September 16, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

WEDNESDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 1942

Alaska: Japanese complete a transfer of their Attu garrison to Kiska between August 27, 1942–September 16, 1942.

China: Gen Chennault presents to Gen Bissell a plan for employment of CATF that calls for defense of India-China ferry route as primary mission; suggests that CATF operate directly under Stilwell and that it be detached from U.S. Tenth Air Force.

ALASKA (11th Air Force): The Japanese completes the transfer of the Attu garrison to Kiska begun on August 27, 1942. One B-17 and one B-24 fly photo and reconnaissance runs over Adak.

CARIBBEAN (6th Air Force): HQ 40th Bombardment Group moves from Howard Field to Albrook Field. The 22d Fighter Squadron, 36th Fighter Group, based at Vega Baja, Puerto Rico with P-39s and P-40s sends a detachment to operate from Zandery Field, Surinam; other detachments are operating from Waller Field, Trinidad, Aruba, and Curacao.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): B-17s bomb the wharf at Rabaul and Lakunai Airfield and Gasmata Airfield. A lone B-17 attacks landing barges in the Sanananda area while a single A-20 bombs and strafes positions at Nauro and Menari in the Efogi area; the Japanese ground offensive toward Port Moresby comes to a halt at Ioribaiwa; Australians are entrenched on Imita Range where they are preparing a counteroffensive.

IJA: Japanese overland drive on Port Moresby grinds to a halt at Ioribaiwa. Australian Army are firmly entrenched on Imita Ridge, to S, where they are preparing for counteroffensive.