Final Defense of 357 - Ki-61 Hein 'Tony' Canvas | INCLUDES: Engine Canister Piece

"Final Defense of 357" by Artist Craig Tinder

This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder depicts the Captain Teruhiko Kobayashi of the 244th Sentai in his desparate ramming attack against U.S. B-29 Superfortress bombers.

The Story Behind the Print:

On 27 January 1945, Captain Teruhiko Kobayashi of the 244th Sentai, a renowned Japanese fighter unit, prepared for a daring mission against the relentless B-29 Superfortresses of the U.S. Army Air Forces. The target that day was the 497th Bombardment Group, part of the 73rd Bomb Wing, which had been trying repeatedly to destroy Target 357, a vital aircraft engine factory in Japan. Despite numerous attempts, the group had little success in significantly damaging the facility.

Captain Kobayashi, flying a Ki-61 Hein (code-named "Tony" by the Allies), took to the skies with his wingman in an attempt to intercept the American bombers. During this mission, Kobayashi targeted one of the massive B-29s, "Irish Lassie" (serial number 42-65246). In a dramatic move, Kobayashi made a kamikaze dive and crashed his Ki-61 into the B-29’s wing, causing severe damage to the bomber. The impact knocked Kobayashi unconscious, but he later regained consciousness mid-air and managed to parachute to safety. The event would be celebrated in Japan as a successful kamikaze strike.

Although the Japanese claimed Kobayashi's attack as a confirmed kill, the story of Irish Lassie didn’t end there. Despite sustaining heavy damage, the bomber remained airborne, and its crew managed to return to base. Upon landing, Irish Lassie broke in two, but the crew survived the harrowing journey, a testament to both the durability of the B-29 and the resilience of her crew.

Visit the Journal to read the full story!

Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors

This item is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder. Available to ship worldwide!