The Battle of Okinawa, one of the most decisive battles in the Pacific theater of World War II, lasted from April 1 through June 22, 1945. Okinawa, the largest island in the Ryukyu Archipelago, was strategically important for the United States as a base for the invasion of Japan.
The battle began with massive air and naval attacks, followed by the landing of American forces on the southwestern coast. The Japanese forces established formidable defenses using fortifications, caves, and tunnels, which slowed the Allied advance. Kamikaze suicide attacks also posed a significant threat. The images provided give a glimpse into the tumultuous and brutal nature of this operation, in which over 100,000 soldiers and civilians lost their lives.
USS Halsey Powell (DD-686) is hit by kamikaze while refueling from USS Hancock (CV-19) off Okinawa, Japan, March 20, 1945.
USS Maryland (BB-46) takes aboard ammunition at Kerama Retto, near Okinawa, March 31, 1945.
OPERATION ICEBERG, APRIL 1945. LCS-15 and LCS-14 move past a Fletcher-class destroyer during landings on Okinawa, April 1, 1945. Seen from USS West Virginia (BB-48).
USS Idaho (BB-42) providing fire support for the 1st Marine Div. Okinawa. April 1, 1945.
USS Lindsey, a Robert H. Smith-class destroyer minelayer, suffered serious damage to her forward hull and superstructure. It was the result of two kamikaze attacks striking the ship off Okinawa on April 12, 1945. The photograph was taken at Kerama Retto anchorage, April 14, 1945.
LVTs lead the assault on Okinawa, 1945.
Japanese Yokosuka MXY7 "Ohka" Model 11 ("Baka" bomb) suicide attack weapon. Guarded by an "MP" at Yontan Airfield, Okinawa. April or May, 1945.
A gun crew aboard USS Randolph (CV-15) operating off Okinawa scan the sky for enemy planes. May 1945.
USS The Sullivans (DD-537) assisting stricken USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) during the invasion of Okinawa.
LSMRs (196,198,199) fire rockets at targets on an island near Okinawa.
Marine F4U fighters are silhouetted against anti-aircraft tracers during a Japanese air raid on Yontan Airfield, Okinawa.
Corsairs of the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 (VMFA-323) of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing in various formations conducting a rocket strike against Japanese positions south of the front lines on Okinawa. The Death Rattlers were commanded by Major George C. Artell Jr. (of Laguna, California).
The USS Aaron Ward (DM-34) lies at anchor soon after six Japanese kamikaze aircraft crashed upon her deck. Okinawa, Japan, May 1945.
After the fighting ended, Okinawa was under Allied control, paving the way for them to advance toward Japan. The victory in Okinawa was a crucial step in the conclusion of the Pacific War and accelerated the end of the conflict.
All photos are courtesy of the U.S. Naval Institute Photo Archive. Looking for more thrilling shots related to naval history? Check the photo archive online here.
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