Pilot Tetsuo Sato
Crashed February 6, 1943
Mission History
Took off from Lae Airfield on a mission to escort Ki-48 Lilys of the 45th Sentai attacking Wau Airfield. Over the target, the Ki-43s intercepted three C-47s escorted by P-39s of the 40th Fighter Squadron and P-40s of the 7th Fighter Squadron. The Ki-43s shoot down C-47 "Early Delivery" 41-38658 and damage a P-40.
Four Ki-43 were shot down, including this aircraft. Anti-aircraft gunners on the ground from the 156th Light Anti-aircraft battery were also firing and claimed one Ki-43.
Wreckage
The wreckage of this Ki-43 was discovered in the hills above Wau later in the afternoon. The identity tag of Sato was recovered from the wreckage.
References
The Battle for Wau page 212-213
Ki-43 'Oscar' Aces of World War 2 page 75-76
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Last Updated
October 1, 2009
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