2005 Annual Symposium: Okinawa
September 17-18, 2005

The Battle of Okinawa was the largest amphibious invasion and last major campaign of the Pacific War. Thus, this Symposium should be one of the most significant and fascinating put on by the National Museum of the Pacific War in its long series of programs. Among the topics to be discussed at the Symposium:

Saturday

• Strategic Situation and Japanese Forces: The situation in the Pacific in early 1945, with an emphasis on Japanese planning, commanders and forces available for the battle. The geography of Okinawa and the Ryukus, as it pertained to the battle, will be analyzed.
• US Forces and Initial Operations: US plans, commanders and forces, and the fighting during the month of April, including the landing on the 1st.
• The Yamato and Kamikazes: The sinking of the Japanese battleship, Yamato, and the impact of the intense kamikaze attacks on the US fleet. The US Navy's tactics in dealing with the kamikazes will also be discussed.
• Logistics and Support: Logistical and support operations, including shipping, minesweeping, basing, replacements, displaced persons, etc.

Sunday

• Breaking the Shuri Line: Actions of the XXIV Corps (7th, 27th, 77th, and 96th Infantry Divisions) and III Amphibious Corps (1st and 6th Marine Divisions) in the attacks to break through the Shuri Line defenses May 1st-June 1st.
• The End of the Campaign and Implications for the Future: Final operations on the island June 1 - 22nd and the campaign's impact on plans to invade Japan and President Truman's decision to use the atomic bomb.
• Historian's Round Table: Discussion of the implications of the casualty rates on Okinawa and how they related to the decision to employ the Atomic bomb.

Speakers include historians, authors and academics: Among them are: Joe Alexander, Ed Drea, Jim Hornfischer, Richard Frank, and John Wukovits. Historian and author, Paul Stillwell, will serve as Moderator. Veterans who have been invited to share their experiences include: Bob Green, Sherman tank operator; Don Dencker with the 96th Division; Al Lerman, Navy Corsair pilot attached to the Shamrock; Charles Kilpatrick, Marine; Al Kochran, aide to Admiral McCain; Dr. Tsuneishi, Japanese interpreter, XXIV Corps; and Allen Oliver, gunnery officer.

This year's sponsors are: The Admiral Nimitz Foundation, Texas Parks and Wildlife, St. Edward's University, Austin, TX, the Fredericksburg Independent School District, The US Naval Institute, Annapolis, MD and Texas Tech University.

Fredericksburg is 70 miles form San Antonio on IH 10 and 75 miles from Austin on 290W. Air service is available to San Antonio and Austin on major carriers. For accommodation and information about other local attracts, please contact the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-888-997-3600 or visit their Web site at www.fredericksburg-texas.com.