Operation Iceberg - the invasion of Okinawa - was the largest amphibious operation of World War II. It was also the most difficult. Imperial Japan defended the island with vast numbers of kamikazes, heavily impacting US Navy operations. American ground forces fought against the most fortified defenses the Imperial Army had ever constructed, resulting in appalling casualties.

Understanding the Okinawa Campaign is key to understanding why the United States used the atomic bombs against Imperial Japan. This is an increasingly relevant topic with the increasing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. Understanding the underlying issues in the nuclear escalation ladder is important.

Additionally, this campaign remains a highly relevant historical example of how complex, and arduous, amphibious assaults are against a prepared enemy utilizing hardened defensive positions. The kamikazes were in actuality the first guided weapons, resulting in complex, prolonged air defense task for Naval Aviation. These lessons are entirely applicable to military and naval considerations today.

This campaign is described in a set of 3 information graphics:

1. Campaign Timeline, displaying kamikaze attacks, ship sinkings, land battles, aircraft squadron deployments and other data. The timeline provides a unified overview of how the land, air and naval components are linked.

The timeline is 60 inches wide by 72 inches tall.

2. Ground Campaign Overview, provides a central overview map of southern Okinawa along with detailed maps of key defensive battle areas. Dates for key events are integrated with the maps.

The Ground Campaign graphic is 60 inches wide by 44 inches tall.

3. Naval Campaign Overview, provides a map of the vast geographic area where the naval-air battle was fought. The locations of damaged ship and sinkings are provided to illustrate immense threat posed by the kamikaze attacks. Radar picket ship stations are also provided. An example of an aircraft carrier flight schedule is included to provide an insight into the cyclical nature of daily carrier flight operations, and why it was imperative to establish land based airfields.

The Naval Campaign graphic is 48 inches wide by 44 inches tall.  FLY NAVY!

Combined, these three graphics illustrate the complexity of modern amphibious combat operations and campaigns, enabling advanced professional development education for your teams.  

Data is derived from after action reports and primary sources.

-- Set of 3 graphics.

- Photographic quality ink jet print, achieved with Lucia pigment inks on heavy weight museum grade - archival fine art matte paper.

We provide the print.  Clients will need to have the prints professionally mounted and framed.  Custom made frames will be required. 

Price $15,000

This is a special order product. Please email us for detailed ordering information.