342-FH-3A-42261-70577AC 7th iwo banzai
In the early morning hours of 26 March 1945 the 21st Fighter Group Officers' tent area was hit by a Japanese "Banzai" attack on Iwo Jima, Bonin Islands, this, being the first phase of the battle. Goon, members of many other nearby units were involved, including a Signal Air Warning Company, a Negro Aviation Squadron, a Nightfighter Squadron, a Navy Construction Battalion, and a Marine Pio¬neer Unit. It is estimated that approximately 300 Japanese, the remnants of 3 units, participated in this charge, attacking the different areas simultaneously. The Marines closed in on them from be¬hind with flame throwers, tommy guns and grenades until the last Jap was exterminated. The scene that remained caused many a sleepless night for those who looked upon the residue. Here, just west of the 21st Fighter Group area is the 49th Signal Heavy Construction Battalion where another en¬counter took place. In the area to the right of the line of tents about twenty Japs have been re¬moved before this photograph was taken.
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