"The history of the Sixth Marine Division on Okinawa and the operations of its organic units during their campaigns throughout Melanesia, Micronesia, and the Orient in World War II has been ably recorded in this volume. The account of the exploits of the brave Marines of the Striking Sixth who fought so valiantly on Okinawa will be of especial interest to those of you who participated in these stirring events and will also serve as a reminder to posterity of the glorious accomplishments of the Sixth Marine Division. The bloody, hard-fought battle for Okinawa may be recorded in history as the decisive campaign of the Pacific War. It broke the cordon of defenses surrounding the Japanese homeland and clearly demonstrated the superiority of American arms and the quality of our fighting men over the best the enemy could muster. The fact that the collapse of Japan followed closely the Okinawa victory strongly indicates that the results of this battle influenced the Emperor's decision to sue for peace. To have participated as a member of the Sixth Marine Division in the final great battle of the Pacific War is a distinction of which every man can be justly proud"--Foreword.

Maps on endpapers.

The Sixth Marine Division -- Origin of the division units -- The brigade at Guam -- Training the division at Guadalcanal -- The division sails -- The landing on Okinawa -- The drive up Ishikawa -- Battle for Mount Yaetake -- Entering the southern lines -- The battle of the Asa Kawa -- Sugar Loaf Hill -- The battle for Naha -- Operations on Oroku Peninsula -- The capture of Ara Saki -- The record of the striking Sixth -- Return to Guam -- Occupation of Yokosuka -- North China -- The commanders -- Honor roll -- Medal of Honor -- Awards and decorations.