77th Hiko Sentai (77th Flying Regiment)
Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF)

Background
During July 1937 organized from the 4th Hiko Rentai (4th Air Regiment) as the 8th Hiko Daitai (8th Air Battalion) in the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF). On July 27, 1938 reorganized as the 77th Hiko Sentai with two Chutai at Nanking in China operating the Type 95 Fighter / Ki-10 (Perry).

Wartime History
During 1940, operated from Thailand and northern Burma flying the Ki-27 Nate. During 1942 converted to Ki-43 Oscar. During February 1944 moves to Hollandia. During March 1944 moves to Wewak. One of their top aces was Captain Yoshiro Kuwabara, the 3rd Chutai leader with 12 victory claims. On March 11, 1944 he claimed a P-47 Thunderbolt shot down, possibly P-47D Thunderbolt pilot Gerrity. On March 14, 1944 he went missing. Later, moves to Galela Airfield on Halmahera. By July 25, 1944 disbanded due to losses. No pilots are known to have survived the Pacific War.

Commanding officers (C.O.)
Maj. Kunio Matsumoto (October 1943 - April 1944 KIA)
Maj. Shigetoshi Inoue (April 1944–August 1944)

References
Emblems of the Rising Sun page 33-34 (77th Sentai)
Japanese Army Air Force Fighter Units And Their Aces 1931-1945 (2002) pages XXX (77th Sentai)

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