Evening star., 1945-06-02
Okiinuwu
Continued From First Page J

Yonabaru line, was announced in to-
days feet communioue, which re-
ported general advances yesterday
up to 1000 yards.
On the west coast below fallen
Naha, Maj. Gen. Lemuel C. Shep-
herds 9th Marine Division crossed
the Kokuba River yesterday. That
put it in position to cut across q
peninsula containing the largest anc
best enemy airfleld on Okinawa.
Drive Toward Harbor Area.
On the east coast Nal Gen
Archibald " Arnold's 7th Infantry
Division speared south in an ap.
parent drive to cut off Chinen Pc.
ninsula forming the southern arm ot
Nakagusuku Harbor. That major
anchorage, once used by the Jap.
anese feet, thus could be opened
to American warships.
Admiral Chester w. Nimitz's COM
munique today spoke of diminish
ing resistance" and mopping w op-
erations in newly captured areas
behind the lines suggesting strong
ly the acceleration of the drive.
The japanese still offered a stiff
fight in spots. They battled fercely
at Kokuba Village, southeast OF
Naha, as the 9th Marine Division
set up a 1,0O0-yard line along the
Kokuba River.
The enemy put forth his best ef-
fort of the day Yesterday near the
east coast against the 7th Infantry
Division as it scored advances of 40t
to 1000 yarcs into the Southern
Ozato Mura Hills.
Japs Face Hard Choice.
The estimated $4,000 japanese
survivors of a garrison which once
numbered $4,000 were confronted
with hard choice
They could elect to defend both
the Naha Airf1eld on the west coast
and the south shore of vital Naka
gusuku Harbor on the east coast
If they do, they split their forces
against the overwhelming might of
1t. Gen. Simon Bolivar Buckner' S
five divisions
Or they could choose to consoli-
date in hills at the southwestern
corner of Okinawa. If they do, they
must withdraw across relatively fat
country under ground, air and naval
attack.
1t is too early to determine which
choice the enemy will make.
Mr.. Haugland's account of many
enemy troops around the Naha Air
field and today's communique re-
port Of the most stubborn resist
ance" on the east coast below Yona
baru suggest scattered defense.
In Washington, the Navy spokes-
man predicted determined enemy
last stand on the southern tip.
Resistance Diminishing.
japanese resistance was dimin-
lShlng and the character of oppo-
sition met on both flanks was moth
ing like the fight the enemy put up
at ShQri
Bad weather impeded the Amer
lean forces somewhat yesterday
Marine planes parachuted supplies
to forward elements.
One of the most significant
achievements yesterday was the
seizure by Maj. Gen. Pedro del
Valle's 1st Marine Division OF
heights south of Shuri dominating
the open country to the south
Driving ahead for more than mile
the Leathernecks won the Shichina
Hill Mass overlooking the Naha-
Yonabaru east-west highway. This
highway has been cut at both ends
The fall of Shuri. with its 18th
century moated castle, not only per.
mitted the oath Army Corps to re-
organize for new tasks, but also
Strengthened out the American line
where bulge existed after the cap.
ture Of Naha and Yonabaru.
Despite Tokyo radio claims thai
suicide plane attacks would bt
stepped up. Admiral Nimitz was able
to report limited" enemy raids fol-
Thursday during which three planes
were shot down. No mention was
made of any damage to American
shipping.