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1. Bill says:
   28 Dec 2012 02:58:10 PM
   
   SAMURAI!
   
   Photograph of Petty Officer PO2/c Saburo Sakai, that could have been taken at Hankow, China 1939. At this time, Sakai was flying the open cockpit Mitsubishi A5M (Claude) single-engine fighter armed w/2x7.7mm machine guns.
   Looks like Saburo's been issued the winter flight suit, helmet and float vest/life type jacket. This jacket was made of chambers of Kapok that is a silk type down material.
   
   PARACHUTES:
   
   Pilots and aircrew were issued parachutes some carried them, others for one reason or another, didn't or until ordered by higher command.
   
   SWORDS:
   
   In World War II movies and Allied wartime propaganda, Japanese pilots carried their swords with them, into battle well yes and no. Some naval officers did carry them while others didn't. In some families the swords were handed down through the generations, while others were bought at the officers own expense.
   Non-Comissioned officers (enlisted pilots)were issued swords by the Imperial navy. Most navy pilots didn't carry swords with them, with their flight gear and the small area within the cockpit, it didn't leave much room.
   In larger aircraft pilots could carry them aboard, most officers used their swords for unit formations and other military ceremonies.
   
   SIDEARMS:
   
   Pilots and aircrew were issued both revolver and semi-auto pistols. However, one the most famous Japanese handgun of WWII was the Nambu Type 14, 8mm Semi-auto, magazine fed weapon.
   Another Semi-auto pistol was the Type 94, in 8mm some were issued to pilots it was of poor design and was rushed into wartime production, it was more of a danger to its used, than to the enemy w/unreliable safety and trigger design. It has been described as one of the worst pistol designs to enter military service.
   
   Unlike Allied pilots and aircrew that were issued pistols for self-defense, Japanese pilots and aircrew carried them as personal suicide weapons, if need be, to shoot it out with enemy troops saving the last round for themselves and not being captured alive.

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