[3] Allied codebreakers determined the route and time schedule of the two Mitsubishi G4M bombers carrying Admiral Yamamoto and his staff by breaking the Purple code and Lanphier was selected for the mission to shoot it down.

While the USAF did not reverse its 1991 decision giving half-credit to each pilot,[4] a retired lawyer / historian[5] and state of Oregon politicians credit Barber with the sole kill.

[7] In December 1949, to promote the AFA's "airability program", an aviation awareness campaign, Lanphier made a round-the-world flight using scheduled airlines, making the 22,140 mile trip in under five days.

Upon returning to New York, the letter, postmarked in 12 countries, was delivered to AFA President Robert S. Johnson, for presentation to the Kill Devil Hills Memorial Association at its annual 17 December anniversary of the Wright's first flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

During World War II, Colonel Lanphier was credited with downing three and half Japanese planes, damaging eight on the ground, and sinking a destroyer.

In the ensuing engagement he operated with such daring courage and excellent marksmanship that he sent the leading bomber crashing in flames, and subsequently shot down one of the hostile fighters when it furiously attacked his plane.

The outstanding professional skill and inspiring leadership displayed by Captain Lanphier under extremely adverse conditions contributed greatly to the remarkable success of this vital mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Armed Services.