Question

letter from a kamikaze pilot
ensign kiyoshi ogawa of japan died at age 22 when he conducted a kamikaze attack against the us aircraft carrier bunker hill in may 1945.
father and mother,
it has been decided that i also will make a sortie as a proud special attack corps member. looking back, when i think of your raising me in your arms for more than twenty years, i am filled with a sense of gratitude. i truly believe that no one else has lived a happier life than me, and i am resolved to repay the emperor and my father for your kindness.
beyond those boundless white clouds, i will make my attack with a calm feeling. not even thoughts of life and death will come to mind. a person dies once. it will be an honorable day to live for the eternal cause.
father and mother, please be glad for me. . . . i will go smiling, both on the day of my sortie and forever.
—ensign kiyoshi ogawa
which statement characterizes ogawa’s feelings about his mission?
○ he was angry at his military leaders and their conduct of the war.
○ he felt betrayed by the emperor and those in power.
○ he was unsure he was brave enough to complete his mission.
○ he was proud that he was going to die for his country.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• Option 1: The letter shows gratitude to the emperor and no anger at leaders, so incorrect.
• Option 2: The letter expresses loyalty to the emperor, not betrayal, so incorrect.
• Option 3: The letter says he will attack with a calm feeling and no thoughts of life - death, and is proud, so he is not unsure of bravery, incorrect.
• Option 4: Phrases like "proud Special Attack Corps member", "repay the Emperor", "honorable day to live for the eternal cause", and "go smiling" show he is proud to die for his country, correct.

Answer:

D. He was proud that he was going to die for his country.