The Foreign Service Journal, September 2004

from the cruiser’s decks. Where was MacArthur at that moment? According to his personal physi- cian, Dr. Roger O. Egeberg, the general was below deck asleep in his bunk. When asked how he could sleep through it all, MacArthur replied, “Well, Doc, I’ve seen all the fighting I need to, so I thought I’d take a nap.” According to the U.S. Navy’s scoreboard at war’s end, kamikazes had sunk 16 ships and damaged 80 others in the Philippine theatre. As dead pilots couldn’t radio back to report their missions’ results, Japanese commanders usually remained in the dark about their effectiveness. Their only feedback was from the U.S. Navy, when it announced the loss of or damage to its ships. The best photo reporting of a kamikaze up close was by U.S. Navy combat photographers (see p. 54). ‘This Is My Last Day…’ On the Japanese side, the Navy carefully documented the kamikaze pilot’s last day on earth. While waiting for orders, many would write poems extolling the emperor, in the feudal tradition of good manners and loyalty to the group and nation. Before takeoff, the pilots typically exchanged toasts of sake with their commander. Ground crews packed boxes of delicacies with rice and tofu for their last in-flight meal. Each kamikaze wore a hachima- ki (thin cotton towels or strips of cloth tied around the head, worn as a charm against evil spirits in ancient times, and later to express one’s determination) to emulate the F O C U S S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 4 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 55 Al-Qaida probably considered adopting kamikaze battle tactics as early as the spring of 1999, when Osama bin Laden sent Mohammed Atta to the Philippines for pilot training at Clark Field. We offer spacious beautifully appointed suites which are ideal for business or pleasure. Our One Bedroom Suites: full kitchens, stovetops, refrigerators, dishwashers and dinette area, living rooms with sleep sofas, master bedroom and full bath. There’s more . . . those on full per diem at $150.00 + tax daily rate receive: • 2 times/week receive a $22 coupon for dinner at a local participating restaurant • Continental breakfast • Weekly buffet dinner • Daily maid service • Free local calls • Health club • Internet access in lobby • Weekend transport to local hot spots For example: Potomac Mills Mall or Mt. Vernon! Experience the Appealing Charm … 108 South Courthouse Road 610 Bashford Lane Arlington, VA 22204 Alexandria, VA 22314 703-522-2582 (club) 703-739-2582 arlington@dcexeclub.com alexandria@dcexeclub.com Two Convenient Locations: Our “Rosslyn” Guests are moving to our Arlington or Alexandria locations.... Executive Club Suites still offers dedicated units for our Foreign Service guests! In addition to all the service, amenities and courteous staff you have been used to, we offer more . . . • Electronic locks on guest rooms • 3 miles to NFATC RT shuttle • RT Grocery pickup weekly • Outdoor pool & Jacuzzi in fabulous setting • Grilling area We accept the first sliding per diem (your 100% for 60 days, then the 50% reduction w/weekly maid & w/o meal coupons.) Central Reservations: 703-739-2582 extension 1405 www.execlubdc.com or reservations@dcexeclub.com