Himeyuri no Tou, Itoman-shi, Okinawa.
The Himeyuri (姫百合 - Graceful Lily) was one of several groups of high school students to actively participate in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. These 200 or so girls and their teachers were given the task of assisting in field hospitals. Many thought they would soon be able to return to their studies, bringing with them school supplies, and that their work would be protected by the Red Cross.
In reality, they were given the worst and most dangerous jobs, working in damp and unhygienic conditions in dark caves, being verbally abused by doctors and wounded soldiers alike. They were tasked with assisting the wounded, disposing of limbs and bodies, and fetching things like water - the latter sending them right in to the dangers of the battlefield.
On the 18th of June, 1945, a week before the Battle itself was ended, the Himeyuri and their fellow sister corps were suddenly disbanded, and the girls were forced from the hospital caves to fend for themselves. While casualties had remained moderately low during the three months of fighting, many were killed or ended their own lives after the disbandment order was given. More than half of the girls who served during the war were unable to see its end.
