In World War II, what name was given to a Japanese Pilot who crashed deliberately onto its target?

During World War II the term "kamikaze" was applied to Japanese pilots whose aim was to crash deliberately to the chosen enemy objects. For sure the crash presupposed both the death of a pilot and the destruction of a manned aircraft. The aim of the blitz included annihilation of as many enemies' soldiers and military hardware as possible. It's awful but most citizens of Japan believed that this sacrifice was the civic duty of every patriotic aviator.

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Sid Brechin

The name comes from two Japanese words ( I studied the language in school and at cultural centers and am fair at it ) the Kamikaze they are named for is from two words. Kami which means heavenly, godly or divine. and Kaze which means wind. I forget when but China once launched a huge fleet at Jappan many hundreds of years ago. It carried far more soldiers then Japan even had people at the time. An unexpected wind of tremendous force came up and either sunk the ships or cause survivors to be washed up on one of the two shores. Thus China was by nature dwelt an awful blow. The pilots where given the name to honour the effect they were expected to have on the enemy. Not much of a story but known by few enough to make for an interesting anecdote.

Joe Mangan

Jose Pastor, Mark Ian's contribution is a polite clarification. I for one prefer that to, for instance, efforts to embarrass people here who make spelling and grammatical mistakes and whose first language is not English.

Kerem Oner

Actually Tokubetsu Kogekitai was the official name, so those who know a little more about this subject could have easily gotten this wrong. Kamikaze itself is an act. It is NOT the term given to the pilots per se. KAMIKAZE IS AN ACT!!! Poorly worded question.

Ike Hinlo Caceres

Kamikaze...."Divine or Spirit Wind".

Matt Wells

Kamikaze originally referred to the destruction and dispersal of a Mongol fleet under Kublai Khan in 1281 by a series of typhoons. This convinced the Japanese that this 'Divine Wind' was heaven-sent to save them. In the same way, a belief arose that a 'Divine Wind' of planes, ships, and men (kamikaze meaning the action, not the person) could again sweep away their enemies and save their land.