TUESDAY, 1 DECEMBER 1942
CBI (Tenth Air Force) The 9th Photographic
Reconnaissance Squadron flies its first combat mission with F-4s from its base
at Karachi, India with a detachment at Kunming, China; the squadron arrived
at Karachi on 24 Jul.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) Headquarters
5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), and its 23d Bombardment Squadron with
B-17s transfers from the Territory of Hawaii to Espiritu Santo. Lost is B-17F "Omar Khayyam / The Plastered Bastard" 41-24534.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20s,
B-25s, B-26s and P-400s pound the Buna area, but Allied ground troops fail in
another attempt to capture the village. The Australian 21 Brigade, however,
turns back from Giruwa three large groups of Japanese reinforcements destined
for Gona, then attacks and takes Gona, forcing the enemy back to Gona Mission
for a final stand. Lost on a recon mission is B-17E "Miss Carriage" 41-2645. In Australia, HQ 33d Troop Carrier Squadron, 374th Troop
Carrier Group with C-47s is established at Brisbane upon arrival from the US.
A detachment has been operating from Cairns since 1 Nov and will remain there
until 10 Dec.
WEDNESDAY, 2 DECEMBER 1942
(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, a B-24 finds Semichi and Attu unchanged
during a reconnaissance run; a B-26s on reconnaissance finds Kiska closed by
fog.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) Headquarters
17th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 4th Photographic Group with the air
echelon of A and B flights arrives Noumea, New Caledonia Is. The air echelons
of C and D flights will remain in the US until Jan 44.
Guadalcanal - American bombers based at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal begin
almost daily attacks on Munda
Point, New Georgia to prevent the Japanese from
constructing an airfield there.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20s,
B-17s, B-25s and P-400s attack four destroyers off Buna and Gona, and the airfield
and positions in the Buna area and between Watutu Point and Cape Killerton.
Lost is B-17E Serial 41-2445. As a result of this attack, the destroyers, originally bound for Gona with 800
reinforcements, lands the troops near the mouth of the Kumment River twelve
miles to the north. After a bombardment of Gona, Allied ground forces attack
in strength but are again halted short of the village.
THURSDAY, 3 DECEMBER 1942
(Eleventh Air Force) Two bombers and several fighters fly
reconnaissance over Semichis, Kiska and Attu. There is a constant air
alert for US forces on Adak.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) In
the Solomons, eight SBDs, seven TBFs and fighters attack the Tokyo Express 150
miles northwest of Guadalcanal; one destroyer is slightly damaged; and ten Petes
are shot down, four by three P-39 pilots of the 67th Fighter Squadron, 347th
Fighter Group. US losses are one TBF, one SBD and one fighter.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-24s bomb Buna Mission. Lost is B-24D "Little Eva" 41-23762.
FRIDAY, 4 DECEMBER 1942
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20s,
B-25s and P-400s bomb and strafe Sanananda
Point and the Buna areas and attack
a small torpedo boat in Dyke Acland Bay. During the night of 3/4 Dec, B-17s
bomb airfields at Lae and Salamaua. Lost is B-17F "Dumbo" 41-24429. On the ground, the US roadblock on the
Soputa-Sanananda trail remains precarious as the Japanese maintain attacks
from all sides and hold off US reinforcements. In the Bismarck Archipelago,
a lone B-17s attacks a submarine 75 miles southeast of Rabaul. Lost on a training flight is P-38F "Synchronized Sal" 42-12646.
SATURDAY, 5 DECEMBER 1942
(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, seven B-24s and nine B-26s escorted by
16 P-38s take off upon a Navy PBY report of a surface force southeast of Amchitka. At the interception point, the area is searched without results. The
PBY pilot later report he saw "clouds." Reconnaissance is flown over Attu, Agattu,
Semichi, Kiska and Amchitka.
(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, reconnaissance missions over Attu, Agattu,
the Semichis, Amchitka and Kiska turns up nothing.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) The
following Seventh Air Force units are transferred to the Army Forces in South
Pacific Area: 5th Bombardment Group with its 23d, 31st, 72d and 394th
Bombardment Squadrons with B-17s. The 394th is enroute from Hawaii to Fiji; all others are on Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Islands with the
72d Bomb Sq operating from Guadalcanal. 11th Bombardment Groups with
its 26th, 42d, 98th and 431st Bombardment Squadrons with B-17s. The
26th is on Efate Is while the 42d and 98th are on Espiritu Santo Is, all in
the New Hebrides Islands. The 431st is on Viti Levu on Fiji. 12th
Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group with P-39s and the 44th Fighter Squadron,
318th Fighter Group with P-40s, both on Efate.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20s
and B-25s pound the Buna area. Lost is B-25C "Scat / The Happy Legend" 41-12907. Allied ground forces again fail to take the
village,
but some elements push to within 50 yards of Buna, some break through to the
sea, and others invest the west bank of Entrance Creek; Buna is thus completely
isolated. In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-24s bomb Kavieng
Airfield.
SUNDAY, 6 DECEMBER 1942
(Eleventh Air Force) Reconnaissance is flown over Attu, Agattu, Amchitka, Kiska
and the Semichis Islands. The 18th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group with
P-40s transfers from Alaska to Adak.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) P-39s
strafing Munda on New Georgia Island discover trucks, steam rollers and other
construction equipment, and evidence of two airfields under construction. B-17s
will bomb Munda 21 times in December and continue to hit it in Jan 43, as the
Japanese continue to work at building the strips despite the constant air strikes.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In the Bismarck Archipelago,
B-17s bomb Lakunai Airfield and the town of Rabaul on New Britain Island. In
New Guinea, B-25s bomb Lae Airfield.
MONDAY, 7 DECEMBER 1942
(Anniversary of Pearl Harbor) (Eleventh Air Force) A reconnaissance mission
is flown over the Semichis and Attu Islands; reconnaissance of Kiska Is is aborted
due to weather.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) In
the Solomons, 13 SBDs attack the Tokyo Express; three destroyers are damaged
for the loss of one SBD. The 69th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 38th Bombardment
Group (Medium) with B-26s moves from New Caledonia to Efate Island.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-25s
pound the area around Buna as ground forces attack the village and clear a trench
at the southern edge; B-25s also hit the airfield at Lae. B-17s attack a wrecked
vessel off Gona and a tanker off Gasmata.
RNZAF: Lost after a heavy landing is Hudson NZ2023.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1942
(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, an attempted bombing mission of Attu
and Kiska Islands by six B-24s and six B-26s, escorted by eight P-38s, is forced
back by weather. An uneventful reconnaissance is flown by a B-24 and a B-26
over Attu, Agattu, Amchitka, Kiska and the Semichis Islands.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20s
and B-25s pound AA positions at Buna and the area around Buna Mission and Cape
Endaiadere as ground forces attack bunker positions on the southern end of Buna.
P-38s hit a wrecked vessel off Gona. In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-24s bomb
the airfield on Gasmata. Six destroyers
carrying troops to reinforce the Buna-Gona beachhead are bombed
by B-17s and a lone B-24 and turn back to Rabaul.
WEDNESDAY, 9 DECEMBER 1942
(Eleventh Air Force) Force landed is B-24A Liberator 40-2367.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area)
RNZAF 3 Squadron Hudsons and American B-17s bomb the airfield at Munda,
No aircraft are lost. On Guadalcanal, command passes from
Lieutenant General Vandegrift, USMC, Commanding General First Marine Division
(Reinforced), to Major General Patch, USA, Commanding General Americal Division.
The battle-weary Marines gradually withdraw from Guadalcanal during Dec.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-26s
pound the Buna area as ground forces prepare for the final assault on the village.
P-40s hit the area along the Sanananda-Soputa trail. In nearby Gona, following
air and artillery bombardment, Australian forces overcome resistance, taking
the village in hand-to-hand combat.
Guadalcanal - MajGen A. A. Vandegrift, CG 1st Mar Div, is relieved by Maj Gen
A.M. Patch, CG Americal Division, as commanding general of Guadalcanal. 1st
MarDiv make preparations to retire from combat zone to rehabilitate and retrain.
THURSDAY, 10 DECEMBER 1942
(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, the weather aircraft which crashlanded
at Atka Island yesterday is sighted on the west end of the island, its fuselage
broken off aft of the wings. The crew, later brought back, is unharmed except
for light injuries to Lieutenant General William Lynd, a visiting Inspector
General. An uneventful reconnaissance covers Attu, Kiska and the Semichis Islands.
Four B-26s and six P-38s abort a bomb run to Kiska due to weather.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) Eleven B-17s escorted by eight P-38s of the 339th Fighter Squadron,
347th Fighter Group, attack ships in Faisi
Harbor; one tanker
is hit; six Zekes are claimed destroyed, five by P-38s and one by a B-17.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) The detachment of
the 33d Troop Carrier Squadron, 374th Troop Carrier Group with C-47s operating
from Cairns, Queensland, Australia returns to their base at Brisbane, New South
Wales preparatory to moving to New Guinea.
FRIDAY, 11 DECEMBER 1942
(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, an uneventful reconnaissance covers
Attu, Agattu, Amchitka, Kiska and the Semichis. Three B-26s and four
P-38s rebomb and strafe a previously bombed cargo vessel in Kiska Harbor, scouting
two more direct hits. The P-38s also strafe and bomb Kiska Harbor submarine
base and seaplane hangars, camp area and nearby gun emplacements.
CBI (Tenth Air Force) In the Andaman Islands,
B-24s of the India Air Task Force attack shipping at Port Blair, with negative
results.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) B-17s
bomb the airfield at Munda with no losses.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-26s
bomb the airfield and targets of opportunity in the Buna area while B-25s and
B-26s attack the Lae Airfield.
RAAF: Lost on a mission to bomb Buna are Wirraway A20-51 and Wirraway A20-485.
SATURDAY, 12 DECEMBER 1942
(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, an attempted photographic reconnaissance
mission over Kiska Island by a B-24 and two P-38s returns without result due
to weather. Another reconnaissance B-24 is turned back by a weather front west
of Buldir Island. The detachment of the 42d Fighter Squadron, 54th Fighter Group,
which has been operating in Alaska with P-39s since Jun 42, returns to its base
at Harding Field, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) B-17s
begin a series of daily attacks on the Japanese airfields nearing completion
at Munda.
Nine SBDs join the attack which is the first by the USMC.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20s
strafe barges off Sanananda Point while B-17s bomb the airfields at Lae and
Salamaua.
SUNDAY, 13 DECEMBER 1942
(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, a largely negative reconnaissance
is flown over Attu, Agattu, Kiska, Amchitka and the Semichis by two
B-24s and two P-38s.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A
Japanese convoy of five destroyers is detected off Madang, as it attempts to
bring in reinforcements for the beachhead in the Buna area. B-17s and B-24s
attack as it moves south but fail to deter its progress. Meanwhile A-20s bomb
and strafe the Cape Killerton area while B-17s bomb the Salamaua area. B-26s hit the airfield at Gasmata.
MONDAY, 14 DECEMBER 1942
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area)
In the Solomons, B-17s attack Buin, Bougainville Island with no losses.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, the
five Japanese troop-carrying destroyers attack by Fifth Air Force aircraft yesterday,
reach the mouth of the Mambare River and unload without being detected. However,
medium and light bombers and fighters, along with Royal Australian Air Force
aircraft, subsequently deliver damaging blows against these troops and their
supplies and also hit forces along the Kumusi River in the Cape Endaiadere area
and along the Mambare River. The five destroyers are attacked off Cape Ward
Hunt by medium and heavy bombers. Attacks are also carried out against the Lae
Airfield and the airfield on Gasmata. On the ground,
American troops capture Buna. Lost in a ferry flight is B-17F 41-24550.
TUESDAY, 15 DECEMBER 1942
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea,
A-20s hit Japanese forces along the Mambare River while a B-24 bombs a wrecked
ship at Gona.
RAAF: Lost dropping supplies on Suputa is Hudson A16-36.
WEDNESDAY, 16 DECEMBER 1942
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area)
B-17s of the 5th Bombardment Group attack the airstrip at Munda, New
Georgia Island. They are met by 16 Zekes; the B-17s claim four Zekes with the
loss of one B-17.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20s
and B-26s hit forces in the Buna area and at the mouth of the Kumusi River,
and strafe barges on the lagoon shoreline south of the Kumusi's mouth. Meanwhile,
B-24s attack a wreck off Gona, a cargo vessel in the Bismarck Sea, and a destroyer,
two cargo ships and two tankers in the Solomon Sea, southeast of Cape Orford.
THURSDAY, 17 DECEMBER 1942
(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, a reconnaissance sortie is flown
over Attu, Agattu, Kiska, Amchitka and the Semichis. Two attacks by
five B-24s, two B-25s and four B-26s--the second attack escorted by eight P-38s--take
off for Kiska Island. On the first mission, four B-24s, gets through and hit
the submarine base area, marine railway, buildings, and communication facilities.
The second mission aborts due to weather. P-38s and B-24s also fly offshore
patrol between Vega Point and Little Kiska.
CBI (Tenth Air Force) China Air Task Force
aircraft bomb Lashio, Burma.
Guadalcanal - US 132d Infantry Regiment open preliminaries for an offensive
with an attack on positions in the Mount Austen area which overlooks Henderson
Field; the enemy offers bitter resistance. USAAF aircraft, especially P-39s,
and USMC SBDs, provide support and continue to do so as the offensive progresses
from coastal supply points, hitting reinforcements moving through the jungle,
and destroying ammunition dumps.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-26s
bomb Buna Mission. Lost is B-26 40-1529.
US ground forces make fruitless attacks on the Triangle
now dubbed "Bloody Triangle."
FRIDAY, 18 DECEMBER 1942
ALAKSA (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, a B-24 flies reconnaissance
over Kiska, Attu, Agattu and Semichis Islands.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
In Libya, P-40s fly reconnaissance and patrol as the British Eighth Army's lead
division, the New Zealand 2 Division, clashes with the enemy rear guards at
Nofilia. In Tunisia, B-17s hit shipping and harbor installations at Sousse while
RAF Liberators, under the control of IX Bomber Command, follow with a raid on
the same target during the night of 18/19 Dec.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In Tunisia, 36 B-17s with 16 P-38s
of the 1st Fighter Group as escort , hit Bizerte harbor and shipping offshore;
a direct hit is scored on one vessel. AA and attacks by fighters result in the
loss of one B-17 and four P-38s; three enemy fights are destroyed and others
damaged. B-26s with P-38 escort attack the marshaling yard at Sousse, hitting
the station, roundhouse and other buildings, tracks, and a train; heavy AA accounts
for the loss of two B-26s. DB-7s with fighter escort hit the landing ground
and dispersal area near Mateur and attack the railroad yards in the town. P-38s
and P-40s fly reconnaissance missions and sweeps and attack ground targets,
including a train north of Sfax and trucks near Sainte-Marie-du-Zit.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20s
hit positions at Kurenada in the Cape Endaiadere area while Allied ground forces
launch a concerted assault. B-17s attack a convoy in Astrolabe Bay off Madang,
while B-24s bomb the Alexishafen area and other B-24s bomb the airfield at Lae
and attack the convoy off Madang and a transport northwest of Lorengau. Lost on a transport flight is B-24D "Texas Terror" 41-23825.
SATURDAY, 19 DECEMBER 1942
(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, two B-24s fly reconnaissance and
patrol over Amchitka and Kiska Islands. Four escorting P-38s turn back due to
weather and mechanical difficulties.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) B-17s,
escorted by P-38s, hit the airfield at Munda.
They are attacked by 20 Zekes; the Americans claim three Zekes with no American
losses.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20s
and B-25s hit the Buna Mission area in which Australian forces attacking 'The
Triangle' are halted by fierce crossfire. B-17s and B-24s attack warships,
transports and cargo vessels off Madang in Astrolabe Bay and north northwest
of Finschhafen off the coast of Huon Peninsula. Meanwhile, B-25 bomb the Lae
Airfield.
SUNDAY, 20 DECEMBER 1942
(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, four B-26s, five B-24s, five B-25s
and nine P-38s make a coordinated bombing, strafing, and incendiary attack on
Kiska Harbor installations and vicinity, especially on the submarine base and
near the marine railway and gun emplacements. A direct hit is scored on a probable
ammunition dump. P-38s also strafe a previously damaged cargo ship off Trout
Lagoon. One B-24 and two P-38s fly photographic and reconnaissance patrol over
Attu, Agattu, Semichis and Amchitka.
CBI (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, China Air
Task Force bombers hit Lashio. In India, Japanese aircraft bomb Calcutta and
vicinity, hitting docks, shipping and airfields in the area.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) The
44th Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group with P-40s based at Efate begins operating from Guadalcanal.
The squadron will fly its first combat mission tomorrow, 21 Dec. Force landed on a training flight due to bad weather are P-40F "Bone Crusher" 41-14112 and P-40F 41-14205, all the pilots survived.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20s
and B-25s pound Giropa Point and the area around Buna Mission near which are
located strong bunker positions. After preparatory bombardment Australian forces
again assault the positions, attacking twice under cover of smoke, but are beaten
back. A decision is made to bypass The Triangle. Lost are B-25D "Eight Ball Esquire" 41-29709 and B-24D 41-23766.
MONDAY, 21 DECEMBER 1942
(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, one B-24s flies an uneventful reconnaissance
over Amchitka, Kiska, Semichis and Attu. A B-24 and two P-38s abort
a photographic mission due to weather. A detachment of the 56th Fighter Squadron,
54th Fighter Group, which has been operating P-39s in Alaska since 20 Jun 42,
returns to its base at Harding Field, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force) The air echelon of
the 371st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group based
at Wheeler Field with B-24s, flies to Midway Island.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) B-17s attack two cargo ships near Kahili;
a direct hit is scored on one ship. No B-17s are lost. The 70th Fighter Squadron,
347th Fighter Group, based on Fiji with P-39s, begins operating from Guadalcanal. The squadron flies its first combat mission today.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-17s
attack vessels in Finschhafen
Harbor while B-24s carry out single-bomber strikes
on a cargo ship north of Finschhafen and barges at the mouth of the Mambare
River and off Cape Ward Hunt.
TUESDAY, 22 DECEMBER 1942
CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force) Detachments of
the 370th, 372d and 424th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group
based in the Territory of Hawaii with B-24s arrives on Midway.
During the night of 22/23 Dec, 26 B-24s bomb Wake from 2,500 to 8,000
feet, dropping 135 x 500 pound bombs. The total length of the mission, from Hawaii
and return, was over 4,300 nautical miles. No aircraft were lost. This raid was reported in the press as a Christmas Eve attack on the island.
CBI (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, China Air
Task Force aircraft bomb Lashio.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) The
26th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 11th Bombardment Group with B-17s
transfers from Efate Island, New Hebrides Islands to Espiritu Santo Island,
New Hebrides Islands. The 67th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, which
has been operating from Henderson
Field Guadalcanal Island
with P-39s since 22 Aug, returns to its base on New Caledonia Island.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-25s
bomb Maimba mission and the village near Buna when Japanese ground forces continue
to resist stubbornly; B-17s hit a ship in the harbor at Arawe. In the Bismarck
Archipelago, a single B-24 attacks a transport off Gasmata.
WEDNESDAY, 23 DECEMBER 1942
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea,
A-20s strafe troops near Gona and at Woiba Islands while B-24s attack a cargo
ship at Arawe. In the Bismarck
Archipelago, B-25s bomb Cape
Gloucester Airfield and attack a ship at Pilelo
Island. B-24s carry out single-bomber attacks on a transport west southwest
of Cape Orford, a vessel northwest of Lorengau and the Cape
Gloucester Airfield.
THURSDAY, 24 DECEMBER 1942
(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, the reconnaissance aircraft over Kiska
finds shipping there unchanged. Weather cancel all other missions.
CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force) The detachments of
the 370th, 371st, 372d and 424th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 307th Bombardment
Group that have been operating from Midway with B-24s return
to their bases in Hawaii.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) Nine
SBDs, nine P-39s, four P-38s and four F4Fs attack Munda Airfield. They are met by 14 Zekes. The Americans claim 14 Zekes shot
down, seven by two F4F pilots while four P-39s pilots of the 12th Fighter
Squadron, 15th Fighter Group get five and a P-38 pilot of the 70th Fighter
Squadron, 347th Fighter Group got one. The SBDs destroyed ten Zekes on the
ground as they were taking off. There are no US losses.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, A-20s
strafe troops near Kel Kel and along the northern bank of the Amboga River and
trail. B-24s, operating singly, bomb Lae, a schooner in Vitiaz Strait, and the
harbor at Arawe. B-17s and B-24s hit shipping and
the airfield at Gasmata.
Australian Army - Destroyed on the Buna Airfield battlefield is M3 Stuart 2017.
FRIDAY, 25 DECEMBER 1942
(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, a B-24 takes photographs of Kiska and
Attu Islands and unsuccessfully bombs five barges between Gertrude Cove and
Kiska Harbor. The B-24 then sights eight float Zekes; three Zekes unsuccessfully
attempt to attack the B-24. HQ 344th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group with
P-40s transfers from Elmendorf Field to Ft Randall, Cold Bay.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) In
the Bismarck Archipelago, six B-17s, of the eleven dispatched, bomb Rabaul Harbor
on New Britain Island. Two aircraft score three hits on a large cargo ship,
while four bomb wharves and airfields. There are no US losses. HQ 394th Bombardment
Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group with B-17s is established on Fiji upon arrival from Hawaii.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In the Bismarck Archipelago,
a B-17 attacks a submarine in Wide Bay off New Britain; one B-24 attacks runways
at Cape Gloucester Airfield. A B-24 bombs Lae.
SATURDAY, 26 DECEMBER 1942
(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, six B-24s and nine P-38s attack Holtz
Bay but do not find the eight float Zekes seen there yesterday; the P-38s strafe
Attu installations at minimum altitude. while the B-24s bomb Sarana Bay. AA
fire downs on P-38 and damages another. Later, six B-25s and four P-38s over
Kiska and Gertrude Cove abort due to low ceiling. An OA-10 flies reconnaissance
over northeast Kiska.
CBI (Tenth Air Force) In Thailand, 12 India
Air Task Force B-24s bomb the railroad station, dock area, arsenal, and power
plant at Bangkok. In Burma, China Air Task Force B-25s hit Lashio. In China,
a large force of enemy aircraft attempt to raid Yunnani Airfield. They are intercepted
by P-40s of the 16th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, and four Japanese
aircraft are shot down.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) Brigadier
General Francis P Mulcahy, USMC, arrives on Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands,
with the Second Marine Aircraft Wing and assumes operational control of all
aircraft on the island, including those of the USAAF and USN.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) Heavy bombers carry out single-bomber attacks against Cape Gloucester
Airfield and attack shipping off New Britain. Heavy bombers carry out single-bomber attacks against Finschhafen and Madang. Japanese aircraft from Rabaul attack Doubodura but are driven off
by US fighters. Lost is P-40E "The Rebel" 41-25164.
RAAF - Wirraway A20-103 claims a Japanese fighter shot down over Gona.
SUNDAY, 27 DECEMBER 1942
(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, two
B-24s flying reconnaissance over Kiska and Amchitka abort in bad weather.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-17s pound shipping at Rabaul, New Britain Island. In New Guinea, B-26s hit
targets in the Gona area while a single B-24 hits the runway at Finschhafen.
In their first significant action in the Pacific, a dozen P-38s of the 39th
Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group engage some 24 Japanese aircraft, claiming
nine Zekes and two Vals shot down for one P-38 damaged. Pilots included 2nd Lt. RIchard Bong and Capt. Tommy Lynch, Lt. Ken Sparks and 2nd Lt. John Mangas. This was the first aerial combat by the P-38 Lightning in the South West Pacific. Seven enemy planes were immediately shot down, with Mangas officially credited with one. Two other four-plane flights of the 39th FS joined the melee thereafter, claiming another six.
MONDAY, 28 DECEMBER 1942
In the Aleutians, icing conditions and low visibility prevent all flying. HQ
93d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 19th Bombardment Group is established
at Pocatello, Idaho. This squadron was at Clark
Field, Luzon, Philippine Islands
on 7 Dec 41, and after being decimated in continuous fighting in the Southwest
Pacific, the unit is transferred without personnel and equipment to the US.
The squadron will be a replacement training unit until Apr 44 when it is re-equipped
with B-29s and returns to Guam in Jan 45.
CBI (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, China Air
Task Force B-25s, with fighter support, hit Magwe.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) A pair of 70th FS P-39s on a reconassiance mission over Munda encounter two Nells escorted by nine Zeros. They attack, Lt Rex Barber shoots down a G3M2 Nell off Munda Point.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-24 bomb Rabaul and Gasmata. B-24s
bomb Lae. HQ, 33d Troop Carrier Squadron, 374th Troop Carrier Group with C-47s,
moves from Australia to Port Moresby.
TUESDAY, 29 DECEMBER 1942
CBI (Tenth Air Force) In Burma,
twelve B-24s attack shipping in the vicinity of Rangoon.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) In
the Solomons, six P-39s and USMC aircraft attack cargo vessels in the New Georgia
group. Two vessels are sunk by the P-39s.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, A-20s
strafe forces and occupied areas at Lokanu and along the west bank of the Amboga
River while B-24s carry out single-bomber attacks on the Lae Airfield. In the
Bismarck Archipelago, B-24s also carry out single-bomber attacks on the airfield
on Gasmata.
WEDNESDAY, 30 DECEMBER 1942
In the Aleutians, B-25s and 14 P-38s approach Kiska Harbor at minimum altitude
for a bombing and strafing attack. Two ships and three submarines, newly arrived,
are covered by Zekes. Four of the Zekes engage the approaching P-38s in a dogfight;
two P-38s are shot down and four Zekes are listed as probables. The B-25s meanwhile
attack the ships with unobserved results; one B-25 is shot down off Little Kiska.
A Navy PBY picks up survivors, but fails to return to base. Kiska Harbor is
then attacked once more by five B-24s, four B-25s and four B-26s. They claim
hits on both vessels observing explosions on the smaller ship. A B-24 photographs
Amchitka while a weather reconnaissance of Near Island is cancelled due to weather.
Aerial reconnaissance observes for the first time Japanese use of a smoke screen
at Kiska Harbor.
HQ 28th and 435th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 19th Bombardment Group
are established at Pocatello, Idaho. These squadrons were at Clark
Field, Luzon,
Philippine Islands on 7 Dec 41 and were decimated in continuous fighting in
the Southwest Pacific. HQs is transferred without personnel and equipment and
re-equipped with B-17s, they became replacement training units until they were
again re-equipped with B-29s in 1944; the squadrons returned to Guam in Jan
45.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-17s bombs shipping at Rabaul, New Britain Island. A-20s strafe
forces in the Duvira Creek area while B-24s carry out single-bomber attacks
on the airfield at Lae, Madang, and troops and vehicles at Wewak. A
B-17 strafes a schooner in Jacquinot
Bay.
US Army: Killed on Sea Horse is 1st Lt. Raymond S. Wood
THURSDAY, 31 DECEMBER 1942
In the Aleutians, six B-24s covered by nine P-38s, attack Kiska Harbor, hitting
two cargo vessels; one of six intercepting Japanese aircraft is probably shot
down. A B-25 searching for the Navy PBY missing since yesterday also flies reconnaissance
over Semisopochnoi, Segula, Little Sitkin, Gareloi and Amchitka.
CBI (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, P-40s on
armed reconnaissance hit railroad targets of opportunity from Naba to Pinbaw.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) B-26s
of the 69th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 38th Bombardment Group (Medium),
escorted by P-38s and P-39s, attack the airfield at Munda. Lost is B-17E "Yankee Doodle Jr" 41-9227.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20s
strafe forces in the Sanananda and Giruwa area and along the Amboga River.
B-26s pound forces on the north shore of the Markham River near its mouth,
while A-20s strafe parked aircraft at Lae. B-24s
operating singly, bomb the airfield on Gasmata and attack shipping in
Wide Bay and Saint George Channel.
