U.S. Navy Department (April 1, 1945)
CINCPOA Communiqué No. 317
The United States Tenth Army, whose principal ground elements include the XXIV Army Corps and the Marine III Amphibious Corps, invaded the west coast of the island of Okinawa in the Ryukyus in great force on the morning of April 1 (East Longitude Date). This landing is the largest amphibious operation of the war in the Pacific to date.
ADM R. A. Spruance, USN, Commander Fifth Fleet, is in overall tactical command of the operation. The amphibious phase of the operation is under command of VADM Richmond Kelly Turner, USN, Commander Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet. The Tenth Army is under command of LTG Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr., USA.
The landings were made by ships and landing craft of the United States Fifth Fleet supported by the guns and aircraft of that fleet.
The attack on Okinawa has also been covered and supported by attacks of a strong British carrier task force under VADM Sir Bernard Rawlings against enemy positions in the Sakishima group.
Troops of the XXIV Army Corps are commanded by MG John R. Hodge, USA, and the Marines of the III Amphibious Corps are commanded by MajGen Roy S. Geiger, USMC.
The attack on Okinawa was preceded by the capture of the islands of the Kerama group west of the southern tip of Okinawa which commenced on March 26. The amphibious phases of this preliminary operation were commanded by RADM I. N. Kiland, USN. The troops consisted of the 77th Army Division under command of MG Andrew D. Bruce, USA. The capture of these outposts was completed prior to the main landings on Okinawa and heavy artillery is now emplaced there and in support of the Okinawa attack.
The amphibious support force is under command of RADM W. H. P. Blandy, USN, who was also present at the capture of the Kerama group of islands and in general charge of those operations. The battleships which form the principal gunfire support element are commanded by RADM M. L. Deyo, USN.
Fast Carrier Task Forces of the U.S. Pacific Fleet which are participating in the attack are under command of VADM Marc A. Mitscher, USN. The escort carriers which are supporting the attack are under command of RADM C. T. Durgin, USN.
More than 1,400 ships are involved in the operation. The landings were preceded by and are being covered by heavy gunfire from battleships, cruisers and light units of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. U.S. carrier aircraft are providing close support for the ground troops. Strategic support is being given by the shore‑based air forces of the Southwest Pacific Area, the Pacific Ocean Areas, and by the 20th Air Force.
The operation is proceeding according to plan. The troops who went ashore at 1830, Tokyo Time, advanced inland rapidly and by 1100 had captured the Yontan and Kadena airports with light losses.
The capture of Iwo Island gave us an air base only 660 miles from Tokyo and greatly intensified our air attacks on Japan. The capture of Okinawa will give us bases only 325 miles from Japan which will greatly intensify the attacks by our fleet and air forces against Japanese communications and against Japan Itself. As our sea and air blockade cuts the enemy off from the world and as our bombing increases in strength and proficiency our final decisive victory is assured.