The history of Battle of Iwo Jima stands out as one of World War II’s most intense and strategically crucial confrontations. Spanning five weeks in early 1945, this fierce struggle saw over 70,000 U.S. Marines and 20,000 Japanese soldiers engaged in a fight that claimed countless lives on both sides. Despite its small size, the island was of tremendous tactical importance during the final phases of the Pacific War. In his heartfelt and meticulously detailed memoir, IWO JIMA: “Give Me Fifty Marines Not Afraid To Die,” Major John Keith Wells shares his firsthand experiences as the commanding officer of the Third Platoon, Easy Company. His narrative offers a powerful glimpse into the battle from the ground level, providing insights that history books alone often overlook.
When Was the Battle of Iwo Jima?
The Battle of Iwo Jima began on February 19, 1945, and lasted until March 26, 1945. During this time, U.S. Marines fought to secure the island from entrenched Japanese forces under the command of General Tadamichi Kuribayashi. The conflict was the first American assault on Japanese home territory, and the terrain, filled with volcanic ash and fortified tunnels, made every advance a blood-soaked ordeal.
What Happened in the Battle of Iwo Jima?
The battle began with a heavy naval bombardment, followed by an amphibious landing on the island’s southeastern beaches. From the start, the Marines encountered fierce resistance. Japanese troops were dug into miles of underground bunkers, caves, and pillboxes, rendering air and sea bombardments largely ineffective.
Major John Keith Wells and his platoon were tasked with advancing toward Mount Suribachi, the island’s highest point and a critical tactical objective. Under constant fire, Wells led the men of Easy Company through withering machine gun fire and explosive traps, clearing out entrenched Japanese forces one by one. In the early days of the battle, Wells’ platoon helped secure the position where the first American flag would be raised on February 23, 1945, a moment captured in one of the most iconic photographs in military history.
Who Won the Battle of Iwo Jima?
Ultimately, the United States won the Battle of Iwo Jima. However, it came at a staggering cost. Nearly 7,000 U.S. service members died, and over 20,000 were wounded. Almost all of the 20,000 Japanese defenders were killed. The island was declared secure on March 26, 1945, though isolated holdouts resisted for weeks afterward.
In his book, Wells emphasizes that while victory was achieved, the emotional and human cost was immense. He does not portray Iwo Jima as a triumphant conquest but as a place of pain, bravery, and sacrifice. His narrative gives voice to the men who did not return and challenges the reader to recognize that war, even when won, leaves behind lasting scars.
How Long Was the Battle of Iwo Jima?
The battle lasted 36 days. But as Wells recounts, the physical and psychological effects lasted far longer. Marines who survived faced wounds that ran deeper than bullet holes. They carried memories of fallen friends, sleepless nights, and relentless fighting into the rest of their lives. The island itself, barely eight square miles, became a graveyard and a symbol of Marine tenacity.
Major John Keith Wells: A Leader Inside the Fire
Wells was more than a commander. He was a teacher, a mentor, and a moral anchor for the men of Easy Company. He had trained many of his Marines personally and understood their strengths and weaknesses. That deep bond heightened the emotional weight of combat.
In the intense days of early March, Wells sustained multiple injuries, including a severe concussion. On March 9, 1945, he was wounded during an assault on Japanese pillboxes while trying to evacuate casualties from the battlefield. His actions that day were later recognized with the Navy Cross, the second-highest military decoration for valor. Despite his wounds, Wells attempted to continue fighting until he collapsed and was ordered off the battlefield by medical personnel.
These moments are not described with drama, but with clarity. Wells does not seek to elevate himself. Instead, he shares these stories to illuminate the kind of courage he witnessed in his men every day.
Post-Battle Impact: Iwo Jima’s Role in Ending the Pacific War
Capturing Iwo Jima gave U.S. forces a critical base for emergency landings and bombing runs against mainland Japan. Over 2,400 B-29 bombers made emergency landings on the island after its capture, potentially saving tens of thousands of lives. It also allowed fighter escorts to accompany bombing missions, significantly increasing their success rates.
But Iwo Jima’s impact extended beyond strategy. The sheer cost of the battle forced American military planners to reevaluate their approach to invading Japan. The experience on Iwo Jima, combined with the equally bloody Battle of Okinawa that followed, led to serious doubts about the feasibility of a ground invasion. Many historians argue that the horrors of Iwo Jima contributed to the U.S. decision to use atomic weapons instead.
For Wells and his fellow Marines, the victory brought no celebration. It was a grim necessity in a war that seemed without end. His memoir captures that tone, revealing how even a successful campaign could feel like a tragedy.
Legacy of the Battle Through a Veteran’s Eyes
IWO JIMA: “Give Me Fifty Marines Not Afraid To Die” is more than a memoir. It is a reflection on leadership, loss, and resilience. Wells writes to preserve history and honor the men he served with. His honesty, pain, and unwavering moral clarity offer lessons beyond military service. Through his eyes, we learn what happened in the Battle of Iwo Jima, why it mattered, and why it still does.
