What was the last offensive battle of World War II?

The last offensive battle of World War II was indeed Okinawa. This battle took place from April to June 1945 and was a significant engagement in the Pacific Theater. The capture of Okinawa was critical for several reasons. It provided a strategic base for the Allied forces to prepare for an invasion of the Japanese home islands. The battle was marked by intense fighting, high casualties for both American forces and Japanese defenders, and the involvement of large naval forces, making it one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific campaign.

Okinawa's significance is further underscored by its impact on the overall strategy towards Japan, as it served as a base for air operations, ultimately contributing to the decision to use atomic bombs in August 1945. The fierce resistance encountered during this battle also highlighted the determination of Japanese forces to defend their homeland. In contrast, other battles listed, such as Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima, occurred earlier in the war and did not represent the final offensive efforts of the Allies in the Pacific. Midway, while a pivotal victory, was fought in June 1942, long before Okinawa and did not involve ground assaults comparable to those at Okinawa.