The Battle of Okinawa

By Brayden Evans
  • Operation iceberg

    Operation iceberg

    The invasion of Okinawa, part of a larger plan to capture the Ryukyu Islands, was codenamed Operation Iceberg.
  • Initial landings

    Initial landings

    The U.S. forces launches an amphibious assault on Okinawa landing about 60,000 troops on the islands beaches.
  • Capture of the Kerama Islands

    Capture of the Kerama Islands

    Prior to the main invasion, U.S. forces secured the Kerama islands. providing a strategic base for naval operations.

  • Air superiority achieved

    The U.S quickly established air superiority over Okinawa, a crucial factor in the battles progress.

  • Fierce battles at Shuri castle

    the battle for Shuri castle became one of the focal points of the conflict, with intense and bloody fighting, U.S. forces faced determined Japanese defenses, leading to significant casualties on both sides

  • Kamikaze Attacks

    The Japanese employed kamikaze tactics extensively. With suicide pilots attacking US ships and causing considerable damage, these desperate measures reflected the fierce determination of Japan in the face of impending defeat.

  • The Use of Artillery and Naval Bombardment

    The US deployed heavy artillery and naval ships for bombardment, softening Japanese defenses. Before ground assaults This overwhelming firepower contributed to eventual breakthrough of U.S. forces.

  • Japanese Withdrawal to the south

    As U.S. troops advanced, Japanese forces strategically fell back to more defensible positions in southern Okinawa. This retreat aimed to prolong resistance, turning the battle into a protracted attrition. Based encounter.

  • Aftermath

    the battle concluded in mid June 1945 with heavy losses on both sides approximately 12,000 Americans in over 100,000 Japanese soldiers were killed