|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| IJN 552 Kōkūtai 2nd Shotai |
Pilot LS Ishisugi (MIA / KIA) Gunner PO1c Sakurai (MIA / KIA) Crashed December 27, 1943 Aircraft History Built by Aichi. At the factory, painted with dark green upper surfaces and gray lower surfaces. 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 In late 1943, assigned to the 552 Kōkūtai (552 Air Group). Tail code 52-???. Between November 14-17, 1943 arrived at Rabaul and operated in the area until December 5, 1943 when flown to Truk for rest and recuperation. On December 15, 1943 flown back to Rabaul in response to the Allied landing at Arawe (Cape Merkus). On December 15, 1943 took off from Truk on a flight to Rabaul. On December 18, 1943 moves to Keravat Airfield. Likely, this Val flew dive bombing missions between December 17-26, 1943 against Arawe (Cape Merkus) on West New Britain until lost. Mission History On December 27, 1943 took off from Keravat Airfield near Rabaul piloted by LS Ishisugi with gunner PO1c Sakurai on a dive bombing mission against shipping off Arawe (Cape Merkus). The formation included eight D3A2 Vals from the 552 Kōkūtai (two aborted) plus nine D3A2 Vals from the 582 Kōkūtai escorted by 40+ Zeros. This Val was flying in 2nd Shotai, 4th position. The dive bombers attack PT-190 "Jack O' Diamonds" and PT-191 "Bambi" until intercepted by P-47D Thunderbolts from 341st Fighter Squadron (341st FS) "Black Jack". During the attack or air combat, this dive bomber was shot down. When this aircraft failed to return, listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Also lost were two D3A2 Vals from the 582 Kokutai. At Close Quarters page 217 describes one of the three Val losses: "[December 26, 1943 Aboard PT-110 TM3C Stephen P.] LeFebver scrambled back to his gun and opened fire on a plane off the port quarter, following it around to the starboard bow. The plane caught fire, and crashed ashore." References Serial Number & Production Sequence D3A2 Carrier Bombers by Jim Long Kodochosho 552 Kōkūtai, December 27, 1943 At Close Quarters (1962) page 217 Aichi D3A2 Val possible crew members lost December 15-27, 1943 by Justin Taylan 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 |
 Val |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
