Bitterness at Sugar Loaf

Story and Photo by Keith T. Graff

On the outskirts of Naha is nondescript hill that’s only about 50 feet high and 300 yards long. It is virtually unnoticeable. But the role Sugar Loaf Hill played as Japan’s last defense against an invasion of Okinawa during World War II make its significance monumental.

Any breakthrough here would have exposed the Japanese flank to attack. Fully aware of Sugar Loaf’s strategic importance, the Japanese defended it tenaciously. The siege at Sugar Loaf began on May 12, 1945. The fighting here was desperate and the casualties suffered on both sides were high. It took eleven attempts, but on May 18, the Marines prevailed.

Two days after it was taken, the Japanese launched an all-out counterattack in an effort to reclaim Sugar Loaf Hill. Over the course of the week-long battle, over 2,000 American troops were killed or were removed from the fighting due to battle fatigue. The actual number of Japanese casualties remains unknown but is presumed to be much higher.

Today, Sugar Loaf Hill sits on the outskirts of downtown Naha City. It’s a short five-minute stroll from the Omoromachi Monorail Station. The hill is located across the Street from the Duty Free Shops. A Catholic Church and a family restaurant occupy its eastern slope and apartment complexes including an athletic field are located to the south. Near the top of the hill is a small marker along with a plaque.

This small plaque is all that is left to note the sacrifice and heroism that took place over 60 years ago.