WWII HISTORY NETWORK

Sixty-seven years ago this February: US Marines Harlon Block, John Bradley, Rene Gagnon, Ira Hayes, Franklin Sousley and Michael Strank were forever immortalized in the legendary photograph as the "Flag Raisers of Iwo Jima" taken by Joe Rosenthal atop Mount Suribachi in February of 1945. 28% of the 82 Medals of Honor awarded to U.S. Marines during WWII were awarded for heroism on Iwo Jima. The US National Archives video above contains more news from 1945 including the US 4th Infantry Division crossing  into Germany. 

Stalingrad, Soviet Union; 2 Feb 43:  The Battle of Stalingrad ends » In the Soviet Union, the Battle of Stalingrad comes to an end with the official surrender of the German 6th Army. The Battle of Stalingrad and the Soviet victory would mark the turning point of the war on the eastern front as well as World War II. The combined casualties are estimated at two million combatants for the eight month long battle.

Kursk, Soviet Union; 9 Feb 43: The Battle of Kursk begins » The Battle for Kursk had the costliest single day of aerial warfare to date as well as the largest armoured battle in the war on the eastern front. It was also the last strategic offensive Germany would be able to mount in the war on the eastern front.

Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands; 9 Feb 43: Guadalcanal is finally secured » It was the first major offensive launched against the Empire of Japan. The victory would require the best from the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy and Army, and was key for further advance in the Solomon Islands. The Marine Corps would gain valuable jungle fighting experience which would be key throughout the Pacific War.

Dresden, Germany; 13 Feb 45: The Bombing of Dresden, Germany »The highly controversial destruction of the city of Dresden has been debated for years. The British and American commanders justified the action as strategic for military and indutrial targets while others viewed it as unnecessary and potentially a war crime.

Iwo Jima, 19 Feb 45: The Battle of Iwo Jima begins » 28% of the 82 Medals of Honor awarded to U.S. Marines during WWII were awarded on Iwo Jima. This speaks to the ferocity of the battle between the the Marines and the Japanese forces. The fight for Mount Suribachi and flag raising on 23 February 1945 would forever become the symbol of U.S. Marines Corps heritage.

Red Beach II - Iwo Jima, 19 Feb 45:   Medal of Honor winner John Basilone at Iwo Jima » Many U.S. Marines were heroes in World War II, but a select few stand taller than others. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone won the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroism at Guadalcanal and would go on to win the Navy Cross on Iwo Jima. His actions saved many of his fellow Marines on that first day at Iwo. He was also the only enlisted Marine to win the CMOH and the Navy Cross in WWII.

Iwo Jima,  23 Feb 45: Two Flag Raisings on Iwo Jima » The names of Harlon Block, John Bradley, Rene Gagnon, Ira Hayes, Franklin Sousley and Michael Strank were forever immortalized in the legendary photograph by Joe Rosenthal as the "Flag Raisers of Iwo Jima." This immortal shot was the second flag raising on Iwo, with the first flag raising photographed by USMC SSgt Louis Lowery. Its "raisers" have been identified (and disputed) as: Harold Schrier, Ernest Thomas, James Michaels, Henry Hansen, and Charles Lindberg.

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