Japanese Bomber Hit By U.S. Anti-Aircraft Fire off Ryukyus (Loochoos) -- A blazing Japanese dive bomber, trailing a plume of smoke plunges toward the sea after being hit by anti-aircraft fire from a U.S. carrier off the Ryukyu (Loochoo) Islands March 18, 1945. A heavy air and naval bombardment of the islands preceded U.S. Tenth Army landings on Okinawa, main island in the Ryukyu group, on March 31. One day later the American troops had advanced three miles (4.8 kms) inland and captured the Yontan and Katena airfields. Okinawa is 363 miles (579 kms.) from the Japanese home islands. It is the doorway to the East China Sea and a Principal link in the southern chain of Japan's home defense system. April 20, 1945. (Photo by U.S. Office of War Information Picture).