Photo: Henry Sakaida

HISTORY

Photo: D. Potts

Meeting of former enemies – Saburō Sakai and Harold L. Jones in USA, 1983. Jones was surprised to see damage of Sakai´s helmet from his defence fire on August 7, 1942 over Guadalcanal.

Jones himself was saved by armored plate, otherwise Sakai´s precise fire would probably cost his life. When Jones met Sakai he said: „I am glad to see you are alive and well!“

Mr. Sakai also enjoyed meeting younger members of the allied armed forces. In this photo taken in Yokosuka in 1996 aboard the USS Independence (CV-62), he is pictured with Capt. Dana “Smudge”

Potts, commanding officer of VF 154 Black Knights. On the calligraphy is written Mr. Sakai´s life motto “futō fukutsu” (never give up).

June 2022

INFO Eduard

15