Iwo Jima: Legacy of Valor (Paperback)

This book describes in vivid detail the American invasion and struggle to secure the island. Much to the chagrin of the Marines, they found out that the island was covered with ash which made it next to impossible to walk or move heavy equipment. As the Marines made their way inland, the Japanese, who constructed underground bunkers and pillboxes which were virtually untouched by the shore bombardment, began to attack en masse. The Marines suffered more casualties in this battle than at any other time in the war. Also, over twenty medals of honor were awarded (some postumously). Ross describes each medal of honor recipient and what they did to earn the medal. Some threw themselves on live grenades to save their comrades, while others rushed enemy pillboxes in the face of murderous fire. This was the most fascinating part of the book for me.

Ross has produced an excellent book about Iwo Jima that will undoubtedly remain a classic. His writing style flows very easily and the reader never gets bogged down. I highly recommend this work along with "Flags of our Fathers". Both do a commendable job of describing the ferocious fighting that took place on this tiny island.

The author intended this book to be a celebration of American courage and patriotism. Consequently as a historical account and assessment of the battle overall, the book is disappointing. Similarly some of the author's historical comparisons with other military actions are very suspect. To the historian, the value of the book can perhaps be found in the information that underpins the main text. Despite Bill Ross's desire to continually emphasise the valour of actions by US forces the careful reader is also able to discern an overall view of the battle.

The author describes the difficulties faced by the US forces, despite overwhelming superiority on the air and sea, more manpower than could practically fit on the island, superiority in equipment, training and morale, the ability to evacuate wounded,land supplies and reinforcements and to provide mail and freshly baked donuts to troops on the front line.

It is unfortunate that with so much reasearch by the author, the reader is largely left to guess the conditions faced by the surrounded, outnumbered Japanese who ultimately suffered three times the number of dead of the US forces.

Similarly the author fails to substantiate his view that Iwo Jima ranks as one of the most significant events in military history through meaningful comparison to other battles mentioned in the book or otherwise.