August 19, 1945
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

SUNDAY, 19 AUGUST 1945

CHINA - Fourteenth Air Force: Unit moves in China: 16th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group from Chengkung to Nanning with P-51s (the detachment at Pakhoi also moves to Nanning); detachment of 426th Night Fighter Squadron, Fourteenth AF (attached to 312th Fighter Wing), at Liangshan returns to base at Shwangliu with P-61s.

WESTERN PACIFIC [Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Two B-25J Mitchells of the 345th Bombardment Group (345th BG) and 80th Fighter Squadron (80th FS) P-38 Lightings escort two "Betty" bombers. The Japanese aircraft carry a delegation from Tokyo via Ie Shima then aboard an American aircaft to Manila for a meeting with General MacArthur's staff to work out details of the surrender. The Betty bombers are painted all white with green crosses on the wings, fuselage and vertical tail surface and use the call signs G6M1-L Betty "Bataan I" and G4M1 Betty "Bataan II" and land at Ie Shima Airfield. The Japanese delegation were embarked aboard C-54E Skymaster 44-9045 and flown to Manila. After their meeting, they were flown back to Ie Shima Airfield. Returning to Japan, G6M1-L Betty "Bataan I" ditched off Japan out of fuel, due to conversion of a liter were mistakenly from the gallon. The crew was helped by local fisherman, and returnted to Tokyo by train. The co-pilot was Rinpei Komai, who is still alive today.