February, 1943

No. 267 February 1, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

1. On January 28th, U. S. troops on Guadalcanal Island killed 62 Japanese and took 22 prisoners.

2. On January 29th:

(a) During the early afternoon, a force of Marauder medium bomb (Martin B-26) attacked enemy positions on Kolombangara Island.

(b) During the evening, Marauders bombed the enemy-held area at Munda on New Georgia Island.

3. On January 30th, during the morning, a force of Marauder medium bombers, with Airacobra escort (Bell P-39), bombed enemy positions at Munda on New Georgia Island.

No. 268 February 2, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 26th:

U. S. Army planes bombed and scored near hits on a Japanese cargo ship at Tarawa Island in the Gilbert group.

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2. On January 30th:

(a) During the morning, Marauder medium bombers (Martin B-26) attacked enemy positions at Munda.

(b) During the afternoon, Marauders and Flying Fortress heavy bombers (Boeing B-I7) carried out a second attack on enemy installations at Munda. Fires were started as the result ofhits in the enemy areas.

3. On January 31st:

A U. S. destroyer shelled a number of enemy barges off Cape Esperance on Guadalcanal Island.

4. On February 1st:

(a) During the morning, a force of dive bombers and Avenger torpedo planes (Grumman TBF) with Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort, bombed the enemy-held area at Munda. Two dive bombers failed to return.

(b) During the morning, a force of Flying Fortresses, with Warhawk (Curtiss P-40) and Lightning (Lockheed P-38) escort bombed a large Japanese cargo ship off Shortland Island. Three direct hits were scored. All U. S. planes returned, although three of the fighters had suffered damage from antiaircraft fire.

(c) A second wave of Flying Fortresses, which had been dispatched to attack shipping in the Buin-Shortland area, was attacked by 20 enemy Zeros. Three of our planes are missing and a fourth returned badly damaged.

(d) U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal continued to advance slowly toward the west.

North Pacific (Washington, D. C. dates used).

5. On January 31st:

Two Japanese float-type Zeros bombed U. S. positions in the western Aleutians. No damage was suffered.

6. On February 1st:

Japanese planes attacked U. S. surface units and shore positions in the western Aleutians. No damage to ships or shore installations resulted.

No. 269 February 2, 1943

South Pacific.

1. During the last several days there have been a number of surface and air actions between U. S. and Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands.

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2. The increased activity on the part of the Japanese indicates a major effort to regain control of the entire Solomon area.

3. Both U. S. and Japanese forces have suffered some losses. To reveal, at this time, details of these engagements would endanger the success of our future operations in this area.

No. 270 February 3, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 1st, U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal continued their advance to the west and crossed the Bonegi River, one-half mile east of Tassafaronga. Stiff enemy resistance was encountered and 60 Japanese were killed.

2. Air and surface engagements between U. S. and enemy forces in the Guadalcanal area of the Solomon Islands are continuing. The military situation does not permit publication of further details at this time.

No. 271 February 4, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of February 1st-2d, Japanese planes, in groups of from one to four planes, bombed U. S. positions on Guadalcanal Island.

2. On February 2d:

(a) U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal Island continued the advance to the west and occupied elevated positions west of the Bonegi River. Considerable enemy equipment was captured and 39 Japanese were killed.

(b) A U. S. fighter strafed enemy barges near Aruligo Point about 4 miles southeast of Cape Esperance on Guadalcanal.

(c) During the evening, a force of Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas) and Avenger torpedo planes (Grumman TBF) attacked Munda causing explosions and starting several fires.

(d) During the night of February 2d-3d, Japanese planes again bombed U. S. positions on Guadalcanal.

3. Details concerning recurrent engagements between U. S. air and surface forces and those of the enemy will not be announced as long as such information might jeopardize the safety of our forces in the area of operations.

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No. 272 February 5, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the morning of February 4th, a force of Dauntless Dive bombers (Douglas) bombed Japanese positions at Munda, on New Georgia Island.

2. U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal Island advanced along the north coast to a position one-half mile northwest of Tassafaronga.

3. Sporadic encounters between U. S. and Japanese air and surface forces in the Solomon Islands area continue.

No. 273 February 6, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On February 4th:

(a) A U. S. plane destroyed a Japanese plane during a reconnaissance mission.

(b) During the afternoon, five enemy float-type planes bombed U. S. positions in the western Aleutians. No damage was suffered.

(c) During the night of February 4th-5th, Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B-24) and Mitchell medium bombers (North American B-25), with fighter escort, bombed Japanese positions at Kiska. Three of the five float-type Zeros which intercepted were shot down. All U. S. planes returned.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On February 3d:

(a) U. S. planes raided Japanese positions at Munda, on New Georgia Island, during the morning and again during the evening. Results were not reported.

(b) During the morning, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with fighter escort, bombed enemy positions on Kolombangara Island in the New Georgia group.

3. On February 4th:

(a) A Flying Fortress on a search mission was attacked by three Zeros. One Zero was shot down and the damaged Fortress returned to its base.

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(b) U. S. troops on Guadalcanal Island continued to advance along the northwest coast of the island. Enemy resistance was weak and some Of our patrols reached points one and one-half miles past Tassafaronga near the Umasani River.

No. 274 February 7, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 6th:

(a) During the morning, small groups of U. S. planes bombed enemy positions on Kolombangara Island in the New Georgia group.

(b) During the evening, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas) with Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort bombed Munda on New Georgia Island. All U. S. planes returned.

2. U. S. forces have established a strong position at Titi, one-half mile west of Marovovo on the northwest coast of Guadalcanal Island. Patrol operations are progressing satisfactorily.

No. 275 February 9, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 7th and 8th, U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal Island lengthened the forward line along the Umasani River. Consolidation of our recently established position at Titi was completed. Thirty-four Japanese were killed and 1 prisoner was taken during these operations.

2. On February 8th, U. S. air forces bombed Japanese positions at Munda on New Georgia Island.

No. 276 February 10, 1943

North Pacific.

1. on February 8th, Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B-24) and Mitchell medium bombers (North American B-25) dropped bombs on the enemy camp area at Kiska and on installations at North Head. Seven float-type Zeros were observed on the water but no attempt intercept was made. All U. S. planes returned.

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South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On February 9th:

(a) Airacobra fighters (Bell P-39) strafed and sank an enemy barge off Hooper Bay in the northern Russell Islands. A number of floating drums of fuel oil were destroyed in the same vicinity.

(b) During the evening, a force of Marauder medium bombers (Martin B-26), with Airacobra and Lightning (Lockheed P-38) escort, bombed Japanese positions on Kolombangara Island in the New Georgia group. Results were not reported.

(c) During the evening, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Lightning and Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort, attacked Japanese positions at Munda on New Georgia Island. A large fire was started.

(d) U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal Island advanced to positions one-half mile west of the Segilau River in the vicinity of Doma Cove. On the northwest coast of the island U. S. troops advanced to the northeast as far as Visale. No opposition was encountered. A large amount of enemy equipment was captured.

No. 277 February 11, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On February 10th:

(a) During the morning, U. S. heavy and medium bombers, with fighter escort, bombed Japanese positions at Kiska. Many hits on enemy installations were observed.

(b) A single enemy float-type plane attacked U. S. surface units in the western Aleutians. No damage was suffered.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. Japanese forces on Guadalcanal Island have ceased all organized resistance. Patrol operations against isolated enemy groups continue.

3. During the night of February 9th-10th, a Catalina patrol bomber (Consolidated PBY) attacked enemy positions at Munda.

4. On February 10th:

(a) U. S. planes attacked enemy positions at Munda. Results were not reported.

(b) A reconnaissance plane from Guadalcanal shot down a twin-engine Japanese bomber over Choiseul Island.

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No. 278 February 12, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 11th:

(a) During the morning, a force of Marauder medium bombers (Martin B-26), with Airacobra (Bell P-39) and Lightning (Lockheed P-38) escort, attacked Japanese positions at Munda. Bomb hits started fires in the target area.

(b) During the evening, Marauders, with Airacobra and Lightning escort, bombed enemy positions on Kolombangara Island. A large fire was started and one enemy plane was shot down.

No. 279 February 13, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 12th:

(a) During the early morning, a U. S. plane dropped bombs in the Japanese-occupied area at Munda on New Georgia Island.

(b) Later in the morning, a force of Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Wildcat (Grumman F4F) and Lightning (Lockheed P-38) escort, again attacked enemy installations at Munda. A gun position was destroyed and fires were started.

(c) During the afternoon, U. S. planes carried out a third attack against enemy positions in the Munda area. Marauder medium bombers (Martin B-26), with Airacobra (Bell P -39) escort, dropped bombs in the target area.

(d) During the early morning, U. S. planes attacked an enemy positions on Kolombangara Island. Results were not reported.

(e) All U. S. planes returned from the above attack missions

No. 280 February 14, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 13th U. S. planes attacked Japanese shore positions and shipping in the Shortland Island area of the Solomons. The attack was opposed by 45 enemy Zeros and heavy antiaircraft fire. U. S. planes shot down 8 Zeros and scored a bomb hit on an enemy cargo ship. Four U. S. Planes were shot down by enemy planes and 2 were destroyed by enemy antiaircraft fire.

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2. During the final offensive on Guadalcanal Island, which was begun on January 15th, U. S. troops killed 6,066 Japanese and took 127 prisoners.

No. 281 February 15, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On February 13th:

(a) During the night, a force of Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B-24) and Mitchell medium bombers (North American B-25), with Lightning (Lockheed P-38) escort, attacked Japanese positions at Kiska. Hits were scored in the target area and three of the five Zeros which intercepted were shot down.

(b) An enemy reconnaissance plane was shot down in the vicinity of U. S. positions in the western Aleutians.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On February 14th:

(a) During the morning, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas) and Avenger torpedo planes (Grumman TBF), with Airacobra (Bell P-39) and Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort, attacked Munda, on New Georgia island. A large fire was started. All U. S. planes returned.

(b) Later in the day, a force of Airacobras and Wildcats strafed enemy positions at Munda.

(c) At noon, a number of Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated PB4Y), with Corsair (Vought-Sikorsky F4U) and Lightning escort, attacked and scored 3 bomb hits on a large Japanese cargo ship near Buin in the Shortland Island area. About 25 or 30 enemy planes intercepted the attack and 11 of the enemy planes were shot down. Two U. S. bombers and 6 fighters failed to return.

(d) Ground activities on Guadalcanal Island were confined to patrolling and policing.

No. 282 February 16, 1943

The following is a summary of naval operations in the South Pacific from January 29 to February 4. (All dates are east longitude):

1. During the latter part of January, U. S. reconnaissance planes located heavy Japanese fleet units, including battleships and aircraft carriers, in the waters between Truk and the Solomon Islands. Simultaneously

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reports were received of large groups of enemy destroyers in the Solomon Islands and an unusually heavy concentration of enemy aircraft at all of the Japanese bases in the Solomon Islands-New Britain area.

2. It appeared possible that the Japanese Fleet might accept a decisive battle. Subsequent events indicate however that the enemy was solely concerned with evacuation of troops from Guadalcanal and interference with the movements of U. S. troop transports which were landing soldiers Guadalcanal shortly before the collapse of enemy resistance on the island. There were no actions between heavy forces. Active operations of enemy surface forces were confined mainly to movements of destroyer detachments under heavy air cover between Guadalcanal and enemy bases in the northern Solomons.

3. During the evening of January 29th, a force of U. S. cruisers and destroyers, which was covering transport movements and operating about 70 miles to the south of Guadalcanal in the vicinity of Rennell Island, was attacked by enemy torpedo planes. The U. S. S. Chicago was hit by torpedoes and severely damaged. The damaged cruiser was taken in tow by another cruiser and later was turned over to a tug for towing.

4. The following day, January 30th, in the afternoon, the Chicago was again attacked by 13 enemy torpedo planes and as a result of this attack was sunk. U. S. aircraft shot down 12 of the 13 enemy planes, but not in time to ward off the attack on the Chicago. Personnel casualties were not large and the next of kin of those killed, wounded, and missing, have been notified.

On January 31st, a force of U. S. bombers and fighters attacked an enemy formation of one destroyer, one corvette and one large cargo vessel in the Vella Gulf. The three enemy vessels were left dead in the water, burning and listing.

6. On February 1st, a force of U. S. dive bombers, torpedo planes and fighters attacked an enemy formation of four destroyers in the northern Solomons area. Two of the destroyers were believed sunk and a third was left burning.

7. U. S. aircraft were attacked by 10 Zeros, 2 of which were shot down. Two U. S. fighter planes were lost in the attack.

8. In air combat at least 20 planes were destroyed in the Guadalcanal area during the day. Ten U. S. planes were lost.

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9. During the afternoon of February 1st, a force of enemy dive bombers, escorted by Zeros, attacked and sank a U. S. destroyer between Cape Esperance and Savo Island. The next of kin of casualties will be notified by telegram as soon as information is received.

10. During the night of February 1st-2d, an enemy force of about 20 destroyers approached Guadalcanal. They were attacked by U. S. motor torpedo boats and at least 1 destroyer was sunk and 2 others are believed to have been sunk. Three U. S. motor torpedo boats were lost.

11. On the morning of February 2d, a force of Dauntless dive bombers and Avenger torpedo planes attacked 16 enemy destroyers northeast of Kolombangara in the New Georgia group. One bomb hit was scored on an enemy destroyer and a near hit on another. One Avenger was damaged by antiaircraft fire.

12. During the evening of February 2d, a force of Flying Fortresses, escorted by Lightnings and Warhawks, scored hits on a large enemy cargo ship off Shortland Island. The vessel was left burning and listing. Our planes were attacked by 20 enemy fighters. Nine or Possibly 10 enemy planes were shot down. All U. S. planes returned.

13. During the afternoon of February 4th, a force of U. S. torpedo planes, dive bombers, and fighters attacked an enemy formation of 20 destroyers about 200 miles northwest of Guadalcanal. One destroyer was sunk and another was badly damaged. An enemy destroyer was later observed burning. In this attack 7 Zeros were shot down and 5 others were probably destroyed. Four U. S. torpedo planes, one bomber and one fighter were lost. In a second attack, Dauntless dive bombers, escorted by Wildcats and Warhawks, attacked 18 enemy destroyers which were covered by 25 Zeros. Two hits were scored on 1 destroyer and 1 hit on another. Ten enemy Zeros were shot down and 2 others were probably destroyed. Three U. S. fighters and 1 dive bomber were lost.

14. The above account includes all known U. S. and Japanese losses.

15. Events subsequent to February 4th centered around the collapse of Japanese resistance on Guadalcanal as has been announced in previous communiqués.

NOTE: (1) Partial accounts of some of the above described actions have appeared in press dispatches originating in the South Pacific but have not been announced previously in any Navy Department communiqué.

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No. 283 February 16, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 7th, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort, attacked a Japanese surface force near Rendova Island in the New Georgia group. Bomb hits were scored on two enemy destroyers and two and possibly three of the Zeros, which were protecting the destroyers, were shot down.

2. On February 15th:

(a) During the morning, a force of Marauder medium bombers (Martin B-26), with Airacobra (Bell P-39) and Warhawk (Curtiss P-40) escort, bombed Japanese positions and started fires on Kolombangara Island in the New Georgia group.

(b) Later in the morning, Dauntless dive bombers and Avenger torpedo planes (Grumman TBF), with Wildcat escort, attacked enemy positions at Munda, on New Georgia Island.

(c) During the afternoon, Dauntless dive bombers and Avengers, with Wildcat and Corsair (Vought F4U) escort, carried out a second attack on Munda.

(d) No U. S. planes were lost during the above attack missions, although some damage was suffered as a result of enemy antiaircraft fire.

No. 284 February 17, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

1. On February 15th:

(a) During the evening, three U. S. planes were dispatched to attack Japanese positions in the Shortland Island area. One of the planes dropped bombs on enemy positions on Ballale Island. One U. S. plans failed to return.

(b) During the evening, a Liberator heavy bomber (Consolidated), with escort, attacked the Japanese airfield at Kahili on the coast of Bougainville Island. One of the escorting planes return.

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No. 285 February 17, 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 medium-sized tanker sunk.

(b) One medium-sized transport sunk.

(d) One escort vessel sunk.

(e) One cruiser damaged and probably sunk.

(f) One medium-sized cargo ship damaged.

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

No. 286 February 18, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 17th:

(a) Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Airacobra (Bell P-39) and Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort, bombed and started fires in the Japanese-held area at Munda on New Georgia Island.

(b) During the night of February 17th-18th, U. S. aircraft bombed enemy positions on Kolombangara Island.

No. 287 February 20, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On February 18th:

(a) U. S. surface forces bombarded Japanese positions at Holtz Bay and at Chichagof Harbor on Attu Island. Results were not observed.

(b) U. S. aircraft shot down two Japanese float planes which attempted to attack U. S. positions in the western Aleutians. No damage or casualties were suffered.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On February 19th, U. S. aircraft bombed Japanese positions at Vila, on the southern coast of Kolombangara Island and at Munda, on New Georgia Island. All U. S. planes returned.

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No. 288 February 21, 1943

1. The U. S. submarine Argonaut has failed to return from patrol operations and must be presumed to be lost. The next of kin of personnel in the Argonaut have been so informed.

North Pacific.

2. On February. 20th a U. S. naval unit operating in the western Aleutians engaged and sank a Japanese supply ship.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

3. On February 19th and 20th U. S. aircraft executed a number of bombing attacks on Japanese airfields at Vila, on Kolombangara Island and at Munda on New Georgia Island. Large fires were started and hits were scored on antiaircraft installations. One U. S. plane failed to return from these attack missions.

4. The U. S. destroyer, which was announced in Navy Department Communiqué No. 282 as having been sunk on February 1st, 1943, by Japanese air attack, south of Savo Island, was the U. S. S. De Haven. The next of kin of those killed, wounded, and missing have been notified.

No. 289 February 22, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 21st, Avenger torpedo planes (Grumman TBF) and Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Warhawk (Curtiss P-40) and Corsair (Vought F4U) escort, bombed Japanese positions at Munda on New Georgia Island. Fires were started in the target area. One U. S. fighter failed to return.

No. 290 February 23, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On February 22d, during the morning, Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B-24) and Mitchell medium bombers (North American B-25), with Lightning (Lockheed P-38) escort, bombed Japanese positions at Kiska. All U. S. planes returned.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On February 22d, during the early morning, Liberator heavy bombers attacked Japanese positions at Vila, on Kolombangara Island and at Munda, on New Georgia Island. Results of the bombing at Vila were

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not observed but fires were started in the Munda area. All U. S. planes returned.

No. 291 February 24, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

1. On February 21st:

(a) During the morning Japanese planes carried out a light raid on U. S. positions on Espiritu Santo Island in the New Hebrides.

(b) During the afternoon, Avenger torpedo planes (Grumman TBF) and Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with fighter escort, attacked Japanese positions at Munda. Several fires were started in the target area.

(c) During the night of February 21st-22d, Japanese planes raided U. S. positions at Tulagi in the Nggela group of the Solomon Islands.

2. On February 22d:

(a) A U. S. search plane, operating near Choiseul Island, scored bomb hits on an enemy barge loaded with Japanese soldiers.

(b) During the late afternoon, Airacobras (Bell P-39), Corsairs (Vought F4U) and Lightnings (Lockheed P-38) strafed enemy positions at Rekata Bay on the northern shore of Santa Isabel Island.

3. On February 23d, during the early morning, an enemy plane dropped bombs on the airfield at Guadalcanal.

4. During the night of February 23d-24th, Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated PB4Y) bombed enemy positions at Vila and at Munda in the New Georgia group. All U. S. planes returned.

No. 292 February 26, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On February 23d, U. S. bombers, with fighter escort, attacked Japanese positions at Kiska. Clouds prevented observation of results.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On February 25th:

(a) Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Lightning (Lockheed P-38) and Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort, bombed Japanese positions at Vila, on Kolombangara Island. Fires were started in the target area.

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(b) Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated) attacked enemy positions at Kahili and at Faisi in the Shortland Island area.

No. 293 February 27, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On February 25th, U. S. bombers, with fighter escort, attacked Japanese positions at Kiska.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On February 26th, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort, attacked Japanese positions at Munda. Many fires were started and at least one plane was destroyed on the ground.

No. 294 February 28, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 27th:

(a) During the afternoon, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Wildcat escort (Grumman F4F), bombed Japanese positions at Munda, on New Georgia Island. One large and two small fires were started. All U. S. planes returned.

(b) During the afternoon, Dauntless dive bombers, with Corsair (Vought F4U), Lightning (Lockheed P-38), and Warhawk (Curtiss P-40) escort, attacked a Japanese transport, with an escort of two Corvettes, off Vella Lavella Island, the westernmost island of the New Georgia group. Several bomb hits were scored on the transport which was left burning. One of the Corvettes was hit and left burning and one float-type Zero was shot down. Two U. S. fighters failed to return.