WWII E153 The Doorkeeper to Tokyo: Setting the Stage for Iwo Jima

By early 1945, the Pacific war had reached a turning point. The United States held the Marianas. From there, B-29 bombers struck directly at Japan, but the road to Tokyo was still dangerous. 

Halfway along that road lay Iwo Jima, a tiny volcanic island of black sand, jagged rock, and sulfur fumes. On the map it looked insignificant, but its location gave it enormous weight. For Japan, it was part of Tokyo Prefecture itself, “the doorkeeper to the capital.” For America, it was both a threat and an opportunity: a fighter base that could harass bombers, or an emergency airfield that could save them.

General Kuribayashi was ordered to turn Iwo Jima into a fortress. Beneath its surface, his men carved miles of tunnels, pillboxes, and gun positions, prepared to fight to the death.

This episode tells the story of that buildup. The strategy, the doubts, the Japanese preparations, and the weight that fell on every Marine the night before the landings.

*************

Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines).

Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.