This photograph, taken by a member of the 5th Marine Division during the Battle of Iwo Jima (February-March 1945), shows a destroyed Japanese multi-barrel gun position on high ground overlooking the invasion beaches. Concealed with dead vegetation and dug into fortified terrain, guns like this formed part of the extensive network of interlocking defenses that made Iwo Jima one of the costliest battles in Marine Corps history. Landing craft and support vessels can be seen offshore, illustrating the commanding field of fire such emplacements held over the beachhead below. Project: 218552