MONDAY, 1 MARCH 1943

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, P-40s jettison their bombs when bad weather prevents a sweep over Kiska Island.

(Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 46 P-40s hit targets of opportunity in the Nsopzup area and throughout the Hukawng Valley.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, A-20s bomb and strafe forces at Guadagasal and along the trails throughout the Mubo, Komiatum and Salamaua areas. B-17s bomb the runway on Gasmata. In the Sunda Islands of the Netherland East Indies, B-24s carry out single-plane attacks on shipping off Soemba and Soembawa Islands, and in the Solomon Sea.

TUESDAY, 2 MARCH 1943

(Tenth Air Force) In Burma, more than 20 B-24s pound targets. Seven splinter part of the Ahlone docks and destroy a nearby warehouse, 6 hit the Mahlwagon roundhouse, and 9 attack the bridge at Pazundaung, tearing up its S approach. Six B-25s, with P-40 escort, hit a camp and storage area at Lamaing while 24 B-25s, also with fighter escort, pound Myitkyina.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) P-40s, P-38s and a single PB4Y fly photographic reconnaissance over Munda Airfield.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) The Battle of the Bismarck Sea begins. On 28 Feb, the Japanese had dispatched a force of 8 destroyers and 8 transports from Rabaul to reinforce their New Guinea forces; this convoy was spotted yesterday. Today, 28 B-17s of the 43d Bombardment Group attack in 2 waves, the first 8 B-17's sinking 1 transport and claim 3 Zekes shot down. Two destroyers pick up 850 troops from this transport and land them that night at Lae, New Guinea. At dusk, 11 more B-17's attack the convoy without result.

WEDNESDAY, 3 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 4 P-40s sweep Kiska Island dropping demolition and fragmentation bombs. Admiral Thomas C. Kincaid, Commanding Officer of the Alaska Defense Command, tables the Kiska Island invasion plan and substitutes an Attu Island invasion plan.

(Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 13 B-24s bomb the Mahlwagon marshalling yard and the dock area at Rangoon. Nine others attack the Pazundaung railroad bridge but fail to knock it out. Six B-25s bomb the railroad sheds at Maymyo.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) The Battle of the Bismarck Sea continues as heavy bombers are joined by medium and light bombers and fighters (US and Australian) in pounding the Japanese convoy as it moves in the Huon Gulf. After 2 RAAF Beauforts fail to score hits with torpedoes, the main attack begins with strafing runs by 13 RAAF Beaufighters. Simultaneously, 13 B-17's of the 43d Bombardment Group sink a transport. Then they and their 28 escort P-38's are jumped by Zekes escorting the convoy; the B-17's claim 5 Zekes and the fighters (from the 9th and 39th Fighter Squadrons) claim 15; Lost is B-17F "Ka-Puhio-Wela" 41-24356 and P-38F 42-12623, P-38F 42-12633 and P-38G 42-12715. During this dogfight, 13 B-25's of the 38th Bombardment Group (Medium) and 12 B-25C gun-nosed aircraft of the 90th Bombardment Squadron (Dive) attack from 500 to 200 feet followed by 12 A-20's of the 89th Bombardment Squadron (Dive) and 6 B-25's of the 13th Bombardment Squadron (Dive); these attacks sink 2 destroyers and 3 transports. In the afternoon, 16 B-17's, 23 B-25's and 5 RAAF Bostons attack; 8 90th Bombardment Squadron sink a destroyer and 2 transport while the Boston's sink a destroyer. That night, Seventh Fleet motor torpedo (PT) boats sink the last transport. By the end of the day, all 8 transport have been sunk and Allied aircraft have destroyed 4 of the 8 destroyers and a large number of fighter aircraft covering the convoy. Dick Bong gets his 6th kill when he destroys and Oscar.

USN - Shot down over Bougainville is TBF Avenger 06109

THURSDAY, 4 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 4 P-40s fly over Kiska Island but drop no bombs due to weather.

(Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 3 B-25s bomb the railroad facilities at Ywataung.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-24s hit the airfield on Ballale and bomb Kahili.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) Allied aircraft continue to bombard remnants of the Japanese convoy in the Huon Gulf, thus ending The Battle of the Bismarck Sea, a decisive victory. Fifth Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft sink 12 of 16 vessels in 3 days. This is the last enemy attempt to use large vessels to reinforce positions on the Huon Gulf. In New Guinea, A-20s hit Lae Airfield and vicinity, B-17s attack power launches off Lae. Several B-25s, a single B-17 and B-24s hit the harbor and airfield at Lae and barges off Finschhafen. In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s attack Ubili and power launches off Cape Gloucester.

FRIDAY, 5 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 1 B-24 flies negative weather reconnaissance over Kiska, Semichis, Attu, Agattu and Buldir Islands.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) Heavy bombers, operating individually, hit Gasmata. In New Guinea, A-20s pound Lae Airfield while heavy bombers, operating individually, hit Lae and Alexishafen. In the Netherlands East Indies, heavy bombers, operating individually, hit Saumlakki on Yamdena Island in the Mulaccas Islands.

SATURDAY, 6 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 1 B-24 flies uneventful reconnaissance over Kiska. Attu, Agattu, Buldir, and the Semichis Islands.

(Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 4 B-24's bomb shipping near Pagoda Point, scoring near misses. On the return flight, they strafe the lighthouse on Alguada Reef, a lightship off China Park, and a radio station at Diamond Island. Three B-24s intending to bomb Pazundaung bridge fail to reach the target; 1 manages to bomb the airfield at Pagoda Point. The others return to base without bombing. Six B-24s unsuccessfully attack the Myitnge bridge.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-24s bomb Kahili Airfield and the airfield on Ballale.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, A-20s hit the Guadagasal area. Single B-24s attack shipping off Manus Island in the Admiralties and off Talasea and hit the Airfield on Gasmata. HQ 49th Fighter Group and it's 9th Fighter Squadron with P-38Fs transfer from Port Moresby to Dobodura.

SUNDAY, 7 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) The first flight of B-25s is brought up to Amchitka Island. This enables stepped-up raids on Kiska. Nine B-24s and 4 P-38s bomb and strafe the Chichagof Harbor area and Holtz Bay installations on Kiska. A fighter sweep, 6 B-24s, and 10 B-25s hit North Head and the Main Camp area on Kiska. HQ 343d Fighter Group transfers from Elmendorf Field, Alaska to Adak, Aleutian Islands.

(Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 12 B-25's attack Gokteik Viaduct, causing only minor damage. The 1st Troop Carrier Squadron, Tenth Air Force, transfers from Chabua, India to New Delhi, India.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) Single B-24s hit Airfield at Vila on Kolombangara Island and Kahili. Eight B-24s bomb Munda Airfield.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, A-20s attack the Guadagasal area and barges offshore; B-25s bomb Toeal. Single B-24s attack a ship NW of Madang and bomb Salamaua. Single B-24s bomb Gasmata and Cape Gloucester.

MONDAY, 8 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) The 344th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group with P-40's transfers from Ft. Randall, Alaska to Ft. Glenn, Alaska.

(Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 12 B-25s strike at the Myitnge bridge and AA positions. Results are poor. Four B-24s bomb Bassein docks. P-40s hit military targets near Pebu and Wan-hat.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) Airfields at Munda and Vila on are again hit by light B-24 raids.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) Heavy bombers, operating individually, hit occupied areas in the SE coastal region of NW New Guinea and also strike at Saumlakki and Babo.

USN - s'Jacob is sunk by Japanese aircraft.

TUESDAY, 9 MARCH 1943

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 6 B-24s, 10 B-25s, 12 P-38s and 4 P-40s attack Kiska Island. The P-40s and 6 of the B-25s return to base due to bad weather; the other bombers bomb the Main Camp area, North Head and the submarine base.

(Tenth Air Force) In Burma, P-40s hit the town area and bridge at Mogaung. Many fires are started and the bridge is severely damaged.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) 3 B-24s bomb the airfields at Munda, Kahili, and Ballale.

WEDNESDAY, 10 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, a reconnaissance airplane is attacked by 5 enemy aircraft. The Kiska attack mission is flown by 10 B-25s, 6 B-24s, 12 P-38s (4 of them flying top cover), and 1 F-5A. Eight of the P-38s strafe ground installations; the B-25s bomb a radar site and pound North Head, silencing AA fire; the B-24s hit the Main Camp area. Four Amchitka-based P-40s bomb the submarine base.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, heavy bombers strike the Rangoon area at 2 points. Five B-24s hit the Pazundaung bridge; 4 others pound runways, buildings. and revetments at Mingaladon Airfield. After the attack, several fighters attack the flight. The heavy bombers claim 3 shot down. The China Air Task Force (CATF) is is absorbed by the Fourteenth Air Force (see below).

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In China, the Fourteenth Air Force is activated at Kunming assigned to U.S. Army Forces, China-Burma-India Theater. This new Air Force is responsible for all USAAF units in China; Major General Claire L. Chennault is named Commanding General. P-40s from Kunming fly armored reconnaissance into Burma, crossing the Salween River and covering areas SW of Lashio.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-17s bomb the airfield and shipping at Wewak. Single heavy bombers attack shipping off New Guinea.

THURSDAY, 11 MARCH 1943

(Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 7 B-25s bomb the Myitnge bridge, causing little damage.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) HQ 18th Fighter Group transfers from Wheeler Field, Territory of Hawaii to Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Islands and is reassigned from the Seventh to Thirteenth Air Force.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, A-20s bomb and strafe Vickers Ridge and the Guadagasal area. Single B-24s attack Finschhafen. In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-24s bomb the airfield at Rabaul on New Britain Island while single B-24s attack Cape Gloucester and Powell Point. Dick Bong gets his 7th and 8th kills when he shoots down 2 Oscars. Lost on a cargo drop is C-47B 41-38662.

FRIDAY, 12 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 12 Amchitka-based P-40s scout Kiska Island. The 54th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group with P-38's transfers from Adak Island to Amchitka Island.

(Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 6 B-24s attack Pazundaung bridge, causing negligible damage.

(Fourteenth Air Force) The 74th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group with P-40's transfers from Kunming, China to Yunnani, China.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) Airfields at Munda; Ballale; and Kahili are hit by light B-24 raids. P-38's destroy small a vessel off NE coast of Rendova Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, A-20s attack the Guadagasal Gap area and Salamaua Airfield. In the Celebes, B-24s and B-25s attack shipping at Amboina on Ambon and bomb Fuiloro on Timor. On New Britain Island in the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s bomb Rabaul Airfield while individual B-24s hit a wreck off Talasea and bomb Cape Gloucester.

SATURDAY, 13 MARCH 1943

In the Aleutians, a B-24 on reconnaissance returns early because of adverse weather. Twelve P-40s strike the Kiska Island beach, camp and runway. Hits are observed on these targets and among 14 parked airplanes. Eight P-38s with 8 P-40s flying top cover again take off for Kiska. Only 3 of the P-38s reach the target and strafe aircraft on the beach. Another sights a submarine SW of Rat Island.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 4 B-24s attack and slightly damage the Pazundaung bridge.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) Vila Airfield and Munda Airfield are again attacked by B-24s in light raids. Also bombed is Faisi Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-17s bomb the airfield and shipping at Wewak. A B-l7 bombs the airfield on Gasmata and warehouses on Wide Bay, while a B-24 attack shipping off Netherlands New Guinea. HQ 54th Troop Carrier Wing is activated at Brisbane, Australia to control all Fifth Air Force troop carrier units.

SUNDAY, 14 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) HQ 28th Composite Group transfers from Elmendorf Field, Alaska to Adak Island.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 4 B-24s bomb the Moulmein docks. Eight B-25s hit the oft- bombed Gokteik Viaduct but the structure remains serviceable.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-17s and B-24s bomb Wewak, Tring, and Madang. A single B-17s bomb Gasmata, and strafe a vessel off Talasea, AA positions at Cape Gloucester, and Finschhafen Airfield. A lone B-24 bombs Dili.

USN - Lost on an emergency landing F4F 12068.

MONDAY, 15 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 6 B-25s, with 4 P-38s flying top cover, bomb North Head on Kiska Island, hitting the Main Camp and gun emplacements. Six B-24s with 4 P-38s for top cover then bomb Main Camp. Revetments and the hangar area are strafed by the P-38s one of which is lost to AA. Next, 5 B-24s and 16 P-38s bomb and strafe the Main Camp area and North Head. Four P-40s then unsuccessfully search for 3 enemy fighters which had earlier attacked a weather plane. Main Camp is hit two more times, by 3 B-25s and by 8 P-38s.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 8 B-25s bomb the Gokteik Viaduct and 8 others attack Myitnge. Neither target suffers effective damage. Eight fighter-bombers damage the bridge at Kadrangyang.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In French Indochina, 12 B-25's bomb the power plant and railroad yards at Luo Kay.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) Single B-17s hit Munda Airfield and Vila Airfield. P-38's strafe the airfield at Viru.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-25s and 4 P-38s, along with Royal Australian Air Force aircraft, bomb shipping at Dobo and Wokam. B-17s, on single-plane flights bomb Gasmata and Cape Gloucester. Lost on a mission to Wewak is B-17F "Hell From Heaven Men" 41-2447.

TUESDAY, 16 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 16 B-25s, 13 B-24s, 8 P-40s and 32 P-38s (cover/escort) sorties are flown to Kiska Island in one weather reconnaissance and 2 attack missions from Adak Island, and in 3 more missions from Amchitka Island. Targets hit are North Head, the Main Camp area, radar sites, and the submarine base. On the last Amchitka mission 1 enemy floatplane is shot down and 2 more are probables. Four heavy bombers are hit and 1 B-25 does not return.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 6 B-24s damage the approaches to the Pazundaung bridge. Eight B-25s attack the Myitnge bridge, scoring at least 2 hits, but the structure remains intact. P-40's hit positions north of Sumprabum.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In French Indochina, P-40s strafe the Mong Yaw storage area and docks, warehouse area, and rail-river terminal (for phosphate mines) at Lao Kay.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-17s and B-24s on harassing raids bomb Kahili, Vila, and Ballale Airfields.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-25s bomb Lae. In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s bomb Rapopo Airstrip and attack Ubili, a sub off Cape Turner, the town of Marienberg, and the Cape Gloucester area. B-24's unsuccessfully attack cargo ships between Bitsjaroe Bay and Fak Fak. Lost is F-4A 41-2140.

WEDNESDAY, 17 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 8 P-38s patrol Kiska Island without making contacts.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 8 B-25s again attack the bridge at Myitnge, damaging the northern approach. Fourteen P-40s hit bridges at Kadrangyang and northeast of Myitkyina and the motor pool at Hpunkizup. The motor pool suffers considerable damage.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-17s continue harassing raids against Vila, Kahili and Ballale.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-25s bomb Langgoer.

RAAF - Wirraway A20-405 is lost on a training mission.

THURSDAY, 18 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, taking off from Adak Island, 6 B-24's bomb the Main Camparea, 6 B-25's bomb North Head, and 12 P-38's fly top cover and strafing attacks. Twelve Amchitka-based P-38's then blast the Kiska runway and Main Camp area, starting fires. At Amchitka, the 54th Fighter Squadron is reinforced by several F-5A's.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 16 P-40's bomb and strafe the stronghold of Seniku, claiming a high enemy casualty rate. Seven others attack Nalong. Sixteen B-24's bomb the Pazundaung bridge, causing considerable damage to the structure. Eight B-25's damage the Myitnge bridge; 8 other B-25's hit AA positions in the Myitnge general area. A detachment of the 9th Photographic Squadron, Tenth Air Force begins operating from Dinjan, India.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) HQ 307th Bombardment Group and it's 370th and 424th Bombardment Squadrons with B-24's transfer from the Territory of Hawaii to Guadalcanal. Both squadrons has been operating from Espirtu Santo since 6 Feb.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-24's pound the town of Madang. In the Bismarck Archipelago, single B-17's strafe a launch at Talasea and barges northeast of Cape Gloucester, while a lone B-24 bombs Timoeka and Langgoer. Lost is P-39K 42-4312.

RAAF - Ditched off Salamaua is DB-7 Boston A28-3.

FRIDAY, 19 MARCH 1943

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) All missions are cancelled due to weather except local fighter patrols. HQ XI Bomber Command is activated on Adak Island.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
In Burma, 8 B-25's score 4 direct hits on the bridge at Myitnge, rendering it unserviceable. A single P-40 uses a 1,000-lb bomb against the bridge near Mogaung in a test to see if the fighter can carry such "blockbusters" and deliver them effectively. Despite negligible damage, suffered by the target, both the carrying and releasing of the bomb are considered successful.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In French Indochina, 12 B-25's, with an escort of 6 P-40's, bomb the power plant and railroad yards at Lao Kay. The P-40's strafe the target area and a barracks s few miles down the Red River.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-17's and B-24's on armed reconnaissance bomb Kahili and Ballale Airfields.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, A-20's pound forces in the Mubo area while B-25's bomb a submarine and barges in Lae harbor. In the Moluccas, B-24's hit Amboina. Single B-17's strike Arawe, Gasmata, Cape Gloucester, barges off Cape Gauffre and a cargo boat at Lorengau.

SATURDAY, 20 MARCH 1943

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 7 B-25's again attack the Myitnge bridge, inflicting little additional damage to the structure.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) HQ 308th Bombardment Group and it's 373d, 374th, 375th and 425th Bombardment Squadrons with B-24's arrive in China from the U.S. The 308th and 425th are based at Kunming; the 373d at Yangkai; and the 374th and 375th at Chengkung. The four squadrons will fly their first combat mission on 4 May.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) In the Solomons during the night of 19/20 Mar, 42 Navy and Marine aircraft lay mines off the Bougainville coast in the Buin-Tonolai area while 18 B-17's and B-24's pound Kahili Airfield in a diversionary strike. This mission inaugurates mine-laying operations by aircraft in the South Pacific (SOPAC). Ditched is B-17E "'Busy Beavers / Goonie" 41-2523.

USN - 42 Navy and Marine Corps Avengers, on a night flight from Henderson Field, mined Kahili Harbor (Tonolei), while USAAF aircraft are hitting Kahili

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-25's bomb Langgoer and Kaimana. The landing strip at Finschhafen and the harbor area at Salamaua are bombed by single B-24's.

SUNDAY, 21 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 13 B-24's, 9 B-25's, 50 P-38's, 16 P-4O's, and 2 F-5A's fly 8 bombing and strafing missions to Kiska Island. Some of the missions abort due to weather. The others hit the Main Camp area, while 2 P-40's ake no contact when trying to intercept reported enemy aircraft.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 15 B-24's pound the Gokteik Viaduct, causing considerable damage to the structure. Six other B-24's, unable to bomb the viaduct due to haze and clouds, attack the previously damaged bridge at Myitnge. P-40's again dive-bomb targets in the Mogaung area, using 1,000-pound bombs for the second time. Three of the fighters bomb the town area, causing heavy destruction over 2 blocks. Three others attack the bridge south of town, claiming damaging hits in the area. Others attack targets of opportunity in northern Indochina.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In French Indochina, P-40's strafe the Lao Kay phosphate mine area and targets of opportunity in the vicinity.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In the Bismarck Archipelago, a B-24 claims a direct hit on a cargo vessel ESE of Cape Gloucester. Other isolated attacks on shipping are unsuccessful. The 80th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group with P-38F's transfers from Mareeba to Port Moresby.

MONDAY, 22 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 6 B-25's, 12 B-24's and 22 P-38's attempt 3 missions to Kiska Island. Only 8 of the P-40's get through but fly uneventful patrol. The 404th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 28th Composite Group with B-24's transfers from Elmendorf Field, Anchorage, Alaska to Adak Island.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 17 B-25's, operating in 2 forces, bomb the Gokteik Viaduct. Several damaging hits are scored on the base and structure. Seven B-25's pound the Thazi rail junction. Considerable damage is caused to warehouses, yards, sidings, tracks, and rolling stock.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In French Indochina, P-40's again strafe the phosphate mine area at Lao Kay.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) In the Solomons, P-38's strafe the Rekata Bay area.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) Heavy bombers pound the Gasmata Airfield. In single-plane strikes, heavy bombers attack Finschhafen, Lae and Madang. In single-plane strikes, heavy bombers attack the harbor at Lorengau on Manus Island. The 400th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 90th Bombardment Group with B-24's transfers from Iron Range, Queensland, Australia to Port Moresby, New Guinea.

TUESDAY, 23 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, weather grounds all missions except the weather reconnaissance flight and an unsuccessful intercept attempt of an enemy reconnaissance airplane by 2 P-40's.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 9 B-25's bomb barracks, warehouse, railroad tracks, and the airfield at Meiktila.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In French Indochina, P-40's strafe the operations building at Dong Cuong and hit troop trucks between Tuyen Quang and Ha Giang.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17's thoroughly pound the airfields in the Rabaul area and strafe a vessel off Cape Gazelle. Single B-24s attack Gasmata Airfield. A-20's bomb and strafe forces in the Mubo area and at the mouth of the Bitoi River. B-25's strafe targets of opportunity in the Salamaua, Labu Lagoon and Nadzab areas, and at the mouth of the Markham River. Single B-24's attack Lorengau harbor and the airfield at Salamaua.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) Destroyed by Japanese bombing is B-17E "Zero Six Zero" 41-9060.

WEDNESDAY, 24 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 10 B-24's, 3 B-25's, and 12 P-38's fly 5 attack missions to Kiska Island. North Head runway and the Main Camp area are
bombed.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 23 B-24'a and 2 B-17's (the B-17's attack from 50 feet) attack the bridge at Myitnge but fail to score damaging hits. Eight B-25's bomb the engine sheds at Maymyo.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-17's and Navy dive-bombers hit the Airfield at Kahili.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-25's hit Langgoer and Faan. B-25's and B-17's, operating individually, attack shipping in the Netherlands East Indies and airfields and targets of opportunity at Gasmata and Mubo.

THURSDAY, 25 MARCH 1943

In the Aleutians, a weather airplane take photos of Holtz Bay and Chichapof Harbor. Fourteen B-24's, 3 B-25's, 12 P-38's, and 2 P-40's fly 4
missions to Kiska Island. The targets include the beach, runway, hangar area, North Head, the Main Camp and submarine base.

In Burma, 8 B-25's bomb the engine sheds at Maymyo for the second consecutive day. Considerable damage is done although the main shed is not hit.

B-24's pound Rabaul. Single B-17s hit Gasmata and Ubili. In the Moluccas, B-24s hit shipping, the wharf and town area at Amboina. In New Guinea, single B-17's hit Lae.

FRIDAY, 26 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, a reconnaissance aircraft covers Attu, Agattu, Semichi and Alaid where a cabin is strafed. Upon report of Navy contacts with enemy surface force (Battle of Komandorskies), 13 B-24's, 11 B-25's and 8 P-38's are ordered to hit the enemy, reported 150 mi (240 km) west of Cape Wrangell (Attu). Because of mechanical failures and weather, airplanes cannot take off until 6 hours after the surface force is sighted. Thus, Japanese ships have fled when aircraft arrive at the interception point. Some of the returning B-25's bomb a radar site, hangar, and Main Camp area on Kiska.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 6 B-24's mine the Rangoon River during the night of 26/27 Mar. Six others fly a diversion raid on the city of Rangoon, scoring hits on Mingaladon Airfield, between the central railroad station and Pazundaung Creek, and in the Syriam area.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force) In the Gilbert Islands, B-24's bomb Nauru Airfield.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-17's attack shipping, the harbor and town area at Wewak. A-20's pound forces and targets of opportunity in the Mubo, Lahang, and Salamaua area. Lost is A-20A "Minnie Ha Ha" 40-170. A single B-l7 bombs Finschhafen and unsuccessfully attacks a ship E of Talasea. Lost on an administrative flight B-17F 41-24384.

SATURDAY, 27 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 7 B-24's from Adak and 6 Amchitka-based B-25's attempt unsuccessfully to attack naval targets. From Amchitka, 1 B-25 and 6 P-38's (of which 1 turns back with mechanical trouble) provide cover for US surface force until 1300 hours local. Six P-38's and 1 B-l7 depart Adak for a second cover mission, but do not find the surface force. A detachment of the 11th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group based on Adak with P-40's begins operating from Amchitka Island.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force) The 46th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group with P-39's transfers from Hilo Field, Territory of Hawaii to Canton Island in the Phoenix Islands.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 5 B-24's mine the Rangoon River for the second consecutive night.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) P-39's join Navy aircraft in an attack on Vila Airfield.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-25's hit Lae and Salamaua. B-24s attack the harbor and shipping at Bogia. In the Moluccas, B-24s bomb Saumlakki.

SUNDAY, 28 MARCH 1943

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) In the Solomons, the last remaining personnel of the battle-weary 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-17's leave SOPAC to return to Hawaii. P-38's of the 70th FS, and eight F4U's of VMF-124. Due to engine trouble and weather, seven Corsairs and three P-38s were forced out of the mission. The remaining planes hit the seaplane bases at Poporang and Shortland, claiming 8 aircraft destroyed, and attack a destroyer east of Shortland, leaving it listing.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) Medium and heavy bombers on individual missions attack Langgoer, Dobo, Gasmata, and barges and a small boat off Finschhafen and Kerema.

MONDAY, 29 MARCH 1943

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 7 heavy and medium bombers, with fighter escort, bomb  and strafe the Kiska runway and nearby Main Camp area. Heavy AA fire damages 6 bombers and 2 P-38's

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 4 B-24's bomb shipping and dock area at Tavoy. Nine B-25's bomb the Maymyo railroad yards, 7 P-40's blast possible Japanese HQ north of Maingkwan. Eight others pound positions WNW of Sumprabum.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In Burma, P-40's strafe trucks at Bhamo and fuel drums at Chefang, China.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-17's and B-24's pound Buin and Kahili. P-38's strafe a seaplane base at Faisi.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In the Bismarck Archipelago, a lone B-l7 bombs the Gasmata Airfield while another attacks the Mur-Weber Point area. Dick Bong gets his 9th kill when he shoots down a Doris (mis-identified medium bomber).

TUESDAY, 30 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 6 missions are dispatched against Kiska and Attu Islands. From Adak, 6 B-24's, 6 B-25's, and 4 P-38's are over Kiska at 1200 hours local but cannot bomb due to weather. Four B-24's, 4 P-38's, and 2 F-5A's then bomb the runway at Attu. Next, 5 B-24's and 4 P-38's bomb the Main Camp; intense AA fire downs 1 B-24. From Amchitka, 4 P-38's bomb Little Kiska. Next, 4 P-38's bomb Kiska through the overcast, followed by 6 B-25's bombing and strafing radar, radio installations, Main Camp, runway, and personnel.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 5 B-25's bomb the Maymyo railroad yards, scoring hits on machine shops, sheds, and tracks. Sixteen P-40's hit targets of opportunity at Npyentawng, Wuja, and Mohnyin.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In China, P-40's strafe 8 locomotives southwest of Lashio, exploding 3 of them.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) Heavy bombers continue snooper strikes on Vila and Kahili Airfield.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20's, B-25's, B-24's, and B-17's pound shipping, the harbor, and town area at Finschhafen. B-24's hit Gasmata. Single aircraft attack several targets, mostly shipping and coastal areas, in the Netherlands East Indies, northeastern New Guinea, and New Britain.

NEIAF - Force landing after a recon mission is B-25C N5-133

WEDNESDAY, 31 MARCH 1943

(Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, a reconnaissance airplane finds impenetrable weather and returns to base. Two P-38's make an uneventful sweep.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 9 B-25's bomb the marshalling yard at Pyinmana, blasting railroad tracks and warehouses.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) The 16th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group with P-40's transfers from Chenyi to Kweilin, China. The 75th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group with P-40's transfers from Yunnani to Lingling, China.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) P-40's and P-38's hit the Suavanau Point area on Rekata Bay. The 23d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group based on Espiritu Santo begins operating it's B-17's from Guadalcanal.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20's hit Salamaua, while B-24's bomb Babo. Individual B-24's attack Lae Airfield, Finschhafen, and Samoa Point and Timper River bridges.