World War II Database

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseCommander Asaichi Tamai was the executive officer of the 201st Air Group based in the Philippines near the end of the war. On 19 Oct 1944, Tamai and other officers and pilots were asked by Vice Admiral Takijiro Onishi to perform special attacks, or kamikaze missions, to ensure the success of Operation Sho-Go. Tamai and Lieutenant Masanobu Ibusuki left the room for a few minutes to discuss the merits of special attacks and probable reactions of fellow pilots. When Tamai returned to the meeting, he gave Onishi a response. "Entrusted by our commander with full responsibility, I share completely the opinions expressed by the Admiral. The 201st Air Group will carry out his proposal. May I ask that you leave to us the organization of our crash-dive unit?" With a hint of sorrow and appreciation, Onishi nodded approval for Tamai's request. He was extremely proud of his pilots' reaction when he informed them of the special attack assignment. He said to Captain Rikihei Inoguchi that

ww2dbaseWhen the Americans overran the Philippine Islands, Tamai withdrew to Taiwan with the remainder of the 201st Air Group.