January 6, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

TUESDAY, 6 JANUARY 1942

China: Having accepted nomination of Chiang Kai-shek as Supreme Commander of an Allied China Theater, Chinese ask that a senior U.S. officer be sent to China to act as chief of the Generalissimo's Allied staff.

Malaya: On Ind 11th Div front, Ind 6/15 Brig Gp reaches Batang Berjuntai area and takes up defensive positions S of Selangor R. Kuantan force completes withdrawal from E Malaya through Jerantut during night 6-7; continues W in Raub area.

IJN: Nine H6K2 Mavis flyingboats bomb Vunakanau Airfield near Rabaul.

RAAF: Two Hudsons from No. 24 Squadron bomb Kapingamarangi Atoll and claim a seaplane destroyed on the slipway.

U.S. Army: On Luzon, after destructive arty exchanges in morning, Japanese having the advantage of air spotting, attacks the overextended delaying line south of Layac Junction in force and makes limited penetration; enters Dinalupihan without opposition. Withdrawal of line begins during night 6-7. Japanese aerial bombardment of Corregidor ends except for nuisance raids. Enemy air attacks during first week of 1942 have resulted in little damage to fortifications. A Japanese bomb collapsed an incomplete shelter killing 31 and wounding others near Battery Geary on Corregidor Island.

USMC: Second Marine Brigade under Brigadier General Henry L. Larsen, is embarked in troop transports including Lurline, Monterey and Matsonia, and cargo ship USS Jupiter (AK-43) and ammunition ship USS Lassen (AE-3) depart from San Diego bound for Pago Pago with an initial escort is provided by Task Force 17 (TF 17) under Rear Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher formed around USSYorktown (CV-5).