Infantry Marines prepare to move out across one of Okinawa's open valleys overwatched by an M4A3 medium tank of the 6th Tank Battalion.

The 6th MarDiv received the warning order to move into the line on 30 April 1945. On 8 May, the Divisional elements began offensive operations against the Shuri Line.

6th Tank Battalion Shermans cross a Bailey Bridge over the Asa Kawa River, 10 May 1945. This bridge was built under fire by Marines of the 6th Engineer Battalion. As the tanks rolled across the bridge, a grimy engineer was reputed to have yelled, "We'll do it again whenever you need us. Blast them all to hell!"

An M4A3 medium tank provides close support to the infantry on the outskirts of Naha.

Rocket trucks of the 5th Provisional Rocket Detachment firing in support of the 6th MarDiv. These vehicles were equipped with 4.5 inch rocket launchers and pioneered the technique of "shoot and scoot" fire.

Divisional commander, MajGen Lemuel Shepherd, Jr., (with field glasses) observing the approaches to Sugar Loaf with Tenth Army commander LtGen Simon Bolivar Buckner, Jr., USA.

Sugar Loaf Hill, a key defensive position on the Shuri Line. On this ground between 15-19 May 1945, the 22nd and 29th Marines fought a blood-drenched series of battles to wrest the position from its' Japanese defenders. The hill changed hands over 11 times before Marines finally secured it for the last time.

Infantrymen move out across the exposed approaches to Sugar Loaf. The Japanese had perfect observation of Marines as they neared the hill, and there was little cover and concealment. The fighting for this position was among the most bitter and bloody in the Pacific war.

A flamethrower fires its' fiery load at dug-in Japanese troops on Sugar Loaf. At times, less than 20 yards separated Marine positions from the enemy. Hand grenades, flame, satchel charges and bayonets were essential tools in this fight.

Bailey bridge constructed by Co C, 6th Engineer Battalion, across the Kokuba River. This bridge linked Naha with the Oroku Peninsula and was the longest tactical bridge constructed by Marine engineers in the Pacific.

Infantrymen of the 22nd Marines push up Mezado Ridge, 17 June 1945. They were nearing the southern end of Okinawa, but dug-in enemy defenders still made the Marines pay for every foot of ground conquered.