Battle of Okinawa (World War II) war movies

Battle of Okinawa 1 April 1945

During the "island hopping" operations that were aiming to retake the Pacific islands from Japan, US Marines landed on Okinawa on 1st April 1945. The island had strategic value for Americans in their planning of invasion on the main islands of Japan - although Okinawa was far from Honshu it was close enough and big enough for Americans to establish a strategic bombers base on it.

Japanese were well prepared for the defence with about 75,000 soldiers and 20,000 conscripts determined to stop the invasion at any cost, including kamikaze pilots and other forms of suicidal attacks. Americans created new unit, 10th Army, with over 500,000 soldiers during preparations for Okinawa. Landing forces were 150,000 strong, but Japanese determination in fighting for each bit of the land and the prepared defence lines caused the change of the battle from sudden strike to slow advance that lasted for almost 3 months.

American losses were around 20,000 dead and 50,000 wounded, while Japanese lost almost all people involved (only about 7,000 were captured), but also lost the pride of their navy, superbattleship Yamato sunk by American planes while the colossus was trying to give the fire support to the defenders.

Hacksaw Ridge 2016

Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector on religious grounds, who despite his strong beliefs joins the army, but refuses to take part in war as soldier. While not even carrying a gun he became one of the heroes of Battle of Okinawa and recipient of Medal of Honor.