Mitsubishi A6M5 Model 52, 4685, "43-188"
History
Initially stationed at Atsugi Airfield in Japan, Zero 4685 was later deployed to Tinian Island in the Marianas in early June 1944. Subsequently, it operated from Agana Airfield on Guam Island. On June 19, 1944, during the first day of the "Marianas Turkey Shoot," Lieutenant Commander Shinya Ozaki piloted this aircraft on a mission to strafe a U.S. Navy SOC Seagull attempting to rescue a downed American aviator. Following this, the aircraft was intercepted by U.S. Navy pilots, including Lieutenant Henry C. Clem, who damaged it. The Zero was further engaged by Lieutenant Commander R.E. Harmer in an F4U-2 Corsair night fighter, sustaining additional damage. Despite streaming smoke, Ozaki managed to return to Guam, where he force-landed the aircraft near Agana Airfield. Wounded in the engagement, Ozaki later succumbed to his injuries.
The wreckage of Zero 4685 remained undiscovered during the American occupation of Guam. In March 1962, a worker from the Government of Guam located the aircraft. Subsequently, it was recovered by the U.S. military. The Zero was found largely intact, with only the tail rudder fabric missing. Its original green paint and Hinomaru markings were clearly visible. In January 1964, the aircraft was shipped to Japan for static restoration. It was painted in its original wartime markings, including the tail code 43-188, and displayed at Hamamatsu-Minami Air Base, suspended from the ceiling of a hangar. The aircraft has been part of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Museum since 1970.