Heroes of Iwo Jima

The image of US marines raising the flag over Iwo Jima is the most reproduced photograph in history. The image became an icon and a symbol for the American commitment and fighting spirit. It lifted the morale of a home front whose sons were sacrificing their lives in the killing fields of the Pacific, and a rallying point for sustained economic and spiritual support. The image anchored war bond drives and American tenacity. But what is behind the image? Who were the men who fought to wrest the rocky island from the Japanese, inch by inch? Who were the men who sacrificed their youth, peace of mind, and all too frequently, their lives to obtain the strategic island? This History Channel presentation takes a look at the men and the battle behind the flag and the photograph. Heroes of Iwo Jima would be useful for classes on American History, American Culture, world History, Media Studies, Geography and Military History. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

OBJECTIVES

Students will learn about the battle for Iwo Jima and the Pacific Theater in World War II. They will explore the costs and consequences of the battle and the role of imagery in wartime America. They will examine how the controversy of the photograph has reached almost mythic portions, and how a culture chooses what it will accept and reject.

NATIONAL HISTORY STANDARDS

Heroes of Iwo Jima fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: Chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretation, historical research capabilities, historical issues-analysis and decision-making for Eras 8 and 9

Vocabulary

• Amphibious
• Armaments
• Camaraderie
• Clamor
• Controversy
• Disperse
• Elaborate
• Elusive
• Furor
• Indelible
• Initiate
• Myth
• Notoriety
• Phenomenal
• Premonition
• Somber

Discussion Questions

1. The image of the marines raising the flag over Iwo Jima is the most reproduced photograph in history. Why is this image so famous? Why did it become so popular so quickly?

2. The Iwo Jima image is one of the many images of history that are part of the world' s collective photo album. What other images of history are famous and easily recognizable? Why have these images become part of the collective photo album?

3. How did Americans react when they first saw the picture? Why did the picture have such an impact? What was the picture's role in the war effort?

4. American military forces fought World War II on two fronts, the European theater and the Pacific theater. What were the causes of the war? Why were Americans fighting in the Pacific? Why were they fighting in Europe? Who were their enemies?

5. The Iwo Jima picture has long been a topic of controversy. Why?

6. Why are the image of the flag raising and the story of Iwo Jima the tale of two flags?

7. There were two flags raised above Iwo Jima. Why was it necessary to replace the first flag?

8. Why was there confusion over whether or not the first flag raising had been photographed?

9. The image of the flag raising is the most famous example of the documenting of World War II. Discuss how technology in the twentieth century made World War II the most documented war in history up until that time.

10. Discuss how marine Michael Strank reflected the ambitions of millions of American immigrants in the early to mid twentieth century.

11. What was the "curse of Bouganville?" How did affect the marines at Iwo Jima?

12. Iwo Jima is a tiny, rocky island. Why was this island so crucial to victory in the Pacific?

13. Discuss the Japanese system of defense on the Iwo Jima.

14. Discuss the role of friendship and camaraderie in war.

15. The image of the marines raising the flag is frozen in time and history. What did the marines do after they raised the flag? Did they know they were making history?

16. The famous picture was a product of more than a photographer's lucky shot. How was the final picture a product of fate?

17. How was the photograph used in the war effort, especially on the home front?

18. Gold Star mothers did their part for the war effort. What were Gold Star mothers?

19. What was the burden of Iwo Jima for the flag raisers that survived? What price did they pay for being the heroes in the photograph?

20. How did marines train for battle in the Pacific? Where did they train? How did the military simulate conditions?

21. How long did the battle last? What were the costs of the battle?

22. Discuss some of the many heroic feats of the conflict.

Extended Activities

1. Go to Iwo Jima, http://www.iwojima.com/index.cfm to view the picture. What does this picture evoke? How do you feel about the picture? What story does the picture tell?

2. Imagine that you are a marine in the battle for Iwo Jima. Write a letter home to your family telling them about your experiences.

3. On a map of the Pacific. Locate the island of Iwo Jima. What are the island's characteristics? Where is it situated? How does the map illustrate the island's strategic importance in World War II?

4. Design a monument or memorial for the veterans of Iwo Jima.