Okinawa

Okinawa

Outcomes

Success

Many historians believe that the Atomic bombs were dropped because of the ferocious fighting on Okinawa

The Battle of Okinawa

Because the Japanese were so desperate, they turned to Kamikaze attacks.

After 82 days of fighting, the might of the American military's production and firepower prevailed.

Although the U.S. won the battle, we lost nearly 13,000 men

Okinawa was the bloodiest battle of the Pacific Campaign

183,000 allied forces fought against 120,000 Japanese soldiers

Turning Point

The island is rocky, hilly and muddy

The Japanese knew this was there last stand before an American invasion on the main island of Japan.

"most miserable of all places"

personal accounts

Background photo by t.shigesa