Battle of Okinawa

We’ve previously delved into the history of Kamikaze pilots. Now, it’s time to take a look at some names and faces.

Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki called for the departure of the United States Armed Forces on the island amid rising anti-American militarization sentiments in the prefecture.

About 222 students and 18 teachers from women’s schools were deployed into a nursing unit to help the wounded Imperial Japanese Army.

In an extraordinary feat of bravery and faith Desmond Doss saved 75 of his fellow soldiers attending to each one individually.

With Veterans Day coming this week, it is a good time to do some relevant reading. If you saw the HBO miniseries “The Pacific” or “The War” the documentary on World War II by Ken Burns, the name Eugene “Sledgehammer” Sledge — will be instantly recognizable. Sledge’s book, With the Old Breed recounts the bloody battles […]

By early 1945, the Japanese Empire was shrinking daily and the war had reached its home shores. Less than three and half years after Pearl Harbor, American industrial might was on full display. And it was never more apparent than during the Battle of Okinawa.  The once-proud Japanese Imperial Navy that Americans feared would threaten […]

Desmond Doss wasn’t the kind of man who would stand out of a crowd as a brave hero but sometimes looks can be deceiving. Doss was a quiet, unassuming conscientious objector who served as a combat medic in World War II. Twice awarded the Bronze Star for valor for risking his life to save wounded […]

During the Pacific Campaign of WWII, Desmond Doss, a U.S. Army Medic in the 307th infantry, 77th Infantry Division single-handedly saved over 50 men during the Battle of Okinawa, a battle that the Japanese dubbed “Rain of Steel” because of the ferocity of fire. And he did it without carrying any weapon to defend himself. […]