One of Japan’s most skilled fliers, Fuchida commanded the air attack against Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and was the last to leave the battle area. After World War II, Fuchida converted to Christianity and became a nondenominational preacher, traveling frequently to America and later becoming a U.S. citizen. ALS, two pages, 8 x 10, April 27, 1966. Fuchida writes to Ernest Schwartz, a schoolteacher in Berkeley. In part: “I was a commander (Navy) at the attack on Pearl Harbor and later promoted to a captain…. I was on board the aircraft-carrier “AKAGI,” which was flag-ship for Commander-in-Chief, Vice-Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, who was killed in action during the battle of Saipan. However, Chief of the Staff, Vice-Admiral Ryunosuke Kusaka is still living in Japan.” Accompanied by an unsigned photo. In fine condition. R&R COA.
