Yamaguchi was killed in action, choosing to go down with the sinking aircraft carrier. Legend has it that he and the captain of Hiryū went down with the stricken carrier while calmly admiring the moon. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of vice admiral.

"There will be a beautiful moon tonight, shall we watch it as we sink?" ( Tamon Yamaguchi, onboard the sinking Hiryuu in 1942)

Pzkpfw-IVH said:

"There will be a beautiful moon tonight, shall we watch it as we sink?" ( Tamon Yamaguchi, onboard the sinking Hiryuu in 1942)

And then Hiryuu answers "...I wouldn't mind if I sink."