Kamikaze Strike USS Lamson DD-367 Yokosuka D4Y Suisei 'Judy' Relic Display

Special 24x18-inch one-of-a-kind display: Large 4x3-inch piece of aluminum skin from Japanese kamikaze aircraft that struck the USS Lamson (DD-367) on December 7, 1944, combined with Ron Cole's original artwork - signed one of one.

On December 7, 1944, during the Battle of Ormoc Bay off the coast of Leyte Island, Japanese kamikaze aircraft hit and heavily damaged the destroyer USS Mahan (DD-364) and the high-speed transport USS Ward (APD-16), both of which were intentionally sunk by US ships when fires could not be brought under control. The Mahan-class destroyer USS Lamson (DD-367) replaced Mahan as fighter director ship and made five intercepts of Japanese aircraft. At about 1400, Lamson gunners shot down a 'Dinah' recon plane that had released a bomb, which had exploded about 50 feet astern and covered the fantail with shrapnel. Three additional low-flying planes immediately followed, all single-engine aircraft, and two were shot down by the USS Edwards. The third struck the Lamson's stack and pivoted into the superstructure, engulfing the entire area in shrapnel and burning aviation fuel. The ship careened wildly as men jumped for their lives from the burning superstructure and deck. After scuttling was considered, officers chose to repair the ship and return her to service.

This piece of aluminum came with a collection of other pieces and newspaper clippings about the Dec. 7th action and the Lamson and is etched upon the back with the date and ship. Described as a 'Zero', other accounts identified 'Judy' dive bombers, which were commonly used in the kamikaze role, and the original blue-green camouflage paint over iron oxide primer and no Aotake or other coating on the reverse, indicate this aircraft was more likely a D4Y 'Judy' of later-war production. Allied serviceman commonly referred to all single-engine Japanese aircraft as 'Zero' or 'Zeke'.      

This wall-hanging display measures 24x18-inches (artwork size). Open-framed matte canvas signed one of one. 

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