Kamikaze Commandos! Japanese Airborne Raid Okinawa 1945

Find out how the Japanese tried to stop the B-29 bombers that were devastating Japanese cities by launching a suicide commando assault on US airfields at Okinawa in May 1945, using a specially trained crack unit of combat engineers and a squadron of Ki-21 Sally bombers.
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

[@64maxpower]

"Dang, I wanted to crash into a US airfield ,blow up B29s and get shot to death with zero hope of returning but my airplane motor broke and I had to go home."

[@raftash5279]

This is what the history channel was supposed to be.

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

Can't say I'll disagree!

[@aleksandarlenhart2078]

@@MarkFeltonProductions Did they also used L2D "Tabby" transport aircraft

[@asdsdjfasdjxajiosdqw8791]

This longer format is better. I feel I've been sufficiently submerged into this piece of history, rather than just skimmed it.

[@erdenee1258]

Indeed

[@cosmicmuffet1053]

Yeah. There isn't enough room in the short film reels, usually, to talk about what was going on.

[@chadhaire1711]

NO--keep it shorter

[@sarjim4381]

This was really a classic type of Japanese operation. Overly complicated, dependant on split second timing, not enough manpower or weapons, no back up plan, and using a kamikaze type attack rather than the parachute assault the soldiers had actually been trained to carry out. Japanese intelligence of American strength on Okinawa was nearly non-existent, and the numbers of troops and fighters already on the island was far in excess of their estimates. A largely nuisance raid like Operation Gi-gou could never seriously impair America's ability to continue bombing the home islands. Some historians believe Operation Gi-gou was simply an army demonstration of how they too were willing to engage in organized suicide attacks. Operation Ten-Go, the doomed suicide attack of the Yamato and her escorts headed to Okinawa, happened five weeks before Operation Gi-gou, and there was great pressure on the army to show they were fully committed to the defense of the homeland. This operation was to answer the criticism of the army that Japanese soldiers, while they fought to death in defensive battles, had no offensive plans, especially for suicide attacks, while the navy and air force were losing thousands of men a week in such attacks. The fruitless Operation Gi-gou would seem to have been a political response on the part of the army to save face and show the emperor they were also fully committed. On such things did the last days of the war turn for Japan.

[@bigblue6917]

With you all the way on this. When you get to this stage you have gone passed anything sane. This is what you get when you have a military government with no regard for anything the civilians are facing or the country they are fighting for.

[@jeffkeith637]

That's an excellent analysis. These plans had absolutely no military value - strategic or tactical.

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

Parachute or forced-glider - it was a suicide mission either way.

[@Riceball01]

Good points but just as an FYI, there was no Japanese Air Force during WWII all air forces were operated by either the Army or the Navy, there was no independent air arm in Japan at the time.

[@Riceball01]

@Leonardo's Truth I wouldn't say that, so much as they just bit more than they could chew when they launched the attack on Pearl Harbor. After all, up until then and for the first year or so afterwards they were having incredible success. The powers that be severely overestimated the affect on Pearl Harbor would have and greatly underestimated our industrial capacity despite the dire warnings from Yamamoto who had actually studied and lived in the long enough to get a good read on our national character.

[@parkercook288]

It’s crazy all the interesting stories you can find, also I enjoy the longer format videos too. Really under appreciated channel

[@epikmuff1n]

yeet

[@simonkevnorris]

Yes, another interesting story. The various plans did see a bit desperate though.

[@oceanhome2023]

I USED to think I knew a lot about WW2 but every story on this wonderful site is new to me ! They all inspire the “what if “ alternate history

[@28ebdh3udnav]

Please don't encourage him to making 10 min videos just for the revenue.

[@beetooex]

I'd love to see more long format vids from the good Dr.

[@Dan-n-Duke-jr2ic]

Nothing like a country that takes a valuable skilled officer and making him lead a suicide squadron

[@RandomButtonPusher]

My father was a senior NCO and "gun captain" on a U.S. destroyer running anti-aircraft/anti-submarine picket duty at Okinawa. He didn't talk about it much, but he said the kamikaze attacks were intense. Typical understatement of such veterans.

[@prestonwhite4129]

A guy I talk to, Sam Folsom; a former Henderson field fighter pilot and later part of a night fighter unit on Okinawa witnessed one of these attacks by commandos. His unit was pulling security in the airfield when a bomber came in, landed, and about 19 or 20 men ran out slashing rudders and throwing explosives into or on various planes. There were so many planes piled up on the airfield that it was easy pickings. San fired at a few commandos from the control tower, and later rushed them to prevent the destruction of more planes. The planes at risk near Sam were C-47’s ready for the Japanese homeland, and the F6F Hellcat night fighters which were successfully defended.

[@happyplaceforever101]

All that to destroy 30 to 40 US airplanes. In 1944 the US was producing 365 airplanes a day, and they had no shortage of new pilots.

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

It was a sound plan badly executed - I still think they would have had more chance of shutting down the airfields if they had parachuted instead of lunatic crash landings.

[@donjones4719]

@@MarkFeltonProductions There have been several comments criticizing the choice not to parachute. But parachute drops at night are difficult. Judging your closing speed with the ground and timing/executing a landing roll are quite problematic. And while an airfield seems like a large target, quite a number of WW II parachute drops had difficulty putting a unit in a usefully small area, to group and attack cohesively.

[@rayd6537]

Awesome video. I’d never heard much about Japanese commandos. Thanks Dr Felton.

[@oddballsok]

It's professor doctor Felton...

[@28ebdh3udnav]

You are one of the few select youtubers who makes quality videos instead of clickbaiting your thumbnails and stealing content just for ad revenue. Good job

[@TheJoeSwanon]

Wow so only 10 soldiers caused all that damage. I guess when you have no intention of living you could do a lot more

[@dalmar23]

They were np ordinary soldiers. That whole unit was considered elite and to top it off their commander was great guy not only respected by hes soldiers but by superiors also. Great training + good commander + disregard of personal survival

[@noobster4779]

I think the suprise did help a lot too. the airport crew propably thought they downed normal bombers when suddenly a highly skilled elite unit emerged from them. No wonder there was panic, who would be prepared for this.

[@whyalwaysme2522]

True that.

[@BelloBudo007]

When surviving is not an option I suppose more is to be expected. But you have to wonder just how effective the Japanese commandoes would have been if all planes landed or if they parachuted instead. Also, I do wonder just how much destruction was actually caused by US firing willy nilly as alluded to in this excellent video.

[@chrish3850]

Japan was undoubtably the most determined enemy the US has ever fought. Even when compared to the Viet Cong.

[@wiryantirta]

When you mentioned all the damage done by 10 Japanese commandos, it reminded me the quote from Rogue One: "Make ten men feel like a hundred" I mean in reality the operation wasn't that successful, but the amount of explosions and flames created probably helped illustrated that story.

[@ZeAngrySnowmongol]

U should make a videoa about Finnish guerilla/long range recon commandos. On februari 1942 a 100men strong finnish force inflitrated russian lines and struck a huge supply depo at Petrovski Jam far behind the frontlines. Russian casulties were more than 500 men and Whole depo, including 70 buildings 7000 liters of gasoline etc. Finns lost 5 men during the whole operation. And this is but a one example, Finns did A LOT of long range recon/raid operations especially in 1942- to early 1944

[@5ilenu5]

The 'ki' in Ki-21 is actually a word (rather than letters K-I) meaning 'machine', short for hikoki 飛行機 aircraft.

[@657449]

My uncle told me of a story from the war. Two navy planes were closely chasing a Japanese plane over the fleet. The ship gunners shot down all three since they were so close. There were brave men on both sides.

[@BA-gn3qb]

Never believe someone that says they were a Kamikaze during WWII.

[@jaybee9269]

Another remarkable historical episode of which I never heard! The hubris of the Japanese was remarkable. Thank you.

[@michaelweeks9317]

As a lifelong student of WW2 (principally the Eastern Front ) I am happy to say that I learn something new with everyone of your exceptionally well researched and well produced remarkable videos. Thank you so much Mr. Felton!

[@frankwhite3406]

These Japanese Commandos get 10/10 for outstanding bravery . Ps hope you do an episode on the Japanese Kaitan Kamikaze Submarines!

[@robw3027]

Very interesting. You have to admire their spirit. Fortunately they counted on delivering the troops by wheels up landing rather then parachuting.

[@TheIamIrving]

I was wondering about that. Why not just quietly land and disembark?

[@KurtisCardwell]

My 95 year old dad, still living, was there. Have some pretty remarkable unpublished photos from the aftermath of this attack. He always called them paratroopers, but I’ve researched this to find the difference. Thank you for this Mark, will share with him.

[@themajor2830]

I knew about these guys for a while since I was stationed on Kadena for 2 years, but I didn’t think they actually managed to do any damage before they died, good video.

[@inouelenhatduy]

there also a sucide attack by ki61 arms with downward firing canon on Okinawa airfield

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thanks

[@mochimoni1975]

14:01 that soldier saluted at the camera while smiling, earlier in the video I saw one of the kamakazi commando's carrying a doll on their backpack, this makes me see them more as a human than a savage. Before they were soldiers, they were human. Even though they've invaded my country before and committed merciless war crimes, I still blame their ideology and the pride they take too highly.

[@robertarmstrong905]

Well done! Keep them coming!

[@antoniobeltranthesumosnipe8634]

Growing up on KadenaAFB in the 70s, thought I had read/learned all about the campain to take Okinawa. This is new information. Thank you!

[@subliminator06]

My dad was at Yontan when this happened. I remember him telling me this tale when I was a kid.

[@steyrproof]

One of the best youtube channels out there ! As far as this raid, it was a waste of life. Blowing up a few planes pales in comparison to losing highly trained soldiers.

[@knutdergroe9757]

In the end, It was a waste of good men, for the Japanese. There was no chance even with complete success, for Japan. They could not hope to fight against the U.S. economy/industry/resources.

[@pfcsantiago8852]

Good men ? Brainwashed murdering assholes more like.

[@mikekemp9877]

as an irish neutral [though my dad was in bomber command flying over germany during the war] i never figured out why in 1941 japan didnt take what to my ignorant eyes seemed obvious repeat 1905 and attack russia?they held port arthur which the russians needed to have a year round unfrozen eastern port and they were in manchuria in russias backyard.think on that and the confusion to the allies had germany joined them then in a two front war with the russians not bought the usa into the war til russia was secured things may have been so different. dont forget in 41 russia due to its pact was technically a german ally was being vilified in the worlds press over finland which all the allies still free supported with aid and weapons so there was no intrinsic reason to consider them any sort of ally until the germans invade them. plus defeating russia would have settled japans oil problems so in the scenario of jappo german defeat of russia would the usa even felt the need to join ww2?

[@jugheister]

@@mikekemp9877 I have often wondered the same thing. They say it was because of Battle of Khalkhin Gol 1939 and the Soviet-Japanese neutrality pact. But still...

[@hertzair1186]

Ohka Flying Bomb was actually rocket powered...

[@cheesenoodles8316]

This story is a perfect example of why I follow WWII history...and why I follow Felton productions.

[@ralphyznaga1761]

Just another typical effort from Mr. Felton, expertly told, well-researched and masterful. Greetings from your biggest fan in Austin, TX.

[@davidvavra9113]

I knew the Japanese had previously licensed DC3/C47 aircraft in their fleet. And there they were

[@aleksandarlenhart2078]

That's true and they were designated L2D "Tabby"

[@SupesMe]

This is one of the most insane things I’ve ever watched.

[@misterjag]

Imagine the casualties if the planned invasion of Japan had been required.

[@edmonddantes3640]

Exactly, something revisionist historians always neglect to point out, Japanese resolve was strong even after Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed.

[@bigblue6917]

The estimated half a million troops either dead or wounded. From what I've read this could have been much higher because a typhoon hit the area where the allied fleet would have been if the invasion had gone ahead.

[@treystephens4490]

That's why the atomic bombs were used.

[@thomaspaine4670]

No joke.

[@nejlaakyuz4025]

misterjag thank god for uranium then

[@___Me_]

Almost felt sorry for these guys going on a suicide mission in the final months of the war, until I remembered the 'hospitality' of the Japanese labour camps.

[@hodaka1000]

Yeah not wrong! My father was wounded on Singapore and became a POW, and was sent to "Sandakan" in North Borneo. From a total of more than 2,400 Australian and British POWs originally at the camp there were 6 survivors.

[@MW-vg9dn]

Hey Mark, I've been following you for a while, you make great documentaries and you have a great voice. You should make long movies and sell them on Vimeo, or sell merch like t-shirts or mugs, to better monetize your channel. You make quality content, I'm sure people would be willing to purchase your movies.

[@isaacschmitt4803]

The noise the guy made at 2:42 made me jump a little, wasn't expecting that. . .

[@user-qp3hd3cn8e]

Oh Mark I think there is a story you could be interested in: "Fernnachtjagd" by the Luftwaffe in WW2. Have a look at Flugzeug Classic 3 - 2017. Its about Nachtjagdgeschwader I/NJG 2 equiped with heavy fighters that attacked returning RAF bombers at their airfields without radar and just by visual contact and was very successful because at landing the bombers and the airfield was light up and no AAA or fighters could shoot back because of the danger of hitting own planes. I think you already made a video about the bombings of b17 fields in the the SU but those raids on RAF fields where in 1940! They where canceled due to propaganda reasons but could have easyly stoped RAF night raids.

[@crafter170]

What a fascinating story .Thank God they didn't have a second wave on Honda c90 bikes

[@multitoolish]

One of the BEST so far!! Thanks so much for the research and story telling you bring!! Love it for sure

[@hinz1]

Btw, these are Showa/Nakajima L2D planes in the background at 2:07. Basically licence build DC3. Had to google that, because I was like WTF, Japan with DC3 planes in WWII?!?

[@meinfraulein380]

soviets too had DC-3 clones

[@karlnemo8658]

_This_ is why I watch this channel. I consider myself an _ersatz_ historian but I never read about this incident in any history book, and I've read lots. Thank you for this incredible story!

[@Krapfelapfen]

I feel sad for those brave men.

[@PeteCourtier]

I feel sad for the people of nanking.

[@darrenhillman8396]

Another fascinating glimpse into WW2 history. Longer = better! More to enjoy! Keep up the good work, Dr Felton.

[@HollywoodMarine0351]

One fact worth including was one member of the raiding party survived and was able to make his way across the battlefield reaching the Thirty-Second Army Headquarters (Okinawa) around 12 June. A second large-scale attack on bases in the Marianas with specific intent of destroying B-29 bombers was again planned with 60 transports and 900 commandos for the nights of 19-23 August 1945 (Operation Ken-gou). However, on 15 August, Japan surrendered and the operation was canceled.

[@billb1725]

Dr. Felton, your work is outstanding on many levels. Historically fascinating, highly entertaining and never overdone and wordy. Thank you for the outstanding work.

[@druballard8929]

As always excellent! Enough cannot be said for the hard work and effort you put in to these first class presentations. Bravo!!

[@arthurcrime]

Always a real treat to see a notification of a new video by you Mark, I watch them over my morning coffee. Thank you for your great work.

[@russwoodward8251]

Extremely good research. What a story. Thank you.

[@Chironex_Fleckeri]

Your channel has huge growth potential. I bet you can hit a million subs. Love the mini-docs you upload for us. High quality video as always.

[@joeford860]

Agreed

[@jimb.942]

Love these unknown footnotes of history. Great job Mr. Felton!

[@randomcoyote8807]

As a former Combat Engineer myself I am impressed by the insane level of courage and dedication these guys displayed, even though they fought for a wrong (and, by that time, lost) cause. The deployment of the Ki-25 bombers as assault gliders makes me wonder if the Japanese forces had any dedicated glider assault units like the British, Americans, and Germans did in the European theater.

[@antonfarquar8799]

Boy did this get left out of the history books !! Thank you !!

[@PiperStart]

Thanks for yet another piece of excellent research.

[@g13flat]

Fascinating. Another piece of WW2 history I didn't know. Thanks Mark. :)

[@ericmcquiston9473]

Another awesome chapter of WW2 history ! amazing video Mark.

[@blank557]

Excellent video. I applaud your attention to details.

[@e-rj8984]

Another exiting and rather unknown story from You Mark! Thanks for sharing this!

[@alswann2702]

Never heard this story before. Thanks Mark!

[@philipmathenia5732]

Thanks Mark for another interesting video. Keep up finding these unknown stories

[@jeffkeith637]

Great work Mark. These WW2 videos are so interesting - so many histories of so many people whose lives were each precious but thrown away. They do deserve these longer pieces. Thanks

[@McRocket]

Fascinating stuff. Thank you for this.

[@callumw-s8693]

Awesome channel, appreciate every video! Thanks 😊

[@chuckvan1568]

Amazing footage of this interesting and little known story. Thank you.

[@knotgood9077]

TY for all your hard work and content contributions...just praising

[@brucebello9892]

Another great story Mark, superb investigative work on your part, thank you!

[@jc-hf1bk]

Just found this channel, it's pure gold. Subbed

[@davidwallace5738]

Great video. Thank you sir!

[@loginavoidence12]

2:40 extracted this sound clip for text message notifications on my phone. f'n fabulous :)

[@joeford860]

I thought that had read everything about WW 2 thanks for sharing the information.An excellent video.

[@BadMoonRising92]

Your channel and content is incredible. I’ve always been a huge history buff especially WW2 and the Americans involvement in Vietnam. there’s so much to learn about WW2 and I’ve learned so much from your content alone. Keep it up.

[@zoranhome]

This channel deserves more support.

[@andrewmorgan2537]

This channel keeps on growing which is awesome for a military fanboy like me. Good job Mark.

[@reddirtroots5992]

Very interesting. Thanks Mark!

[@darrenmcdonald5373]

Heyy your video's are awesome.The way you tell the stories,the footage and editing are all brilliant

[@thegeneralist7527]

Excellent job. I had not read about this operation.

[@rougestormtroop6749]

This channel is really interesting. Its stories many have never heard of!

[@kai-niklasseiler7866]

Than you for your content. I will look all Videos.

[@alexdemoya2119]

Always amazing, Dr Felton. Always. And this is without a doubt your most fascinating video in your long cavalcade of fascinating videos. Cheers from the US.

[@napoleonblownapart8155]

Well isn't this a gem of a channel I've stumbled upon. I really like the style good stuff.

[@smthsmth]

Thanks for this video!

[@otto253]

Thanks! I love the longer videos

[@RackHasAttacked]

Love your mini documentaries keep up the good work:)

[@jgstargazer]

Thanks for this informative video, didn't know this part of WWII.

[@MorganBrown]

Colonel Kurtz: “If I had ten divisions of those men our troubles here would be over very quickly”. Oops, they surrendered a few months later...the horror.

[@okapmeinkap7311]

Col. Kurtz got his head chopped off. His trouble was sure over.

[@TioDeive]

Your videos are unbelievably good and always keeps me thinking how and where do you get this material...Congratulations!

[@jasoninthehood9726]

Your channel is one of my favorites on KZbin. I binge it constantly. Why the hell is WW2 so damn fascinating? lol

[@davidmcevoy1162]

Brilliant films many thanks

[@Red_Lion2000]

These videos are amazing mate, love the channel.

[@hobbyavenue6740]

Once again Great video, Mark.

[@martinburch2416]

A very interesting video. Can't wait for the next one

[@goshnodo]

I just don't understand who would thumbs down? This is history and there is no like or dislike it's just what happened.

[@Neil-Aspinall]

Outstanding Sir!

[@williammiller8317]

Thanks Mark for another great video!

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

You are very welcome

[@holdencommodorehsv]

Nice work Mr Felton nice long piece

[@chamonix4658]

another great video, was watching 'Hitlers steel beast' on netflix and was pleasantly suprised to see you on it! Always great to see

[@wideyxyz2271]

Great video as always....

[@tomsmith5947]

another great unknown story Mark, keep it up