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| JAAF 68th Hiko Sentai 2nd Chutai |
Pilot Captain Shogo Takeuchi, C. O. 68th Sentai, 2nd Chutai (KIA) Kyoto Prefecture Crashed December 21, 1943 Aircraft History Built by Kawasaki at Kagamigahara. At the factory, this aircraft was delivered with a natural aluminum finish and a fuselage Hinomaru outlined with a white border. Uncoded serial number unknown (three digit). Delivered to the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) as Type 3 Fighter / Ki-61-Ia Tony manufacture number unknown (three digit). Likely, armed with the "Ko" weapon configuration of two 12.7mm Ho-103 machine cannons in the nose and two 7.7 mm Type 89 machine guns in the wings. Wartime History Assigned to the 68th Hiko Sentai (68th Flying Regiment), 2nd Chutai. This Ki-61 was bare metal finish with dark green spray paint applied to the upper surfaces in a snake weave pattern. Wartime History On December 21, 1943 took off from Boram Airfield piloted by Captain Shogo Takeuchi on a mission to escort Ki-48 Lilys attacking Arawe. Over the target, intercepted American fighters and he claimed a "Grumman fighter" [sic, P-47D Thunderbolt] shot down attacking Ki-61 Tony piloted by Major Kiyoshi Kimura, C. O. of the 68th Sentai. Afterwards, he broke off from the combat and headed for Hansa Bay. just prior to landing at Nubia Airfield (Hansa South) his engine cut out and caused his fighter to flip over and impact trees before crashing upside down and was severely injured. Three hours later, he died of his injuries. References Production figures of the Kawasaki Ki-61 Tony by Jim Long Japanese Army Air Force Fighter Units and Aces pages 160-161 (68th Sentai), 263-264 (biography), 299 (Casualty List: Takeuchi) Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated January 10, 2023 |
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