Operation Iceberg: The Invasion and Conquest of Okinawa in World War II--An Oral History

Operation Iceberg is a masterwork of the oral history approach to telling a story. Astor ably edits and arranges the various oral accounts into a quick-paced, yet comprehensive account of a rather complex and important battle. Astor has collected inputs from Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen who were there and made victory possible. But the accounts would be nothing if they weren't arranged into a pattern that the reader could follow. Astor does that, and provides his own brief narrative to fill in any gaps that the oral accounts have left. As a result, the book becomes a text on the Battle for Okinawa and not just a collection of personal reminisces.

My father was a member of the 77th Division which fought in the Pacific. He never talked about the war and I have always been interested in learning more about how he survived. This book is a MUST read for anyone whose father fought in the Pacific, especially on Okinawa. It is not a history lesson as other books are, but actual memoirs of the soldiers who fought there. You are even given their names and brief biography. You hear and read so much regarding the D-Day invasion and how terrible that was but after reading Operation Iceberg, you will come to understand how much worse the fighting in the Pacific was. I find it hard to believe that anyone came home unwounded from those battles, but they did, including my father. My knowledge of World War II has been greatly expanded after reading Mr. Astor's book. Thank you, Mr. Astor, for writing this book and for giving me some insight into what my father lived through.

I Enjoyed The amazing storys of the veterans of this conflict.The Sgt.Moll and Earl Rice experiences.Earl`s second night in combat ect.

I have read only a few books on the battle of Okinawa. One of my favourites is "Tennozan" by George Feifer, however "Operation Iceburg" is just as good and gives you a insight into the life and death struggle of the combat soldier. A great book, easy to read and one that reminds you of the hell that men went through during WWII.