The terrain further impeded the Marines and made it difficult to use their tracked vehicles.
The Battle for Iwo Jima began Feb. 19, 1945, when 70,000 U.S. Marines landed on the island after months of naval and air bombardment. It was immediately clear the Marines were facing a resolute and well-prepared enemy. The Japanese were dug in and hiding in the island's maze of hidden underground tunnels. The island's beach was steep and composed of shifting black sand, volcanic cinders and ash. The terrain further impeded the Marines and made it difficult to use their tracked vehicles. Men, machinery, tanks and supplies piled up at the shoreline, and were constantly barraged with artillery, mortar and machine-gun fire. Ships were also attacked by kamikaze pilots.