On May 29, 1945, Marines took possession of the remaining rubble of Shuri Castle in the battle of Okinawa. Yes, it’s true this seizure belonged to the Tenth Army. However unbeknownst to the men on island, U.S. forces had 24 days left before victory. The Marines could win forgiveness from the U.S. Army in that time, right?
Despite poor operational intelligence, when the U.S. forces landed on island in April of 1945 they met with minimal resistance. Even so, an experienced Japanese Imperial Army patiently awaited the Americans. With over 100,000 Japanese trained soldiers and up to 150,000 local Okinawans in position and seven months preparing, the Japanese could afford to wait. Intent on defending the homeland, they dug into caves with nothing more than hand tools. Everyone knew this small island and its coveted air fields were the remaining hold to keep foreign invaders and occupation out of mainland Japan. The battle of Okinawa ended on June 22, 1945.
Battle-exhausted but successful Marines were slated for the next operation, invading the main island of Japan. However before Marines could land, the Japanese surrendered on September 2, 1945 and with it, the Pacific War was over.
“The Marines who deployed to Okinawa received the benefit of the most thorough and practical advanced training of the war. Well-seasoned division and regimental commanders, anticipating Okinawa’s requirements for cave warfare and combat in the built-up areas, conducted realistic training and rehearsals. The battle produced few surprises. Many of those Marines who survived Okinawa went on to positions of top leadership that influenced the Corps for the next two decades or more” (Alexander). Including two future commandants.
If you enjoyed this brief summary, you may enjoy the full pamphlet.
About this series: The Final Campaign pamphlet was originally published in 1996 as part of the Marines in World War II Commemorative Series. All titles from the series are now in the public domain and available for public access. The written pamphlet (56 pages) includes pictures and maps; a digital version was accessed from Marines.mil. The video (3:01:45) is an audio version read by a Librivox.org volunteer.
The Final Campaign: Marines in the Victory on Okinawa
by Colonel Joseph H. Alexander USMC (Ret)
Facts: During this campaign, famous and loved war correspondent, Ernie Pyle was out on a ride with the Army when they came under enemy machine gun fire. Pyle and the Army officer quickly took cover but Pyle would die in that Okinawan ditch. This loss was six days after the president, FDR died. Marines and Army alike grieved these losses.
During his career, Pyle’s observations led him to write a column that urged soldiers in combat receive combat pay. The Congress passed the Ernie Pyle Bill in May 1944, it authorized combat infantrymen to receive an extra $10 per month.
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