The Battle of Okinawa

The Americans are swiftly closing on Okinawa an island just south of the Japanese mainland The Imperial command sends top generals and several army divisions to defend it at all costs The mission quickly degenerates as vital resources and troops are diverted to other islands After a civilian evacuation ends in tragedy most of noncombatants are forced to remain on the island Many convert to soldier status Tokyo sends mixed messages that squander time and resources as when they order the defenders to build an airstrip for aircraft that never come The truth soon becomes obvious the high command decides that the island cannot be held and effectively abandons the Okinawan defenders When the Americans land many troops are deployed in the wrong places As the slaughter mounts a suicidal attitude takes hold Okinawa becomes a death trap for civilian volunteers and noncombatants as well