But on a small flat island, 556 feet is a commanding height.

From its summit, Japanese observers had clear sightlines over the entire landing beach and much of the island.

Every Marine who came ashore on February 19 was visible to the spotters on Suribachi, who could call down accurate artillery and mortar fire on virtually any point of the beachhead.

Taking Suribachi was one of the 28th Marines’ first assignments.

The regiment attacked the mountain from the north, fighting through Japanese defensive positions that had been months in the preparation — bunkers, spider holes, machine gun positions, artillery emplacements all linked by tunnels that allowed the defenders to move and survive even under heavy bombardment.

The fighting up Suribachi’s slopes cost the 28th Marines heavily.