On 23 March 1945, the US Navy unleashed a massive bombardment on the Japanese island of Okinawa, marking the beginning of the largest and bloodiest battle of the Pacific War.
As part of the Allied strategy to secure a foothold near mainland Japan, warships rained shells on the island’s defenses, softening Japanese positions ahead of the full-scale invasion.
The ensuing battle, lasting nearly three months, saw fierce resistance, kamikaze attacks, and devastating casualties on both sides, culminating in one of the war’s deadliest confrontations.
Okinawa’s fall paved the way for the final stages of World War II, bringing the Allies closer to Japan’s surrender.
