The Unbelievable Story of the Japanese Pilot Who Led the Famous Suicide Squadrons

The story of Kiyoshi Ogawa, a Japanese pilot who led the famous suicide squadrons during World War II, is one of the most remarkable and tragic stories of the war. Born in 1913, Ogawa was a brilliant student and a gifted athlete. As a young man, he joined the Imperial Japanese Navy and quickly ascended the ranks, becoming one of the most respected pilots in the service. However, as the war turned against Japan, Ogawa was ordered to lead the suicide squadrons, a group of pilots who were sent on one-way missions to crash their planes into enemy ships.

Kamikaze: A Japanese Pilot's Own Spectacular Story of the Famous Suicide Squadrons

by Yasuo Kuwahara

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	702 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Print length	:	276 pages

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Ogawa knew that these missions were doomed to failure, but he accepted them without hesitation, believing that they were the only way to save his country. In the end, Ogawa himself died on a suicide mission, but his story continues to inspire awe and admiration.

Ogawa's Early Life

Kiyoshi Ogawa was born on October 10, 1913, in the city of Hiroshima, Japan. His father was a doctor and his mother was a schoolteacher. Ogawa was a bright and curious child, and he excelled in school. He was also a gifted athlete, and he played baseball and tennis on his school's teams. After graduating from high school, Ogawa went on to study law at the University of Tokyo.

In 1935, Ogawa joined the Imperial Japanese Navy. He was quickly recognized as a talented pilot, and he rose through the ranks quickly. In 1941, Ogawa was assigned to the 6th Air Group, which was based in the Philippines. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Ogawa was one of the pilots who participated in the raid.

The Suicide Squadrons

In 1944, as the war turned against Japan, the Imperial Japanese Navy began to form suicide squadrons. These squadrons were composed of pilots who were willing to sacrifice their own lives in order to damage enemy ships. The pilots were given special training, and they were equipped with planes that were loaded with explosives.

Ogawa was one of the pilots who was selected to lead a suicide squadron. He was given command of the 4th Air Group, which was based on the island of Iwo Jima. Ogawa knew that the suicide missions were doomed to failure, but he accepted them without hesitation. He believed that they were the only way to save his country.

Ogawa's Suicide Mission

On April 6, 1945, Ogawa led his suicide squadron on a mission to attack the American fleet that was anchored off the coast of Okinawa. Ogawa's plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire, and he was forced to crash-land into the sea. He was rescued by an American destroyer, and he was taken to a prisoner of war camp.

Ogawa was released from prison in 1947. He returned to Japan and became a businessman. He died on October 29, 1995, at the age of 82.

Ogawa's Legacy

Kiyoshi Ogawa was a brave and patriotic man who gave his life for his country. His story is a reminder of the horrors of war, and the sacrifices that people are willing to make in order to defend their beliefs.

Kamikaze: A Japanese Pilot's Own Spectacular Story of the Famous Suicide Squadrons

by Yasuo Kuwahara

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	702 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Print length	:	276 pages

FREE