"For extraordinary heroism during action in support of beach reconnaissance by Underwater Demolition Teams at enemy Japanese-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islalnds, on February 17, 1945. Opening heavy strafing fire as they moved in from two thousand yards off shore, the lightly armored ships of LCI(G) Group EIGHT advanced steadily under sporadic fire of the enemy until they reached the one thousand yard line to blast the heavy coastal defenses with barrage rockets. Almost immediately the shattering counterfire from well concealed and strongly fortified Japanese positions began to exact a terrific toll. One by one their guns were silenced; fires started and spread in ready ammunition; under the sustained deadly blast of hostile fire, their engine rooms flooded and those of the gallant ships still operable towed their powerless companion ships clear of the overpowering fire of the enemy. Suffering desperate casualties, the units of this valiant group evacuated the wounded, extinguished their fires and resolutely returned to the firing line. Only when the beach reconnaissance had been accomplished did LCI(G) Group EIGHT retire after absorbing an hour and a quarter of devastating punishment in support of the stout-hearted swimmers of the Demolition Team. Manned by fighting and skilled seamen, these gunboats daringly pited their fire-power against the overwhelming might of Jananese guns zeroed on them from the shores of Iwo Jima and bravely led the way for he invasion two days later."

RETURN TO LCI(L) PAGE

LCI(G)-346

LCI(G)-348

LCI(G)-438

LCI(G)-441

LCI(G)-449

LCI(G)-450

LCI(G)-455

LCI(G)-466

LCI(G)-469

LCI(G)-471

LCI(G)-473

LCI(G)-474

LC(FF)-627

Back To The Main Photo Index

Back To The Amphibious Ship Type Index

Back To The Landing Craft Infantry (LCI) Photo Index

Comments, Suggestions, E-mail Webmaster.

This page is created and maintained by Gary P. Priolo

Last Updated 10 March 2006