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What REALLY stood out was the 2 zeros flying at the end with American flag kill markers on the side. Never happened. The Japanese were not allowed to put any sort of kill marks on their aircraft. Those markings are pure fabrications.
There are a number of markings that were used, late in the war. But the general rule was that markings for kills was not allowed. The rules appear to have been relaxed later in the war, but they never used American flags for kills markings and didn't put them below the cockpit like the Americans did.
In addition to all that the Japanese rarely gave medals or other awards to their pilots. I have also read somewhere, that the IJN crediting system was the nmost difficult in the world, though I dont know what that entailed
There are a number of markings that were used, late in the war. But the general rule was that markings for kills was not allowed. The rules appear to have been relaxed later in the war, but they never used American flags for kills markings and didn't put them below the cockpit like the Americans did.
Ive never heard that one. For the most part of what Ive read about japanese kills they tended to be exaggurated on many pilots. The dates and claims made by some japanese pilots dont match losses for other countries. Others like Suburo Saki can be confirmed on both sides with dates, times and locations.
I checked my source and you are right. would pay to check first before speaking sometimes.
In fact the IJN did not generally credit kills to individual pilots at all. It was awarded to the unit. There were a few exceptions to this system, and a few individual citations given out on an essentially ad hoc basis
Anyway, hwere is a Link that explains what I am trying to say
Japanese army air force, aces and victory claims
Two pictures and two drawings indicate it wasn't that rare? From everything that I have read, it was not something that was officially sanctioned and they were not allowed any kill markings early in the war. Were there some that were? Yes. That does not mean it was common.