Okinawa

The battle for Okinawa began April 1 with the unopposed landing of the 10th Army on Higashi beach in the southern part of the island. General Simon Buckner, Jr., commanded the U.S. army forces and Gen. Ushijima Mitsuru commanded the Japanese defense. The 3rd Marine Corps landed in the northern part. Japanese kamikazes attack the supporting naval fleet. Marines captured the capital city of Naha by May 24 and Japanese resistance ended during the following 4 weeks. Gen. Joseph Stilwell assumed command of the 10th Army June 23 and proclaimed the end of the campaign July 2.

map from CIA Factbook

Local:

• Defeat of Japan from WWII Timeline
• LSM-87 by Mark R. Kurzinski

Newsreels:

• "Landings On Okinawa," Universal 18-388 newsreel, April 9, 1945.
• "Ernie Pyle Killed by Jap Sniper," Universal 18-391 silent newsreel, April 19, 1945.
• "Navy Smashes Jap Air Raids Off Okinawa," Universal 18-395 newsreel, May 3, 1945
• "Jap Suicide Pilot Dives On Hospital Ship," (U.S.S. Comfort) Universal 18-397 newsreel, May 10, 1945.
• "Iwo Flag To Be Symbol Of 7th Loan," Universal 18-397 newsreel, May 10, 1945.
• "Battle To Death On Okinawa," Universal 18-402 newsreel, May 28, 1945.
• "Destroyer Survives 8 Attacks," (U.S.S. Laffey) Universal 18-403 newsreel, May 31, 1945.
• "Okinawa Mop Up, by Gen. Buckner and 10th Army," Universal 18-412 newsreel, July 2, 1945.
• "Final Days of Struggle in Okinawa," Universal 18-413 newsreel, July 5, 1945.
• "Ryukus Made Springboard for Invasion," Universal 18-417 newsreel, July 19, 1945.
• U.S. Ships Fight Off Jap Planes," (USS Nevada, USS Ticonderoga) Universal 18-420 silent newsreel, July 30, 1945.

Links:

• Okinawa: The American Years, 1945-1972 has chronology and photos
• Japan Update is an Okinawan English-language weekly and The Okinawa Times is a newsweekly
• Okinawa Prefecture's Home Page includes map and photos of U.S. bases

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