After the military draft deferment ended in July 1943, over 2,500 college
students entered the Army Special Cadet Officer Pilot training program beginning October
1. A total of 316 pilots died in kamikaze attacks from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
classes of the Army Special Cadet Officer Pilot Training Program [1].
This monument is located on the grounds of the Ryōzen Gokoku Jinja in Kyōto.
The stone tablet next to the monument has the following inscription:
In 1943, when World War II reached a turning point, Japan's war situation
suddenly worsened, and the whole war situation turned critical. That year in October, more
than 2,500 young men gave up their college studies and faced the crisis as Army
Special Cadet Officer Pilots. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th classes followed this first group.
These student eagles who exchanged their pens for aircraft control sticks
overcame their doubts, broke off attachments with relatives and friends, and
earnestly strove for their nation's glory and for world peace. They sought life
in death.
Due to the grave situation, they carried out rigorous training day and
night. These student eagles flew over the faraway continent and equator, and
many fellow pilots were shot down in air battles. Furthermore, they died
protecting Okinawa as the main force who carried out special attacks. Their
anonymous honor is engraved in history, and there is no end to our grief and
sadness.
Peace was established by their blood and tears. We dearly love our country and hope
for peace. Here we tell future generations of the role played by the Army
Special Cadet Officer Pilots along with honoring our brothers and consoling their
spirits.
Erected on March 21, 1971
Army Special Cadet Pilots Association
The front of the monument shows a standing pilot, one large single-engine
plane, and four smaller twin-engine planes. The back of the monument lists 905
names of Army Special Cadet Officer Pilots who died in battle.
Ryōzen Gokoku Jinja is a shrine dedicated to those who died to protect the
country. This jinja has several other monuments dedicated to those who died in
wars, including the Hakuō Memorial Monument erected to honor Navy Flight Reserve
Students who died during World War II. The Navy's Flight Reserve Students and
the Army's Special Cadet Officer Pilots both came from universities, higher schools, and
technical schools under the educational system existing at the time. Most other
prefectures also have a gokoku jinja to honor those from the prefecture who died
in wars to protect the country.
The following last letters were written by Army Special Cadet Officer Pilots
who died in special attacks:
