Although outnumbered five-to-one and with no prospect of victory, the Japanese put up strong resistance and virtually none surrendered.
Twenty-thousand Japanese defenders were dug in to an elaborate system of bunkers, caves, and tunnels. The attack was preceded by a massive naval and air bombardment lasting several days and covering the entire island. Although outnumbered five-to-one and with no prospect of victory, the Japanese put up strong resistance and virtually none surrendered.