September 13, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

SUNDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 1942

British Army: On Madagascar, Gen Platt, CG E African Command, establishes his headquarters ashore at Majunga. E African 22d Brig continues toward Tananarive, hampered chiefly by roadblocks.

China: Gen Stilwell presents to Chiang Kai-shek a proposed plan of operations for China Air Task Force, calling for defense of ferry route from India to China as primary mission.

ALASKA (11th Air Force): Fourteen B-24s from 21st Bombardment Squadron and 404th Bombardment Squadron move to Adak. An LB-30 escorted by two P-38s fly a photo reconnaissance, antisubmarine coverage and strafing mission over Kiska lakes and Kiska Harbor; a tender in the harbor is slightly damaged, 1 float fighter is downed; a P-38 is hit by AA fire and fighters damage the LB-30.

USMC: During the Battle of Bloody Ridge on Guadalcanal, Marines defend aganist the second major Japanese ground attack to break the U.S. perimeter and capture Henderson Field.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): B-26s pound Lae Airfield. Returning, B-26 "Kansas Comet II" 40-1433 (one KIA) crashed landing at Iron Range Airfield.

B-17s unsuccessfully attack a cruiser southeast of Rabaul. P-40s strafe buildings on Goodenough. During take off B-17F "Hoomalimali" 41-24391 pilot Captain Herschall R. Henson explodes at Mareeba Airfield.

U.S. Navy: Admiral Ghormley orders 7th Marines to reinforce Guadalcanal. Air defense is strengthened by arrival of 12 dive bombers and 6 TBF's. Japanese launch air, naval, and ground attacks against Lunga perimeter in attempt to recapture Henderson Field.

USMC: The Battle of the Ridge. The 1st Raider Battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel M. A. Edson, launched a counteroffensive against Kawaguchi's Force but was forced to withdraw north of its initial position. The Japanese attacked the center and right of the raider-parachute line defending the ridge. Prov raider-parachute bn is unable to advance on Bloody Ridge and digs in on central knoll, about 250 yards N of previous bivouac area. After nightfall, main enemy assault force of at least 2 bns drives northward to northernmost knoll where Prov raider-parachute bn, with close arty support, holds firm against further determined attacks. Other Japanese, about 2 cos, attack 3d Bn of 1st Marines on E flank along Ilu R, night 13- 14, but are unable to break through.