Which quote did Admiral Nimitz say about Marines at Iwo Jima?

• A. Semper Fidelis
• B. Retreat, Hell! We're attacking in a different direction
• C. First to fight
• D. Uncommon valor was a common virtue

Answer: (D)

This question hinges on recognizing a famous line that captures how leaders described the extraordinary courage of Marines during the Iwo Jima battle. The best-known attribution is that Admiral Nimitz said that “uncommon valor was a common virtue.” It expresses the idea that what was exceptional in others was the everyday standard among Marines on Iwo Jima—their courage stood out as extraordinary, yet it was what they consistently brought to the fight.

The other options reflect well-known Marine ethos or memorable phrases, but they aren’t the Nimitz remark tied to Iwo Jima. Semper Fidelis is the Marine Corps motto, not a specific comment about Iwo Jima from Nimitz. The line about retreat and changing direction is attributed to different moments and leaders, and “First to fight” is a slogan tied to Marine identity rather than a particular Nimitz quote about that battle.

So the quote about uncommon valor succinctly and powerfully conveys Nimitz’s praise for the Marines at Iwo Jima.