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![largest tank battle in ww2 ww2 kamikazes begin largest tank battle in ww2 ww2 kamikazes begin](https://thisiswarblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/fi-103.jpg)
Another showed Haruo giving the final address to his fellow kamikazes (named after the “divine wind” that had destroyed the Mongol fleet in the thirteenth century, thus saving Japan from invasion.) He was smiling, “conscious of the camera." On his forehead he was wearing a white headband with Japan’s rising-sun emblem.
![largest tank battle in ww2 ww2 kamikazes begin largest tank battle in ww2 ww2 kamikazes begin](http://www.bookmice.net/darkchilde/japan/pilots2/13.jpg)
One was with his two group leaders: all three were 21 years old and had graduated from the Military Academy in the 57th Class. Kamikaze pilots of the 72nd Shinbu Squadron on May 26, 1945, the day before launching attacks off Okinawa.Įarly the following morning, the journalist took some photos of the airman before he left on his mission. “Father,” wrote Haruo, “I was unable to catch your attention.” Having sealed both letters, Haruo handed them to a visiting journalist who had promised to deliver them in person. But he had not looked up from his work in the fields. Haruo had already penned a note to his father, mentioning that he had flown over the family house at the end of April, circling many times in the hope that his father might see him. The letter was written at Chiran Air Base, Kyushu, on the evening of May 10, 1945.
![largest tank battle in ww2 ww2 kamikazes begin largest tank battle in ww2 ww2 kamikazes begin](https://pm1.narvii.com/6749/aa4675ce43f80a815de1cf688045321e68ff8d0bv2_hq.jpg)
I, who have lived for the eternal principles of justice, will forever protect this nation from the enemies that surround us. After my death, please take care of my father for me. Please remain steadfast and live happily. When I think of your future, and the long life ahead, it tears at my heart. After I had been cruel to you, I used to regret it.
![largest tank battle in ww2 ww2 kamikazes begin largest tank battle in ww2 ww2 kamikazes begin](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Jr0Qo_o7zM/Vp9T9MAxpVI/AAAAAAABuFY/aA9tNfvX4Qw/s1600/Kamikize_USS_Essex_2_1944_worldwartwo.filminspector.jpg)
When I look back, I see that I was very cold-hearted to you. I will cross the river into the other world, taking some Yankees with me. Tomorrow I will dive my plane into an enemy ship. Flight Lieutenant Haruo Araki’s hand shook as he composed a last letter to his wife of just a month:Īre you well? It is now a month since that day.
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