More battles equal more people killed

More battles, more killed.

The battle for Okinawa in World War II resulted in about 50,000 military people killed and wounded in the 82-day battle. Total figures were estimated at 250,000 people killed in the 82 days.

The number of Navy personnel killed was 4,900, the Army lost 4,700, and 3250 from the Marines. The balance of the 50,000 were those that were wounded. 

The number of Japanese killed was estimated at 60,000 to 100,000 people. In that time, about 10,000 Japanese surrendered. The number of Okinawan civilians killed was estimated at 100,000 to 150,000 — that was about one-third of the civilian population or one out of every three people.

Of course, the military referred to civilian deaths as "collateral damage." Of course, the correct term should be "innocents."

Forty-five days after the battle of Okinawa, the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, then a second on Nagasaki, and Japan surrendered. We all wonder if the atomic bomb and been dropped earlier, how many people would have been saved. Of course, all of the above would have been saved.

Roger Gregory is a Vietnam veteran and business owner in Priest River.