Rain of Steel: Mitscher's Task Force 58 Ugaki's Thunder Gods and the Kamikaze War off Okinawa

During World War II, Vice Admiral Marc Mitscher's Task Force 58 carriers conducted air strikes on mainland Japan and supported the Iwo Jima landings. The Okinawa campaign commenced on 1 April 1945, with Vice Admiral Matome Ugaki unleashing ten different Kikusui aerial suicide operations. These battles are related through the words and experiences of some of the last living U.S. fighter aces of World War II, with Navy, Marine, and Army Air Force pilots claiming 2,326 aerial victories. The Japanese named the campaign tetsu no ame (rain of steel).

Format: Hardback
Length: 456 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2020
Publisher: Naval Institute Press

The final Pacific campaign of World War II was a brutal and intense battle that saw Vice Admiral Marc Mitscher's Task Force 58 carriers conduct air strikes on mainland Japan and support the Iwo Jima landings. However, the Okinawa campaign, which commenced on 1 April 1945, put the aviators of Task Force 58 to the ultimate test. Rain of Steel delves into the heart-pounding air battles fought by Navy and Marine carrier aviators to control the relentless kamikaze attacks directed by Vice Admiral Matome Ugaki. These battles were marked by a staggering number of kamikaze sorties, with over 1,900 aircraft launched against the U.S. Navy's warships, radar picket ships, and amphibious vessels. The pilots of Navy, Marine, and Army Air Force combined to claim a remarkable 2,326 aerial victories during this period.

One of the most notable aspects of the Okinawa campaign was the success of the U.S. fighter pilots. The most successful four-man fighter division in U.S. Navy history, known as the "Flying Tigers," played a crucial role in defeating Ugaki's kamikazes. Led by the legendary Colonel Claire Chennault, the Flying Tigers employed a combination of skill, bravery, and innovative tactics to take down enemy aircraft. Their success was due in part to their superior training, well-maintained aircraft, and close teamwork.

The Japanese referred to the Okinawa campaign as tetsu no ame, or "rain of steel," a fitting description of the intensity and scale of the battle. The campaign lasted for over three months and saw the U.S. military suffer significant casualties. However, the determination and resilience of the American troops, combined with the support of their allies, ultimately led to the liberation of Okinawa and the end of World War II in the Pacific.

Rain of Steel is a powerful and immersive account of the final Pacific campaign of World War II, providing a glimpse into the bravery and sacrifice of the American fighter pilots who fought against the Japanese. The book is filled with firsthand accounts from the pilots themselves, offering a unique perspective on the air battles and the challenges they faced. It also sheds light on the broader context of the war, including the strategic importance of Okinawa and the role of the Flying Tigers in defeating the Japanese.

In conclusion, Rain of Steel is a must-read for anyone interested in World War II history, military aviation, or the bravery of the American troops. It is a testament to the human spirit and the resilience of the American people in the face of adversity.

Weight: 918g
Dimension: 168 x 242 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781682475263