My dad was on Okinawa waiting to deploy for the invasion. He was on an LSM (Landing Ship Medium). Their job was to ferry troops to the beach. Life expectancy? Very brief. Except for Truman’s decision, like you I might not be around today.
My dad was a radioman Marine who trained on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay. He was on an invasion troop ship steaming to Japan when the bombs dropped. Instead of invading, he became part of the occupation force. My Mom’s wedding dress was made from a silk parachute for their 1947 wedding. Both gone now and I miss them terribly. Thank God for the bombs.