December 18, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

FRIDAY, 18 DECEMBER 1942

ALAKSA (Eleventh Air Force) A B-24 flies reconnaissance over Kiska, Attu, Agattu and Semichi. JCS authorize occupation of Amchitka, less than 100 miles from Kiska, as an advanced airfield to support operations.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20s hit positions at Kurenada in the Cape Endaiadere area while Allied ground forces launch a concerted assault. B-17s attack a convoy in Astrolabe Bay off Madang, while B-24s bomb the Alexishafen area and other B-24s bomb at Lae Airfield and attack the convoy off Madang and a transport northwest of Lorengau. Lost are B-24D "Texas Terror" 41-23825 (KIA), B-24D 41-23835 (KIA) and P-40E pilot Dennis (MIA).

U.S. Army / Australian Army: 39th Bn, which has been joined by elements of 2/14th Bn, has reduced enemy strength at Napapo to about half and is being relieved for action on the Sanananda front by 2/16th Battalion and 2/27th Battalion. Australians, supported by fire of Americans, begin concerted attack on Sanananda front. 2/7th Cav Regt, having moved elements into roadblock against firm opposition, attacks north along the Soputa-Sanananda Trail, bypassing resistance just ahead of the road block (Huggins Roadblock). 30th Brig attacks at track junction, employing 2 bns in frontal assault and another in region east of track, but makes little headway.

Urbana Force attempts to clear Musita I. Elements of U.S. Army Company L, 127th Infantry Regiment, reach the island by means of cable, but withdraw upon meeting heavy resistance. On Warren front, concerted assault against Cape Endaiadere and New Strip is spearheaded by Australian Army M3 Stuart tanks from 2/6th Armoured Regiment, which prove invaluable in reducing concrete and steel fortifications. After preliminary air and ground bombardment, Aus 2/9th Bn begins attack on Cape Endaiadere and soon breaks through main enemy positions and reaches objective; then drives west along coast until halted near Strip Point by new line of bunkers. 3d Bn of U.S. 128th Inf mops up and establishes defensive perimeter in Duropa Plantation. Americans and Australians attack New Strip from south and east. While 1st Bn, 126th Inf, pushes toward Simemi Creek bridge between the strips, elements of Aus 2/9th Bn, reinforced during day by 1st Bn of 128th Inf, reduce strongpoint at E end of New Strip and pursue enemy west along north edge of strip toward bridge. Although the Allied assault is successful, the Australians sustain heavy casualties and lose three tanks including M3 Stuart 2300 destroyed by mine. During the night, advance elements of Aus 2/10th Battalion arrive by sea as reinforcements.

U.S. Army: On Guadalcanal, 3d Bn, 132nd Infantry Regiment, advances up the northwest slopes of Mount Austen to Hill 35, where enemy fire is encountered.

RNZAF: Lost on a patrol mission is Hudson NZ2054 (MIA / 1 POW).

IJA: At 8:00pm four Japanese transports enter Wewak Harbor and begin landing the Japanese Army 20th Division unopposed between Wewak to Wirui.