December 25, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

FRIDAY, 25 DECEMBER 1942

(Eleventh Air Force) A B-24 takes photographs of Kiska and Attu and unsuccessfully bombs five barges between Gertrude Cove and Kiska Harbor. The B-24 then sights eight float Zekes; three Zekes unsuccessfully attempt to attack the B-24. HQ 344th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group with P-40s transfers from Elmendorf Field to Cold Bay.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) Six B-17s, of the eleven dispatched, bomb Simpson Harbor near Rabaul. Two aircraft score three hits on a large cargo ship, while four bomb wharves and airfields. There are no US losses. HQ 394th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group with B-17s is established on Fiji upon arrival from Hawaii.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A B-17 attacks a submarine in Wide Bay; one B-24 hits the runways at Cape Gloucester Airfield. A single B-24 bombs Lae. Crashed on landing is B-24D "Wilco" 41-11870.

Australian Army: George Silk photographs Raphael Oimbari a "Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel" helping Australian Army soldier George "Dick" Whittington, QX23902 towards a field hospital at Dobodura.

U.S. Army: On Guadalcanal, efforts of 3d Bn, 132nd Infantry Regiment, to advance toward Hill 27 are frustrated by strong opposition from The Gifu.