Chronology of World War II

Saturday, February 17th


Pre-invasion Bombardment


Pre-invasion Bombardment
White phosphorus rounds burst ashore as destroyers prepare for an Underwater Demolition Team operation off Iwo Jima's West Beach at 4:00pm, February 17, 1945, during the pre-invasion bombardment of the island. Note the Fletcher class destroyer firing at right. She appears to be painted in Camouflage Measure 32, Design 6D. Photographed from USS Texas (BB-35)