Aircraft History
Built by Nakajima. At the time of its loss, this type had not yet been identified or codenamed 'Irving' by the Allies. This was the first combat loss of an Irving in the New Guinea theater.

Mission History
Took off from Lae Airfield on a reconnaissance mission over Port Moresby. At 0925 Lae received a distress call from this aircraft, stating that it encountered enemy aircraft, then soon afterwards failed to respond. Shot down into the sea by Airacobras of the 41st Fighter Squadron that were escorting B-26s of the 22nd Bombardment Group over the Cape Ward Hunt area.

Moonlight Interceptor, page 23:
"...they saw a "twin-engine enemy reconnaissance plane. Lt. Schinz led the first pass at the plane getting in a good burst from the side, which was immediately followed by Lt. Carlson getting in another good burst. Lt. .Jackson dived under making the third pass at the Japanese plane which was heading towards Schinz and when they {Japanese} saw Lt. .Jackson's plane, he turned and this put Lt. .Jackson on its tail, who fired until he was so close that to avoid hitting him he had to duck under very close to the water, and swerving to the right saw the plane hit the water. The attack was made at 0910 August 2, 1942." First Lieutenant Elbert W. Schinz was given credit for shooting down this aircraft."

References
Moonlight Interceptor page 23
Revenge of the Red Raiders page 121-122
Thanks to Edward Rogers for additional information

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009