61st Hiko Sentai (61st Flying Regiment)
Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF)

Background
The 61st Hiko Sentai (61st Flying Regiment) in the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) equipped with the Ki-21 Sally. Later, operated the Ki-49 Helen and finally the Ki-67 Peggy.

Wartime History
During the Pacific War based in the Celebes. Next, assigned to the 9th Hiko Dan (9th Air Brigade) with the 7th Hiko Sentai (7th Flying Regiment) and were the only units operating the Ki-49 in the South-East Area. On June 20, 1943 flew a high altitude bombing mission against Winnellie near Darwin. During July 1943 transfered to New Guinea and was jointed by the 7th Hiko Sentai (7th Flying Regiment) until withdrawn in early 1944 due to losses in New Guinea and replaced by the 60th Hiko Sentai (60th Fiyling Regiment). During May 1945 reformed in Japan and operated the Ki-67 Peggy until the end of the Pacific War.

References
Emblems of the Rising Sun page 32-33 (72nd Sentai)
Akimoto via Jim Long

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