August 11, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

TUESDAY, 11 AUGUST 1942

USA: Admiral Leahy makes the first of many suggestions that Burma Road be reopened.

China: During the day American P-40s hit airfields at Yoyang and Nanchang from which the Japanese had been attacking Hengyang. Over Nanchang at 13:30 they were intercepted by Japanese fighters and three fighters were claimed as destroyed. Colonel Robert Scott (23rd FG) claimed one I-97 fighter north of Nanchang airfield, 1st Lieutenant Burrall Barnum (75th FS) claimed one I-97 two miles east of Nanchang airfield and 2nd Lieutenant Patrick Daniels claimed the third fighter over Nanchang.

ALASKA (11th AF): A signle B-24 flies photo reconnaissance over west Semichi and the north coast of Attu.

CBI (CATF): P-40s hit Yoyang Airfield and Nanchang Airfield from which the enemy has been attacking Hengyang.

U.S. Army: U.S. Advanced Base in New Guinea, a logistical agency, is established by USASOS with headquarters in Port Moresby, as a major supply and communications center.

Australian Army: During the night, the Maroubra Force abandons Kokoda Airfield as untenable.

SOPAC (Joint Chiefs of Staff): 98th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy) moves from Hickam Field to Espiritu Santo they have been operating B-17s from Plaine Des Gaiacs since July, 21, 1942.

IJN: Six A6M Zeros attack Milne Bay, four are lost due to intercepting P-40E Kittyhawks and anti-aircraft fire.

RAAF: Twenty-two P-40E Kittyhawks from No. 75 Squadron and No. 76 Squadron intercept six A6M Zeros over Milne Bay. The Japanese lost four Zeros. The RAAF lost four pilots and planes including P-40E Kittyhawk A29-123 pilot F/O Mark Sheldon (KIA) and P-40E Kittyhawk A29-100 piloted by W/O Shelley (MIA), P-40E Kittyhawk A29-93 piloted F/O Albert McLeod (KIA) and P-40E Kittyhawk A29-84 pilot F/Sgt Geoge Inkster (KIA).

USMC: Marine Observation Squadron 251 (VMO-251) with 16 F4F-3's long- range photographic planes was established on Espiritu Santo.