One of Japan's most skilled fliers, Fuchida (1902–1976) commanded the air attack against Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and was the last to leave the battle area. After World War II, Fuchida converted to Christianity and became a nondenominational preacher, traveling frequently to America and later becoming a US citizen. ALS, two pages, 8 x 10, April 27, 1966. Handwritten letter to Ernest Schwartz, a schoolteacher in Berkeley, recapping his military career. In part: "I was a commander (Navy) at the attack on Pearl Harbor and later promoted to a captain…I was on board the aircraft-carrier 'AKAGI,' which was flag-ship for Commander-in-Chief, Vice-Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, who was killed in action during the battle of Saipan. However, Chief of the Staff, Vice-Admiral Ryunosuke Kusaka is still living in Japan." In fine condition. Accompanied by a small unsigned photo that he enclosed with the letter.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$50.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.