02/19/2026
Remembering the Battle of Iwo Jima
From Feb. 19 to Mar. 26, 1945, U.S. forces fought fiercely for Iwo Jima—a volcanic island critical to the war effort. Just 750 miles from mainland Japan, Iwo Jima’s airfields were vital for emergency landings of damaged bombers returning from raids on Japan. The brutal battle claimed nearly 7,000 American lives.
Among the many brave Marines was Sgt. William H. Genaust. A combat photographer from Minnesota, Genaust captured the iconic flag-raising on Mount Suribachi alongside Joe Rosenthal Feb. 23, 1945. His footage would become one of the most famous films of World War II. Just days later, March 4, 1945, Genaust was killed by enemy fire while standing at the entrance of a cave on Iwo Jima. His remains were never recovered.
Today, his sacrifice is honored at ABMC's Honolulu Memorial overlooking the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii. Genaust’s story is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the courage of those who served. We remember his sacrifice—and the sacrifices of all those lost on Iwo Jima.
**Remembering the Battle of Iwo Jima**
From February 19 to March 26, 1945, U.S. forces engaged in a fierce battle for Iwo Jima, a volcanic island that was critical to the war effort. Located just 750 miles from mainland Japan, the island's airfields were essential for emergency landings of damaged bombers returning from raids on Japan. This brutal battle resulted in nearly 7,000 American lives lost.
Among the many brave Marines was Sergeant William H. Genaust, a combat photographer from Minnesota. Genaust captured the iconic flag-raising on Mount Suribachi alongside Joe Rosenthal on February 23, 1945. His footage became one of the most famous films of World War II. Tragically, just days later, on March 4, 1945, Genaust was killed by enemy fire while standing at the entrance of a cave on Iwo Jima. His remains were never recovered.
Today, his sacrifice is honored at the ABMC's Honolulu Memorial, which overlooks the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii. Genaust’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the courage of those who served. We remember his sacrifice as well as the sacrifices of all those who were lost on Iwo Jima.