The historical record is spotty—especially concerning the question of who knew what, and when—but there appears to be considerable evidence behind the charge. In the early stages of the kamikaze recruitment program, no references to suicide tactics were permitted to appear in writing; only verbal orders were given. Naoji Kozu, a reserve naval ensign, agreed to volunteer for the manned torpedo program before he knew that it was a suicide weapon. He and his fellow recruits were told only that they must be “willing to take on a dangerous job” and “willing to board a special weapon.” Looking back
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