Size: 9.5 x 18 inches

This rare bombing and reconnaissance panoramic type ‘RESTRICTED’ 5th Air Force photograph comes from the bring back collection of Sgt. Eugene Thompson. While Sgt. Thompson served as an air gunner on combat missions aboard the infamous B-17 and B-25 in the South Pacific against the Japanese. These air reconnaissance photographs show a birds eye view shot down at Japanese airfields, gun emplacements, planes, naval ships, etc. Photographs such as these provided high ranking officials and intelligence officers with vital information that they used to direct future bombing missions, amphibious landing sites and strategical advantages needed to out-guess the Japanese. Thousands of pilots and aircrew throughout the war risked their lives to take photographs such as this one right here. As the Allies advanced westward toward Japan, Allied forces repeatedly bombed and stormed Japanese-held territory, targeting tiny islands as well as the jungles of New Guinea and the Philippines. The goal was to dislodge the enemy and to secure airfields and supply bases that could serve as the launching points for future attacks. 

This photograph shows the amphibious coast and is a recon photo specifically aimed at the visual targets of the Tobera Dromes and Rapopo Airfield. These aerodromes are located at Lesson Point, Blanche Bay near Rabaul, East New Britain, Papua New Guinea. The airfield was constructed by the Imperial Japanese during World War II in December 1942. Rapopo was later neutralized by Allied air bombing from 1944. The airfield was abandoned after the cessation of hostilities. On January 5, 1943 a B-17 Flying Fortresses with a photographer and cine camera man aboard during a bombing mission took a photograph and cine footage that revealed the presence of the new runway. Used by the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) as a base for medium bombers and twin engine aircraft. Operationally, the runway was plagued with drainage problems, that caused the runway to often be muddy. Rapopo was defended by 29 heavy, 21 medium and 13 light anti-aircraft guns, supported by five searchlights. During 1943, several bomber Sentai were based at this location. The airfield was also used by the Japanese Navy, with a Zero fighters based here at the height of the Pacific War.

This WWII aerial bombing photo gives a rare firsthand look at what many of the pilots, navigators, and bombardiers saw daily as they risked their lives liberating the Pacific from Japanese occupation. This would make an amazing addition to any WWII or aviation buff’s collection.

5th Air Force History:

The 5th Air Force immediately experienced its baptism by fire in December 1941, only a few hours after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, had drawn the U.S. into World War II.  The enemy forces’ strike on the Philippines was also a surprise attack that caught all U.S. forces on the islands flat-footed, destroying most FEAF (Far Eastern Air Force) aircraft on the ground before they could be deployed against the invaders. However, some FEAF aviators succeeded in becoming airborne and engaged enemy fighters, helping to slow the Japanese advance on the Philippines and thereby enabling many Allied forces to withdraw south to the Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia) and Australia. 

From 1942 to the end of the war, Fifth Air Force under General Kenney served as the flying vanguard for General Douglas MacArthur’s island-hopping campaign, driving enemy forces out of New Guinea, the Bismarck Sea, and the Philippines. Shortly before the Japanese surrender, Fifth Air Force established its headquarters on Japanese soil for the first time, operating out of Hamasaki, Okinawa.  Fifth Air Force accomplishments by the end of World War II included 3,445 aerial victories and ten Medal of Honor recipients, two of whom were the highest-scoring aces in U.S. history, Maj Richard Bong (40 confirmed victories) and Maj Thomas McGuire (38 confirmed victories).