January 18, 1943
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

MONDAY, 18 JANUARY 1943

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) A B-24 on reconnaissance reports two vessels in Kiska Harbor. Afterwards, a strike takes off from Adak Airfield with four B-24s, four B-26s, one B-25 and six P-38s fly out of Adak. Mechanical trouble forces two B-26s to return. The bomb run is negative. Meanwhile bad weather closes in on Kiska and Adak. Six aircraft are lost; one B-24 lands in a 20 mph downwind and crashes into two P-38s while three B-24s are missing on the return flight including B-24D 41-23908 (crew rescued January 19, 1943).

CBI (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, eight P-40s and a B-25 of the India Air Task Force attack Kamaing.

SOUTH PACIFIC (Thirteenth Air Force) B-17s, P-38s and P-40s attack shipping at Shortland, bomb Ballale and attack a schooner south of Santa Isabel. Hits are scored on two vessels. The fighter escort shoots down two Rufes with the loss of one US fighter.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-25s bomb a motor pool and supply dumps at Lae. B-24s operating individually, bomb Madang Airfield and Malahang Airfield and attack a cargo ship southeast of Rambutyo. Lost on a reconnaissance over the north coast of New Guinea is B-25C "Algernon IV" 41-12485 (MIA). Crashed on landing is C-47 41-38667 (KIA).

U.S. Army: On Guadalcanal, Americans gain continuous line from Hill 53 northward to coast at point some 1,500 yards west of Point Cruz. CAM Div continues W on N flank of XIV Corps with 6th Marines on right and 182d Inf on left. In 25th Div sector, 2d Bn of 35th Inf throws tight cordon around The Gifu and begins attack on it from the northwest.

U.S. Army: In New Guinea, 163d Inf works on formidable bunker positions astride Soputa-Sanananda road N of Fisk. 127th Inf, with Cos G and F in the lead, continues W along coast against weakening resistance and gains 300 yards.

Australian Army: Australians are stubbornly opposed near Sanananda and Giruwa.

Japanese Army: Although facing certain defeat, continue to offer last-ditch resistance at Sanananda.

Britsh Army: Ind 47th Brig opens attack on Japanese positions at Donbaik but can make little headway. Ind 123d Brig remains near Rathedaung but is threatened from the east as Japanese in Kaladan Valley skirmish in Kyauktaw area with elements protecting flank.