Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Iwo Jima
The tactics used by the Japanese during this battle were most surprising to me. The vast tunnel system reminded me of the later Vietnam War. Yet I think the most fascinating thing about this was that it was such a small island for so many men to die for. Also the use of hand to hand combat that occured on Feb. 23 as the mountain was being taken seems strange in a time of such mass artilery and technological advances.
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3 comments:
stated that way, it seem unusual to hear about close-in combat during a war that saw many advances in technology and weaponry. but conflict after conflict has shown that there will always be a need and a time for "low-tech" situations
I agree that it is fascinating that so much fighting took place on such a small island. I think that was the case of many of these small islands in that area. My grandfather was stationed on IE-Shima during WWII. The island was so close to the other islands that the troops would have to stand guard, especially at night, to ensure that no Japanese penetrated the island by swimming to it – they were that close. The island was small enough that guards were posted all the way around the island to protect the airstrip the troops had built for incoming aircraft.
The comment mentioned that caught my eye was "such a small island for so many men to die for"! I found this important because we need to remember it was an airforce base in this location that they were fighting for. With all the American and Japanese soldiers that died for this "island" there were at least 20,000 airmen saved (if I have my facts correct). This is the concept that I have really been trying to wrap my head around. Was this battle really worth it? To save American airmen - I would have to say yes.
As for "low-tech" combat, I think it had to do with how the Japanese fought and their values. This does not mean, however, that I think that we do not resort to hand to hand combat in many situations. I think that when it comes down to it hand to hand combat is almost necessary in any war.
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