343 Kōkūtai (343 Air Group)
Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN)

Background
The Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) 343 Kōkūtai (343 Air Group) commanded by Captain Minoru Genda operated the N1K2-J Shiden-Kai (George) in Japan.

On March 19, 1945 fifty-four N1K2-J Shiden Kai (George) from 343 Kokutai led by Lt Oshibuchi Takashi intercept U.S. carrier planes from Task Force 58 (TF 58) over Kure claiming 52 enemy planes shot down for the loss of 16 fighters.

Commanding Officer (C. O.)
Captain Minoru Genda

References
Genda's Blade Japan's Squadron of Aces 343 Kokutai (2003) by Henry Sakaida

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