Learn the meaning of "kamikaze" and find out how Japan convinced thousands of kamikaze pilots to fly to their deaths.

FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!

RELATED CONTENT

During World War II, aircraft engineers began to better understand compressibility, an aerodynamic effect that can cause pilots to lose control of their planes. Find out how the problem was tackled.

The USS Laffey engages in a heated battle against 22 kamikazes off the coast of Okinawa in the most concentrated kamikaze attack of World War II.

In an interview, 2nd Lt. William A. Campbell describes his experience flying as a wingman in the first combat mission for the 99th Fighter Squadron, which was sent to North Africa in April 1943.

Retired U.S. Navy pilot Bob Larson talks about the dangers of flying a PBY airplane during World War II.

In 1966, an American fighter pilot took off from the USS Enterprise near the coast of Vietnam, only to be shot down and captured by enemy forces.

Find out how a fighter pilot narrowly escaped enemy jets during a harrowing face-off at Guadalcanal.