The initial landing of US troops started on February 19, 1945.
American forces were met with intense resistance from Japanese defenders, who had constructed a complex system of tunnels, bunkers, and fortified positions across the entire island. The terrain of the island did not make things any easier with steep hills, deep gorges, and caves that the Japanese took advantage of; it was clear they had set up advancements and defenses that took them months of preparations. Furthermore, the battles were fought in extreme heat, and the marines had to contend with volcanic ash in the air and dust hindering their sense.
The battle lasted for over a month, marked