James "Pug" Southerland vs Saburo Sakai

[lesofprimus]

Agreed, and that is one excellent piece of history right there...

[Micdrow]

Originally Posted by Hunter368

Tim,

Yes that is true. After he shot down Pug Sakai went after a USA bomber. The tailgunner shot Sakai right threw the windshield. The bullet entered on thr right hand of his face and out the back. He survived but lost his vision in that eye. Here is a few pics of his actually helmet after he was shot in the head, it is on display now. The one pic you can see how the bullet wrecked his helmet and you can see blood on the side of it. Amazing

Whats even more amazin is that Sakai shook hands with the tailgunner that hit him after the war was over. Off hand I forget his name. Still amazing, time does heal all wounds at least in this case.

Micdrow

[Micdrow]

Ok found the info, In 1982 Saburo Sakai shook hands with Harold I Jones, one of the SBD gunners who wounded him. He is blind (Aka Saburo Sakai)in his right eye but has achieved 3 hole in ones playing golf.

Talk about good aim. I have an English copy of his book Samerai, very interesting book. He even pulled a gun on one of his officers for beating on an enlisted man.

Very interesting book,

Micdrow

[Gnomey]

Originally Posted by lesofprimus

Agreed, and that is one excellent piece of history right there...

Yep, great story.

[timshatz]

I've read interviews with the guy and he definitely had his own opinions. Not typically the perspective that Pre-War and War Time Japanese are considered. Talked the talk but also walked the walk.

Did not have a high opinion of Hirohito.