Chapter 13, Breakthrough Summary and Analysis

Chapter 13 continues to detail ongoing combat operations on Okinawa. The chapter includes graphic portrayals of warfare. Chapter 13 discusses the events transpiring between May 24 and June 1, 1945, on Okinawa. The marines are assaulting an area of interlocking fortifications referred to as the Shuri Line. The title of Chapter 14 refers to the Shuri fortifications. It is the penultimate fallback position prepared by the Japanese, and taking the Shuri area will nearly complete major combat operations on Okinawa.

The rain continues heavy and constant. The ground becomes thoroughly saturated to a depth of several feet and foxholes begin to fill up with water which leaks in from the sides and bottom. The marines must use ration tins or helmets to constantly bail out foxholes. The mortar sections use pieces of ammunition packing crates to line the bottoms of the foxholes above the water...