0075519

HEADQUARTER U. SMARMY FORCES, PACIFIC OCEAN AREAS

Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2
APO 958

STUDY
OF
I WO JIMA

Instructors T>rtoriinjr WUB Doowfee^* Beading this Sign Below (File No. Date
--),

Natne

AUG23194S

PREPARED BY: OBJECTIVE DATA SECTION G-2 USAFPOA

i
1 3 NOV 1944

COMBINED ARMS RESEARCH LIBRARY FORT LEAVENWORTH, KS

3 1695 00511 9557

HEADQUARTERS, U.S. ARMY FORCES, PACIFIC OCEAN AREAS

OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, G-2
APO 958

STUDY

OF IWO JI1.IA

'''""

,-r

Prepared By:

Objective Data Section, G-2 USAFPOA

Infantry

INDEX

SECTION
I
SECTION
II
SECTION
III
SECTION
IV
SECTION
V
SECTION
VI
SECTION
VII
SECTION
VIII
SECTION

Introduction and General Description

Areas of Military Importance
Offshore Conditions
Ports (Nil)
Anchorages
Coastline Description
Physiography
Vegetation
Rivers and Creeks (Nil)
Lakes und Swrunps (Nil)
Airfields and Seaplane Bases
Roads, Tracks and Trails
Transport (Nil)

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

SECTION I - Introduction and General Description

(See Orientation Map)
1. General.
Nampo Shoto, or "Southern Islands", is a chain of small volcanic islands
running in a long line from almost the outskirts of Tokyo southward toward the
Marianas. 0 Shima at the north is 65 miles from Tokyo. Minami Iwo Jima at the
south is 300 miles north of the Marianas.
The Japanese word shoto means "large group of islands." Breaking down
the large group, nampo Shoto falls into three smaller geographical subdivisionss
at the north, the IZU ISLANDS; in the center, the OGASAWARA GUNTO or BONIN ISLANDS;
in the south, the KAZAN RETTO or VOLCANO ISLANDS.
Of the VOLCANO ISLANDS, only IWO JIMA, sometimes called SULPHUR ISLAND,
is of any importance. Its importance is almost entirely military and lies in the
fact that the island has enough flat ground to accommodate airfields. The Japan ese have built strips and fortified the area.
Otherwise, IWO JIMA has a little over 1,000 inhabitants who make their
living growing sugar cane nnd vegetables and by fishing. Some of them work at
the sugar refinery on the island. Considerable quantities of sulphur are present
on the island, but not much use seems to have boon made of it.
2. History.
The Volcano Islands (Kazan Retto) were discovered in 1543 by the Span iard, Bernard Da. Torres, and were then forgotten for 130 years. An Englishman
named Gore, the next man to visit the islands, called them the Sulphur Islands.
Gore was followed in 1805 by the Russian explorer Krusenstern. Because of the
original discovery, Spain claimed jurisdiction; but this and other claims were
never backed up, and not until the Japanese came in 1887 were there any colon ists. By 1891 Japan had a firm enough grip on KAZAN RSTTO to incorporate it
into the OGASAWARA Branch Administration.
3. General Description. (See Photo Ho. I)

Iwo Jima (also called NAKA-IWA-TO, 10 SHIHA, and SULPHUR ISLAND) is a

gourd-shaped island'with the neck to the SW. The island is 5 miles long (NE~STf)
and situated at 24-48' N, 141-18 E, 22 miles due S of KITA* IW0-JIMA. The island
is formed by two volcanoes, SURIBACHI YAMA on the ST7 end and MOTO YAMA on the NW
end, which are connected by a narrow neck of .lowland. MOTO YAMA is a flat-topped,
dome-shaped hill 358 feet high, which is completely surrounded by uplifted, wave-
cut terraces except in the SIT. These lowland terraces terminate abruptly in cliffs,
but there is another series of inland terraces above the cliffs which give the is land the appearance from the sea of the usual flat-topped island formed by raised
coral reefs. On the SW sido of MOTO YAMA, -a conical hill rises above the surround ing ground, which gently slopes to the connecting lowland area; on the N side
there are several subsidiary peaks, FIJRU YAMA, NIDAN IWA, and OSAKA YAMA, all
under 400 feet elevation. SURIBACHI YAI5A on the SW end of the island is an ex tinct voloano with a funnel-shaped crater and a truncated cone, which reaches a
height of 546 feet. MOTO YAMA has more than 20 vents or fissures, some of which
emit steam arid sulphurous vapors visible some distance at soa. The N portion of
the island attains a width of two and a half miles, and is rocky and barren, with
cliffs and ledges offshore. The connecting lowland, called "CHIDORIGA KARA," is
composed of volcanic sand dunes, bordered by beaches on both sides. The island
is composed of njidesit!c_^ alkaline tendency. The soil is
dry and the island is mostly barren. ~ " ~ " ~ '
~
4

Spelling of Place Names,

The names used to designate Localities on the maps accompanying this

study are, in the main, the most commonly accepted English spellings of th? Jap-.,,
anese. In the text alternate names are included. <v 'r'*

5, Standard. Time and Measurement^

The standard time in the Nampo Shoto Islands, with the exception of
Minami Toro Shima (Marcus Island), is uniform with that prevailing throughout
the four main islands of Japan, which is nine hours in advance of Greenwich.
Japanese standards of measurement are used throughout the islands.
6, Magnetic Variation.
In 1944, the magnetic variation from the canter of ITTO JIMA was reported
to be lo-19f rr, decreasing I1 -17" annually.
7. T7ater
There are few if any natural sources of water on ITT0 JIM.I. There is a
warm spring 900 yards S T of Hiraiwa Point, but the quality of the water has not
I been reported. A few shallow wells could be dug near the coast but the water
would probably be brackish and very alkaline. For their main source of potable
water, the islanders depend, upon the collection and storage of rainwater. It
is probable that the Japanese military is distilling sea water and it' is posi tive that either distillation or importation of water would bo necessary for any
sizeable force .stationed on the island.
8. Maps and Charts.
Several good maps and charts of Iwo Jina and Kazan Retto are available.
The Army Map Service iiap No. L-771, scale 1:50,000, 1943 Edition, is probably the
best and is used as horizontal control for newer maps. Other maps are as follows:
AMS ft-511, scale lj250,000, 1943 edition
A / S 5301, scale Is 1,000,000, 1943 edition
lI Navy Hydrographic Office, Aviation chart - 73 series, scale
1:218,880, 1943 edition
Navy Hydrographic Office, Aviation chart - V4j- series, scale
\t 328,320, 1944 edition. " .
AMS L403, Japanese Naval Air chart, scale 1:500,000, 1940 edition.

SECTION II - Areas of Military Importance.

1. Military Importance,
The military importance cf Ir.r0 J I 1 lies solely in the fact that it is
I.A the only area in KAZAN (VOLCANO) ISLANDS having level area suitable for airfield
construction. There r^ra no harbor, industriesj^ineral deposits, etc. which v/ould
be of any value. The location of the island is such that it forms r\ rung in the
ladder of islands leading to Tokyo. Air bases on this island woul . enable bombers
1 to operate against coastal shipping along the southeast coast of HONSHU ISLAND in
Japan Proper.
2. Localities of Particular Significance.
Because of tho small size of the island, there are no areas which would
be considered more important than others. Once a beachhead was established the
island would, be virtually overrun. The mo3t critical areas therefore would bo
the first 600 or 700 yards immediately behind the beaches. For a description of
these areas see BEACH DEFENSES BBLO-7.
3. Military Development. (see Installations Hap)

war

Nothing is known of the military development of I . 0 JIM;, prior to the

"7 Subsequent to the war, hov/ovwr, F"T0 JIIIA became one of the "thousand un sinkable aircraft carriers M of the Japanese. At present the island is virtually
/ military. Two f.irficlds have been built rnd rx third is in the process of
building. Considerable military activity, apparently strengthening of defenses,
has been noted subsequent t- the Marianas occupation. In spite of almost daily
'< bombings the airfields have been kept operational and recently Japanese aircraft
have been intercepting nearly every one oT our search pianos.
A study of photographs has revealed the following observe.-"1 defenses on
T"0 JIKA. It is interesting to compare these =bscrvuti- ns with the defenses de rived from a study of captured documents and T/T^s of assigned units.
OBSERVED DEFENSES
3 - Coast, Defense Guns
16 - Dual Purpose Guns
5 - Empty Dual Purpose Positions
116-118 - Auto AA
63-64 Pillboxes
324 Machine Gun Positions 6 Antitank-Antiboat Guns
35 Open Artillery Positions
10 Covered Artillery Positions
1 Blockhouse

REPORTED DEFUSES

10-12 mortar3: 15 cm or 24cm.

4-15 cm Coast Defense Guns
4-14 cm Coast Defense Guns
3-12 cm Duel Purpose Guna
6 Mortars: 9O:.m or 81 i i n a
4 8cm Dual Purpose Guns
9 75:nm Mountain Guns
3 75mm Field Guns
13 70mm Howitzers (or 81mm mor tars)
24-36 Antittank Guns (37 or 47
mm )
7:0 2 ; 7 Auto SS.
5.m 9 7.7mm Heavy Machine Guns
. 5 0 7,7mm Light llachine Guns
'4 4 P'loxio Throwers
20 Heiium Tanks
10 Light Tanks
4 Searchlights
12,700 Personnel,

6,100 Yards Antitank Trench

52,000 Yards Fire-Communication Trench

Generally speaking, the defenses of the island are concentrate.! in the

south around the two operational airfields. This also due to the fact that 'the
accessible beaches are locate] on the southern half of the islan ! Tho northern
half of the island with its rough coast anymore rugged interior is more ljrhtly
5 defended, r J

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

SECTION III - Offshore Conditions

1, Reefs and Depths.

KIGASHI IWA, a group of rocks, one 14 feot high, is situated about Z

miles eastward of the eastern point of P70 JIMA. A reef with a least depth of
2j fathoms extends about 1200 yards northwestward of HIGASHI IWA, and rocks and
breakers have been reported between it and P70 J I ' A Breakers also extend a
I.I. short distance from the southeastern point of the island.
Depths of 12 to 19 fathoms have been reported about 3 miles southeast ward of the island. The "ASIATIC PILOT" makes the following recommendation, "It
is probable that the bottom undergoes rapid changes, due to volcanic activity,
and should be given a wide berth."
About 1500 yards from the southeastern side of P70 JIMA. is a depth of
100 fathoms, lava bottom, and at the northern ond the 100 fathom curve extends
3.3 miles.
2. Winds.

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.

SECTION IV - Ports (Nil)'

SECTION V - Coastline Description (See Photos II-XVI)
1* General.

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.

Length and 'Tidth.

The beach is 4300 yards long, varying in width from a maximum of 630
yards at the northern end of the beach \ o a minimum of 55 yards near the southern
, end.. The beach narrows rapidly from the.center to,the southern ond.
Approach to the Beach. .

KAMA I1YA, a rocky outcrop, is,approximately 1200 yards offshore from

the: northern end of the beach. Another rock outcrop, 1.170 yards south of KALIA
IWA, is opposite the southern end of the airfi.eld, approximately 1060 yards off shore. These two outcrops appear to be joined by a shallow underwater ridge of
volcanic rock.
Three small rock outcrops, 55 yards offshore, preclude the possibility
of landing on 420 yards of shore at the extreme northern end of the beach.
-6'

Nature of the Beach.

The beach is primarily sand of volcanic origin. The terraces are more
stable than those on the eastern beach due, in large part, to more abundant
vegetation.
A breaker line is formed by the onshore wind, approximately 450 yards
offshore, indicating shallowing water. Although the underwater gradient is more
gradual than that on the eastern side of the island, the bottom cannot be seen
in the photographs.
SECTION VI - Anchorages (See Anchorage and Landing Facilities Map)
There are no good protected anchorages at Iwo Jima. The bottom slopes
steeply affords a poor holding ground. Additional navigational hazards are pre sent in the form of isolated rocks and shoals. In times of favorable winds,
however, shallow water offers anchorage both to the east and to the west of the
southern half of the island,
SECTION VII - Phytiograpiy (See Movement Map)
1* General.
IWO JIMA is a volcanic island four and one-half nautical milos long
northeast-southwest. The north half of the island, roughly circular in shape
with a greatest diameter of two and one-half miles, forms a broad dome with max imum elevations of 340 to 387 feet. From this northern dome a projection ex tends two and one-half miles southwestward, sloping gently down to an elevation
of about 100 feet and taporing width to 0.4 miles at SURIBACHI YAMA. The latter
is an isolated steep-sided, volcanic cone rising to 554 feet at the southwest
end of the island.
A plateau about one mile in diameter comprises the central area of the
northern half of ths island. The surface is irregular, but maximum difference
in elevation amounts to about 50 feet. Slopess from thi central plateau to the
coast have nn average grade of about one in ton, but they are rough and irregular ly broken by rocky cliffs. The slope southwostward from the north plateau along
the broad ridge to SURIBACHI YALTA is gontle, about one in 50. The slopes from
the axis of this ridge to the shores are sandy and smooth with an average grad ient of about one in 15. The slopes of SURIBACHI YAMA are rough and precipitous.
There are no perennial streams, only small dry washes.
Eastern Beach
Vegetation inland from the beach is very sparse, consisting for the most
part of scatterod pntchos of low gr^ss and shrubs concentrated oast of Airfield v.
No I* Small gardofc.;patches surrounded by trees** and 'shrubs covor tlu; r , , bctwoon
;' the Airfield No. 1 and SURIBACHI YAI'DU At no place inland from the boaoh would vegetation hinder the movement of troops or mechanised equipment.
In the southern beach sector tho first terrace, four to five feet high,
is 20 yards inland. The beach rises gradually from the first torraco to the sec ond for a distance- of 150 yards. The face of the second terrace is considered
the inland edge of the beach because the beach composition and gradient is more
or less, uniform to this point. The second terrace forms an abrupt rise of 10* to
15' to sloping ground, 65 yards wide, from which a third terrace rises ten feet
to a shallow ledge. The fourth terrace rises farther inland, forming a lodge 40
yards wide on which a coastal railroad spur is located. The rise fr3D. the rail road bed is over a horizontal distance of 65 yards to the top of fifth terrace.
This terrace, loss distinct, is weathc3red and rounded; trenches arc concentrated
in this aroa.
One-half mile north of the southern end of the beach is a stretch of
150 yards where) the ridge and terraces are less abrupt and appear to be nore
rounded and sloping. Rifle pits and trenches extend down from the ridge to the
general beach level indicating a topographically favorable route for approach.
-7 (Over)

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

SECTION VIII - Vegetation (See Vegetation Map)

Approximately 50$ of IVJO JIMA is barren land. The cultivated area,
roughly 20$ of the island, is concentrated in the southwest two thirds of the
island, the wooded and brush covered section being largely in the northeastern
half. The vegetation inland from the beaches is predominantly small cultivated
patches surrounded by small trees and shrubs. Only in the northern half of the
island is the vegetation dense or of such a nature to obstruct the passages of
troops or mechanized equipment,
SECTION IX - Rivers and Crooks (Nil)
SECTION X - Lakes and Swamps (Nil)
SECTION XI - Airfields and Seaplane Bases
. A. Airfields.
1, Operational Airfields.

AIRFIELD Ho. 1 - The major operative nirfield is a mile and a half HE of

TOBIISHI BANA. The surfaced area is roughly triangular in shape with the follow ing well defined runways:
NE - SW N - S NW - SE 250t x 4550'
350' x 3725'
250' x 2400'

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.

No area suitable; for the operation of seaplanes is available at IT70

JIMA.
B Potential Airfields (Sej Possible Airfield Sites Map)
. '. Two potential airfield sites are available on IW0 JIMA offering space
for 6,000 foot runways (5) with 1,000 foot cleared zones at each and approaches
permitting glide angles less than 30:1.
-10

The northern site is situatwPW^HBg^ateau-like upland atop a dormant

volcano. The surface of the site is rough, but relief is less than 50 feet.
Space is available for 6,000 foot runways with clear approaches; 8,000 foot run-
are probably possible but will considerably increase the grading requirements.
Ample space is available for taxiways and dispersal areas.
Large amounts of sand and some gravel cover the slopes southwest of
the site, so there will probably be adequate construction material. Grading
operations will also provide a considerable volume. . Fresh water will be scarce
but highly mineralized water suitable for construction purposes can be obtained
from drilled wells. The ground is well-drained by rapid infiltration and dries
quickly.
The southern site is on the lowland between SURIBACHI YMZA and the
plateau to the north. Partially stabilized sand dunes cover much of the site.
Fighter strips can be constructed rapidly parallel to the contours. 6,000 foot
runways must cross contours at extremities to provide clear approach. This will
require considerable but not excessive fill. The orientation of runways is
restricted by tho central ridge and topographic approach hazards at northeast and
southwest. Arable space is available for taxiways nd dispersal areas. ITo clear ing will be required since most of the surface is grass and loose sand.
SECTION XII - Roads, Tracks, and Trails (See Roads Map and Charts)
1. General.

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.

A number of factors combine to keep the health of most of the NAMPO

SHOTO population at a lev; level. These factors include ineffective sanitary in spection of food and dairy products, inadequate sewage disposal, the prevalence
of disease bearing animals and insects, and on some of the islands, under nourishment caused by an insufficiency of locally-produced1 foodstuffs. There is,
moreover, little to mitigate those conditions, for public health, hospital, and
medical facilities are for the most part inadequate.
Diseases
Tuberculosis, Diphth^r^a, Dysentery, and fluke and ring worm infesta tions aro wide spread; typhus occurs, but Dengue, Malaria, and Plague are not
resorted.

.<-'

GOVEBNMENT CHART
OF THE HAMPO SHOTO
PREMIER

Minister
of Home Affaire
(at Tokyo)

Minister of Justice (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

Local Administrati m (Subject to militarj supervision)

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

Government Medical Services

Public health is the joint responsibility of the Governor of Tokyo
Prefecture and the Metropolitan Police Board; in 1936 there were eleven small
hospitals in the N^JIPO SHOTO, none of vjhich were located on IWO JIMA.

-13: (Over)

2CTI0N XX - Climatic and Meteorological Conditions

1. General.
The climatic data used in preparing this study was taken at Omura,
Chichi Jima. It is located at 27 N, 142 E which is about 2 degrees of latitude
N and 1 degree of longitude S of Iwo Jima. The land masses comprising these
islands are so small that it may be safely assumed that they exert very small in fluence on the climatic regime of that ocean area. Thus, the climate and weather
of Iwo Jima is strictly maritime and is very similar to that of Chichi Jima.
During winter and summer, the monsoons, to a large extent, control the
. weather and climate of Iwo Jima: during the winter months (Dec.through Mar.), the
NW monsoon which flows from the Siberian High is predominate; and during summer
(July to Sept.), the SS monsoon prevails, however it is comparatively weak and
variable. In the intervening months more prevalent 3 through S to Sv7 winds in dicate a far greater unsteadiness in the atmospheric circulation. It is during
the transitional seasons (Spring and Fall.) that the weather is dominated by
migratory extratropical storms, most of which are of weak intensity bringing only
a slight increase in cloudiness,light to moderate precipitation, and moderate
winds. Tropical storms, or typhoons, often accompanied by tidal waves, intense
precipitation and gale force winds, occur quite frequently during fall and winter.
Iwo Jima, lying within range of the warm Japan Stream has a subtropical
marine climate with relatively high temperatures through-out the year. Summers
are hot and humid and the winters in which frosts are unknown are warm.
2. Winds.
The v/inds show a seasonal variation. The NW winter monsoon establishes
itself in Dec and prevails through Mar, during this season the winds are prevail ingly from W, NW and N directions in 60 percent of the observations. These NW f er ly winds are occasionally quite strong and cause rough seas. When the NIT mon soon dies, NE winds predominate about the end of Mar. or in Apr. In the summer,
S winds generally prevail, being more from the SW from the end of Apr. through.
June. The usual summer monsoon lasts from July to Sopt and is ch-.racterized by
infrequent storms and light seas. During the transition period between the
summer and winter monsoons (Sept to Nov) the winds arc NS. Throughout the year
the wind velocity is generally low and calms are nost frequent in Juno and July
occurring on about 13 to 14 percent of the 0600 and 1400 observations. The mean
annual wind velocity is very low, averaging about 6mph for the year, 5mph in July
and 7 mph in Feb. and Mar. High winds of 25 mph or more have occurred on 9 to 11
days-during each month except July, Oct. and Nov., which months record a maximum
occurrance of 6 to 8 days,however, tho normal expectancy of winds over 25 mph is
0 to 2 days per nonth throughout the year except Fob and Oct when 1-3 days, may be
expected to have winds over 25 mph. Gales of over 60 mph have occurred from Aug
through Dec. (typhoon season) but are not frequentj velocities over 90 mph have
been recorded in Aug and Sept. Tho greatest percentage of strong winds is from
the NW.
3. Rainfall.

Mean annual rainfall amounts to about 60 in. This precipitation shows

a double maximum in May and Aug. xvith monthly moans of about 8 and 6 in. respec tively, and a consequent double minimum in Feb. and July with means of 3 in. Mean
rainfall exceeds 5 inches in all months except July and Jan. to Mar. Precipita tion extremes of over 13 in.' per month have occurred in May, June, and Aug.
through Nov with the absolute maximums of 21 and 17 in. in July and'Aug. respec tively. Intense rains may be expected in Apr., Ifoy and from July through Nov.-,
during which months there is an expectancy of ovJr 6 in. in 24 hours. Such
heavy downpours are usually associated with tyvMoons. During the warm season the
rain usually falls in brief showers. ContinujKs rain fall is more typical of the
cool season, particularly in Mar. and Apr. mxys with precipitation reach a max imum from Aug. through Jan., when 17^-18 days*a month receive rainfall. May, the
month with the mean and absolute maximum amount of precipitation also has 17

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.

As regards temperature there are essentially only 2 seasons: the hot

season from Apr to Nov., and the cool season from Deo. to Liar. The sunnier is
long and the heat is great with sultry days and somewhat cooler nights. The cool
season is temperate and suitable for r l kinds of activity. The mean temperature
.l in Jan, Feb and Mar. ranges from 60 to 69o p and the mean of July, Aug & Sept
ranges from 79 to 83F. The rather moderate" temperatures reflect the maritime
influence, as do the absolute extremes. These range from 45 in Jan. and Fob. to
940.950 p i n j u n e # . juiy a n d ;vUg# ThQ difference between day and night tempera tures averages about 10-llF during the cool season, and about 11~13F during
the warm season. Days with minimum temperatures below 50F normally number 1 to
2 a month from Jan. through L!ar. Days with maximum temperatures above 80
normally occur 25 to 31 timos a month from June through' Oct.
The moan annual relative humidity averages about 78 per cent. The
humidities for Dec. through Liar oh range from 70-75^ and from 80-85$! for the re mainder of the year. Highest monthly means of 85 to 90$ may occasionally be
expected from April through Oct. Relative humidities below 50$ have been
measured.in all months'of the year with the lowest values occurring during D e c ,
Jan, and Liar*. Thore is a marked diurnal variation and it is such fiat the
moisture content of the air is nearly always greatest early in the morning.
From June through Sept the 0600 humidities average about 90$ while those at
1400 average about 63$. This variation is only about 10 points in ranter.
'-15
-^ ]./"> ''" ' , ( O v e r

7.

Thunderstorms and Typh

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

HACUMOJIMA HAHA JIMA Nil JIMA ENIWETOK KWAJALEIN PEARL HABOR

120 580 1440

1760 3330

2(f
ICO 64Jt ENGR. TOP BN USAFCPBC NO 5 2 9 9

SECTOR

SCALE IN FEET

HIRAIWA BAY TO SOUTH OF AIRFIELD NO.I DEPLOYMENT, TERRAIN

Narrow cut, no
deployment

rO

-.OR 6 5

-IOOO

Deployment in cul tivated fields

-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 Trees afford con T | cealment

| l i2asy deployment in

I Iopen ground to

ff

U right
Rising bank to

. -CR 213

-6000

ILI right

Deployment in oprn
country

Road to left leads to N W turning circle airfield no. 1

-7000

Secondary road to right Secondary road to right

-8000
Deployment possible
to right of road

Rising ground to
left
Cliffs to left

-9000

-10,000

-11,000

-12,000

Deployment in cul tivated fields

-13,000

-14,000

15,000

PRERfcRED B

Y : OBJ. DATOSECT. G-2USAFPQA

SECTOR 2. READ FROM SHORE INLAND

SCALE IN FEET

-1000

Shallow shore is
awash, road
begins 200* back
of mean shore line

-2000
Storage entrances
to left of road

-3000

Dirt road 12-15'

wide, maximum gradient 1:40, full deployment to both sides of road. Terrain treeless, loose
dirt, gentle
slope

4000
Road crosses AT
ditch

5000
Little deployment
in broken terrain

.CR65 .CR 120

-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

Road poorly graded

from RJ 237 to
RJ 336

RJJ

RJ336

10,000

11,000

PREPARED BV.OBJ.DATASECT. G-2USAFP0A

SECTOR 3 FROM CR 120 NEAR HIRAIWA BAY TO RJ

SCALE IN FEET
4-CR120

rO
Deployment to both

Secondary roads

sides of road

I-1000
^ ' 2 0 0 0 Deployment in
fields, trees
afford conceal ment
RJ
RJ

Trails numerous, trees to left offer conceal ment Knoll to right of

road

Knoll to left

1-4000

Many quick jogs in road

1-5000 [-6000

Secondary road

RJ

Terrain negoti able, but hardly

suitable for de ployments scrub
country. Average
width 10 low trees grow thick to edge of road Stream forms gully 10-15' deep

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

Road makes narrow

passage over knoll
High knoll to
right, 60 left
of road cliff
drops off

L-15,000
Good deployment
in open fields

1-16,000

Cliff line 100 150' left of road

Cliff 50' to right

L 17,000

RJ 189

Good deployment,
trees afford
concealment

1 8 , 0 0 0 PREPARED BY108J. DATA SECT. 6-2 USAFPOA

SECTOR 4 READING SCALE IN FEET

FRbM

AIN JUNCTION N OF K1TA DEPLOYMENT TERRAIN Road winds around

cliff from beach,
gradient 1:10

-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

Road improves, de ployment among trees and cultivated fields

5000

Heavily fortified knoll on right

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

Road running be tween trees

..High embankment
to left
Road runs into
gully

L|5,000
PREPARED BY: OBJ. DATA SECT.G-2USAFTOA

SECTOR 5

RJ E OF HK3ASHI MOVING S TO AIRFIEll

$ % a <*.* < .
_

SCALE IN FEET

DEPLOYMENT
TERRAIN
RJ
Good roadbed, long smooth curves, width
10-12 feet
IOOO Downward gradient
of Itl5

2000 Secondary road

3000

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

PREPARED BY: OBJ. DATA SECT. 6-2 USAFPOA

No.6101
16' 19' 369 53
<*f Vol. S

14120'

55" 22'

15"

45"

369

385

-53'

369
4I0

355 319 350

i*f Vol. fm S

306

286 322

JAPAN

SOUTHERN ISLANDS
(NAN PO SHOTO)
229

295

325

IWO SHIMA
( S U L P H U R I.)
52'

52' 292 257

322

237

207
236 248 240 207

2I3 229 199

Hill, 69A , Lat. 2447'39.82"N.Long. 14118'26.93" E. SOUNDINGS IN FATHOMS

reduced to the approximate level of Lowest Low Water

* ' " * , . //265

150

HEIGHTS IN FEET ABOVE MEAN SEA LEVEL

189
249 194 273

For Symbols andAbbreviations, see H. O.Publication No. 8

Natural Scale 1 : 30,320
268

254

136

265

' 92 = - 1 2 0 , ' ' 9 2 -

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

167 63 \10 50'139

Vol. rky

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

> ^ ^ .

S 36 ^ ,10 I?T' Higashi lwa an

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

Vo/.S 2.--W5 .-' 4

138

-46'

167 ! 8 6S'
144

"- 32 .-22
/'
147

161

188

208 183 180 147

155 161 Vol.S

164 170

136 188
S/>. Vol. S

-45'

177

134 169 145 201 188

180

VolS

45"-

139 210
191

70
VM. cnS

79

69 47
M5

'"- 115

140 126 108 106 120 115 117 139 156

< _. "lO3

' 126 164

fhtS

177

210

246

136

136

^ 135
Vol.S

69
115 107
141 VMS

.78 72 86 105 136

77

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'

150 172 -167191 223

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

177 180 167

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

180 183 205 183 218 243

20
30 40 50 60

it
4|.B

a
5i
5|

216
Sfi. fm S

243 Vol. rm S 205 218 240

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'

Small corrections | Printed: from Notices to Mariners | from other sources.

1st EDITION, July 1944

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.

EAST BOAT BASIN

THE SPECIAL GRID SYSTEM IS SUPERIMPOSED ON THIS MAP IN PURPLE COLOR. THIS SYSTEM IS TO BE USED FOR PIN POINT DESIGNATIONS.

PIN-POINT DESIGNATION OF RJI06 IS BC 750-709

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

POLYCONIC PROJECTION WITH 1000 YARD SPECIAL GRID

AND OTHER

SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO CINCPAC-CINCPOA, P.H.

SCALE li IOJOOO 1000 500

1000
PRINTED OH HIGH WET STREN6TH PAPER (HI6HLY DUPABLE AND MOISTURE RESISTANT)

2000

3000 YDS

6 4 T H ENGR. TOR BN. U S A F C P B C OCT., 1944

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

64m ENGR. TOP BN. USAFCPBC N a 5 2 9 8

LASSlHtii

UNCLASSIFIED

-78

POSSIBLE: AIRFIELD ISITES MAP

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

APPROX. VARIATION I25'W(I944)

-3000'
YDS.

77
I4II8'00" I8'3O

78
V I* 19'00"

79
i'ao"

80
Ul1 ia roo

81

-69

5*30"

64it ENGR. TOP BN. USAFCPBC N a 5 2 9 8

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

24* 47-00" =.74

-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'

ENGR. TOP BN. USAFCPBC N a 5298

UNCLASSIFIED
ANCHORAGES- LANDING FACILITIES

USED WITH SOUT EASTERLY

DEPTH ABOUT 30

I ^HIRAIWA

BAY

BOAT LANDING. SMALL BOAT

BEING EXCAVATED
NORTH END OF BEAC

FINE SAND BOTTOM SLOftES VESSEL .IKELYTODR STRONG WIND. DEPTH

BOAT a LANDING WITH A SMALL BOAT BA

PROTEC ED BY I51 X165* BR EAKWATER. THERE
THREE REPAIR SHOPS. A B6ATWAY, A BOOM Oh NEAR BY ON BEAC BREAK , AND fo FIVE RAMPS FROM THE ROAD TO THE WATER'S
FOR LANDING OF

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

64iii ENGR TOP BN. USAFCPBC NO. 5298

UNEIASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

ROAD MAP
SE iTOR

NO.
NO. 2

NO. 3
rroR NO. 4

;TOR
KANGOKU ROCK iTOR NO. 3 HANARE ROCK

EAST BOAT 1ASIN

1WOJ1MA
(SULPHUR ISLAND) PREPARED BY: OBJ. DATA SECTION 6-2 USAFPOA

APPROX. VARIATION

TDBIISHI PT

641b.

ENGR. TOP BN. USAFCPBC NQ 5298

UNCLASSIFIED

UHCIASSIFIED

IWOJIMA
PREPARED BY! OBJ. DATA SECTION - 2 U8AFP0A

(SULPHUR ISLAND)

64m ENGR TOP BN. USAFCPBC N X 3298 C

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

5 ^ AIRFIELD //NO. 2

1W0JIMA
(SULPHUR ISLAND) PREPARED BY: OBJ. DATA SECTION G-2 USAFPOA

64i!i ENGR. TOP BN. USAFCPBC NO. 5298

UNCLASSIFIED

Photo No, I
IWO JIMA looking NORTHEAST. (4 July 1944)

64a ENGR TOP BN USAFCPBC NO 53OO-I

Photo No. II
South tip of IWO JIMA showing SURIBACHI YAMA. (4 July 1944)

64 ENGR. TOR BN USAFCPBC NO. 53OO"2

Photo No. Ill

View of SURIBACHI YAMA on the south tip of IWO JIMA showing
the southern portion of the lowland (CHIDORIGA HARA) which
connects SURIBACHI YAMA and MOTO YAMA. (4 July 44)

64it ENGR. TOP BN USftFCPBC NO. 5300"3

Photo No. IV
Southern CHIDORIGA HARA looking NORTHWEST showing the
southern end of the eastern beach. (4 July 1944)

64 ENGR TOP BN USAFCPBC NO 5300-4

- ... :.:,U. '.

. . 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)

64" ENGR. TOP BN USAFCPBC NO 5300-5

. . . . .

, , :

_._ ^.U-r-^z- : ~ - ^ ^ - - J ~ ^ ^ _ - _
?

Photo No. VI MOYOTAMA AIRFIELD No. 1 and the central portion of the
eastern beach. Looking WEST. (4 July 1944)

6411 ENGR TOP BN USAFCPBC NO 5 3 0 0 " 6

d ,^L.

Photo No. VII

View of the northern portion of MOYOTAMA AIRFIELD No. 1
showing part of the northern portion of the eastern beach.
Note the radio station on the far side of the islands and the
entrenchments on the beach in the foreground. (4 July 1944)

64!i ENGR. TOP BN USAFCPBC NO. 5300-7

'

'

"

'

Photo No. VIII

View showing the northern portion of MOYOTAMA AIRFIELD
No, 1 and the southern portion of MOYOTAMA AIRFIELD No. 2.
Note connecting taxiway. Tall building on far side of island
is an RDF tower. (4 July 44)

4 ENGR TOP BN USAFCPBC NO 53OQ-8

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)

64* ENGR TOP BN USAFCPBC NO 53OO"9

Photo No. X
View of the eastern boat baain looking WEST. main landing point for supplies, (4 July 1944)
This Is the

ENGR. TOP BN USAFCPBC NO. 5300-10

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)

64* ENGR TOP BN USAFCPBC NO. 5300"! I

Photo No. XII

The rocky east coast north of the eastern boat basin
showing the dense growth and steep cliffs backing the beach.
On the far side of the island can be seen a radio station
and one of the two known Japanese radars. (4 July 1944)

64-i! ENGR. TOP BN USAFCPBC NO.53O0-I2

Photo No. XIII

WEST, View of rocky east coast showing rugged interior. (4 July 44)
Looking

641! ENGR. TOP BM USAFCPBC NO. 5300-13

-v-. -i..

Photo No. XIV

View of east coast looking WEST. (4 July 44)

64i ENGR TOP BN USAFCPBC NO. 5 3 0 0 " 14

.4.-::rrr-- ;',-~;f- ^r^^-*^^-:*:* 882 ^^^

..,,, . .. " " ' .. . . ~ , " .

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

64!!i ENGR. TOP BN USAFCPBC NO 5300-15

^---w...:.::;{

Photo No. XVI

View of the northeast tip of IWO JIMA showing the steep
cliffs of the northern slope of MOTO YAMA. (4 July 44)

4!^ ENGR TOP BN USAFCPBC NO. 5300"I6