A unique re-creation of one of the century's most decisive battles, the terrible, four-month conflict that preceded the Japanese surrender. Operation Iceberg, as it was known, saw the fiercest attack of kamikazes in the entire Pacific Theater of War. The U.S. fleet suffered severe losses, 34 ships sunk, 368 damaged, 5,000 sailors killed and 5,000 more wounded. Before the Japanese, with a garrison of 100,000, finally surrendered, 7,700 American soldiers were killed and 31,800 were wounded. In Operation Iceberg Gerald Astor draws on the raw experience of marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen under fire, from generals and admirals to correspondents, line officers and enlisted men on both sides of the battle lines. Their accounts are dramatic and graphic, brutal and awe-inspiring. Based on these first-hand accounts, and presenting a view of the battle that places it in the greater context of the entire Pacific theater, Operation Iceberg is a remarkable account of the last great battle of World War II.

"A Dell book." From the title page. Originally published: New York : D.I. Fine, 1995.

Operation iceberg -- The site and the sights -- Plans and players -- Trials by fire -- Love Day foreplay -- Old breed -- Raiders and recruits -- 7th and 96th infantry divisions -- Leyte landings -- Love Day for the army -- Turkey wings and oranges -- Divine wind blow -- Naval wars -- Operation ten-go -- Kakazu ridge -- Marines go north -- Ie Shima -- Bloody Iegesugu -- Into the breach -- First ring of the Shuri -- Reinforcements and replacements -- Chrysanthemums -- CAP, Yontan and the Giretsu -- X-day, Maeda escarpment and Conical hill -- Dakeshi, Wanna and Sugar Loaf -- Chocolate drop, wart, flattop and Ishimmi -- Last whiffs of fading blossoms -- Last lines of defense -- Kunishi ridge and beyond -- Final strokes -- Iceberg and its aftermath.