Okinawa invasion plan map
The results of Okinawa: “Although the initial American assault units carried with them a
thirty-day supply of rations, ammunition, and equipment, the battle for the Ryukyu Islands lasted considerably longer and was fiercely fought. The price was dear for both sides. American casualties were the highest
for any campaign in the Pacific—49,151, including 12,520 killed or missing, and 36,361 wounded. The Army alone suffered 4,482 killed 93 missing, and 19,099 wounded in addition to another 15,613 nonbattle casualties. Marine Corps and Navy losses were also high. The American fleet lost 36 ships sunk, with another 368 damaged. Taken together, the services lost 763 airplanes. Japanese losses were even more staggering: approximately 110,000 combatants and service troops killed and another 7,400 captured. Since many Okinawan residents fled to caves where they subsequently were entombed the precise number of civilian casualties will probably never be known, but the lowest estimate is 42,000 killed. In all likelihood, somewhere between one-tenth and one-fourth of the civil population perished.”
The numbers from this battle are astounding, and are a warning at the same time. Note that the report says “American casualties were the highest for any campaign in the Pacific...” I think this indicates just how terrible the casualties would have been if the U.S. had actually invaded Japan itself.
American losses were closing on 50,000, although that counts dead, missing and wounded, all three. Japanese losses were 110,000, which only counts the dead. That's a lot of men. Note also that maybe as much as 25% of the civilian population was killed in this battle.
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