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| IJN 582 Kōkūtai or 552 Kōkūtai  A. Cowan 2002  Rod Pearce 2010 |
Pilot Unknown (KIA, BR) Gunner Unknown (KIA, BR) Crashed December 15,1943–December 31, 1943 Aircraft History Built by Aichi. Delivered to the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) as Type 99 Carrier Bomber Model 22 / Ku Ku Kamba (Kanbaku) / D3A2 Val manufacture number unknown. Wartime History Assigned to either 582 Kōkūtai (582 Air Group) or 552 Kōkūtai (552 Air Group). No known tail code. The tail hook component dataplate is serial number 3669. Mission History This aircraft crashed into the sea killing both crew members on impact. Likely shot down by anti-aircraft fire or American fighters and crashed between December 15-31, 1943 during Japanese air raids against the U.S. Army beachead and U.S. Navy vessels supporting the American landing at Arawe (Cape Merkus). Wreckage This aircraft was known to local fisherman as an airplane wreck in the area. During 2001, discovered by Mark Reichman and his sons Jared and Micah in 7m of murky water. Rod Pearce adds: "About 20 years ago, a local told me about this wreck. I searched for it for about 2 days and could not find it. A missionary person there, Mark Reichman who was a keen diver found it and we dove it." During 2010, a team from the Japanese Government Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare chartered MV Barbarian. At the site, the remains of the crew were recovered and personel effects including a pistol. Afterwards, the remains were returned to Japan. References Serial Number & Production Sequence D3A2 Carrier Bombers by Jim Long Kodochosho, 552 Kōkūtai, December 17-31, 1942 Kodochosho, 582 Kōkūtai, December 15-31, 1942 After The Battle Number 133 "Aichi D3A 'Val' Recovery" by Rod Pearce D3A2 Val crew members lost December 15-27, 1943 by Justin Taylan Thanks to Rod Pearce and Mark Reichman for additional information Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated March 10, 2023 |
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