Table of Contents
Who led the Battle of Okinawa?
Japan’s 32nd Army, some 130,000 men strong and commanded by Lt. Gen. Mitsuru Ushijima, defended Okinawa.
Who was the US leader in the Battle of Okinawa?
Raymond Spruance would oversee the landings and U.S. ground troops would be commanded by Lieut. Gen. Simon Bolivar Buckner, Jr. The invasion was launched on April 1, 1945, when a contingent of U.S. ground troops landed at Hagushi, on the west coast of central Okinawa.
Who commanded the Japanese at Okinawa?
Mitsuru Ushijima
Mitsuru Ushijima (牛島 満, Ushijima Mitsuru, 31 July 1887 – 22 June 1945) was a Japanese general who served during the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II. He was the commanding general of the 32nd Army, which fought in the Battle of Okinawa during the final stages of the war.
Why did US attack Okinawa?
Possession of Okinawa would give the United States a base large enough for an invasion of the Japanese home islands. With the capture of Okinawa, the Allies prepared for the invasion of Japan, a military operation predicted to be far bloodier than the 1944 Allied invasion of Western Europe.
Where was Battle of Okinawa?
Okinawa Islands
Battle of Okinawa/Location
When did Japan conquer Okinawa?
| Battle of Okinawa | |
|---|---|
| Date 1 April – 22 June 1945 (2 months and 3 weeks) Location Okinawa, Okinawa Prefecture, Ryukyu Islands, Empire of Japan 26°30′N 128°00′E Result Allied victory | |
| Belligerents | |
| Ground forces: United States Naval support: United States United Kingdom Australia New Zealand Canada | Japan |
| Commanders and leaders |
Which was worse Iwo Jima or Okinawa?
Total American casualties at Okinawa during three months of fighting there would be nearly double those suffered at Iwo Jima. About 200,000 Japanese soldiers and civilians would die as well.
Who won Okinawa?
The Allies won the battle and occupied Okinawa. Today, Okinawa is Japanese territory, but there are still American military bases there. The Battle of Okinawa is considered to be the last major battle of World War II. The Americans were planning Operation Downfall, the invasion of the four great islands of Japan.
What happened at Iwo Jima and Okinawa?
On Iwo Jima, Marines achieved a costly victory as they grappled with tenacious Japanese defenders dug into the island’s volcanic terrain. Americans faced even worse on Okinawa, the natural springboard for an invasion of Japan’s home islands.
How many Japanese surrendered at Okinawa?
A group of Japanese captured during the Battle of Okinawa. It has been estimated that between 19,500 and 50,000 Japanese military personnel surrendered to Allied forces prior to the end of the Pacific War in August 1945.
How many Americans died at Okinawa?
Both sides suffered enormous losses in the Battle of Okinawa. The Americans bore over 49,000 casualties including 12,520 killed. General Buckner was killed in action on June 18, just days before the battle ended.
How many US casualties in Okinawa?
Battle of Okinawa Conclusions. The Battle of Okinawa saw heavy casualties on both sides and was a victory for the U.S. forces. Of the U.S. land forces over 7,000 were killed and over 32,000 were wounded. On the sea the U.S. had over 5,000 dead and over 4,500 wounded.
Mitsuru Ushijima (牛島 満, Ushijima Mitsuru, 31 July 1887 – 22 June 1945) was a Japanese general who served during the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II. He was the commanding general of the 32nd Army, which fought in the Battle of Okinawa during the final stages of the war.