82 Days on Okinawa

“A gritty, first-person account remembered from the vantage point of 75 years later. One can hear Shaw’s voice as if he were sitting beside you reminiscing through misty eyes about the defining moments of his youth.” – Wall Street Journal

“82 Days on Okinawa is a personal view of war that is heartfelt and poignant. Col. Shaw’s account of the day-to-day grind brings new life to the historical record. His reflections of home and his longing to return, interspersed with the upcoming engagements, make for an impactful narrative. A fine autobiography/history book for all to enjoy.” – Portland Book Review

“A comprehensive and action-packed memoir of the Battle of Okinawa…This dual perspective gives the book a wide-angled view that’s unusual in a soldier’s battle memoir…a satisfying presentation of the bloodiest battle in the Pacific Theater of WWII.” – Publishers Weekly

“A vivid re-creation of a campaign so vicious that the soldiers involved rejoiced when they heard about Hiroshima.” – Kirkus Reviews

“World War II aficionados will love this book.” – Library Journal

Now 98 years old, Colonel (ret.) Art Shaw was the Operations Officer, S-3 for the 361st Artillery Battalion of the 96th Division, often called the Deadeyes. His heroism in the battle for Leyte and Okinawa earned him the Bronze Star. Robert L. Wise is the author of more than 30 books, including five covering the World War II period.