February 7, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

SATURDAY, 7 FEBRUARY 1942

China: China: P-40Bs from AVG 2nd Squadron led by Squadron Leader John Newkirk escort RAF Blenheims to attack Aan on the Salween while a column moving from Moulmein is also strafed.

USA: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs Executive Order 9054 establishing War Shipping Administration (WSA) to bring the control and operation of all U.S. merchant shipping under a single head. The WSA's most pressing task is to mobilize the shipping capacity of the country (the majority of which is still in private hands by the end of the year 1941) to bring it under single control so that vessels can be allocated more readily on the basis of overall shipping needs of the U.S. and the Allies.

MLD: Do 24K-1 X-23 and Do 24K-1 X-3 transfer to Koepang Seaplane Base to pick up a crew from GVT 7 and transport them to Morokrembangan Seaplane Base in eastern Java. Meanwhile, Do 24K-1 X-1, Do 24K-1 X-24 and Do 24K-1 X-36 assignded to GVT 7 at Lake Grati near Soerabaja in Java to fly reconnaissance missions.

U.S. Army: On Luzon, I Corps opens all-out attack, under command of CG, Left Sector, against enemy pockets and partially encircles both. 1st Div is employed against Little Pocket. 92d Inf of 91st Div (PA) makes main attack against Big Pocket from W and is supported by elements of 11th, Philippine, and 51st Divs. In South Sector, after Scouts on left flank come up against enemy positions in Anyasan- Silaiim area and are brought to a halt, Filipino air corps troops and Constabulary bn are committed to form continuous line from Silaiim Bay to Quinauan Pt. Methodical destruction of enemy remnants at Quinauan Pt continues. Japanese relief force attempting to evacuate troops from SW coast is attacked by P-40's and shore guns and forced back to Olongapo.

Australia: ANZAC Force is placed under command of Vice Admiral Herbert F. Leary, USN.

U.S. Navy: Commander Naval Forces Southwest Pacific Area under Vice Admiral William A. Glassford establishes headquarters at Tjilatjap on Java.

Japanese submarine I-155 torpedoed and shelled Dutch freighter Van Cloon that was damaged and beached in a sinking condition off Java, 06°25'S, 111°25'E. Later in the day, yacht Isabel (PY-10) rescues all 187 survivors.

Japanese submarines RO-61 and RO-62 are damaged in collision at Kwajalein Atoll.