Iwo Jima
The Costliest Operation in Marine Corps History

U.S. Marines invaded this 8 Square Mile Island on February 19, 1945
After 5 weeks of continuous fighting, the U. S. had suffered over 26,000 Casualties, including 6,800 Dead. 
The Battle for Iwo Jima earned 27 Congressional Medals of Honor for Marines and Sailors, of which more Posthumous Awards were bestowed than for any other single operation during WWII.
For the sacrifices they made in defense of freedom, an eloquent Tribute was paid to all those who fought on Iwo Jima by Admiral Chester Nimitz:  "Among the Americans who served on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue".