An M4 Sherman tank lies overturned on the black volcanic sands of Iwo Jima, with the beached LST-1269 visible in the background. The soft, steep ash beaches of Iwo Jima -- among the most treacherous encountered in the Pacific War -- frequently swamped and disabled vehicles during the February-March 1945 invasion, compounding the dangers posed by Japanese defensive fire. This photograph, from the 5th Marine Division's collection, documents the immense material cost of the battle for this small but strategically vital island. Project: 218318