![Crowding the beach at Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945, troops of the 4th Marine Division hug the island’s black volcanic sand. Moments after this photo was taken, Japanese artillery and machine-gun fire erupted from hidden positions across the island.](https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/W-CG-at-Iwo-1-760x619.jpg)
November 2009
WWII History
Fighting Coast Guard at Iwo Jima
By Rod CarlsonStanding on an ugly carbuncle of volcanic rock 500 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the Associated Press photographer swung a cumbersome news camera toward six men holding a pipe with a flag tied to it and pressed the shutter release. Read more