Masami Kobayashi

Masami Kobayashi Masashi Kobayashi or (Japanese小林 仁, born June 18, 1890 Yonezawa - han, Dewa Province (today: Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture ); † 7 August 1977) was a vice admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy. He completed his education with emphasis on navigation of the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy in 1917. From June 1, 1925 to April 15, 1928, he was a naval attaché in the United States. This post he held again from 1932 until 1934.

From 1 December 1936, he commanded the battleship Yamashiro. After he had proved himself in this task, he was appointed on October 20, 1937 Chief of Staff of the 4th fleet and transported in this position to Rear Admiral. Even before the war began, he was promoted in October 1941 to Vice Admiral. From late 1941 to early 1943 he was guarding Oberbefefehlshaber in Osaka district. On April 1, 1943, he was appointed commander of the 4th Fleet. In 1943 he was responsible for the defense of the Marshall Islands and had his headquarters at Truk, but was also often on Kwajalein. After the conquest Kwajaleins by the Americans he was replaced due to alleged health problems. He served until 1944 on the Fleet Command and was added on May 31, in the military reserve.