WORLD WAR ll ~ JAPANESE AIR FORCE PILOT (CAPTAIN) W/ SAMURAI SWORD

Description

Scarce early original vintage formal portrait of a Japanese Air Force pilot (Captain) posing with his samurai sword. This is a vintage photograph and not a copy or reproduction.
The Imperial Japanese Army Air Service or Imperial Japanese Army Air Force or, more literally, the Greater Japan Empire Army Air Corps, was the aviation force of the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA).
Just as the IJA in general was modeled mainly on the German Army, the IJAAS initially developed along similar lines to the Imperial German Army Aviation; its primary mission was to provide tactical close air support for ground forces, as well as a limited air interdiction capability.
The IJAAS also provided aerial reconnaissance to other branches of the IJA. While the IJAAS engaged in strategic bombing of cities such as Shanghai, Nanking, Canton, Chongqing, Rangoon, and Mandalay, this was not the primary mission of the IJAAS, and it lacked a heavy bomber force.
Photograph measures 4 x 5 3/4 inches and is in excellent condition with no bends, tears, or creases and is very sharp and has strong tones with good contrast and clarity. Back has pencil notation “C 926/15 AIRMAN”.
Please email with any questions and please "VIEW SELLERS OTHER ITEMS". Thanks.