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

MONDAY, 7 DECEMBER 1942

(Eleventh Air Force) A reconnaissance mission is flown over the Semichi and Attu; reconnaissance of Kiska Is is aborted due to weather.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) In the Solomons, 13 SBDs attack the Tokyo Express; three destroyers are damaged for the loss of one SBD. The 69th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 38th Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-26s moves from Plaine Des Gaiacs Airfield to Efate.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-25s pound the area around Buna as ground forces attack the village and clear a trench at the southern edge; B-25s also hit Lae Airfield. B-17s attack a wrecked vessel [Ayutosen Maru] off Gona and a tanker off Gasmata.

RNZAF: Damaged after a heavy landing is Hudson NZ2023.

USMC: Major John L. Smith is featured on the cover of LIFE Magazine and a article "Captain Smith and his Fighting 223". Lost is SBD-3 06689 pilot Major Joseph Sailer, Jr. (MIA).