August 1, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

SATURDAY, 1 AUGUST 1942

China: Chiang Kai-shek formally approves Gen Stilwell's proposal of 18 July for offensive and modifies the three demands of June 29, 1942.

ALASKA (11th Air Force): Weather and photo reconnaissance is flown by one B-24 and one LB-30 over Korovin Bay and North Cape in the Aleutians.

USCG: J4F Widgeon piloted by Ensign Henry C. White of Coast Guard Squadron 212, based at Houma, Louisiana scored the first U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) kill of an enemy submarine sinking U-166 off the passes of the Mississippi River.

WESTERN DEFENSE COMMAND (WDC, 4th Air Force): During August, 47th Bombardment Squadron and 396th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 41st Bombardment Group (Medium), stop flying ASW patrols from Hammer Field and MCAS Cherry Point, respectively.

SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (SOPAC, Joint Chiefs of Staff): During August 1942, forward echelon of 26th Bombardment Squadron and 431st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy) begin operating from Bomber 1 with B-17s.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): B-17s attack installations at Gona and shipping 75 miles east of Salamaua in Huon Gulf. Headquarters, 43d Bombardment Group moves from Sydney to Torrens Creek.

U.S. Navy: Vice Admiral Robert L. Ghormley, Commander South Pacific Force, establishes his headquarters afloat on board auxiliary USS Argonne (AG-31) at Nouméa.

Naval Base, Galapagos Islands was established in the Galapagos Islands; Naval Station, Taboga Island, Canal Zone was established; Naval Auxiliary Air Facility was established and Motor Torpedo Boat Base, Salinas, Ecuador is established at Salinas.

Submarine Narwhal (SS-167), attacking Japanese shipping south of Shiraya Zaki, off northeast tip of Honshu, sinks merchant cargo ship Meiwa Maru, 41°12'N, 141°36'E, and oiler Koan Maru, 41°03'N 141°28'E.