A Common Virtue 19xx-xx-xx The Battle for Iwo Jima

Summary

Podcast Summary: "A Common Virtue 19xx-xx-xx The Battle for Iwo Jima"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: A Common Virtue 19xx-xx-xx The Battle for Iwo Jima
• Release Date: June 2, 2025
• Description: Delving into radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio, this episode transports listeners back to a time when families gathered around the radio to experience iconic programs such as The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet. This particular episode focuses on a pivotal moment in Marine Corps history: the Battle for Iwo Jima.

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1. Introduction to the Battle for Iwo Jima

The episode opens with a gripping narration that sets the stage for one of the most intense battles in Marine Corps history. At [00:02], the narrator describes the severe and bloody fighting that has already taken a toll on a Marine division on the small, heavily fortified island of Iwo Jima.

Quote:

"True complete marine division has been put ashore on this island, which comprises less than 15 square miles. And it has already taken three days of intense, severe, bloody fighting to secure not even a quarter of the island."
— Narrator [00:02]

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2. Strategic Importance of Iwo Jima

Historian insights provide a comprehensive backdrop to the strategic significance of Iwo Jima. In February 1945, Iwo Jima was recognized as the most heavily fortified island, serving as a crucial airfield for Japanese operations. The United States aimed to capture such islands to establish bases for launching attacks on Japan's supply lines and industrial centers, ultimately crippling the enemy's war-making capabilities.

Quote:

"Uncommon Valor was their common virtue."
— Historian [00:20]

The historian elaborates on the broader Pacific campaign, highlighting previous victories on islands like Tarawa, Saipan, and Guam, setting the stage for the daunting challenge that Iwo Jima represented.

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3. The Commencement of the Invasion

As the episode progresses, the focus shifts to the meticulous planning and execution of the invasion. At [04:26], a Navy Officer recounts the preparatory bombardment and aerial attacks that softened the island's defenses ahead of the landing.

Quote:

"On D Day -3, Navy guns began to soften up the island so we could land. Our planes began to straight bomb enemy installations."
— Navy Officer [04:17]

The historian describes the composition of the assault force—the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions forming the 5th Amphibious Corps—and emphasizes the Marines' unparalleled skills in amphibious warfare. The bravery and camaraderie among the Marines are underscored as pivotal factors in their approach to the battle.

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4. The First Day and Initial Challenges

The detailed account of the first day of landings reveals both the initial optimism and the harsh realities faced by the Marines. At [05:33], a Marine Veteran explains the strategic objectives: capturing Airfield Number One and Mount Suribachi.

Quote:

"On D day, the plan called for us to drive directly across the island at the southern tip where it was narrowest. We had two goals. Airfield number one and Mount Suribachi. Our aim was to capture both. That first day."
— Marine Veteran [05:33]

Despite the initial lack of opposition, the Marines soon encounter fierce resistance, particularly from Japanese forces entrenched on Mount Suribachi. The intensity of the combat escalates as precise air and naval support struggle to dislodge the fortified enemy positions.

Quote:

"Pretty soon we found out why. The lead battalions of the 4th and 5th Divisions tried to cross the ashen terrace just before the landing beaches. That's when the quiet ended."
— Marine Veteran [06:18]

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5. The Iconic Flag Raising on Mount Suribachi

A pivotal moment in the battle—and indeed, in American wartime history—was the raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi. The historian narrates the mounting efforts to secure the mountain, highlighting the strategic importance of this high ground.

Quote:

"As one eyewitness viewed it, the evil gym of flag raising was the single biggest morale builder of any battle ever fought."
— Historian [09:15]

Combat Photographer Paul White provides a first-hand account of the event, emphasizing the profound psychological impact it had on both American troops and Japanese defenders.

Quote:

"I saw men scramble out of foxholes and stand right up in the open, risking the danger of enemy fire, just to cheer the sight of the flag flying over Suribachi."
— Combat Photographer Paul White [09:15]

This act of defiance and unity served as a beacon of hope and resilience, symbolizing the unwavering spirit of the Marines amidst brutal combat conditions.

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6. Completion of the Battle and Aftermath

By March 16, 1945, the United States successfully secured Iwo Jima, significantly weakening Japanese defenses and enabling closer strikes against Tokyo. The historian reflects on how the battle's legacy was immortalized through iconic photography and subsequent memorials.

Quote:

"For most Americans everywhere, the sight of battle weary Marines struggling against a heavy wind to plant the Stars and Stripes on a remote island in the Pacific personified the courage and heroism under fire displayed by the Marines who fought on Iwo Jima."
— Historian [10:16]

The episode also delves into the creation of the Marine Corps War Memorial, designed by sculptor Felix de Weldon, who was deeply inspired by the Marines' valor and commitment.

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7. Legacy and Memorialization

Felix de Weldon’s dedication to commemorating the bravery of the Iwo Jima Marines culminated in the creation of the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia—the largest bronze statue in the world. De Weldon’s personal reflections underscore the profound respect and admiration he held for the Marines.

Quote:

"To put my true feelings into words would be beyond my own powers of expression here today. His sculptor does not work with words. His medium is bronze and stone."
— Felix de Weldon [11:51]

Historian notes that de Weldon's work has become a lasting tribute to the enduring spirit and valor of the Marine Corps.

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8. Conclusion: Uncommon Valor as a Common Virtue

The episode wraps up by reiterating the central theme: the Marines' exceptional bravery and unwavering camaraderie were the defining qualities that led to their success at Iwo Jima. The narrator concludes with a powerful affirmation of these enduring virtues.

Quote:

"Uncommon valor has always been a common virtue of the Marine Corps since its very inception and always will be as long as our flag flies."
— Narrator [13:08]

Historian emphasizes that the legacy of Iwo Jima is a testament to the Marine Corps' traditions of honor, pride, and loyalty, qualities that set them apart as an elite fighting force.

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Final Thoughts: "A Common Virtue 19xx-xx-xx The Battle for Iwo Jima" serves as a poignant homage to one of World War II’s most harrowing and heroic battles. Through vivid storytelling, expert analysis, and firsthand accounts, the episode captures the essence of Marine Corps valor and the enduring legacy of Iwo Jima in American history. Listeners gain a deep appreciation for the strategic importance, the human courage, and the symbolic triumph that defined this monumental battle.

Transcript

[Narrator]

True complete marine division has been put ashore on this island, which comprises less than 15 square miles. And it has already taken three days of intense, severe, bloody fighting to secure not even a quarter of the island.

[Historian]

The time, February 1945, to place a jungle of coral and stone called Iwo Jim, most heavily fortified island in the world, where United States Marines fought for 26 days in the toughest battle in history. Their objective, to deliver a knockout blow that would seal the fate of the enemy for 26 days. Uncommon Valor was their common virtue.

[Announcer]

A common virtue. A program commemorating one of the most heroic chapters in Marine Corps history, Battle for Iwo Jima. This anniversary broadcast is presented as a public service by this station in tribute to the pride, loyalty and uncommon valor that have characterized America's great force in readiness. The United States Marine Corps.

[Historian]

August 1942. Across the Central Pacific, a string of island fortresses formed a solid line of defense against the heart of the Japanese homeland. American military strategy called for conquest of these key islands. Once captured, they would become takeoff points for American air and naval forces to strike at enemy supply lines, industrial and commercial centers in the Japanese home islands. Thus bringing about the final destruction of the enemy's war making resources. In August 1942, the United States Marines, highly trained to fight on land, at sea and in the air, made the first of a series of landings on these enemy held islands. For 30 months, enemy forces were dealt one setback after another by the most highly skilled amphibious fighting force in all history. The Marine Corps, in preparing for the Pacific campaign, had modernized the old concepts of amphibious warfare. They developed a whole new arsenal of amphibious equipment. And by February of 1945, the enemy line of defense was ready to crumble. On Tarawa, New Britain, the Marshall, Saipan, Tinian, Guam, the marines had landed. The battle was won and the situation was well in hand. Now they faced a new objective. It was another of the small island strongholds, but it had a special significance. Victory on this island would for the first time place our naval and air forces within striking distance of Tokyo. But victory here would also demand of them all the courage, determination and comradeship that had brought them over 5,000 miles of ocean. For this was the one stronghold the enemy could not afford to lose. This was Iwo Jima, the Gibraltar of the Pacific.

[Marine Veteran]

The island was shaped like a giant fan of solid rock, all covered with black volcanic ash. It didn't even look like it was worth fighting for. But the enemy had completed two airfields and their planes were taken off from here to attack the bases. We'd Already secured, nobody had to tell it to the Marines. We knew it was worth fighting for.

[Historian]

And the enemy knew it too.

[Narrator]

Above all, we shall dedicate ourselves and our entire strength to the defense of Iwo jima.

[Historian]

So spoke General Kuribayashi, enemy commander at I. The enemy had spent 20 years fortifying the island with block houses, pillboxes and a vast network of protective underground tunnels. Now the time had come for this defense to be tested.

[Navy Officer]

On D Day -3, Navy guns began to soften up the island so we could land. Our planes began to straighten bomb enemy installations.

[Historian]

As D day approached, the 4th and 5th Marine divisions were selected for the assault on evil Genie. Together with supporting units, they formed the 5th Amphibious Corps. On a calm, quiet sea, the Marines waited in grim silence, watching the central control vessel for a signal. H hour was set at 0900. Each man knew the plan of attack for that first day. Each man would play a vital role in the attack as Marines. They would land on the beaches with the most efficient fighting equipment in history and the expert knowledge of how to use it. But more important than that, they would show the enemy that a Marine's most effective weapon is one that cannot be seen. They would show the enemy that special quality that sets United States Marines apart from all other fighting men. A pride in their core, in their loyalty to each other. A 200 year old tradition of comradeship that has made the Marine Corps the most cohesive fighting unit in the world.

[Marine Veteran]

On D day, the plan called for us to drive directly across the island at the southern tip where it was narrowest. We had two goals. Airfield number one and Mount Suribachi. Our aim was to capture both. That first day.

[Navy Officer]

A signal flag was lowered on the central control vessel. 500 landing craft headed for the beaches, advancing in 10 waves. The sea suddenly seemed to be alive.

[Narrator]

The first wave hit the beach at.

[Marine Soldier]

We waded inland through volcanic ash that.

[Marine Veteran]

Came up to our ankles.

[Marine Soldier]

There was almost no opposition.

[Marine Veteran]

It looked like we'd be able to.

[Marine Soldier]

Knife right across the plain to the opposite shore.

[Marine Veteran]

Everything was so quiet. It seemed to be easier than any other landing. But somehow it seemed too easy. Pretty soon we found out why. The lead battalions of the 4th and 5th Divisions tried to cross the ashen terrace just before the landing beaches. That's when the quiet ended.

[Marine Soldier]

In their fortified positions on Mount Suravachi. The enemy was looking right down our throats. They had us pinned down on the beach and we needed help. Our planes were sent in again to.

[Marine Veteran]

Hit Suribachi from the air support ships.

[Marine Soldier]

Delivered Point blank fire.

[Navy Officer]

We fell short of our goal that first day. Our lines stretched across the neck of land at the base of Surabashi to the Friendship airfield.

[Historian]

Number one with the gallant Marine Amphibious Force had gained a toehold on the southern tip of the island. And they clung to it as mobster of ACI was subjected to 72 more hours of continuous bombardment from our naval guns and aircraft.

[Narrator]

D day plus 4.

[Historian]

An on the scene correspondent describes the final airstrike against the extinct volcano stronghold.

[Narrator]

The sky is still black with planes hovering back and forth over that ridge. We see another plane going down on the street and run up near the western side of the ridge. A little bit too far away for you to hear it. These planes are giving the Marines real support. The kind they need and the kind they deserve.

[Historian]

Another attack was mounted against Surati. The Marines were backed up by tanks, 37mm guns and half packs with 75mm can. They drove forward to the base of the mountain. By late morning they had the mountain completely surrounded. Now there was nowhere to go but up. The 28th Marines began to scale the slopes of Suribachi. In the command ship standing offshore, the order was given to cease fire. The naval guns became silent as the Marines made the climb. At 10:15, they scrambled over the lip of the crater. There they were challenged by a small defending force of enemy troops, a short but fierce fighter. Enemy resistance was put down at the base of the mountain. Other Marine units waited for a sign that Suribachi was ours. On the crater, some of the men had located a length of Japanese iron pipes. They secured a small American flag to one end. The flag was raised. Suribachi was ours. As one eyewitness viewed it, the evil gym of flag raising was the single biggest morale builder of any battle ever fought. The eyewitness, Paul White, officer in charge of Marine combat photography in the Pacific, on special assignment for the Secretary of the Navy for the evil campaign.

[Combat Photographer]

I saw men scramble out of foxholes and stand right up in the open, risking the danger of enemy fire, just to cheer the sight of the flag flying over Suribachi. It was a great boost for our men, but also served to kick the enemy's morale out from under him. They knew from other campaigns that Marines only held a flag raising after an island was secured. It was a sort of unwritten signal that the battle was won. They never dreamed we'd raise a flag before an island was secured. By reversing our behavior pattern and planning that flag up on Suribachi, we dealt the enemy a psychological jolt. They never really recovered from it until the day that the battle for Iwo ended. Any one of the enemy would have given his life to destroy that flag. Many of them tried. Many did give their lives. But that flag was planted to stay. And stay it did.

[Historian]

On March 16, 1945, the conquest of Iwo Jima was complete. American bombers were now just four hours away from Tokyo. The Marine amphibious assault had broken the backbone of the enemy's line of defense. But the courageous saga of Iwo Jima was brought home most vividly to America through a war correspondent's photograph of the flag raising on Mount Suribachi. For most Americans everywhere, the sight of battle weary Marines struggling against a heavy wind to plant the Stars and Stripes on a remote island in the Pacific personified the courage and heroism under fire displayed by the Marines who fought on Iwo Jima. It's perhaps one of the most famous single photographs ever taken, and it served as the inspiration for one of the most glorious tributes ever made to the fighting spirit of Freemason.

[Felix de Weldon]

During the close association with the Marines was an inspiration to me and increased my admiration for the men of the Corps. There are countless people who for a very long time have expressed the wish that Marines be commemorated and memorialized for their brave deeds and bitter fighting in so many far places.

[Historian]

The speaker, Felix de Weldon, American sculptor of Austrian descent, who, less than 24 hours after the event, began preliminary work on a memorial statute of the Marines who fought the battle for Iwo Jima.

[Felix de Weldon]

To put my true feelings into words would be beyond my own powers of expression here today. His sculptor does not work with words. His medium is bronze and stone. And through this medium I have expressed my true feelings for the Corps and for those who died fighting with the Marines.

[Historian]

Since 1775, de Weldon dedicated himself to this memorial, receiving close cooperation from the Marine Corps. When he was finished some nine and a half years later, the flag raising at Suribachi had been immortalized in the largest bronze statue in the world, the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. The men who fought and won the battle for Iwo Jima upheld the most outstanding tradition in the United States Marine Corps. Being a Marine and all that it implies, its meaning can be found in the words of Lieutenant General Howland M. Smith, Commanding General of the 5th Amphibious Corps at Iwo Jima. In retirement, at his home in La Jolla, California, General Smith offered this retrospective comment.

[Narrator]

Uncommon valor has always been a common virtue of the Marine Corps since its very inception and always will be as long as our flag flies.

[Historian]

Call it morale, call it esprit de corps, call it honor. The tradition of being a Marine is that special quality that sets the United States Marines apart from all other fighters. It cannot be found in manuals, for it's not a tangible thing. Yet it remains the basic reason for the pride they have in their core and in their loyalty to one another. It was not by chance that on the battle torn beaches of Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was their common virtue.

[Announcer]

A common virtue. Commemorating the gallant struggle of the United States Marines at Iwo Jima has been presented in tribute to the traditions and esprit de corps of the Marines and every individual in the Corps.