Why was the Battle for Iwo Jima an important event in World War 2?

Iwo Jima, which means "Sulfur Island," was strategically important as an air base for fighter escorts supporting long-range bombing missions against mainland Japan. Because of the distance between mainland Japan and U.S. bases in the Mariana Islands, the capture of Iwo Jima was necessary to provide an emergency landing strip for crippled B-29s returning from bombing runs. The seizure of Iwo Jima would allow for sea and air blockades, and would provide the ability to conduct intensive air bombardment and to destroy the enemy's air and naval capabilities.

The seizure of Iwo Jima was deemed necessary, but the prize would not come easy. The fighting that took place during the 36-day assault would be immortalized in the Words of Commander, Pacific Fleet/Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who said, "Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue."

To the Japanese leadership, the capture of Iwo Jima meant the battle for Okinawa, and the invasion of Japan itself, was not far off.

The primary reason for taking Iwo Jima, was a requirement for an emergency landing for the two aircraft scheduled to deliver the atomic bombs on Japan. The thought of losing one of these Multi Million dollar weapons into the sea weighed to heavily on the war planners. The cost in lives of taking Iwo Jima was weighed against the possibility of extending the War by at least two years while replacements were manufactured.