December 1, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
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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, with a detachment at Kunming; the squadron arrived at Karachi on July 24, 1942.

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 Mokuleia Field to Bomber 1. Lost is B-17F "Omar Khayyam / The Plastered Bastard" 41-24534 (9 MIA, one survived).

USMC: Nine SBDs took off from Henderson Field on a dive bombing mission against one light cruiser and two destroyers off Guadalcanal. Returning from the mission after dark, SBD-3 Dauntless 06662 crashed killing the pilot but the gunner survived.

NARA "Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 132 War Diary October 13, 1942 - April 30, 1943" Page 13
(Page 13) On December first [1942], Lt. Kelly, on a Millimeter Mike search, bombed a possible gun emplacement in the camouflaged area, one thousand (1000) yards in from the fourth beached transport. Lt. Rohrl, on a special observation flight with Lt. Comdr. Munsten as observer, reported life rafts down wind of oil slick off Savo Island. A PT boat picked up a sailor at Savo. Lt. Hronek, on a special search, reported three damaged heavy cruisers in Tulagi. Lt. Bright reported negative from a sector search. Major Sailer led an attack group on one light cruiser and two destroyers, but was unable to make contact. Other participants in the attack group were: Capt. Spang, Lieutenants Simpson, McEniry, Skinner, Kollmoan, Kellogg, Herrick and StfSgt. Wallof. Due to lack of experience in flying SBD's at night, and no flying with one thousand (1000) pound bombs, Capt. Spang was killed in this crash, but his gunner escaped without injury."

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 Army 21 Brigade, however, turns back from Giruwa three large groups of Japanese reinforcements bound 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 November 1, 1942. Lost is B-25D "Sunsetter's Son" 41-29707 (crashed).