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On April 11, 1945, the KIDD was struck by a kamikaze while on
radar picket duty off the eastern coast of Okinawa. Without a doubt, this
is the most remembered event in the ship's history for members of her
World War II crew. As you read this account of what kamikaze
attacks were like for Seaman 1st class
Joseph E. Mahoney, we think you will understand why. |
"Kamikaze
Warfare" — A Sailor's Remembrance
It is probably the most eerie and
unnerving form of warfare mankind has ever inflicted on itself.
First, the shattering alarm and the command to "General
Quarters." Next, the few battle preparations
adjustments—helmet, life jacket, ammunition, arm the gun—usually
done only in semi-haste, for you know you have time, or you
usually do. Quickly, you hear droning from the loudspeaker, "Air
attack is imminent" and then "Bogies sighted
thirty-five miles north and closing."
Next the waiting and the thinking—"Thirty-five miles is
a long way off. Don't kid yourself; it's only minutes
away—perhaps, the last minutes of your life. I'm not ready; too
much I haven't done yet. Forget it; it's inconceivable to think
that it could happen to me! I'm an observer participating only on
the fringes. The real part is played out by others—things happen
to them, not me."
Periodically the headset crackles in matter-of-fact tones:
"Bogies at fifteen miles and closing"
"C.A.P. [Combat Air Patrol] engaging bogies;
splash three; rest still coming"
"Second flight bogies appear on radar, approaching from
northwest"
"Bogies being tracked; range 5000 yards and closing"
"4000 yards and closing"
"3000, 2000"
"Target sighted, position four o'clock low on water"
"Prepare to fire"
"Mark!"
Then explosions! Fire! Deafening noise! Acrid odors! Commands
screamed! How long can this go on? I can't breathe! Teeth hurt
from grinding; fingers ache from gripping! And then it is
over—for this time. Ah, I am alive; I am untouched. This is not
me; I am not here. This is not happening to me!
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