Tameichi Hara (1900–1980)

Tameichi Hara, the descendant of samurai, graduated from the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy at Etajima in 1921. In 1932, he became a surface warfare instructor. He began WW2 as the captain of destroyer Amatsukaze; aboard Amatsukaze, he was credited with sinking American destroyer Barton and submarine Perch. He was soon was promoted to the role of a destroyer squadron commander, with his flag broken aboard Shigure. Near the end of the war, he was the captain of cruiser Yahagi, and sailed with her during Yamato's final suicide mission Operation Ten-go. Although he was known for his criticism for the Japanese Navy's handling of the war, he remained one of the most aggressive and devoted naval commanders. His memoirs were later translated into English and became an important guide for Japanese WW2-era destroyer doctrine and tactics.