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World War II Pacific Combat Photo US Marines Iwo Jima Flame Tank

Product Description

The2FunAdGuyz offer a new print of a dramatic World War II Pacific Theater combat photo featuring a United States Marine Corp M4A3R3 Flame Tank during the Battle of Iwo Jima in March of 1945.

This photo illustrates the power of these machines in close range enemy fortifications such as pillboxes and bunkers. The M4A3R3 Sherman Tank was used very effectively during the Iwo Jima Campaign. In this case a group of marines are in the foreground as the Flame Tank fires its stream of liquid gas. Generally the flame tanks had a maximum range of about 100 yards with a storage capacity of 300 gallons resulting in a firing time of about two-and-a-half minutes. Once torched, the bunker was then demolished with grenades or explosives to make certain no enemy remained inside. The Flame Tanks played a significant role at Iwo Jima as well as in the subsequent battle of Okinawa. It would have played a similarly important role if American forces had to invade the Japanese mainland.

CAPTION: A US Marine M4A3R3 Flame Tank Attacks During the Battle of Iwo Jima.

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: The Battle of Iwo Jima took place from February 16, 1945 to March 26, 1945. Iwo Jima, a part of the Ogasawara Islands, is a volcanic island that the Japanese heavily fortified to make the American commanders face a ferocious fight that would dissuade them from invading the Japanese mainland. On one end is Mt. Suribachi, a dormant volcano that provided an ideal oversight of the island. Over 20,000 Japanese troops, under the command of Lieutenant General Tadamichi Kuribayashi, had fortified the island with an elaborate defense system including tunnels and bunkers that could not be destroyed by artillery and bombs. Most of these defenses were not visible in reconnaissance photos and they were not factored into the planning for the American invasion. As a result, a barrage of enemy fire resulting in high casualties met the earliest landings.

The actual landing of the first marines on February 19, 1945 was preceded by three days of intensive artillery and aircraft bombardment. The beaches of the island were black, volcanic ash that hampered footing and in which foxholes could not be dug. On February 19th the first 30,000 Marines would make it ashore only to uncover the ferocious Japanese defense system. As men and equipment moved forward, a battle of epic proportions followed with 77,000 military personnel eventually put on the island. On February 23rd the flag raising commemorating the capture of Mt Suribachi occurred and a few weeks later the battle was over. The casualty figures are staggering. American casualties were 6,821 dead and 22,000 wounded. Because of a “fight till death” philosophy, 18,000 Japanese died and only 1083 survived. Within days of landing on the beach the first of 1000s of damaged American planes, returning from Japanese bombing raids, landed during the battle saving the occupants from a dangerous at sea ditching. Twenty-two marines and five Navy men received the Congressional Medal of Honor for the battle, the highest number in any battle up to that date.

We have two Iwo Jima flag raising posters by artist Jim Lovell and C. C. Beall plus several Iwo Jima combat photos in our inventory. To see them all, CLICK HERE.

PAPER QUALITY: This new print is on a highest quality, acid-free, 100-pound glossy premium text paper that allows for maximum color brilliance and fidelity for older images.

AVAILABILITY: In Stock! – Ships Within 1 Business Day.

Image Size: 16.5 inches wide by 10.5 inches high.

Paper Size: 17 inches wide by 11 inches high. This allows for a small border around the image for matting and framing. When matted, this format is perfect for a standard 16-inch x 20-inch frame, a manageable size for a wide variety of decorating purposes.

We have many more World War II posters, prints, photos and ads. To view them Click Here.

DECORATING USES: Many of our customers find this poster useful for home décor and office decorating. Decorating categories include a den, library, home bar or family room.

GIFT RECOMMENDATIONS: Ideal for a Marine Corp Veteran or any history buff.

PLEASE NOTE, The watermark (The2FunAdGuyz) across the thumbnail does NOT appear on the item you will receive.

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