Our job done, the USS Pickens left Okinawa and returned to Saipan. Meanwhile the battle raged until June22, with enormous casualties on both sides and the civilian population.
When two Marine and two Army divisions landed Easter Sunday, they faced 155,000 ground, naval and air troops. To those who thought Japan still had a chance to win the war, Okinawa was their last chance. We heard Tokyo Rose voice that opinion, forecasting fierce fighting for the island, saying if Japan lost all possibility of victory was gone but the Japanese would continue fighting.
The Navy was very hard hit with 5,000 killed; the Army and Marines had 8,000 killed and 36,000 wounded. Japan had 107,000 killed and 24,000 buried in caves. Civilian casualties were at least 42,000.
We on the Pickens were unable to make any additional contribution. I remember very little about this time.I ask shipmates to share their memories of this period. I know we radarmen tried to further our education. We chipped paint and painted the deck of the radar shack a restful green. During inspection the adminral said it was attractive but not regulation and must be replaced.
When two Marine and two Army divisions landed Easter Sunday, they faced 155,000 ground, naval and air troops. To those who thought Japan still had a chance to win the war, Okinawa was their last chance. We heard Tokyo Rose voice that opinion, forecasting fierce fighting for the island, saying if Japan lost all possibility of victory was gone but the Japanese would continue fighting.
The Navy was very hard hit with 5,000 killed; the Army and Marines had 8,000 killed and 36,000 wounded. Japan had 107,000 killed and 24,000 buried in caves. Civilian casualties were at least 42,000.
We on the Pickens were unable to make any additional contribution. I remember very little about this time.I ask shipmates to share their memories of this period. I know we radarmen tried to further our education. We chipped paint and painted the deck of the radar shack a restful green. During inspection the adminral said it was attractive but not regulation and must be replaced.
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