This Evil Upland*
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Date: April 26, 1945*
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Battle Location: Maeda Escarpment, Okinawa-jima.*
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Battle Type: Japan advance vs US Army delay*
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Description: On April 25, Captain Tsuneo Shimura commanding the 2nd Battalion of the Imperial Army 32nd Regiment moved into the line on Okinawa and relived a depleted formation of the 62nd Army. Shimura was given orders to drive the enemy off a series of hills and plateaus known as the Maeda Escarpment, by the Americans nicknamed Hacksaw Ridge.*
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Morale in the battalion was good, and it had been overstrengthened by the addition of Okinawans and various service support personnel. Yet the troops were aware of the fact that they had the odds stacked against them. A night reconnaissance of the unknown terrain had ended in losses and confusion. It did not seem likely they would be able to surprise the Americans.*
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Shimura would have to rely on the willpower of his men and their readiness to face daunting odds. Much was asked of them if they were to take control of what they described as 'this Evil Upland'.*
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Notes: If played against the AI the human player should take the Japanese side.*
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Sources: Astor, G; Operation Iceberg - The invasion and conquest of Okinawa in WWII.*
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Design by:  Ulf Lundstrom.**

