Final answer:
The Battle of Iwo Jima took place from February to March 1945. It saw heavy casualties among U.S. Marines and the Japanese defenders as the Americans captured the strategically important volcanic island.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Battle of Iwo Jima occurred during World War II and was a critical conflict in the Pacific Theater. This fierce battle took place over a month between February and March of 1945. On February 19, 1945, U.S. Marines landed on the small volcanic island of Iwo Jima, roughly 750 miles from Tokyo. Despite expectations of a swift victory, the Marines encountered strong Japanese defenses, including an extensive network of tunnels and strongholds.
The island was defended by about 21,000 Japanese troops who fought tenaciously, using tactics such as camouflaged artillery positions and underground combat. The battle was marked by heavy casualties; approximately 26,000 U.S. Marines were casualties, with 6,821 killed and the remainder wounded, representing the highest number of losses in any battle for the Marine Corps at that time. Meanwhile, Japanese defenders fought until nearly the last man, with high casualties on both sides. The strategic importance of Iwo Jima was significant as it provided a base close to Japan from which the Allies could launch further attacks and bombardments as the war neared its conclusion.