Destroyer Asashimo

Asashimo was laid down at Fujinagata Shipyard on 21 January 1943, launched 18 July 1943, and commissioned 27 November 1943 — one of the last Yūgumo-class destroyers completed. She served in escort and combat operations through 1944, participating in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. On 6 April 1945, Asashimo sortied from Tokuyama with the battleship Yamato and eight other warships (the light cruiser Yahagi and seven destroyers) as part of Operation Ten-Go — a one-way suicide sortie intended to beach Yamato on Okinawa and fight to the last. During the southward transit through the Bungo Strait and into the East China Sea, Asashimo developed serious engine problems and fell behind the formation. On 7 April 1945, as the U.S. carrier strikes reached the main force, Asashimo was caught sailing alone and attacked by aircraft from USS Bunker Hill, USS Bennington and USS San Jacinto. She was sunk at approximately 31°N 128°E, about 150 miles southwest of Nagasaki, with the loss of all 326 men aboard, fighting alone against overwhelming odds — her crew never knowing whether Yamato had reached Okinawa. She is remembered for her solitary, futile, but courageous last stand.