Kamikaze

New York, NY: Ballantine Books, 1957. Mass Market Paperback. Fine. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. For the first time.A Japanese pilot's story of the suicide squadrons of World War II and his escape from death. "January 1, 1945, a t Hiro air Base in Western Honshu. Captain Tsubaki, commander of the Fourth Fighter Squadron, speaks: 'We are faced with a great decision.Any of you unwilling to give your lives as Divine Sonds of th e great Nippon Empire will not be required to do so. Those incapable of accepting this honor will raise their hands - now!" One hand goes up, then another and another.six in all. 'Ah, so!' Captain Tsu b aki fixes them with his stare. 'Here are six men who have openly admitted their disloyalty. Since they are completely devoid of honor - without spirit - it becomes our duty to provide them with so m e. These men shall be Hiro's first attack group.' " Thus begins the powerful life-story of a young Japanese who was trained as a last-ditch suicide pilot and escaped death only by one of the most iro ni c miracles in the history of war. This is an original not a reprint. Pages browning from age but other than that the book is in fantastic condition!.