Battle of Okinawa
Okinawa Island and Prefecture, Ryukyu Islands, Japan
What happened
U.S. Army and Marine forces under General Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr., with General Roy Geiger and later Joseph Stilwell, fought the Japanese army of General Mitsuru Ushijima and General Isamu Chō. The United States wanted Okinawa's airfields as a base for invading Japan's home islands. On 1 April 1945 American troops landed almost unopposed, but Japanese forces made a stubborn stand along a defensive line around Shuri, while kamikaze planes attacked American ships offshore. Heavy monsoon rains turned the battlefield to mud, and organised Japanese resistance did not end until late June.
Why it matters
Result: Allied victory. Leaders: Chester W. Nimitz / Tenth Army against 32nd Army / Mitsuru Ushijima. Why it matters: It was the bloodiest battle of the Pacific War, and Okinawa's civilians suffered terribly. It was the last major battle before the start of the atomic age.
What came next
General Buckner was killed by artillery fire on 18 June, shortly before the battle ended. The United States occupied Okinawa after the war.
Did you know?
The Cornerstone of Peace memorial on Okinawa lists the names of everyone who died in the battle, whatever their nationality and whether soldier or civilian.
Timeline
- 1 April 1945U.S. forces land on Okinawa.
- April-May 1945Fierce fighting along the Shuri Line.
- 18 June 1945General Buckner is killed.
- 22 June 1945The battle ends.
- 23 June 1995The Cornerstone of Peace is unveiled.