Camp Gordon Johnston Special Exhibit: Battle for Okinawa

Starting April 30 and lasting until June 1, the Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum will present a special exhibit on the most violent and costliest campaign of WWII, the battle to take Okinawa. The battle started with the capture of the Kerama Islands by the 77th infantry Division on March 26, 1945, and ended 98 days later on July 2. This effort involved three marine divisions and four infantry divisions making up the Tenth Army, which had its own tactical air force, and was supported by naval and amphibious commands. The battle cost more lives on both sides than any other campaign in the Pacific. The taking of Okinawa provided a base from which Operation Downfall, the invasion of the Japanese mainland, was to be launched. Operation Downfall, of course, was made unnecessary by the surrender of Japan in September of 1945. Included in the exhibit will be historic photos and Marine Corps artifacts.