Pilot History
August was a graduate of University of California. Enlisted in the US Navy, he had previously served in VF-4 and participated in "Operation Torch" the Allied invasion of North Africa during November 1942, and was taken prisoner briefly by the Vichy French.

Aircraft History
Built by Grumman. Tail code '29'.

Wartime History
Took off from the USS Langley (CLV-27) at 7:15am led by Commander Malcome T. Wordell to escort six TBF Avengers attacking Kobi, Formosa.

Over the target at 10:20am, this Hellcat suffered an engine failure and force landed near Kobi Airfield around 10:20am. Japanese near Kobi Airfield reported the crashed immediately. After the mission, August was reported as MIA.

Capture
In fact, August had been taken prisoner by the Japanese. Transported to Japan and held as a POW at Omori prison camp, near Tokyo. He survived until the end of the war and was liberated and returned home.

Wreckage
The wreckage of this largely intact Hellcat was recovered by personnel from Kobi Airfield and displayed at Kobi Shrine for a time.

Later, it was transported to Japan. A Japanese hinomaru (rising sun) markings, over painting the American markings and applying tail number E-801 (Yokosuka Kokutai). Abandoned at Yokosuka Airfield. Discovered by US forces during September 1945, without a propeller, engine cowling, fabric surfaces or cockpit canopy.

References
Arawasi Issue 6, Nov-Dec 2007 "Hellcat in Hinomaru" by Marin Ferkl
Thanks to Minoru Kamada for additional information

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009

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