During the Battle of Okinawa, American sailors confronted their most destructive enemy of the Pacific War: the kamikazes of the Imperial Japanese Special Attack Corps. Over the course of what quickly became the deadliest engagement ever fought by the U.S. Navy, American naval officers and their crews developed new tactics to counter the brutal onslaught of a suicidal enemy whose sole purpose was to demoralize the US fleet and inflict as many casualties as possible. Japanese military leaders viewed the kamikaze as their last hope to prevent US forces from reaching the home islands and compelling Japan’s unconditional surrender. Drawing on the accounts of enlisted sailors, On the Verge of Breaking Down Completely sheds new light on the desperate struggle off Okinawa and the terrifying ordeal of men under the relentless assault of suicide attacks. Ultimately, American sailors’ tenacity and ability to adapt in order to win during World War II should serve as enduring inspiration to those serving in the U.S. Navy today.
| Published: | May 18, 2026 |
Naval History and Heritage Command Publications Unit Association: Naval History and Heritage Command
