{"id":71770,"date":"2024-12-07T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-07T20:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/uncategorized\/2024\/12\/07\/how-recovering-a-japanese-zero-at-pearl-harbor-added-to-its-mystery\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T16:37:48","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T16:37:48","slug":"how-recovering-a-japanese-zero-at-pearl-harbor-added-to-its-mystery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/veterans\/military-history\/2024\/12\/07\/how-recovering-a-japanese-zero-at-pearl-harbor-added-to-its-mystery\/","title":{"rendered":"How recovering a Japanese Zero at Pearl Harbor added to its mystery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shortly before 8 a.m. on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarytimes.com\/veterans\/military-history\/2024\/12\/07\/could-a-young-army-pilot-have-prevented-the-pearl-harbor-tragedy\/\" target=\"_blank\">Dec. 7, 1941<\/a>, Japanese aerial forces swarmed across Oahu toward their targets. The Tora signal was sent back to the fleet, indicating that the attack aircraft had achieved total surprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lieutenant Commander Shigeru Itaya, commander of all first-wave fighters, led his own nine <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarytimes.com\/news\/your-military\/2024\/12\/07\/the-ordnance-that-made-the-attack-on-pearl-harbor-so-devastating\/\" target=\"_blank\">Mitsubishi A6M2 Zeros<\/a> along the western side of the Koolau Mountain range. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each had a red fuselage stripe indicating it came from the aircraft carrier Akagi. As escorts, they were high above and to the left of 26 Aichi D3A1 dive bombers from Shokaku headed for Ford Island\u2019s naval air station, in the midst of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarytimes.com\/veterans\/military-history\/2024\/12\/07\/this-sailor-fought-the-japanese-at-pearl-harborwith-football-pads-on\/\" target=\"_blank\">Pearl Harbor<\/a> and neighboring Hickam Field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Itaya approached the Nuuanu Pali, Hawaii\u2019s historic mountain pass, he spotted a pair of trainer aircraft just above the clouds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His shotai (three-plane flight) attacked. Itaya missed, but his two wingmen, Petty Officers 1st Class Takeshi Hirano and Shinaji Iwama, shared in the victory over one of the airplanes, a civilian <a href=\"https:\/\/www.historynet.com\/first-planes-down-at-pearl\/\" target=\"_blank\">Piper Cub<\/a>. It was the first American plane shot down in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarytimes.com\/veterans\/military-history\/2024\/12\/07\/could-a-young-army-pilot-have-prevented-the-pearl-harbor-tragedy\/\" target=\"_blank\">World War II<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/militarytimes\/news\/your-military\/2024\/12\/07\/the-ordnance-that-made-the-attack-on-pearl-harbor-so-devastating\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Shaw2.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">The ordnance that made the attack on Pearl Harbor so devastating<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">A brief description of some of the bombs and torpedoes the Japanese used to add devastation to the Dec. 7, 1941 attack.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the hail of fire, the engine and mount of the Cub ripped from the airframe. Machinist Mate 2nd Class Marcus F. Poston of USS Argonne, taking what he thought would be a pleasant Sunday morning flying lesson, managed to bail out safely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Later, as Poston carried his parachute down the Kalihi Valley Road, an alarmed citizen phoned the police with the first description of a \u201cJapanese parachutist\u201d uniform as blue dungarees with red insignia. This description filtered across Oahu, and orders were issued to American sailors to change uniforms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As further amendments were given that day, Navy whites were dipped in coffee. Such uniforms would be seen for months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Target: Honolulu<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Breaking contact with Shokaku\u2019s dive bombers, the Akagi Zeros flew south over Honolulu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With air superiority assured, Itaya led his nine Zeros back north to strafe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.historynet.com\/first-planes-down-at-pearl.htm\" target=\"_blank\">John Rodgers Field<\/a> \u2014 now Honolulu Inter\u00adnational Airport \u2014 and Hickam Field, the U.S. Army\u2019s bomber base. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Above John Rodgers, 22-year-old Cornelia Fort and her student pilot were working on touch-and-go landings in a civilian Interstate Cadet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOn the downwind leg of the field just prior to the last landing I was going to have him make before soloing, I looked casually around and saw a military plane coming in from the sea \u2026 directly toward me,\u201d she wrote. \u201cI jerked the controls away from my student and jammed the throttle wide open to pull above the oncoming plane. He passed so close under us that our celluloid windows rattled violently.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She landed quickly and safely despite the bullets raining down around her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In their first pass at John Rodgers, Itaya\u2019s fighters hit a Hawaiian Airlines DC-3 transport full of passengers, which began to burn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miraculously, no one was wounded or killed. In the last pass, a fire extinguisher was hit, putting out the fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1921\" height=\"1281\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-Zero-AI-154-street-AVH-01-09.jpg.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-108922\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-Zero-AI-154-street-AVH-01-09.jpg.jpg 1921w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-Zero-AI-154-street-AVH-01-09.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-Zero-AI-154-street-AVH-01-09.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-Zero-AI-154-street-AVH-01-09.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-Zero-AI-154-street-AVH-01-09.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1921px) 100vw, 1921px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The pilot brought his damaged plane down on a street in Fort Kamehameha. The airplane broke up but was largely intact. The pilot, Petty Officers 1st Class Takeshi Hirano, was killed. (Naval History and Heritage Command)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The alert Akagi Zeros noted large \u201ctransports\u201d coming in to land at Hickam, actually a flight of Boeing B-17 bombers from the U.S. mainland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Flier 1st Class Juichiro Hanyu attacked the first B-17C, piloted by Lt. Robert Richards, who escaped with wounded aboard and sought safety at Bellows Field to the east.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Itaya led his own shotai to attack the next B-17C, piloted by Lt. Raymond Swenson. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Passing in the opposite direction on Swenson\u2019s starboard side, Hirano and Iwama turned and attacked from the rear, but were too fast in their passes and overshot their target. Itaya matched the bomber\u2019s speed and began to pour 7.7mm bullets into the fuselage from a range of just 100 feet. Signal flares in the radio compartment exploded, touching off a conflagration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bullets continued through the fuselage into the empty bomb bay fuel tank and cockpit area. Flight Surgeon 1st Lt. William Schick, a passenger, was hit in the back. Swenson was able to land the stricken plane, which quickly burned in half. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Schick walked to the hospital, but died before doctors could tend to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hirano\u2019s last run<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To continue strafing Hickam Field, Itaya led his flight across the harbor ship channel and over Fort Kamehameha \u2014 \u201cFort Kam\u201d to the troops based there \u2014 on the east side of the channel entrance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At 8:10, the destroyer USS Helm was headed out to sea past the mine\u00adsweeper USS Bobolink, moored along the channel, and combined fire from both ships plus ground\u00ad fire reportedly hit Takeshi Hir\u00adano\u2019s Zero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aboard Helm, on the port aft machine gun, Gunner\u2019s Mate 2nd Class W.O. Huff saw his target veer sharply and \u201ccrash behind the trees near Hickam Field.\u201d He later received an official commendation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Fort Kam, Sgt. Casmir Jankauskas and Cpl. Charles D. Keith, both from the 55th Coast Artillery, likewise received official commendations for shooting down the plane. Four other machine gun crews also made claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hirano guided his damaged Zero toward a street in Fort Kamehameha. Palm trees clipped his port wing and jerked the stick from his hand. The fighter slammed into the entrance of the ordnance machine shop. One man just missed being killed as he dived to the ground and the plane skimmed over his back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many 41st Coast Artillery men, awaiting rifles and ammo, had taken cover against the ordnance building. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe Corporal of the Guard was a good looking kid,\u201d Joseph Medure of the 41st CA remembered. \u201cCorporal Claude L. Bryant, nicknamed \u2018Muscles,\u2019 a weightlifter. He was killed by the crashing plane. He lived longest perhaps due to his physique and strong constitution.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The others killed were Pvt. Eugene R. Bubb, Pvt. Donat George Duquette Jr. and Pfc. Oreste DaTorre. Two men were decapitated. Pvt. Michael Stabile noted in his diary that Bubb was only identified by the canary bird tattoo on his left shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Smoking evidence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pvt. Creed Shortt, the Fort Kam ambulance driver, was at the motor pool washing his ambulance when the attack began. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He reported to the dispensary and was told of the crashed plane. He recovered nine wounded at the site. Sergeant of the Guard Eddie Holden quickly assigned Pvt. John B. Littrell, 97th CA, to guard the wrecked fighter. Littrell was only told to keep bystanders from smoking due to the large fuel spill. He enlisted others to assist him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI was the senior officer present on duty at the command post in Battery Hasbrook when someone phoned in or sent a message that a plane had crashed,\u201d recalled 1st Lt. Glenn P. Elliott, assistant operations officer, harbor defenses. \u201cI left 2nd Lt. Elmer Twining \u2026 in charge and ran all the way to the crash. It was in front of the Artil\u00adlery Engineer ordnance building near the loading dock. There were several military at the scene when I arrived. I recall seeing Private Littrell at the crash.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-down-960_640.jpg.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-108924\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-down-960_640.jpg.jpg 960w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-down-960_640.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-down-960_640.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hirano crashed into Fort Kamehameha&#8217;s ordnance shop. The Zero&#8217;s tail, still displaying carrier &#8220;Akagi&#8221; markings, was largely intact.  (National Archives)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Elliot said that Master Gunnery Sgt. Frank Luciano, who arrived in a command car, and Sgt. Ronald D. Moton \u201chelped me with the canopy while up on the wing so that I could reach the pilot.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the two borrowed a raincoat to prevent blood from getting on his clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To assure himself that the pilot was Japanese, Moton said, \u201cI picked his head up by the top of the helmet and pulled his head back and all that I could see that wasn\u2019t smashed were his slant eyes.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The pilot\u2019s seat harness had broken and his body flung with substantial force into the instrument console.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHe was already dead but in good condition, not a lot of blood and pretty much intact,\u201d said Elliott. \u201cI took a map from the cockpit and looked for ID. His billfold had some U.S. money and names in English as well as Japanese. The map showed converging lines to a point 50 miles off Kaena Point, all originating from the northwest direction. Lots of words in Japanese on the map. I removed all and returned to the command post with Master Sgt. Luciano.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Souvenir hunters swarmed over the plane immediately after Elliott left, and anything with Japanese writing quickly found its way into footlockers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hirano\u2019s uniform name tags were removed, as were data plates and the main serial number stencil. Pvt. Leroy Binderup, 41st CA, almost got the pilot\u2019s Nambu pistol, but one of Littrell\u2019s guards told him to put it back. However, another souvenir hunter, Pvt. Harold Gabriel, retrieved it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Treasured map<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Elliott sent the map and billfold with contents to the Army counterintelligence office in downtown Honolulu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Second Lt. Malcolm D. Atkin and his father, Capt. Robert T. Atkin, both attached to the G-2 (intelligence) office headquarters at Fort Shafter, had been called to the counterintelligence office when the attack began. They were coordinating activities with their counterparts in the FBI field office next door when the package arrived from Elliott.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since the Japanese-American translators had not yet arrived, the Atkins were told to take the map to G-2 headquarters \u201cimmediately for review by the Japanese interpreter there,\u201d explained Malcolm Atkin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But at Fort Shafter Lt. Col. Kendall Fielder, General Walter Short\u2019s intelligence chief, had no interpreter yet either. Fielder knew that Hickam hoped to mount a retaliation strike, so he ordered the Atkins to deliver the map there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Hickam headquarters, the commander of the Hawaiian Air Force, Maj. Gen. Frederick L. Martin, recalled, \u201cAfter we dispatched the first of four [Douglas] A-20s (at 1127), we were given a map that had been recovered from a pilot that had been shot down on the edge of Fort Kamehameha. &#8230; This map had approximately 10 courses laid out on it to a point northwest of the island of Oahu, which indicated that they either had left carriers there or expected to return to carriers in that direction.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2037\" height=\"1359\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-zero-AI-154-map-AVH-01-09.jpg.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-108927\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-zero-AI-154-map-AVH-01-09.jpg.jpg 2037w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-zero-AI-154-map-AVH-01-09.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-zero-AI-154-map-AVH-01-09.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-zero-AI-154-map-AVH-01-09.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-zero-AI-154-map-AVH-01-09.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1025 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2037px) 100vw, 2037px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Found among Hirano&#8217;s effects was this map marked with an &#8220;X&#8221; for the rendezvous point. (Courtesy of David Aiken, as featured on HistoryNet)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The pilots of three B-17s were briefed for a search mission. The map arrived just in time to redirect their flight paths northwest of Oahu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On takeoff the first B-17 went over on its nose, ruining four propellers. The two others continued on a fruitless eight-hour mission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, the map showed the rendezvous points of the attackers, not the location of the Japanese fleet, yet the two \u201cX\u201d marks had suggested to the Americans where the carriers might be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Looking for clues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hirano\u2019s remains were taken to the Fort Shafter morgue, where he was fingerprinted. That sole identification was filed at Fort Armstrong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u201cJapanese aviator \u2014 identity unknown\u201d finally was interred at Schofield Barracks Cemetery on December 9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, the wreckage at Fort Kamehameha had been loaded on a flatbed trailer and transported to neighboring Hickam Field. The mangled fighter was laid out in the Hawaiian Air Depot (HAD) hangar late on December 8. It took all of Tuesday to get the pieces sorted out for the mock-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Col. E.W. Raley, at Hickam\u2019s intelligence headquarters, was placed in charge of the technical intelligence investigation of all crashed airplanes in Army jurisdiction. He assigned the task of investigating the fighter\u2019s systems to HAD, a tenant organization at Hickam Field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Raley then visited the wreckage and noted that serifs on the tail code were different on the port side from that on the starboard. This caused confusion as to whether the unit code was \u201cA1\u2033 or what was in fact \u201cAI.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Raley ordered 2nd Lt. Charles A. Olson to survey the wreckage for a preliminary report prior to the detailed analysis by HAD, and directed Warrant Officer Paul Grossman to confirm Olson\u2019s findings. Their report was submitted on Wednesday, December 10. Grossman took 23 photos, which were sent to Washington, D.C., on December 22.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using the most current Army Basic Field Manual 30-38, the July 1941 edition of Military Intelligence: Identification of Japanese Aircraft, Lieutenant Olson correctly matched the airframe to the specification for a \u201cFighter Type 100.\u201d This data had come from attach\u00e9 reports in China before any examination of a crashed example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Olson thought the engine was a Pratt &amp; Whitney, while Grossman could only say it was \u201cJap make.\u201d Wingspan and fuselage length measurements were approximate given the plane\u2019s damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A \u201ctwo-position Hamilton Standard\u201d propeller was reported. \u201cAll guns could not be fired simultaneously,\u201d Olson wrote. \u201cOperated by button control for 20mm or 30 cal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-exam-960_640.jpg.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-108928\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-exam-960_640.jpg.jpg 960w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-exam-960_640.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-exam-960_640.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Workers at the Hawaiian Air Depot hanger begin to assemble parts of the wrecked fighter prior to their examination and evaluation. (National Archives)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grossman noted there was no armor plate to protect the pilot, suggesting the Japanese designers cared little for their pilots. But Olson reported a rubber bladder flotation device \u201cbuilt in rear fuselage in back of the pilot\u201d to keep the plane afloat after a crash, which indicated the designers did in fact care care about the pilot\u2019s survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Olson revealed that \u201ca full map in plane \u2026 was taken over to G-2.\u201d This second map discovery was a miracle given the initial search by Elliott and the souvenir hunters. It was identical to the map recovered from a midget submarine that washed ashore near Bellows Field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Birth of a myth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Olson-Grossman report also noted several American components, focusing attention on the U.S. companies that had provided them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grossman suggested, \u201cConcrete information can be obtained by taking readings (i.e.: translation) of each data plate and position readings of all dials, controls, and switches.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He was the first to foster the myth that the Zero had been developed from American technology when he wrote, \u201cNorth American Aviation Company people might be able to give the design.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each department in the Hawaiian Air Depot was given a week for its final report, beginning their study on December 9. Preliminary findings were sent in data sheets to Col. Raley. His visit to the plane made him keenly aware of certain items to look for in the reports, and he sent several requests back to HAD for confirmation of details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One early memo helped perpetuate the myth that the Zero and its engine were copies of American technology: \u201cAirplane: Good copy of Vultee made in 1936 for export,\u201d in reference to the Vultee Vanguard then used in China. The engine was \u201ca good copy of Pratt &amp; Whitney 1535, with the reduction gear and about 650 horsepower.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While some things may have gotten past him, Raley was quick to respond: \u201cPlease note that the engine is said to be about 650 horsepower which I believe to be in error. Note also the memorandum states practically positive no carrier arresting gear on airplane. I know from personal inspection that the airplane is equipped with an arresting hook.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe form in which this information is submitted is immaterial; in fact, I would like to have it as rapidly as possible as the information becomes available,\u201d Raley continued. \u201cHowever, I would like to feel certain that each item of information received is the result of physical inspection by someone and it is suggested that the person making the in\u00adspection sign the document.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Government property<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manufacturer data plates were missing, including one that gave the actual engine horsepower. The problem of souvenir hunting at Japa\u00adnese crashes came to a head. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Raley passed the word to Col. Walter C. Philipps, chief of staff to General Short. On December 11, Philipps\u2019 edict went out to every G-2 office: \u201cAll military equipment, accessories, etc. and clothing and other articles that could possibly be of value as intelligence found in enemy aircraft or on enemy persons [is to] be turned in at the earliest possible moment.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The squadron S-2 version got personal: \u201cAll captured material is the property of the United States Government. The removal or retention of same for personal souvenirs is a court martial offense.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While this brought a few fragments to light, some GIs defending the beaches never got the message. The material sought was in their footlockers in the barracks or held in storage. To this day, some vets are still reluctant to show their souvenirs for fear that a government official will come knocking at their door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By Sunday the first HAD reports started coming in to Raley. The instrument repair section said the gauges were \u201cprobably Japanese,\u201d but were \u201csimilar to American models such as U.S. Gauge Co. or Pioneer Instrument Co.\u201d and, in the case of the pitot tube, \u201cpossibly British or German.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-zero-AI-154-inspection-AVH-02-09-2048x1365.jpg.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-108929\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-zero-AI-154-inspection-AVH-02-09-2048x1365.jpg.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-zero-AI-154-inspection-AVH-02-09-2048x1365.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-zero-AI-154-inspection-AVH-02-09-2048x1365.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-zero-AI-154-inspection-AVH-02-09-2048x1365.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-zero-AI-154-inspection-AVH-02-09-2048x1365.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Examiners made many incorrect assumptions about AI-154, most based on the belief that it reflected American technology.  (Courtesy of David Aiken, as featured on HistoryNet)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final reports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final department reports were turned in on December 16. The metal manufacture and repair branch only described the castings and fittings without identification of origin: \u201cWorkmanship, good; average quality castings; spars laminated; dope on fabric seems to be smoother and more pliable than ours \u2026 the fabric is of greater strength \u2026.The metal used seems to be brittle and not very pliable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Signal Corps investigator said that the radio compass, dial and loop control, and compass dynamotor were American-made, while the transmitter and receiver were German-Japanese with a few American parts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The landing gear unit noted the tail wheel housing was built substantially enough to act as a tail skid if necessary. The brakes were \u201cmade about the principle of the Bendix system.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the electrical equipment report, it was noted that the generator voltage and current regulator was a 1933 Eclipse design. The starter \u201cappears to be of Eclipse manufacture with Japanese name plates.\u201d The idea of prewar manufacturer license-built agreements did not factor into these reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe propeller is almost identical with our Hamilton-Standard 3E50-297 series,\u201d noted the prop section. \u201cThe blades are made of aluminum alloy, and seem to be a perfect copy of ours. The internal parts of the propeller have regular part numbers as listed in our 03-A parts catalogue. The propeller is of about 1937 vintage, as the improvements noted were being used at that time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The power plant section report was the most brazen in suggesting the Japanese stole design data from others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEngine is a Nakajima Aircraft Co. product. Horsepower 850-900, 14 cylinders, 5\u2033 bore, similar to Wright R-975-7 cylinders,\u201d it noted. \u201cNose section: copy of the Farman type\/Wright or same as Wright. Impeller is a copy of the General Electric. Blower section is a copy of the Wright Whirlwind 14, the power section is a copy of the 14 cylinder Pratt &amp; Whitney, valve mechanism is a copy of P&amp;W. Carburetor is the up draft type, poorly designed or copied from the old type Stromberg. The hand starter is a good copy of the Romec type F-4.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The hydraulics section report also drew comparisons to American products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFuel pump similar to the M600 fuel pump,\u201d it stated. \u201cSelector valves similar to Poppet type valve; the oil strainer was apparently fully automatic as there is no hand turning attachment yet similar to the CUNO oil strainer 12547.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ordnance department was a day late with its report. Of the Zero\u2019s armament, it observed: \u201cTwo 20mm cannon mounted in wing, unsynchronized, carry approxi\u00admately 25-50 rounds of ammunition seemingly of Swiss design. Two Vickers synchronized in fuselage, down motion charging assembly on feeding side of gun. Firing mechanism was on top of gun.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Col. Raley made a rough draft compilation report from the HAD reports on Christmas Day. He included a Mitsubishi serial number of 3277 for AI-154 even though the data plate and stencil that gave it were both missing. That serial number was incorrect, and probably came from a replacement part off another aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The mystery only deepens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AI-154 was crated for shipment to Wright Field, Ohio, for laboratory study. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hirano\u2019s Zero arrived in time to be included with other recovered Japanese planes in the Army Day parade in downtown Dayton on April 5, 1942.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-zero-restored-AVH-01-09-2048x1365.jpg.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-108930\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-zero-restored-AVH-01-09-2048x1365.jpg.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-zero-restored-AVH-01-09-2048x1365.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-zero-restored-AVH-01-09-2048x1365.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-zero-restored-AVH-01-09-2048x1365.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Hirano-zero-restored-AVH-01-09-2048x1365.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hirano&#8217;s fighter would be a start but it would not be until the discovery of a nearly complete Zero in the frozen tundra of Alaska that the secrets of the vaunted &#8220;Zero&#8221; would be revealed.  (Naval History and Heritage Command)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Mitsubishi Zero\u2019s awe-inspiring performance characteristics as well as its weaknesses are well known today. But much of the information that came out of the hangar at Hickam Field contributed to the mythology surrounding the mysterious fighter, causing Allied pilots undue fright when meeting Zeros in combat in early 1942. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Surprisingly few hard facts were revealed by the examination of AI-154. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It took reports from several crashed Zeros and a flyable plane to really learn the secret behind the two positions selected for the propeller, which contributed to the plane\u2019s far-reaching range, and the strengths and vulnerabilities for successful combat against the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.historynet.com\/myth-of-the-zero.htm\" target=\"_blank\">legendary Japanese fighter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><i>David Aiken is a director of Pearl Harbor History Associates. He has spent decades conducting detailed searches for missing American and Japanese airmen from the Pearl Harbor attack. <\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.historynet.com\/hiranos-pearl-harbor-zero\/\" target=\"_blank\"><i>This story originally appeared on HistoryNet.com.<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The first chance for the U.S. to inspect the iconic Mitsubishi Zero revealed surprisingly few hard facts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":108919,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"single-post-featured-layout","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","_acf":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":91,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","_smg_distribution_targets":[]},"categories":[91,12,19,69],"tags":[],"coauthors":[7217],"class_list":["post-71770","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-military-history","category-news","category-veterans","category-your-marine-corps"],"acf":{"subheadline":"","legacy_arc_id":"JBEPRJES6VAAJAJW5RCCR2NYOA","arc_canonical_url":"\/veterans\/military-history\/2024\/12\/07\/how-recovering-a-japanese-zero-at-pearl-harbor-added-to-its-mystery\/","remove_feature_photo":false,"is_sponsored":false,"subtype":"featured-layout","redirect_url":"","disable_inline_ads":false,"native_logo_pretext":"Presented 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