Watch US Navy’s Battle Against Japanese Kamikaze Pilots—1945 Footage

The Rise of Kamikaze Attacks

By 1944, as the Pacific War turned against Japan, the Imperial military began using suicide attacks to counter the growing strength of the United States Navy. These missions, carried out by pilots known as kamikazes, aimed to crash explosive-laden aircraft directly into American warships. The tactic was first used during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944 and quickly became a major threat to Allied naval forces. Unlike conventional air raids, these attacks were designed to ensure destruction by sacrificing the aircraft and its pilot.

The attacks became more frequent in 1945 as the United States moved closer to the Japanese mainland. Major battles such as the invasion of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa saw an increasing number of kamikaze missions. The effectiveness of these attacks forced the U.S. Navy to improve its defenses, with warships deploying more anti-aircraft guns and escort carriers providing fighter cover. Despite these measures, kamikaze strikes still inflicted significant damage on American vessels.

The Battle at Sea

Footage from 1945 captures the intensity of these engagements, showing U.S. Navy ships under constant attack. In the Pacific, warships formed protective screens around aircraft carriers, which were prime targets. Destroyers and cruisers fired relentlessly at incoming aircraft, hoping to take them down before impact. The footage reveals how these desperate battles played out, with American gunners rapidly adjusting their fire to track the incoming threats.

One of the most intense moments recorded occurred during the Okinawa campaign, where kamikaze aircraft managed to break through defensive lines and strike several ships. The USS Bunker Hill was hit by two planes within minutes, resulting in heavy casualties and severe damage. Other vessels, such as the USS Laffey, withstood multiple strikes but continued fighting. These images illustrate the brutal nature of these encounters and the high cost paid by both sides.

The Aftermath of the Attacks

Despite the heavy losses, the U.S. Navy managed to maintain its operational strength. Repairs were quickly made to damaged vessels, and new strategies were developed to counter future attacks. The footage not only documents these moments but also highlights the resilience of American sailors who faced waves of incoming aircraft with little time to react.

By the time Japan surrendered in August 1945, kamikaze attacks had caused the loss of dozens of American ships and the deaths of thousands of sailors. However, they had not been able to turn the tide of the war. The footage from these battles remains a crucial historical record, showing the determination of those who fought at sea during the final months of the Pacific War.

Keep going for the footage below: