 Yamamoto′s aircraft crashed in the jungle, while Ugaki′s fell into the sea at high speed.He was one of three survivors, the others being the bomber's pilot Hayashi and another staff officer, Kitamura.After he recovered from his wounds, in February 1944 Ugaki was placed in command of the 1st Battleship Division (, , ), and was commander during the disastrous Battle of Leyte Gulf, including the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea on 24 October, and Battle off Samar on 25 October 1944.