THANK YOU, FONTESSA!!!fontessa wrote: ↑23 Jan 2020, 08:26Hello Gsparky2004,
The title of the photo is:
海軍園山部隊准士官以上昭和18年11月3日
Navy Sonoyama Force Officers and Associate Officers, 3 November 1943
Sonoyama Force was 752nd Naval Air Group (Twin Engines Bombers / Torpedo Bombers). The Commanding Officer at this time was CDR Sonoyama Hitoshi 園山斉 (49). 752nd Naval Air Group was deployed Marshall Islands. It departed Kisarazu on 22 November 1944. I think the photo was taken before the departure. CDR Sonoyama Hiroshi was promoted to CAPT on 1 December 1943. He was KIA on 6 February 1944 at Luot Island Ground Battle on 6 February 1944 and was promoted to RADM. According to Wiki 23rd and 24th Regiments, 4th Marine Division has landed on Luot Island on 2 February 1944. The Japanese garrison had been almost annihilated by U.S. Navy artillery fire prior to landing. Therefore, the details of CAPT Sonoyama's death are unknown. The aforementioned "February 6" is the day of the death of the war, which was recognized by the Navy. In other words, he may have died on February 2.
fontessa
With regards to Luot Island, is there another name for that island? I can't find any mention of it. I know that my uncle (who was B-1-24 of 4th Division) fought on Namur, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo-Jima. I've not heard of "Luot Island" before. Thanks, again!
UPDATE: I just checked on the history of the 4th Division. It was in a battle on Roi-Namur between 1 - 2 February 1944. So I'm guessing that "Luot" is another name for "Namur"? That's where my uncle specifically fought. Again, thanks!