January, 1943

No. 235 January 1, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On December 30th, at 9:30 p. m., a force of "Mitchell" medium bombers (North American B-25), escorted by "Lightning" fighters (Lockheed P-38), was intercepted by four Japanese "Zero" float-planes while proceeding to attack two enemy cargo ships (or transports) in Kiska Harbor. Two "Lightnings" and one "Zero" were shot down during the fight. The "Mitchells" attacked the enemy ships with uncertain results. One of our bombers was shot down.

2. On December 31st, at 1:47 a. m., U. S. medium bombers again attacked the enemy ships in Kiska Harbor. Three hits were observed on one of the ships and two hits on the other. No U. S. planes were lost. South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

3. On December 31st:

(a) At 4:30 p. m., a force of "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26), escorted by "Lightning" (Lockheed P-38) and "Airacobra" (Bell P-39) fighters, bombed the airfield at Munda on New Georgia Island. Results were not reported.
(b) U. S. troops on Guadalcanal Island killed 20 Japanese in routine patrol activity.

No. 236 January 2, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On January 1st, a force of "Liberator" heavy bombers (Consolidated B-24), escorted by "Lightning" fighters (Lockheed P-38), attacked Japanese cargo ships in Kiska Harbor. Six enemy "Zeros" attempted to intercept the attack and one was shot down. A near hit was scored on one small ship. Clouds prevented complete observation of results. No U. S. planes were lost.

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South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On January 1st:

(a) "Dauntless" dive bombers (Douglas SBD) dropped bombs in the vicinity of Kokumbona, where Japanese headquarters on Guadalcanal Island are believed to be located. Dense jungle growth prevented observation of results.
(b) "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26), escorted by "Airacobra" (Bell P-39), "Lightning" (Lockheed P-38) and "Warhawk" (Curtiss P-40) fighters bombed the Munda area of New Georgia Island. All U. S. planes returned undamaged. Results of the raid were not reported.

No. 237 January 2, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the following results of operations against the enemy in the waters of these areas:

(a) Two large cargo ships sunk.

(b) One medium-sized passenger-cargo ship sunk.

(d) One medium-sized transport sunk.

(e) One medium-sized tanker sunk.

(f) One small cargo ship sunk.

(g) One destroyer damaged.

These sinkings have not been announced in any previous Navy Department communiqué.

No. 238 January 3, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 2d:

(a) At 8:20 a. m. "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26) and "Dauntless" dive bombers (Douglas SBD), escorted by "Wildcat" (Grum-

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man F4F "Airacobra" (Bell P-39) and "Warhawk" (Curtiss P-40) fighters, bombed the Japanese airfield at Munda on New Georgia Island. Hits were scored on antiaircraft emplacements and other installations.

(b) At 2:26 p. m. "Flying Fortress" heavy bombers (Boeing B-17), escorted by "Lightning" fighters (Lockheed P-38) bombed a formation of enemy destroyers 3o miles south of Shortland Island. No hits were observed.

(c) At 6 p. m. "Dauntless" dive bombers escorted by "Wildcats" and "Lightnings" attacked a detachment of Japanese destroyers 30 miles northwest of Rendova Island in the New Georgia group. The destroyers were protected by 10 enemy fighters and 1 dive bomber. One of the enemy destroyers was left burning badly and another appeared to be sinking.

(d) Patrol activity on Guadalcanal Island resulted in killing between 30 and 35 Japanese.

(e) U. S. positions on Guadalcanal Island were shelled by enemy artillery.

2. On January 3d:

(a) At 7:25 a. m. "Dauntless" dive bombers with "Lightning" "Wildcat" and "Airacobra" escort attacked the enemy airport at Munda. No enemy planes were observed either in the air or on the field.

(b) Hits were scored on three enemy guns. No U. S. planes were lost although some suffered minor damage.

No. 239 January 4, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 2d:

(a) U. S. motor torpedo boats attacked eight Japanese destroyers in isolated engagements in the vicinity of the northwestern end of Guadalcanal Island. The attacks resulted in one torpedo hit on one of the destroyers and three possible hits on two others.

(b) Enemy aircraft bombed our PT boats and inflicted slight damage.

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No. 240 January 5, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 4th:

"Catalinas" (Consolidated PBY) and "Flying Fortresses" (Boeing B- 17) executed a series of air attacks on the Munda area in the New Georgia group. The same evening dive bombers, escorted by fighters, bombed antiaircraft positions, taxiways and runways in the same area. Results of the raids were not reported. All of our planes returned.

2. Our troops on Guadalcanal attacked and gained high ground positions in the vicinity of Mount Austen, capturing an enemy field piece. Six enemy counterattacks were repulsed with 150 Japanese killed. Patrols in other sectors killed 20 additional Japanese and captured howitzer mortars and light machine guns.

No. 241 January 6, 1943

South Pacific.

1. On January 5th:

(a) During the darkness of the early morning a U. S. task force of surface units successfully bombarded the Japanese airfield at Munda on New Georgia Island.

(b) As the task force retired it was attacked by Japanese dive bombers. Four "Wildcats" (Grumman F4F) intercepted and shot down four of the enemy dive bombers and probably destroyed two more. All "Wildcats" returned safely after the remaining enemy planes had withdrawn.

(d) During the afternoon "Flying Fortresses" (Boeing B-17), escorted by "Lightning" fighters (Lockheed P-38), attacked an enemy heavy cruiser at Buin on the island of Bougainville. Results were not observed. Our fighters were attacked by 25 "Zeros" and float-type biplanes. Three enemy planes were shot down and 2 others were probably destroyed. Two U. S. fighters were lost.

(e) "Flying Fortresses" attacked and scored a bomb hit on a Japanese transport in the Shortland Island area.

(f) During the day 84 Japanese were killed in mopping-up operations in the Mount Austen sector on Guadalcanal Island.

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No. 242 January 6, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On January 5th, "Mitchell" medium bombers (North American B-25) bombed an enemy cargo ship 110 miles northeast of Kiska. The ship was left burning and was later seen to sink.

2. On January 6th, a "Liberator" heavy bomber (Consolidated B-24) scored one direct and two near hits on an enemy ship 185 miles southwest of Kiska.

No. 243 January 7, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 6th:

(a) "Flying Fortresses" (Boeing B-17), with "Lightning" (Lockheed P-38) and "Warhawk" (Curtiss P-40) escort, attacked a Japanese transport in the Shortland Island area. A possible hit on the stern of the ship was reported.

(b) U. S. aircraft bombed the airfield at Kahili near Buin on Bougainville Island. Haze prevented observation of results.

No. 244 January 8, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On January 6th, a force of "Liberator" heavy bombers (Consolidated B-24) dropped bombs on shore installations at Kiska. Clouds prevented observation of results.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On January 7th, a force of "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26) attacked the airfield and installations at Munda on New Georgia Island. Results were not reported.

No. 245 January 9, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On January 7th a force of "Liberator" heavy bombers (Consolidated B-24) dropped bombs on enemy positions at Kiska. Results were not observed.

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South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On January 7th:

(a) During the morning a force of "Flying Fortress" heavy bombers (Boeing B-17) bombed enemy areas on the island of Bougainville. Twelve Japanese "Zero" fighters attacked the "Fortresses". Two "Zeros" were shot down. No U. S. planes were lost.

(b) A force of "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26) with "Airacobra" (Bell P-39) escort attacked enemy installations at Rekata Bay on Santa Isabel Island. Fires were started and two enemy float-type planes were damaged. Two U. S. planes were shot down by enemy antiaircraft fire.

No. 246 January 10, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 8th, during the forenoon, "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26) with "Airacobra" (Bell P-39) escort bombed the Japanese airfield at Munda on New Georgia Island. Results were not reported.

2. During the night of January 8th-9th, U. S. aircraft again bombed enemy positions in the Munda area. A probable hit on an antiaircraft battery on Munda Point was reported.

3. All U. S. planes returned safely from the above missions.

No. 247 January 11, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 10th:

(a) U. S. forces on Guadalcanal Island laid down an artillery barrage on Japanese positions.

(b) "Dauntless" dive bombers (Douglas SBD) and "Airacobra" fighters (Bell P-39) followed up the shelling by bombing and strafing the enemy areas.

(c) Following the shelling and bombing, U. S. ground forces made small advances into enemy territory. Enemy resistance to the advances was weak.

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No. 248 January 11, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. Navy Department communiqués have previously announced the loss of the following U. S. naval vessels in air and surface actions with Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area. One aircraft carrier (Navy Department Communiqué No. 175), two light cruisers and six destroyers (Navy Department Communiqué No. 194), one destroyer (Navy Department Communiqué No. 198) and one cruiser (Navy Department Communiqué No. 211.)

2. For reasons of military security and to avoid causing needless anxiety on the part of relatives and friends of the personnel who survived these actions, the original announcement of the losses did not state the names of the ships. Reports of casualties have since been received and the next of kin of all personnel killed, wounded, or missing in these actions have now been notified. The vessels lost are listed below.

(a) The U. S. S. Hornet (aircraft carrier) was sunk by U. S. ships after having been damaged beyond salvage in the Battle of The Santa Cruz Islands on October 26, 1942. (Navy Department Communiqué No. 175).

(b) The U. S. S. Juneau and U. S. S. Atlanta (light cruisers) and the U. S. S. Cushing, Preston, Benham, Walke, Monssen, Laffey and Barton (destroyers) were sunk by enemy action during the battle of Guadalcanal, November 13th-15th, 1942. (Navy Department Communiqué No 194 and No. 198).

(c) The U. S. S. Northampton (heavy cruiser) was sunk by enemy action during the engagement north of Guadalcanal on the night of November 30th-December 1st, 1942. (Navy Department Communiqué No. 211.)

No. 249 January 12, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 11th:

(a) A force of "Dauntless" dive bombers (Douglas SBD) escorted by "Wildcat" fighters (Grumman F4F) was attacked by 12 Japanese "Zeros" between Santa Isabel Island and New Georgia Island. Four "Zeros

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were shot down and 2 others were possibly destroyed. One "Wildcat" failed to return.

(b) A force of "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26) with "Airacobra" (Bell P-39) escort attacked Japanese positions at Munda. Clouds over the target areas prevented accurate bombing and made observation of results difficult.

No. 250 January 13, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 11th, during the morning, an enemy plane dropped five bombs on U. S. positions in the area southwest of the airfield on Guadalcanal Island. Casualties were one killed and several wounded.

2. On January 13th a force of "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26) with "Airacobra" (Bell P-39) and "Lightning" (Lockheed P-38) escort bombed the Japanese airfield at Munda on New Georgia Island. No air opposition was encountered but antiaircraft batteries were active. Results of the bombing were not reported. All U. S. planes returned.

3. Small scale offensive operations against enemy outposts on Guadalcanal are progressing satisfactorily and several small enemy positions have been isolated.

No. 251 January 14, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of January 10th-11th U. S. motor torpedo boats attacked a number of Japanese destroyers near Guadalcanal. Two torpedo hits were scored on one of the enemy destroyers and one hit on a second destroyer. Two possible hits were reported on a third destroyer. The enemy force retired to the northwest.

2. On January 13th a force of "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26), with "Airacobra" (Bell P-39) and "Lightning" (Lockheed P-38) escort, bombed enemy installations at Rekata Bay. Results were not reported.

3. U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal Island supported by air forces continued their advance.

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No. 252 January 16, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

1. During the night of January 13th-14th U. S. aircraft bombed Japanese positions at Munda on New Georgia Island. Results were not reported.

2. On January 14th:

(a) During the morning U. S. planes bombed Sorum village, 3 miles east of the Japanese airfield on the southern end of Buka Island.

(b) At 8:35 a. m. and 110:35 a. m. enemy planes bombed U. S. positions on Guadalcanal Island. No damage to installations resulted. U. S. forces suffered some casualties.

(c) U. S. troops on Guadalcanal continued to advance and gains of 3,000 to 4,000 yards were made against stiff enemy resistance.

3. On January 15th:

(a) During the early morning a "Catalina" reconnaissance plane (Consolidated PBY) attacked a group of five Japanese destroyer 16 miles northeast of the Russell Islands. One direct and two near hits damaged one of the destroyers, which was left burning.

(b) During the morning a force of "Dauntless" dive bombers (Douglas A-24) escorted by "Wildcat" (Grumman F4F) and "Airacobra" (Bell P-39) fighters attacked 9 Japanese destroyers 140 miles northwest of Lunga Point on Guadalcanal. Twelve enemy "Zeros" intercepted the attack and 8 were shot down. One of our dive bombers was forced down and 5 of our fighters failed to return. The dive bombers pressed home the attack and seriously damaged 2 of the enemy destroyers.

(d) During the afternoon "Flying Fortress" heavy bombers (Boeing B-17) with "Lightning" Lockheed P-38), "Airacobra" and "Warhawk" (Curtiss P-40) escort attacked 5 enemy destroyers 37 miles southeast of Faisi in the Shortland Island area. No hits on the enemy vessels were scored but 12 of the enemy float-type biplanes which intercepted the attack were shot down. No U. S. planes were lost.

(e) During the evening a force of dive bombers with "Wildcat" and "Airacobra" escort attacked an enemy cargo ship 37 miles north Munda. Two direct hits and 4 near hits were scored and the ship was left burning. Our "Wildcats" and "Airacobras" drove off 12

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"Zeros" which attempted to intercept and shot down 7 of them. One U. S. fighter failed to return.

No. 253 January 17, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

1. On January 15th:

(a) During the evening, enemy planes bombed U. S. positions on

Guadalcanal Island. Minor material damage was inflicted and

some casualties among our troops were suffered.

(b) U. S. ground forces continued to advance slowly against

determined enemy resistance.

2. On January 16th, during the early afternoon, a force of "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26) with "Airacobra" (Bell P-39) and "Warhawk" (Curtiss P-40) escort bombed Japanese positions at Munda, on New Georgia Island. A number of hits were scored in the target area.

No. 254 January 18, 1943

South Pacific.

1. On January 15th:

(a) During the evening "Flying Fortress" heavy bombers (Boeing B-17) dropped bombs in the Japanese-held Kahili area on Bougainville Island. Two large fires were observed after the attack.

(b) Later the same night, "Catalina" patrol bombers (Consolidated PBY) followed up the attack on Kahili and additional fires were started.

(d) During this same night "Flying Fortresses" bombed Ballale Island in the Shortland area.

2. On January 16th:

(a) During the afternoon and evening Ballale Island was again attacked by "Flying Fortresses" and fires visible for 50 miles were started.

(b) U. S. ground troops on Guadalcanal Island continued mopping up pockets of enemy resistance. Approximately 150 Japanese were killed and a number taken prisoner. Their equipment was destroyed.

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No. 255 January 19, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the following results of operations against the enemy in the waters of these areas:

(a) One destroyer sunk.

(b) One large cargo ship sunk.

(d) One medium-sized cargo ship sunk.

(e) One small patrol vessel sunk.

(f) One large tanker damaged.

(g) One small cargo ship damaged.

2. These actions have not been announced in any previous Navy Department communiqué.

No. 256 January 20, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 18th, during the afternoon a force of "Flying Fortress" heavy bombers (Boeing B-17), with fighter escort, bombed a Japanese cargo ship which was anchored in the Shortland Island area. Two hits were scored on the vessel which was left burning. Two enemy float-type "Zeros" were shot down and one of our fighters failed to return.

2. During the period from January 13th to January 17th, inclusive, 1,032 Japanese were killed in the various actions between U. S. and enemy forces on Guadalcanal Island.

No. 257 January 21, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 19th an air striking group of U. S. planes bombed Japanese positions at Munda on New Georgia Island. Results were not reported.

2. On January 20th:

(a) During the early morning "Flying Fortress" heavy bomber (Boeing B-17), scored one bomb hit on a Japanese destroyer off Cape Friendship at the easternmost tip of Bougainville Island.

(b) "Flying Fortresses" with fighter escort attacked two enemy ships and two destroyers in the Shortland Island area. A number of

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enemy "Zeros" and float-type biplanes intercepted the attack and eight of these planes were shot down. No hits on the enemy ships were observed. One U. S. fighter was lost and several "Fortresses" were damaged.

3. On January 21st, during the morning, Marauder medium bombers (Martin B-26), dropped bombs on Japanese positions at Munda. Results were not observed.

4. Maj. Gen. Alexander M. Patch, U. S. A., has recently assumed command of the U. S. forces stationed on Guadalcanal. Major General Patch relieved Maj. Gen. Alexander A. Vandegrift, U. S. Marine Corps, who had been in command since the initial occupation of positions on the island by U. S. Marines in early August 1942. The Marines have been operating jointly with Army troops in this area for several months during which period most of the Marines, who made the original landing on Guadalcanal, were replaced by Army personnel.

No. 258 January 22, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of January 20th-21st U. S. aircraft carried out several harassing attacks on enemy installations on Ballale Island off the northeast coast of Shortland Island. Results were not observed.

2. On January 21st:

(a) A Japanese plane dropped several bombs on Espiritu Santo Island in the New Hebrides group. There were no casualties to personnel and our installations were not damaged.

(b) During the night of January 21st-22d single enemy planes dropped bombs in the vicinity of the airfield at Guadalcanal. Minor damage to installations has been reported and three men were killed and one wounded. Antiaircraft fire shot down one enemy plane.

3. U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal continued mopping up pockets of enemy resistance and made small advances in some sectors.

No. 259 January 23, 1943

Atlantic.

1. The U. S. Coast Guard cutter Natsek has been overdue in the North Atlantic for several weeks and must be presumed to be lost. The next of kin of personnel in the Natsek have been notified.

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South Pacific.

2. U. S. forces on Guadalcanal Island continue mopping up and patrol operations.

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD CUTTER NATSEK

The U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Natsek was built by the Snow Shipbuilding Corporation, Rockland, Maine, in 1941 and was placed in commission in June 1942. The cutter, which bore the Eskimo name for Fjord Seal, was 116.9 feet in length with a beam of 23.16 feet, and a draft of 11.8 feet. Her gross tonnage was 225 tons, and her net tonnage was 134.

No. 260 January 24, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 22d:

(a) During the morning a Flying Fortress heavy bomber (Boeing B-17) bombed Japanese positions at Rekata Bay on Santa Isabel Island. Several fires were started.

(b) During the night of January 22d-23d U. S. positions on EspirituSanto Island were bombed. Details were not reported.

2. On January 23d, the following attack missions were accomplished against Japanese installations at Munda on New Georgia Island:

(a) During the early morning a Catalina patrol bomber (Consolidated PBY) bombed the enemy-held area. A large explosion resulted, indicating hits on an ammunition dump.

(b) At noon a force of Marauder medium bombers (Martin B-26) with Wildcat (Grumman F4F) and Airacobra (Bell P-39) escort attacked and silenced enemy antiaircraft batteries.

(c) During the early afternoon Flying Fortresses with Lightning (Lockheed P-38) escort attacked the enemy areas again and started a number of fires.

(d) During the evening Marauders with Airacobra escort carried out a fourth attack on enemy positions in this area.

3. On January 23d:

(a) A Flying Fortress bombed enemy positions at Kahili and Ballale Island in the Shortland Island area.

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(b) During the night of January 23d-24th U. S. positions on Guadalcanal Island were attacked by Japanese bombers. No details were reported.

4. U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal killed 145 Japanese during the period from January 20 to January 22.

No. 261 January 25, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 22d, during the morning, U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal Island attacked Japanese positions west of the airfield. In spite of strenuous enemy opposition, 6 important elevations were captured and 110 Japanese were killed.

2. On January 23d:

(a) Continued aggressive tactics enabled our forces to capture Kokumbona and seize quantities of stores and equipment.

(b) U. S. troops continued mopping up pockets of enemy resistance. Ninety-one Japanese were killed and 40 prisoners were taken.

(d) During the night of January 23d-24th, enemy planes raided U. S. positions on Guadalcanal.

3. On January 23d and January 24th, U. S. air and surface forces bombarded enemy positions on Kolombangara Island in the New Georgia group. The operations were successfully completed and fires from explosions of fuel and ammunition dumps indicated that the enemy-held area was completely burned out.

No. 262 January 26, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

1. On January 25th:

(a) A large force of Japanese dive bombers, twin-engine bombers, and fighters, which was headed for Guadalcanal, was intercepted and attacked by U. S. aircraft. The enemy planes were driven off and no

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bombs were dropped on U. S. positions. Four Japanese "Zeros" were shot down. No U. S. planes were lost.

(b) Two units of U. S. ground forces joined at Kokumbona on Guadalcanal after one unit had entered the village from along the beach to the east and the other had encircled a strong enemy pocket and entered Kokumbona from the south. The maneuver resulted in giving U. S. forces unrestricted use of Kokumbona and the beach to the east. Two hundred ninety-three Japanese were killed and 5 prisoners were taken during the operation.

(c) Several supply dumps, three 6-inch artillery guns, seven 77-mm. guns, two 37-mm. guns, one tank, several trucks, three 40-mm. antiaircraft guns and various other field pieces and small arms were captured.

2. Offensive operations against enemy resistance continue.

No. 263 January 27, 1943

Pacific.

1. On January 25th, U. S. aircraft were attacked by eight Japanese Zeros during a reconnaissance mission over Wake Island. Two Zeros are believed to have been destroyed. All U. S. planes returned.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On January 26th:

At dusk a formation of Flying Fortress heavy bombers (Boeing B-17), heavily bombed the Japanese airfield on Ballale Island in the Shortland Island area and started fires in the revetments. Weak antiaircraft fire was encountered.

No. 264 January 28, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On January 28th, two Japanese float planes attacked U. S. ships operating to the westward of our positions in the Aleutian Islands. No damage was suffered.

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South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On January 26th, U. S. troops on Guadalcanal Island continued to advance to the west despite stiff enemy resistance. Forty Japanese were killed and 5 prisoners and some enemy equipment were captured.

No. 265 January 29, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 27th:

(a) Ground operations on Guadalcanal Island resulted in the capture of a large, well-established enemy command post. Thirty-six Japanese were killed and 3 prisoners and a large amount of enemy equipment were captured. In other sectors 2 pockets of enemy resistance were wiped out.

(b) During the morning, enemy dive bombers and high-level bombers, escorted by fighters, approached Guadalcanal. U. S. fighters engaged the enemy planes and incomplete reports indicate that nine Zeros were destroyed and six others probably destroyed. The enemy planes dropped no bombs. Four U. S. planes are missing.

(c) A force of Marauder (Martin B-26) medium bombers, with Airacobra (Bell P-39) escort, bombed enemy installations on Kolombangara Island in the New Georgia group. A large fire was started. All U. S. planes returned.

(d) During the evening, a force of Dauntless (Douglas) dive bombers and Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo planes with Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort attacked an enemy destroyer and a cargo ship in the Vella Gulf. Two direct hits were scored on the cargo ship which was left sinking. Bombs fell close to the destroyer which was left smoking.

2. On January 28th:

(a) During the afternoon, a force of Dauntless dive bombers and Avenger torpedo planes with Lightning (Lockheed P-38) escort attacked Japanese ships about 15 miles northeast of Kolombangara Island. A torpedo hit caused a large explosion on an enemy destroyer. One bomb hit and several near hits were scored on a cargo ship and near hits on a tanker were observed. The cargo ship and tanker were left dead in the water. The tanker was last seen smoking. One of the four enemy Zeros which intercepted was shot down. All U. S. Planes returned.

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No. 266 January 30, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the following results of operations against the enemy in the waters of these areas:

(a) One destroyer sunk.

(b) One large tanker sunk.

(d) One medium-sized cargo ship damaged.

These actions have not been announced in any previous Navy Department communiqué.

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

2. On the evening of January 28, a force of Flying Fortress heavy bombers (Boeing B-17) bombed Kahili in the Shortland area. Results were not reported.