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| IJN Tainan Kōkūtai |
Pilot Ensign Satoshi Yoshino (MIA / KIA) Crashed June 9, 1942 Aircraft History Built by Mitsubishi or Nakajima. Delivered to the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) as A6M2 Model 21 Zero manufacture number unknown. Wartime History Assigned to the Tainan Kōkūtai (Tainan Air Group). Tail code V-1?? (last two digits unknown). No known markings. Mission History On June 9, 1942 took off from Lae Airfield piloted by Ensign Satoshi Yoshino on a mission to intercept bombers attacking Lae. The Zeros chased B-26 Marauders from the 22nd Bombardment Group from an altitude of 100' down the north coast of New Guinea. Over Cape Ward Hunt, intercepted by Airacobras from the 39th Fighter Squadron that dove down from a higher altitude. P-400 pilot Lt. Curran 'Jack' Jones made a head on pass against this Zero. After scoring hits, he observed the pilot to climb out onto the wing and look back before the Zero crashed into the sea. He also observed a diagonal stripe on the Zero, indicating a leader's aircraft. When this Zero failed to return from the mission it was officially declared Missing In Action (MIA). References Kodochosho, Tainan Kōkūtai, June 9, 1942 Nihon Kaigun Sentokitai by Hata and Izawa P-39 Airacobra Aces of World War 2 (2001) page 13 Revenge of the Red Raiders (2006) pages 105–107 Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated January 1, 2022 |
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