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January 7, 1943
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

THURSDAY, 7 JANUARY 1943

ALASKA (Sixth and Eleventh Air Force) Six B-25s and 12 P-38s dispatched to Kiska turn back due to cloud cover. Six B-24s circle over Kiska for two hours until four can bomb the submarine base. AA fire damages three of the attackers. Negative reconnaissance is flown over Amchitka, Kiska, Agattu and Attu. Photographs taken reveal use of smoke pots by the defenders and also suggest construction of a fighter strip along the ridge south of Salmon Lagoon.

CBI (Tenth Air Force) In China, P-40s blast fuel storage facilities at Mangshih. In Burma, China Air Task Force aircraft begin a series of raids, lasting through 10 Jan, during which they destroy trucks along the Burma Road, barges on the Irrawaddy River and stores in the Bhamo area. The 493d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group moves with its B-24s from Karachi to Pandaveswar. The squadron will fly its first combat mission on 26 Jan.

SOUTH PACIFIC (Army Forces in South Pacific Area) B-17s bomb Bougainville; they are met by twelve Zekes; two are shot down without any US losses. B-26s with P-39 escort attack Rekata Bay. Lost are B-26B "'Mormon Meteor" 41-17579, B-26B "Krejan" 41-17550 abandoned due to damage is B-26B 41-17588. Also lost is B-17E 41-2396 (ditched).

U.S. Army: On Gaudalcanal, in preparation for offensive on January 10, 1943, 35th Inf of 25th Div leaves Lunga perimeter for Mt Austen. 147th Inf TF, under Capt Charles E. Beach, embarks at Kukum in 2 LCT's for Beaufort Bay to block trail leading north toward Kokumbona. About 50,000 Allied air, ground, and naval forces are now in Guadalcanal area.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC (Fifth Air Force) The Japanese convoy bound for Lae is again attacked by heavy, medium and light bombers and fighters, along with Royal Australian Air Force planes, in the Solomon Sea off Finschhafen and during its progress off the south coast of the Huon Peninsula through Huon Gulf to Lae. Despite the heavy air resistance, the convoy reaches its destination. Lost are B-25D "Royal Flush" 41-29708 (MIA) and B-17F 41-24383 (three crew rescued, six MIA) and B-26 "Yeah!" 40-1421 (three crew rescued). Fighters also attack Lae Airfield. P-38 pilot Richard I. Bong claims two Oscars shot down (his third and fourth victories).

U.S. Army: In New Guinea, 127th Inf continues toward Tarakena. Cos G and F, with fire support of Co E, reach positions about 500 yards from objective. Aus 18th Brig completes movement to Soputa. 2d Bn, U.S. 163d Inf, arrives on Sanananda front.

IJN: Japanese convoy with reinforcements reaches Lae despite attacks by Allied bombers since it departed on January 5, 1943.



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