3h 39min, apr 1, 1945 y - Battle of Okinawa- April st 1945
Description:
April 1st, 1945- The battle of Okinawa started on Easter Sunday, The US government sent over a hundred thousand men and a specially trained navy fleet. This battle was one of the last battles nearing the end of the war. This was the start of operation iceberg which was the American attempts to invade and control Okinawa and the other Ryukyu Island. The war in Europe was practically at an end, but this was America's last island on their conquest to take down Japan. Japan awaited this attack and did everything to hold down the last island before the mainland is reached. When taking over Kadena and Yotan and the various Ryukyu Island there was no defense waiting for them. Instead when they went to Okinawa 130,000 japanese soldiers ( and some civilians) awaited the American soldiers. When the Americans landed the Japanese were instructed not to shoot and just wait. Afterward Kamikaze suicide pilots drove their planes with bombs, causing terrible damage. The firth navy fleet faced around 700 lost aircrafts, 360 sunk ships, and 4900 men killed or drowned not including the other 4800 wounded. To initiate the island to surrender, General Simon Buckner dropped leaflets from the air. The propaganda in world war two has taught many techniques still used today not only in war and politics but marketing and business. Buckner was later killed in the battle. The allies winning the Okinawa islands so close to Japan and the Japanese were not ready after this battle. Their resources, weapons and soldiers were becoming scarce.
Added to timeline:
World War 2 Timeline- US History 2 CP
By Christopher Smith
Date:
Images:
![]()
