MAJOR TERRAIN FEATURES IN THE 5TH MARDIV SECTOR

Hill 362A was a key terrain feature in the 5th Marine Division's fight for the northwestern sector of Iwo Jima. All three infantry regiments in the Spearhead Division fought on and around 362A.

The divisional history said this about the hill: "On D+9 the 5th Marine Division as squarely up against Hill 362—the highest point on the western side of the island and the backbone of the Japanese defenses in this sector. Its sharp, barren edges were chopped up with caves, and concrete pillboxes and blockhouses dotted its nearly vertical cliffs. Around its base, jagged, rocky outcrops commanded every approach to the hill, and the hill itself commanded all approaches to the O-3 line, the Division's next objective." (1)

Hill 362A as seen from the south. This dominating terrain controlled access to the northwestern part of Iwo Jima and was the scene of some of the bloodiest combat in the Pacific. USMC photo

The ridge complex running roughly west from the main mass of Hill 362A down to Iwo’s western beach. This complex of cliffs and ridges was the a key supplementary position. In this photo, Marines of LT 1/27 move up the ridge during the battle. USMC photo

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Noted on cited material:

(1) The Spearhead, by Howard Connor, page 89