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

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA (CBI) THEATER OF OPERATIONS (10th Air Force): 16th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, moves from Karachi, India to Kunming, China with P-40s.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): 22nd BG B-26s bomb Lae and Salamaua.

ALASKA: On Kiska Island in the Aluetian Islands, eight 11th Air Force B-24s make a radar run but return with their bombs due to weather. Later, 5 B-24s and 7 B-25s bomb the Main Camp area and vicinity north of Salmon Lagoon. Fourteen B-25s bomb Gertrude Cove, camp areas, and North Head, while seven others abort due to weather. Two P-40s fly reconnaissance over Segula Island but overcast prevents observations. Three USN PV-1s also bomb Gertrude Cove.
The Japanese issue an order for Phase II of the KE Operation, the evacuation of Kiska. The evacuation is to be accomplished in one mission by cruisers and destroyers screened by submarines.

NEW GEORGIA: In preparation for Operation TOENAILS, the invasion of New Georgia Island in the Solomon Islands on 30 June, the USN's Task Force 36 arrives in the area. TF 36 consists of two aircraft carriers, USS Saratoga and HMS Victorious. Carrier Air Group Three is in USS Saratoga however, VF-5 is
transferred to HMS Victorious while the RN's No. 832 Squadron is transferred to USS Saratoga. This exchange put four squadrons of Wildcat fighters on the RN ship. US Marines leapfrog up the coast via a short sea lift before beginning an overland advance against Viru Harbor, New Georgia in the Solomon Islands. These Marines landed on New Georgia on June 21.

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutian Islands, 6 B-25's bomb Gertrude Cove, Little Kiska Island and the southern Main Camp area through holes in the overcast. The mission is partly ineffective because of faulty bomb-release mechanisms.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force) A bombing mission against Nauru, Gilbert Islands from Funafuti Atoll, Ellice Islands is hampered by engine trouble and bad weather. 1 B-24 had crashed at Palmyra Island, Oceania the previous day while en route from the Hawaiian Islands to the staging base at Funafuti Atoll. Of the 18 arriving at the forward base, 2 are released from duty because of engine trouble, 2 crash on takeoff, and 8 are grounded after a second crash. 6 heavy bombers are airborne for the mission, 2 abort, 2 fail to find Nauru Island because of heavy front, and 2 drop bombs on the island, with unobserved results.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) HQ 80th Fighter Group and it's 88th and 90th Fighter Squadrons arrive at Karachi, India from the US with P-40's.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) The 394th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy) transfers with B-24's from the Fiji to Guadalcanal.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA (10th Air Force): Colonel Robert C Oliver assumes command of the X Air Service Command. 9th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group (attached to USAMEAF) departs India for Palestine with B-17s. Ground echelon leaves from Lahabad, India and air echelon leaves from Baumrauli, India.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): B-17s hit Lakunai Airfield and Lae Airfield during the night of 28/29 Jun. 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, moves from Port Moresby to Woodstock with P-39s.

NEW GEORGIA: US cruisers and destroyers bombard positions at the Japanese naval base at Shortland in the Northern Solomon Islands.
Amplifying the above:
In the Solomon Islands during the night of 29/30 June, four cruisers and four destroyers of the USN's Task Unit 36.2.1 bombards the Vila-Stanmore area on Kolombangara Island and the Buin-Shortland area on Bougainville Island. At the same time, three light minelayers of Task Unit 36.2.2 sow mines off Shortland Harbor on Bougainville and between Alu and Munda Islands. One of the minelayers also mines an area off New Georgia Island.

NEW GUINEA: US forces landed on Woodlark Island in the SW Pacific.

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, the weather finally breaks after two weeks of adverse conditions. Sixteen Eleventh Air Force bombers fly armed reconnaissance over Kiska while two bombers attack ground targets. The USN also dispatches three flights of PV-1 Venturas to bomb the island.

JAPAN: Tokyo: Subhas Chandra Bose broadcasts an appeal for Indians to rise up against the British.

AUSTRALIA: Canberra: The Australian Federal parliament is to be dissolved and a general election will take place in August. The decision to go to the people follows a no-confidence motion in the House of Representatives which was defeated by one vote yesterday. Having denounced the government for failing to reach a national agreement, the opposition now faces the task of defeating the government that will stand on its record in a national crisis. Before deciding on the election John Curtin, the prime minister, has said that the defensive phase of the war was over, and that Australia "could be held as a base from which to launch both limited and major offensives."

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) The invasion of New Georgia Island begins with amphibious landings by US Army and US Marine Corps forces on Rendova. Subsidiary landings take place at other points in the New Georgia area. USAAF and other allied fighters cover the landings. At 1100 hours, 30+ Zekes attack the beachhead; Allied fighters intercept, claiming 16 shot down. At 1500 hours, a large force of fighters, dive bombers, and torpedo-carrying bombers attack the vessels of the Task Force which is handling the landings. F4U's, F4F's and AA down all the torpedo-carrying bombers as they attack vessels however, a torpedo strikes the flagship, the attack transport USS McCawley (APA-4), amidship severely damaging the vessel (later mistakenly sunk by US PT boats). Early in the evening about 30 more Japanese aircraft return to the assault area. Allied fighters claim 18 of these shot down. B-25's and US Navy dive bombers bomb Munda Airfield. A B-24 strike on Kahili aborts because of bad weather. Lost is B-24D Liberator 42-40254.
Amplifying the above:
In Operation TOENAILS, the USN's Task Force 31, supported by land-based Allied aircraft, lands the 172nd Infantry Regiment of the 43d Infantry Division, on Rendova Island in the Solomon Islands; two companies of the 169th Infantry Regiment are also landed on two small islands bracketing the passage through the coral reef to the future landings on New Georgia Island. The 4th Marine Raider Battalion, which had landed at Segi Point on Vangunu Island off the southeast coast of New Georgia Island on 21 June, marches overland to seize Viru Harbor on the southeast coast of Vangunu.
At 1530 hours local, 49 IJN aircraft attack the retiring USN invasion; the attack force consists of 24 torpedo carrying "Betty's" escorted by 25 "Zero's" One "Betty" launches a torpedo that hits the attack transport USS McCawley, the force flagship, in the engine room, killing 15 of her crew, and knocking out all power. The ship is taken under tow but at 1640 hours, all the crew except the salvage party is taken off. At 1730 hours, 30 IJN fighters attack the invasion force and the McCawley is strafed by not damaged. At 2023 hours, the ship is struck by another torpedo and sinks in 30 seconds. The following day, it was learned that six USN PT boats had torpedoed an "enemy" transport in Blanche Channel, after having been informed there were no friendly forces in the area.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) Allied amphibious forces begin landings, unopposed, at Nassau Bay during the night of 29/30 Jun. Forces push N and S toward the Bitoi River and Tabali Creek, respectively. Troops make contact with enemy forces in the Cape Dinga area S of Nassau Bay. Australians open the assault on Bobdubi Ridge and maintain pressure on the enemy in the Mubo area. B-25's pound Bobdubi Ridge in support of the assault and hit forces at Logui and Salamaua. B-25's also bomb the airfield at Cape Chater on Timor Island. 43rd BG B-24's and B-17's bomb an airfield at Rabaul, lost is B-17F "Pluto" 41-24543. One heavy bomber scores a hit on a cargo vessel off Cape Gloucester. The 57th Troop Carrier Squadron, 375th Troop Carrier Group arrives at Port Moresby from the US with C-47's.
Amplifying the above:
In Operation CHRONICLE, the USN's Task Force 76 lands the 112th Cavalry Regiment and the 158th Infantry Regiment, on Woodlark and Kiriwina Islands in Nassau Bay respectively. At the same time, the 1st Battalion, 162d Infantry Regiment lands in Nassau Bay. Airfield construction soon begins on Woodlark Island.
The landing on 30 June 1943 at Nassau Bay was by a battle group based on US I/162nd Bn. So far as I am aware, there was only one Australian with the landing force (Capt McBride AIF, a liaison officer from General Savige's HQ) and his landing craft did not actually make it until the following night, so the landing was actually an all-US affair.
However, Australians were on-shore to guide the landing craft in. I recall the landing craft were supplied by the 532nd Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment, part of the US 2nd Engineer Special Brigade. Many were destroyed in the exceptionally high surf (fortunately with no loss of life). This influenced General Blamey's subsequent decision to discard Nassau Bay as a staging area for Operation Postern (the capture of Lae).
I/162nd Battalion was commanded by Lt-Col Harold Taylor. I believe the battalion earned a Presidential Unit Citation for its subsequent work in the liberation of Salamaua. It is now part of the Oregon National Guard. "Mackechnie Force" initially referred to the balance of 162nd Regiment (II and III battalions plus attached AAA units and arty). Taylor's I battalion was detached as part of 17 Bde AIF (u/c Brigadier Moten) but was later restored to Mackechnie Force. Mackechnie Force was briefly referred to as "Coane Force" when commanded by Brigadier Ralph Coane but reverted to its former name on Col Mackechnie's return on 13 Aug 43.
Simultaneous landings took place on 30 June 1943 on the Trobriand Islands (Kiriwina and Woodlark) by RCTs from US 6th Army, however both islands were already occupied by Australian forces (a radar station, infantry and native forces). Unfortunately, neither the US landing forces nor the incumbent Australians were advised of the other's presence! Fortunately, good luck and common sense on both sides prevented any "blue on blue" incidents.

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) During the month of July: The 21st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group based on Umnak Island ceases operating from Amchitka Island, and The detachment of the 344th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group that has been operating from Amchitka with P-40's since May 43 returns to it's base on Shemya, and The 632d and 633d Bombardment Squadrons (Dive), 407th Bombardment Group (Dive) based at Drew Field, Tampa, Florida begin operating from Amchitka Island with A-36's.

ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE (AAF ANTISUBMARINE COMMAND) The 27th, 30th and 392d Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group based at March Field, California with B-24's, ceases flying ASW missions. The squadrons have been flying these missions since Jan 42.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) The 2d Troop Carrier Squadron, Assam Air Base Command, transfers with C-47's from Yangkai, China to Dinjan, India.During the month of July, the detachment of the 9th Photographic Squadron, Tenth Air Force operating from Dinjan, India with F-4's and F-5's returns to its base at Pandaveswar, India.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) During the month of July, the 69th Bombardment Squadron, 42d BG (Medium) transfers with B-25's from Guadalcanal to New Caledonia; the squadron continues to operate from Guadalcanal until Oct 43.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, A-20's bomb and strafe forces in the Duali area as nearby Allied troops consolidate positions along the Sarm of the Bitoi River; other A-20's strafe the Lae area; and B-25's hit Kela Point and Logui. B-17's and B-24's bomb airfields at Rabaul on New Britain Island in the Bismarck Archipelago. The 431st Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group transfers with P-38's from Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia to Amberley Field, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The squadron has yet to enter combat.
US forces advancing from Segi Point, New Guinea capture Viru.

NEW GEORGIA: In the morning, the IJN dispatches 40+ aircraft to attack Allied shipping off New Georgia Island in the Solomon Islands. USN F4F Wildcat pilots shoot down four of 12 "Val" dive bombers and one of 18 "Zero" fighters off Rendova between 1015 and 1100 hours local. At the same time, USAAF P-40 pilots shoot down nine "Vals" and seven "Zekes" between Munda and Rendova Islands between 1020 and 1140 hours.

NEI: The USN submarine USS Gar (SS-206) lands commandoes on Timor Island in the Netherlands East Indies.

NEW GEORGIA: The Japanese forces on Rendova Island in the Solomon Islands hold on in the face of the US buildup on the island. A IJN naval force bombarded US positions during the night.
(Thirteenth Air Force) B-25's and US Navy F4U's bomb and strafe a small vessel in the anchorage at Bairoko, sinking the Kashi Maru.
AMPLIFYING THE ABOVE
Over Rendova Island, an estimated 18 IJN "Betty" bombers escorted by estimated 20 IJN "Zeke" fighters attack at 1330 hours local. It is an opportune time because Allied fighter cover had been withdrawn due to impending adverse weather. The bombing kills 59 men on the ground.
During the night of 2/3 July, the IJN cruiser HIJMS Yubari and nine destroyers bombard the beachhead. The IJN ships are engaged by three USN motor torpedo boats but the PTs do not score any hits.

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) 3 bombers and 4 P-38's fly 4 reconnaissance missions over Kiska and Segula Islands. 17 B-24's and 16 B-25's then attack Kiska Island in 5 missions, 2 of them radar-guided. Fires are started at several of the targets, which include Gertrude Cove, the harbor, and buildings in the Main Camp area. Intense AA fire damages 3 aircraft. 2 B-25's on a submarine attack hit the Kiska seaplane ramp after making no contact with the target. 2 P-40's cover troops which make an unopposed landing on Rat Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-25's pound defenses in the Kela Point area and a trail near Logui while a lone B-24 bombs the Salamaua area. The Allied invasion force (the MacKechnie Force) holds firm a beachhead on Nassau Bay, and makes contact with Australian forces to the N. B-17's and B-24's again attack airfields at Rabaul.
In New Guinea, ten Japanese bombers make unopposed bombing and strafing runs against the Allied invasion beaches on Nassau Bay.

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) 6 B-24's bomb Main Camp on Kiska Island and take photos of Segula Island.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) B-25's hit the oft-bombed bridge at Myitnge, Burma, knocking the S end span into the river.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-25's bomb the airfield and AA positions at Munda.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-24's bomb airfields in the Rabaul, New Britain Island area and hit Kendari Airfield on Celebes Island. Koepang on Timor Island is attacked by 2 B-25's. A lone B-17 bombs landing strip at Cape Gloucester on New Britain Island.

NEW GEORGIA : The US force advancing from Zanana toward Munda on New Georgia meet heavy Japanese resistance.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) B-24's attack the Shweli, Burma road bridge but fail to cause appreciable damage.

NEW GEORGIA: (Thirteenth Air Force) B-17's pound Bairoko
(JAAF) 16 Ki-21 Sallys of the 14th Sentai (misidentified as Bettys), escorted by Oscars and Zeros, attack the newly landed American forces on the beachheads of Munda and Rendova, they are met by heavy anti-aircraft fire and fighters, losing five bombers, and shooting down three American fighters.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) 9 B-24's over Buin fail to find shipping and bomb Munda and Ballale instead.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-25's bomb and strafe the airfield at Salamaua, Komiatum Track, and HQ areas at Kela and Salamaua.

RAAF: Shot down by US Navy anti-aircraft fire over Nassau Bay is Boomerang A46-88.

USN - Battle of Kula Gulf (night of July 5-6). Sunk is USS Helena CL-50.

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutian Islands, 2 B-24's and 2 P-40's on 3 weather reconnaissance missions report Kiska Island overcast, and take photos of Segula Island. 6 B-24's bomb Main Camp on Kiska. 8 B-25's abort a radar run over Kiska Island when 1 has engine trouble and the others fail to locate a PV Pathfinder. They sight a submarine which crash-dives immediately.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In China, 5 B-25's and 8 P-40's hit runway and revetment area at Pailochi Airfield.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-17's and B-24's pound airfields at Kahili, on Ballale and on Buka Island. B-25's hit a beached destroyer at Bamberi, New Georgia Island. Heavy raids on Bougainville soften it up for a future target for invasion forces.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-25's attack the airfield at Penfoei on Timor Island and hit Labu Lagoon area in New Guinea.

JAPAN: The USN submarine USS Permit sinks a Japanese merchant cargo ship off the west coast of Hokkaido Island.

NEW GUINEA: The 3d Battalion, 162d Infantry, part of the U.S. 41st Infantry Division's Coane Force, goes ashore at the Nassau beachhead and begins a period of active patrolling. The 2d Battalion, 162d Infantry, takes over positions vacated by the 3d Battalion at Morobe.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: The IJN dispatches ten destroyers, seven of them carrying troops and supplies bound for Vila on Kolombangara Island. The USN had been alerted to their voyage yesterday and Task Group 36.1 under Rear Admiral Walden L. Ainsworth, consisting of the light cruisers USS Helena, USS Honolulu and USS St. Louis and four destroyers, is positioned off the northwest corner of New Georgia Island to meet them. What ensued has been called The Battle of Kula Gulf. The first contact is made at 0106 hours local by radar in the IJN destroyer HIJMS Nizuki. TG 36.1 begins firing at 0157 hours and destroys the Japanese destroyer.
However, two other IJN destroyers had fired torpedoes and USS Helena is struck by a torpedo at 0203 hours local and loses her bow back to No. 2 turret; within three minutes, she is struck by two more torpedoes and she sinks. During the battle, six other IJN destroyers are damaged including HIJMS Nagatsuki which grounded near Bambari Harbor and is demolished by USAAF B-25 Mitchells during the day.
Both sides begin a general retirement but not before the Japanese landed troops at Vila. During the night, both sides have destroyers in the area attempting to rescue survivors; one Japanese and two American. Around 0500 hours, HIJMS Amagiri and USS Nicholas exchange torpedoes and then gunfire; Amagiri is hit and retires, leaving the USN to rescue survivors of USS Helena. The USN lose a light cruiser and 168 men; the Japanese lose two destroyers and 300 men.
During the day, 35 USMC TBF Avengers and SBD Dauntlesses attack Japanese positions at Bairoko on New Georgia Island, in support of ground troops. The 169th and 172d Infantry Regiments of the Infantry Division are now on New Georgia I. The 172d closes along the Barike River and the 169th, starts toward the river from Zanana. The Japanese repulse attacks against their road block on the Munda Trail. The troops of USMC Lieutenant Colonel Harry Liversedge, Commanding Officer Northern Landing Force, reaches and crosses the Tamakau River.
Heavy bombers begin a series of strikes against enemy airfields on Bougainville Island, the next objective in the Solomons. During the evening, 13 USAAF B-24 Liberators attack Kahili Airdrome on Bougainville, seven B-24s attack Buka Airdrome and six B-17 Flying Fortresses bomb Ballale Airdrome.
A USN PB4Y-1 Liberator of VB-102 based at Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides Islands, piloted by the squadron commander, Lieutenant Commander Bruce A. Van Voorhis, attacks Japanese-held Kapingamarangi Island in the Greenwich Islands, Solomon Islands. [The Greenwich Islands are located about 81 nm (150 km) east of Guadalcanal.] Van Voorhis and his crew made six low-level bombing runs
against a radio station and several strafing runs against three sea-planes and shipping in the lagoon until it was shot down by three "Pete" seaplanes and crashed in the lagoon with no survivors. For his action, Van Voorhis was awarded the Medal of Honor; the co-pilot was awarded the Navy Cross and all other crewmembers were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. All awards were made posthumously.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) 7 B-25's and 22 P-40's attack shipping at Canton, China. At least 2 interceptors are shot down.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-25's and P-38's attack Vila Airfield and B-24's bomb Kahili Airfield. Lost are B-24D "Scrap Iron" 42-40384 and Hudson NZ2033.
In aerial combat over Rendova Island in the Solomon Islands, USMC F4U pilots shoot down six of 12 "Betty" bombers and ten of 60 "Zero" fighters.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-24's and B-25's, along with Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) airplanes, operate in direct support of Allied ground operations in the Mubo area, dropping over 100 tons of bombs on numerous targets as the MacKechnie Force begins an assault on Bitoi Ridge and Australian forces (2/6 Battalion) capture Observation Hill, an important terrain feature W of Mubo.
Some amplification:
Observation Hill was not captured until 12 July, however 7 July marks the opening of the battle by Australian and US troops of the 3rd Australian Division (GOC Maj-Gen Savige). Mubo lies on the southern approaches to Salamaua. It possesses an airstrip (vital in PNG). It also sits astride the only track for miles linking the coastal landing site of Nassau Bay with the inland Bulolo Valley.
The Japanese were in strength at Mubo. Deceptive patrols and small attacks prior to the battle by 15 Australian Brigade (militia and commandos) caused Col Araki to denude Mubo of troops, leaving it to be
defended only by II/66 Bn.
On 7 July, 17th Brigade AIF (2/5 Bn AIF, 2/6 Bn AIF and I/162 US Inf Bn, supported by 1st Aust Mtn Bty and 218 US Fd Arty Bn) launches a double-envelopment against Mubo. Over the next five days the US and Australians conduct numerous small attacks and fighting patrols in close contact with the enemy. On 12 July, with US infantry on the right flank threatening to cut off their withdrawal route, the Japanese abandon Mubo and withdraw to the Mount Tambu line. Observation Hill is occupied on 12 July. Mubo airstrip is ready for medevac by 14 July. Allied casualties are light.

ALASKA: An IJN rescue force of two light cruisers, ten destroyers and an oiler, depart Paramushiru Island in the Kurile Islands at 1600 hours. This force is part of Phase II of the KE-GO Operation to evacuate Japanese personnel from Kiska Island, Aleutian Islands.

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) 9 B-25's fly a special mission to Attu.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) 22 B-24's, escorted by 13 P-40's, attack shipping, docks, and a cement works at Haiphong, French Indochina.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-25's continue to pound enemy positions around Mubo and along the coast of NE New Guinea, hitting Kela Point and village, Malolo, Buigap Creek, and trails from Salamaua Airfield and Kennedy's Crossing to Logui. Lost is B-25D "Blunder Bus" 41-30028. The 319th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 90th Bombardment Group transfers with B-24's from Darwin to Port Moresby.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) B-25's bomb the railroad bridge on the Mu River between Ywataung and Monywa, Burma scoring 2 direct hits and leaving the bridge temporarily unusable.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) In the Solomon Islands during the night of 8/9 Jul, B-24's bomb Kahili Airfield and Buin and Poporang. B-25's and several fighters sent against forces near Vella Lavella, fail to locate the target and strafe Buki and Ganongga Islands, and a destroyer beached on SE Kolombangara Island.

NEW GEORGIA: US forces on New Georgia are now advancing on Munda, in the Solomon Islands. In the Solomon Islands, four USN destroyers shell the area near Munda on New Georgia Island. Later in the day, 18 USMC SBD's bomb the
same area.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-25's hit forces in the vicinity of Old Bobdubi, Malolo, and Busama. Lost on a weather mission is B-25 piloted by Webster. On Timor, B-25's hit landing fields, Dili and Cape Chater.

ALEUTIONS: In the Aleutians, the USN destroyer USS Aylwin bombards Japanese installations in the Gertrude Cove area of Kiska Island. The Japanese return fire but do not hit the ship. The IJN makes an unsuccessful attempt to evacuate personnel from Kiska. The two cruisers and eight destroyers retire towards the Kurile Islands.

PHILIPINES: In the Philippines, a USN submarine lands men, equipment and ammunition on Negros Island.

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) The Eleventh Air Force attacks the Japanese Home Islands for the first time as 8 B-25's raid Paramushiru Island in the Kurile Islands, scoring hits on the S part of Shimushu, Paramushiru Island, Kurile Strait, and northern Paramushiru Island, in dead reckoning runs when solid cloud cover prevents a maximum altitude attack. No AA fire is encountered and no enemy aircraft are sighted. The B-25's stage through Attu Airfield on returning to Adak Airfield. 6 B-24's, originally slated to accompany the B-25's to Paramushiru and 5 other B-25's are on short notice dispatched to attack a convoy off Attu. They claim 2 medium freighters sunk in deck-level strikes.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) 9 B-24's bomb the dock area at Haiphong, French Indochina.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-24's pound Kahili Airfield. Lost is B-24D "Alley Cat" 42-40646. Seabees report a 3,300' airstrip at Segi Point available for limited operations; this provides an emergency landing field only 40 mi (64 km) from Japanese facilities at Munda.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-25's pound Salamaua, Logui, and the SE bank of the Francisco River as Allied ground forces effect junction at Buigap Creek cutting communications between Salamaua and Mubo; a single B-24 bombs the village of Kela. B-24's bomb Boela and Babo.

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutian Islands, 5 B-24's take off to attack Paramushiru Island in the Kurile Islands and fly a shipping search but are turned back by bad weather. A shipping search by 5 B-25's finds nothing. 6 B-25's and 6 B-24's in 3 missions (one by radar) attack North Head and Main Camp on Kiska Island sighting new excavations near Sredni Point, strafe a tent near Haycock Rock, and also fly over Segula Island.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force) 3 B-24's from Funafuti Island in the Ellice Islands fly a photo reconnaissance mission to Makin; 2 of the B-24's bomb the island.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) A few B-24's hit the port of Haiphong, French Indochina.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In French Indochina, 3 B-24's bomb the Haiphong harbor area, 3 bomb shipping in the Campha Port area, and 8 pound positions and barracks area at Kunlong, China; and P-40's strafe traffic between Lao Kay and Cha Pa, and hit oil storage area SW of Lao Kay.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-24's and B-17's attack Kahili Airfield, hitting revetments E and W of the strip. In the Solomon Islands during the day, USAAF and USMC pilots shoot down eleven Zero's and a Betty bomber.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20's and B-25's blast positions in the battle zone from Nassau Bay inland to the Mubo area, hitting the trail ketween Logui and Kennedy's Crossing, the Bobdubi and Bobdubi Ridge areas, Salamaua, Kela Point and villages scattered through the area. Other B-25's bomb Penfoei on Timor. B-17's and B-24's pound airfields in the Rabaul area. B-17F "Black Jack" 41-24521 ditches near Boga Boga. Lost is P-38G piloted by Neater.
The 19th Bombardment Squadron, 22d BG (Medium) transfers with B-26's from Woodstock to Dobodura. The 19th, which has been in combat in the SWPA since Apr 42, was pulled out of combat in Jan 43 for R&R. The squadron will fly it's first combat mission on this tour on 27 Jul 43.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In French Indochina, 7 B-24's attack docks and shipping at Campha Port, shipping at Ha Long Bay, and railroad yards, power plant, and warehouses at Hongay. The B-24's claim critical damage to 2 freighters; and P-40's strafe trucks S of Ha Giang. The flight of the 9th Photographic Squadron (Light), Tenth Air Force operating from Kunming, China and it's detachment operating from Kweilin,
China with F-4's return to their base at Pandaveswar, India. The 21st Photographic Squadron, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group dispatches a flight with F-5's from Bishnupur, India to Kunming and Kweilin, China.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) 10 B-25's attack Vila Airfield, which is hit later in the day by B-24's on armed reconnaissance. 17 B-24's pound the airfield on Ballale. Several fighters join US Navy dive bombers in strikes on AA and bivouacs in the Munda area.
In the Solomons, USAAF and USMC pilots shoot down six Zero's over New Georgia and Rendova during the day. A USAAF P-38 Lightning pilot shoots down a Betty bomber at 2000 hours.

USN - Lost is PBY Catalina 08246

RAAF - Lost is Beaufort A9-225 off Bougainville.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) 13 B-24's bomb airfields and the town area in Rabaul, New Britain Island and vicinity. In the Moluccas Islands, 2 B-25's hit Lingat Airfield and Selaroe Island villages. A lone B-17 bombs Garove Island in the Bismarck Archipelago.

NEW GEORGIA: USN Task Group 36.1 under Rear Admiral Walden L. Ainsworth engages IJN forces under Rear Admiral Izaki Shunji during the Battle of Kolombangara. The Allied forces consist of the light cruisers HMNZS Leander, USS Honolulu and USS St. Louis and ten destroyers; the Japanese force consists of the light cruiser HIJMS Jintsu and five destroyers.
The battle began at 0110 hours local when the Allied ships opened fire; HIJMS Jintsu is sunk by gunfire and torpedoes and the destroyer HIJMS Yukikaze is damaged. But four Japanese destroyers, waiting for the Allied ships to turn, launch 31 torpedoes at the formation. USS Honolulu, USS St. Louis and the destroyer USS Gwin, maneuvering to bring their main batteries to bear on the enemy, turn right into the path of the deadly "long lance" torpedoes. USS Honolulu is struck by a torpedo on the starboard side at 0211 hours causing hull damage; USS St. Louis took a torpedo which hit well forward and twisted her bow, but caused no serious casualties; and USS Gwin received a torpedo hit amidships in her engine room. USS Gwin is scuttled by another destroyer; 61 men perish on the ship.
Interesting note to this action: It should also be noted that light cruiser HMNZS LEANDER was torpedoed and seriously damaged. Her Commander (second-in-command) was Commander Stephen W. Roskill RN, who later wrote the official history of the Royal Navy in the war, "The War at Sea."

In the first mission of its kind in the South Pacific theater, 12 USMC SBD Dauntlesses attack Japanese positions within 1,000 yards (914 m) of U.S. Army infantry positions on New Georgia Island.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) 16 B-25's lay mines in the Irrawaddy River, Burma.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-17's and B-24's, operating individually, bomb the airfield, town area, harbor, and other targets in the Lae area; B-25's blast positions in the Salamaua area, along the road between Kela and MacDonald's Junction, and hit AA guns at Salamaua and MacDonald's Junction; and ground forces clear the Mubo area and Lababia Ridge of the enemy. HQ 375th Troop Carrier Group arrives at Brisbane, Queensland, Australia from the US.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) In the Solomon Islands, B-25's and P-40's strike small craft in Hunda Cove and Beagle Channel off New Georgia Island; 2 barges and a small vessel are claimed destroyed. B-24's and B-17's pound airfields on Ballale and Buka Island, and at Kahili.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, A-20's bomb and strafe the Orodubi area; and a single B-17 hits Lae. B-24's bomb Koepang on Timor Island. P-39 piloted by Dannacher force lands.

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutian Islands, 1 B-24 and 2 P-39's fly reconnaissance over Kiska and Segula Islands. 9 B-24's and 14 B-25's bomb Kiska Island targets including AA batteries at North Head, Jeff Cove and Gertrude Cove. Fires are started. 1 bomber turns back with 3 engines and jettisons bombs, another crashes on return. AA fire damages a B-25.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) The 71st Liaison Squadron is activated at Ondal, India, assigned to the Tenth Air Force. The squadron will be equipped with L-4's and L-5's and enter combat in Oct 43.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) In the Solomon Islands, B-25's, P-40's, and P-38's strafe 2 barges NE of Ganongga Island, leaving them sinking. A large enemy force, estimated at 27 bombers and 40-50 Zekes, is intercepted over Vella Lavella Island by USAAF and other Allied fighters, which claim 15 bombers and 30 Zekes destroyed, against 3 losses.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, A-20's hit positions along the Orodubi-Komiatum Track.

NEW GEORGIA: US General Griswold replaces General Hester on New Georgia, in the Solomon Islands.
40 Japanese aircraft are lost in a battle of Rendova in the Solomon Islands while the US forces lose only 3.
AMPLIFYING THE ABOVE:
In the last Japanese attempt to mount an air attack against Allied forces in the central Solomon Islands, the IJN dispatches an estimated 27 Bettys and 40-50 Zero's fighters to attack shipping and ground targets between 1430 and 1530 hours; they are met over Rendova Island by USAAF P-40s, USMC Corsairs and USN Wildcats. The U.S. forces shoot down 15 "Bettys" and 30 "Zekes" with the loss of just three U.S. aircraft.