Battle Of Okinawa
The Largest battle in the Pacific Ocean during World War II
Background Info
The Battle of Okinawa started in April of 1945. It was a battle between the United States and Japan. The goal of the Americans was to destroy what was left of Japan’s merchant fleet and use airstrips in the region to launch bombing raids on Japan’s industrial heartland. The Americans were led by none other than Lieutenant-General Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr. Buckner had a wife named Adele and 3 children. The Japanese were led by Lieutenant- General Ushijima, who has been serving in the Imperial Japan army for 37 years.Because the Japanese believed it was honorable to die in battle, they used kamikazes to attack the Americans. The Americans became accustomed to the attacks and soon became able to defend themselves against these attacks. After 82 days of fierce battle, on July 2, 1945 the Americans secured Okinawa. Over 7,373 Americans died and an additional 32,056 were wounded.The Japanese lost over 107,000 men and an additional 7,400 were captured.
Event Information
Specifics
A lot of the battle took place in Okinawa Japan, and the Pacififc Ocean!
When?
Sunday, Apr 1, 1945, 06:45 PM
Where?
Okinawa, Japan
Timeline
April 1st- Battle of Okinawa Begins!
April 6th- Japanese send 400 kamikaze planes to Okinawa
May 11th- Kamikaze hits the Bunker Hill. Over 300 deaths!
May 13th- Kamikaze hits USS Enterprise
May 24th- U.S takes over capitol of Okinawa
June 2nd- U.S secures Okinawa (end of battle)
Day 1 of Battle of Okinawa
Men on their way to Okinawa Island
USS Bunker Hill after being attacked by Kamikaze
Over 300 men lost their lives!
U.S securing Okinawa
Planted American Flag to Symbolize Victory
Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr. : National Hero
Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr. is the son of former War veteran Simon Bolivar Buckner Sr. He was born July 18, 1886. His father served in the Mexican- American War and the American Civil War. His son followed in his footsteps and was the leader of the fleet that conquered Okinawa, Japan. He had a wife, Adele, and three children. He served in the army for 37 years just like his father. He died June 18,1945 during battle in Okinawa, he was 58 years old.
Sources
Hammel, Eric. "Battle Of Okinawa: Summary, Fact, Pictures and Casualties."Historynet.com. Weider History Group, 12 June 2006. Web. 4 Mar. 2014. <http://www.historynet.com/battle-of-okinawa-operation-iceberg.htm>.
Appleman, Roy E.; James M. Burns; Russell A. Gugeler; John Stevens (2000). Okinawa: the last battle. Washington, D.C.: United States Army Center of Military History. p. 36.
^ Molasky, Michael S.; Rabson, Steve (2000). Southern Exposure: Modern Japanese Literature from Okinawa. University of Hawaii Press. p. 22.ISBN 978-0-8248-2300-9.