Iwo Jima Campaign*
*
USMC vs Japan*
Feb 19 -  March 25, 1945*
5 Battles*
*
Design: Dick Burleigh*
*
This campaign is designed to be different than most other campaigns that you may have played.  While the stand-alone Iwo Jima scenarios issued with SPWW2V4 are often large and complex, the battles within this campaign are intended to be smaller and faster.  Most importantly:  Given the build points and time (turns) that you are allocated for the battles in this campaign you will most likely NOT be able to capture all the V-hexes or destroy all the enemy forces.  Do not be disappointed if your best only achieves a Draw.  This campaign uses the "Build Points Remaining" bonus (See the Game Guide and search for BPR DIV).  You will be rewarded for not spending all of your build/repair points.  Your assignment will always be to do the best that you can with the forces and time that you have.* 
*
Historical background:  Iwo Jima, a volcanic island only 8 square miles in size lies in the North Pacific Ocean approximately 700 miles from Tokyo, Japan.  In early 1945 it was used by Japanese fighter squadrons defending the main islands from bomber attacks by the approaching Allied forces.  Capturing Iwo would put an end to the harrassing fighter attacks and provide a safe haven for damaged US bombers returning from Japan.  Unlike the tropical islands of the South and Central Pacific, Iwo was a desolate, sulfuric wasteland.  It's black sand beaches of volcanic ash and sandstone caves would prove to be unexpected and costly obstacles to the US Marines sent to wrest control of Iwo from the Imperial Japanese.*
*
On February 19, 1945 the Fifth Amphibious Corps (VAC) comprised of 70,000 Marines from the Third, Fourth and Fifth Marine Divisions commenced amphibious operations to take Iwo Jima from approximately 27,000 well dug in Japanese.  The 35 day campaign for the island would prove costly for the Marines.*  
*
You are in command of a reinforced battalion of Marines.  Good luck!*
*
Designer Postscript:  I learned a great deal while assembling this, my first User Campaign.  One of the lessons painfully gained is that no matter how carefully one attempts to balance the battles and build points the final product just won't be right for many players.  It may not be right for most players.  With that thought in mind I strongly encourage all players to get into the Campaign Editor and edit this and other campaigns to their own liking.  Take a look at the simple instructions for the User Campaign Editor in the WinSPww2 Game Guide.  Editing the campaign build and support points, node sequence and final victory conditions is much easier than it looks.  Add a few more battles or replace existing ones with those that you like better.  Most importantly:  Enjoy the game!*