It is known as the bloodiest battle of the Pacific Theater in World War II.

MONROE, La. (KNOE) – The last major battle of World War II began on April 1, 1945.

It was Easter Sunday morning when Allies including the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia invaded the island of Okinawa.

According to the U.S. Department of War, 1,300 U.S. ships and 50 British ships participated. More than 102,000 soldiers, 88,000 marines and 1,800 sailors took part.

The battle lasted for 82 days. More than 12,000 U.S. soldiers, sailors and Marines died.

The Japanese launched the largest suicide (or kamikaze) attack of the war, ramming planes into ships.

Japan’s military suffered around 100,000 killed, including the kamikaze pilots.

Okinawa was considered strategic to launch an invasion of mainland Japan planned for the fall.

Japan surrendered to the Allies in August.

During the 84 days of fighting uncommon acts of valor resulted in 24 servicemen presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor. It is the United States’ highest award for selfless military bravery in action.