December 4, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
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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 December 3-4, B-17s bomb Lae Airfield and Salamaua Airfield. Lost is B-17F "Dumbo" 41-24429 (MIA). On the ground, the Huggins Road Block on the Soputa-Sanananda Trail remains precarious as the Japanese maintain attacks from all sides and hold off U.S. reinforcements. A single B-17s attacks a submarine 75 miles southeast of Rabaul. Lost on a training flight is P-38F "Synchronized Sal" 42-12646 (KIA).

RAAF: CA-9 Wirraway A20-551 was damaged on take off from Popondetta Airfield and written off.