WWII E153 The Doorkeeper to Tokyo: Setting the Stage for Iwo Jima
Episode Description
By early 1945, the Pacific war had reached a turning point. The United States held the Marianas. From there, B-29 bombers struck directly at Japan, but the road to Tokyo was still dangerous.
Halfway along that road lay Iwo Jima, a tiny volcanic island of black sand, jagged rock, and sulfur fumes. On the map it looked insignificant, but its location gave it enormous weight. For Japan, it was part of Tokyo Prefecture itself, “the doorkeeper to the capital.” For America, it was both a threat and an opportunity: a fighter base that could harass bombers, or an emergency airfield that could save them.
General Kuribayashi was ordered to turn Iwo Jima into a fortress. Beneath its surface, his men carved miles of tunnels, pillboxes, and gun positions, prepared to fight to the death.
This episode tells the story of that buildup. The strategy, the doubts, the Japanese preparations, and the weight that fell on every Marine the night before the landings.
*************
Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines).
Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.
As a listener, Audible is offering you a free 30-day trial, which includes one free audiobook of your choice. Their library is massive, with incredible titles across all genres—history, biographies, sci-fi, you name it. The best part is that audiobook is yours to keep, even if you decide not to continue your membership.
To grab your free book and start your 30-day trial, click the image or head to audibletrial.com/marinehistory
References
Alexander, J. H. (1994). Closing in: Marines in the seizure of Iwo Jima (World War II Commemorative Series, PCN 19000313100). History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
Bartley, W. S. (1954). Iwo Jima: Amphibious epic. Historical Branch, G-3 Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
Bradley, J., & Powers, R. (2000). Flags of our fathers. New York, NY: Bantam Books.
Burrell, Robert S. The Ghosts of Iwo Jima. Texas A&M University Press, 2006.
Gilbert, Oscar E. Marine Tank Battles in the Pacific. Da Capo Press, 2001.
Heinl, R. D., Jr. (1968). History of the United States Marine Corps in World War II, Volume V: Victory and Occupation. Washington, D.C.: Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
Nalty, B. C., & Crawford, D. J. (1995). The United States Marines on Iwo Jima: The battle and the flag raisings (PCN 19000316600). History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
Newcomb, R. F. (1965). Iwo Jima. New York, NY: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
Smith, H. M., & Finch, P. (1949). Coral and Brass. New York, NY: Charles Scribner’s Sons.
Smith, Larry. Iwo Jima: World War II Veterans Remember the Greatest Battle of the Pacific. W.W. Norton, 2008.
Shaw, H. I., Jr., Nalty, B. C., & Turnbladh, E. T. (1970). History of U.S. Marine Corps operations in World War II: Volume IV, Western Pacific operations. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Wheeler, R. (1980). Iwo. New York, NY: Thomas Y. Crowell.