The battle for Okinawa began April 1 with the unopposed landing of the 10th Army on Higashi beach in the southern part of the island. General Simon Buckner, Jr., commanded the U.S. army forces and Gen. Ushijima Mitsuru commanded the Japanese defense. The 3rd Marine Corps landed in the northern part.
Japanese kamikazes attack the supporting naval fleet.
Marines captured the capital city of Naha by May 24 and Japanese resistance ended during the following 4 weeks.