World War 2 : Ace of aces Portrait 2

Hiroyoshi Nishizawa (西澤廣義) (January 27, 1920 – October 26, 1944) nicknamed the "Devil of Rabaul", pilot in the Imperial Japanese naval aviation, is considered the best Japanese ace during the Second World War.

Warrant Officer Hiroyoshi Nishizawa, Japan's best ace, is killed at the age of 24.

After learning of his death, Fleet Admiral Soemu Toyoda honored Nishizawa by publishing a mention in the Army Bulletin and posthumously promoting him to the rank of second lieutenant. Nishizawa was also given the posthumous name Bukai-in Kohan Giko Kyoshi, a Zen Buddhist phrase that translates as "In the ocean of military men, a reflection of all distinguished pilots, an honored Buddhist person."

Shortly before his death, he claimed 87 aerial victories while other sources credit Nishizawa with more than a hundred. He is part of the "Cleaner Trio" with Toshio Ōta and Saburō Sakai.