[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 28 (Monday, February 13, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2533-S2534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                IWO JIMA

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I rise to be one of the first to speak 
about some things that happened 50 years ago which were a part of our 
freedom and a part of our history. So I am pleased to do that.
  Mr. President, on this date 50 years ago, one of the most powerful 
armadas ever assembled in American military history prepared to depart 
Saipan in the Mariana Islands. Their destination was a tiny, 8-square-
mile piece of volcanic sand and rock in the Western Pacific--Iwo Jima.
  The importance of capturing Iwo Jima was its strategic location, 
almost midway between Japan and the recently captured Mariana Islands. 
Since the summer of 1944, the Japanese home 
[[Page S2534]] islands had been reeling from strikes by the new, long-
range American B-29 bombers, operating from Saipan and Tinian. Iwo 
Jima, with its three air-fields, would be a vital fighter escort 
station if captured. In addition, it would serve as a sanctuary for 
crippled bombers returning from their strikes on Japan.
  No American planner contemplating the assault and seizure of this 
island suggested that taking Iwo Jima would be an easy task. To meet 
the challenge, Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz assembled a veteran Navy-
Marine Corps team, which included the largest force of U.S. marines 
ever committed to a single battle--a force which eventually totaled 
more than 80,000 men--a majority of whom were veterans of earlier 
Pacific battles. These troops were arguably the most proficient 
amphibious force the world had yet seen. On February 13, 1945, this 
formidable armada of American firepower and might prepared to embark on 
a mission that would move America one giant step closer to final 
victory.
  I think it is appropriate that we remember those men and women who 
gave so much to ensure that we could continue to have freedom and peace 
in this country.
  Mr. President, if I may, since there seems to be no one else asking 
for time, I would like to comment a little on the balanced budget 
amendment.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Wyoming is recognized.

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