World War II Photograph

Hitting the beaches from amtracs and Coast Guard-manned landing craft, Marines of the first waves dig foxholes in Iwo Jima’s sands, blackened by volcanic ash spewed from Mount Suribachi. Under deadly crossfire from Japanese guns and mortars, the Marines seek cover from every available piece of equipment, bogged down in the clutching sands. This picture was made on D-Day, as the foothold at the base of the volcano was being secured and extended inland.