January 31, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
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SATURDAY, 31 JANUARY 1942

USN: USS Saratoga (CV-3) is under repair at Bremerton Navy Yard in Bremerton, Washington for permenant repairs for torpedo damage sustained on January 11, 1942 when hit by a torpedo fired by Japanese submarine I-6 off Hawaii. In addition to the repairs her anti-aircraft gun armament was upgraded.

FEAF: B-17s took off on a bombing mission against Balikpapan. Over the target, intercepted by four A6M2 Zeros. B-17E "El Toro" 41-2461 pilot Bleasdale was hit by gunfire wounding two crew: Shipley and Sgt John A. Potters who died later that day.