"Military Funeral for a Kamikaze Pilot" Topic
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 Editor in Chief Bill  | 11 Apr 2025 1:36 p.m. PST |
A Japanese pilot slammed his Zero fighter plane into the USS Missouri and ignited a fireball on April 11, 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa. The suicide attack instantly killed the pilot, but none of the battleship's crew members were badly hurt… Military: link |
| William Warner | 11 Apr 2025 2:20 p.m. PST |
It's a fascinating story, but I would guess it was a unique occasion: how many bodies of deceased Japanese flyers were ever recovered onboard a US ship? Most were probably destroyed in the air or, if successful, destroyed in the resulting explosion and fire. I doubt this funeral on the Missouri had a precedent, so it's all the more remarkable. |
 ochoin  | 11 Apr 2025 4:18 p.m. PST |
I appreciate why combatants will treat their enemies, living or dead, in a savage manner. Add to this the alien kamikaze tactic & you would expect the body to be unceremoniously dumped over the side. So it is an amazing and very creditable action the captain of the 'Missouri' took. |
| William Warner | 11 Apr 2025 4:58 p.m. PST |
I agree with ochoin, but it might have been different if there had actually been US casualties, human nature being what it is. |
| ochoin | 11 Apr 2025 5:44 p.m. PST |
I'm not taking away from the credit due to Capt. William Callaghan but I'm trying to think of additional motivations for his actions. Would ordering a formal burial ceremony be an attempt to underline the civilised behaviour of the US in contrast to Japanese fanaticism? Remind the "Missouri's" sailors what they're fighting for? +1 Will. Warner |
| Deucey | 11 Apr 2025 5:55 p.m. PST |
Thanks for sharing. Even in the worst of times, Humanity shines through. |
| Editor in Chief Bill | 11 Apr 2025 10:42 p.m. PST |
Of course, there would have been no funeral if the damage control crews had tossed the body overboard. The credit probably goes to some anonymous sailors. |
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