Seventy-five years ago, Art Shaw became the first American officer to land on Okinawa, a pivotal moment he has taken a lifetime to recount. This firsthand account reveals the heroism of American soldiers during the Pacific War's bloodiest battle—the climactic final land battle of World War II. On April 1, 1945, 1.5 million men aboard 1,500 Allied ships launched the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific Theater, with planners anticipating an 80 percent casualty rate. Then-Major Art Shaw, a unit commander in the U.S. Army's 361st Field Artillery Battalion of the 96th Infantry Division, known as the Deadeyes, led his men near the front lines for the next three months. Their artillery played a crucial role against an entrenched enemy on the rugged island. Over 82 days, the Allies faced the Japanese army, resulting in over 150,000 casualties. The Deadeyes were credited with killing 37,763 enemy soldiers, significantly contributing to the campaign's success. This battle marked the last major conflict of World War II and was instrumental in leading to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, culminating in Japan's surrender in August. Shaw's gripping narrative honors the courage and bravery displayed by many on Okinawa's hills.
