What makes this history of the World War II Pacific theater battle stand out is the carefully-researched, sympathetically-written content from the Japanese and Okinawan perspectives, alongside that of the American troops and sailors who participated. It is an unvarnished look at the horrors of war. You cannot finish the book and retain any notion …
Remarkably Insightful. I knew little of the importance of this battle (other than it was the precursor to what would have been the invasion of the home islands) but the author’s careful and compelling use of three perspectives (United States Military; Japanese Military; and the Okinawan General Population) put a different perspective on the …
Truly a great book and one that should be read by everyone. I lived in that era and had no idea some of this took place or the devastation that the Okinawans suffered.
As a retired military officer I was embarrassed by how little I knew about this horrific battle. I would strongly encourage anyone who is interested in military or American history to read this book. Be prepared to be deeply affected.
It helped me to understand the battle and what faced our troops . My father commanded an M18 Hellcat tank detroyer with the amry’s 96th Deadeye division. The book both informed and confirmed some of the things my father told me about the battle. His story about the May Japanese artillery barrage pin pointed one of the things he told me.
Book had lots of biographical briefs of soldiers and their organizations, but little about the tactics used against the strong defenses they encountered. How did they improve their methods from being slaughtered in crossfires to eventually overcoming the Suri line?
The historian gives a rather complete history of the Battle of Okinawa from the initial planning, order of battle, implementation, and horrific battle for virtually every inch of this 60 mile long and 12 miles wide at it’s widest. I was stationed on Okinawa in the early 60’s and have seen the battle’s evidence even18 years later.
Very informative and exceptionally tragic for all parties involved in this period of history and yet carries over to this day regarding the history of the Okinawa people.Very well researched book.
Excellent graphic history of the Battle of Okinawa that few Americans (and Japanese) have any understanding of what happened. A talented author who put everything into perspective quite vividly and fairly . It particularly portrayed the tragic loss of life, suffering, and confusion placed upon the He indigenous Okinawas who simply wanted to be at …
Comprehensive revelation of Japanese and American perspectives and experiences as background to a detailed account of the battle for control of Okinawa. Well written, authoritative, engaging. I found reading it a rewarding experience.
What makes this history of the World War II Pacific theater battle stand out is the carefully-researched, sympathetically-written content from the Japanese and Okinawan perspectives, alongside that of the American troops and sailors who participated. It is an unvarnished look at the horrors of war. You cannot finish the book and retain any notion …
Remarkably Insightful. I knew little of the importance of this battle (other than it was the precursor to what would have been the invasion of the home islands) but the author’s careful and compelling use of three perspectives (United States Military; Japanese Military; and the Okinawan General Population) put a different perspective on the …
very informative about a period of WW2 that I did not know about.explains a lot about current situation in Japan and Okinawa
an unbelievable story of courage in the face of implacable enemies. For any who don’t know US military history, this should be an essential read
Lot’s of details make it a long read.
Very good book
Truly a great book and one that should be read by everyone. I lived in that era and had no idea some of this took place or the devastation that the Okinawans suffered.
Reading this book will make you glad you were not there. As bad as you imagine warfare to be you will find you badly underestimated its horrors
As a retired military officer I was embarrassed by how little I knew about this horrific battle. I would strongly encourage anyone who is interested in military or American history to read this book. Be prepared to be deeply affected.
Excellent book, good for History Buffs.
The battle for Okinawa was a major point in the pacific war – the account of the sinking of the Yamato alone was worth the read.
It helped me to understand the battle and what faced our troops . My father commanded an M18 Hellcat tank detroyer with the amry’s 96th Deadeye division. The book both informed and confirmed some of the things my father told me about the battle. His story about the May Japanese artillery barrage pin pointed one of the things he told me.
Book had lots of biographical briefs of soldiers and their organizations, but little about the tactics used against the strong defenses they encountered. How did they improve their methods from being slaughtered in crossfires to eventually overcoming the Suri line?
The historian gives a rather complete history of the Battle of Okinawa from the initial planning, order of battle, implementation, and horrific battle for virtually every inch of this 60 mile long and 12 miles wide at it’s widest. I was stationed on Okinawa in the early 60’s and have seen the battle’s evidence even18 years later.
Classic Okinawa Battle well worth reading. Very informative and historical.
Very informative and exceptionally tragic for all parties involved in this period of history and yet carries over to this day regarding the history of the Okinawa people.Very well researched book.
Excellent graphic history of the Battle of Okinawa that few Americans (and Japanese) have any understanding of what happened. A talented author who put everything into perspective quite vividly and fairly . It particularly portrayed the tragic loss of life, suffering, and confusion placed upon the He indigenous Okinawas who simply wanted to be at …
Comprehensive revelation of Japanese and American perspectives and experiences as background to a detailed account of the battle for control of Okinawa. Well written, authoritative, engaging. I found reading it a rewarding experience.
Excellent history, well written.
If your a fan of WWII, this is a good book. If not maybe i’d think about it.