Ushijima Mitsuru

Ushijima Mitsuru was appointed commander of the Japanese 32nd Army in August 1944, tasked with defending Okinawa. He organized the island's defenses, preparing for the expected Allied invasion with a strategy of attrition and fortified positions.

Ushijima commanded Japanese forces during the Battle of Okinawa from April to June 1945. His defensive strategy caused massive casualties on both sides, with over 100,000 Japanese soldiers and 12,000 American soldiers killed, along with tens of thousands of Okinawan civilians.

On June 22, 1945, as the battle ended, Ushijima Mitsuru committed seppuku (ritual suicide) at his headquarters. He chose death over surrender, following the samurai code, and was posthumously promoted to full general.