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-   -   Saburo SAKAI (http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showthread.php?t=51651)

Brian 26th July 2018 20:11

Saburo SAKAI
 
Hi guys

In Saburo Sakai's book "Samurai" he writes that a B-17 briefly landed on his airfield on Bali, circa early March 1942, before the American pilot realised his error and hurriedly took-off again.

Do we know the identity of the errant pilot? And any additional details?

Perhaps 41-2417 Lt McPherson on 19 February 1942, rather than March as implied by Sakai?

Cheers
Brian

RSwank 27th July 2018 03:36

Re: Saburo SAKAI
 
The incident is described here:
https://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircra...7/41-2417.html

Brian 28th July 2018 13:04

Re: Saburo SAKAI
 
Thanks Rolland

I had spotted this but chronologically doesn't tie in with Sakai's writings!

According to his book (and facts) he was not based at Bali on 19 February,the date of Bali's capture by Japanese troops!

Comments appreciated, please.

Cheers
Brian

Frank Olynyk 28th July 2018 13:46

Re: Saburo SAKAI
 
Brian,

You have to realize that Saburo Sakai did not write the book called Samurai. Martin Caiden wrote it. 'nuff said?

If you want to know what Sakai actually wrote you will have to get a copy of the original Japanese version and translate it. They are available on Amazon.com at reasonable prices. The translation costs will kill you however.

Enjoy!


Frank.

Brian 28th July 2018 18:58

Re: Saburo SAKAI
 
Thanks, Frank

Why was Caiden's work not trustworthy?

Cheers
Brian

Orwell1984 28th July 2018 19:51

Re: Saburo SAKAI
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian (Post 255527)
Thanks, Frank

Why was Caiden's work not trustworthy?

Cheers
Brian


Caiden never let the facts get in the way of a good story.


He's responsible for a number of dubious myths that existed for many years due mostly to his prodigious amount of publishing and the fact that he was writing at a time (60's 70's 80's) where access to the source materal he was writing about was limited. His book on Kursk The Tigers are Burning tainted the subject for many years.



Another one of his fictional tales includes a captured P38:
http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showthread.php?t=6852
http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showth...?t=3992&page=2


Then there was his Bruno Mussolini story ....




Here's a take on Samurai.

https://www.warbirdforum.com/wingsams.htm


I'd recommend finding a copy of Winged Samurai: Saburo Sakai and the Zero Fighter Pilots by Henry Sakaida for for a better account of Saburo Sakai.

Bruce Dennis 28th July 2018 19:59

Re: Saburo SAKAI
 
When asked about the book a few years after publication, Saburo Sakai is said to replied 'History is written by the victors: they also write other things'.
Caiden wrote an article about the C-130 in the '60s that had everyone at Lockheed rolling around laughing.

Bruce


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