The Japanese High Command realised that the loss of Okinawa would give the Americans a base for the invasion of Japan. In the air battles leading up to the invasion of Okinawa, the Japanese lost more than 7000 aircraft. In the course of the fighting, 67 Navy, 21 Marine, and three USAAF pilots became...

The Japanese High Command realised that the loss of Okinawa would give the Americans a base for the invasion of Japan. In the air battles leading up to the invasion of Okinawa, the Japanese lost more than 7000 aircraft. In the course of the fighting, 67 Navy, 21 Marine, and three USAAF pilots became aces.