Iwo Jima from Saipan on February 12th. On February 17th, acting as a lifeguard ship during pre-invasion air strikes and on February 19th, provided heavy support for the first wave of Marines landing at Iwo Jima, destroying a Japanese shore battery, and supporting the landings. The ship then screened escort carriers and served as a plane guard ship for offshore operations. Coxswain Donald George Davidson, the son of Margaret Mary Davidson born in Inverness Co., Nova Scotia, served aboard the USS Halligan. US Marine Corps (USMC) Corporal George Raymond Peacock, born in Amherst, Cumberland Co., Nova Scotia, served as an Intelligence Man with the 26th Marines during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Assigned to Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division, he bravely participated in offensive operations against Imperial Japanese Forces on Iwo Jima Island. Corporal Peacock was killed in action on February 19, 1945, the very day the battle began. USMC Corporal Arthur Rodney Lyman was the son of and Pearl Adelia Lyman, born in the Plympton and Savary area, along Saint Mary’s Bay in Digby Co., Nova Scotia. He served with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment of 4th Marine Division. He was killed in action two days after the initial landing on February 21, 1945. Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Blanchard Sydney Silver, born in Eastern Passage, Halifax Co., Nova Scotia, served aboard the USS Frederick Funston which sailed to Guam to embark Marines for the assault on Iwo Jima. With its troops held in reserve, it did not land them until February 27th, although the ship lay off the island throughout the assault. After 17 days of fighting, Corporal James Bazil Downey, born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, serving with the 5th Marine Division was killed in action on March 8, 1945, at Iwo Jima. Seaman 1st Class Arthur Rupert Rockwell born in River Hebert, Colchester Co., Nova Scotia served aboard the US Navy’s a Tank Landing Ship, LST-816, in the Pacific. LST-816 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the assault and occupation of Iwo Jima in March and April 1945. Born in New Glasgow, Pictou Co., Nova Scotia, US Navy Petty Officer George Hudson Elms served as a ‘Seabee’ with the 31st Naval Construction Battalion. The Seabees got their nickname from the Construction Battalion abbreviated – CB. The Battalion landed on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945. There, the 31st was attached to the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions, and their work included unloading equipment on the beaches of Iwo Jima. George Hudson Elms died of Malaria August 21, 1945, which he contracted in Iwo Jima. Iwo Jima is a testament to what America was willing to endure to defend freedom. Seventy-thousand Marines took part in the 36-day battle, with more than 6,821 killed and 19,000 wounded.