December 8th, 1941 United States declares war on Japan. Citizens of the United States sit in devastation from the event that had occurred the day before. Many of us, especially adults, remember the pain and fear we felt the day the 9-11 incident happened; for U.S. citizens in 1941 the feeling was very similar. Lives were lost, families were torn apart, and fear arose within the country. The United States was prepared to do what we had to do. The country was apart of many battles during World War II and I am here today to talk to about only one of them.The Battle of Okinawa took place in April 1945. Also know as Operation Iceberg, it was to be one of the major battles of World War II that would help America win the war in the Far East. The battle lasted from April through June 1945. It was the largest land-sea-air battle in history. Unexpectedly it was the last major battle of World War II.The battle took place on Ryukyus islands off the southern tip of Japan. It was important to America to take control of the four airfields that were stationed in Okinawa. This task was difficult for the United States due to the fact we had limited information about Okinawa. There were over 130,000 Japanese troops along with over 450,000 civilians on the island. It had been demanded that Lieutenant- General Ushijima, commander of Japanese troops, keep control of the island no matter what. Ushijima focused on the southern part of the island and positioned his men very carefully. The Japanese had high belief in the kamikazes to create such deaths that we would retreat.
Lieutenant-General Simon Bolivar Buckner was in charge of the American troops in Okinawa. He led 180,000 troops with the help from 300 warships, 1,139 other ships, and 60,000 total military recruits. Americans were slowed by Machinato lines and it was April 24 when we finally broke through; only to be slowed once again by the Shuri line. Although it was rough we kept moving forward.
Kamikazes sunk 21 American warships and came close to destroying 66 other warships. It was June when it became clear that Japanese had lost. July 2nd was the date the Americans officially claimed Okinawa. Both sides of the battle suffered numerous losses. 12,373 American lives were lost while 36,656 were injured. Japanese lost a possible 127,000 lives and 7,400 men were taken prisoner. Americans lost 36 ships and 763 aircrafts while the Japanese lost 16 ships and over 4,000 aircrafts.When I hear the word war I can’t even begin to imagine the pain and work it takes. I will admit I am afraid of war, very afraid. I have so much respect for those who are willing to give their lives for me. The war was a terrible thing, but it has helped our country get to where we are today. I thank those troops who gave so much for this country so that I could have the wonderful life I have. Thank you veterans and God bless America.
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