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 American Republics convenes in Rio de Janeiro to secure a unanimous and binding resolution for the American republics to sever relations with the Axis powers. The conference will last until January 28, 1942.

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.

USN: 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.

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