Sands Of Iwo Jima (1949) DVD
 
Marine Corps Sergeant John M. Stryker is a tough guy with an even tougher job–turn a platoon of raw recruits into a combat-ready fighting machine. He pushes them mentally and physically to their limits–with discipline, hard work and sometimes with his fists–and they hate him for it, especially Pfc. Conway (John Agar), the son of Stryker’s former CO. Soon Stryker’s lessons and their courage are put to the test in a costly skirmish, but the worst is yet to come in one of World War II’s fiercest battles, the taking of Iwo Jima.
 
Actual combat footage from the famous flag-raising scene on Mt. Suribachi highlights this gripping human drama of heroism and conquest, brought to life by a superb supporting cast and Wayne in one of the finest performances of his career.