"By the spring of 1945 the Allies were sweeping all before them in the Pacific War against Japan, and a series of victories had reclaimed many of the islands and territories seized by the Imperial Japanese forces in the early months of the war. The dark days of humiliating defeat were far behind the unstoppable Allied juggernaut - victory was now assured. The question was where the last battle would be fought. That place was the island of Okinawa. This book details the struggle for the island as US Marines and Army units battled determined Japanese defenders in the last battle of World War II."--BOOK JACKET.

Includes maps of: Strategic Situation, March 1945; Okinawa Gunto; Landing Beaches, 1 April 1945; Ie Shima Assault, 16-21 April 1945; Japanese Counteroffensive; Battle for Sugar Loaf Hill; Withdrawal of 32nd Army, 25 May-4 June 1945; Final Stand in the South.

Introduction -- Chronology -- Opposing plans -- Opposing commanders -- Opposing forces -- Initial operations -- The offensive continues -- Action at sea -- Seizing the south -- Aftermath -- The battlefield today -- Order of battle.