Tomeo Kaku

SurnameKaku
Given NameTomeo
Died5 Jun 1942
CountryJapan
CategoryMilitary-Sea
GenderMale

Contributor:

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


Tomeo Kaku Timeline

5 Jun 1942 Tomeo Kaku passed away.




Did you enjoy this article or find this article helpful? If so, please consider supporting us on Patreon. Even $1 per month will go a long way! Thank you.

Share this article with your friends:

 Facebook
 Reddit
 Twitter

Stay updated with WW2DB:

 RSS Feeds




Posting Your Comments on this Topic

Your Name
Your Email
 Your email will not be published
Comment Type
Your Comments
 

Notes:

1. We hope that visitor conversations at WW2DB will be constructive and thought-provoking. Please refrain from using strong language. HTML tags are not allowed. Your IP address will be tracked even if you remain anonymous. WW2DB site administrators reserve the right to moderate, censor, and/or remove any comment. All comment submissions will become the property of WW2DB.

2. For inquiries about military records for members of the World War II armed forces, please see our FAQ.

Search WW2DB
More on Tomeo Kaku
Event(s) Participated:
» Battle of Midway and the Aleutian Islands

Ship(s) Served:
» Chiyoda
» Hiryu

Tomeo Kaku Photo Gallery


Famous WW2 Quote
"Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue."

Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, 16 Mar 1945


Support Us

Please consider supporting us on Patreon. Even $1 a month will go a long way. Thank you!

Or, please support us by purchasing some WW2DB merchandise at TeeSpring, Thank you!