BUILT

TORA TORA TORA!

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c/n 2266, PO1c Shigenori Nishikaichi, Hiryū Fighter Squadron, second attack wave

Hiryū sent nine Zeros under the command of Lt. Sumio

Nōno. His pilots attacked Kaneohe and Bellows bases,

claiming two destroyed aircraft and one car. Zero of

PO1c Nishikaichi was running low on fuel and he was

looking for a rescue submarine off Niihau Island without success. After belly landing he was captured by

a Hawaiian native who took his papers and weapon. The

pilot persuaded several residents of Japanese descent

to cooperate and managed to get free. He dismantled

machine gun from the aircraft, set the machine on fire

and threatened to kill the natives to force the return of

the secret documents. During the December 13, he and

a helper captured Mr. Benjamin Kanahele and his wife.

A scuffle ensued during which Kanahele was shot three

times by the pilot, but became so enraged that he killed

him against a wall. The pilot's helper, Mr. Harada, committed suicide. It is known as the Niihau Incident. Mr.

Kanahele received the Purple Heart and the Medal of

Merit from the President of the United States. Nishikaichi, whose fate was unknown to the Japanese side, was

posthumously promoted two grades. Parts of Zero are

on display at the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor.

On the engine cover there was a service plate with the

name of the mechanic PO3c Akimoto painted.

built by Paolo Portuesi

Cat. No. 11155

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INFO Eduard - January 2022