the squadrons suffered massive aircraft and personnel losses from American carrier raids in February 1944. Under Kakuta's direction from his headquarters on Tinian, many of the remaining aircraft units participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944, but were unable to play a decisive role, suffering further heavy losses. Kakuta was the senior military officer on the island during the Battle of Tinian although he was not directly responsible for the defenses. As the Americans closed in on Tinian, Kakuta and his staff made repeated efforts to escape in rubber boats at prearranged rendezvous with a Japanese submarine. After several failed attempts, Kakuta and his staff withdrew to a cave on the east coast of Tinian and were never seen again. It is presumed that Kakuta committed suicide soon after the Americans landed and that his body was buried in a secret location by members of his staff. Notes References Further reading - Online views of selections of the book: - Online views of selections of the book: - Book review: - Online views of selections of the book: External links 1890 births 1944 deaths Military personnel from Niigata Prefecture Japanese admirals of World War II Imperial Japanese Navy admirals Japanese military personnel who committed suicide Aleutian Islands campaign