Japanese naval officer who commanded the 11th Flotilla (1900-1986) and who was Senior Officer on board the destroyer Amagiri on the night of the collision with John F. Kennedy's PT-109. English and Japanese editions of PT 109: John F. Kennedy in World War II by Robert J. Donovan, both signed inside by Yamashiro, "Capt. Katsumori Yamashiro, Cmdr.," with extensive handwritten commentary to set the record straight. He writes out a similar passage in both books, headed "The True Story of Pres. John F. Kennedy's PT109 Collision," and sketches a map of the area in the Japanese volume. He adds further handwritten remarks throughout the English version, often brief notes in the margins with lengthier explanations at chapter endings. Capt. Yamashiro's story, in part: "Upon sighting the PT109, my concern was the distance was closing, and if the Amagiri would collide with the PT109, the bow of the Amagiri might burn by the explosion of the torpedo on board the PT109. I, Captain Yamashiro, ordered 'Hart-A-Port' which was to avoid collision. Afterward Skipper Lt. Cmdr. Hanami told a deliberate lie when he ordered 'Hard-A-Starboard.' The fact the Amagiri hit PT109 with her starboard propellor blade proves the starboard statement a lie. When turning starboard it is impossible that she could hit anything with her starboard propellor. If there would still be an Imperial Japanese Navy, Skipper would be reprimanded and disgraced for this outrageous lie, completely ignoring my presence on board. Unfortunately, his lie was picked up by Mr. Donovan in his version of PT109. Of course Mr. Donovan's version reached more people but it is not the truth. My story is the truth. I was there, I was in command and my order was to avoid collision." In overall very good to fine condition.
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