May 25, 1943
Today in World War II Pacific History
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TUESDAY, 25 MAY 1943

Washington DC: The Trident Conference May 12-25, 1943 in Washington D.C. concludes with the United States and Great Britain approved the U.S. "Strategic Plan for the Defeat of Japan" calling for a drive on Japan through the Central Pacific. Decisions related to the Pacific War include material to China is to be increased and communications with it opened.

U.S. Army: On Attu, Southern Force 2d Bn, 17th Inf, gains toehold on crest of Fish Hook Ridge, breaking through elaborate tunnel system below summit. Northern Force, attacking with 3d Bn of 32d Inf and supported by Cos A and C of 17th, clears trench system on its side of the Fish Hook but is unable to reach crest.

CBI BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) HQ 341st Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 490th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) transfer to Kurmitola. 341st Bombardment Group HQ transfers from Chakulia while the 490th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) operating from Chakulia since 20 May, transfers with B-25's from Ondal.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) Single heavy bombers bomb coastal airfields and villages in New Guinea they hit Madang, Kakakog, and Simbang. They also hit Cape Gloucester and attack barges off Gavuvu. Eight B-25s from 3rd BG on a bombing mission against Lae. Damaged was B-25C "Feather Merchant" 41-12442 that returned to land on only two wheels. Afterwards, it took a week before the bomber was repaired enough to be flown back to Australia for months of additional repairs.