January 15, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

THURSDAY, 15 JANUARY 1942

Brazil: Third Conference of Foreign Ministers of the 21 American Republics convenes in Rio de Janeiro to secure a unanimous and binding resolution to sever relations with the Axis powers. The conference will last until January 28, 1942.

Malaya: Forward elements of Aus 27th Brig Gp inflict more casualties on enemy in Gemas area before pulling back to main position. On W coast, Japanese reach N bank of Muar R and land small party between Muar and Batu Pahat, threatening communications of West Force in Yong Peng area. Boundary between West Force and Ind 3 Corps is altered to give this region, which Ind 45th Brig is defending, to 3 Corps.

India: Gen Sir Alan Hartley becomes CinC in India.

ALASKA (Air Force, Alaska Defense Command): The Alaskan Air Force is activated at Elmendorf Field under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Everett S. Davis.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC: B-17s flying out of Palembang attack Sungei Patani Airfield.

Netherlands East Indies (NEI): American-British-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) Supreme Command is established at the Grand Hotel in Lembang on Java. General Sir Archibald Wavell, British Army, assumes supreme command of all forces in area; Lieutenant General George H. Brett, USAAF, is deputy commander; Admiral Thomas C. Hart is to command naval forces.

RAAF: Catalinas from Rabaul flying via Kavieng bomb Truk. Los is PBY Catalina A24-11 (MIA) crashed on take off from Kavieng Harbor.

U.S. Army: On Luzon, in II Corps area, Japanese, attacking vigorously at junction of 41st and 51st Divs (PA), gain foothold on S bank of the Balantay. 51st Div commits reserves and service troops to no avail. Further reinforcements, Philippine Div (less 57th Inf) from USAFFE reserve and 31st Div (-) (PA) from I Corps, are sent forward. Japanese enveloping column in central Bataan arrives in position to turn corps' W flank and pauses to reorganize. Regrouping is conducted to E as enemy threat there diminishes. In I Corps area, the 2 Japanese columns driving on Moron converge and push closer to objective.

NEI: American-British-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) Supreme Command is established at the Grand Hotel in Lembang on Java under the command of General Sir Archibald Wavell, British Army, assumes supreme command of all forces in area; Lieutenant General George H. Brett, USAAF, is deputy commander; Admiral Thomas C. Hart is to command naval forces.

USMC: Brigadier General Henry L. Larson was appointed the first military governor of American Samoa.