Situated 650 miles from Japan, Iwo Jima was considered the difference between victory and defeat for the Allies in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. On February 19, 1945, U.S. Marines hit the shores of Iwo Jima after 3 days of pre-invasion bombing. Their objective was a dormant volcano named Mt. Suribachi. Control of Suribachi meant control of the island. The climb up Suribachi was fought inch by inch, with the Japanese defending from a fortified network of underground bunkers. Finally, on February 23, U.S. forces reached the summit. The raising of the American flag that day provideda lasting impression, inspiring not only the combatants, but also a war-weary nation. On March 26, the entire island was secured. The Allied Forces suffered 25,000 casualties, with nearly 7,000 dead.Those sacrifices led to air superiority in the Pacific . . . and victory in World War II.

Available exclusively from American Mint, this limited-edition military knife is exquisitely crafted in 420 stainless steel to resemble the combat knives carried by U.S. Marines in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. A full 12" in length, the knife features a 7.125"-long blade with a matte black finish imprinted on both sides with a gold-tone tribute. The rugged handle is made of a tough, hardened rubber wrapped with specially treated leather grips.