DEATH OF YAMAMOTO

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 62, 11 September 1945, Page 8

DEATH OF YAMAMOTO

DUE TO CRACKING OF CODE

WASHINGTON, September 10. When the American intelligence service broke a Japanese code, death resulted in April, 1943, for Admiral Yamamoto, commander-in-chief of the Japanese navy. . The code was cracked in March or April, 1943, and South Pacific headquarters knew in advance what time Yamamoto would leave Truk and arrive at Buka and leave Buka for Kahili or Ballali, and also what route he would follow. Six Lightning pilots volunteered to make a direct attack while other Lightnings acted as decoys to draw off Yamamoto's Ze*os. The Americans flew to their rendezvous with the Japanese admiral, who arrived as anticipated in a convoy of two bombers escorted by 20 Zeros. . The decoys, flying at 18,000 ft, tried to lure off the Zeros, but the enemy would not be tempted. Two of the Lightnings peeled off at 24,000 ft, and dived vertically through the decoys direct to the bombers, not knowing which held Yamamoto. One American almost collided with the first bomber, but gave it a long, burst and pulled up just as the bomber exploded. The Zeros were frantic, but as they took after the first attacker the other American raced in and gave the second bomber a long burst, after which it exploded. Then the Americans lit out for home, flying 10ft. above the water and doing all kinds of acrobatics to escape the vengeful Zeros. Neither was shot down, but before they escaped they shot down two of the Zeros.

The Lightnings were badly shot up, but managed to reach their base.