|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| JAAF 14th Sentai 1st Chutai  Yoji Sakaida 2005 |
Pilot 1st Lt. Norito Yasuda Upper Gunner Sgt. Maj. Furuguchi Force landing July 4, 1943 Aircraft History Built by Mitsubishi during late February 1942. True serial number 766. Delivered to the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) as Type 97 Heavy Bomber model IIb / Ki-21-IIb Sally manufacture number 4335. Wartime History Assigned to the 14th Hiko Sentai (14th Flying Regiment), 1st Chutai (1st Company). The tail had the unit motif of a stylized 14 in the shape of the letter "A" in white. Mission History On July 4, 1943 took off from Rapopo Airfield (Rabaul South) piloted by 1st Lt. Norito Yasuda as one of sixteen Ki-21s on a bombing mission against the the U.S. beachhead at Zanana Beach on southern New Georgia. The bomber formation flew southward and met by their fighter escort of Ki-43 Oscars and Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) A6M Zeros over Buin (Kahili) on southern Bougainville, then proceeded to New Georgia. On their first bomb run at an altitude of 4,000 meters (13,123') the target area was obscured by clouds and the bombers turned around and made another run. During their second bomb run, the target was visible and the bombers released all their bombs. Meanwhile, the formation was spotted and misidentified a "Bettys" and subjected to anti-aircraft fire and were intercepted by defending U.S. fighters including F4F Wildcats. This bomber was hit in both engines by gunfire and sustained damage. Aboard, upper gunner Sgt. Maj. Furuguchi claimed three F4Fs shot down. Returning, this bomber force landed at Ballale Airfield. Wreckage This Sally was moved to a bone yard area on the eastern side of Ballale Island. This bomber was never repaired due to the extent of damage or lack of repair facilities and likely sustained more damage from Allied bombing raids. The tail section and one wing remain in the bone yard area. The tail has green paint on the upper surfaces and the the unit motif of a stylized 14 in the shape of the letter "A" in white. References Production Record for the Type 97 Heavy Bomber (Ki-21) (Sally) by James Long page 3 Ki-21 Sallys Attack Munda and Rendova translated by Alfred Weinzierl Pacific Aircraft Wrecks (1979) page 26 (middle right) Air-To-Air (2003) pages 113-114 Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated November 22, 2023 |
 Sally |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
