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I learned something interesting about the Battle of Okinawa today.
Posted on 1/26/16 at 12:14 pm
Posted on 1/26/16 at 12:14 pm
So I found out an interesting piece of history about the Battle of Okinawa from one of my patients who is a WWII vet who fought in the battle. He was one of the marines who was attacking Shuri Castle in Okinawa. After the marines took the castle in 4 days, the American commanders ordered that the American flag be hoisted above the castle. However, they didn't have one. Instead, a marine from South Carolina had a Confederate flag, and that was raised over the castle where it flew for 3 days before General Buckner ordered it replaced with the Stars and Stripes. My patient said when the Confederate flag was raised, the marines from the south cheered, the marines from the north booed, and the marines from the west didn't know what to do. He then said General Buckner was killed by a Japanese sniper 3 days later. I love talking to World War II vets, they are truly a National Treasure.




This post was edited on 1/26/16 at 12:16 pm
Posted on 1/26/16 at 12:16 pm to uptownsage
quote:lucky they didn't have a Battle of Okinawa II
y patient said when the Confederate flag was raised, the marines from the south cheered, the marines from the north booed

Posted on 1/26/16 at 12:18 pm to uptownsage
Legit CSB. I've had the opportunity to speak with dozens of WWII vets (men and women) in my lifetime and they are some amazing people. It makes me sad that my children will probably never have the chance to have a meaningful conversation with them. 

Posted on 1/26/16 at 12:19 pm to jeffsdad
Posted on 1/26/16 at 12:19 pm to LloydChristmas
Why did they have a Confederate Flag with them?
Posted on 1/26/16 at 12:20 pm to uptownsage
Any reason why the marine had a confederate flag with him at Okinawa? 

Posted on 1/26/16 at 12:21 pm to uptownsage
You one of them shitty VA doctors baw?
ETA: legit CSB
ETA: legit CSB
This post was edited on 1/26/16 at 12:22 pm
Posted on 1/26/16 at 12:22 pm to The Mick
According to the link I put up it was a South Carolina Marine that was carrying it in his helmet for a special occasion.
This post was edited on 1/26/16 at 12:22 pm
Posted on 1/26/16 at 12:24 pm to uptownsage
Darth will be up in here to teach us more
Posted on 1/26/16 at 12:27 pm to Hoyt
I saw Confederate flags all over Iraq and Afghanistan.
GEN Buckner was also the grandson of a Confederate General.
GEN Buckner was also the grandson of a Confederate General.
Posted on 1/26/16 at 12:27 pm to biglego
It's a true story. It was up for days because the Americans had to pull slightly back if I'm remembering correctly. The higher ups didn't appreciate it much 

Posted on 1/26/16 at 12:29 pm to uptownsage
Very CSB for real.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing.
Posted on 1/26/16 at 12:32 pm to Dam Guide
quote:
Dusenberg took off his hel- met and removed a flag he had been car- rying for just such a special occasion. He raised the flag at the highest point of the casde and let loose with a rebel yell. The flag waving overhead was not the Stars and Stripes, but the Confederate Stars and Bars. Most of the Marines joined in the yell, but a disapproving New Englander supposedly remarked, "What does he want now? Should we sing 'Dixie?'"
MG Andrew Bruce, the commanding general of the 77th Division, protested to the 10th Army that the Marines had stolen his prize. But LTG Buckner only mildly chided MajGen del Valle saying, "How can I be sore at him? My father fought under that flag!"
LTG Buckner's father was the Confederate BG Buckner who had surrendered Fort Donelson to then-BG Ulysses S. Grant in 1862. The Confederate Battle Flag flew only 2 days over Shuri Castle before the Stars and Stripes were formally raised on 31 May. Dusenberg's flag was first lowered and presented to LTG Buckner as a souvenir. LTG Buckner remarked, "Okay! Now, let's get on with the war!"
Tragically, on 18 June, just days before Okinawa fell, an enemy shell killed LTG Buckner on Mezido Ridge while he was observing a Marine attack.
This post was edited on 1/26/16 at 12:34 pm
Posted on 1/26/16 at 12:33 pm to biglego
quote:
Darth will be up in here to teach us more
Sorry, first I've ever heard of this. It is freaking awesome though.

Posted on 1/26/16 at 12:33 pm to Hoyt
quote:
Why did they have a Confederate Flag with them?

Posted on 1/26/16 at 12:36 pm to uptownsage
quote:
He was one of the marines who was attacking Shuri Castle in Okinawa.
You mean he was a Marine. Cool story.
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