From early 1944 until the days leading up to the invasion, Kuribayashi transformed the island into a massive network of bunkers, hidden guns, and 11 mi (18 km) of underground tunnels. The heavy American naval and air bombardment did little but drive the Japanese further underground, making their positions impervious to enemy fire. Their pillboxes and bunkers were all connected so that if one was knocked out, it could be reoccupied again. The network of bunkers and pillboxes greatly favored the defender. COUNT 4
QSN1 How many miles of hidden tunnel were on the island? ANS1 11 QSN2 What were the pillboxes and bunkers connected by? ANS2 underground tunnels QSN3 Who transformed the island into a fortress? ANS3 Kuribayashi QSN4 Who did the network of fortifications on the island favor? ANS4 the defender