Ep 7. The Battle for Iwo Jima

In season 2 episode 7 of War in the Pacific, viewers dive into the intense and bloody Battle for Iwo Jima. Set in February of 1945, this pivotal battle was a turning point in World War II as it marked the beginning of the end for Japanese forces.

The episode opens with archival footage of the island, which sits in the Pacific Ocean roughly halfway between Japan and the Allied forces of the United States. The rugged terrain, steep cliffs, and well-fortified bunkers make it a formidable challenge for Allied troops. The episode then introduces viewers to the key players on both sides of the conflict.

On the side of the Allies, the episode focuses on General Holland Smith, who is in charge of the landing and ground forces for the attack on Iwo Jima. We see Smith briefing his troops on the plan of attack and the specific tactics they will use to take the island, including a bombing campaign that will last for days before the arrival of ground troops. Smith is portrayed as a no-nonsense leader who is focused on winning the battle at all costs and is willing to make tough decisions to do so.

On the side of the Japanese forces, the episode highlights Lieutenant General Tadamichi Kuribayashi, the commander of the Japanese defenses on Iwo Jima. Kuribayashi is a veteran of the Russo-Japanese War and is well-respected by his troops. We see him giving a speech to his soldiers, letting them know that the battle will be difficult but that they must fight to the death to defend their homeland.

As the bombing campaign begins, the episode presents an intense visual display of explosions and smoke as the Allies attempt to soften up Japanese defenses before the ground troops arrive. The attack is mostly successful in taking out many of the Japanese bunkers, but Kuribayashi's forces have hidden themselves in underground tunnels, making it difficult for the Allies to flush them out.

The episode then focuses on the landing itself, showing the chaos and bloodshed that ensues as Allied troops attempt to establish a foothold on the island. We see soldiers diving into the water from landing craft, running up the beach under heavy fire, and using flamethrowers to clear out Japanese bunkers. The fighting is brutal, and the Allies take heavy casualties as they move towards their objectives.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a sense of the toll the battle takes on both sides. We see Japanese soldiers dying in their bunkers as they run out of supplies and are unable to call for reinforcements. We also see Allied troops exhausted and traumatized by the constant fighting. The episode emphasizes the high cost of war and shows the human side of the conflict.

As the episode draws to a close, we see the Allies making progress and gaining ground, but the fighting is far from over. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers wondering how the battle will ultimately end and what the cost of victory will be.

Overall, War in the Pacific season 2 episode 7 is a gripping portrayal of one of the most significant battles of World War II. The episode combines archival footage, interviews with historians and military experts, and dramatic reenactments to give viewers a visceral sense of the intensity and brutality of the conflict. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in learning more about the Pacific theater of World War II and the sacrifices made by those who fought in it.