SATURDAY, 19 DECEMBER 1942
USA: Back from the Pacfic, Captain Edward V. "Eddie" Rickenbacker reports to U.S. Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson. His survival story and experiences help improve navigation tools for planes and improved survival gear for air crews.
(Eleventh Air Force) Two B-24s fly reconnaissance and
patrol over Amchitka and Kiska. Four escorting P-38s turn back due to
weather and mechanical difficulties.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) B-17s escorted by P-38s fly a bombing mission bound for Kahili Airfield but were unable to bomb due to weather and returning bomb the secondary target, bomb Munda Airfield.
They are attacked by 20 Zekes; the Americans claim three Zekes with no American
losses.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20s
and B-25s hit the Buna Mission area in which Allied ground forces attacking "The
Triangle" are halted by fierce crossfire. B-17s and B-24s attack warships,
transports and cargo vessels off Madang in Astrolabe Bay and north northwest
of Finschhafen. Meanwhile, B-25 bomb Lae
Airfield.
USN: Lost is FM-1 Wildcat 14994 pilot Ensign William Reiter (rescued) ditched into Lake Michigan.
IJA: By 2:00am the Japanese Army completes unloading roughly 2,000 troops and supplies on the beach from Wewak to Wirui.
U.S. Army: After air and artillery preparation, 3d Bn of 132nd Infantry Regiment attempts unsuccessfully to advance from Hill 35; 3d Bn C.O. is killed by enemy fire. Reserve bn (1st, 132nd Infantry Regiment), less one co, advances to positions east of 3d Bn.
