1 November, 1945, was supposed to be "X-Day" - the beginning of the largest amphibious operation in history, landing Allied forces on the Japanese island of Kyushu. This would mark the start of Operation Downfall, the invasion of Japan's home islands, which Allied leaders expected would be necessary to end World War II. Ultimately, Operation Downfall was cancelled after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the entry of the Soviet Union into the war against Japan. Yet Downfall was well into the planning stages when World War II ended, and estimates of the invasion's possible outcomes expected casualty levels in the millions for all sides. #BruteCast alumnus Skip Crawley takes us back through the preparations and anticipated execution of the invasion that never happened.

Enjoyed this episode? Think there's room for improvement? Share your thoughts in this quick survey - all feedback is welcome! The survey may be found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenRutN5m31Pfe9h7FAlppPWoN1s_2ZJyBeA7HhYhvDbazdCw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Intro/outro music is "Evolution" from BenSound.com (https://www.bensound.com)

Follow the Krulak Center:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekrulakcenter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekrulakcenter/
Twitter: @TheKrulakCenter
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcIYZ84VMuP8bDw0T9K8S3g
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brute-krulak-center-for-innovation-and-future-warfare
Krulak Center homepage on The Landing: https://unum.nsin.us/kcic

Skip Crawley, “Operation Downfall: The Invasion of Japan”