Tadamichi Kuribayashi

“All officers of Chichi Jima, goodbye from Iwo”

“We are still fighting", Kuribayashi radioed on March 22. "The strength under my command is now about four hundred. Tanks are attacking us. The enemy suggested we surrender through loudspeaker, but our officers and men just laughed and paid no attention.”

“Do not plan for my return...”

“The US is the last country in the world we should fight.”

“The battle is approaching its end. Since the enemy’s landing, even the gods would weep at the bravery of the officers and men under my command. … [My] men died one by one, and I regret very much that I have allowed the enemy to occupy a piece of Japanese territory.”