February 1, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

SUNDAY, 1 FEBRUARY 1942

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA: P-40s from Bataan bomb and strafe Ianding barges off Quinauan Point during the night of 1/2 Feb. These strikes, in conjunction with naval and field artillery fire, cause considerable damage and casualties but fail to prevent the landings which take place S of the point, although the attempt to reinforce troops already on the point is thwarted. HQ 35th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) arrives at Brisbane, Australia from the US.

USN: First U.S. Carrier Offensive: Task Force 8 (TF-8) under the command of Vice Admiral W. F. Halsey and Task Force 17 (TF-17) under the command of Rear Admiral F. J. Fletcher, built around the carriers Enterprise and Yorktown, bombed and bombarded enemy installations on the islands of Wotje, Kwajalein, Jaluit, Makin, and Mili. Over the target, TBD Devastator 1515 and TBD Devastator 0298. became lost and ditched into the lagoon. Japanese A5M4 Claudes from Taroa clash with American carrier planes over the Marshalls. Though outnumbered, lightly armed, and completely unprotected the Mitsubishi fighters managed to shoot down three SBD dive bombers, damage a couple Wildcats, and dive bomb a cruiser. Thanks to their excellent maneuverability only two Type 96 fighters were lost and their pilots survived.