Foreword
The Okinawa Operation was in many ways the most difficult of the Pacific War. Conceived, launched, and supported at long range, it required meticulous detail in both planning and execution. Bad weather, defenses which employed the rugged terrain with great skill and cunning, and a well-trained, resolute defense force combined to give the enemy an advantage that was overcome only by courage, ingenuity, and endurance of the highest order.
As Commanding General of the Sixth Marine Division, I was privileged to take part in this operation. I saw the many obstacles that had to be overcome, and was impressed each day with the great qualities of those who overcame them. This excellent account of that bitter struggle recalls those stirring days and testifies to the military virtues of the American people. It is a vital chapter in the history of our nation.
LEMUEL C. SHEPHERD, Jr.,
GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS,
COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS.
Preface
OKINAWA: VICTORY IN THE PACIFIC is the fifteenth in a series of operational monographs prepared by the Historical Branch, G-3 Division, Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps, designed to give the military student and casual reader an accurate and detailed account of the operations in which Marines participated during World War II. These monographs are now being integrated into a final Operational History of the Marine Corps in World War II.
With Marines fighting directly beside Army units as a major component of the Tenth Army, Army activities are treated herein with sufficient detail to reflect the Marines’ contribution to the overall mission.
Many officers and men who participated in this campaign have contributed to the preparation of this monograph by generously answering specific inquiries, commenting on preliminary drafts, or submitting to interview. Grateful acknowledgment is made herewith. Additionally, appreciation is extended to Lieutenant Colonel Philips D. Carlton and Lieutenant Colonel James R. Stockman, who prepared tentative histories of the Marine divisions at Okinawa which were distributed to key participants shortly after the war. The circulation of these accounts, dealing principally with small unit actions, elicited most helpful comment. Special recognition is extended to the Office of Naval History, Naval Records and Library, and Office of the Chief of Military History, Department of the Army–in particular Dr. Philip A. Crowl of the Pacific Section. Maps included herein were prepared by the Reproduction Section, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Virginia. Official Marine Corps photographs have been used to illustrate this monograph unless otherwise noted.
T. A. WORNHAM
BRIGADIER GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS
ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, G-3