August 8, 1943
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

SUNDAY, 8 AUGUST 1943

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): 23 B-25's, with P-38's, P-39's, and US Navy F4U's as cover, bomb Vila and Buki Harbor on Kolombangara. The 72d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), operating from Guadalcanal with B-17s since October 1942, ceases combat operations and regroups at Espiritu Santo. The squadron will transition to B-24Ds and return to combat during October 1943.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): B-24's attack Larat, shipping at Semboh, and barges at Kokas. Lost is B-24D "Big Emma" 41-23751 pilot 2nd Lt. John T. Moller (KIA). The 431st Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, based at Amberley Field begins operating from 12 Mile Drome (Berry) with P-38's.

USN: PT-113 ran aground and was abandoned on Veale Reef near Tufi.