Comes with a hand-signed C.O.A. and added historical research

*This exceptionally rare and museum-grade World War II Navy press news combat action report, dated June 2, 1945, provides an in-depth account of the harrowing and strategically significant events of the Battle of Okinawa during May 1945. This four-page report extensively details Japanese kamikaze attacks on American naval forces and offers a vivid description of the fierce combat and defensive strategies employed by both American and Japanese forces near the Shuri Line.

The Battle of Okinawa, a pivotal and brutal engagement during World War II, represents one of the final and most intense clashes in the Pacific Theater. Among the rare artifacts that document this historical event is an exceedingly rare, museum-grade U.S. Navy press news combat action report dated June 2, 1945. This four-page report offers a meticulous and vivid account of the combat actions between U.S. and Japanese forces during May 10th-11th 1945, encapsulating the ferocity and strategic significance of the Battle of Okinawa.

Aerial Combat and Naval Engagements

The combat report provides detailed insights into the harrowing aerial and naval encounters off Okinawa from May 10 to May 11, 1945. The document vividly describes Japanese air attacks on American naval forces, highlighting their strategy of nighttime raids to exploit vulnerabilities. These attacks involved conventional bombings and kamikaze missions, where Japanese pilots deliberately crashed their planes into American ships to inflict maximum damage. The kamikaze tactics, a grim testament to Japan’s desperation and resolve, targeted multiple U.S. destroyers stationed off Okinawa, resulting in devastating losses.

This account underscores the intensity of aerial combat during the battle, as U.S. naval forces contended with waves of enemy planes in a relentless struggle to maintain control over the seas. The report captures the tension and chaos of these engagements, shedding light on the bravery and endurance of American sailors under sustained attack. It also reflects the evolving tactics of aerial warfare and the challenges faced by both sides in adapting to the increasingly complex dynamics of combat.

Ground Warfare and the Shuri Line

On land, the report shifts focus to the ground combat along the Shuri Line, a heavily fortified Japanese defensive position in southern Okinawa. It documents the fierce resistance mounted by an estimated 35,000 Japanese troops against the advancing U.S. 10th Army. Positioned near Shuri Castle, a historic and strategically significant site, Japanese forces utilized the terrain to their advantage, employing entrenched defenses, tunnels, and artillery to repel American assaults.

The report details the efforts of the U.S. 6th Marine Division and the 7th Infantry Division as they spearheaded ground attacks to break through the Shuri Line. These divisions faced not only well-prepared defensive positions but also the challenges of tropical weather, disease, and the psychological toll of prolonged combat. Despite these obstacles, the U.S. forces pressed forward, forcing Japanese troops into retreat. The report highlights key moments of the battle, including strategic maneuvers, coordinated attacks, and the resilience of American forces in the face of determined opposition.

Strategic and Historical Significance

The Battle of Okinawa, often referred to as the "Typhoon of Steel" due to the sheer scale of violence and destruction, was a critical turning point in the Pacific War. This report encapsulates the broader narrative of the battle, illustrating the convergence of land, sea, and air operations in a single, interconnected campaign. The battle’s outcome paved the way for the eventual invasion of Japan, underscoring its strategic importance.

The report’s mention of Japanese retreats from the Shuri Line also foreshadows the eventual collapse of organized resistance on Okinawa, marking a significant victory for Allied forces. However, the human cost of the battle was staggering, with over 12,000 American and an estimated 100,000 Japanese soldiers killed, alongside tens of thousands of civilian casualties. The document serves as a sobering reminder of the immense sacrifices made during this campaign.

Historical Artifact and Legacy

As a museum-grade artifact, this combat action report is invaluable for understanding the complexity and brutality of the Battle of Okinawa. Its meticulous detailing of events provides historians, educators, and enthusiasts with a primary source that offers unparalleled insights into the strategies, experiences, and outcomes of this critical engagement. Such documents not only preserve the memory of those who served and sacrificed but also serve as a tool for future generations to learn from history.

In conclusion, this Navy press news combat action report from June 2, 1945, is more than a historical document; it is a window into one of the most consequential battles of World War II. By chronicling the courage, strategy, and resilience displayed during the Battle of Okinawa, it ensures that the lessons and legacies of this pivotal moment continue to resonate with audiences today.