IJN
August 21, 1943
Pilot Yamada (Dia Nippon Airlines) (KIA)
Engineer Yamagata (Dia Nippon Airlines)
Radio Kono Imana (Dia Nippon Airlines)
Navigator Takahashi (Dia Nippon Airlines)
Passenger Lt. Hirohide Fushimi (WIA)
Passenger ? (others unknown)
Shot Down August 21, 1943
Crew History
All of the aircraft were employees of Dai Nippon Airlines. Passenger Lt. Fushimi was the son of a baron, born October 5, 1912.
Aircraft History
Japanese Tabby-Showa/Nakajima L2D, a license-built version of Douglas DC-3. This aircraft was owned and operated by Dai Nippon Airlines and nicknamed "Cedar Tree". The aircraft was being used by the Navy for local transport.
Mission History
Prior to take off, Lt. Kushimi requested the transport delay while he use the bathroom. This transport took off ten minutes late from Kendari Airfield on a flight to Maccasar Airfield on Celebes. Between the two islands, over Bono Bay, the transport was intercepted by B-24 "Juarez Whistle" of the 380th BG, piloted by Captain Gus Cannery. The B-24 caught up with the transport and shot it down. A photograph was taken of the Tabby on fire and smoking over Bono Bay. After the crash, the survivors were rescued. Lt. Kushimi died on the 26th from the wounds he suffered.
The Japanese side of the photograph of the damaged Tabby was a mystery. Researcher Minoru Kamada was the first to identify the Japanese crew and reveal the rest of the story about this photograph.
References
Thanks to Minoru Kamada for additional information & research
LD2
