Pilot History
Richards continued to fly B-17s in the South Pacific, and died piloting B-17E "Stingaree" 41-9071 on September 8, 1942.

Mission History
Took off from Hamilton Field on a ferry flight to Hickam Field, unarmed. This B-17 arrived during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

This B-17 was attacked by A6M2 Zero fighters from Akagi. Attacked by PO1C Juichiro Hanyu who mistook the B-17C as transport aircraft. His attack scored hits on the bomber, damaging it and wounding two members of the crew, one severely.

Richards landed at the nearest alternate location, Bellows Field and was the last B-17 from the ferry flight to land.

On the ground, the wounded crew was rushed for medical attention. Doctors stated that the most wounded had been saved, if a landing was delayed loger, he would have bled to death. Afterwards, the bomber was salvaged for parts.

References
Aviation History January 2009 "Harano's Zero" by David Aiken

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Last Updated
November 8, 2009