May 3, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
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SATURDAY, 3 MAY 1942

5th AF: P-39s intercept Japanese aicraft over Port Moresby. Lost is P-39D 41-6909 (KIA).

IJN: As part of "Operation MO" Okinoshima flagship of Rear Admiral Shima, Kikuzuki, Yuzuki, Azumasan Maru, minelayer Koei Maru, subchasers Toshi Maru No. 3 and Tama Maru No. 8, special duty minesweepers WA-1 and WA-2, Hagoromo Maru, Noshiro Maru No. 2 and Tama Maru enter Tulagi Harbor and lands roughly 400 Japanese primarily the 3rd Kure Special Naval Landing Force (3rd Kure SNLF) without opposition they occupy Tulagi, Gavutu and Tanambogo. Until early afternoon, carrier aircraft from Shōhō cover the landings and six seaplanes land in Tulagi Harbor to begin operations.