In the final harrowing stages of the **Pacific War** during **World War II**, a formidable and unique command known as the **Tenth United States Army** was established. This powerful cross-branch force was the very last army-level command created by the U.S. during the conflict, integrating both **U.S. Army** and **U.S. Marine Corps** divisions to tackle some of the war's most brutal challenges. Its primary, and ultimately defining, mission would be the brutal and strategically crucial campaign for the island of Okinawa.

The Tenth United States Army: A Unified Force for a Pivotal Battle

Conceived for the intense fighting ahead, the **Tenth United States Army** stood apart due to its groundbreaking composition. It brought together seasoned units from both the **U.S. Army** – specifically the 7th, 27th, 77th, and 96th Infantry Divisions – and the elite **U.S. Marine Corps**, comprising the 1st, 2nd, and 6th Marine Divisions. This unprecedented unified command was not just a ground force; it boasted its own Tactical Air Force, a joint Army-Marine command, and received crucial support from combined naval and amphibious assets. Facing this Allied might on the ground was the tenacious **Imperial Japanese Army's** Thirty-Second Army, prepared for a desperate defense of Okinawa, a key stronghold.

The Battle of Okinawa: Operation Iceberg Unfolds

The **Battle of Okinawa**, codenamed **Operation Iceberg**, commenced on April 1, 1945, marking the largest **amphibious assault** ever seen in the **Pacific Theater** of **World War II**. This massive undertaking saw **United States Army (USA)** and **United States Marine Corps (USMC)** forces storming the shores of Okinawa to confront the entrenched **Imperial Japanese Army (IJA)**. Preceding the main invasion, the smaller Kerama Islands surrounding Okinawa were strategically secured by the 77th Infantry Division on March 26, effectively setting the stage. What followed was an agonizing 82-day struggle, lasting from April 1 until June 22, 1945, a testament to the ferocity of the fighting and the resolve of both sides. After a grueling campaign of **island hopping**, the Allies had their sights set on Okinawa, intending to use its significant **Kadena Air Base** and other facilities as a critical staging ground for **Operation Downfall**, the planned, albeit ultimately unnecessary, invasion of the **Japanese home islands**, located a mere 340 miles (550 km) away.

A "Typhoon of Steel": The Brutality of the Fighting

The sheer intensity of the **Battle of Okinawa** earned it chilling nicknames: "typhoon of steel" in English, and tetsu no ame ("rain of steel") or tetsu no bōfū ("violent wind of steel") in Japanese. These monikers vividly captured the horrific nature of the conflict, characterized by the relentless ferocity of the ground combat, the ceaseless and devastating **Japanese kamikaze attacks** launched from the air and sea, and the overwhelming numbers of Allied ships and armored vehicles brought to bear on the island. It was undeniably the bloodiest battle of the entire **Pacific War**.

Devastating Casualties and Lasting Impact

The human cost of the **Battle of Okinawa** was staggering. Combined military **casualties** reached approximately 160,000, with at least 50,000 Allied personnel lost and a horrifying 84,166 to 117,000 Japanese soldiers killed, a figure that tragically included conscripted Okinawans forced into Japanese uniforms. Beyond the military, the impact on the local populace was catastrophic; local authorities reported that at least 149,425 Okinawan people were killed, died by suicide, or went missing – a devastating toll representing roughly half of the island's estimated pre-war population of 300,000. Naval operations surrounding the battle also saw significant losses for both sides, including the iconic Japanese battleship Yamato. Following the battle's conclusion, Okinawa provided a vital fleet anchorage, crucial troop staging areas, and essential airfields in close proximity to Japan, solidifying its role as a pivotal hub for U.S. forces in preparation for the planned invasion of the **Japanese home islands**.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Battle of Okinawa

Who formed the Tenth United States Army?

The Tenth United States Army was a unique, cross-branch military command established during the latter stages of the Pacific War. It consisted of both U.S. Army (7th, 27th, 77th, and 96th Infantry Divisions) and U.S. Marine Corps (1st, 2nd, and 6th Marine Divisions) units, making it the only such combined army-level force in the conflict.

What was the Battle of Okinawa?

The Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg, was a major battle of the Pacific War fought between U.S. forces and the Imperial Japanese Army on the island of Okinawa. It was the largest amphibious assault in the **Pacific Theater** of World War II and one of the war's bloodiest engagements.

When did the Battle of Okinawa take place?

The battle lasted for 82 days, from April 1, 1945, to June 22, 1945.

Why was Okinawa strategically important during WWII?

Okinawa was strategically vital because its capture provided the Allies with a crucial staging ground, including airfields like **Kadena Air Base**, for the anticipated invasion of the **Japanese home islands** (Operation Downfall). It also offered a critical fleet anchorage and troop staging areas in close proximity to Japan.

What was the "typhoon of steel"?

"Typhoon of steel" is an English nickname for the Battle of Okinawa, reflecting the extreme ferocity of the fighting, the intensity of Japanese kamikaze attacks, and the sheer volume of Allied firepower, including ships and armored vehicles, used in the assault. In Japanese, it was known as tetsu no ame ("rain of steel") or tetsu no bōfū ("violent wind of steel").

What were the casualties of the Battle of Okinawa?

The battle resulted in approximately 160,000 military **casualties** combined. This included at least 50,000 Allied military personnel and between 84,166 to 117,000 Japanese military personnel, which tragically included drafted Okinawans. Additionally, around 149,425 Okinawan civilians were killed, died by suicide, or went missing, representing roughly half of the island's pre-war population.