World War II Database

1.  Bill says:
29 Jun 2015 11:55:08 AM

FLIGHT OPERATIONS: Aichi D3A, Type 99 Dive Bomber AI-207 flown by Petty Officer 1st Cass (PO1/c) Yoshiharu Tanaka, Lieutenant (JG) Junior Grade Keizo Obuchi back seat Radio/Gunner launched from carrier Akagi HAZARDOUS DUTY: Both American and Japanese pilots faced the same hazards, during the first six months of the Pacific war crews fought over vast areas of ocean Carrier warfare over the vast ocean was a back and forth action, with gains and losses to both sides. LOST: Pilots flew over water with limited navigational aids, faced changing weather, mechanical failure even if they met and attacked the enemy, they still faced battle damage, fuel loss or wounds, in the heat of battle aircraft became separated or lost due to radio failure. Aircraft and crews were lost before contact with the enemy due to factors listed above. Reports of enemy ships that turned out to be inaccurate launching from their carrier location, that within a few hours wouldn't be there the ship moving on to another position. Many of these brave men just disappeared without a trace.

2.  Bill says:
16 Oct 2016 07:38:32 PM

INTO THE WIND: When launching aircraft, the carriers had the A6M Zeros/Zeke's off first, followed by D3A Val's and last the B5N Kate bombers. Photo shows Aichi D3A "Val" AI-207 flown by Petty Officer 1st class (PO1c) Yoshiharu Tanaka pilot and Lt (jg) Keizo Obuchi radio/gunner.