Professional Documents
Culture Documents
STUDY
OF
I WO JIMA
Instructors T>rtoriinjr WUB Doowfee^* Beading this Sign Below (File No. Date
--),
Natne
AUG23194S
i
1 3 NOV 1944
STUDY
OF IWO JI1.IA
'''""
,-r
Prepared By:
Infantry
INDEX
SECTION
I
SECTION
II
SECTION
III
SECTION
IV
SECTION
V
SECTION
VI
SECTION
VII
SECTION
VIII
SECTION
IX
SECTION
X
SECTION
XI
SECTION
XII
SECTION
XIII
SECTION
XIV
SECTION
XV
SECTION
XVI
SECTION
XVII
SECTION
XVIII
SECTION
XIX
SECTION
XX
Signal Conrnunications
Towns, Villages, etc.
Resources
Population
Administration
Medical Problems
Clinate and Meteorological Conditions
war
REPORTED DEFUSES
Beach Defenses
Both the major beaches, on I WO Jli/IA, the 2-J-mile beach on the southeast
shore and the 2 mile stretch on the southwest coast, are defended in depth. An
inter-connected system of fire treUch, anti-tank trench, rifle and machine-gun
pits, and artillery positions extend for 300 to 600 yards back from tho beach.
Along the southeast shore, this trench system is about 500 yards deep widening to
1,000 yards near the Eastern Boat Basin. On the west shore, the trenches start
near the west boat yard and extend south to STJRI3ACHI YAIvIA. Along this stretch,
depths'range from 300 to 500 yards.
A major gun position has been reported on the island of KANGOKU P:A off
the west coast. This position is reportedly for the purpose of opposing landings
on the southwest coast of ITTO J I M . Its presence cannot bo confirmed from photo graphs.
Air Defenses
The heaviest concentrations of AA weapons is, naturally enough, in the
area around the two airfields. These weapons consist of 12cm and 8cra antiaircraft
gunsj dual purpose guns, and automatic weapons. Between- the two airfields is the
heaviest cluster of automatic weapons and dual purpose guns. Several other bat teries of auto AA are scattered throughout the southern half of the island.
The only concentration of antiaircraft in the northern half of the is land occurs just north of tho airfield under construction. Several automatic
weapons and dual-purpose guns are concentrated, in a small area between the radio
station and the airfield construction.
Because of the relatively flat terrain in.the southern portion of the
island, it is probable that many antiaircraft weapons primarily installed for AA
defense can be depressed for use against landing or ground forces.
Coastal Defenses
8 coastal defense guns have been identified on aerial photos. Captured
documents indicate that 4 are 14cm and 4 are 15cm, The 4 - 14cm guns have been
located as being on the high ground to the north MOYOTAIIA. Airfield No. 2. Two
of the 15om guns are located at tho base of SURIBACHI YAJU and their field of fire
covers both the southfsast and southwest beaches. 'X'aoy cannot be fired offshore
to the south. The remaining 2-15cm guns is located in a well-camouflaged position
near the edge of a bluff on the northeast coast.
Just west of thtf East Boat Basin, 2*2OOnm coast defense guns have been
installed in the cliff. This is " recont installation and the guns have not
been confirmed.
Ground Defenses
Approximately 325 machine-gun positions have been counted on photographs.
These' are scattered throughout the entire island, with about one-half of them
being concentrated within tho areas behind the beaches and on tho slopes inland
from the beaches. The remainder are scattered throughout the islands in groups
of from one to six. These groups are placed so as to cover roads, trails, and the
smaller beaches.
Backing up the extensive personnel trenches and machine gun pits are
some 40 odd artillery emplacements, both covered and open,one blockhouse, and
63-64 pillboxes.
About 6500 yards on anti-tank trenches have been dug. Most of this is
in short, discontinuous sections which are apparently to be later linked to form
continuous trenches. Approximately 52,000 yai&f of fire and communication trench
has been measured. . /
4. Potential Development. (See Section XI)
About tho only potential development possible with the island w>uld be
an extension of the present airfields and the completion of the field under con struction. The completion of the present defenses might also be considered pot ential and it is assumed that this J^j0J||Vtofcpurrently being carried out. A
discussion of potential airfield sites is"contained in Section XI. . -. ;.. r-iavi
The predominating, and strongest, winds como from the North and North west during the period January-March. There is a shift toward the East in March
and a corresponding increase in tho percentage of winds from the East, South, and
West. Southerly vdnds are generally weaker than those from the North, Highest
velocities of v;inds aro believed to bo during January when velocities up to 30
mph have been recorded. Wind velocities of up to 45 mph have been recorded in
January and March.
3 Currents.
The currents in tho JJAMPO SHOTOS aro influenced by the prevailing winds
at the different seasons, and are capricious; heavy current rips, being of common
occurrence, have often boon mistaken for shoals* The rips arc more commonly net
with close to tho islands and rocks than else-whore.
The usual sot of tho current through the islands is northeasterly, and
the velocity ranges from l? to 3 knots, but tho islands frequently deflect it
-t from its -course, and tho eddies usually found on the margin of great currents
are here particularly numorous and active, so that it is not unusual, especially
among the northern islands, to encounter r set precisely in the opposite direction
. to that anticipated.
The mean high water interval at IW0 JIIIA is 7 hours and 6 minutes; mean
high water springs rise 3.0 foot; neaps 2.4 feet. The tidal currents aro irregu lar in direction. To the northward of KITANO HA1TA, the north point of the island,
the ebb current runs east, with a strength of 1^ knots; off TOBIISHI BANA (south west extremity) the ebb current runs northwest with a strength of 3/4 knot; to
the west of KANGOKU IWA tho flood current runs west at 2j knots; and to the west
jr of KAMA IWA the flood current runs southwest at 1 J knots,
5. Charts.
Several K. 0. Charts are available for IW0 JIi.iA. Probably the host is
HO 6101, 1944 edition which is based ^n captured Japanese survey data. Other
charts are HO 1902, 1921 edition and HO 5257, 1926 edition.
The shores of the north half of IW0 JIM/, moy be described generally as
rough, rocky, and steep. The northeast coast, from KITO KANA two miles southeast
to the eastern-most print of the island, :is- composed of dark volcanic sand. Al though relatively smooth, th-; beach is narrow, steep, in places broken by rough
- 5 * "~ .
rock outcrops, backed by rough terrain and irregularly obstructed, by rocky shoals.
The remainder of the northern coast is very, rough, immediately backed by serrated
rock cliffs, and obstructed by boulders. There are no real beaches.
The southern half of the island affords excellent beaches on both the
west and east sides. They are composed of dark-colored volcanic sand.
2. 3astern Beach.
Location.
The beaoh on the southeast coast of IWO JIIU comprises approximately
50 percent of the eastern shoreline. It extends from SURIBACKI YAMA, the rounded
volcanic cone at the southern end of the island, to the high rocky cliffs at the
north end of the beach.
Length and T7idth.
t
The total length of the beach is two and one-quarter miles. The width
varies from a minimum of 150 feet to a maximum of 500 fast. The beach is narrow est at the midpoint widening to the north and south, attaining greatest width at
the southern end. .
About 400 yards north of the southern end of the beach a road enters
from the west, dividing the beach into north and south sectors.
Approaches to the Beach.
Coral-reefs, characteristic of many of the islands to the south, are
absent. The island is volcanic, featured by a steep gradient from the shoreline
seaward.
The approach to the beach is divided into a northern approach and a
southern approach by three rocky outcrops, named FUTATSUNE, within 300 yards of
shore, opposite the central exit road. These rocks are reported to protrude four
feet above water at low tide. Sulphur gas blow holes are reported about one mile
east-northeast of FUTAT3U1IS; the effect on shipping is unknown. The approach is
otherwise unobstructed. The bottom is sandy.
Landing is reported to be difficult or impossible with winds over four
(Beauforts scale) from the east or northeast. This is confirmed by very turbulent
surf in aerial photographs of June 15, 1944.
3. Western Beach.
Location.
The 50 percent of volcanic cone the north end beach, on the southwest shore of BTO JIMA, comprises approximately
the western coast. It extends from SUPJBACHI YAMA, the rounded
at the southern end of the island, to the rocIcy bluffs which mark
of the beach.
At the point where the central road enters the beach, the terrace
edges are nearly superimposed and less distinct; the third and fourth terraces
are more prominent. The first and second terraces are non-sxistant and the long
slopes between terraces characteristic of the southern beach, are absent. The
rise to the upland is 30 f to 40'; the grade is estimated to be 20 to 25 percent
behind the narrowest section of the beach.
250 yards north of the central road, the terraced coast is steep and
sharply defined. The third terrace is approximately 55 yards inland from the
water's 'odge. Immediately north the hill is more rounded by drainage from the
runway; sand and silt are deposited at the base of the hill forming an easy ap proach to the upland. The second terrace is 20 yards inland and five to . six
feet high] the first terrace is absent. The beach between the major rise and the
water is 60 yards \vide. The location of rifle pits and trenches on this slope
suggest t iat the enemy considers it to be a favorable spot for troops to enter
the upland. The terrain rises gradually inland from tho top of the rise on a
uniform slope to the runway level; gradient is estimated to be 15 percent.
Approximately 800 yards north of this position is.another drainage area
for runway runoff. The elevated coart is rounded for 720' where the water runs
over the crest. The second terrace is 30 yards from the water and estimated to
be 10' to 15' high. The main rise to the upland is 210 ! inland. Defenses here
also indioate this to be a likely approach to the upland. The first terrace is
possibly present at the edge of the water.
Two shelf-like' terraces 150 yards fo.rther north are above the second
terrace. These extend northwest at an angle from the crest of the second terrace
and grade into the third and fourth. The second, 15' to 20' high, is higher here
than elsewhere. Defenses above the diagonal terraces and the presence of anti tank ditches indicate this to be a possible entrance to the upland. The beach is
approximately 150' wide at this point.
For a distance of 430 yards farther north, the first and second terraces
are shallow and less evident; the third and fourth are more prominent. Immediate ly north is another major runoff area where the terraces are rounded and the
slope more gradual. The fir.st and second terraces join to form one, possibly 15'
high. The sloping area from the beach level to the uppermost terrace is approxi mately 720' wide.
For a distance of 560' farther north, the third and fourth terraces are
lower and less abrupt than at the southern end of the boach; the second terrace
is more clearly defined, 10' to 15' high and 32 yards inland from the water.
Farther north the terrain rises abruptly, 240' inland from the uater, to a maxi mum height of possibly 50' to 60' at the northern end of the beach. Tho second
terrace joins the first, and the third aga ; n appears near the water's edge, at taining a possible height of six foet.
Exits and Dispersal Areas.
Exit from tho northern ond of the beach is via a hard-surfaced road, 24
feet wide, extending inland for 160 yards to the main coastal road. From the
point of inter-section, another road extends west across the island. Fron the
point where the exit road leaves the shore line, a branch road extends south on
the beach for 385 yards; five shore aprons extend from this branch road over the
first terrace to the water line. These are possible unloading platforms for
small boats unloading ship3 anchored offshore. A short narrow-gauge railroad
spur parallels the branch road on the seaward side.
At the southern and of the beach, a road extends to a group of rifle
pits within 250 feet of the water lino. This road extends up the hill to the
northwest for 150 yards to intersect with the north-south railroad spur. From
the intersection, another road heads northwest to the southern end of the air field. In addition, a. trail leaves the intersection leading inland to the west
connecting with the north-south road on tho west coast.
The road from the middle of the beach extends west to the southern end
of the airfield 600 yards.-, Vn-larrd; inland 100 yards it intersects the north-south
railroad spur which comes to a "dead end at the intersection.
: . : ' A large dispersal area is at the southern end of the beach; no cover
exists and the unpacked sand might make it difficult for mechanized equipment to
operate efficiently.
At the northern end of the beach, a dispersal area extends inland from
the unloading platforms to the cliff base.
Western Beach
North of the boat basin the beach area is very wide with no distinct
delineation of the inland side. The rise to the upland is gradual for approxi mately 660 yards inland, to a major rise from the beach. Three distinct wave-
cut terraces, not exceeding five to six feet in height, are present on this
stretch of beach.
South of the boat basin the ridge behind the beach is more distinct
and higher, rising to the south. A hill in the southern section reaches a pos sible maximum height of 60' to 70*, rising from a minimum of 15' to 20' behind
the boat basin. Terraces also become steeper just south of the boat basin,
limiting the beach proper to approximately 60 yards in width.
South 280 yards from the boat basin is an area 150 yards wide where
drainage runoff from the airfield runs over the ridge. Numerous deep fissures
cut into the hill and the alluvium fill at the base would facilitate the movement
of troops over the modified grade to the inland area.
South of the eroded cliffs, the beach widens to a width of 100 yards at
the southern end where the beach extends to the base of the hill. Two small wave-
cut terraces are between the hill and the water line. Terraces south of the boat
basin overgrown with vegetation and appearing to be more completely developed
probably have a fairly firm foundation. Defenses in the southern sector are con centrated on the terrace crests.
North of the boat basin 350 yards, a steep hill behind tho beach is
broken for 160 yards forming a more gradual slope to the upland. In about ISO1
horizontal distance the gradient of tho hill is possibly 20 to 25 percent. The
presence of defense indicates this to be a possible approach to tho upland.
The vegetation inland from the beach is predominantly small cultivated
patches surrounded by small trees and shrubs. Nowhere is the vegetation dense
or of such a nature to obstruct the. passage of troops or mechanized equipment.
Exits and Dispersal Areas.
A hard-surfaced road, 15 feet wide, cuts diagonally across the center
of the northern beach from tho boat basin, leaves the beach at the extreme north ern end, where it intersects the north-south road at the top of the hill. The
road continues east from the intersection, swinging southeast to connect with the
taxiway. The distonce to the intersection from the water is 300 yards. From the
boat basin, a similar road extends inland to the east and to tho airfield.
South of the boat basin 530 yards, another road, possibly now under
construction, extends northeast from a point near the beach to connect with the
road extending east from the boat basiru The intersection is 330 yards east of
the boat basin.
Approximately midway on the road across the northern beach, a secondary
unsurfaced road extends inland across the main north-south coastal road. North
430 yards from this road another similar secondary road extends inland to tho main
north-south road. The rise from the beach is gradual in this area; the road
gradient is estimated to be 15 percent. A trail branches south from the latter
road, extends along the base of the hill, and thence inland. South of this
another trail mounts the hill to tho southeast. South of the central road 160
yards another trail extends eastward.
Just south of the extreme southern end of-the beach a trail heads up
the cliff for 30 yards to a read paralleling the coast.
The wide areas at the northern and southern en Is of the beach could
possibly be used for dispersal areas. No vegetation is present for concealment
except on the upland, and there the vegetation is scrubby and scattered.
-9 (Over)
^ n
I f n
The service apron is one the north side of the field. Aircraft are'
dispersed on this apron, in areas paralleling"the runways, and in camouflaged
blast shelters on the north end of the NE - SW runway.
The site of building concentration which includes barracks, warehouses,
and workshops, is on the low bluff on the north side of the airfield. 80% of
these buildings have been destroyed, and the remainder have been damaged.
The only runway on the island that can be lengthened without extensive
cut and fill operations is the NE-SW landing strip which can bo increased approx imately 2000r at the northeastern end.
AIRFIELD NO. 2 - An operative airstrip, approximately 250' x 4750' and
bearing roughly NE-SW, is a mile NE of Airfield Ho. 1. A new runway, partially
surfaced, measures 200* x 3900' and crosses the operative strip in an E-W direc tion.
Two taxiways with a total of 19 excavated blast shelters, connect this
strip with Airfield No. 1.
A loop taxiway on the FT side of the operative strip has been graded
and surfaced. Another loop taxiway is under construction in the same area.
There are 12 shops and repair buildings NW of the airstrip.
AIRFIELD No. 3 - A new airstrip is in tho early stages of construction ap proximately "one mile north of Airfield No, 2. The area undergoing cut and fill
operations measures 670' x 3800T and is oriented approximately E-W. The faint
outline of a loop taxiway under construction is on the south side of the area.
2. Seaplane Bases.
Prior to the war there were four miles of road over 9 foot wide on
IW0 JIMA. In addition to this, there were.several trails in the North portion
of the island. Subsequent to the military development of the island, several
additional roads were built by the Japanese and some of the trails wore enlarged
to roads. For a complete picture of the present road net see ROAD MAP.
2. Detailed Description.
For the purpose of study, the major roads on 1170 JIMA have been divided
into 5 sectors as indicated on the Roads Map. The condition of the road and the
surrounding terrain is covered on tho road description charts attached.
SECTION XIII - Transport (Hil)
SECTION XIV - Signal Communication (See Communications Map)
Tho throe radio stations and two radar stations which have been located
are shown on the Communications Map, An RDF stationed was located on the island
but this has been so heavily damaged by bombing as to be considered, worthless.
Several of tho buildings housing these installations have been damaged by bombs,
but they wore apparently operational at last report.
SECTION XV - Towns, Villages, Settlements,
HIGASHI is the largest of the four settlements on the island. The
school and the headquarters of tho Island Agricultural Association are located
here. For locations of the villages, see IW0 JIMA MAP.
SECTION XVI - Resources
Foodstuffs.
Sugar cane was the 'principal crop. However, vegetables (ie. yams,
squashes, eggplants, and tomatoes) are grown and were exported before the war.
Fish, namely whalos and bonita, are caught in quantity. A small amount of trop ical fruit - oranges, bananas, papayas, are also grown. Rice, the main dish for
the inhabitant, is imported.
Water
There is no available drinking water supply on the island. The hot
mineral spring in the north is believed to be too mineralized for drinking and
the only known source of drinking water is rain water.
I .
Construction Materiels.
The sandy and gravelly coastal and beach soils are very friable, porous,
and well drained. Their construction properties are very good. No other con struction material is known to be available*
Minerals.
Sulphur of good quality is easily available, but the deposits are re latively small and are rained in moderate quantities only. There is a sulphur
refining plant on the island.
Repair Facilities.
Construction and repair facilities for small craft are present (See
Anchorages and Landing Facilities Msp),
Native Labor.
There are no known skilled workers on the island, A few men may be
capable of operating and repairing simple machinery, because of their experience
in the sugar mill or on power driven fishing boats, but the great majority are
farmers and fishermen.
.SECTION XVII - Population.
The population of IWO JIMA (563 male and 488 female in 1940) consists
almost entirely of Japanese from the TOKYO region. They speak standard Japanese
and have, for the most part, progressed through what corresponds to our grammar
school. Thus they can read simple Japanese, but it is improbable if any can
understand English.
Mostly farmers and fishermen, the temperament and characteristics of
the inhabitants are similar to those of the Jap from Japan proper. They are some what taller on the whole, howover, and wcro friendly to foreigners in normal
times. The customs and manners of the island are similar to those prevailing
in southeast HONSHU.
SECTION XVIII - Administration.
In 1891, the Volcano Islands were declared a part of the Japanese Em pire and were placed under supervision of the Ognsawara Island Office. Iwo Jima 1 s place in the administrative set-up is shown on the attached chart.
It should be noted that th-j police of the islands ar^ entirely indepen dent of all civil governmental organs. . Their activities are paternal, as are
those of the police in Japan proper, in that they supervise many details of the
personal life of the inhabitants.
SECTION XIX - Medical Problems
1. General.
.<-'
GOVEBNMENT CHART
OF THE HAMPO SHOTO
PREMIER
Minister
of Home Affaire
(at Tokyo)
Other Cabinet
Ministers
Minister
of
.War
Prefectural
Assembly at Tokyo,
1 representative
elected from Nampo
Shoto
Branch Administrations
(Administrators elected by
popular vote)
0 Shima Branch Office, at
Motomura
Hachijo Jima Branch Office,
at Okago
Ogasawara Branch Office, at
Omura
Village Assemblies
(Elected by males over
25 years of age; may
be dissolved by
Minister of Home
Affairs)
Village Headmen
Village
Councils
Public health
Finance Public works (roads, etc.)
Education
Police
Court8 and
procurators
Meteorological
stations
Lighthouses
Food inspection
-O.fflceiL.etc.
Military
Xstablieh-
ments
I
LEGEND
Primary responsibility to > Secondary responsibility to
Supervises
> Appoints
Advises
-13: (Over)
rainy days. Throughout the year,^M^pl|BpWef maximum number of days with rain
ranges from 20 to 26, and the minimum number of days ranges from 3 to 11. June
and*July have the greatest possibilities of being the driest months. He.il has
been known to fall in the area but is extremely rare, droughts are likewise un usual,
4. Cloudiness.
The moan annual cloudiness is about 0.65 sky cover, ranging from a min imum of 0.57 in Oct to a maximum in May of 0.78. July is also one of the least
cloudy months with a mean of 0.59. The number of clear days (0.0 to 0.3 sky
cover) is low ranging from 2 to 5 days per month during the first half of the
year and increasing to 3-8 days per month the last half. The period from July to
Oct has the greatest chances of having clear skies with clear skies occurring
about 7 the time. Overcast days (0.9 to complete sky cover) may be expected on
T 6 to 11 days a month from Mar. through June, Aug, Uov, and Dec and on 1-6 days
a month during the rest of the year. May, June and Aug. present the greatest
possibilities of having overcast skies, 19 to 25 overcast days per month being
reported.in extreme years. Partly cloudy days (0.4 to 0.7 sky cover) are about
twice as frequent as days with broken skies (0.3 to 0.9 sky cover). Observations
at Chichi Jima show that there is sunshine during 53$ of the day light hours.
There is little diurnal variation of cloudinessduring the cool months (Nov
through April) with only a slight tendency toward a minimum of cloudiness at
2200. During the rest of the year cloudiness is at a minimum from 2 - 0 to 0200
.J0 and reaches a maximum in the afternoon. Low ceilings 1& ss than 1,000 ft wore
estimated to occur approximately 2 to 3 times a month from March through Juno and
from Oct through Deo.
5. Fogs and Visibilities.
In general, fogs do not present any serious problem in this area.
They occur about once a nonth from. Fb through July, and in Dec, however 5 foggy
days a month have been reported for Apr, May and Juno. Fog has never been ob served during the 'months of Aug through Nov and Jan. Visibilities less than l? -f
miles were estimated to occur: on 2 to 3 days a month from Apr through June and
in Oct; and on 1 day or less in other months. Visibility greater than 6 miles
was estimated to occur on 24 to 29 days in all months.
6. Temperatures and Humidities.
7.
Thunderstorms aro most likely to occur in July Aug. and Oct. and are
least probable from Dec through Feb.- The annual expectancy is about 8, In ex treme yoars 3 to 5 thunderstorms have been observed during the months of Apr,
through Nov. and 1-2 during the other months. When thunderstorms occur they gen erally arise and fall very quickly.
Typhoons occur in all months, but are most frequent from the end of
July through December. From Jan. until the end of July 0-3 typhoons a month have
affected the area, whereas from Aug. through Dec. 3-6 typhoons a month may be
expected to affect the area. These violent tropical storms usually do not pass
directly over the island but their effeot is manifested by high winds, torriential
rains and high waves. Extremely intense typhoons cross the island on an average
of once every 1J or 2 years, usually during Sept., Oct. or Nov.
-8. Sea.
The state of the sea is a direct result of the prevailing winds con sequently the heaviest seas vri.ll be expected during winter !JW monsoon and they
may persist for extended periods. In summer, the relatively weak S winds, of the
summer monsoon are not of sufficient force to cause rough seas, whereas, the
extra tropical cyclonic storms of the transitional seasons of fall and spring may
cause moderate to rough seas for brief periods. Typhoons, accompanied by gales
up to 150 mph will cruse seas up to 30 to 40 ft. in height and occur at anytime
of the year but with greatest frequency during fall and winter.
9. Local Information.
Iwo Jima, being a very small island of relatively low topography, has
little or no effect on the weather or climate of its surrounding maritime area.
10. Sffect of Climate on Operations.
. Typhoons which are accompanied by high winds, torrential rain, and high
seas are most frequent from the end of July through December and are an ever
present danger especially during the period Sept. to Nov. when 3 to 6 typhoons
may be expected to influence the area each month. High wind velocities not as sociated with typhoons occur during late winter (Jan.to Mar.). Amount of rain fall is greatest during May and from Aug to Nov, May being the month with an
absolute monthly.maximum of over 20 in. The months with the greatest number of
rainy days are May and Aug. to Jan. when 17-18 rainy days a month may bo expect ed. From a consideration of high winds and rainfall the most favorable period en
Iwo Jima is late winter and spring, June and July have the best possibilities of
being the driest months however these months record temperatures over 80F on
25 to 31 days a month and humidities aro 88 to 90$ in the morning hours.
Flying conditions.are good throughout the year except during the typhoon
season when all operations are hazardous for several days at a time. Icing occurs
occasionally in winter but presents little danger.
.'
' '
ICO
ISO*
AIRLINE DISTANCES
5cr (NAUTICAL MILES)
REPAREO BY! OBJ. DATA SECTION 6 - 2 USAFPOA
40f
3or
Uf
1760 3330
2(f
ICO 64Jt ENGR. TOP BN USAFCPBC NO 5 2 9 9
SECTOR
SCALE IN FEET
rO
-.OR 6 5
-IOOO
-2000
AT ditch runs off
to right
LRJI3O
Light scrub vege tation, graded
dirt-surface road
10-12 feet wide
Tree clumps af ford concealment
Rising gradient
averages 1:15
-3000
-4000
-5000
I Iopen ground to
ff
U right
Rising bank to
. -CR 213
-6000
ILI right
Deployment in oprn
country
-7000
-8000
Deployment possible
to right of road
Rising ground to
left
Cliffs to left
-9000
-10,000
-11,000
-12,000
-13,000
-14,000
15,000
PRERfcRED B
SCALE IN FEET
-1000
Shallow shore is
awash, road
begins 200* back
of mean shore line
-2000
Storage entrances
to left of road
-3000
4000
Road crosses AT
ditch
5000
Little deployment
in broken terrain
-6000
Limited de ployment,
much shrub-
bery in
fields
Road narrows to
10 feet
Widens to normal
12 feet
AT ditches running
at right angles to
road
Good deployment
in fields to left,
cliffs and rough
terrain to right
Road runs be-
* tween cliffs
Limited deployment
Road curves left
around base of
knoll
RJ.
RJ.
RJ.
RJ.
RJ237
-7000
8000
RJ.
9000
RJJ
RJ336
10,000
11,000
rO
Deployment to both
Secondary roads
sides of road
I-1000
^ ' 2 0 0 0 Deployment in
fields, trees
afford conceal ment
RJ
RJ
Knoll to left
1-4000
1-5000 [-6000
Secondary road
RJ
h7000
RJ
RJ
RJ
L8000
Road crosses
crest of knoll
t-9000
RJ
RJ
RJ
RJ
RJ332
10,000
Deployment lim ited by rough terrain
Deep gully on
right Heavily fortified
knoll on right, road running thru gully
I- 11,000
1-12,000
Secondary road
RJ
I-13,000
Concentration of
heavy gun posi tions near and
above road
h 14,000
RJ 230
L-15,000
Good deployment
in open fields
1-16,000
L 17,000
RJ 189
Good deployment,
trees afford
concealment
FRbM
-1000
RJ-
RJ: Junction with
coastal road
RJI89
Secondary road
Easy deployment in
open terrain, road
in good condition,
10-12 feet wide
Deployment good in
cultivated terrain,
road not in best
condition
2000
3000
-4000
Secondary road
Secondary road
5000
6000
OR 331
Secondary road
RJ 330 RJ GR3241 MOTOYAMA
Limited deployment
along treelined
road
7000
Inhabited area, con vergence of secon dary roads and trails
8000
Secondary road
RJ RJ338
-9000
Construction,
grading for air field no. 3 to
right of road
10,000
RJ RJ 304 ..OR RJ 307
11,000
Easy deployment,
vegetation light,
terrain relatively
flat for long
stretch
-12,000
Secondary road Secondary road
-13,000
14,000
RJ N OF KITA
L|5,000
PREPARED BY: OBJ. DATA SECT.G-2USAFTOA
SECTOR 5
SCALE IN FEET
DEPLOYMENT
TERRAIN
RJ
Good roadbed, long smooth curves, width
10-12 feet
IOOO Downward gradient
of Itl5
Secondary road
4000
5000
Numerous trails
and secondary
roads feed into
main road. Trees
provide conceal ment
- Secondary road
6000
Cliff precipice
to left
[Downward gradient 7000
11:15
Main exit road from
eastern beach enters
at CR 58
Secondary road
CRS8
8000 RJ 169
9000 Road runs over open
terrain, average
upward gradient of
1x20
10,000
11,000
JOINS AIRSTRIP
Climbs to built-up
level of airfield,
gradient It12
No.6101
16' 19' 369 53
<*f Vol. S
14120'
55" 22'
15"
45"
369
385
-53'
369
4I0
306
286 322
JAPAN
SOUTHERN ISLANDS
(NAN PO SHOTO)
229
295
325
IWO SHIMA
( S U L P H U R I.)
52'
322
237
207
236 248 240 207
150
189
249 194 273
254
136
265
8 4
235 183
51'188
+
224i-g
243
117/ 216
188
156
TIDAL INFORMATION Mean H.W. Interval 7hrs. 6 min. H. W. Springs 3 ft. H. W. Neaps 2ift. Mean Tide Level 2 ft. 254
-51'
"64
92
88
S"
68
65
.123
/ 76
75
109 205 287 210 129 /
165
208
*$?
61
250
I If])
Vol. fn. S
243
\lOI
123
232 -50'
134
139 U2
150
156 81 5!
50 47 K>/.ft.5 94 '
199
218 180 177
109 93 64
62 60 57
my
118
134 161
139
54
48
50
42
87
134
115
115
110,''
8 4
91 55
VMS
47 IMS
36
183
126
80
VolfrtS
75
09
188
121
71
3
/*>.
q7 J/
59
64 56 >*y 58
tWS
I*/.
60
52 <*/ 44 44 40 52 37 35
44
VM.S
3 5
29
55 47 47 59 50 65
145 89
/# 50 37 26
K)/. s 58
rky
64 54 VolfmS
37 47 IM S Vol.S
27
23
fty
1 2
rky
1 3
*ot. 6
>4
145
164
210
112
115
"
,07
60
106 "'
26 24 23
\ 109
45 158 147
54
49'175
90
7
40 33
-49' 199
56
Vol.S 65
5 3
"t/
40 48 48 45
'c i' v Vi27
2 f l f i
73
131
133
37
i9 ,, vm&^
53 Voi.s 51
^-8
5 3
20 35 vt/.s , 2 \ 29 > 9
3 6
)5
169
169
123
3?
vo//fs
ft*J
7 61 '5i
128
134
41 21 " "
'
16 \
161
199
134 41
53
45 V S M 41
30
Vol.S
161
120
113
30
20
1 2 / /
7 / IMS 5i 4? Si
> ' S 4,
134
158
119
-45"
131
110 42 .3---.41 J
--' 115
139
99 \
134
47' 136
2 4
> ^ ^ .
139
1 / 61'3* .-i*\ 3 9
Vol. S
136
,
54/8 /I4
128 145 153
VM. S ' vw 5
180
142
IMS...-'
i 3,'3J
138
-46'
167 ! 8 6S'
144
"- 32 .-22
/'
147
161
188
164 170
136 188
S/>. Vol. S
-45'
177
180
VolS
45"-
139 210
191
70
VM. cnS
79
69 47
M5
'"- 115
< _. "lO3
fhtS
177
210
246
136
136
^ 135
Vol.S
69
115 107
141 VMS
J29
156
+
CONVERSION TABLE 206
FATHOMS TO METERS
Fa-thoms Meters 0.5 0.9 1.4 1.8 2.3 2.7 3.2 3.7 4.1 ...4.6 . 5.0 5.5 .5.9 6.4 . 6.9 7.3 ...7.8 8.2
8.7 .9.1 3.6 JO. 1
208
197 142
161
165
173
Vol.S
136 134-
Fathoms
62
Metrs
11.9 J2.3 12.8 14.6 16.5 18.3 ..20.1 21.9 .23.8 ... 25.6 27.4 29.3 . 31.1 32.9 34.7 ...36.6 54.9 73.2 91.4 .....109.7 128.0 146.3 164.6 .182.9
123
^/NG
2'
145
134
126
194 - Vol. fne.S-
i i I
1
6?
7 ..... 8 9 1 0 U 12 ...
-199-
44'
ii
177
150 196
if..
Corrected to iN.M.
Year 183 190 No.
216 136
194
Paragraph
^ ;
///h
172 ' '
ll\\\\
X
254
2 2* 24....
13 14
15
z%...
3
ai...
3i 3| 4
16 17
18 IS
20
30 40 50 60
it
4|.B
a
5i
5|
216
Sfi. fm S
54
70
80
251
a...
64
.10.5 11.0
90. 100
43'-
JIA
210
218
235
43'
Nautical Miles
Meters
16'
17'
14120' Published at theHydrographic Office, Washington, D. C , July 1944 under the authority of the SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
21'
22'
No.6101
SPECIAL MAP
H-HH i ' i I
I ' I
ADVANCE COPY
II
1 1
1 1II
KITANO PI.
* "/"
IIIII
HAN ARE
ROCK
is
/L-^s^i"
Jo
* ,;
-"ji ^
_^
--A.
^-.
r^Mkm^
=^semmi
TACHIIWA PT.
THE SPECIAL GRID SYSTEM IS SUPERIMPOSED ON THIS MAP IN PURPLE COLOR. THIS SYSTEM IS TO BE USED FOR PIN POINT DESIGNATIONS.
FUTATSU ROCK
TOBIISHI
PT.
I4I 0 2I'00" CONTOUR INTERVAL 20 FEET PREPARED FOR CiNCPAC-CINCPOA BY 64TH ENGR. TOP. BN. USAFICPA OCT., 1944 PHOTOGRAPHY FROM NAVY SORTIES 19 AUG. AND I SEPT. 1944 HORIZONTAL CONTROL FROM A.M.S. L77I (FIRST EDITION 1943) CAUTION THIS MAP HAS BEEN COMPILED FROM AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS WITHOUT ADVANTAGE OF GROUND CONTROL OR RECONNAISSANCE; THEREFORE AZIMUTH ACCURATELY DETERMINED. THEY ARE REPRESENTED FROM AVAILABLE SOURCES OF INFORMATION. CORRECTIONS AND SCALE ARE NOT AS POSSIBLE COMMENTS TERRACES NOTE:CONTOURS BY I633RD ENGR. PHOTOMAPPING PLATOON, SEPT 1944 UTILIZING MULTIPLEX AERO-PROJECTORS FROM SINGLE LENS AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS. AS ACCURATELY
AND OTHER
1000
PRINTED OH HIGH WET STREN6TH PAPER (HI6HLY DUPABLE AND MOISTURE RESISTANT)
2000
3000 YDS
NO. 1015-16
UHCLASS1RE,
K 24 e
49'00"
~78
COMMUNICATIONS) MAP
LEGEND
RADIO STATIONS
RADAR
4
KITANO PT
KANGOKU ROCK
HANARE ROCK
=76
2448'00"
47*30"
=^75
KAMA ROCK
-74
2447'00"
-73
46'30
-72
2446'00
iWOJIMA
(SULPHUR ISLAND)
PREPARED BY: OBJ. DATA SECTION
6-2 USAFPOA
45*30"/
360
10
RADAR STATIONS OF THE BED SF RING TYPE. PROBABLY EARLY WARNING SETS.
APPROX. VARIATION
I#25'W(I944)
t
* T )BIISHI PT 500 1000 1000
I
2000
I
3000 YDS.
75
I7'3O"
76
141* I8'00"
77
I8'3O"
78
U II9 0 0
79
W'SD"
80
i4i*ai t'oo'
81
1*30"
-69
LASSlHtii
UNCLASSIFIED
-78
KANGOKU ROCK
24*48 00"
=76
1W0J1MA
(SULPHUR ISLAND)
PREPARED BY: OBJ. DATA SECTION 6 - 2 USAFPOA
POSSIBLE AIRFIELD SITE SHOWING TENT/ JIVE 6,000' RUNWAY, 1000' CLEAFtED ZONES AT EACH ^ND. AND APPROACHES PERMITTING GLIDE ANGLES THAN30:i.
1000 2000
I
-3000'
YDS.
77
I4II8'00" I8'3O
78
V I* 19'00"
79
i'ao"
80
Ul1 ia roo
81
-69
5*30"
M
*" ^ v *
UNCLASSIFIED
_2449'00" -78
MOVEMENT MAP
LE5END M AREIA MOVEMENT OF VEHK IF VEHICLES C
PO3SIB 3SIBLE MOVEMENT QF VEHICLES CROSS
COUNTRY FXtTRFMR Y DIFFICULT
(PASSABLE FOR FOOT TROO MOVEMENT (IF FOOT TROOPS CHFF CULT.
KITANO PT
KANGOKU ROCR
HANARE ROCK
=76
2448'00"
KAMA ROCK
-74
24 47'00"
1W0J1MA
(SULPHUR ISLAND)
PREPARED BY: OBJ. DATA SECTION 6-2 USAFPOA
360
/O
APPROX. VARIATION
I25'W(I944)
f
2000 3000
YDS.
75
I7'3O"
141* 18*00"
77
18 30
78
UI*I9'OO"
79
I9'3O"
80
141*211'OO
81
tscf
-69
64it ENGR. TOP BN. USAFCPBC Na 5298
UHClASSlFltll
ONCMSIFKB
^4*49'00"
^78
VEGETifflQN MAP
LEiiEND KHJ Wmm J.IGHT VEGETATION^ HEAVY VEGETATION^
4
KITANO PT
KANGOKU ROCK
HANARE ROCK
2448'00" P76
DKAMi. ROCK
-73
46'30"
=72
24*46'00
IW0J1MA
(SULPHUR ISLAND) PREPARED BY: OBJ. DATA SECTION 6 - 2 USAFPOA
360
10
APPROX. VARIATION
25'W(I944)
f
2000 I 3000 YDS.
78
79
I9'3D"
80
81
-69
I7'30"
141* 18*00"
IB'SO"
V I 19 00"
ai'oo"
)*30"
UNCLASSIFIED'
UNCLASSIFIED
ANCHORAGES- LANDING FACILITIES
I ^HIRAIWA
BAY
1W0JIMA
PREPARED BY! OBJ. DATA SECTION 6-2 USAFPOA
(SULPHUR ISLAND)
S/NDaCLAYBOTTON WITH HOLDING GFOUND ATA DEPTH OF ABOUT 6 1/2 FAFHOMS.THIS ANCHC RAGE APPEARS
UNEIASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
ROAD MAP
SE iTOR
NO.
NO. 2
NO. 3
rroR NO. 4
;TOR
KANGOKU ROCK iTOR NO. 3 HANARE ROCK
1WOJ1MA
(SULPHUR ISLAND) PREPARED BY: OBJ. DATA SECTION 6-2 USAFPOA
APPROX. VARIATION
TDBIISHI PT
641b.
UNCLASSIFIED
UHCIASSIFIED
IWOJIMA
PREPARED BY! OBJ. DATA SECTION - 2 U8AFP0A
(SULPHUR ISLAND)
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
5 ^ AIRFIELD //NO. 2
1W0JIMA
(SULPHUR ISLAND) PREPARED BY: OBJ. DATA SECTION G-2 USAFPOA
UNCLASSIFIED
Photo No, I
IWO JIMA looking NORTHEAST. (4 July 1944)
Photo No. II
South tip of IWO JIMA showing SURIBACHI YAMA. (4 July 1944)
Photo No. IV
Southern CHIDORIGA HARA looking NORTHWEST showing the
southern end of the eastern beach. (4 July 1944)
. . 3 I
;
Photo No. V
View of CHIDORIGA HARA and the southern end of MOYOTAMA
AIRFIELD No. 1 showing the central portion of the eastern
beach. Looking NORTHWEST. (4 July 1944)
. . . . .
, , :
_._ ^.U-r-^z- : ~ - ^ ^ - - J ~ ^ ^ _ - _
?
Photo No. VI MOYOTAMA AIRFIELD No. 1 and the central portion of the
eastern beach. Looking WEST. (4 July 1944)
d ,^L.
'
'
"
'
Photo No. IX
View showing the wave-cut terrace backing the northern
portion of the eastern beach. MOYOTAMA AIRFIELD No. 2 is in
the center of the Island directly behind the wrecked vessel.
(4 July 1944)
Photo No. X
View of the eastern boat baain looking WEST. main landing point for supplies, (4 July 1944)
This Is the
Photo No. XI
View showing the coast Just north of the eastern boat
basin, the north portion of which can be seen on the left.
Note the steep terraces inland from the beach. (4 July 1944)
-v-. -i..
Photo No. XV
View of rugged northeast shore looking WEST. On the far
radarsf ^ 4 J u l ^ ^ b 6 S e n a n o t h e r o f t h e t w o k n o w n
Japanese
^---w...:.::;{