Operation Iceberg: Battle of Okinawa

The Start of the Invasion

Mar 24, 1945

The US 77th Infantry Division arrive at the Kerama Islands to help them invade Okinawa. The Navy will begin setting up positions. By invading the Kerama Islands, the US military will have a refueling stop close by.

Fighting

Mar 29, 1945

More US forces land at the Kerma Islands to secure it's capture. This was important because the United States could launch planes off these islands.

Fighting

Mar 31, 1945

The United States Military drops around 30,000 explosive projectiles on Okinawa's coastline. This significantly sets back the Japanese defense.

Fighting

Apr 1, 1945

180,000 men of divisions from the Marine Corps and the Army arrive at the coast of Okinawa. This is important because the Japanese are not prepared for this many troops.

Fighting

Apr 6, 1945

A deadly Kamikaze attack destroys 34 US ships in the pacific. This sets the United States back because those ships were used to bring supplies to the troops on the land.

Figting

Apr 6, 1945

The largest Japanese ship built, the IJN Yamato heads to Okinawa. The crew understands that this is a suicide mission because the ship will most likely be destroyed.

Fighting

Apr 7, 1945

380 aircraft are launched towards the IJN Yamato to destroy it. This not only damages Japan's navy because it was the most technological ship created, it dents the Japanese's ego because it was the pride and joy of the military.

fighting

Apr 19, 1945

Japanese defenses are pushed back and lose territory. This puts the Japanese in a tough spot because they are pinned in all directions and the defense is split up into three different fronts. This breaks apart defense and makes it easier for the military forces in Okinawa to take land.

Fighting

Apr 20, 1945

The US military forces capture the Mobobu Peninsula and can now concentrate on the Japanese defense in the Southern part of Okinawa.

Fighting

May 27, 1945

The city of Naha is captured. This is prominent because the only thing left to capture is the Orouku Peninsula.

The End of the Battle

Jun 22, 1945

The battle comes to a close as the Orouku Peninsula is captured. Japanese soldiers commit ritual suicides. Japanese Lieutenant General Mitsuru Ushjima commits ritual suicide with his staff after reporting the loss of Okinawa to his superiors. The US military now has an ideal spot to refuel and give troops supplies for an invasion of Japan.