OKINAWA, Japan - During World War II, one of the fiercest battles took place in the Pacific. The Battle of Okinawa, fought in 1945, claimed more than 62,000 U.S. casualties, making it the bloodiest warfare U.S. forces experienced during the war.
Sixty-six years later, the names of eight Medal of Honor recipients who gave their lives as an ultimate sacrifice for their country, are immortalized through the military installations now established here on the island.
“The fact that every Marine Corps installation on Okinawa bears the name of a Marine that willingly sacrificed their well-being for the sake of the mission and what they believed in is absolutely fitting,” said Staff Sgt. Willie Jenkins III, supply staff non-commissioned officer-in-charge with 3rd Medical Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “It ensures the dedication and selflessness these Marines displayed is presented to not only the Corps, but also to Okinawa and the world on a daily basis.”
Each Marine Corps base on Okinawa is named for a Marine who received the Medal of Honor for their actions during the battle.
While common knowledge for some, many are unaware of the significance of the name of the base where they live.
“I knew the bases here were named for Marines, but I didn’t realize the actual impact of the sacrifices they made,” said Lance Cpl. Michael Cook, a battalion legal clerk with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd MLG. “It makes me feel proud to know that I live and work at an installation named after a fighter who embodied everything a Marine is supposed to be, and displayed ultimate selflessness.”