Iwo Jima, Okinawa and the planned invasion of Japan
- From these bases Americans could fly and return with bombers to Tokyo
- Kamikazes active
- Fire bombing of Tokyo
- Invasion of Japan estimated to take 1 million American casualties
"Of the Marines on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue"
Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz
Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz
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Summary
The islands Iwo Jima and Okinawa were important because they allowed the Americans to fly direct attacks on Tokyo. The fights around the islands demanded many casualties on both sides. After the American forces captured the islands, they started a fire bombing on Tokyo.