December 23, 1941
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

Tuesday, 23 December 1941

Caribbean Air Force: The 31st Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 37th Pursuit Group (Interceptor), transfers from Chorrera, Panama to Albrook Field with P-26's and P-40's.

IJN: During the early morning, the second Japanese invasion force arrives off Wake Island and Special Naval Landing Force (SNLF) troops make an amphibious landing. After a short battle, the U. S. forces surrender with 1,603 Americans becoming Prisoners Of War (POWs). Among them were 1,150 civilian contractors employed by Morrison-Knudsen Company / Contractors Pacific Naval Air Bases (CPNB).

FEAF: During the night of December 22, 1941 to December 23, 1941 after midnight four B-17's take off from Del Monte Airfield and bomb shipping in Lingayen Gulf. Twelve P-40's and six P-35's strafe forces landing at San Miguel Bay on Luzon. The Far East Air Force (FEAF) comes under control of the newly-created US Forces in Australia (USFIA). Major General Lewis H. Brereton, Commanding General Far East Air Force (FEAF) receives orders establishing his Headquarters (HQ) at Darwin.

MLD: Do-24K flying boats attack Japanese forces at Davao.

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