82 Days on Okinawa: One American’s Unforgettable Firsthand Account of the Pacific War’s Greatest Battle

Description “The war in the Pacific had been raged for three years when Major Art Shaw and his men landed in Leyte. The see-saw battling had seen momentum shift to the Allied effort. Major Shaw and his men were encircled by Japanese forces initially, but a bluff to marshal in greater forces led to the enemy retreating. The joy of victory was short lived, as Shaw and his men would be sent to Okinawa. Okinawa was a different story altogether. Deadly reptiles and other creatures presented their own perils, while the resourceful Japanese hid traps on the Island. The Americans disinterred hidden and frightened locals who had been put in underground tunnels, having been told of the alleged depravities the Americans would commit. Shaw would communicate and allay their worries. The carnage began with the initial attacks, some under cover of night. The Americans fought bravely, but their enemy was resilient. The long-fought campaign lasted nearly three months. Yet, the tide shifted toward the Allied effort. 82 Days on Okinawa is a personal view of war that is heartfelt and poignant. Col. Shaw’s account of the day-to-day grind brings new life to the historical record. His reflections of home and his longing to return, interspersed with the upcoming engagements, make for an impactful narrative. A fine autobiography/history book for all to enjoy.”