|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| JAAF 53rd Sentai  JAAF 1945 |
Pilot Cpl Kenji Yamada (KIA) Crashed February 19, 1945 Pilot History Before the ramming attack, Yamada wrote a poem: "Why do I spare my life for the Emperor? Young and live cherry flowers have their significance of lives because they are gone early. I have been choose as a member of a special attack unit. What a great honor it is! I feel a joy as I was born as a man. What a pleasure it is to ram! (Signed) Imperial Army Corporal Yenji Yamad, 22, Shinten Unit." Aircraft History Built by Kawasaki. Delivered to the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) as Type 2 Two-Seat Fighter Toryu / Ki-45 (Nick) manufacture number unknown (likely four digits). Wartime History Assigned to the 53rd Hiko Sentai (53rd Flying Regiment). No known markings or tail code. Mission History On February 19, 1945 took off piloted by Cpl Kenji Yamada as one of four Ki-45s from 53rd Sentai led by Lt. Aoki on a mission to intercepted a formation of B-29 Superfortresses bombing Tokyo. After climbing to altitude over Tokyo Bay, Yamada made a deliberate head on attack and while making a steep turn rammed B-29 "Super Wabbit" 42-65222 causing the left wingtip to fold over and break off. The bomber to spin twice, break apart then crash near Lake Kawaguchi with no survivors. Yamada was killed in the ramming or on impact. References B-29 Hunters of the JAAF (2000) pages 88-90 Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated July 23, 2023 |
 Ki-45 |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
