It was the largest Allied amphibious landing in the Pacific theater and marked the final island battle of the Pacific.
On April 1, 1945, approximately 60,000 U.S. Marines and soldiers of the U.S. Tenth Army waded ashore from landing craft onto the beaches of Okinawa.
Dubbed the “Typhoon of Steel” due to its ferocity, Army and Marine divisions in the Battle of Okinawa sought to wrest the island from Japanese control to sever the last southwest supply line to mainland Japan, while establishing the island as a base for American medium bombers.
Amid the chaos and constant onslaught of Japanese aerial attacks, was 23-year-old Lt. Richard Miles McCool, Jr., commander of USS LCS-122.
Stationed at Radar Picket 15, just north of Okinawa, McCool, Landing Craft Support and other destroyers were assigned to alert U.S. forces on the island of approaching enemy aircraft.
While on picket duty on June 10, the Oklahoma native got word that the destroyer USS William D. Porter — yes, the same “Willie D” that almost accidentally killed President Franklin D. Roosevelt — had been struck by a kamikaze.
The destroyer actually had initially evaded the Japanese “Val” dive bomber, but the Willie D’s string of bad luck continued to know no bounds. The Val had splashed harmlessly nearby — but it somehow ended up beneath the Willie D and promptly exploded.
According to the National WWII Museum, “the ship leapt out of the water and fell back; her power out, steam lines burst, and fires breaking out. Although the ship’s crew fought valiantly after three hours, the commanding officer ordered the ship abandoned. As the order came down, just under 300 crew had to evacuate. Performing her duty as a ‘pallbearer,’ LCS-122, with McCool in command, worked to rescue the ship’s crew. Incredibly, there were no fatalities.”
The following day, however, McCool and his crew were not as lucky.
As he recalled in an interview with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, the destroyers were sitting in a diamond formation, acting as part of a screen some three to four miles away. That meant that in order to get to the destroyers, the Japanese had to pass right by McCool’s LCS.
The first kamikaze came at McCool low — so low, in fact, that he “was afraid that the people in the 40 millimeter gun mount might have been hit by the wheels.”
His crew managed to down the first, with the Japanese plane crashing harmlessly off the port bow.
The second kamikaze however, followed too quickly.
“I did get the guns on it, but not enough to do any good, so it hit eight to 10 feet below where I was standing … I don’t really remember much of what was going on after that … When I finally came to, I was the only person there in the conning tower.”
Severely wounded and suffering severe burns, McCool refused medical treatment and rallied his men to fight the flames quickly engulfing the LCS-122.
According to his Medal of Honor citation, McCool “proceeded to the rescue of several trapped in a blazing compartment, subsequently carrying one man to safety despite the excruciating pain of additional severe burns. Unmindful of all personal danger, he continued his efforts without respite until aid arrived from other ships and he was evacuated.”
For his actions off Okinawa, McCool was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman in December 1945.
McCool being presented with the Medal of Honor by President Truman, 1945. (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command)
Recovered from his wounds, McCool remained in the Navy before retiring in 1974 with the rank of captain.
McCool’s full Medal of Honor citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S. LCS (L) (3) 122 during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Ryukyu Chain, 10 and 11 June 1945. Sharply vigilant during hostile air raids against Allied ships on radar picket duty off Okinawa on 10 June, Lt. McCool aided materially in evacuating all survivors from a sinking destroyer which had sustained mortal damage under the devastating attacks. When his own craft was attacked simultaneously by two of the enemy’s suicide squadron early in the evening of 11 June, he instantly hurled the full power of his gun batteries against the plunging aircraft, shooting down the first and damaging the second before it crashed his station in the conning tower and engulfed the immediate area in a mass of flames. Although suffering from shrapnel wounds and painful burns, he rallied his concussion-shocked crew and initiated vigorous firefighting measures and then proceeded to the rescue of several trapped in a blazing compartment, subsequently carrying one man to safety despite the excruciating pain of additional severe burns. Unmindful of all personal danger, he continued his efforts without respite until aid arrived from other ships and he was evacuated. By his staunch leadership, capable direction, and indomitable determination throughout the crisis, Lt. McCool saved the lives of many who otherwise might have perished and contributed materially to the saving of his ship for further combat service. His valiant spirit of self- sacrifice in the face of extreme peril sustains and enhances the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
A sailor and hero befitting his name, indeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Battle of Gettysburg
This battle took place in Pennsylvania's American Civil War (1861-1965). The Union Army, led by General Ulysses S. Grant (1822–85), defeated Confederate troops under General Robert E. Lee (1807–70).
Both sides had huge effects from the battle's outcome. It was the turning-point of the war. It marked the turning point of war for the Confederacy. For the Union it was the beginning of the end to slavery.
In 1863, President Lincoln issued his famous "Emancipation Proclamation," which freed slaves living within rebel states. In 1865, he signed Amendment 13 to the Constitution, which abolished slavery in America.
General Robert E. Lee surrendered in Appomattox Courthouse to General Ulysses S Grant (Virginia), on April 9, 1865.
After the surrender, Lee became a prisoner of war. He died in 1870.
Grant was awarded a Medal of Honor in recognition of his leadership during battle.
He died 1885.
How many people served in World War I?
In 1914, Britain declared war on Germany and thus began a conflict that would last four years and cost millions of lives.
The British Army fought bravely against German machine guns and artillery on the battlefield. The army couldn't resist digging trenches across northern France when it came down to trench warfare.
The British built a network of over 10,000 miles of trenches that ran from the English Channel to Switzerland in 1915. This network of trenches came to be known as "the Western Front".
The front line stretched for nearly 100 miles along the French-Belgian border. Between 1916 and 1916, there were almost 400,000 soldiers fighting on either side.
During World War I 1.2 million casualties were suffered by the Allies, including 585,000 people killed. Meanwhile, the Germans lost 716,000 soldiers.
How does Military History differ from other fields of study?
There are many similarities between military history and other disciplines, such as economics, politics, sociology, anthropology, psychology, philosophy, literature, etc.
All these subjects have one thing in common: they deal with facts. They provide details about what occurred in particular places and times. They describe what happened, and who won or lost. They explain why things happened the way that they did.
The two most important distinctions that military history has from other disciplines include:
- It deals with the past. It focuses on past events and not on present. It tells us the history of our ancestors.
- It focuses on the actions of individuals. This means it examines the thoughts of individuals and not abstract ideas like money, power or ideologies.
Therefore, military history can be defined as a branch that studies the consequences of armed conflicts on society.
It explains the history of wars, their causes, and how they changed over time.
A unique set of characteristics can also be found in military history.
First, it involves studying a wide variety of sources. All sources contribute to the story about World War I. These include official reports, letters and diaries, interviews as well as photographs, films, paintings and maps.
Second, it gives a detailed account on battles, campaigns strategies and tactics. It explains how armies move, attack, defend, retreat, consolidate their positions and counter-attack.
The third aspect of military history is the explanations behind the wartime decisions. Why did generals decide to attack or defend certain cities? What were the reasons behind the strategic choices made?
Fourth, military history demonstrates how individuals react to stress. Soldiers had the ability to adapt and learn new skills. How did they react when faced with the enemy? Were they afraid? Did they panic? Did they show courage Did they run away? Or did they surrender to their fate?
Last but not least, military history can be used to teach. Students first read about the conflicts of the past. Next, they discuss them with others and finally write papers summarizing these lessons. Students gain a better understanding of history by firsthand experience.
What's the difference between a revolution and a war?
A war refers to a situation in which you wage war on another country or group of people. You fight them until one side wins or loses.
Revolution is when your life changes. You overthrow your government and start over again with new laws and rules.
It can be hard to distinguish the differences between these two things.
They may look very similar at times. They can look very similar at times. For example, the French Revolution began as a rebellion against the monarch but was transformed into a revolution when the king was murdered.
The United States fought against the Viet Cong (a communist) during the Vietnam War. It eventually changed its methods.
The United States has seen many changes in its history before it became a democracy.
What was the first army called?
The Roman Army was the name of the first army. This force was comprised of soldiers who fought to defend Rome. It included three main divisions: the infantry cavalry and navy.
These soldiers were armed with spears and swords and would fight any enemy as they marched across the land.
They rode horses into battle, and they also wore armor that protected their bodies from harm. These men were disciplined and well-trained, and they had been fighting since antiquity.
You will find them in many countries, such as Spain, Italy, Greece, and Italy.
During this period, there weren't any tanks or planes so all attacks were by foot.
Romans believed the gods would aid them in victory if they prayed before going into battle.
These soldiers were not needed after the fall and rise of the Roman Empire.
So the Romans abandoned their empire after hundreds and years.
But what happened?
It continued to exist but changed its name to the Imperial Army.
It was eventually renamed the Holy Roman Empire army.
In 16th-century England, the term 'army’ was replaced with "infantry".
Modern English can refer to soldiers who fought against the Roman Empire as 'Roman Infantries', or those who fought for Germany in World War II as 'German Infantries.
What happened to the Ottoman Empire following World War I?
After WWI Turkey lost much of its territory in Europe, but it remained an independent republic until 1922 when the Treaty of Lausanne ended war between Greece and Turkey. It also gave back most of those lands that were taken during the conflict. Turkey was given much-needed assistance and money by the West in return for these territories. This resulted was a period economic growth that led to modernization.
The Turkish Republic lasted from 1923 to 1923, when Mustafa Kemal Ataturk made himself president and turned the country into an independent secular state. He also abolished caliphate and established modern Turkey.
Because he helped to establish modern Turkey, Ataturk is one of history's most important leaders.
When was the United States' first army created?
The First Army was formed during the American Revolutionary War (1775-83). The Continental Congress voted in favor of an army consisting of 20,000 men, under the command of George Washington.
The army was a combination of existing militia units. Its mission is to defend the colonies against British invasion. The army received very little training and was ill-equipped.
The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1776. This declaration declared the thirteen colonies independent of Great Britain, and called on them to "secure these right" for their descendants and themselves. On July 4, the Continental Congress approved a resolution calling on the creation and maintenance of a Continental Army.
Initially, the newly constituted army consisted mostly of untrained militiamen. Washington took control of the army in August 1777. He started recruiting soldiers from local militias and enlisted foreign troops. His force had nearly 10,000 men by the time he left in 1778.
The first major battle of the army was at Saratoga in New York, March 1779. Although the Americans lost this battle, it was the beginning of the decisive turning point in the war: the defeat by the British army and the surrender to General Burgoyne at October.
After the war ended, the Continental Congress disbanded it. However there would be brief attempts to create permanent national military organizations.
Statistics
- According to Peter Fraser Purton, the best evidence of the earliest gun in Europe is the Loshult gun, dated to the fourteenth century. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Fact: Kentucky provided more soldiers in the War of 1812 than any other state and suffered approximately 60 percent of the war's total casualties. (history.ky.gov)
External Links
jstor.org
usacac.army.mil
thegriffon108.com
How To
What number of countries were involved during the Korean War
In 1950, the Soviet Union supported communist North Korea. The United States and other allies supported the capitalist Republic of South Korea.
China reached a separate deal with the Communist North Koreans following the outbreak of fighting.
China sent troops through the 38th Parallel as support for their ally. This however led to the Korean War.
The war was finished in 1953. The North Korean forces fled to China.
The Armistice Agreement, signed June 25, 1953 was made. Both sides agreed to withdraw their armies.
However, the agreement was never fully applied. Instead, fighting resumed July 1955.
It ended July 27, 1953. All hostilities ended after a truce.
An estimated 3 million men died during the conflict. This is the deadliest conflict since the Second World War.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://lessonsbeyondthestory.com/world-wars/the-red-baron-tells-all
