The Long Range 38 Assassination Of The Man Behind Pearl Harbor Bougainville

December 7, 1941, marked one of the darkest days in American history when the Japanese launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, catapulting the United States into World War II. The attack claimed the lives of thousands of American soldiers and civilians, and forever changed the course of history.

While the attack on Pearl Harbor has been extensively studied and analyzed over the years, there is one man who has remained relatively unknown - the man behind Pearl Harbor. His name was Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, the commander of the Japanese navy. Yamamoto was a key figure responsible for planning the attack, and his assassination would become the centerpiece of a daring mission known as the Long Range 38.

The Plot Unfolds

As the war raged on, the United States desperately sought ways to cripple the Japanese war effort and turn the tide in their favor. It was during this time that the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) - predecessor to the modern-day CIA - devised a plan to eliminate Admiral Yamamoto.

We Killed Yamamoto: The long-range P-38 assassination of the man behind Pearl Harbor, Bougainville 1943 (Raid Book 53)

by Si Sheppard(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19628 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	120 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Utilizing the skills and expertise of the US Army Air Forces' top-notch pilots, the plan sought to take advantage of Yamamoto's predictable travel patterns. The intelligence gathered revealed that Yamamoto regularly flew on an aircraft codenamed the "Betty," making him vulnerable to an ambush.

The Long Range 38 Mission

On April 18, 1943, a squadron of P-38 fighter planes took off from Guadalcanal in the South Pacific, embarking on a secret mission to assassinate Yamamoto. Led by Lieutenant Rex T. Barber, the team faced enormous challenges as they flew over hundreds of miles of open water to reach their target.

The Long Range 38 mission was a testament to the skill and bravery of the pilots involved. Despite encountering several obstacles, including adverse weather conditions and the ever-present threat of enemy interception, they managed to locate Yamamoto's aircraft and execute a carefully planned attack.

The Assassination

As the P-38s closed in on Yamamoto's plane, they unleashed a barrage of gunfire, crippling the enemy aircraft. In the confusion that followed, Yamamoto was critically wounded, succumbing to his injuries before the plane crashed into the jungle of Bougainville.

The news of Yamamoto's death sent shockwaves through the Japanese high command. Losing such a prominent figure dealt a significant blow to their morale, and it marked a turning point in the war.

The Aftermath

The successful assassination of Admiral Yamamoto had far-reaching consequences. It not only boosted the morale of American forces but also highlighted the effectiveness of targeted strategic operations. The mission showcased the importance of intelligence gathering and precise execution in achieving military objectives.

The story of the Long Range 38 mission and the assassination of the man behind Pearl Harbor remains a poignant chapter in history. It serves as a reminder of the relentless pursuit of justice and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their country.

The Legacy

The Long Range 38 mission has become a source of inspiration for future generations of military strategists. It stands as a testament to the ingenuity and courage of those who risked their lives to deliver a decisive blow against a formidable enemy.

Today, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto is remembered as a controversial and complex figure. While he played a significant role in shaping the course of World War II, his assassination serves as a reminder that even the most influential individuals are not untouchable.

The Long Range 38 assassination of the man behind Pearl Harbor Bougainville was a daring operation that changed the dynamics of the war. It demonstrated the power of strategic planning, execution, and the indomitable spirit of those who fought for justice and freedom.

Admiral Yamamoto's death dealt a severe blow to the Japanese forces and showcased the resolve and capabilities of the American military. It remains a significant event in history, reminding us of the bravery and sacrifice of those who strive to protect their nations.

We Killed Yamamoto: The long-range P-38 assassination of the man behind Pearl Harbor, Bougainville 1943 (Raid Book 53)

by Si Sheppard(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19628 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	120 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

He masterminded the most devastating surprise attack against the United States in its history. He was a marked man in the war that followed. A key intelligence breakthrough enabled the military to pinpoint his location. An elite team was assembled and charged not with his capture and subsequent trial but with his execution. Osama bin Laden? No – this was Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, the Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese Combined Fleet during World War II.

This new title analyses the origins, implementation, and outcomes of Operation Vengeance, the long-range fighter interception of Admiral Yamamoto's transport aircraft that sent him to his death on 18th April, 1943. Author Si Sheppard examines every angle of the operation in detail, including the role of intelligence work in pinpointing the time and location of Yamamoto's flight, the chain of command at the highest level of the US political and military establishment who ordered the attack, and the technical limitations that had to be overcome in planning and conducting the raid. It also provides a close study of the aerial combat involved in completing the mission, offering a holistic exploration of the operation which avenged Pearl Harbor.