Order of Events in the Invasion of Iwo Jima

Nov. 24, 1944

B-29s from the Marianas conduct the first land-based aircraft raid on Tokyo

Dec. 8, 1944

Units of the United States Navy shell Iwo Jima. They return to shell the island again on Dec. 27, Jan. 5, and Jan. 24.

Feb. 15-16, 1945

Fifth Amphibious Corps leaves the Marianas after rehearsals for assault on Iwo Jima.

Feb. 16-18, 1945

Supporting naval forces conduct preinvasion bombardment of Iwo Jima with aircraft and gunfire.

Feb. 19, 1945

The 4^th and 5^th Marine divisions land on Iwo Jima and gain a foothold.

Seabees land to build roads to battle zone.

Feb. 22, 1945

The 3^rd Division’s 21^st Regiment is committed to battle in the 4^th Division’s zone.

Japanese kamikazes attack support ships lying off Iwo Jima.

Feb. 23, 1945

The 28^th Marines raise the American flag atop Mt. Suribachi.

Feb. 25, 1945

The last units of the 3^rd division are committed to the battle.

The 4^th Division enters the “Meatgrinder.”

Feb. 27, 1945

The 3^rd Division overruns Airfield Number Two and Hill 199.

March 1, 1945

The 5^th Division overruns Hill 362A.

The 3^rd Division clears Airfield Number Three

March 3, 1945

Marines of the 5^th Division capture Hill 362B.

March 4, 1945

The Meatgrinder is finally shattered by 4^th Division.

The first B-29 lands on Iwo Jima.

March 6, 1945

Air Force P-51 Mustangs and P-61 Black Widows arrive on Iwo.

March 7, 1945

The 3^rd Division makes a pre-down attack against Hill 362C, which is captured later that day.

March 8, 1945

Japanese launch banzai attack at night and are repulsed with heavy losses.

March 9, 1945

Marines of the 3^rd Division reach the other end of Iwo Jima.

March 16, 1945

Last strong enemy opposition is eliminated in 3^rd Division’s zone with fall of Cushman’s Pocket.

General Kuribayashi informs Toko of the impending loss of Iwo Jima.

March 19, 1945

The 4^th Division takes ship for Hawaii.

March 26, 1945

Surviving Japanese launch a desperate early-morning attack against Marine and Army Air Force units near Airfield Number Two.

The Battle for Iwo Jima is officially declared over.