Luck can be attributed to a well-conceived plan carried out by a well-trained and indoctrinated task group.

I have just taken on a great responsibility. I will do my utmost to meet it.

The Japanese had, in fact, already sued for peace. The atomic bomb played no decisive part, from a purely military point of view, in the defeat of Japan.

It is the function of the Navy to carry the war to the enemy so that it will not be fought on U.S. soil.

By their victory, the 3rd, 4th and 5th Marine Divisions and other units of the Fifth Amphibious Corps have made an accounting to their country which only history will be able to value fully. Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue.

They fought together as brothers in arms; they died together and now they sleep side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation.

We must not again underestimate the Japanese.