Missouri in Iwo Jima

After refueling, Missouri, along with carriers, headed for Iwo Jima, giving direct support to the invasion landings. Stiff Japanese opposition. Air alert at 1900. Japanese bombers overhead. At 1930, several small groups of “Bogies” were picked up by radar and ‘condition one’ was set. As bogies closed in, Air Defense was sounded. Missouri opened fire on the rapidly approaching enemy and almost immediately the target identified as a Helen, burst into flames. Mighty Mo’s reputation spread far and wide as an alert, straight shooting ship. After the Battle of Iwo Jima, 27 Medals of Honor were awarded, more than any ever awarded for one campaign, to the living and posthumous heroes.