U.S. Marines set off dynamite change in Okinawa cave. Debris showers high into the air as a U.S.

U.S. Marines set off dynamite change in Okinawa cave. Debris showers high into the air as a U.S. Marine demolition crew sets off a dynamite blast to eliminate a Japanese strongpoint in a cave on Okinawa, main Ryukyu (Loochoo) island 375 miles (600 kms.) from Japan. A network of caves and pillboxes was found in the southern sector of Okinawa, where the enemy was trying desperately to stem the U.S. drive against the Naha-Shuri-Yonabaru defense line. By May 22, 1945, the Americans were making slow, costly gains all along the line. Bases on Okinawa, where U.S. troops landed on March 31, would enable U.S. Superfortresses to increase their bomb loads by one and one-half tons so they could carry ten tons in attacks on Japan's war potential. This is a radiophoto sent from a Pacific base to the U.S. NI 6563