Japanese Imperial Navy Parachute Harness from Kamikaze Plane

Object/Artifact

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Name/Title

Japanese Imperial Navy Parachute Harness from Kamikaze Plane

Description

A four-point metal buckle consisting of the central latch and four latch plates. There is a Japanese Imperial Navy anchor motif stamped on all the latch plates and on the bottom of the central latch. The latch plates are all locked in place, though no fabric remains.

Use

This belt buckle was used to help secure Japanese pilots into their parachutes for safety and security while in flight.

Context

This Japanese Imperial Navy parachute harness buckle was picked up by George "Danny" Rusk, a Watertender 3/c aboard the USS Laffey (DD-724), after a kamikaze strike during the Battle of Okinawa on April 16, 1945. The plane was one of two that struck the after passageway and head.

Acquisition

Accession

2024.62

Source or Donor

USS Laffey Association

Acquisition Method

Gift

Made/Created

Date made

1940

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Label

Location

Inside lid of box

Transcription

COCKPIT BELT BUCKLE FROM A JAPANESE KAMIKAZE PLANE THAT CRASHED INTO THE USS LAFFEY DD-724 ON APRIL 16, 1945 OFF THE COAST OF OKINAWA NEAR JAPAN GEORGE D. RUSK, WT 3/C 48 LEAISURE BOULEVARD NE CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA 52402

Language

English

Material/Technique

Label

Update Date

June 20, 2025