April 11, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

SATURDAY, 11 APRIL 1942

RAAF: After a fighter sweep over Lae, Force landed is P-40E A29-38 (POW, executed) at Salamaua.

5th AF: B-26 from 22nd BG bomb Lakunai Airfield near Rabaul. Returning B-26 40-1418 pilot 2nd Lt Louis "Tad" W. Ford force lands near the north coast of New Guinea. The crew will return to their squadron 48 days later. A-24 Dive Bombers bomb Lae, lost is A-24 41-15773 (KIA).

IJN: Taijun Maru accidentally catches fire and sinks into Truk Lagoon.

U.S. Navy: USS Crown Point (CV‑27) later renamed USS Langley (CVL-27) is laid down by New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden, New Jersey.