May 22, 1943
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

SATURDAY, 22 MAY 1943

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) Bad weather forces cancellation of all missions.

U.S. Army: On Attu, southern Force, in morning attack by 3d Bn of 17th Inf, takes rest of high ground surrounding entrance to Chichagof Valley. Exploiting this success, 2d Bn of 32d Inf attacks in afternoon and drives wedge into entrance of Chichagof Valley, the easiest approach to Chichagof Harbor. Patrol contact is made with Northern Force, which remains in place, consolidating their positions.

CBI: General Wheeler receives directive calling for expedited program of airfield construction in Assam.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-24's bomb the town of Kaimana and strafe power launches off Koer Island. Lost is B-25C Mitchell 41-12981 pilot 1st Lt. Roy J. Moore (MIA). The 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group transfers with P-39's from Mareeba to Port Moresby.

USN: Fifteen Japanese aircraft make a torpedo attack against gunboat USS Charleston (PG-51) and destroyer USS Phelps (DD-360) patrolling off Attu without sustaining damage and shoot down one enemy plane.