April 13, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
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MONDAY, 13 APRIL 1942

SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (SOPOA, 7th Air Force): Vice Admiral Robert L. Ghormley is assigned as Commander-in-Chief South Pacific (COMSOPAC). He is to command all Allied base and local defense forces (land, sea, and air) in the South Pacific, with the exception of New Zealand land defenses.

(SWPA, 5th Air Force): Royce Mission (Day 2) B-25s using Del Monte Airfield on Mindanao hit targets in the Philippines for the second consecutive day. The B-25's take off just after midnight during 12/13 Apr and bomb shipping at Cebu and installations at Davao. After flying the morning mission, B-17E 41-2447 spotted by a F1M2 Pete that released a 60kg bomb that hit and destroyed the bomber on the ground. Later in the day the B-25's again attack Davao bombing the dock area.

(5th AF) Seven A-24s from the 3rd Bombardment Group (3rd BG), 8th Bombardment Squadron (8th BS) escorted by eight P-40E Kittyhawks from No. 75 Squadron attack Lae. Lost is P-40E Kittyhawk A29-15 (MIA).