Osugi accelerated toward the American cruisers without waiting for orders or accounting for the rest of the Japanese formation. His ships crossed ahead of Myoko and Haguro, forcing emergency maneuvers and producing the collision that removed Hatsukaze's bow. He then had to cancel another torpedo attack because Haguro lay between his remaining destroyers and the Americans, before abandoning the crippled Hatsukaze. His failure to track friendly movements damaged his own force and obstructed its torpedo attacks.
Notable Point · 2:15:13-2:18:16
Uncontrolled aggression destroys Hatsukaze
Morikazu Osugi's unsupported charge carried his destroyers across the heavy cruisers' path, leading Myoko to ram and cripple Hatsukaze.