Iwo Jima

Iwo Jima, Japanese island in the western Pacific, scene of a fierce battle in World War II. Largest of the Volcano islands (about 8 sq mi/21 sq km), it was annexed by Japan in 1891 and captured by U.S. marines in Feb.-Mar. 1945 at the cost of over 21,000 U.S. casualties. U.S. administration ended in 1968.

See also: World War II.