Final Campaign: Marines in the Victory on Okinawa by Joseph H. Alexander is a gripping and detailed account of the Battle of Okinawa during World War II. Alexander's thorough research and in-depth analysis provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of this crucial and bloody campaign.
The book does an excellent job of capturing the bravery and resilience of the Marines who fought in some of the toughest conditions of the war. Through the author's vivid descriptions and firsthand accounts from veterans, readers can truly appreciate the sacrifices made by these men in the pursuit of victory.
Alexander also does a great job of placing the battle in its larger historical context, highlighting its significance in the overall Allied strategy in the Pacific. By examining the strategic decisions made by both American and Japanese commanders, the author sheds light on the complex nature of modern warfare and the challenges faced by those on the front lines.
Overall, Final Campaign: Marines in the Victory on Okinawa is a well-written and informative read that is sure to appeal to both history buffs and general readers alike. Alexander's dedication to telling the story of these brave Marines ensures that their sacrifices will not be forgotten.
Book Description:
The three-month-long battle of Okinawa covered a 700-mile arc from
Formosa to Kyushu and involved a million combatants--Americans,
Japanese, British, and native Okinawans. With a magnitude that rivaled
the Normandy invasion the previous June, the battle of Okinawa was the
biggest and costliest single operation of the Pacific War. For each of
its 82 days of combat, the battle would claim an average of 3,000 lives
from the antagonists and the unfortunate non-combatants.”