U.S. Navy Action and Operational Reports from World War II, Pacific Theater national archives9/20/2023 ![]() Barnhart stood at his general quarter’s station at No.4 gun mount reflecting on what sort of mentality drove the Japanese to launch kamikaze attacks, especially against the destroyers off Okinawa. As Little steamed through calm seas to the west, Seaman First Class Allen W. The mass kamikaze attacks had begun shortly after the invasion of Okinawa, sinking at least 12 ships and killing hundreds of Sailors. On that day, Japan commenced Operation Kikusui V, sending approximately 450 total aircraft against Allied ships in various numbers throughout the week. Although well prepared for this possibility, her crew was nonetheless surprised by the unprecedented degree of coordination and tactical innovation exhibited by the Japanese kamikaze pilots on. This would help to prevent any attacks against the fleet’s much larger vessels, but it also increased the likelihood that Little and her companion vessels would themselves become targets. Operating with destroyer minelayer Aaron Ward (DM-34) and the smaller LSM(R)-195, LCS(L)(3)-15, LCS(L)(3)-25, and LCS(L)(3)-83 (commonly referred to by the “tin can” destroyer Sailors as “pall bearers”), she provided early detection of impending air attacks. In May 1945, destroyer Little (DD-803)was ordered to patrol the waters of Picket Station No.
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