1. Battle of Iwo Jima
The Battle of Iwo Jima is one of the most iconic of all the Pacific wars. Also known as Operation Detachment, as it was designated by the Americans, the Battle of Iwo Jima was a five-week battle that commenced from February 19 to March 26, 1945.
The objective of this American invasion was to capture the tiny island measuring just 5 x 2.5 miles, including the three Japanese-controlled airfields (including the South Field and the Central Field), to provide a staging area for attacks on the Japanese main islands. Even though the US troops had numerical superiority (both men and artilleries), the Japanese units chose to fight fiercely in defense of their positions to the very last of their men.
About 21,000 of the 22,000 Japanese soldiers were killed. The US also gained its victory at the cost of 6,800 killed soldiers and about 20,000 wounded.