Okinawa Campaign

The Okinawa Campaign was a major World War II battle fought from April to June 1945 on Okinawa Island in Japan. It involved intense fighting between Allied forces, mainly the United States, and Japanese defenders. The battle was marked by fierce combat, kamikaze attacks, and heavy casualties on both sides, including civilians. Its strategic importance was due to Okinawa’s proximity to Japan, making it a potential staging area for an invasion of the Japanese mainland. The battle's high cost underscored the brutal nature of the conflict and contributed to the decision to use atomic bombs to hasten Japan's surrender.