堀光雄

War record

Born in Gifu; completed the 10th Otsu-class Yokaren flight training course in 1942.3, after the outbreak of the war → 1942.5 posted to the Tainan Naval Air Group and arrived at Rabaul (little chance to join offensive operations; only a few interceptions) → 1942.11 transferred to the 582nd Naval Air Group, engaged in air operations in the Southeast Area → 1943.1.7 while escorting a convoy off Lae he fought P-38s, was hit, bailed out and was wounded; rescued and returned to Japan → via the Omura Naval Air Group, in 1943.11 he transferred as an instructor to the Sanya Naval Air Group → 1944.4.15 a Zero unit made up of Sanya instructors attacked Nanning, was surprised by P-40s and suffered heavy losses; he shot down one aircraft, was hit and force-landed on Hainan Island → 1944.6 transferred to the Takao Naval Air Group; while training reserve students he took part in the air defence fighting of the air battle off Taiwan → 1945.1 transferred to Fighter Squadron 301 of the newly formed 343rd Naval Air Group, serving as senior pilot in the air defence of western Japan and the Okinawa air battles until the end of the war → after the war he joined All Nippon Airways and served as a captain (having changed his surname to 三上)