January 5, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

MONDAY, 5 JANUARY 1942

CENTRAL PACIFIC (Hawaiian Air Force): The air echelon of the 22d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy), which has been operating from Hickam Field since 18 Dec 41, departs for Singosari with B-17's. The ground echelon is at Brisbane.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC (Far East Air Force): B-17's from Malang stage through Samarinda, during the night of 4/5 Jan and attack shipping in Davao Bay on Mindanao. US Forces in Australia (USFIA), which controls FEAF, is redesignated US Army Forces in Australia (USAFIA), and Major General George H. Brett assumes command. The ground echelons of the 17th Bombardment Squadron and 91st Bombardment Squadron, 27th Bombardment Group transfer from Limay to Bataan. The air echelons are operating from Brisbane with A-24s.

USN: A change in regulations, covering display of National Insignia on aircraft, returned the star to the upper right and lower left wing surfaces and revised rudder striping to 13 red and white horizontal stripes. At Mariveles Seaplane Base Zeros strafe and sink five U.S. Navy seaplanes from Patrol Wing 10 (Pat Wing 10).

USMC: Volunteers enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps including Robert Leckie author of Helmet For My Pillow (1957) and William D. Hawkins who later earned the Medal of Honor on Tarawa.