[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 27 (Wednesday, March 9, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H1031-H1034]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING CONTRIBUTIONS OF UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS ON 60TH 
                   ANNIVERSARY OF BATTLE OF IWO JIMA

  Mr. KLINE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 119) recognizing the contributions of the 
United States Marine Corps and other units of the United States Armed 
Forces on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo 
Jima during World War II.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 119

       Whereas 2005 marks the 60th anniversary of the Battle of 
     Iwo Jima, in which the United States Marine Corps and other 
     units of the United States Armed Forces assaulted and 
     captured the island of Iwo Jima during World War II;

[[Page H1032]]

       Whereas the United States success in capturing Iwo Jima was 
     a crucial victory that provided a location for necessary 
     airbases to eventually win World War II in the Pacific 
     theatre;
       Whereas, in recognition of the particularly hazardous 
     battlefield conditions experienced by the Marines and other 
     members of the United States Armed Forces on Iwo Jima, 
     Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet, Fleet Admiral 
     Chester W. Nimitz stated that ``Among the men who fought on 
     Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.''; and
       Whereas more than 70,000 Marines participated in the Battle 
     of Iwo Jima, of whom 17,372 Marines were wounded and 5,931 
     Marines made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives to 
     secure the cause of freedom and the United States victory in 
     the battle: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo 
     Jima; and
       (2) recognizes and commends the members of the United 
     States Marine Corps and all other members of the United 
     States Armed Forces who participated in the Battle of Iwo 
     Jima for their sacrifice and contribution, with particular 
     honor given to those members of the Armed Forces who gave 
     their lives in defense of freedom during the Battle of Iwo 
     Jima.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Minnesota (Mr. Kline) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. 
Butterfield) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kline).


                             General Leave

  Mr. KLINE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Minnesota?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. KLINE. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from California (Mr. Issa), the original sponsor of House 
Resolution 119.
  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, today is a day on which we are reminded of 
how much we owe to the men and women of the Marine Corps who 60 years 
ago took an island in the Pacific at great personal cost of life and 
limb beyond that which we today could even begin to imagine. Of the 
70,000 Marines who participated in the invasion of Iwo Jima, one in 
four were wounded, some 17,000. Of them, nearly 6,000 lost their lives. 
The invasion began on February 19. By February 23, we had declared that 
we had taken the island. But that was the beginning, not the end, of 
Iwo Jima. It continued for 31 more days. It was not until March 25 that 
the island was truly safe from foreign fighters. That battle, one of 
the longest for an island in the Pacific, has led to many stories, many 
movies, each glorifying what was one of the toughest battles of the 
war. Now, 60 years later, we are prepared to honor once again this 
unique sacrifice.
  If not for the taking of Iwo Jima, the war could have gone on for 
months or even a year longer. If not for the taking of Iwo Jima, it was 
very clear that the Marines would have had to fight island after island 
around it for much longer. The Japanese knew this, and they defended 
this small island as their last hope of retaining their position in the 
Pacific.
  I appreciate the Speaker taking this up today. I appreciate, most 
importantly, Members of Congress supporting H. Res. 119 to remind the 
men and women, the last of this generation who are still with us, that 
we appreciate their sacrifices of World War II and particularly to my 
Marines at Camp Pendleton in my district who are today deployed 
primarily in Iraq and serving our country once again at great risk of 
life.
  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  During World War II, the island of Iwo Jima was strategically 
located. It contained three airstrips which had been used to stage 
kamikaze attacks on American ships. The island was home to three 
airstrips which had been used to stage kamikaze attacks. Allied 
generals believed that, if captured, the kamikazes would have to 
operate from Okinawa and Kyushu while at the same time providing 
American fighters airstrips close enough to Japan to escort B-29s 
during missions on the mainland.
  Iwo Jima became the first native Japanese soil invaded by Americans 
in World War II, with approximately 60,000 Americans and 20,000 
Japanese participating in the battle. On February 19, 1945, U.S. 
Marines landed on Iwo Jima at 8:59 a.m., after 10 weeks of bombing from 
carrier-based planes and medium bombers. A total force of 70,000 
Marines were assembled for the invasion against a force of 27,000 
Japanese. What followed was some of the most vicious fighting of the 
entire war. On an island barely 8 square miles in size, the Japanese 
forces constructed over 800 pillboxes and 3 miles of tunnels. The 
volcanic ash on the island severely complicated landings.
  On February 23, 1945, Mike Strank, Harlon Block, Franklin Sousley, 
Ira Hayes, Rene Gagnon and John Bradley raised an American flag atop 
Mount Suribachi. The raising of this flag was captured forever by 
photographer Joe Rosenthal, and today, it stands immortalized less than 
2 miles away from this Capitol.
  Approximately one-third of all Marines killed in action in World War 
II were killed at Iwo Jima, making Iwo Jima the battle with the highest 
number of casualties in Marine Corps history with 7,000 killed and 
13,000 wounded. Twenty-seven Congressional Medals of Honor were awarded 
in the battle, more than were awarded to Marines and Navy in any other 
battle in our country's history. After the capture of Iwo Jima, more 
than 30,000 American airmen's lives were saved when more than 2,400 
disabled B-29 bombers were able to make emergency landings at the Iwo 
Jima airfield after making bombing flights over Japan.

                              {time}  1045

  In 1968 the island was returned to Japan, and remains of Marines from 
the Third, Fourth and Fifth Divisions were brought back to the U.S. for 
burial. Today, Madam Speaker, we remember these young men and women who 
fought for their country and made the world safe for their children.
  Madam Speaker, I commend my colleague on this resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KLINE. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert).
  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me 
time.
  Madam Speaker, I also stand in support of House Resolution 119. My 
father served as a pilot of a landing craft during the Battle of Iwo 
Jima, and it is an honor and a pleasure to recognize the sacrifice and 
contributions of the United States Marine Corps and other services on 
the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
  I had the honor of meeting a humble hero of the Battle of Iwo Jima 
sometime ago back in my district when we dedicated the Medal of Honor 
Memorial at the Riverside National Cemetery. His name is Bob Bush, and 
he received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service as a 
medical corpsman with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, on May 2, 1945. 
His citation reads like a scene from a John Wayne movie, but it is all 
true:
  ``Fearlessly braving the fury of artillery, mortar, and machine-gun 
fire from strongly entrenched hostile positions, Bush constantly and 
unhesitatingly moved from one casualty to another to attend the wounded 
falling under the enemy's murderous barrages. As the attack passed over 
a ridge top, Bush was advancing to administer blood plasma to a Marine 
officer lying wounded on the skyline when the Japanese launched a 
savage counterattack. In this perilously exposed position, he 
resolutely maintained the flow of life-giving plasma. With the bottle 
held high in one hand, Bush drew his pistol with the other and fired 
into the enemy's ranks until his ammunition was expended. Quickly 
seizing his discarded carbine, he trained his fire on the Japanese 
charging pointblank over the hill, accounting for six of the enemy 
despite his own serious wounds and the loss of one eye suffered during 
his desperate battle in defense of the helpless man. With the hostile 
force finally routed, he calmly disregarded his own critical condition 
to complete his mission, valiantly refusing medical treatment for 
himself

[[Page H1033]]

until his officer patient had been evacuated, and collapsing only after 
attempting to walk back to the battle aid station.''
  Madam Speaker, his humility is typical of those who braved the sands 
of Iwo Jima, and I proudly support this resolution offered by my good 
friend from California.
  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume 
to the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo).
  Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 119, 
recognizing the many contributions of the United States Marine Corps 
and other U.S. Armed Forces on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of 
the Battle of Iwo Jima. I want to thank the gentleman from California 
(Mr. Issa) for introducing this important resolution.
  Iwo Jima stands out as one of the defining moments in the Battle of 
the Pacific and is one of the defining moments in the history of the 
United States Marine Corps. The Marines fought in World War II for over 
3\1/2\ years, yet in the span of just 1 month in Iwo Jima, they 
suffered nearly one-third of their total deaths. This heroic sacrifice 
ensured the freedom and liberty that we enjoy today.
  The people of Guam have a special understanding of the kind of valor 
and heroism demonstrated by the U.S. Marine Corps during the Battle of 
the Pacific in World War II, for it was the Marines who led the charge 
in the liberation of our own island from the Japanese occupation. The 
Marines, fighting in defense of freedom, brought hope to the Chamorro 
people of Guam in a time of great oppression and fear. Last year I 
joined nearly 50 Marines who took part in the liberation of Guam in 
laying a wreath at the Arlington National Cemetery to honor their great 
sacrifice and courage on behalf of our grateful people.
  I will be joining the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) and the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) on a trip to Iwo Jima to pay 
tribute to the U.S. Marines for this, the 60th anniversary of the 
Battle of Iwo Jima. The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) is not able 
to make it to the floor to speak on this resolution as he is currently 
in a veterans hearing in the Senate, but I do know that he, too, is 
very supportive, and will include his statement for the Record.
  Mr. KLINE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, today we recognize the contributions of the United 
States Marine Corps, an organization which I was proud to serve for 25 
years in active duty. We also honor every member of the United States 
Armed Forces on this the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
  Sixty years ago, U.S. Marines invaded the small Pacific island of Iwo 
Jima. Most Americans associate this event with the powerful Pulitzer 
Prize-winning image of the Marines raising a flag above Mount 
Suribachi. What many Americans may not realize, however, is that the 
emblematic photo, which has become a symbol of American bravery and 
victory, does not capture the first flag-raising at Iwo Jima that day.
  Two different groups of heroes planted American flags at Iwo Jima on 
Mount Suribachi on that day in February of 1945, and the achievement of 
both groups provided and continues to provide inspiration to defenders 
of freedom everywhere.
  The sole survivor from either flag-raising group is Minnesota's own 
Charles Lindberg. On that seminal day in February, Corporal Lindberg 
and five fellow Marines reached the base of Mount Suribachi after 
several days of fighting and thousands of casualties. The next morning 
the battalion commander, Colonel Chandler Johnson, sent them to the 
summit with an American flag and orders, ``If you get to the top, raise 
it.''
  And raise it they did. The flag raised by Corporal Lindberg and his 
fellow Marines provided an immediately recognizable image of victory 
and became an inspiration to all who saw it. In describing the reaction 
to their flag raising, Corporal Lindberg states, ``Boy, then the island 
came alive down below. The troops started to cheer, the ships' whistles 
went off. It was quite a proud moment.''
  Perhaps sensing the significance of the moment, a commander below 
ordered a second group to raise a larger, more stable flag in its 
place. Four hours after the first flag-raising, Associated Press 
photographer Joe Rosenthal captured the image of the second flag-
raising, which is now recognized throughout the world. The second 
raising and the photograph which captured it complemented the efforts 
of Corporal Lindberg and his fellow Marines and enabled Americans at 
home, as well as the world, to share the same symbol of bravery and 
victory with the victorious Americans on Iwo Jima.
  Both of these groups deserve our gratitude, as do all the men and 
women who served on Iwo Jima and elsewhere during World War II. The 
symbol of the flag over Iwo Jima reflects the enduring triumph of 
freedom and democracy, the very things for which our men and women in 
uniform continue to fight today.
  We have much to learn from the tenacity and dedication of the brave 
heroes of World War II, and I am grateful for this opportunity to 
recognize their efforts today.
  And to you, Corporal Charles Lindberg, from one Marine to another, I 
salute you from the floor of the House of Representatives in admiration 
and gratitude for your courage, bravery, and valor. Semper Fi.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. KLINE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, there were so many of our colleagues today who 
intended to come down and speak on this very important subject and 
express their admiration and praise for those Marines on Iwo Jima 60 
years ago; but as has been mentioned, some of them are involved in a 
joint hearing on veterans affairs and doing the work that brought them 
here.
  I would like to thank my colleague, the gentleman from North Carolina 
(Mr. Butterfield), for the discussion today and urge all of my 
colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Iwo Jima 
Resolution.
  For all who bear its scars, the battle for Iwo Jima still looms 
gargantuan, unbelievable, devouring. It is not measurable by any past 
battles. The battle of Iwo Jima is unique in its own setting.
  First, it was the longest aerial campaign of World War II. 
Incredibly, this ferocious bombardment had little effect. Hardly any of 
the Japanese underground fortresses were touched.
  Four miles long, shaped like a pork chop and covering 7\1/2\ miles, 
Iwo Jima had no front lines and no rear lines--every inch of the island 
was a battleground and a graveyard. U.S Marines--Active and Reserves, 
were forced to take one of the most heavily fortified objectives in 
military history.
  Over 110,000 Marines in 880 ships took part in the operation. Over 
7,000 Marines and 20,000 Japanese soldiers lost their lives fighting 
the fiercest Marine Corps battle of the Pacific Theater in World War 
II.
  For America, it was the front door step to the Japanese heartland and 
the beginning of the end to an awful war. For the 22,000 Japanese 
defenders, Iwo Jima was the defense of their very hearths and homes as 
if it were a part of Tokyo.
  The island's defenses were built and fortified over a period of 
several years. There were complex, subterranean levels, some two 
stories down.
  Heavy fire made it impossible to land men in an orderly manner and 
confusion reigned on the beaches. From these the defenders could 
approach the Marines on the surface virtually anywhere, through 
warrens, spider holes, caves, and crevices.
  Japanese soldiers were given a direct order to each kill ten 
Marines--and for a large part of the battle, they were meeting their 
quotas. Some 2,300 Marines were killed or wounded in the first 18 hours 
of the operation.
  At great cost, the Marines would take a hill only to find the same 
enemy suddenly on their rear or flank positions. The enemy was nowhere 
and everywhere, especially at night. The Japanese were not on Iwo 
Jima--they were in it!
  Madam Speaker, war is hell, and Iwo Jima was the devil's living room.
  Historians have described the U.S. attack as ``throwing human flesh 
against reinforced concrete.'' In the end, the battle was won inch-by-
inch by the tenacity of the foot soldier. One in three Marines on Iwo 
Jima would either be killed or wounded, including 19 of 24 battalion 
commanders. Twenty-seven Marines and naval medical corpsmen earned the 
Medal of

[[Page H1034]]

Honor--more than in any other battle in history--13 of them 
posthumously.
  Madam Speaker, the bravery demonstrated on Iwo Jima has become the 
standard to which all Marines now aspire when in combat. The battle has 
come to define a Corps with a rich tradition and colorful history. It 
underlies the Marine Corps' core values of honor, courage and 
commitment.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution.
  Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the American 
patriots who fought bravely and triumphantly in one of the most iconic 
battles in our Nation's history.
  Sixty years ago, thousands of men left their homes and families to 
fight for our security, liberty, and democracy. They fought, not 
because they had to, but because they chose to--choosing to confront an 
enemy they could not see, in a place they did not know.
  Over 450 Navy ships unloaded 75,000 American soldiers onto the tiny 
Pacific island of Iwo Jima and faced a blistering assault from an 
entrenched and virtually invisible Japanese army.
  Despite the massive geographical advantage of the Japanese and the 
loss of almost 2,500 soldiers on the first day alone, our soldiers 
marched fearlessly forward to meet their hidden enemy.
  After 36 day's, victory was in hand but not before 7,000 Americans 
and 20,000 Japanese were killed.
  This image of victory over adversity is ingrained in our history 
through the symbolic, yet evocative image of six American servicemen 
planting a salvaged American flag on top of Mount Suribachi in Iwo 
Jima.
  Though the battle lasted twice as long as expected, the commitment of 
our men and women in uniform to the ideals of freedom and peace never 
wavered. Their steadfast belief in themselves and our Nation remains a 
beacon of selflessness and sacrifice for all Americans.
  For those who still defend our country and those who fight for the 
principles upon which this Nation was founded, the men and women of Iwo 
Jima provide an opportunity for hope.
  Their actions will forever stir our hearts and rouse our belief in 
the human spirit. It is because of this that we will always be thankful 
to the soldiers of Iwo Jima.
  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, as 2005 marks the sixtieth year since the 
battle of Iwo Jima, it is appropriate that the House take this 
opportunity to recognize the sacrifice of the Marines who fought and 
died in that great battle.
  Winning the battle of Iwo Jima was among the most significant 
victories of the U.S. Marines during World War II. In the Pacific, Iwo 
Jima was the critical air base from which Japan's fighters prevented 
American bombers from reaching their targets in mainland Japan. Because 
Japanese commanders understood the strategic importance of defending 
the island, it was protected by more than six hundred blockhouses, 
pillboxes and gun positions. For the Japanese, Allied control of Iwo 
Jima meant allowing the enemy a base from which to attack the Japanese 
mainland, an outcome that they were committed to preventing at all 
cost. After more than six months of Allied aerial bombardment of the 
island, on D-Day, February 19, 1945, U.S. Marines invaded Iwo Jima, 
raising the first American flag on Mount Suribachi 4 days later. 
Despite raising the flag on February 23, the bloody fighting continued 
for 31 more days until the last pocket of resistance was eliminated on 
March 25.
  More than 70,000 Marines participated in the invasion of Iwo Jima. 
Before the battle ended 17,372 Marines were wounded and 5,931 Marines 
made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom in securing the 
Allied victory. Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz said, ``Among the men 
who fought at Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.'' Our 
Nation owes each of the men who fought and died at Iwo Jima its deepest 
gratitude.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to represent the fine Marines of Marine 
Corps Camp Pendleton. I am privileged to serve these exceptional 
Americans every day and to have the opportunity to continuously witness 
their selfless service and constant devotion to our nation. In 3 days 
Members of this body will travel to Iwo Jima to participate in the 
formal commemoration of the battle and of the example of courage and 
determination set by those who fought there, which Marines today strive 
ever to follow. As we gather in that solemn place to reflect on the 
immense sacrifices made there, the House, by passing this resolution 
will have done its part to honor our nation's commitment to those 
Marines never to forget the value of their sacrifices. I urge the 
adoption of this resolution.
  Mr. DREIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
119, a bill to recognize the contributions of the United States Marine 
Corps and other units of the United States Armed Forces on the 60th 
Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. By capturing this isolated, 
eight square mile island in the Pacific, the men and women of our Armed 
Forces ensured victory in World War II. U.S. control of Iwo Jima 
removed the island as a staging ground for kamikaze attacks, ensured 
that B-29 bombers would continue to fly missions to mainland Japan and 
allowed U.S. planes traveling in the Pacific to use the island for 
emergency landings.
  Despite facing 22,000 Japanese soldiers hidden in bunkers inside the 
hills of Iwo Jima, American soldiers successfully charged through miles 
of open space to capture control of the island in a little more than a 
month. Their sacrifices were many. Nearly one in three men were killed 
or wounded, making the Battle of Iwo Jima the source of one-third of 
all Marine deaths in World War II. In fact, three of the six men who 
famously raised the American flag over Mt. Suribachi died during the 
Battle. Yet Iwo Jima's survivors often refused to acknowledge their 
heroic service, often citing the friends who died beside them as the 
only heroes of the battle.
  Admiral Chester W. Nimitz commented in 1945 that ``by their victory, 
the 3rd, 4th and 5th Marine Divisions and other units of the Fifth 
Amphibious Corps have made an accounting to their country which only 
history will be able to value fully.'' Sixty years later, the United 
States remains free, Japan is now one of our closest allies and the 
grandsons and granddaughters of those who served at Iwo Jima are again 
defending freedom abroad with the same determination and love for their 
country. I am confident that the Battle of Iwo Jima will continue to be 
a shining example of American military success for generations to come.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a proud 
cosponsor of H. Res. 119, which recognizes the contributions of the 
United States Marine Corps and other units of the United States Armed 
Forces on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo 
Jima during World War II. Truly, this great battle served as a 
watershed moment for the United States in World War II. After capturing 
Iwo Jima, the United States Armed Forces were able to have a staging 
ground for the aerial assault that would help defeat the Japanese 
Empire. However, this great victory did not come without great 
sacrifice. More than 70,000 Marines participated in the Battle of Iwo 
Jima, 17,372 Marines were wounded and 5,931 Marines made the ultimate 
sacrifice for this Nation in this decisive battle in war, the likes of 
which the world had never before seen.
  Today in this body we take the time to recognize those who fought in 
the Battle of Iwo Jima and indeed all Americans who fought in World War 
II. It was Edmund Burke who once aptly stated: ``The only thing 
necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.'' The 
birth of our Nation itself was due to good men who refused to submit to 
an unjust rule; and it is that same spirit that guided those who fought 
in World War II. It has been said that the generation that came back 
from fighting World War II was in fact the `greatest generation' and I 
would be hard pressed to disagree. Our brave soldiers went across the 
world to far away places like Iwo Jima to save massacred peoples; they 
had no choice but victory. Even now, we look back in pain and imagine 
the horror that could have been had they not been successful. They came 
back from this truly global war and raised a new generation of 
Americans. They created the greatest middle-class ever seen in the 
history of the world. Their domestic success ensured a great future for 
our Nation, their success abroad ensured life and liberty for millions 
around the world.
  The great memory of Iwo Jima is best personified by the picture of 
six American soldiers raising our national flag amidst this great 
battle. The picture personified the American spirit in World War II, we 
struggled against a powerful opponent, but we persevered and did not 
succumb under the relentless pressure. In the end, we won the Battle of 
Iwo Jima and World War II, solely through the sacrifice and great 
courage of our American Armed Forces. We owe them our appreciation and 
we owe it to them to keep the memory of their heroic actions alive for 
future generations of Americans.
  Mr. KLINE. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Miller of Michigan). The question is on 
the motion offered by the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kline) that the 
House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 119.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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