Okinawa

From the Call of Duty Wiki

Okinawa is the largest island in the Ryukyu island chain. Naha, the biggest city and capital of the island chain was almost completely destroyed in the land, air, and sea battles that took place on and around Okinawa. Shuri Castle was also destroyed in the battle and was also the base of operations for the Japanese commanders on the island. The overall battle lasted about 82 days and was the bloodiest battle in the Pacific War. All of the casualties on both sides put together were more than the number of people killed in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki put together. This high number of casualties was the main reason why the Allies reconsidered invading Japan. The whole of Naha and Shuri Castle were rebuilt- a true feat of determination to return Japan to its pre-war state.

[edit] Call of Duty: World at War

This island serves as the setting for two missions, Blowtorch and Corkscrew and Breaking Point. The final battle in the American campaign takes place in Shuri Castle, where either Polonsky or Roebuck will meet their fate, depending on whom the player saves. So, if the player save Polonsky, Roebuck will die and vice versa. The multiplayer maps Cliffside, Courtyard and Castle take place on Okinawa.

[edit] Shuri Castle

This is a castle dating back from the 14th century. During the battle of Okinawa, only a few walls were left standing, but it was completely rebuilt and now is a popular tourist attraction, for Japanese people and foreign tourists alike. The style is typical of that of a classic Japanese building.

Shuri Castle's main gate after it's destruction.

Lt. Col. Richard P. Ross of the 1st Battalion 1st Marines raises the American flag despite continuous sniper fire.

A distant view of the gate today.