This day in the war in the Pacific 65 years ago.

[syscom3]

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) All missions are cancelled due to weather except local fighter patrols. HQ XI Bomber Command is activated on Adak Island.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
In Burma, 8 B-25's score 4 direct hits on the bridge at Myitnge, rendering it unserviceable. A single P-40 uses a 1,000-lb bomb against the bridge near Mogaung in a test to see if the fighter can carry such "blockbusters" and deliver them effectively. Despite negligible damage, suffered by the target, both the carrying and releasing of the bomb are considered successful.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In French Indochina, 12 B-25's, with an escort of 6 P-40's, bomb the power plant and railroad yards at Lao Kay. The P-40's strafe the target area and a barracks s few miles down the Red River.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-17's and B-24's on armed reconnaissance bomb Kahili and Ballale Airfields.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, A-20's pound forces in the Mubo area while B-25's bomb a submarine and barges in Lae harbor. In the Moluccas, B-24's hit Amboina. Single B-17's strike Arawe, Gasmata, Cape Gloucester, barges off Cape Gauffre and a cargo boat at Lorengau.

 

[syscom3]

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 7 B-25's again attack the Myitnge bridge, inflicting little additional damage to the structure.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) HQ 308th Bombardment Group and it's 373d, 374th, 375th and 425th Bombardment Squadrons with B-24's arrive in China from the U.S. The 308th and 425th are based at Kunming; the 373d at Yangkai; and the 374th and 375th at Chengkung. The four squadrons will fly their first combat mission on 4 May.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) In the Solomons during the night of 19/20 Mar, 42 Navy and Marine aircraft lay mines off the Bougainville coast in the Buin-Tonolai area while 18 B-17's and B-24's pound Kahili Airfield in a diversionary strike. This mission inaugurates mine-laying operations by aircraft in the South Pacific (SOPAC). Ditched is B-17E "'Busy Beavers / Goonie" 41-2523.

USN - 42 Navy and Marine Corps Avengers, on a night flight from Henderson Field, mined Kahili Harbor (Tonolei), while USAAF aircraft are hitting Kahili

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-25's bomb Langgoer and Kaimana. The landing strip at Finschhafen and the harbor area at Salamaua are bombed by single B-24's.

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, 13 B-24's, 9 B-25's, 50 P-38's, 16 P-4O's, and 2 F-5A's fly 8 bombing and strafing missions to Kiska Island. Some of the missions abort due to weather. The others hit the Main Camp area, while 2 P-40's ake no contact when trying to intercept reported enemy aircraft.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 15 B-24's pound the Gokteik Viaduct, causing considerable damage to the structure. Six other B-24's, unable to bomb the viaduct due to haze and clouds, attack the previously damaged bridge at Myitnge. P-40's again dive-bomb targets in the Mogaung area, using 1,000-pound bombs for the second time. Three of the fighters bomb the town area, causing heavy destruction over 2 blocks. Three others attack the bridge south of town, claiming damaging hits in the area. Others attack targets of opportunity in northern Indochina.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In French Indochina, P-40's strafe the Lao Kay phosphate mine area and targets of opportunity in the vicinity.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In the Bismarck Archipelago, a B-24 claims a direct hit on a cargo vessel ESE of Cape Gloucester. Other isolated attacks on shipping are unsuccessful. The 80th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group with P-38F's transfers from Mareeba to Port Moresby.

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, 6 B-25's, 12 B-24's and 22 P-38's attempt 3 missions to Kiska Island. Only 8 of the P-40's get through but fly uneventful patrol. The 404th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 28th Composite Group with B-24's transfers from Elmendorf Field, Anchorage, Alaska to Adak Island.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 17 B-25's, operating in 2 forces, bomb the Gokteik Viaduct. Several damaging hits are scored on the base and structure. Seven B-25's pound the Thazi rail junction. Considerable damage is caused to warehouses, yards, sidings, tracks, and rolling stock.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In French Indochina, P-40's again strafe the phosphate mine area at Lao Kay.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) In the Solomons, P-38's strafe the Rekata Bay area.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) Heavy bombers pound the Gasmata Airfield. In single-plane strikes, heavy bombers attack Finschhafen, Lae and Madang. In single-plane strikes, heavy bombers attack the harbor at Lorengau on Manus Island. The 400th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 90th Bombardment Group with B-24's transfers from Iron Range, Queensland, Australia to Port Moresby, New Guinea.

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, weather grounds all missions except the weather reconnaissance flight and an unsuccessful intercept attempt of an enemy reconnaissance airplane by 2 P-40's.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 9 B-25's bomb barracks, warehouse, railroad tracks, and the airfield at Meiktila.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In French Indochina, P-40's strafe the operations building at Dong Cuong and hit troop trucks between Tuyen Quang and Ha Giang.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17's thoroughly pound the airfields in the Rabaul area and strafe a vessel off Cape Gazelle. Single B-24s attack Gasmata Airfield. A-20's bomb and strafe forces in the Mubo area and at the mouth of the Bitoi River. B-25's strafe targets of opportunity in the Salamaua, Labu Lagoon and Nadzab areas, and at the mouth of the Markham River. Single B-24's attack Lorengau harbor and the airfield at Salamaua.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) Destroyed by Japanese bombing is B-17E "Zero Six Zero" 41-9060.

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, 10 B-24's, 3 B-25's, and 12 P-38's fly 5 attack missions to Kiska Island. North Head runway and the Main Camp area are bombed.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 23 B-24'a and 2 B-17's (the B-17's attack from 50 feet) attack the bridge at Myitnge but fail to score damaging hits. Eight B-25's bomb the engine sheds at Maymyo.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-17's and Navy dive-bombers hit the Airfield at Kahili.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-25's hit Langgoer and Faan. B-25's and B-17's, operating individually, attack shipping in the Netherlands East Indies and airfields and targets of opportunity at Gasmata and Mubo.

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, a weather airplane take photos of Holtz Bay and Chichapof Harbor. Fourteen B-24's, 3 B-25's, 12 P-38's, and 2 P-40's fly 4
missions to Kiska Island. The targets include the beach, runway, hangar area, North Head, the Main Camp and submarine base.

CBI: In Burma, 8 B-25's bomb the engine sheds at Maymyo for the second consecutive day. Considerable damage is done although the main shed is not hit.

SW PACIFIC: B-24's pound Rabaul. Single B-17s hit Gasmata and Ubili. In the Moluccas, B-24s hit shipping, the wharf and town area at Amboina. In New Guinea, single B-17's hit Lae.

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, a reconnaissance aircraft covers Attu, Agattu, Semichi and Alaid where a cabin is strafed. Upon report of Navy contacts with enemy surface force (Battle of Komandorskies), 13 B-24's, 11 B-25's and 8 P-38's are ordered to hit the enemy, reported 150 mi (240 km) west of Cape Wrangell (Attu). Because of mechanical failures and weather, airplanes cannot take off until 6 hours after the surface force is sighted. Thus, Japanese ships have fled when aircraft arrive at the interception point. Some of the returning B-25's bomb a radar site, hangar, and Main Camp area on Kiska.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 6 B-24's mine the Rangoon River during the night of 26/27 Mar. Six others fly a diversion raid on the city of Rangoon, scoring hits on Mingaladon Airfield, between the central railroad station and Pazundaung Creek, and in the Syriam area.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force) In the Gilbert Islands, B-24's bomb Nauru Airfield.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-17's attack shipping, the harbor and town area at Wewak. A-20's pound forces and targets of opportunity in the Mubo, Lahang, and Salamaua area. Lost is A-20A "Minnie Ha Ha" 40-170. A single B-l7 bombs Finschhafen and unsuccessfully attacks a ship E of Talasea. Lost on an administrative flight B-17F 41-24384.

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, 7 B-24's from Adak and 6 Amchitka-based B-25's attempt unsuccessfully to attack naval targets. From Amchitka, 1 B-25 and 6 P-38's (of which 1 turns back with mechanical trouble) provide cover for US surface force until 1300 hours local. Six P-38's and 1 B-l7 depart Adak for a second cover mission, but do not find the surface force. A detachment of the 11th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group based on Adak with P-40's begins operating from Amchitka Island.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force) The 46th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group with P-39's transfers from Hilo Field, Territory of Hawaii to Canton Island in the Phoenix Islands.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 5 B-24's mine the Rangoon River for the second consecutive night.

KURILE ISLANDS: The Japanese force retiring from the Battle of the Komandorski Islands reaches Paramushiru. The heavy cruiser Nachi has been hit five times and the light cruiser Tama was hit twice. Japanese casualties are 15 dead and 27 wounded on HIJMS Nachi and one wounded on HIJMS Tama.

MOLUCCAS ISLANDS: Fifth Air Force B-24s hit the harbour and shipping on Tanimbar Island.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) P-39's join Navy aircraft in an attack on Vila Airfield.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-25's hit Lae and Salamaua. B-24s attack the harbor and shipping at Bogia.

 

[syscom3]

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) In the Solomons, the last remaining personnel of the battle-weary 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-17's leave SOPAC to return to Hawaii. P-38's of the 70th FS, and eight F4U's of VMF-124. Due to engine trouble and weather, seven Corsairs and three P-38s were forced out of the mission. The remaining planes hit the seaplane bases at Poporang and Shortland, claiming 8 aircraft destroyed, and attack a destroyer east of Shortland, leaving it listing.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) Medium and heavy bombers on individual missions attack Langgoer, Dobo, Gasmata, and barges and a small boat off Finschhafen and Kerema.

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 7 heavy and medium bombers, with fighter escort, bomb and strafe the Kiska runway and nearby Main Camp area. Heavy AA fire damages 6 bombers and 2 P-38's

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 4 B-24's bomb shipping and dock area at Tavoy. Nine B-25's bomb the Maymyo railroad yards, 7 P-40's blast possible Japanese HQ north of Maingkwan. Eight others pound positions WNW of Sumprabum.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In Burma, P-40's strafe trucks at Bhamo and fuel drums at Chefang, China.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-17's and B-24's pound Buin and Kahili. P-38's strafe a seaplane base at Faisi.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In the Bismarck Archipelago, a lone B-l7 bombs the Gasmata Airfield while another attacks the Mur-Weber Point area. Dick Bong gets his 9th kill when he shoots down a Doris (mis-identified medium bomber).

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, 6 missions are dispatched against Kiska and Attu Islands. From Adak, 6 B-24's, 6 B-25's, and 4 P-38's are over Kiska at 1200 hours local but cannot bomb due to weather. Four B-24's, 4 P-38's, and 2 F-5A's then bomb the runway at Attu. Next, 5 B-24's and 4 P-38's bomb the Main Camp; intense AA fire downs 1 B-24. From Amchitka, 4 P-38's bomb Little Kiska. Next, 4 P-38's bomb Kiska through the overcast, followed by 6 B-25's bombing and strafing radar, radio installations, Main Camp, runway, and personnel.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 5 B-25's bomb the Maymyo railroad yards, scoring hits on machine shops, sheds, and tracks. Sixteen P-40's hit targets of opportunity at Npyentawng, Wuja, and Mohnyin.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In China, P-40's strafe 8 locomotives southwest of Lashio, exploding 3 of them.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) Heavy bombers continue snooper strikes on Vila and Kahili Airfield.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20's, B-25's, B-24's, and B-17's pound shipping, the harbor, and town area at Finschhafen. B-24's hit Gasmata. Single aircraft attack several targets, mostly shipping and coastal areas, in the Netherlands East Indies, northeastern New Guinea, and New Britain.

NEIAF - Force landing after a recon mission is B-25C N5-133

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, a reconnaissance airplane finds impenetrable weather and returns to base. Two P-38's make an uneventful sweep.

BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 9 B-25's bomb the marshalling yard at Pyinmana, blasting railroad tracks and warehouses.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) The 16th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group with P-40's transfers from Chenyi to Kweilin, China. The 75th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group with P-40's transfers from Yunnani to Lingling, China.
The US opens training centres for Chinese infantrymen.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) P-40's and P-38's hit the Suavanau Point area on Rekata Bay. The 23d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group based on Espiritu Santo begins operating it's B-17's from Guadalcanal.

NEW GUINEA: US infantrymen under Colonel Archibald MacKechnie land at the mouth of the Waria river.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20's hit Salamaua, while B-24's bomb Babo. Individual B-24's attack Lae Airfield, Finschhafen, and Samoa Point and Timper River bridges. Japanese aircraft raid the Russell Islands.

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) A joint directive by Commander-in-Chief, Pacific and Commanding General Western Defense Command orders preparations for Operation LANDGRAB, the invasion of Attu Island. In the Aleutians, 16 B-24, 5 B-25, and 12 P-38 sorties are flown against Kiska Island from Adak and Amchitka Islands. Targets include a ship in Gertrude Cove, the North Head area, the Main Camp and the beach. AA fire damages 2 bombers. Reconnaissance covers Kiska, Attu, Buldir, and Semichis Islands. During April, the 73d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 28th Composite Group with B-25's transfers from Elmendorf Field, Anchorage, Alaska to Umnak Island.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 16 B-25's bomb the Maymyo railroad sheds. Eight others hit the railroad yards at Ywatsung.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In China, a Japanese force of 9 fighters is intercepted in the Lingling area by P-40's. We claim 7 fighters shot down; we lose 1 P-40.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) 42 fighters (P-38's and Navy and Marine aircraft) are sent over the Russell Islands to intercept Japanese enroute to Tulagi / Guadalcanal, and the incomplete airstrips in the Russells. A large IJN strike force from the 204th, 251st and 582st Kokutai attack. Including, Aichi D3A Type 99 (Val) carrier based dive-bombers, with Mitsubishi A6M2 Type 0 carrier fighter, Model 21s (Zeke) from the IJN Carrier Division Two (CARDIV 2), commanded by the IJN Rear Admiral Kakuta Kakuji, which included the carriers ZUIKAKU, SHOKAKU, and the ZUIHO. The IJN CARDIV 1 was composed of the carriers RYUJO, JUNYO, and HIYO. Aircraft from all of these carriers had been shore based since February to replace the relocation of the Fourth Kokutai transfer of its aerial assets of approximately 200 aircraft to Wewak. The air battle lasts for nearly 3 hours. Six US fighters are lost, against claims of 20 Japanese airplanes destroyed.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-17's attack a convoy off Kavieng, and airfields at Gasmata and Cape Gloucester. B-17's attack the town of Madang. Flights of from 1 to 3 medium or heavy bombers hit several other targets, mostly isolated shipping and coastline targets in the Netherlands East Indies and in the Solomon Sea.

 

[syscom3]

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 18 B-24's bomb Kiska targets including North Head. Six B-25's, 16 P-38's, and 24 P-40's in 6 missions from Amchitka to Kiska, bomb the Main Camp and submarine base areas. Four B-24's bomb the runway at Attu. All aircraft, including 2 B-25's colliding in the air, return safely.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 8 B-25's hit the Thazi railroad junction. A detachment of the 25th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group with P-40's which has been operating from Sadiya, India since Nov 42 transfers to Jorhat, India.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) In the Solomons, P-38's and P-40's attack and set fire to a small cargo vessel in Kokolope Bay.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, A-20's hit the Kitchen Creek area and the Labiabi-Duali area. Single B-24's attack Salamaua, Finschhafen and the bridge at Rempi. Single B-24's hit the airfields at Gasmata and Cape Gloucester.

 

[syscom3]

PACIFIC: In the Pacific, two USN submarines sink a fleet tanker and a submarine chaser. The latter vessel is sunk by USS Pickerel (SS-177), CO Augustus H. Alston, Jr, which is subsequently sunk off northern Honshu, Japan. All hands lost.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 17 B-25's, operating in 2 forces, bomb the Myitnge bridge, scoring hits on both approaches.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, A-20's hit Kitchen Creek while single B-24's bomb Korindindi. In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17's pound shipping and the airfield at Kavieng while single B-24's bomb Kavieng.

 

[syscom3]

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 8 B-25's hit the Maymyo engine sheds. Nine others bomb the Pyawbwe railroad yards. Seven B-24's heavily damage the Thilawa oil refinery.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher assumes the position of Commander Air Solomons (COMAIRSOL) which has operational control of all Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), USAAF, USMC and USN aircraft in the South Pacific. A detachment of the 18th Photographic Squadron (Heavy), 4th Photographic Group with B-25's begins operating from Espiritu Santo.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-25's and A-20's pound areas along the Huon Gulf, around Kitchen Creek and the Heaths and Lane Plantations. Single B-17's bomb Salamaua. In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17's bomb the town area and airfield at Kavieng. Single B-17's bomb Cape Gloucester.

 

[syscom3]

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, reconnaissance covers all islands W of Kiska with negative results. 16 B-24's and 6 B-25's bomb the Attu runway and Kiska's Main Camp and runway. 4 P-38's fly top cover. Later, 3 B-25's, 16 P-40's, and 16 P-38's bomb Kiska again.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 17 B-25's bomb railroad targets at Mandalay; 2 others hit Ngamya. Three B-24's bomb the Prome railroad yards; 5 hit the Mahlwagon yards and roundhouse. 12 P-40's and a B-25 support ground forces in N Burma.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In Burma, P-40's on armored reconnaissance strafe 15 horse-drawn wagons at Wanling.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, single B-17's attack occupied areas at several points along the Huon Gulf coast, hit Finschaffen on the Huon Peninsula, bomb Madang and other points on the N coast of New Guinea and hit Cape Gloucester on New Britain Island in the Bismarck Archipelago.

NEIAF - After an armed reconnaissance of the north coast of Timor, lost is B-25D N5-140.

BURMA: The Imperial Japanese Army forces on the Malaya Penninsula begin advancing NW toward India.

SOLOMONS: USN destroyer USS O'Bannon (DD-450) sinks Japanese submarine RO 34 near Russell Island.

 

[syscom3]

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force) The 333d Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group with P-39's transfers from Canton Island to Hilo, Territory of Hawaii.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 6 B-24's attack Pazundaung bridge, damaging the S approach.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) The 70th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group based on Fiji but operating from Guadalcanal with P-39's, transfers to Guadalcanal.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: Thirteenth Air Force F-5 Lightning photo reconnaissance aircraft note 114 Japanese bombers and fighters on Kahili Airdrome on Bougainville. There were 40 aircraft on the airfield yesterday.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER F OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-25's bomb the town area and AA positions at Salamaua. Single B-17's bomb Finschhafen. Single B-17's bomb Gasmata while another strafes Cape Gloucester.

 

[syscom3]

GUADALCANAL: 11th IJNAF Air Fleet begins "I" operation with attacks against Guadalcanal and Tulagi. 180 a/c involved. The airgroups of 4 carriers have been moved to land for this operation. This leaves
almost no trained carrier pilots left.
The Japanese aircraft attack shipping off the east coast of Guadalcanal, off Koli Point and off Tulagi.
The second phase of the Japanese Operation I GO, 67 "Vals" escorted by an estimated 117 "Zeros" are reported by coast watchers to be moving down the "Slot" to attack a convoy off the east coast of Guadalcanal, shipping at Koli point, and a Task Force at Tulagi.
All 75 operable fighters on Guadalcanal, 36 Wildcats, 9 Corsairs, 12 Lightnings, 6 P-40s and 12Airacobras, are scrambled, and the bombers are moved to the southwestern tip of the island for safety.
The air battle takes place off the Russells, near Tulagi, and over the convoy. Marine F4F pilots shoot down 12 "Val" dive bombers and 15 "Zero" fighters; 7 F4Fs and P-38s are shot down with the loss of a
pilot.
The "Vals" attack Allied shipping and sink the corvette HMNZS Moa and the destroyer USS Aaron Ward (DD-483) is damaged by one bomb hit and four near misses. Submarine rescue vessel USS Ortolan (ASR-5) and tug USS Vireo (AT-144) attempt to beach Aaron Ward, but the destroyer sinks as the result of bomb damage. Also damaged are the oilers USS Kanawha (AO-1) and USS Tappahannock (AO-43) and tank landing ship USS LST-449. Later, the tugs USS Rail (AT-139) and USS Menominee (AT-73) and the net tender USS Butternut (YN-9), tow Kanawha into Tulagi harbor, where the damaged oiler is beached just before midnight.
Marine 1st Lt. James E. Swett, on his first combat mission, shot down seven Japanese VAL's over Guadacanal. He's the first American to achieve this score in a single mission.

This is the date we [182nd Regiment, Americal Division, USA] left Guadalcanal for Fiji, in 1943. I knew it was April, and that LIFE magazine had called it "the biggest air raid of the Pacific War so far", but they
thought it was only 100 Japanese planes. Yours says 180 planes. We were on the John Penn when the planes came over.
All our planes were caught on the ground. I sneaked under a 20mm gun mount, rather than be locked below decks, as the Navy did to keep us out of the way. I saw the greatest air raid in my history of 3-1/2 years out there in war. Planes went upwind, downwind, and crosswind clawing for height to attack the enemy. P-38's which were new went straight up like an elevator. Planes were falling with smoke trailing...no way to tell whose.
My late friend, Al Glendye, was Bos'n on a tanker loaded with air plane fuel. The ship was straddled by two 500 lb bombs. Had either landed and blown the ship, others would have gone down with it. J.F. Kennedy' s bio "PT-109" opens with a chapter on this raid. He was coming out as a replacement when their ship pulled into "Iron Bottom Bay".

ADMIRALTY ISLANDS: Fifth Air Force B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators attack Lorengau on Manus Island.

ALEUTIAN ISLANDS: In the Aleutians, the Eleventh Air Force reconnaissance airplane aborts shortly after takeoff due to weather.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO: Individual Fifth Air Force B-17s and B-24s attack Cape Gloucester on New Britain Island and Kavieng on New Ireland Island.

BORNEO: USN submarine USS Trout ( SS-202 ) lays mines near Sarawak.

BURMA: 2 Tenth Air Force B-25 Mitchells temporarily knock out a bridge on the Ye-u railroad branch, crossing the Mu River between Ywataung and Monywa; 18 B-25s, in 2 forces, bomb the Ywataung Marshalling Yard; P-40s support ground forces north of Shingbwiyang and 6 B-24 Liberators bomb Japanese HQ at Toungoo.

NEW GUINEA: Fifth Air Force B-25s hit areas along the northeastern coast from Mur to Singor. B-24s bomb the landing ground at Babo and town area of Fak Fak while individual B-17s and B-24s attack shipping and coastal targets at Lae, Salamaua, Finschhafen and Wewak.