April 14, 1945 -- the fierce battle for Okinawa continues but the Pickens, along with other ships no longer needed, has left to return to Saipan. We would head for New Caledonia and liberty. Along the journey we would cross the equator, setting the stage for shell back initiations of the polliwogs (of which the captain and I were members.) John White has provided us with pictures taken by his father, Mark White.
The bloody battle for control of the islands would go on for 82 days. Casualties were extremely high. Japan had 77,166 killed. The United State forces suffered 65,000 casualties, including 14,009 killed. Estimates of civilians killed range from 42,000 to 150,000.
America was not accustomed to such losses and military leaders drew heavy criticism.
The bloody battle for control of the islands would go on for 82 days. Casualties were extremely high. Japan had 77,166 killed. The United State forces suffered 65,000 casualties, including 14,009 killed. Estimates of civilians killed range from 42,000 to 150,000.
America was not accustomed to such losses and military leaders drew heavy criticism.
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