Kuribayashi Tadamichi

Kuribayashi Tadamichi was appointed commander of the Japanese forces defending Iwo Jima in June 1944. He implemented a defensive strategy focused on fortified bunkers and tunnels, abandoning traditional beach defenses to maximize casualties on the invading U.S. forces.

Kuribayashi commanded Japanese forces during the Battle of Iwo Jima from February to March 1945. His defensive tactics inflicted heavy casualties on the U.S. Marines, with over 26,000 American casualties, but the island was eventually captured after five weeks of fighting.

Kuribayashi Tadamichi died on March 26, 1945, during the final stages of the Battle of Iwo Jima. He led a last charge with his remaining troops rather than surrender, and his body was never recovered. His leadership became a symbol of Japanese resistance.