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| IJN Tainan Kōkūtai |
Pilot CFPO Tokunaga (KIA) Observer F1c Morishita (KIA) Crashed August 2, 1942 at 9:25am Aircraft History Built by Nakajima. Delivered to the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) as Type 2 Land Based Reconnaissance Aircraft / J1N1-C Irving manufacture number unknown (three digits unknown). Wartime History Assigned to the Tainan Kōkūtai (Tainan Air Group). Tail code V-? (single digit) either V-1, V-2 or V-3. At the time of its loss, this type had not yet been identified or codenamed "Irving" by the Allies. Mission History On August 2, 1942 took off from Lae Airfield pilot CFPO Tokunaga with observer F1c Morishita on a reconnaissance mission over Port Moresby. At 9:25am, Lae Airfield received a distress call from this aircraft, stating that it encountered enemy aircraft, then soon afterwards failed to respond. This aircraft never returned and was declared Missing In Action (MIA). When lost, this J1N1-C was the first combat loss of this new type in the New Guinea theater. In fact, this J1N1-C was intercepted by Airacobras from the 41st Fighter Squadron (41st FS) that were escorting B-26 Marauders from the 22nd Bombardment Group (22nd BG) over Cape Ward Hunt. This aircraft was shot down and crashed into the sea, killing both the crew. Airacobra pilot 1st Lieutenant Albert W. Schinz was officially credited for a "twin-engine enemy reconnaissance plane". References Kodochosho, Tainan Kōkūtai, August 2, 1942 USAF Historical Study No. 85 USAF Credits For The Destruction of Enemy Aircraft, World War II Alphabetical: Schinz, Albert W. August 2, 1942 page 167 (PDF page 174) Moonlight Interceptor (1985) page 23 "...they saw a "twin-engine enemy reconnaissance plane". Lt. Schinz led the first pass at the plane getting in a good burst from the side, which was immediately followed by Lt. Carlson getting in another good burst. Lt. Jackson dived under making the third pass at the Japanese plane which was heading towards Schinz and when they [Japanese] saw Lt. Jackson's plane, he turned and this put Lt. Jackson on its tail, who fired until he was so close that to avoid hitting him he had to duck under very close to the water, and swerving to the right saw the plane hit the water. The attack was made at 0910 August 2, 1942." First Lieutenant Elbert [sic Albert] W. Schinz was given credit for shooting down this aircraft." Revenge of the Red Raiders (2006) pages 121-122 FindAGrave - Albert W Schinz (photo, grave photo) Thanks to Osamu Tagaya and Edward Rogers 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 December 5, 2024 |
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