November 14, 1943
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

SUNDAY, 14 NOVEMBER 1943

CBI: Movement orders are issued to aviation engineers and dump truck companies required to build airfields in India in preparation for the arrival of B-29s.

14th AF: Landing after engine trouble is B-24D "The Goon" 41-24183 pilot Captain Samuel J. Skousen.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): Nine B-24's from Nukufetau bomb Tarawa; nine from Nanumea hit Mille Atoll.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): P-70 night fighters hit the Shortland-Faisi area, claiming a seaplane and 2 barges destroyed. Eighteen B-24s from 307th BG bomb Kahili. Lost is B-24J Liberator 42-73141 pilot 1st Lt. Clyde A. Friend (MIA).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): B-25's attack a supply and bivouac area west of Sio.

RNZAF: Lost is P-40N Kittyhawk NZ3122 pilot R. A. Weber (survived).

USMC: The Battle of the Coconut Grove ends as U.S. Marine victory. After delay to await air strike, replenishment of water supply, and repair of communications, 21st Marines, supported by five tanks, renews battle for trail junction and takes it. Perimeter defense is established. 148th Inf reverts to 37th Division from attachment to 3d Marine Division.

USN: USS Apogon (SS-308) attacks Japanese Truk-bound convoy consisting of transports Akibasan Maru and Okitsu Maru, escorted by destroyers Asanagi and Inadzuma, 08°20'N, 154°15'E; although she claims one damaging hit on a transport, she is unsuccessful.

PT-154 was damaged by a Japanese shore battery a mile south of Shortland Island.