二次世界大戰資料庫 (WW2DB)

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseAs a former pilot, Tomeo Kaku was one of the early supporters of Japanese naval aviation and a key figure in the development of the Japanese carrier operation doctrine. His carrier Hiryu was damaged beyond repair during the Battle of Midway by an American dive bomber attack. Before Rear Admiral Tamon Yamaguchi, who had his flag aboard the ship, gave the order to abandon ship, Kaku gave a speech to express his pride in the men while placing the blame for losing the ship squarely on himself. After the speech, during a ceremonial meal of naval biscuits and water, Kaku and Yamaguchi shared this conversation:

ww2dbaseIn accordance to the way of Bushido, Kaku went down with his ship.

Photographs

Tomeo Kaku Timeline