Part IV: Okinawa: Victory
The remnants of Ushijima’s army, now reduced to 30,000 men, only 11,000 of whom were trained infantrymen, desperately dug in along a range of hills six miles south of Shuri. This position, which Ushijima ordered to be held to the death, centered on Kunishi Ridge and two hills named
Part III: Okinawa: Decision at Shuri
One hundred feet below Shuri Castle, in the tunnel that functioned as Ushijima’s headquarters, debate raged over whether to launch an offensive or stay on defense. Ushijima decided to attack with his reserve units in an effort to push back the Americans past Kakazu Ridge. In addition to the
Part II: Okinawa: The Battle Builds
In 1945, 75 years ago, World War II in the Pacific ended with the Battle of Okinawa and the atomic bombing of Japan. These important events, in which Wisconsin service members did their full duty, still impact the world today. From April until August 2020, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum staff
Part I: Okinawa: Genesis of a Battle
In 1945, 75 years ago, World War II in the Pacific ended with the Battle of Okinawa and the atomic bombing of Japan. These important events, in which Wisconsin service members did their full duty, still impact the world today. From April until August 2020, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum staff