Plot

In 1944, the Japanese military command issues an order for all-out kamikaze warfare. But with skilled pilots in short supply and fewer usable aircraft, one colonel recruits pilots stranded across the Pacific for an elite attack squadron to fight without committing suicide.

Lt. Col. Senda resists the idea of sending Japanese fighter pilots on suicide missions. He believes that what is really necessary for Japan to regain momentum in the war is for the air force to gather its most brilliant pilots into an elite squadron and use the unit to pinpoint attacks on the Americans. Disrespected by the kamikaze pilots who think the "non-suicidal" pilots are afraid, the unit redeems itself by stunning victories. But success leads the military leaders to expect too much of the unit, and new orders portend disaster.—Jim Beaver <jumblejim@prodigy.net>