Military Figure. Esteemed naval aviator of the Second World War. Tomonaga was the air unit commander of the carrier "Hiryu" during the Battle of Midway. On the day of his death, he led a morning attack on the U.S. base at Midway, and an afternoon torpedo attack on the carier USS "Yorktown." Tomonaga knew that second mission would be his last. During the morning mission, his wing tip had been hit, and on the second mission he had only enough fuel for a one-way trip and made the most of it. While his "Zero" fighters engaged those of the Yorktown, he split his bombers to attack the Yorktown from two directions, bringing them in only yards above sea level. In the instant after he released his torpedo, his plane took a hit and exploded. His physical remains were lost at sea. His spirit has been enshrined at the Yasukuni Shrine. He was portrayed by actor Sab Shimono in the movie "Midway" (1976).
Military Figure. Esteemed naval aviator of the Second World War. Tomonaga was the air unit commander of the carrier "Hiryu" during the Battle of Midway. On the day of his death, he led a morning attack on the U.S. base at Midway, and an afternoon torpedo attack on the carier USS "Yorktown." Tomonaga knew that second mission would be his last. During the morning mission, his wing tip had been hit, and on the second mission he had only enough fuel for a one-way trip and made the most of it. While his "Zero" fighters engaged those of the Yorktown, he split his bombers to attack the Yorktown from two directions, bringing them in only yards above sea level. In the instant after he released his torpedo, his plane took a hit and exploded. His physical remains were lost at sea. His spirit has been enshrined at the Yasukuni Shrine. He was portrayed by actor Sab Shimono in the movie "Midway" (1976).
Bio by: Warrick L. Barrett
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