A shattered LVT amphibious tractor lies broken in the surf on Iwo Jima's black volcanic sand, one of many landing vehicles destroyed by Japanese defensive fire during the February 1945 invasion. The 5th Marine Division, part of the three-division assault force, faced murderous artillery and mortar fire while crossing these beaches, making Iwo Jima one of the costliest amphibious operations of the Pacific War. Project: 218552