Comes with hand-signed C.O.A.

This incredible and rare museum-grade artifact is an original World War II combat map titled “AAF AERONAUTICAL MAP”. Dated 1945, this map of Okinawa was used by B-29 Superfortresses and the mainland bombing of Japan following the capture of Okinawa (Operation Iceberg) in April 1945. WWII maps marked “RESTRICTED” were done so when they were used specifically in that combat sector and contained sensitive and confidential information. This aerial navigation map of Okinawa was used by US B 29 Superfortress navigators in pilots navigating to and from the island of Okinawa on bombing missions to mainland Japan in 1945.

Okinawa, located in the East China Sea, was an essential strategic military airbase for the United States during the final stages of World War II. The island provided a critical location for the United States to launch air raids on mainland Japan, which proved crucial in ending the war. This essay will explore the role of Okinawa as a strategic military airbase in 1945, along with the aircraft that used it to bomb mainland Japan.

The Battle of Okinawa, which began on April 1, 1945, was one of the largest and bloodiest battles of World War II. The island was strategically important because it was the last remaining Japanese stronghold between the American forces and mainland Japan. It was also an important location for airbases, as it provided a launching point for bombers to attack mainland Japan. The United States launched a massive assault on Okinawa, which resulted in heavy casualties for both the Japanese and American forces. The battle lasted for almost three months, and the island was finally secured on June 22, 1945.

Once the island was secured, the United States began to develop Okinawa into a strategic military airbase. The airbase, named Kadena Air Base, became the largest American airbase in the Pacific. Kadena Air Base had two runways, which could accommodate any aircraft in the American arsenal. The airbase was strategically located, as it was only a short flight from mainland Japan, and it provided a location for American aircraft to refuel and rearm before launching bombing raids on Japan.

The aircraft that used Kadena Air Base to bomb mainland Japan included the B-29 Superfortress, the P-51 Mustang, and the P-47 Thunderbolt. The B-29 Superfortress was the primary bomber used by the United States in the Pacific Theater of World War II. The B-29 had a range of 3,250 miles, which made it possible to fly from Okinawa to Japan and back. The B-29 was also equipped with a new type of bomb, called the atomic bomb, which was used to end the war. The P-51 Mustang and P-47 Thunderbolt were fighter planes used to escort the B-29 bombers. The fighter planes were equipped with guns and rockets, which were used to destroy Japanese aircraft and ground targets.

In conclusion, Okinawa played a critical role in the United States' victory in World War II. The island provided a strategic location for American bombers to launch air raids on mainland Japan. The airbase at Okinawa, named Kadena Air Base, was the largest American airbase in the Pacific and had two runways, which could accommodate any aircraft in the American arsenal. The aircraft that used Kadena Air Base to bomb mainland Japan included the B-29 Superfortress, the P-51 Mustang, and the P-47 Thunderbolt. The use of Okinawa as a strategic military airbase played a crucial role in ending the war, and it remains an important location for the United States military today.

In 1945, during the final stages of World War II, Okinawa became the site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific theater. The invasion of Okinawa, code-named "Operation Iceberg," was launched on April 1, 1945, by the United States and its allies against the Imperial Japanese Army and Imperial Japanese Navy. The battle lasted for 82 days, and by the time it was over, more than 200,000 people had been killed, including soldiers, civilians, and Okinawan natives.

Okinawa was strategically important for both the Allies and the Japanese. The island was situated halfway between Japan and the Philippines, making it an ideal location for a military base. The Japanese had fortified the island with a network of underground tunnels and bunkers, and had positioned 120,000 troops to defend it. The Americans knew that taking Okinawa would be a difficult and costly task, but they believed that it was necessary to weaken Japan's defenses and bring an end to the war.

The invasion began with a massive bombardment of the island by naval and air forces. This was followed by the landing of more than 180,000 American and British troops on the beaches of Okinawa. The Japanese put up fierce resistance, using their well-fortified positions to hold off the American advance. The battle soon devolved into a brutal and bloody fight for every inch of ground.

The terrain of Okinawa proved to be a major challenge for the invading forces. The island was covered with dense jungle and steep hills, making it difficult to maneuver troops and equipment. The Japanese also had the advantage of being able to launch surprise attacks from their underground tunnels and bunkers.

The battle for Okinawa was marked by several brutal and iconic moments. The most famous was the suicide charge of the Japanese 32nd Army, known as the "banzai charge," which took place on May 4, 1945. In this attack, thousands of Japanese soldiers charged directly into American machine gun fire, sacrificing their lives in a desperate attempt to break through the American lines. Another iconic moment was the photo of a lone American Marine, Sgt. William H. Thomas Jr., holding the American flag on top of the strategically important hill called Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima.

Despite the intense resistance put up by the Japanese, the American forces were eventually able to capture the island. However, victory came at a steep cost. The American casualties numbered over 12,500 killed and 38,000 wounded, while the Japanese suffered over 110,000 casualties, including 77,000 deaths.

After the capture of Okinawa, the Americans used the island as a strategic base for their operations against Japan. The island was transformed into a massive military installation, with thousands of troops stationed there and dozens of airfields, ports, and supply depots built. Okinawa was also the site of several important naval battles, including the Battle of the East China Sea and the Battle of Okinawa.

The use of Okinawa as a base for American forces played a key role in the eventual surrender of Japan. The American air forces were able to launch devastating bombing raids on Japan from the island, which destroyed much of Japan's infrastructure and military capability. The use of Okinawa also allowed the Americans to blockade Japan's ports and cut off its supply lines, further weakening its ability to resist.

In conclusion, the invasion of Okinawa in 1945 was a pivotal moment in the Pacific theater of World War II. The battle was marked by intense fighting, brutal conditions, and heavy casualties on both sides. The use of Okinawa as a strategic base by the Americans played a critical role in their victory.