Tomeo Kaku
| Surname | Kaku |
| Given Name | Tomeo |
| Died | 5 Jun 1942 |
| Country | Japan |
| Category | Military-Sea |
| Gender | Male |
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:
ww2dbase"Let us enjoy the beauty of the moon", Yamaguchi said to Kaku.
ww2dbase"How bright it shines," Kaku responds.
ww2dbase"It must be in its 21st day."
ww2dbaseIn accordance to the way of Bushido, Kaku went down with his ship.
ww2dbaseSource: Shattered Sword.
Last Major Revision: Jan 2006
Photographs
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Tomeo Kaku Timeline
| 5 Jun 1942 | Tomeo Kaku passed away. |
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