Norihiko Hiramatsu
Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), 552 Kōkūtai (552 Air Group)
Pilot D3A2 Val 3571 crashed January 13, 1944

Wartime History
Hiramatsu joined the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) and was assigned to Hei 7th term flight training course and became a pilot.

In 1943, assigned to the 552 Kōkūtai (552 Air Group) as a pilot flying the D3A2 Model 22 Val dive bomber. During December 1943 he flew combat missions from Kerevat Airfield west of Rabaul until lost on January 13, 1944.

On January 12, 1944 took off piloting D3A2 Val 3517 on a night dive bombing mission against Mono. Over the target area, the Vals were intercepted by at least two F4U-2(N) Corsair from VF(N)-75 that were radar equipped night fighters that one claimed one Val shot down. Possibly, this Val sustained damage from their attacks. Returning on January 13, 1944, his dive bomber crashed on southern New Ireland. On impact, he was killed. Afterwards, his body was buried at the crash site by local people.

References
Kodochosho 552 Kōkūtai, January 12-13, 1944
Kodochosho Jinrai Special Attack Ohka Tai, March 21, 1945

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