Leo Escorts Japanese Prisoner

Background by John Abair: The aircraft is an L-4 (grasshopper) made by piper.  It was a short take-off and landing (STOL) craft ideal for landing in hastily prepared airstrips on beaches or in the jungle.  This aircraft was originally configured for the artillery mission with the pilot in the rear seat and a forward observer in the front seat where he could better direct artillery fire. It was soon realized that the pilots were much more adept at directing  artillery than the observers so the pilots in the artillery units normally flew from the front seat and directed fire. If an observer was on board he flew in the back seat which was facing rearward to spot attacking Japanese zeroes. It was easy to alter the seat, stick or peddles depending on its desired use.

I believe Dad was a lieutenant when this photo was taken.  I say this because the day prior to the capture he was summoned to a Brigade staff meeting which would be uncommon for a LT and probably unheard of for a Staff Sergeant.  He was ordered to the meeting because the  commander was frustrated with the lack of intelligence and realized the observer pilots had a better knowledge of the area of operation than anyone.  During the meeting, the S-2 (Intel Officer) stated that he desperately needed prisoners to interrogate. This set the stage for what happened the next day.

While directing fire the next day Dad overheard  a radio message requesting instructions from a ground commander as to what he should do with a number of enemy prisoners.  The ground commander was instructed to "dispose" of the prisoners.  Dad radioed a request to allow him to try to land and take a prisoner to the rear for interrogation.  The prisoner(s) were moved to the beach where a landing area was cleared and Dad was able to take a prisoner.  I assume this prisoner was spared because of Dad's actions.

Dad reconfigured the L-4 to be piloted from the rear and put the prisoner in the front seat.  When Dad landed, he hid himself in the rear and taxied to a stop to the panic of the ground crew.  

This is how I remember the sequence of events as told to me by Dad.  I should check with Ken to see how closely it resembles what he had heard.

As a side note.  Ken was a kid during the War.  His admiration for the troops ( and Joe DeMiggio) bordered idol worship.  He told me how awed he was when seeing Dad wearing a dress uniform with all the ribbons.