Rare late war posthumous awarding.
Document is dated October 30, 1944.
Kite No. 473 027.
Awarded to Yoshio Ōkawa /大川善雄/ (at the time of death he was only chief petty officer).
On October 30, 1944 a group of 11 Zero (six kamikaze attack planes and five escort planes) attacked the American aircraft carriers Franklin and Belleau Wood. Okawa Yoshio plane belonged to an escort group.
USS Franklin CV-13 was attacked by three kamikazes. The first struck off her starboard side, the second hit the flight deck and broke through onto the gallery deck, killing 56 and wounding 60. 33 aircraft were destroyed. The third plane nearly hit the Franklin before diving into the flight deck of Belleau Wood. Repaired at Bremerton 28 November 1944 to 2 February 1945.
USS Belleau Wood CVL-24 shot down a Mitsubishi A6M3 "Hamp" Kamikaze which fell on her flight deck, causing fires and setting off ammunition. 92 men were killed or missing and another 54 were injured. 12 aircraft were destroyed. After temporary repairs at Ulithi during 2-11 November, Belleau Wood was sent to Hunter's Point for permanent repairs and an overhaul, arriving 29 November. She departed San Francisco Bay back to the fleet on 20 January 1945, joining TF 58 at Ulithi on 7 February 1945.
USS Belleau Woods CVL-24 after being damaged on 30 October 1944. In the background is USS Franklin CV-13 which was hit by two kamikazes at this time. USN photograph 80-G-342020.
Document is dated October 30, 1944.
Kite No. 473 027.
Awarded to Yoshio Ōkawa /大川善雄/ (at the time of death he was only chief petty officer).
On October 30, 1944 a group of 11 Zero (six kamikaze attack planes and five escort planes) attacked the American aircraft carriers Franklin and Belleau Wood. Okawa Yoshio plane belonged to an escort group.
USS Franklin CV-13 was attacked by three kamikazes. The first struck off her starboard side, the second hit the flight deck and broke through onto the gallery deck, killing 56 and wounding 60. 33 aircraft were destroyed. The third plane nearly hit the Franklin before diving into the flight deck of Belleau Wood. Repaired at Bremerton 28 November 1944 to 2 February 1945.
USS Belleau Wood CVL-24 shot down a Mitsubishi A6M3 "Hamp" Kamikaze which fell on her flight deck, causing fires and setting off ammunition. 92 men were killed or missing and another 54 were injured. 12 aircraft were destroyed. After temporary repairs at Ulithi during 2-11 November, Belleau Wood was sent to Hunter's Point for permanent repairs and an overhaul, arriving 29 November. She departed San Francisco Bay back to the fleet on 20 January 1945, joining TF 58 at Ulithi on 7 February 1945.
USS Belleau Woods CVL-24 after being damaged on 30 October 1944. In the background is USS Franklin CV-13 which was hit by two kamikazes at this time. USN photograph 80-G-342020.