The actual death toll was kept from the American people until after the War. Over 6000 Marines and sailors gave their lives for this 2.5 mile wide piece of real estate. 27 Americans were awarded the Medal of Honor for courageous conduct during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
“Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.” — Chester W. Nimitz, Fleet Admiral of the U.S. Navy & Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during World War II