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Abbreviations, Acronyms, Codewords, Terms
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KALEIDOSCOPE
Cape Nelson Area, New Guinea
Kampffuehrung
Kampfgruppe
A term loosely assigned to improvised combat units of various sizes, named usually after their commanders
kamikaze
Japanese for "divine wind." A tactic used by certain Japanese pilots during World War II, in which they flew their airplanes as missiles against Allied targets. This tactic was an act of self-destruction by the pilots and desperation by Japanese military leaders.
KAPPA
KATE
The type 97 Japanese bomber made by both Nakajima and Mitsubishi
KDPOW
Killed or Died while a Prisoner of War
Kdr d Eisb Pz Zuge--Kommandeur der Eisenbahn-Panzer-Zuge
Chief of Armored Trains (German: p. 111)
Kdr d Freiw Verb--Kommandeur der Freiwilligen Verbande
Commander of Volunteer Units (German: p. 125)
KEENSET
Sorlen Island, Ulithi Atoll, Yap Islands
KELVINATOR
Lulua River, Belgian Congo
KENTUCKY
KERBSTONE
KEROSENE
Luschan Harbor, New Britain
KESTREL
KEYRING
KEYWAY
KF--Kriegsfernmeldeabteilung
Armed Forces Wire Communications Branch
Ki-43-Ia
Single-seat, one-engine monoplane, developed by Nakajima. Known as "Oscar" to the Allies, this fighter and subsequent models performed widely in the Pacific as interceptors and long-range escorts. The Ki-43-Ia had only a pair of 7.7-mm machineguns mounted in the upper-wing. Heavier guns were installed in later models. Maximum takeoff was 5,695 pounds; top speed, 308 miles per hour at 13,120 feet; service ceiling, 38,500 feet; and combat range, 745 miles.
Ki-45-Kai-C
Manufactured by Kawasaki, this twin-engine, single-wing, day/night fighter carried a crew of 2. Dubbed "Nick" by the Allies. Armament comprised a single 37-mm gun forward, twin fixed 20-mm guns amidships (firing forward and upward), and on some aircraft a small searchlight in the nose. Maximum takeoff weight was 12,125 pounds; top speed, 336 miles per hour at 19,685 feet; service ceiling, 32,808 feet; and combat range, 746 miles. Nick was active in the southern battle areas of the Pacific war, proving a perfect aircraft for escort and patrol between the widely dispersed islands. Later, it assumed night defense of Japanese cities against B-29 strikes.
Ki-61-Ia
Single-wing, one-seat, single-engine, fighter-interceptor built by Kawasaki. Nicknamed "Tony" by the Allies, it served in virtually every theater of the Pacific, and at one time formed a major part of Japan's home fighter force. Armament, 2 fuselage 7.7-mm guns and 2 wing mounted 12.7-mm guns (later models strengthened this armament). Maximum takeoff weight was 7,650 pounds; top speed, 348 miles per hour at 16,404 feet; service ceiling, 32,808 feet; combat range, 1,118 miles. Tony was one of the best interceptors against the B-29s. Pilots often made "kills" by ramming the target rather than using their guns.
Ki-84-Ia
Known to the Allies as "Frank," this one-seat, single-engine, Nakajima aircraft served as a day/night fighter, dive bomber, and ground support fighter. Armament, a pair of 20-mm wing cannon and twin 12.7-mm guns in the upper engine cowling. It could carry two 550-pound bombs under its wings. Maximum takeoff weight was 8,267 pounds; highest speed, 388 miles per hour at 19,685 feet; service ceiling, 34,450 feet; and combat range, 1,025 miles.
Ki-102B
Twin-engine, two-seat, attack fighter, developed by Kawasaki. Known as "Randy" by the Allies. It resembled the Ki-45-Kai-C ("Nick"), but had better performance. In its nose were two 20-mm cannon. The wings had 57-mm cannons (with 150 shells and a firing rate of 80 rounds per minute). A 12.7-mm machinegun in the rear cockpit fired obliquely upward to the rear. Two 550-pound bombs could be carried under the wings. Maximum takeoff weight was 16,094 pounds; top speed, 360 miles per hour at 19,685 feet; service ceiling, 32,808 feet; and combat range was 1,243 miles.
KICKSHAW
KIDNEYBEAN
KILKENNY
Dulag, Leyte Island, P.I.
KILLFOY
KILTING
KINDLE
U.S. Force in southeast England
KINDRED
Omarakan A, Trobriand Island
KINGCRAFT
Tau Hwa Island, Chusan Archipelago, China
KINGGRAB
Operations against Wewak, New Guinea
KINGPIN
Gulf of Boni, Celebes, N.E.I.
KIRA
KIRKDALE
KITCHEN
Ablingi Harbor, New Britain
KITCHENMAID
KLAXON I and II
Evacuation of Namsos and Narvik, Norway (2-3 May 1940) (G.B.)
KMA
KNAPWEED
KNEECAP
Albany, Western Australia
KNEEPIECE
KNIFEREST
Occidental Province, Mindanao, P.I.
KNOTTY
Manipa Strait, Moluccas, N.E.I.
KNOWLEDGE
Kume Jima, Luchu Islands, Japan
KNUCKLEHEAD
Russell Islands aerial patrol
KNUTE
KODAK
KOHINOOR
KOPJE
Borinquen Field, Puerto Rico
KOURBASH
Makin Island, Gilbert Islands
Kr Gesch Heer--Kriegsgeschichtliche Abteilung des Heeres
Army Historical Branch (German: p. 299)
Kr Kart Verm Chef--Chef des Kriegskarten- und Vermessungswesens
Chief of Mapping and Survey (German: p. 116)
Kriegsgef Allg--Allgemeine Abteilung des Kriegsgefangenenwesens
General PW Affairs Branch
Kriegsgef Org--Organisationsahteilung des Kriegsgefangenenwesens
PW Affairs Organization Branch (German: p. 46)
Kriegsgeschichtliche Abteilung des Heeres
Army Historical Branch (German: p. 299)
Kriegsgeschichtliche Abteilung der Wehrmacht
Armed Forces Historical Branch (German: p. 38)
Kriegswissenschaftliche Forschungs-Anstalt des Heeres
Military History Research Institute (German: p. 300)
KRONE
Kr Wiss Abt--Kriegswissenschaftliche Abteilung
Military Science Branch (German: p. 93)
Kr Wiss Forsch Anst--Kriegswissenschaftliche Forschungsanstalt
Military History Research Institute (German: p. 300)
KRYTPON
KTB
Kriegstagebuch (war diary)
KS--Abteilung Kriegsschulen
Cadet School Branch (German: p. 288)
KUDOS
U.S. Army Bomber Force, East England
KUMQUAT
Ugi Island, Solomon Islands
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