Player Embed Code: Download Embed Share 75th Anniversary WWII: Battle of Iwo Jima Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs Feb. 19, 2020 | 1:24 The U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy landed on Feb. 19, 1945, and later captured the Japanese island of Iwo Jima during World War II. 27 Medal of Honors were awarded for the actions of Marines and sailors during the battle. (DoD video by Marine Corps Sgt. Dylan C. Overbay)