Artist's commentary
On August 7, 1942 (Showa 17), Saburō Sakai returned to Rabaul East Airfield after being struck by enemy fire during the opening engagement of the Guadalcanal campaign, having sustained wounds to his head and eyes. The mountain visible in the background was an active volcano known as 'Hanafuki-yama.' (At the time, he held the rank of First Class Petty Officer.)
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