Battle of Okinawa
Operation Iceberg
American vs Japan
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Americans were officially in the war, and they wanted to be. The Americans were furious about the attack, and wanted to destroy Japanese land. They succeeded. The Japanese goal was to defend their land, while the Americans was to ruin it. The Americans wanted to get to the heart of Japan mentally. Their plan was to invade. 60,000 troops landed on Okinawa with little resistance. They used many tactics. For example, naval fire. The U.S. had naval fire directed on all sides of Okinawa. There was also American aircraft over the island. Meanwhile on land, the Japanese took underground position. This was their defense method. The fight was long, hard, and very bloody. Unfortunately for Japan, it was not enough, and they surrendered on June 22, 1945. As said before, the Americans had a plan and were successful. Some of the long lasting impacts of the battle were that following the war their was definitely hatred between the too. America and Japan continued to disagree, but the Americans do have naval and army bases in Japan, which is a positive impact.
Event Information
The Battle of Okinawa
When?
Friday, Mar 23, 1945, 12:00 AM
Where?
Ryhuku Islands
Generals
Simon Bolivar Buckner was born in Kentucky. He entered the US Military Academy in 1904. Following graduation he remained a lieutenant general. He was promoted to command the 10th army, which led to the attack on the Japanese in the Battle of Okinawa. He was killed in last days of the battle on June 18, 1945.
Mitsuru Ushijima was born in Kagoshima. He graduated from the Imperial Japanese Army Academy in 1908. Mitsuru was sent to Okinawa to command the defense army on the invasion by America. Ushijima committed suicide on June 22, 1945 during the battle.