May 9, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

SATURDAY, 9 MAY 1942

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA (10th Air Force): During the night of May 8-9, six B-17's bomb Mingaladon and attack the docks at Rangoon.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (5th Air Force): Seven B-26s from 22nd BG at 7 Mile Drome armed with 1,000 pound bombs plan bombing mission (PM 1) bomb a Japanese convoy reported to be roughly 60 miles from Rabaul off Woodlark Island. Before takeoff, B-26 40-1446 was was unable to participate due to mechanical trouble and instead returns to Garbutt Field. After take off, B-26 40-1402 aborts with engine trouble and returns to 7 Mile. The other five B-26s enroute change to target Japanese ships and seaplanes near Deboyne. Meanwhile, a single B-17 attack shipping and seaplanes at Deboyne. 8th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bombardment Group transfers from Port Moresby to Charters Towers with A-20s as combat operations continue.

IJN: A6M2 Zeros from the Tainan Kokutai strafe 7 Mile Drome. Damaged by friendly anti-aircraft fire is P-39D 41-6800 pilot 2nd Lt. Don McGee force landed on Fishermans Island (Daugo).