October 7, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

WEDNESDAY, 7 OCTOBER 1942

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): Three B-24s taking off to bomb Kiska and patrol, but abort the mission due to mechanical failure and instead fly reconnaissance over Agattu, Attu, and Semichi with negative results.

USN: Laid down PT-174 by Electric Boat Co. (Elco) in Bayonne, NJ.

USMC: On Guadalcanal, 1st Mar Div, with air and artillery support, began an offensive to extend perimeter westward beyond arty range of Henderson Field, moving 3 columns forward toward the Matanikau River, line of departure, from Kukum area. While 5th Marines (less bn) moves along coast to conduct holding action at Matanikau River mouth, 7th Marines (less bn), followed by the Whaling Group (3d Bn of 2d Marines and div scout-sniper detachment under Col William J. Whaling, advances southwest with mission of crossing the Matanikau River further inland and enveloping the Point Cruz area. 5th Marines column soon meets opposition and drives enemy back almost to the mouth of the Matanikau River. The other two columns reach Hill 65 overlooking Matanikau River, with little difficulty then halt for the night. After nightfall, attack preparations are simulated at the mouth of the Matanikau River and 5th Marines is reinf by a company of 1st Raider Bn. The raid thwarted an attempt by the 4th Japanese Infantry to cross the Matanikau River and establish artillery positions. Meanwhile, a patrol of eight Marines from G-2-1 were the first patrol to reach the Grassy Knoll (Mount Austen) to observe the Marine offensive on the Matanikau River. While atop Mount Austen, the patrol's radio operator Sam Philps experienced radio interference from a nearby transmitter, likely the Japanese observation post. A few minutes later, their patrol came under attack and withdrew.

U.S. Army: 32nd Infantry Divison force under Captain Alfred Medendorp including a platoon of Company E, 126th Infantry Regiment, AT Company and Cannon Company aided by native carriers begins a difficult march from Kalikodobu on the Kapa Kapa Trail bound for Jaure. The force is dependent on airdrops for most supplies.

IJN: Japanese established a midget submarine base at Marovovo on Guadalcanal.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, Fifth Air Force): 3rd BG, 13th BS arrives 17 Mile Drome north of Port Moresby.

U.S. Navy: Submarine USS Amberjack (SS-219) sinks Japanese supply ship Senkei Maru, southern Carolines, 01°55'N,

Submarine USS Sculpin (SS-191) sinks Japanese army transport Naminoue Maru off Rabaul, 03°14'S, 150°01'E.

Japanese merchant cargo ship Midori Maru founders and sinks above Woosung, China.

In the morning, damaged and abandoned SS Larry Doheny sinks off the coast of Oregon.

Kriegsmarine: Komet departs on her second raiding voyage.