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 Island, New Hebrides Islands.

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 Island. 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 Islands.

(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 Island, New Hebrides Islands.

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 Island to Efate Island, New Hebrides Islands.

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
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 Islands. 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 - Wirraway A20-485 lost on a mission to bomb Buna

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 Islands 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 Islands. 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. MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

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 Islands.

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 on a ferry flight from Cooktown to Port Moresby is B-25D "Eight Ball Esquire" 41-29709.

MONDAY, 21 DECEMBER 1942

(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, one B-24s flies an uneventful reconnaissance over Amchitka, Kiska, Semichis and Attu Islands. 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, Territory of Hawaii 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 135x500 pound bombs. The total length of the mission, from Hawaii and return, was over 4,300 nautical miles. No aircraft were lost.

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 Island with B-24s return to their bases in the Territory of Hawaii.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) Nine SBDs, nine P-39s, four P-38s and four F4Fs attack the airstrip at Munda, New Georgia Island.; 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, Anchorage 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 Islands 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.

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.