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| Location Samah (Sanya) is located on the southern coast of Hainan Island (Hainan Dao) borders Samah Bay. The prewar and wartime spelling was Samah. Today known as Sanya. Also known as Yai-hsien, San-ah, Yehsien, San-ya-chiang-shih, Samah, Ya Xian, San-ya-chiang, Sama,Ya-hsien, San-ya-chen. To the east is Yulin. Wartime History On February 11, 1939 Japanese forces landed at Samah (Sanya) on southern Hainan as their third landing on Hainan and quickly occupied Yulin and Yai-Hsien. At the start of the Pacific War, the Japanese invasion force Operation "E"sortied from Samah Bay for Operation "E" the invasion of Malaya. Starting in early May 1943 targeted by U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) bombers and fighters from the 14th Air Force (14th AF). Occupied by the Japanese until September 1945 when Japan officially surrendered. American missions against Samah (Sanya) May 4, 1943–April 2, 1945 Samah Navy Headquarters A total of five American aviators were detained at this location during April 1945 until the end of the Pacific War. 1st Lt. James McGuire, O-674314 (POW, survived) pilot B-25J 44-29350 ditched March 30, 1945 2nd Lt. Eugene L. Harviell, O-702422 (POW, died August 10, 1945) nav B-25J 44-29350 ditched March 30, 1945 Captain Merritt E. Lawlis, O-432168 (POW, survived) nav B-25J "Pensive" 43-27888 ditched April 3, 1945 SSgt Charles L. Suey, 16150762 (POW, died May 13, 1945) eng B-25J "Pensive" 43-27888 ditched April 3, 1945 SSgt SSgt Benjamin T. Muller, 18090388 (POW, survived) radio B-25J "Pensive" 43-27888 ditched April 3, 1945 Samah Airfield (Samah Bay Airfield) Used by the Japanese Navy during the Pacific War Contribute Information Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated December 10, 2025 |
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