530.Photograph 'File Number: 48551 Released: March 17, 1945 Cracking a Hard Nut This D-Plus Five Day aerial photograph graphically shows the immense power necessary to break the back of Jap [Japanese] resistance on Iwo Jima, indicating how desperately the enemy valued this strategic stepping-stone in Tokyo's back yard. The rugged LST's, the new LSM's, and the ubiquitous LCI's crowd the tiny beachhead to pour forth men and materials of war to strengthen the U. S. Marines expanding toe-hold. Just off the beach, more landing craft await their chance at the unloading area, while small boats from the transports ply back and forth, bring assault troops and returning wounded for treatment. Further out, the transports themselves, APA's and AKA's, stand by to unload their cargoes into the small craft; and just over the hump of Mt. [Mount] Suribachi, the famous landmark on Iwo's southern tip, may be seen a hospital ship. Faintly along the horizon, the protective screen of destroyers, d escorts and cruisers can be discerned maintaining their vigilant watch for enemy attempts to interfere with the operations. On the island, Marine tanks can be spotted moving over the rough terrain toward the first airfield at left.' 24 February 1945