The+Battle+of+Iwo+Jima

=The Battle for Iwo-Jima=

Overview:
In February 1945 America invaded the volcanic island of Iwo Jima. The invasion started across a 2 mile stretch of beach and lasted from February 19 to March 29. The purpose of seizing the island was to provide an emergency landing strip and provide a convenient base in which to set up air and sea barricades. In short, it was important because it was a highly tactical position.

Deaths:

 * American deaths totaled to almost 7,000
 * 2 were captured
 * Over 19,000 were wounded
 * On the Japanese side almost 22,000 were killed
 * 216 were captured

In this case, a small pork chop shaped island. A point of strategy in order to protect other countries from Japan.
 * What is Worth Fighting For?:**

To be an American, fighting for Iwo-Jima means the willingness to risk your life and trudge through volcanic sand for the sake of other countries. To be an American means after victory, after putting up a flag, you take it down again to replace it with a larger prouder one.
 * What does it mean to be an American?:**

Joe Rosenthal's famous photo of the second flag raising has become an American symbol, although a debate on whether or no it was posed rages on.
 * The Flag Raising:**

Miller, Kimberly J. "Battle for Iwo Jima, 1945." //Naval History and Heritage Command//. The Navy Department Library, 16 Jan. 2008. Web. 10 Jan. 2012. . A well written summary of the more technical aspects of the battle. It includes a chart of all deaths and injuries for separate branches of the military. It looks credible because it comes from the Navy & Marine Corps WWII commemorative committee, so clearly they care about having accurate information.
 * Sources Cited**

Antill, P. "Operation Detachment: The Battle for Iwo Jima February - March 1945." //Military History Encyclopedia on the Web//. 6 Apr. 2001. Web. 10 Jan. 2012. . Detailed article about the battle. Everything is dated and separated. I trust it partially because it comes from a site entitled the history of war and the Military History Encyclopedia.

"Securing Iwo Jima." //Awesome Stories//. 2012. Web. 10 Jan. 2012. . This is a cool little blurb about securing the island and the flag raising. It includes fun facts about things like weapons and weather.