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Post by EXO on Jun 18, 2009 20:36:22 GMT 8
An observation, perhaps which will prompt comments.
Battalion Journal entry, 0930 hrs, 30 December 1944 - Mindoro
"One of the Japanese suicide pilots, captured when his nerve failed during a dive, stated he was 17 years old, and only had 4 months flight experience. Most of the suicide pilots are 14 to 17 years of age, according to the Nip information gathered from Japanese suicide pilots, who lost the urge, while over Leyte or Mindoro, roughly classifies the pilots in three groups. The first are "Eager Beavers", fresh from flight school, with a burning zeal to join their honorable ancestors. We call them paratroopers in the U.S. Army. Next are the conscripts, who are practically forced into it, through misconception of family honor, face and all the other quirks instilled into Nipponese since childhood. The last group of suicide pilot is constituted by those who have not performed favorably against the enemy. They will find just enough gas in their tank for a one-way mission - a variation of honorable hari-kari."
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