Masajiro Hayashi

Shojiro Hayashi was an officer in the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. He was a member of the 51st Class of the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy, ranking 182 out of 255 Cadets. He was in command of forces during the Battle of Milne Bay (specifically, the 5th Kure Naval District Special Naval Landing Force (SNLF)) until he was apparently killed during the battle. Other sources state that he was relieved of command by Minoru Yano.

Known Assignments Division Officer Kinu - 1 December 1930 - ??? Division Officer Ise - 1 November 1934 - ??? Commanding Officer, 6th Sasebo Naval District Special Naval Landing Force (SNLF) - 20 December 1937 - 27 January 1938 Staff Officer, Kure Guard Force - 20 November 1941 - 15 January 1942 Commanding Officer, 1st Kure Naval District Special Naval Landing Force (SNLF) - 21 January 1942 - 10 March 1942 Commanding Officer, 5th Kure Naval District Special Naval Landing Force (SNLF) - 1 May 1942 - 1 September 1942

Promotions Midshipman - 14 July 1923 Ensign - 1 December 1924 Sub-Lieutenant - 1 December 1926 Lieutenant - 30 November 1929 Lieutenant Commander - 15 November 1935 Commander - 15 November 1940 Captain - 1 September 1942 (posthumous)