The Last Days of World War II — Season 1, Episode 1: February 18-February 24: The Battle for Iwo Jima

Episode synopsis

The battle for Iwo Jima begins - one of the bloodiest of World War II. Follow the action in this series that details, week by week, the last six months of World War II and explores the high and low points of the march to war's end. During Operation Detachment, fighting becomes a brutal frontal attack of hand-to-hand combat. Both the portable and mechanized flamethrowers as well as LVTs (Landing Vehicle, Tracked) were vital during the intense battles on the volcanic island. Meanwhile in the Philippines, U.S. forces completely surround the center of Manila, as the tempo of the Japanese atrocities increases. Before long, General MacArthur will make an emotional return to Corregidor Island.

About The Last Days of World War II

The Last Days of WWII is a twenty-six part historical documentary covering the final six months of combat in weekly segments to discuss the decisions, battles, strategies, and ultimate legacies of the war.

More episodes from Season 1

• E2February 25-March 3: The Allies Advance
• E3March 4-March 10: Firestorm Over Tokyo
• E4March 11-March 17: Hitler's Last Offensive
• E5March 18-March 24: The Race for Berlin
• E6March 25-March 31: War in the Pacific
• E7April 1-April 7: The Invasion of Okinawa
• E8April 8-April 14: Nazi Death Camps
• E9April 15-April 21: Assault on Berlin
• E10April 22-April 28: Bloody Stalemate on Okinawa
• E11April 29-May 5: The Fall of Berlin
• E12May 6-May 12: Germany Surrenders
• E13May 13-May 19: The Bloodshed Continues