Marine Pilot Sees the Unthinkable in Okinawa

Описание: May 24, 1945.

In the control tower of Yontan Airfield in Okinawa, Marine pilot Lieutenant Maynard Kelley tracks yet another enemy bomber through his field glasses. But this one isn't climbing away like the others. It's descending fast, props silent, nose aimed directly at his position. He mumbles:

[QUOTE] "What the hell?"

The bomber slams into the tarmac just 100 yards away, metal shrieking against concrete, sparks showering into the darkness. The aircraft skids to a brutal stop, too controlled for an accident. Before Kelley can shout a warning, the doors burst open.

From the wreckage, dark figures pour out one by one. It’s not a dazed aircrew, but heavily armed men. Ten, maybe twelve. Rifles already up, fanning out across the runway in practiced formation, moving fast and exposed, with no thought of cover or retreat.

Shocked, Kelley’s hand finds his sidearm as realization hits: this isn’t a crash. It’s an assault.

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