July 26, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
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SUNDAY, 26 JULY 1942

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th AF): A B-25 strike against Gasmata is repulsed by fighter interception over Buna area. Two B-25 were shot down: and B-25C "Arora" 41-12792 pilot Captain Frank P. Bender (survived, KIA) and B-25C 41-12470 pilot 1st Lt. Ralph L. Schmidt (MIA). B-26s attack a destroyer off Gona but fail to score hits; Australian troops flown into Kokoda fail to halt the Japanese advance and Kokoda is evacuated. 39th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group, moves from Port Moresby to Townsville with P-39s.