Crew History
All of the aircraft were civilian employees of Dai Nippon Airlines (Imperial Japanese Airways). Passenger Lt. Fushimi was the son of a baron, born October 5, 1912.

Aircraft History
Built by Tabby-Showa/Nakajima as a license-built version of Douglas DC-3. Owned and operated by Dai Nippon Airlines(Greater Japan Airlines). Nicknamed "Cedar Tree".

Wartime History
This L2D was being used by the Imperial Japanese Navy as a transport aircraft.

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-24D "Juarez Whistle" 42-40496 of the 380th Bombardment Group, 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

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Last Updated
February 4, 2018