\u2666 N

UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET

AND PACIFIC OCEAN AREAS

'7
*:.

2\ Instructors "Rp^w r -nnt

I
__.
J&*&* --T*"-i~-W.IB.WTW*!
Name

PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION

AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE

INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA

3UPPL E MI
NT TO B U I
L ET IN RO. 136 45
Gl&aui&QBttk}Ji ohuigmi. f

CINCPAC-CINCPOA

BULLETIN NO. 137-45

13 JUNE^ 1945

+ *
SEP 27 1945
k <XC~XL&S
GNCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-Jp| Jffc m

MO

Foreword hSlttl 2 1 1985

PROGRESS IVE CONSTRUCT lON AND

.
- ... . ,/
'

o.f . .
"
vi :
CAMOUFLAGE
;
\u0084
;
'\u25a0 , \u25a0

DEFENSE. INSTALLATIONS
ON
IWO JI MA

PRESENTED IN STEREOSCOPIC PAIRS

PREPARED; .I N ;CQJsiaUNCTjON : WITH- 0-2; SECT lON sth- MARINE DlV IS lON

The following photographs of stereo pairs, with descriptions of enemy instal

lations pictured, have been prepared as a supplement to CINCPAC-CINCPOA Bulletin No.
136-45 titled, "Defense Installations on IWO JIMA". The latter publication presents
ground photographs and diagrams of the positions presented in this publication as
well as many others. It is intended that the two publications be studied in con
junction with each other.

Since previous publications have dealt with most of the antiaircraft defenses,
primary consideration has been given to casemated coast defense guns and covered in-
fantry and artillery positions. Each installation is shown in the varying stages of
construction and camouflage which took place from 15 June 1944, ' date of first aerial
photographs, to 19 February 1945, date of invasions/ ;
: ?

Table of Contents
10 cm Dual Mount Shield Guns TA 217 G (H) . ........ 2-3

150 mm Mortar Cave Position TA 216 E (SE) 4-5

2 Gun Battery (One 12 cm, One 14 cm) CD Guns TA 216 G (SE)..... 6-7
2 Gun Battery 15 cm CD Guns TA 216 D 8-9
2 Gun Battery 15 cm CD Guns TA 219 A , . . 10-11
\u25a02 Gun Battery 12 cm Naval Guns (Short) TA 183 X . 12-13
4 Gun Battery 12 cm CD Guns TA 183 14-15
4 Gun Battery 14 cm CD Guns at foot of Suribachi TA 132 K,L .... 16-17
3 Gun Battery 12 cm Howitzers TA 217 A . 18-19
Triple Mount 25 mm AA TA 217 L 20-21
Blockhouse TA 181 C (SW) 22-23
Dummy Covered Artillery Emplacement TA 197 V (SE) 24-25
Blockhouse TA IVB V (SE) .. 26-27
Mortar Positions (150 mm and 81 mm) TA 198 X 28-29
Command Post TA 198 C 30-31
Mater Collection and Storage TA 218 V (NY) . 32-33
Mortar Positions TA 131 J
\u25a0

............. 34-35

Casemated 12 cm (Short) Naval Gun TA 132 R 34-35

Camouflage TA 163 X ............. 34-35

1
"*****festoon'
 f (
-* * '*f
>
\u25a0$ f M.M- i&'M-.&:ffi~M "-si. :i.-^te
PROGRESSIVE ;GONSTRI^gO^ D^SE INSTALLATIONS ON IWQ JjMA.

10 cm DUAL MOUNT SHIELD GUNS

TA 217 G (W)

Orientation sketch for right member of stereogram #3.

Road
\u25a1 Building
Gun positions marked by x, and lettered A, B and D.
CP marked by x, :and lettered Ci i

Stereogram fl.
7
- These l^i, June 1944 pictures show the nature of ;the terrain before
construction began. The whitish, irregular area between C and D
is a typical water collector; the pipe leading to the storage
basin is visible running northerly. .
Stereogram #2
- These. llDecember 1944 pictures show work has begun on the revet
, ments. , B is the farthest along.

Stereogram #3
- These 12 January 1945 photos show something in B, and the spiders
' of the gun mount in D. The' square excavation for the CP is visible
\u25a0

: . 'at 'c. . \u25a0.

\u25a0

. . .
\u25a0\u25a0-\u25a0 \u25a0
\u25a0
\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0 \u25a0
\u25a0 \u25a0

Stereogram #4
- The guns are installed at B and D on these 4 February 1945 photos.
The rectangular object in A is well below ground level in com
parison with B and D. Note the rangefinder just southeast of C.

2
 4

PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND

CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45.
f^OTfl^sGEf
M
|)F DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS G^JlffilmWff
?

**t
ON IWO JIMA.

10 cm DUAL MOUNT SHIELD GUNS

TA 217 G (W)

STEREOGRAM No. 1

15 MAY 1944 ESSEX 52

SCALE 1/4800
010 1 200'

STEREOGRAM No. 2
11 DEC. 1944 VDS-7B
SCALE 1/10,000 N
010 1 200'

STEREOGRAM No. 3
12 JAN. 1945 VDS-218

SCALE 1/5500
0' 200 N

STEREOGRAM NO. 4
4 FEB. 1945 VDS-34C
SCALE 1/4750
010 1 200

N

JICPOA 50531-204 3
PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA
CINCPAr-nwrPOA BULLETIN 137-45.

150 mm MORTAR CAVE POSITION

TA 216 H (SE)

STEREOGRAM NO. 1

2 SEPT. 1944 CVL 30-20(P)

SCALE 1/5250
010 1
'

-*

STEREOGRAM NO. %
12 JAN. 1945 VDS-218
SCALE 1/6500
0 200

STEREOGRAM No. 3
4 FEB. 1945 VDS-34A
SCALE 1/4600

/
N
0 200*

,/ -*
4
 PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND f#Ji> JjJiE J|F C^Hlsf pff>fp.|l|pNS ONJWOJIMA.
CffUP^CtiCipCPOA BULLETIN 137-45. UILif f\ fj|\lIIfT11
150 mm MORTAR CAVE POSITION
TA 216 H (SE)

Orientation sketch for right member of stereogram #3.

=- Road
11 1 111 1 111 Cliff line
Cave entrances Indicated by x, and lettered A, B, C and D.
The entrances were all connected by a series of intricate
passageways that provided cover for the mortars, ammunition
storage, and living quarters.
The mortars fined from the cave entrances.
v

Stereogram #1
- These 2 September 1944 photos show beginnings of cave entrances.
Note the natural vegetation and absence of large piles of spoil.

Stereogram #2
- These 12 January 1945 pictures show an increase in digging activity.

Stereogram
-
#3 These 4 February 1945 photos s,how large increase in spoil. Lack
of camouflage would indicate digging was continuing. Amount of
spoil indicates extensive works.

's

-\

?;

1,

5
 PROGRESSIVE ;CONSTRUCTipN AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA
'i CINCPAC-Ifl
ivnire,,. .--4
r i

2 GUN BATTERY (ONE 12 cm, ONE 14 cm) CD

TA 216 G (SE)

Orientation sketch for right member of stereogram #1.

Road
'""^ /X % c a. Path
?&' Jr I
Jv(/\.,/ "**, S/^
"fe *^ ni1 1 im Cliff
M'lim uiiiiline
line
?^ y >"V.. /
\u25a0' u'uhi\ nC i/o Gun positions Indicated by x, and lettered A and B.
,tf VJ/ n
/>
'"% f C and D were empty on capture.

Stereogram #1
- These 2 September 1944 photos show minor activity in area, at A
in particular.

Stereogram 2
- These 11 December 1944 photos show much work has been done since
stereogram 1. A has been casemated and camouflaged. B, C, and
D appear to be empty.

Stereogram 43
- Shadow definition on these 12 January 1945 photos make A stand out
prominently. B and C have nets stretched over them.

Stereogram #4
- These photos of 4 February 1945 show the gun in B. The tufts of
grass comprising A's camouflage are readily seen. C has a net
stretched over it. D is still empty. Ground reconnaissance re
vealed A to be 140 mm and B to be 120 mm.

v
AyA
6
PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS
ONIW^IMA.

>.
* MS;,J *
12 cm and 14 cm CD GUNS
TA 216 G (SE)

STEREOGRAM NO. 1

2 SEPT. 1944

/
CVL3O-20(P)

SCALE 1/5250

0 200
' N

STEREOGRAM No. 2

11 DEC. 1944 VDS-7B

SCALE 1/10,000

0 200' N

STEREOGRAM No. 3

12 JAN. 1945 VDS-218

SCALE 1/5500 n^^^
0' 200'

STEREOGRAM No. 4

4 FEB. 1945 VDS-34A

SCALE 1/4600

0> 200'
N

i
JICPOA 50531-206 7
 PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA
CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45. QQUHEENTIAT

15 cm CD GUNS
TA 216 D

STEREOGRAM No. 1

4 JUNE 1944 CVI33

N SCALE 1/7100
0' 200'

STEREOGRAM NO. 2

N 2 SEPT. 1944
CVL3O-20(P)

/ 0

SCALE 1/5550
200

STEREOGRAM No. 3
11 DEC. 1944 VDS-7B

BCALE 1/10,000
N 010 1 200'

STEREOGRAM NO. 4

12 JAN. 1945 VDS-218

SCALE 1/5500
N
0 200'

N STEREOGRAM No. 5

/
4 FEB. 1945 VDS-34A
SCALE 1/4600
0' 200

8
PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND^CAMQUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA.
CINCPAC-GNCfOA BULLETIN 137-45jf jJ^#S M||
n

2 GUN BATTERY 1$ cm CD %U!

TA 216 D

'
I vwv^ I Orientation sketch for right member of stereogram #4.
/'VV l-J === =Road
"inn Cliff line
Communicatipn trench (wire)
Gun positions Indicated by x, and lettered A- and B

Stereogram #1
- These 4 July 1944 photos show the excavation for A. Uncamou
flaged spoil is a giveaway to activity in this area.

Stereogram 2 - These 2 September 1944 photos show A has been camouflaged no

-
evidence of casemate. There is a rectangular excavation at B.
The spoil has been camouflaged with small plants and bushes.
Stereogram #3
- These 11 December 1944 photos show the casemates finished and
-camouflaged. Camouflage discipline is good.

Stereogram #4
- This 12 January 1945 photography clearly shows the direction of
fire to be southwestward, covering the 7/est 3each.es Camouflage
has been improved. Shadow definition aids greatly in picking out
the installations. Note the shallow communication trench leading
in from the south.

Stereogram 5 - These 4 February 1945 photos are included to show how easily the
installations might be overlooked based on this one sortie.

* '* ' *" '"

r *lJ i f
r r->

9
 PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND *
CAMOUFLAGI DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA
CINCPAC-ClNCPO^p.ill|37-^5. >\u0084 \u0084

2 GUN BATTERY 15 cm CD GUNS

TA 219 A

Orientation sketch for right member of stereogram #1.

===== Road
A
"Mil.Cliff line

% APP/ Trees

r%
**f NORTH Gun positions indicated by x, and lettered A and B.
/ >\
/ l/t

Stereogram
-

#1 These 15 June 1944 photos show two rectangular excavations. A has

tarp a or net over it. B has a ramp to facilitate spoil removal.

Stereogram #2
- These photos taken 4 July 1944 show the two guns in position. No
attempt at camouflage.

Stereogram #3
- These 2-September 1944 photos show guns in position and well camou
flaged bushes have been planted in the spoil and tied onto the
guns themselves. At this date the guns have no been casemated.

Stereogram #4
- In these 4 February 1945 photos the guns have been completely
casemated and camouflaged. The concrete has been liberally
covered with earth. The field of fire is clearly indicated. The
battery OP is visible between and about 50* behind the guns. Note
the tunnel entrances to the positions. All casemated guns on the
island were connected by shallow communication (wire) trench of
the type coming in from the west in this stereogram.

Stereogram #5
- These pictures taken 9 February 1945 add nothing to stereogram

#4, but are included to compare the amount of detail shown in

photos of about 1/5000 scale and the amount of detail shown in

photos of about 1/10,000 scale.

10
PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA

CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45.

5 I

15 cm CD <HJNS
TA 219 A

STEREOGRAM NO. 1

15 MAY 1944 ESSEX 52 N

SCALE 1/6150
0' 200

STEREOGRAM No. 2

4 JUNE 1944 CVI33 N

SCALE 1/7250
010 1 200

STEREOGRAM No. 3
N
2 SEPT. 1944
CVL3O-20(P)

SCALE 1/4750
010 1 200'
m
'

STEREOGRAM No. 4
4 FEB. 1945 VDS-34C
SCALE 1/4550
0 200

STEREOGRAM No. 5
9 FEB. 1945 VDS-35C
SCALE 1/9550
010 1 200

N

JICPOA 50531-208 11
 PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA.
CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45. CONFIDENTIAL.

12 cm NAVAL GUNS (SHORT)

TA 183 X

STEREOGRAM No. 1
N 15 MAY 1944 ESSEX 52
SCALE 1/5050
0 200

N STEREOGRAM No. 2
2 SEPT. 1944 CVL3O-20(P)

SCALE 1/5400
0
200 \u25a0

STEREOGRAM No. 3
12 JAN. 1945 VDS-21A
\-\ %^^L 4MM||
M^^^^^^h
SCALE 1/4850
N
0' 200'

N STEREOGRAM No. 4

4 FEB. 1945 VDS-348

SCALE 1/4800
0
200
'

m3
11 \u25a0*

STEREOGRAM No. 5
N
9 FEB. 1945 VDS-358

12
PROGRESSIVE
CONSTRU^R^ A^buFLjS(i |)cSnSE
AND^I " (
INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA.
CIN?PAG-#lb|gPOA BwfofWsl ijyi t W-45s fJ J f|HBHBH|

2 GUN BATTERY 12 cm NAVAL GUNS (SHORT)

TA 183 X

*%//\u25a0 >/ I Orientation sketch for right member of stereogram #1.

north i
iiiithi Cliff line

4 **-A Gun positions indicated by x, and lettered A and B.

&, \
Stereogram #1
- These photos taken 15 June 1944 show little activity at the gun
sites.

Stereogram #2
- Thesephotos taken Z September 1944 show much activity at A and
B. Brush has been cleared. There is possibly a gun at A.

Stereogram #3
- In these 12 January 1945 pictures both casemates have been com
pleted and well camouflaged. B is much easier to pick out than
A using stereogram #3 above, but by comparing #3 with #2 both are
readily discernible.

Stereogram #4 -In these 4 February 1945 photos, B is readily seen. Its flreport
stands out prominently. Due to the quality of the prints, Ais
hard to distinguish.

Stereogram #5
- Both A and B are easily seen on these 9 February 1945 photos.
Note the amount of vegetation that has been cleared from the
plateau between #1 and #5.

13
 is iJ ~'
*PROGRESS^ terffT|UCTION
CINCPAC-ClNCPoMlliHfii
AND
'
CAMOK
.{.
s j
OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA

~M

4 GUN BATTERY 12 cm CD GUNS

TA 183 W

Orientation sketch for right member of stereogram #1.

V
APR,
"/NORTH = Road
:=: y

w /n '""nil cliff,line
d
House
Gun positions indicated by x, and lettered A, B, C and D.

3tereogram #1
- These photos taken 15 June 1944 clearly show activity at B, C
and Din the form of circular excavations. A does not show much
activity.

Stereogram #2
- These photos taken 2 September 1944 show much improvement in
camouflage. There are no casemates built at this time.

Stereogram #5
- These photos taken 12 January 1945 clearly show well camouflaged
casemates in all four locations. A, B and G are easily discernible.
D can readily be verified by comparing stereogram #3 with stereo
gram #1. Stereogram #1 shows location Das a hole in the cliff;
stereogram #3 shows it filled in.

Stereogram #4
- These photos taken 4 February 1945 show all four casemates
clearly.

Stereogram #5
- These photos taken at 20,000 feet on 9 February 1945 show all
four casemates clearly.

Progress in camouflage discipline as shown in this stereo setup is character

istic of the whole island. Note how the houses have been toned down. Note how the
water catch basin 50 feet west of B has been camouflaged with brush and stones to
break up the outline of the cement drainage area. .

14
 CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45. fcQNRDENTIAC

12 cm CD GUNS
TA 183 W

STEREOGRAM NO. 1

15 MAT 1944 ESSEX 52

SCALE 1/5050 N
0 200
'

STEREOGRAM No. 2

2 SEPT. 1944 CVL3O-20(P)

N
SCALE. 1/5400
0 200 1
/
STEREOGRAM No. 3
12 JAN. 1945 VDS-21A
SCALE 1/4850
0' 200 1

STEREOGRAM NO. 4
4 FEB. 1945 VDS-348

SCALE 1/4800
0 200'

STEREOGRAM N0. .5
9 FEB. 1945 VDS-358
SCALE 1/9600
0 200 1 N

15
 PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA.
CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45.

14 cm CD GUNS
TA 132 X, L

STEREOGRAM NO. 1
24 MAY 1944 ESSEX 52
SCALE 1/5950
0' 200'

STEREOGRAM No. 2
4 JUNE 1944 CVI33

SCALE 1/7250
010 1 200'

STEREOGRAM NO. 3

SEPT. 1944 VD4-87A

SCALE 1/10,000
0' 200'

STEREOGRAM No. 4

JAN. 1945 VDS-218

SCALE 1/5450
N
0
' 200

STEREOGRAM No. 5
FEB. 1945 VDS-34D

S.CALE 1/4650
0 200'

STEREOGRAM No. 6
3 FEB. 1945

28PR5MC21-1
ALT. 100 FT.

' .
16 * \ :iS
\u25a0
PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE J^gALLATIONS ON IWQ JIMA.
CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45. r
If
4 GUN BATTEHY US tm CD GUNS AT FOOT OF SURBACPII YAMA
TA 132 X, L

Orientation sketch for right member of stereogram #1.

=- Road

Trees

iiiiiiiiiCliff

Gun positions indicated by x, and lettered A, B, C and D.

Stereogram #1
- These photos taken 15 June 1944 show four clearings in the trees.
Ground location would provide good coverage of approaches to East
and West Beaches.

Stereogram #2
- Photos -
taken 4 July 1944 show that work is progressing in the
four clearings they are enlarged spoil has been removed.

Stereogram #3
- Photos taken 1 September 1944 show concrete, uncamouflaged case
mates in gun positions A and B, and a gun on concrete pedestal in
gun position C. Position D is awaiting its gun.

Stereogram ,/4
- These photos taken 12 January 1945 show all four positions com
pleted. Dirt covers the concrete. The natural camouflage is
particularly effective in these photo 3taken during bright sun
light. Possible AW weapons are noted on B, C and D.

Stereogram 5
- These .excellent photos taken 4 February 1945 clearly show the
nature of the positions. Dirt has been mounded up over the con
crete, vegetation planted on it. The fire ports and directions
of fire are clearly visible. Each emplacement definitely has
an AW on top of it. Ground reconnaissance showed the AW to be
25 mm dual mount. Photos taken under a 14,000* overcast.

Stereogram #6
- These 3 February 1945 obliques show how effectively camouflaged
C and D are, Note the twin fire slits on the rocky outcrop above
and to the west of D.

f
* s
r^K fcHAiSt

17
 PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA.
fINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45.

3 GUN BATTERY 12 cm HOWITZERS

TA 217 A

| Orientation sketch for right member of stereogram #3.

Road
Trail
uiuijr Cliff

B
/" '7
C
i
J
"-

Gun
Trench
positions are shown by x, and lettered A, B and C.
APP. NORTH

Stereogram //I
- These 2 September 1944 pictures are included to show the nature of
the terrain and the absence of installations.

Stereogram #2
- These 11 December 1944 photos clearly show a short section of trench.
Due to poor fields of fire offered by the terrain, suspicion is
aroused as to the use of the trench.

Stereogram
- By carefully comparing these 4 February 1945 pictures with stereogram
jfl, it is obvious that installations have gone in at A, B, and C.
For instance, C shows in 1 as open ground; in $2 there is a mound
reached by the communications trench.

18
CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45.

12 cm HOWITZERS
TA 217 A

STEREOGRAM No. 1

2 SEPT. 1944

CVL3O-20(P)

SCALE 1/5450
010 1 200'

STEREOGRAM NO. 2

11 DEC. 1944 VDS-7B

SCALE 1/10,000

0' 200'

STEREOGRAM No. 3

4 FEB. 1945 VDS-34A

SCALE 1/4600

0
' 200

-X

JICPOA 50531-212
19
 PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA
CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45.

4
TRIPLE MOUNT 25 mm AA
TA 217 L

STEREOGRAM NO. 1

11 DEC. 1944 VDS-7B

SCALE 1/10,000
0 200'
N

STEREOGRAM NO. 2

12 JAN. 1945 VDS-218

SCALE 1/5500
0 200'

STEREOGRAM No. 3
4 FEB. 1945 VDS-34C

SCALE 1/4750
0 200*
N

20
 PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA.

4tfHHHHHI
't,

CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45.

fi
Mtji *f /
\

"v
v /
\u25a0H mm. AA
%is& m '
\u25a0y If ,
>
.^
| Orientation sketch for rignt member of stereogram #3.

* * * LJ
X
Truck, revetment
25 mm single mount
25 mm triple mount
*
APR NORTH

-J

The three stereograms offer a comparison between single and triple mounts at
various scales and light conditions. It is probable that the triple mount was
salvaged from one of the beached Jap LSTs on the ifiast Beach.

21
 PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO J!MA.
i^NiPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45. \u25a0\u25a0\u25a0MM*
*&m
1lfa* m 1
\

PfcWKHOtJSB-
TA 181 C (SW)

Stereogram #1
- These 2 September 1944 photos show the nature of the terrain.
Note the hasty trench system.

Stereogram 2
- These 18 November 1944 obliques show a large mount of excavated
earth at A.

Stereogram #3
- These 11 December 1944 photos show A near completion. There are

a47mm
-
two fire ports firing north. The westernmost port accommodated
the easternmost a 7.7 am MG, Note the excavation at
B with concrete base already poured.

Stereogram 4
- These 12 January 1945 photos show A completed. Note the OP on
top of the 7.7 MJ Position of the blockhouse. The large pile
of sand to seaward would have provided much protection from direct
hits by NGF. B's walls are being built as evidenced by the forms
in these pictures. Note the pillbox between A and B firing west.

Stereogram #5
- These 3 February 1945 obliques clearly show A and B finished with
two pillboxes in betv/een.

Stereogram #6
- These 4 February 1945 photos merely present a complimentary ver
tical shot of stereogram #5.

j , uK if^ (^> n lT *
{} !

22 /
 PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ONJ^OJIM^
CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45. -^CONFIDENTIAL.

STEREOGRAM No. 1
2 SEPT. 1944
CVL3O-20(P)
SCALE 1/5900
0' 200
'

STEREOGRAM NO. 2

18 NOV. 1944 28PR4MC171-2

ALT. 50 FT.
-
i I'
- f

STEREOGRAM NO. 3

\
11 DEC. 1944 VDS-7A
SCALE 1/10,000
0' 200' N

STEREOGRAM NO. 4
12 JAN. 1945 VDS-218

SCALE 1/6000
0' 200'

STEREOGRAM No. 5

3 FEB. 1945
28PR5MC21-6
ALT. 50 FT.

STEREOGRAM No. 6

4 FEB. 1945 VDS-34C

SCALE 1/4950
0 200
' s.
N

JICPOA 50531-214 23
PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWOJIMA.

CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45. CONFIDENTIAL.

DUMMY COVERED ARTILLERY EMPLACEMENT

TA 197 V (SE)

STEREOGRAM No. 1

12 JAN. 1945 VDS-218

SCALE 1/6000
0' 200'

STEREOGRAM No. 2

3 FEB. 1945
28PR5MC21-6
ALT. 50 FT.

STEREOGRAM No. 3

4 FEB. 1945 VDS-34C

SCALE 1/4950
0 200*

24
PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS Ohnjj^JM^
,CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45.

lla.i^j EL m 0% H t^ll$ff*S%
DUMMY COVERED ARTILLERY EMFIJ&EBOTT *\ P\u25a0%l F|
TA 197 T (SE)

Orientation sketch for right member of stereogram #1.

Road
A*-"S^ Trenches
'
z
artillery emplacement indicated by
_ APP.
.-'
.'\u25a0*
i Dummy covered
and letter
letter A. dummy pillboxes
Two dummy pillboxes at B and C.

NORTH.
"
C

Stereogram
-

#1 These photos of 12 January 1945 show the trenches to be shallow

affairs. Two dummy pillboxes, just mounds of sand with boxes
for fireports, are shown at B and C. A has not been constructed
yet.

Stereogram $2
-
These 3 February 1945 obliques clearly show the flimsy nature of
A. B is clearly discernible as a pile of sand.

Stereogram #3
-
These 4 February 1945 photos show that the sand covering A had been
scooped up from near the walls. The trenches are mere traces, due
to the fact they were hastily dug in mid-1944 and to the desert-
like drifting qualities of the sand. At the time of landing, these
installations would serve only as decoys.

PR

25
 lltl* Bra 1""7
M?
*
. ?,;al

PROGRESSIVE CONSTRU||jq^ CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA.

f CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45.

BLOCKHOUSE
198 V (SE)

Orientation sketch for right member of stereogram #2.

_APP.
Blockhouse indicated by 0 ; flrelanes designated as
one and two.

-. NORTH
The period of blockhouse construction on the island was
covered photographically by small scale, non-stereo,
bombing run photos. The first good stereo coverage
FIRELANE/
ONE
'\^ \
FIRELANE
this blockhouse was the sortie from which stereogram
was taken.
,of
#1
TWO

Stereogram #1
- These11 December 1944 photos show the blockhouse nearlng

_ completion. The fields of fire cut in the earth are a dead

giveaway.

Stereogram #2
- Camouflage has been improved in this 12 January 1945 coverage.

Stereogram
-
#3 These 3 February 1945 obliques are looking up firelane two. Note
the small trees attempting to camouflage the broad firelane.
Note low wire and pillboxes in foreground.

26
PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE ON IWO JIMA.
CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45. M CONFIDENTIAL.
-
\u25a0

'\
i ri
T

BLOCKHOUSE -i
7
198 V (SE)

27
PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA.

CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45. CONFIDENTIAL.

CONFIDENTIAL.

MORTAR POSITIONS (150 mm and 81 mm)

STEREOGRAM No. 1

11 DEC. 1944 VDS-7A

N
SCALE 1/10,000

0 200'

STEREOGRAM No. 2

12 JAN. 1945 VDS-218

SCALE 1/6000
0
200
'

STEREOGRAM No. 3

4 FEB. 1945 VDS-34C

SCALE 1/4950

010 1 200

28
 CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA
*PROGRESSIVE
CINCPAC;CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45. CONFIDENTIAL

** "**
MORTAR POSITIONS (150 mm *afn<t 81 M)' \ '?
TA 198 X

// Orientation sketch for right member of stereogram #3.

Road
n* O Finished 150 mm mortar positions
II D
II % D Excavations for 150 mm mortar positions
APR **- Q X 81 mm mortar positions

*
NORTH o

Stereogram #1
- Photos taken 11 December 1944 reveal no activity.
military

Stereogram
-
-#2 These 12 January 1945 photos show a road into the area, and three
rectangular excavations. The two southern excavations show possi
ble concrete construction begun.

Stereogram #3
- Photostaken 4 February 1945 show high angle ports of two completed
150 mmemplacements, distinguishing them from covered artillery
emplacements. No 150 mm mortars were found in these installations.
The 81 mm mortar emplacements have nets with a hole cut in them to
allow the shell to pass. Since 81 mm mortars in these open emplace
ments were not moved into the finished 150s, it is assumed the
latter were intended for a weapon larger than an 81 mm.

29
 PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA.
CINCPAC-CINCPQA p-IJMMM5 -g% \u25a0; 7\ "**"J| I"f%

ifhWlal COMMAND POST

TA 196 C

\ ~~~) Orientation sketch for right member of stereogram #1.

* Road

\
\ NORTH N x.

>
APR\
L_ J
CP location Indicated by

High altitude, small scale, non-stereo pictures disclosed the beginnings of

this installation as a large excavation. Sven without stereo it was evident that
much concrete was poured. In Stereograms #2 and #4* the narrow gauge railroad with
pushcar used to cover the concrete is evident. Note the four entrances.

Sis

30
PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS

CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45. CONFIDENTIAL.

COMMAND POST
TA 198 C %
* 3 .*

STEREOGRAM No. 1 \u25a0

11 DEC. 1944 VDS-7A
SCALE 1/10*000
010 1 200" N

STEREOGRAM NO. 2
12 JAN. 1945 VDS-218
SCALE 1/6000
010 1 200'

STEREOGRAM No. 3
V
3 FEB. 1945
28PR5MC21-6
H N
ALT. 50 FT.

STEREOGRAM NO. 4

4 FEB. 1945 VDS-34C

SCALE 1/4950
010 1 200
'
N

JICPOA 50531-218 31
PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWOJIMA
CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45 m-MiiVi

WATER COLLECTION AND STORAGE

TA 218 V (NW)

STEREOGRAM No. 1
15 May 1944

ESSEX 52
SCALE 1/4750
0' 200'

STEREOGRAM No. 2
2 SEPT. 1944
CVL3O-20(P)
SCALE 1/5000
0 200

STEREOGRAM No. 3
4 FEB. 1945 VDS-34C
SCALE 1/4650
0 200 1

32
PROGRESSIVECONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA.
'
&NCPAOCINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45. **\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0

WATER COLLECTION AND STORAGE

TA 218 V (NW)

Orientation sketch for right member of stereogram fl

Stereogram tf-1
- These15 June 1944 photos clearly show the nature of the device.
A small knoll has been cleared off, slope established towards the
east, with a catch basin at the foot. The white appearance is due
to the half inch layer of concrete over the water shed area.

Stereogram jj-2
- These 2 September 1944 photos show the installations to be camou
flaged with brush and stones. Between 15 June and 2 September all
buildings and water sheds were toned down in this manner. These
camouflaged water sheds were often confused with camouflaged nets.

Stereogram #3
- These 4 February 1945 photos reveal a direct bomb hit on the in
stallation.

xr-\.

33
 PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA.
CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45. WKHKKMMKK&
*
MORTAR POSITIONS
TA 131 J

Positions referred to are the six clover leaf affairs arranged in a slight are.
The installations were so destroyed by naval gunfire and artillery that it was hard
to positively identify them. 150 mm mortar ammunition was nearby.

CASEMATSD 12 cm (SHORT) NAVAL GUN

TA 132 R

This casemated 12 cm (short) naval gun, Indicated on the map as a covered

artillery emplacement, is shown in the center of Stereogram #1. Camouflage con
sists of heaping beach stones up over the concrete. Stereogram #2 gives a "down
the-throat" view of the installation. Note the effectiveness of the cover over
the fire port. The caves seen in the background are a few of those honeycombing
Suribachl.

CAMOUFLAGE
TA 163 X

This oblique stereopair shows a covered artillery emplacement camouflaged with

grass tufts. Actually the regularity of the grass tufts makes the installation more
conspicuous. The field of fire cut in the bank is a dead giveaway.

34
PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA.
CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45.

MORTAR POSITIONS
TA 131 J

STEREOGRAM No. 1

4 FEB. 1945 VDS-34D

SCALE 1/4650

0 200'
N

CASEMATED 12 cm (SHORT) NAVAL GUN

TA 132 R

STEREOGRAM No. 1
4 FEB. 1945 VDS-34D L*i|
SCALE 1/4650 i
0' 200
N

STEREOGRAM No. 2

3 FEB. 1945 28PR5MC21-1

N
ALT. 100 FT.

\u25a0H
CAMOUFLAGE
TA 163 I

STEREOGRAM NO. 1

18 NOV. 1944 28PR4MC171-2

ALT. 50 FT.

>

35
PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND CAMOUFLAGE OF DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS ON IWO JIMA.

CINCPAC-CINCPOA BULLETIN 137-45.

"'' ""$ '"'Jsw' I*i. til !, "..,'.'
"\u25a0'
' "
H:1 ' SSS gJIJ'

UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET

AND PACIFIC OCEAN AREAS
MCH/md HEADQUARTERS OF. THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF
CONFIDENTIAL

13 June 1945
-
Serial DIS-131300
From: Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas.
To: Distribution List.
Subj ect CINCPAC-CINCPOA Bulletin No. 137-45.
Progressive Construction and Camouflage of Defense Installations
on IWO JIMA.
Enclosure (A) Subject publication.
1. Enclosure (A), forwarded herewith, need not be reported and when no
longer of value should be destroyed. No report of destruction is necessary.

1
By direction.
DISTRIBUTION LIST
Copies ARMY Copies NAVY
1 ComG-enAAF War Dept 2 OinCANIS NYC
1 ComGenAGF War Dept 1 CNAOpTra Jacksonville Fla
2 MlSRead ingPanel War Dept 2 CNO
2 ChiefPACMIRS Camp Ritchie Md 2 ComdtNavWarCol Newport RI
2 CO CPICAirComSEA New Delhi India 2 CO NACIS NAS Quonset Pt RI
1 ComGenUSAFCTO APO 879 NY 5 OinCPICNYd Wash DC
1 ComGenUthAF APO 627 NY 2 CD SSFIC
3 ComGenAAFPOA APO 953 1 OinCAICCinCPOAAdvHq
2 ComGenTEN APO 357 2 OinCAICNorPac
1 ComGenTAFTEN APO 357 1 ComPhibsPac
2 ComGenGHQSWPA APO 500 5 OinOearEchComPhibsPac
2 CO AldGeogSec APO 500 c/o AdComPhibsPac
3 ComGenFEAF APO 925 1 Com3rdPhibFor, c/o AdComPhibsPac
2 SIORAAFComAIdAFSWPA APO 923 1 ComfpthPhibFor
1 Com7thPhibFor
MARINE CORPS 1 ea ComPhibGrp
9 ComGenFMFPac 3 CO InterponONE Navy 3256
1 ComdtMarCorps 3 CO InterponTWO FPO SF
3 ComGenlllPhibCorps
3 ComGenVPhibCorps BRITISH PACIFIC FLEET
2 ComGenMarCorpsSchs
5 ea ComGenMarDiv 1 COIS BPF
2 ComGenTraComFMF Lejeune 1 COIS EIS
2 ComGenTraComFMF Pendleton

' *
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M' A \\ l
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