USAAF Combat Operations 1941

USAAF Worldwide Operations Chronology
                COMBAT CHRONOLOGY OF THE US ARMY AIR FORCES
                             
JANUARY 1943


AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  
  FRIDAY, 1 JANUARY 1943

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force):  
  In Burma, six B-25s attack the railroad bridge near Myitnge, claiming
several hits on the target.  The nearby airfield is alos bombed.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):  In Tunisia, 15 B-24s of the
98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) strike the harbor at Tunis hitting the 
turning basin, the area just southwest of it, and nearby rail junction.  A 
few of the aircraft bomb the southwest and southeast of Sicily.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):  In Tunisia, B-17s hit the harbor 
at Tunis, while B-26s hit the marshaling yard.  B-25s on a mission against 
shipping near La Goulette abort due to weather.  Fighters escort bomber 
missions and C-47 transport runs and carry out routine patrols.
    HQ 52d Fighter Group, and it's subordinate 2d, 4th and 5th Fighter 
Squadrons with Spitfires, moves from La Senia to Orleansville, Algeria.
    HQ 82d Fighter Group is established at Telergma, Algeria upon arrival
from Northern Ireland.  The subordinate squadrons, the 95th, 96th and 97th
Fighter Squadrons with P-38s, move from Tafaroui to Telergma, Algeria.
    HQ 310th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's subordinates, the 379th, 
380th, 381st and 428th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-25s, move from 
Telergma to Berteaux, Algeria.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  B-24s and B-17s bomb the airfields at Rabaul, New Britain Island and Gasmata
Island in the Bismarck Archipelago and Lae, New Guinea and attack shipping
at Rabaul.

SATURDAY, 2 JANUARY 1942

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  Bf 109, Messerschmidtt
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  DB-7, Douglas Boston Mk III
  OA-10, Consolidated Catalina
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aluetian Islands, three B-25s, three B-26s and eight P-38s heading
for Kiska are forced back by bad wether.  The weather aircraft cannot see
into Kiska Harbor or Gertrude Cove.  Two B-24s fly photographic
reconnaissance over Amchitka and encounter poor weather.  An OA-10
unsuccessfully searches the islands east of Segula for a missing OA-10.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, China Air Task Force fighters continue to hit transportation 
targets, strafing a truck convoy on the Burma Road.  The strikes begin near 
Loiwing and cover 30 miles of highway.  At least five trucks are destroyed 
and others damaged.  Six B-25s bomb Monywa Airfield.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Four radar-equipped B-24s of the 329th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 93d
Bombardment Group (Heavy) fly a "moling" or intruder, mission aimed at 
harassing the enemy in weather unsuitable for large missions by alerting 
air-raid crews in the area north of the Ruhr.  The 329th has been in
training for these operations since 14 Dec.  This mission and two subsequent  
missions in Janauary are foiled by clear weather over the target area.
  Twenty Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group are dispatched on fighter
patrols.
  HQ 2d Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy) with B-24s is established at St.
Eval, England upon arrival from the U.S.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):  In Crete, B-25s of the 12th
Bombardment Group (Medium) bomb the airfield at Heraklion while B-24s of
the 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy) hit the airfield at Kastelli/Pediada.
Twenty fighters and a few bombers are destroyed on the ground.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):  In Tunisia, B-17s bomb the 
harbor  and shipping at La Goulette.  Escorting P-38s and Bf 109s engage in 
air  battle, each side losing two aircraft.  A-20s and DB-7s, with fighter 
escorts,  consecutively raid Sousse harbor.  DB-7s again hit the harbor.  
B-26s with fighter protection, the the bridge north of El Djem.  Fighters 
fly escort, patrol and reconnaissance missions, attacking enemy vehicles and 
aircraft.  Several trucks and fighters are claimed destroyed.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area)
  B-17s with P-38s bomb destroyers 30 miles south of Shortland Island
without loss.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  A-20s, B-24s, B-25s and B-26s hit the airfield and targets of opportunity
at Lae, New Guinea and Gasmata Island, Bismarck Archipelago.  On the
ground, Buna Mission, New Guinea is finally overrun by Australian and US
forces.

SUNDAY, 3 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  Baltimore, Martin
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  F-4, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Sixth Air Force)
  The 30th Fighter Squadron, 37th Fighter Group with P-40s, moves from 
Chorrera to Anton, Panama.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  The 9th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Tenth Air Force with F-4s,
moves from Chakulia to Pandaveswar, India.  One flight is operating from
Kweilin, China.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Sixteen Spitfire Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly ship protection patrols.
  VIII Bomber Command Mission 28: The primary target is the St Nazaire
U-Boat base in France; this is the first attack on this installation since
23 Nov 42 and the heaviest attack to date against U-Boat bases.  The 1st
Bombardment Wing dispatches 85 B-17s of the 91st, 303, 305th and 306th 
Bombardment Groups (Heavy); the 4th Bombardment Wing dispatches 13 B-24s of 
the 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy); 60 B-17s and eight B-24s hit the target 
dropping 171 tons of bombs between 1130 and 1140 hours local.  Formation 
(instead of individual) precision bombing is used for the first time by the 
VIII Bomber Command, and considerable damage is done to the dock area.  The 
mission stats are:
  We claim 14 enemy aircraft shot down, 18 probably shot down and 4 damaged; 
we loose seven B-17s, three B-24s are damaged beyond repair, 44 B-17s and
three B-24s are damaged. Human casualties are 5 KIA, 29 WIA and 70 MIA.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):  In Greece, RAF Baltimores,
operating under the IX Bomber Command, bomb Suda Bay and Timbakion
Airfield.  A few of the aircraft also bomb Kapistri.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):  All XII Fighter Command units
in Tunisia, i.e., fighters and light bombers (A-20s and DB-7s), attack
tanks which, with infantry and artillery support, have overrun French
troops at Fondouk el Aouareb.  The fighters and light bombers attack the
tanks as they move west from Fondouk.  Several tanks are reported destroyed
or aflame and numerous other tanks and vehicles are damaged.  Spitfires
based in Algeria escrot C-47s on transport missions.
    The 91st Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group with P-39s, moves from
Fedala to Mediouna, French Morocco.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area)
  The 394th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-17s, based on Fiji, begins operating from Espiritu Santo Island, New
Hebrides and Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, P-40s strafe troops in the waters off Buna as US and
Australian ground forces are mopping up in the nearby BUna Missions area. 
B-26s, along with a single B-24, bomb Madang and an A-20 hits Salamaua.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, a lone B-24 strafes the airfield on Gasmata
Island.

MONDAY, 4 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  Bf 109, Messerschmitt
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  Ju 88, Junkers
  OA-10, Consolidated Catalina
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, six B-24s, three B-25s, three B-26s and ten P-40s en
route to Kiska, are forced back near Segula by snow squalls and low
ceiling.  The weather aircraft flies unsuccessful reconnaissance over
Kiska and photographic reconnaissance is flown over Amchitka.  An OA-10
investigates flares reported near Kagalaska Strait.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, heavy bombers from Gaya and Pandaveswar, India pound the
marshaling yard at Mandalay, halting the northbound flow of supplies. 
Tracks and cars in the southern half of the marshaling yard are heavily
bombed, causing fires visible for 70 miles.  Heavy bombers also damage a
15,000-ton transport at the mouth of the Rangoon River.  Meanwhile, one
B-25 and nine P-40s hit rail targets at Naba.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Twenty Sptifire Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly ship protection patrols.
  HQ 92d Bombardment Group (Heavy) moves from Bovingdon to Alconbury,
England. 

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):  In Tunisia, B-17s sent, in
two forces, to bomb Bizerte are forced to abort by heavy clouds over the
target.  B-25s hit the railroad yards at Kairouan while A-20s attack
Cherichera.  Fighters provide escort for the bombers and for C-47 transport
runs, and fly reconnaissance and patrol missions.
  The Luftwaffe sends six Ju 88s with Bf 109 cover to attack the Thelepte,
Tunisia airfield; they are intercepted by five P-40s of the 58th Fighter
Squadron, 33d Fighter Group which shoot down one Ju 88 and one Bf 109.
  The 35th Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier Group, based at
Blida, Algeria with C-47s, begins operating from Telergma, Algeria.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-26s pound the Sanananda Point area as preparations for
an allied offensive in that sector get underway.  A-20s and B-25s hit the
airfield and AA positions and buildings at Lae.
  B-24s, on single-plane flights, bomb the Lae, New Guinea airfield and
attack schooners off Gasmata Island and Cape Kwoi in the Bismarck
Archipelago.

TUESDAY, 5 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  Liberator, Consolidated
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  PBY, Consolidated Catalina
  Zeke, Mitsubishi A6M, Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, three B-25s sink a 6,500-ton cargo vessel previously
sighted by a PBY off Holtz Bay, where a weather and armed reconnaissance
B-24 with a direct bomb hits and sinks another freighter shortly
afterwards.  A B-24 flies photographic reconnaissance over Amchitka,
concentrating on Constantine Harbor.  A Kiska attack mission of six heavy
bombers, six medium bombers and 12 fighters is cancelled due to weather.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  The 490th and 491st Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 341st Bombardment 
Group (Medium) with B-25s move from Karachi to Ondal, India.  The units 
will enter combat on 10 Jan and 18 Feb 43 respectively.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Tunisia, B-24s of the 93d
Bombardment Group (Heavy) bomb Sousse harbor (clouds obscure the primary
target at Tunis).  RAF Liberators of No. 160 Squadron hit the harbors at
Tunis and Sousse during the night of 5/6 Jan.
  On the ground, a severe two-day storm on 4 and 5 Jan sharply decrease the
capacity of Bengasi port and forces the British Eighth Army to make a
greater use of the more distant port of Tobruk.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force): In an organizational change,
Allied Air Force is activated to have operational control of Allied air
units in Northwest Africa.  The new unit includes the USAAF Twelfth Air
Force, the RAF Eastern Air Command and such French air units as might be
assigned or attached to it.  The command serves under the direction of
Lieutenant General Dwight Eisenhower, Commander-in-Chief, Allied Forces. 
The USAAF system of area commands in Northwest Africa is reorganized.  HQ
Twelfth Air Force announces that the Moroccan, West Algerian and Central
Algerian Composite Wings (Provisional) are to be replaced by the 2d, 1st
and 3d Air Defense Wings, respectively, when they arrive in the theater.
  In Tunisia, B-17s, with a large P-38 escort, attack the Sfax power
station while fighter-escorted B-26s hit the Kairouan Airfield.  Other
fighters fly patrols, reconnaissance and C-47 escort.
  HQ 81st Fighter Group is established at Mediouna, French Morocco upon
arrival from the US.  The group's 92d Fighter Squadron with P-39s is
established at Port Lyautey, French Morocco.
  The 16th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 27th Bombardment Group (Light) with
A-20s moves from Barbe-du-Tlelat to Nouvion, Algeria.
  The 48th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group with P-38s moves from
Youks-les-Bains to Berteaux, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area)
  In Bougainville, Solomon Islands, B-17s with P-38 escort attack a cruiser
at Buin.  They are met by 25 Zekes and float biplanes; three Japanese
aircraft are shot down for the loss of two P-38s.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-26s again pound the Sanananda Point area as Australian
infantry and armored elements reach Soputa and US forces of the 128th
Infantry Regiment start northwest along the coast toward Tarakena as
preliminary moves to an all-out assault on Sanananda get under way. A-20s
and B-25s hit the airfield at Lae.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, six B-17s and six B-24s bomb the harbor, 
shipping and the airfield at Rabaul, New Britain Island.  Two B-17s are
lost, one taking Brigadier General Kenneth Walker, Commanding General V
Bomber Command to his death.

WEDNESDAY, 6 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-400, Bell Airacobra
  Zeke, Mitsubishi A6M, Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, reconnaissance is flown over Amchitka, the Semichis,
Agattu and Attu.  Flotsam sighted outside of Holtz Bay confirms that the
freighter bombed yesterday sank.  Six B-24s, six B-25s and 12 P-38s take
off to attack Kiska; the P-38s and one B-24 turn back due to weather.  The
B-25s find the target obscured and five Zekes waiting to intercept them,
whereupon they turn back without attacking.  The five remaining B-24s
circle Kiska without contacting enemy aircraft; one of the B-24s,
exploiting a break in the cloud cover, bombs the Kiska submarine base area
which the others then bomb through the clouds. 

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  The 325th, 326th, 327th and 407th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 92d 
Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-17s move from Bovingdon to Alconbury, 
England.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):  In Tunisia, A-20s, in two
forces, hit a military camp south of Kairouan while B-25s hit the Kairouan
railroad yards.  Fighters escort bombers, carry out patrols and
reconnaissance flights, and accompany C-47s on transport missions.
  HQ 350th Fighter Group and its 347th Fighter Squadron with P-39s and
P-400s is established at Oujda, French Morocco upon arrival from England. 
The group's 346th Fighter Squadron, which has been in French Morocco with
P-39s and P-400s since Nov 42, also moves to Oujda.  The 346th enters
combat in Jan 43.
  The 60th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group, with P-40s, moves from
Telergma to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.
  The 84th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light)
with A-20s moves from Mediouna, French Morocco to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria
and flies it first combat mission on 22 Jan.
  The 345th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group  with P-39s and P-400s
transfers from Casablanca, French Morocco to Oujda, French Morocco.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area)
  B-17s with P-38 and P-40 escorts attack a transport near Shortland Island
without loss.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-26s pound the forces in the Sanananda Point area; and
A-20s bomb Lae Airfield.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s, B-24s, B-26s and P-38s attack a
convoy heading southwest off the coast of New Britain heading for Lae, New
Guinea; a single B-24s bombs the airfield on Gasmata Island.

THURSDAY, 7 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  Oscar, Nakajima Ki-43, Army Type 1 Fighter Hayabusa
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Val, Aichi D3A, Navy Type 99 Carrier Bomber
  Zeke, Mitsubishi A6M, Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Sixth and Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, six B-25s and 12 P-38s dispatched to Kiska turn back
due to cloud cover.  Six B-24s circle over Kiska for two hours until four
can bomb the submarine base.  AA fire damages three of the attackers. 
Negative reconnaissance is flown over Amchitka, Kiska, Agattu and Attu. 
Photographs taken reveal use of smoke pots by the defenders and also
suggest construction of a fighter strip along the ridge south of Salmon
Lagoon.
  In Panama, the 53d Fighter Squadron, 32d Fighter Group moves with its
P-40s from France Field, Canal Zone to Chorrera, Panama.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In China, P-40s blast fuel storage facilities at Mangshih.
  In Burma, China Air Task Force aircraft begin a series of raids, lasting
through 10 Jan, during which they destroy trucks along the Burma Road,
barges on the Irrawaddy River and stores in the Bhamo area.
  The 493d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
moves with its B-24s from Karachi to Pandaveswar, India.  The squadron will
fly its first combat mission on 26 Jan.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):  In Sicily, 25 B-24s of the 93d,
98th and 376th Bombardment Groups (Heavy) are dispatched to hit the shipping
in Palermo harbor; weather reduces the force and only ten bomb the target
through broken clouds.
    In Greece, one B-24 on a special mission bombs Maiouli Quay at Piraeus.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):  An Allied Air Force General
Order makes the USAAF Twelfth Air Force responsible for air support of US
ground forces in North Africa and the RAF Eastern Air Command responsible
for support of the British First Army.  However, units are to be placed
under operational control of the other as the situation might dictate.
  In Tunisia, B-26s bomb the airfield and barracks at Gabes while A-20s
attack troop concentrations at Kairouan.  Fighters escort both raids and
also carry out several reconnaissance missions.
  HQ 33d Fighter Group moves from Telergma, Algeria to Thelepte, Tunisia.
  HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) moves from Mediouna, French Morocco to
Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.
  The 91st Bombardment Squadron (Light), 27th Bombardment Group (Light)
moves with its A-20s from Ste-Barbe-du-Tlelat to Nouvion, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area)
  In the Solomon Islands, B-17s bomb Bougainville Island; they are met by
twelve Zekes; two are shot down without any US losses.  B-26s with P-39
escort attack Rekata Bay on Santa Isabel Island; two US aircraft are lost.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  The Japanese convoy bound for Lae, New Guinea from New Britain is again
attacked by heavy, medium and light bombers and fighters, along with Royal
Australian Air Force planes, in the Solomon Sea off Finschhafen and during
its progress off the south coast of the Huon Peninsula through Huon Gulf to
Lae.  Despite the heavy air resistance, the convoy reaches its destination.
  Fighters also attack Lae Airfield.
  Richard I. Bong shoots down two Oscars, his third and fourth victories. 
His first two victories were a Val and a Zeke shot down on 27 Dec.

FRIDAY, 8 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  L-4, Piper Grasshopper
  Liberator, Consolidated
  Oscar, Nakajima Ki-43, Army Type 1 Fighter Hayabusa
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, a B-24 flies photographic reconnaissance over Amchitka.
Another B-24 aborts a weather run over Kiska because of instrument trouble.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, six P-40s bomb and strafe Watugyi and Nsopzup and strafe other
targets,  Six B-25s bomb the storage area at Bhamo.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Twelve Spitfire Mk Vs fly defensive patrols.
  The 107th Observation Squadron (originally a Michigan National Guard
unit), 67th Observation Group moves its Spitfires and L-4s from Aldermaston
to Membury, England.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):  In Tunisia, B-24s hit Tunis
after weather and engine trouble prevent a planned attack on Bizerte.  
  In Libya, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber 
Command, attack a rail junction near Tripoli

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):  In Tunisia, B-17s hit the
docks at Ferryville and the naval base at Bizerte.  B-25s hit bridges and
rail junctions at Graiba and at Kalaa Srira while B-26s hit Kairouan
Airfield.  The heavy and medium bombers are escorted by P-38s.  A-20s,
escorted by P-40s, bomb tank concentrations near Gabes.  Other fighters fly
numerous patrols and reconnaissance missions.
  The 59th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group moves with its P-40s from
Casablanca, French Morocco to Thelepte, Tunisia.
  The 443d and 444th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 320th Bombardment
Group (Medium) arrive at La Senia, Algeria from England with B-26s.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, heavy, medium and light bombers, with fighter cover, join
Royal Australian Air Force aircraft in continued pounding of the Japanese
convoy as it unloads about 4,000 reinforcements at Lae.  Enemy fighter
cover and Allied aircraft continue fierce aerial combat.
  Richard I. Bong shots down an Oscar, his 5th victory making him an Ace.

SATURDAY, 9 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  C-69, Lockheed Constellation
  Constellation, Lockheed
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  The first flight of the Lockheed Constellation, lasting 58 minutes, is
made from Lockheed Air Terminal, Burbank, California.  The aircraft,
Lockheed Model 49-46-10, serial number 049-1961, registered NX25600, is
flown by Eddie Allen.  Later today, the aircraft is flown to Muroc Flight
Test Base (now Edwards AFB), Muroc, California, for additional tests. 
After numerous tests, the aircraft is delivered to the USAAF (Lockheed says
28 Jul 43; the USAAF says 29 Jul 43) as C-69-LO, USAAF serial number
43-10309, and is immediately loaned back to Lockheed for further tests and
development; redesignated XC-69E in Jan 46 when re-engined.  The aircraft
is sold to Howard Hughes in mid-46 for $20,000; later sold to Lockheed in
May 50 for $100,000 with 404 hours on the airframe.  After years of being 
used for Constellation development work, the aircraft is sold to California
Airmotive in Dec 58 for spare parts; the nose section up to the leading
edge of the wings is used to repair another Connie; the remainder of the
aircraft is eventually scrapped.  (ANOTHER ONE LOST!!!, JEM)
  In the Aleutians, 50+ knot winds at Adak ground all missions.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, five B-25s, with an escort of nine P-40s, bomb Bhamo; other
fighters strafe targets of opportunity in the Wanling, Bhamo and Loiwing
areas.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Six Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group are dispatched to patrol the
coast line.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):  Twenty P-40s fly a cover
mission for the RAF.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):  In Libya, B-26s with fighter
escort, hit an airfield 10 miles south of Tripoli.
  In Tunisia, B-25s attack shipping off the northern Tunisian coast.
  HQ 14th Fighter Group and it 49th Fighter Squadron with P-38s move from 
Youks-les-Bains to Berteaux, Algeria.
  HQ 27th Bombardment Group (Light) and it's 17th Bombardment Squadron
(Light) with A-20s moves from Ste-Barbe-du-Tlelat to Nouvion, Algeria.
  The 85th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light)
with A-20s moves from Mediouna, French Morocco to Thelepte, Tunisia.  The
squadron flies its first combat mission tomorrow.
  The 441st and 442d Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 320th Bombardment 
Group (Medium) arrive at La Senia, Algeria from England with B-26s.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area)
  The 70th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 38th Bombardment Group (Medium)
based in Fiji begins operating its B-26s from Guadalcanal Island, Solomon
Islands.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, US heavy, medium and light bombers and fighters, along
with RAAF aircraft, continue to pound the convoy as it leaves Lae. 
Airfields, supply dumps and troop concentrations at Lae and at Salamaua are
also hit.  In four days of attacks on this convoy, two transport are sunk,
several vessels are damaged and about 80 aircraft are destroyed.

SUNDAY, 10 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  Bf 109, Messerschmidtt
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-70, Douglas
  SBD, Douglas Dauntless
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Sixth Air Force)
  The 24th Fighter Squadron, 16th Fighter Group with P-39s and P-70s
transfers from Albrook Field, Canal Zone to La Joya, Panama.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, six B-24s and B-25s jointly attack the Myitnge bridge, knocking
out a span and causing considerable damage to the entire target.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):  
    In Tunisia, B-24s forced by overcast to divert from the primary target 
of Bizerte, strike La Goulette, the seaport of the city of Tunis.  P-40s 
fly reconnaissance missions.
    The 82d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium)
with B-25s transfers from Gambut, Libya to Tmed El Chel, Libya.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):  
    In Tunisia, B-26s, with P-38 escort, attack the marshaling yard and oil 
tanks at Gabes.  B-26s, sent against Sousse, abort due to bad weather.  
A-20s with P-40 cover, hit the military camp at Kebili.  Fighters escort 
C-47 missions and fly reconnaissance and patrols.  One P-40, flown by Major
Philip Cochran, CO of the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group, bombs
and demolishes the Hotel Splendida, the German HQ in Kairouan.
    Seven Bf 109s bomb and strafe Thelepte Airfield.
    The 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group with Spitfire Mk Vs
begins operating from Casablanca, French Morocco instead of Tafaraoui,
Algeria to provide protection for the Casablanca Conference between 
Churchill and Roosevelt.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area)
  In the Solomon Islands, P-39s and SBDs support ground forces in the
Guadalcanal battle area.  A strongpoint and an ammunition dump are
destroyed.  B-26s attack Munda, New Georgia Island with the loss of one
aircraft.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  Allied aircraft operating over the Solomon Sea south of New Britain
Island continue to attack vessels of the Japanese convoy that departed Lae
yesterday.
  In New Guinea, supply dumps and AA positions in the Lae area are also
bombed.
  The 13th Bombardment Squadron (Dive), 3d Bombardment Group (Dive) with
B-25s transfers from Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia to Port
Moresby, New Guinea.

MONDAY, 11 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  Bf 109, Messerschmidtt
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  Liberator, Consolidated
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, fighters attack Bhamo, destroying barges, tugs, warehouses and
other port facilities.
  In China, the fighters also strafe fuel drums along the road between
Chefang and Mangshih and hit a truckful of soldiers near Ho-lu.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Two Spitfire Mk Vs from the 4th Fighter Group fly ship protection patrols.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Libya, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber
Command, bomb a road junction at Tripoli during the night of 10/11 Jan. 
P-40s fly reconnaissance and escort missions.
    In Italy, US B-24s hit the harbor at Naples.
    The 81st Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium)
with B-25s transfers from Gambut, Libya to Tmed El Chel, Libya.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Libya, B-17s bomb the fort and town of Gadames and attack the rail
bridge and highway bridge across the Oued el Akarit, NNW of Gabes, Tunisia. 
Escorting P-38s engage in a 25-minute combat with attacking fighters,
shooting down one and severely damaging another; two P-38s are lost.  
    In Tunisia, B-25s bomb shipping along the northeastern Tunisian coast; 
escorting P-38s claim three aircraft shot down.  
    Other fighters fly patrol and reconnaissance, and escort C-47 transport 
planes.
    Six Bf 109s with additional overhead cover strafe Thelepte Airfield.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area)
  In the Solomons, B-26s and P-39s hit the Munda, New Georgia area.

TUESDAY, 12 JANUARY 1942

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  Bf 109, Messerschmidtt
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  Ju 88, Junkers
  Liberator, Consolidated
  Mc 202, Macchi Folgore (Thunderbolt)
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, two B-24s cover a small US Army and Navy force landing
unopposed at Amchitka.  Two B-25s and four P-38 escorts alson on the cover
mission turn back due to weather.  Weather reconnaissance is flown over
Attu, Agatuu, Semichis and, lastly, over Kiska Harbor, where four ships are
observed.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Two Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group are used on a fighter patrol.
  The 12th Bombardment Wing, VIII Bomber Command transfers from Chelveston,
England to Marks Hall, England when all personnel and equipment are
transferred to other units.  This unit will remain a paper unit until being
disbanded in England on 9 Oct 44.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Libya, P-40s carry out three scramble interceptor missions claiming
two fighters shot down.  RAF Liberators, under operational control of the
IX Bomber Command, hit Tripoli.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Libya, 12 B-17s of the 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy) bomb the Castel 
Benito Airfield south of Tripoli, dropping 120 120-pound fragmentation
clusters and 75 500-pound and six 1,000-pound high explosive bombs claiming 
the destruction of at least 20 parked aircraft.  The heavy bombers claim 
destruction of 14 attacking Italian Mc 202 aircraft in aerial combat.
    Over the Mediterranean, B-25s sent to hit shipping in the Straits of
Sicily and in the Gulf of Gabes fail to find targets and return with their
bombs.
    In Tunisia, B-26s hit the bridges at La Hencha and Chaaba, completely
destroying one bridge.  Fighters fly patrols, reconnaissance, and C-47
escort, and strafe moored seaplanes and destroy numerous trucks during a
sweep over the Ben Gardane area. 
    Seven Ju 88s and five Bf 109s attack Thelepte Airfield.
    HQ XII Fighter Command transfers from Tebessa to La Senia, Algeria.
    The 92d Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group with P-39s transfers from
Mediouna, French Morocco to Thelepte, Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area)
  In the Solomons, B-26s, P-38s, P-39s and P-40s attack Munda, New Georgia
with the loss of two B-26s.  Other P-39s hit targets on Guadalcanal. 

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-24s, in single-plane actions, bomb the Finschhafen and
Madang areas.

WEDNESDAY, 13 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  Baltimore, Martin
  Boston, Douglas
  Ju 88, Junkers
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-47, Republic Thunderbolt
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, three bombers and four fighters are in the air.  The
weather reconnaissance aircraft returns west of Kiska due to high winds. 
Constantine Harbor is patrolled until weather forces aircraft to return. 
An attack on Kiska is cancelled.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission 29: The primary targets are the steel and
locomotive works and marshaling yard at Lille, France.  The 1st Bombardment
Wing dispatches 72 B-17s; 64 drop 125 tons of bombs on the targets between
1427 and 1430 hours local.  Locomotive construction and repair work is
seriously imparied.
  We claim 3 enemy aircraft destroyed, 4 probably destroyed and 5 damaged; 
three B-17s are lost, 15 are damaged; human casualties are 2 KIA, 9 WIA 
and 30 MIA.
  Sixteen B-24s of the 4th Bombardment Wing fly a diversionary raid.
  Escort for the raid plus two raids by RAF Bostons against St Omer, France
is provided by 69 Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group.  They claim 3
destroyed, 4 probably destroyed and 5 damaged; one Spitfire is lost.  One
Spitfire is forced down at Tangmere due to engine failure and sustained
major damage.
  Two other Spitfire Mk Vs also flew an uneventful fighter patrol.
  HQ 56th Fighter Group and its subordinate 61st and 62d Fighter Squadrons
are established at Kings Cliffe, Northamptonshire, England upon arrival from 
the US; the 63d Fighter Squadron is established at Wittering, 
Northamptonshire.  The group will be equipped with P-47C-2 and P-47C-5 
aircraft in Feb.
  The ground echelon of the 1st Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy) joins the
air echelon at St Eval, Cornwall, England.  The air echelon with B-24s has 
been operating from St Eval since 10 Nov 42.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Libya, weather prevents B-24s from attacking Tripoli and also causes
B-25s sent to bomb Bir Dufan to abort.  P-40s fly cover for RAF Baltimores.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    Over the Mediterranean, B-25s, with P-38 escort, bomb a partially
sunken freighter between Tunisia and Sicily.
    In Tunisia, fighters fly uneventful reconnaissance and patrol missions.
    Five Ju 88s drop 40 bombs on Thelepte Airfield.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  The Thirteenth Air Force and its subordinate XIII Bomber Command and XIII
Fighter Command are activated to assume administrative control over all
USAAF units in the South Pacific.  HQ Thirteenth Air Force (Major General
Nathan F. Twinning) and HQ XIII Fighter Command (Brigadier General Dean C.
Strother) are established at Noumea, New Caledonia Island; HQ XIII Bomber 
Command (Colonel Harlan T. McCormick) is established on Espirtu Santo 
Island, New Hebrides.  Operational control of the Thirteenth's subordinate 
units is exercised by the USMC officer commanding USMC air units on
Guadalcanal.
  In the Solomons, P-39s strafe forces on the beach at Kokumbona and hit
Visale (both on Guadalcanal) in support of the ground offensive.  Also,
B-26s with P-39 and P-38 escort pound the Rekata Bay, Santa Isabel Island 
area; no aircraft are lost.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s bomb and strafe the Sanananda Point area and forces
along the Sanananda track.  Heavy and medium bombers hit dock facilities at
Lae and airfields at Lae and Salamaua.

THURSDAY, 14 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  Fw 190, Focke Wulf
  Liberator, Consolidated
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-47, Republic Thunderbolt
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Sixth Air Force)
  HQ 6th Bombardment Group (Heavy) is transferred from Rio Hato, Panama to
Albrook Field, Canal Zone.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Eight Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group carry out three Rhubarbs (
a small number of aircraft attacking ground targets usually in bad
weather) and engage Fw 190s west of Ostend.  We claim 2 enemy aircraft
destroyed; two Spitfires are damaged one making a forced landing at
Bradwell Bay with flak damage.
  One of the three squadrons of the 4th Fighter Group completes its
transition from the Spitfire Mk V to P-47Cs; the group will fly its first
P-47 mission on 10 Mar 43.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, B-25s strike motor transport near Gheiada, with P-40s
providing cover.  B-24s fail, due to weather, to locate Sousse harbor (the
primary target), but several bomb in the target area and along the road
near Teboulba.
    In Libya, RAF Liberators, under the operational control of the IX
Bomber Command, hit Tripoli, Tagiura and the supply dump at Misurata.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    The Casablanca Conference opens.  Prime Minister Churchill, President
Roosevelt, and the Combined Chiefs of Staff discuss offensive actions in
the Mediterranean and pledge to accept only unconditional surrender of the
Axis countries.
    In Tunisia, 26 B-17s, with an escort of 17 P-38s, attack docks and 
shipping at Sfax; a total of 253 500-pound bombs are dropped from 23,400
feet.  B-26s, with fighter escort, attack the rail junction at Kalaa Srira 
and the junction and warehouse at Mahares.  Fighters fly reconnaissance, 
patrols and C-47 escort.
    Over the Mediterranean, B-25s, with P-38s, fly an anti-shipping sweep
in the Straits of Sicily; no ships are sighted but vehicles and troop
concentrations are strafed by the fighters on the return trip.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-39s, dropping improvised gasoline bombs in the
Guadalcanal battle area around Mount Austen and Kokumbona, pound forces and
supplies throught the day.  Other fighters hit barges and launches at
Kaimana Bay and Aruligo Point.  B-17s bomb the airfield on Buka Island
without loss.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s strafe the Labu area and small boats in Sachsen Bay.
B-25s bomb the fuel dump and other supplies along the beach in the vicinity
of Voco Point near Lae.  B-24s carry out single-plane attacks on Madang and
Finschhafen, and also bomb Gasmata Island, Bismarck Archipelago.

FRIDAY, 15 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  F4F, Grumman Wildcat
  Ju 88, Junkers
  Liberator, Consolidated
  Mc 202, Macchi Folgore (Thunderbolt)
  Oscar, Nakajima Ki-43, Army Type 1 Fighter Hayabusa
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  PBY, Consolidated Catalina
  SBD, Douglas Dauntless
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Zeke, Mitsubishi A6M, Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, a total of eight P-38s, three B-25s and a B-24 patrol
Constantine Harbor, fly reconnaissance over Kiska, where one ship is
sighted, and fly negative armored reconnaissance runs over Attu, the
Semichis and Buldir.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, six B-24s hit shipping in the Rangoon area, claiming one vessel
sunk and another damaged.  Six P-40s bomb barges at Bhamo; six others bomb
Nsopzup; three more hit footbridges and targets of opportunity at Taihpa
Ga, Yupbang Ga, and other points in northern Burma.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Twelve Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly uneventful fighter
patrols.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Libya, B-24s bomb the harbor at Tripoli, scoring hits on vessels and
on the shore areas near the harbor.  P-40s fly sweep and fighter-bomber
operations as the British Eighth Army begins an assault on the Buerat line
and a drive on Tripoli.  RAF Liberators, under operational control of the
IX Bomber Command, hit a road junction at Tripoli.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, B-26s attack the railroad and highway bridge across Oued el
Akarit, NNW of Gabes.  Escorting P-38s flight a long battle with enemy
fighters; two B-26s and two P-38s are shot down.  Fighters fly several
reconnaissance and patrol operations, intercept enemy aircraft attacking
airfields in the Labasse area, and escort transport aircraft.
    In the Mediterranean, B-25s and B-26s fly three counter-shipping
missions north and northeast off Tunisia, claiming one vessel left in
flames.  Escorting fighters strafe trucks and claim two aircraft shot down. 
    Nine Ju 88s escorted by four Mc 202s attack Thelepte Airfield; eight Ju
88s are shot down by P-40s of the 33d Fighter Group; AA gets the ninth Ju
88.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, SBDs with F4F and P-39 escort attack nine destroyers of 
the Tokyo Express.  They are met by 12 Oscars; eight are shot down with the 
loss of one SBD and five US fighters.  B-17s, P-38s, P-39s and P-40s attack 
five destroyers near Faisi; they are met by float biplanes and 13 are shot
down with no loss of USAAF aircraft.  SBDs with F4F and P-39 escort bomb a
cargo ship off Munda; they are met by 12 Zekes; seven are shot down with
the loss of one US fighter.  B-17s and PBYs bomb Kahili, Bougainville
Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s strafe the Sanananda Point area as US troops envelop
pockets along the Soputa-Sanananda road.  B-25s bomb supply dumps at Lae;
B-24s carry out single-plane attacks on bridge construction at Wewak.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-24s hit the airfield on Gasmata Island and
carry out single-plane attacks on the runway at Cape Gloucester, New
Britain Island.

SATURDAY, 16 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  F-4, Lockheed Lightning
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  Liberator, Consolidated
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, six B-24s off to hit Kiska return due to weather.  A
B-24 flies negative reconnaissance over Buldir, the Semichis, Attu and
Agattu.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In China, China Air Task Force P-40s intercept Japanese aircraft that
attempt a strike on Yunnani and claim seven Zekes shot down in the air
battle.  Anticipating that the Japanese planes will land at Lashio
Airfield, six B-25s and eleven fighters are sent to that field in the
hope of catching the enemy on the ground; finding no aircraft there, the
B-25s and fighters attack the town of Lashio.   This is the last raid by
the China Air Task Force before a fuel shortage grounds the fighters for
the remainder of January and the B-25s for 33 days.
  In Burma, India Air Task Force B-25s hit Mandalay-Lashio and Sagaing-Ye-u
branch railroad lines with three strikes on 16 and 17 Jan, knocking out two
important rail hubs.  Ten B-25s bomb the railroad yards at Maymyo.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  RAF heavy bombers attack Berlin during the night of 16/17 Jan for the
first time since 7 Nov 41.  Target indicator bombs are used for the first
time.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Libya, B-24s hit Tripoli harbor and the town area.  RAF Liberator Mk
IIs of No. 178 Squadron bomb the road junction and Benito Gate at Tripoli.
P-40s fly patrol, scramble and fighter-bomber missions as the British
Eighth Army, having passed through the enemy's main defenses at Buerat,
pushes toward Tripoli.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In the Mediterranean, B-26s on a shipping strike in the Straits of
Sicily fail to find any ships.
    In Tunisia, A-20s on an armed reconnaissance return to base with their
bombs when no targets are sighted.  Fighters and F-4s fly reconnaissance
and patrols while Spitfires escort C-47s on ferry runs.
    The 32d, 352d, and 419th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 301st Bombardment 
Group (Heavy) with B-17s transfer from Biskra, Algeria to Ain M'lila, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-26s from Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides join P-38s and
P-39s in the Guadalcanal campaign, pounding the Japanese at Tassafaronga.
The Munda, New Georgia area is also bombed.  B-17s bomb the Buin-Faisi
area, concentrating on Kahili Airfield on Bougainville Island and Ballale
Airfield on Shortland Island.  
  The 17th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 4th Photographic
Reconnaissance Group with P-38s and F-5s transfers from Noumea, New Caledonia 
to Guadalcanal.  The air echelon of C and D Flights remain in the US.  The
squadron will fly its first combat mission on 5 Feb 43 and will be
redesignated 17th Photographic Squadron (Light) on 6 Feb 43.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s pound the Soputa-Sanananda trail, the Kurenada area,
and the area south of the Kumusi River, after which US and Australian
ground forces open an assault on Sanananda which falls tomorrow.  B-25s
again bomb supplies at Lae.
  B-24s carry out single-plane attacks on airfields at Gasmata Island,
Bismarck Archipelago; the town of Finschhafen, New Guinea, and a cruiser
ESE of Cape Orford.

SUNDAY, 17 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  Liberator, Consolidated
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, six India Air Task Force B-25s bomb railroad targets of
opportuinity north of Monywa; three others bomb the rail junction at
Maymyo.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Four Sptifire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly uneventful ship
protection patrols.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Libya, B-24s bomb Tripoli harbor.  P-40s fly reconnaissance, patrol,
top cover and fighter-bomber missions as British ground forces pursue the
enemy twoard Tripoli, reaching positions ten miles E of Misurata on the
coast with Beni Ulid on the south flank.  During the night of 17/18 Jan,
RAF Liberators hit Castel Benito Airfield and the road junction west of
Homs.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, B-25s, with P-38 cover, attack the rail junction at Graiba.
Fighters fly routine reconnaissance and patrols and escort C-47 missions.
    In the Mediterranean, B-25s on a shipping strike fail to locate any
vessels and return with their bombs.
    HQ 52d Fighter Group transfers from Orleansville, Algeria to Telergma,
Algeria.
    HQ 301st Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 353d Bombardment Squadron 
(Heavy), with B-17s, transfers from Biskra, Algeria to Ain M'lila, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-39s pound mortar positions near Allied lines on
Guadalcanal.  Ground supply lines to the Mount Austen battle area reopen
after three days of being closed because their extension outran the
capacity of the native carriers.  During the three days, B-17s from
Henderson Field airlift rations, water, and ammunition to the troops, using
what improvised cargo parachutes are available and in may cases wrapping
the supplies in burlap or canvas and pushing them out.
  The 31st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with
B-17s transfers from Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides to Guadalcanal, Solomon
Islands.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s strafe Mambare Delta and hit positions between
Bakumbari and Salamaua.  B-25s again pound supply stroes at Lae.  B-24s,
operating individually, attack Finschhafen and Madang wharf areas, Malahang
Airfield and a vessel southeast of Rambutyo Island.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s bomb landing grounds and shipping in
Rabaul, New Britain Island.  B-24s, operating individually, attack the
airfield on Gasmata Island.

MONDAY, 18 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Rufe, Nakajima A6M2-N, Navy Type 2 Fighter Seaplane

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, a B-24 on reconnaissance reports two vessels in Kiska
Harbor.  Thereupon four B-24s, four B-26s, one B-25 and six P-38s fly out
of Adak.  Mechanical trouble forces two B-26s to return.  The bomb run is
negative.  Meanwhile bad weather closes in on Kiska and Adak.  Six aircraft
are lost; one B-24 lands in a 20 mph downwind and crashes into two P-38s
while three other B-24s are missing on the return flight.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, eight P-40s and a B-25 of the India Air Task Force attack
Kamaing.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  HQ 4th Bombardment Wing transfers from Camp Lynn to Marks Hall, England.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Libya, B-24s strike Tripoli harbor.  P-40s fly top cover and
fighter-bomber missions.  General Montgomery orders accelerated day and
night pursuit toward Tripoli as contact with Rommel's forces is temporarily
lost due to terrain and obstacles.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Libya, B-17s, with fighter escort, bomb Castel Benito Airfield.
    In the Mediterranean, B-26s attack two vessels in the Gulf of Hammamet.
    In Tunisia, fighters fly reconnaissance and patrols and escort C-47
runs.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-17s, P-38s and P-40s attack shipping at Shortland
Island, bomb Ballale Island and attack a schooner south of Santa Isabel
Island.  Hits are scored on two vessels.  The fighter escort shoots down
two Rufes with the loss of one US fighter.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25s bomb a motor pool and supply dumps at Lae.  B-24s,
operating individually, bomb Madang and Malahang Airfields and attack a
cargo ship southeast of Rambutyo Island.

TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, the crew of one of the three B-24s missing yesterday,
which had crashlanded at Great Sitkin Island, is picked up by a Navy
tender.  Weather prevents missions and searches.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  Two flights of India Air Task Force B-24s depart Pandaveswar, India for
raids on Burma and Thailand.
  In Burma, one flight of B-24s bombs Thazi, a railroad junction south of 
Mandalay while 14 P-40s and a B-25 pound Kamaing.
  In Thailand, the second flight of B-24s carries out photographic 
reconnaissance of Kanchanaburi and bombs the docks at Bassein during the 
return trip.  This reconnaissance flight, the largest mission in the CBI 
Theater to date, reveals construction of a new railline from Thailand to 
Burma.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, B-24s hit the harbor at Sousse.
    In Libya, B-24s hit the harbor at Tripoli while B-25s hit Castel Benito 
Airfield and motor transport on the road.  Ground forces regain contact
with the enemy.  The coastal force reaches Homs while the southern column
presses toward Tarhunah.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, B-17s hit the industrial area just south of Tunis and the
marshaling yard at Jabal al Jallud; P-38s provide cover.  B-25s hit
Medenine and a nearby motor pool.  Fighters continue routine
reconnaissance, patrol and C-47 escort missions.
    The 2d, 4th and 5th Fighter Squadrons, 51st Fighter Group with Spitfire
Mk Vs, transfer from Orleansville, Algeria to Telergma, Algeria.
    72 P-40Fs of the 325th Fighter Group are flown off the USS Ranger and
land at Cazes Airdrome, Casablanca.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-17s, escorted by P-38s and P-40s, bomb the runway and
revetments at Munda, New Georgia Island.
  The 394th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy) that 
has been operating from Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands with B-17s since 3 Jan 
returns to their base on Fiji.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s strafe troops in the Kurenada area; B-25s hit
barracks area and supply dumps at Toeal and pound supply dumps at Lae. 
Heavy bombers carry out individual attacks on various targets at Lae,
Madang, Cape Hollman, Cape Saint George, Finschhafen in New Guinea and 
Gasmata Island in the Bismarck Archipelago.

WEDNESDAY, 20 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-40, Curtiss
  PBY, Consolidated Catalina
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Zeke, Mitsubishi A6M, Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, the weather aircraft aborts shortly after takeoff.  A
B-24 and a Navy PBY search without results for the two B-24s missing since
Monday.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  The 371st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-24s and based at Wheeler Field, Territory of Hawaii begins operating
from Midway.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  The 75th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group with P-40s transfers from
Chanyi to Yunnani, China.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Twenty-two Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly three missions. 
Two engage in a Rhubarb (small number of aircraft attacking ground targets
usually in bad weather) and attack three locomotives at Calais, France; 14
fly an interception mission; and six fly defensive patrols.  One aircraft
is damaged beyond repair.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Libya, B-24s hit the harbor at Tripoli.  P-40s fly top cover and
fighter-bomber operations as enemy resistance to the British advance
stiffens in the Homs-Tarhunah area.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, B-17s hit Cap Mangin near Gabes when cloud cover prevents
bombing of the primary target, Tripoli, Libya.  Fighters continue
reconnaissance and patrols, and C-47s continue transport flights with
fighter cover.
    In the Mediterranean, six B-25s of the 310th Bombardment Group (Medium),
escorted by 12 P-38s of the 14th Fighter Group, hit shipping in the Straits 
of Sicily sinking a tanker.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-26s claim a hit on a destroyer off southern
Bougainville Island.  B-17s with fighter escort attack ships near SHortland
Island without scoring hits.  They are met by Zekes and float biplanes;
eight are shot down with the loss of one US fighter.
  The advance grund echelon of the 18th Photographic Mapping Squadron, 4th
Photographic Group arrives at Dumbea, New Caledonia from the US.  THe bulk
of the air echelon is still in the US.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25s bomb supply dumps at Lae and targets on Aroe Island; 
B-24s, operating singly, attack Madang and Finschhafen. 
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-24s, operating singly, attack Cape
Gloucester, New Britain Island and Gasmata Island.
  The 64th and 65th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 43d Bombardment Group
(Heavy) with B-17s transfers from Mareeba, Queensland, Australia to Port
Moresby, New Guinea.

THURSDAY, 21 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  Bf 109, Messerschmitt
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Ventura, Lockheed
  Z 1007bis, CRDA Cant Alcione (Kingfisher)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, a weather reconnaissance aircraft flies.  An attack run
over Kiska and a patrol over Amchitka are call off due to weather.  Air
searches for the two B-24s missing since Monday continue.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  At the Casablanca Conference between Prime Minister Churchill, President 
Roosevelt and the Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS), the CCS issue the 
"Casablanca Directive."  It broadly outlines the operations of the USAAF 
VIII Bomber Command and the RAF Bomber Command located in the UK as having
the primary object of the destruction of the German military, economic and
industrial systems and undermining of morale of the German people.  Primary
targets listed in order of priority are submarine construction yards, the
aircraft industry, transportation, oil plants and other war industries.  It
largely relieves the VIII Bomber Command of supporting North African
operations.
  Lieutenant General Ira C. Eaker, Commanding General Eighth Air Force,
completes a paper called "The Case For Day Bombing" which he presents to
General Henry "Hap" Arnold, Commanding General Army Air Forces at the
Casablanca Conference.  Eaker then discusses these ideas on the merits of
daylight bombing with Churchill in an attempt to convince him of its
effectiveness.  Churchill later concurs.  This paper leads to development
of the Combined Bomber Offensive (CBO) program.
  Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly 49 sorties during the day. 
Early in the day, 26 escort RAF Venturas attacking Caen/Carpiquet, France. 
Later in the day, 23 support a Circus (heavy fighter escort of a small
force of bombers in an attempt to provoke a Luftwaffe fighter response) to
Caen, France.
  A 93d Bombardment Group (Heavy) B-24 attempts a Moling mission, i.e., bad
weather operation by single aircraft designed to alert the Luftwaffe.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Libya, B-24s bomb Tripoli harbor while B-25s attack targets along
the Surman-Az Zawiyah road.  P-40s fly fighter-bomber missions against
ground targets as the British Eighth Army overcomes resistance in the area.
The enemy strengthens the Tarhunah area at the expense of the Homs front,
causing General Montgomery to decide to make the main effort along the
coast.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In the Mediterranean, six B-26s of the 319th Bombardment Group (Medium)
hit two freighters northeast of Cape Bon, sinking one and damaging the other.
The escorting P-38s shoot down two Z 1007 bombers and then mix it up with
six Bf 109s, claiming three shot down but losing two P-38s.
    In Tunisia, B-25s bomb the highway and railroad bridge just north of
Pont-du-Fahs.  Fighters fly bomber and C-47 escort and fly sweeps and
reconnaissance, attacking and destroying a large number of trucks on the
Gabes-Ben Gardane road.  A-20s and fighter escort bomb and strafe a tank and
truck concentration near Ousseltia in support of elements of the US 1st
Armored Division which begins the Allied assault in an effort to push the
enemy back in the Ousseltia Valley into which a new enemy offensive under
new German Commanding General, Colonel General von Arnim, has advanced in a
four-day push.  24 P-38s find the Gabes-Medenine-Ben Gardane road crowded
with traffic; they swept down and strafe, claiming 65 vehicles destroyed
plus two Bf 109s destroyed in the air.
    A detachment of the 154th Observation Squadron, 68th Observation Group
with P-39s begins operating from Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.  The squadron
will fly its first combat mission as a tactical reconnaissance unit on 26
Jan.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-17s, B-26s and P-39s pound a bivouac and other targets
in Munda, New Georgia Island.  B-17s also attack shipping east of Kieta,
Bougainville Island.
  HQ Thirteenth Air Force transfers from Noumea, New Caledonia to Espiritu
Santo Island, New Hebrides Islands.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s bomb the airfield and shipping in
Rabaul, New Britain Island.
  In northeastern New Guinea, B-25s hit supply dumps and airfields.
  In Dutch New Guinea, a single B-24 attacks a cruiser at Amboinea harbor
on Ambon Island.
  The 403d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy) with
B-17s and B-24s transfers from Milne Bay, New Guinea to Mareeba, Queensland, 
Australia.  The squadron will begin transitioning from B-17s to B-24s.
 

FRIDAY, 22 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  Boston, Douglas
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, the weather reconnaissance aircraft finds Kiska closed
in and flies a negative search for the two B-24s missing since Monday.  For 
the first time the weather aircraft draws AA fire through the overcast at 
Kiska, suggesting that the Japanese have fire-control radar.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, nine India Air Task Force P-40s bomb and strafe Nsopzup and hit
targets of opportunity south of the town.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Twenty five Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group support RAF Bostons
on missions.  We claim four enemy aircraft destroyed; one Spitfire is lost,
one damaged beyond repair, one damaged and one pilot is MIA.  

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Libya, B-25s bomb a road junction near Tripoli.  P-40s fly cover and
fighter-bomber missions as the British Eighth Army's 22 Armored Brigade
passes through 51 Infantry Division at Homs and drives beyond Castelverde. 
Forces to the south advance to within 17 miles of Tripoli.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    Another step is taken toward amalgamation of US and RAF air strength in
the Allied Air Force.  Air support for US and British ground forces in
North Africa is coordinated by the formation of a new combined HQ, Allied
Air Support Command, subordinate to the Allied Air Force and under the
command of Major General Laurence S Kuter, USAAF.  The new command consists
of the USAAF XII Air Support Command, the RAF No. 242 Group, a photographic
reconnaissance unit and any other units that might be assigned to it.
    In Tunisia, B-17s, operating in two forces, bomb El Aouina Airfield in
the morning; B-26s hit the airfield shortly after noon; and B-25s attack
later in the afternoon.  Two escorting P-38s are lost to enemy fighters.
Fighters fly escort for bombers and for C-47s and carry out numerous 
reconnaissance and patrol missions.  P-39s and P-40s support the Allied 
ground assault in the Ousseltia Valley which has been halted to by strong 
opposition; the fighters silence several machinegun positions.  One P-40 is 
lost.
    In the Mediterranean, other B-26s, on a shipping strike, severely
damage a freighter in the Straits of Sicily. 
    HQ 81st Fighter Group transfers from Mediouna, French Morocco to
Thelepte, Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  B-17s bomb Rekata Bay on Santa Isabel Island without loss.
  HQ XIII Fighter Command and HQ 4th Photographic Group transfer from 
Noumea, New Caledonia to Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Islands.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-24s bomb Simpson Harbor and shipping and
searchlights at Rabaul, New Britain Island.
  In the Dutch East Indies, B-24s attack a vessel off Amoina, Ambon Island.
  In New Guinea, B-25s bomb the Lae Terrace area.  A-20s strafe small boats
in Baden Bay and at Woiba Island.  On this date the Papua Campaign ends
with the collapse of organized resistance on the Sanananda front.
  The 39th Troop Carrier Squadron, 317th Transport Group with C-47s arrives
at Garbutt, Queensland, Australia from the US.

SATURDAY, 23 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  LB-30, Consolidated Liberator
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, weather reconnaissance over Kiska and a search mission
for the two B-24s missing since Monday reveal nothing.  Enemy aircraft
appear over Amchitka twice but inflict no damage.  Durint the period of 18
to 23 Jan, a period of continuous storms and sudden changes to extreme foul
weather, non-combat losses are exceptionally high as 13 aircraft are lost;
no losses result from enemy action.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  24 P-40Ks of the 78th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, escorted by 
three LB-30s, fly from Barking Sands, Territory of Hawaii to Midway Island.
This flight of about 1,100 nautical miles is the longest over-water massed 
flight of single-engine aircraft made as of this date.  The 78th has been 
dispatched to Midway to replace the 73d Fighter Squadron which has been on
the island since 17 Jun 42.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission 30: The 1st Bombardment Wing dispatches 73
B-17s against the port area of Lorient, France; 35 aircraft hit the primary
target between 1348 and 1351 hours local and drop 86 tons on the target. 
We claim 7 enemy aircraft destroyed, 5 probably destroyed and 4 damaged;
five B-17s are lost and one aircraft is declared damaged beyond repair upon
returning to England; human casualties are 1 KIA, 19 WIA and 50 MIA.
  Nineteen B-17s hit the secondary target, the U-Boat base at Brest at 1413
hours; they drop 45.25 tons of bombs on the target and claim one enemy
aircraft damaged; no B-17s are lost and only two are WIA.
  The 2d Bombardment Wing dispatches 17 B-24s on a diversionary raid.
  Four Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly uneventful ship 
protection patrols.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Sicily, B-24s bomb Palermo harbor during the night of 23/24 Jan.
    In Libya, P-40s fly cover and fighter-bomber missions during the day as
Tripoli falls to General Montgomery's Eighth Army.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, B-17s, in two forces, hit the Bizerte naval base and
shipping in the immediate area.  Much damage is done to base facilities and
one motor vessel is sunk; 75 to 100 enemy fighters attack the formations,
and the B-17s and escorting P-38s claim 20 destroyed; two P-38s are lost
and four more are missing.  A-20s, and escorting P-40s, attack a heavy gun 
battery, machinegun nests, and two infantry companies while supporting ground 
forces in the battle area south of Ousseltia.  Fighters of the XII Air Support 
Command destroy over 20 vehicles on the Gabes-Ben Gardane highway.
    In the Mediterranean, B-26s hit shipping off northeastern Tunisia,
attacking several vessels and claiming one destroyed; escorting fighters
hit trucks and tanks near Enfidaville, Tunisia on the return flight.
    The 91st Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group with P-39s transfers from
Mediouna, French Morocco to Thelepte, Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  US ground forces, aided by P-39s and USMC fighter-bombers, have by this
date pushed up the Guadalcanal coast and taken Kokumbona and the Poha River
Valley.  The enemy has now lost control of a good landing beach west of the
airfields; captured with the beach are the artillery pieces that have
menaced Henderson Field and the ground forces in the Mount Austen area. 
The enemy's supply routes, communications systems and ammunition dumps are
also lost.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s attack the airfields at Rabaul, New
Britain Island and shipping off Cape Gazelle.  B-24s, operating
individually, attack transports north of Rabaul and at Simpson Harbor,
Rabaul.
  In New Guinea, B-25s pound supply dumps in the terrace area of Lae. 
B-24s, operating individually, hit Madang and Finschhafen.
  HQ 317th Troop Carrier Group and its subordinate 40th, 41st and 46th Troop 
Carrier Squadrons with C-47s arrive at Garbutt Field, Queensland, Australia 
from the US.
  The 63d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy) with
B-17s transfers from Mareeba, Queensland, Australia to Port Moresby, New
Guinea.

MONDAY, 24 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, six heavy bombers and six medium bombers attempt an
attack on Kiska Island.  The medium bombers abort over Semiscopochnol.  The
heavy bombers circle Kiska until the weather closes in.  Two Japanese
aircraft bomb the Amchitka harbor area before US interceptors, six P-38s,
and one B-24 arrive.  Two P-38s return due to mechanical troubles; the others 
fly a negative search over Kiska.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  The 492d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy), not
previously tried in battle, borrows four B-24s and one crew from the 436th
Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) and mounts a nine-plane strike docks at
Rangoon, Burma.  Hits are scored on the wharves, storage areas and a
6,000-ton vessel in the harbor.  P-40s bomb and strafe ammunition stores at
Shaduzup, Burma.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, B-24s strike Medenine Airfield while P-40s fly cover and
fighter-bomber missions as Axis forces retreat westward from Tripoli.
    The 84th, 85th and 86th Fighter Squadrons, 79th Fighter Group with
P-40s transfers from Egypt to Libya.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, B-25s and B-26s, operating in two forces, attack Medenine
Airfield; B-17s hit shipping in Sousse harbor; fighters escort bombers and
attack vehicles and troop concentrations along the battleline.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s bomb the airfield, harbor and shipping
at Rabaul, New Britain Island.  Single B-24s attack runways at Cape
Gloucester, New Britain Island and Gasmata Island.
  In New Guinea, B-25s hit supply dumps in the terrace area of Lae.
  In Portuguese Timor, B-24s bomb Dili.
  The 22d Troop Carrier Squadron, 374th Troop Carrier Group with C-47s
transfers from Garbutt Field, Queensland, Australia to Port Moresby, New 
Guinea.

MONDAY, 25 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  Boston, Douglas
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, P-38s are dispatched too late to engage two floatplanes
bombing Amchitka.  Reconnaissance is flown over Kiska, Buldir, Semichis,
Attu and Agattu.  One B-24 and two P-38s fly two patrol missions over
Amchitka.  An attack mission to Kiska is turned back by weather.  B-25s
unsuccessfully search for missing aircraft.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  Six B-24s carry out a photographic reconnaissance missions over Wake
Island and drop 60 bombs.  They claim one fighter shot down.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, five B-25s of the India Air Task Force bomb the bridge (which
the enemy is striving to rebuild) at Myitnge.  The southern approach to the
bridge is destroyed and repair work on the bridge suspended.  Three B-25s
add to the destruction at the Mandalay Marshaling Yard, tearing up tracks,
wrecking about 75 railroad cars, and setting the freight house aflame. 
Three other B-25s inflict similar damage on the marshaling yard at Naba. 
Six B-24s pound the Rangoon dock area.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Fighter Command Circus 255: 17 Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter 
Group escort RAF Bostons on uneventful Circus 255.  Circus is a large number 
of fighters escorting a small number of bombers in an attempt to get the
Luftwaffe to respond.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Libya, P-40s carry out fighter-bomber missions.  The British 7
Armored Division, in pursuit of the enemy, reaches Az Zawiyah.
    HQ 79th Fighter Group transfers from Egypt to Libya.
    The 345th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-24s transfers  from Fayid, Egypt to Tobruk, Libya.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, bad weather cancels heavy and medium bomber missions.  
Fighters fly reconnaissance, patrol and C-47 escort missions.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, the final phase of the Guadalcanal offensive begins with
orders to begin pursuit of the enemy along the northwestern coast toward
Cape Esperance.  The enemy retreat is to be cut off by the landing of a US
battalion just southwest of the cape.  B-26s and P-38s hit the airfield at
Munda, New Georgia Island and bomb the wharf at Repirepi, demolishing it. 
Other P-38s bomb installations in the Rekata Bay area of Santa Isabel
Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s strafe areas in northeastern Papua where there
appears to be some enemy movement.  B-25s blast supply dumps and AA and
machinegun positions around Lae.  Single B-24s attack a beached ship at
Finschhafen.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, single B-24s attack runways on Gasmata
Island and at Cape Gloucester.

TUESDAY, 26 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  LB-30, Consolidated Liberator
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Ventura, Lockheed

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, all missions are cancelled due to weather.  Two
Japanese aircraft strafe Constantine Harbor, Amchitka Island.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  In the Gilbert Islands, three B-24s, taking off from Funafuti in the
Ellice Islands, fly a photographic reconnaissance missions over Tarawa,
Maiana, Abemamam, Beru and Tomama.  The heavy bombers attack merchant
vessels in the lagoon at Tarawa.  
  Not to be outdone by the 78th Fighter Squadron, P-40Es of the 73d Fighter 
Squadron, 318th Fighter Group, escorted by three LB-30s, fly from Midway to 
NAS Kaneohe, Territory of Hawaii, a distance of about 1,100 nautical miles.  
The 73d had been dispatched to Midway immediately after the Battle of Midway 
and had been flown off the deck of the USS Saratoga, the first land based 
fighters to take off from the deck of an aircraft carrier.
  The 371st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-24s ceases operating from Midway Island and returns to its base at
Wheeler Field, Territory of Hawaii.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, seven B-24s bomb shipping and the dock area at Rangoon; 12
B-25s bomb Mandalay Marshaling Yards.  Three B-25s and 15 P-40s hit the
town area and bridge at Shaduzup, the railroad west of Meza and the Neba
Marshaling Yard.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Fighter Command Circus 256: 22 Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter
Group escort 12 RAF Venturas on a Circus mission; 1 Spitfire is lost.
  A 93d Bombardment Group (Heavy) B-24 attempts a Moling mission.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, headwinds prevent B-24s from reaching Naples, the primary
target, before dark, so they divert to Messina, bombing the town and the
area around the train ferry terminal.
    In Libya, P-40s fly fighter-bomber operations, refueling at Castel
Benito.
    The 415th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-24s transfers from Fayid, Egypt to Tobruk, Libya.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In the Mediterranean, B-26s on a shipping strike abort because of
weather that limits air activity.
    In Tunisia, fighters fly reconnaissance and local patrol missions.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-17s bomb the airfield on Ballale Island.  P-39s, along
with Navy aircraft, bomb AA positions and revetment areas at Munda, New
Georgia Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s bomb shipping and the Rapopo airstrip
in the Rabaul, New Britain area.  B-24s carry out individual attacks on the
runways at Cape Gloucester, New Britain and Gasmata Island.
  In New Guinea, A-20s and B-25s pound the Lae area, concentrating on
supply storage dumps.  B-24s carry out individual attacks on Finschhafen.

WEDNESDAY, 27 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, a negative weather reconnaissance sortie is flown over
Kiska Island.  Four P-38s fly protective patrol over Amchitka Island.  Upon
their departure, three Japanese aircraft appear and unsuccessfully bomb
shipping but cause three casualties.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission 31: The Eighth Air Force makes its first raid 
on Germany.  The 1st and 2d Bombardment Wings dispatch 64 B-17s and 27
B-24s against the primary target, the Wilhelmshaven, Germany Naval Base; 53
B-17s hit the target between 1110 and 1113 hours local dropping 137.5 tons 
of bombs; two other B-17s attack the submarine base at Emden at 1135 hours 
as a target of opportunity; the B-24s are unable to locate the target due 
to bad weather and a navigational error and return to base.  Mission 
stats: we claim 22 enemy aircraft destroyed, 14 probably destroyed and 13 
damaged; 1 B-17 and 2 B-24s are lost; 32 B-17s and 11 B-24s are damaged; 
casualties are 2 KIA, 3 WIA and 30 MIA.
  Seven Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly uneventful fighter
patrols.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24s bomb Naples and Messina during the night of 26/27 Jan.
    In Sicily, B-24s hit Palermo during the afternoon, after weather causes
a diversion from the primary target at Naples.
    In Libya, the British 7 Armored Division meets stiffening resistance
near Zuwarah.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In the Mediterranean, B-25s hit shipping off the north coast of
Algeria, attacking two destroyers and leaving one on fire.  B-26s on a
shipping strike fail to attack sighted vessels because of weather.
    In Tunisia, A-20s attack the town of Al Mazzunah while fighters escort
bombers and fly reconnaissance and local patrols.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  Major General Nathan F Twining, Commanding General Thirteenth Air Force
and a crew of 14 are down at sea between Guadalcanal Island and Espiritu
Santo Island.  The entire group is rescued six days later.  General
Twining's raft had no radio, an item which Lieutenant General Millard F
Harmon, Commanding General of US Army Forces in the South Pacific, had been
requesting for some time.  This incident results in the rapid appearance of
dinghy radio sets in the area.  Six B-26s and eight P-39s attack the
airfield at Munda, New Georgia Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s hit huts and AA positions at Garrison Hill while
B-25s pound the supply storage and runway at Malahang.  Individual B-24s
bomb Finschhafen town and the runway on the tip of the Huon Peninsula.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, individual B-24s bomb the airfield on
Gasmata Island.

THURSDAY, 28 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, a weather aircraft encounters poor visibility over
Kiska Island.  Two patrols fly over Amchitka.  The second runs into poor
weather and aborts.  An attack on Kiska is cancelled due to weather.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  One B-24 flies photographic reconnaissance over Nauru Island and Ocean
Island in the Gilbert Islands.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, 60 heavy and medium bombers (B-17s, B-25s and B-26s) in 
three waves attack the harbor, shipping and marshaling yards at Sfax; all
missions are escorted by P-38s.  P-40s of the XII Air Support Command
attack infantry and artillery while supporting French and US ground forces
in the Ousseltia Valley where the Allies gain control of the western exit
and half of Kairouan Pass.
    HQ 320th Bombardment Group (Medium) and its 441st, 442d, 443d and 444th
Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-26s transfer from La Senia, Algeria to
Tafaraoui, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, five B-26s and 12 P-39s attack the airfield at
Vila on Kolombangara Island.  P-38s and P-40s, along with Navy aircraft,
hit shipping between Choiseul and Kolombangara, claiming hits on a tanker
and a smaller vessel.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s bomb the area from Garrison Hill to the Komiatum
Track and B-17s hit the Wewak area.  B-24s carry out individual attacks at
Salamaua.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-24s carry out individual attacks on a
cargo vessel in Open Bay and a nearby village in New Britain Island.
  In the Dutch East Indies, B-24s in individual attacks bomb a transport
off Amboina, Ambon Island.
  HQ 3d Bombardment Group (Dive) and its 8th Bombardment Squadron (Dive) 
with A-20s and 90th Bombardment Squadron (Dive) with B-25s transfer from 
Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia to Port Moresby, New Guinea.

FRIDAY, 29 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, weather reconnaissance over Kiska and a patrol over Rat
Island, flown by one B-24, two B-25s and four P-38s, are recalled early due
to weather.  All other missions are cancelled.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Six Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly an uneventful defensive
patrol.
  A 93d Bombardment Group (Heavy) B-24 attempts a Moling mission.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, three consecutive waves of B-17s attack the docks and
shipping at Bizerte while B-26s hit El Aouina Airfield.  Fighters escort
the bombers and C-47s and carry out reconnaissance.
    In the Mediterranean, B-26s on a shipping strike between Tunisia and
Sicily severely damage a cargo liner.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-26s and P-39s hit a bivouac area at Vila, Kolombangara
Island and the airfield at Munda on New Georgia Island.  B-17s bomb Kahili 
Airfield on Bougainville Island.
  The 67th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group based in New Caledonia
with P-39s begins operating from Guadalcanal.  This squadron will continue
to operate from Guadalcanal until Jun 43.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25s pound the area around Mubo, concentrating on
positions on Garrison and Mat Mat Hill.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, single B-24s bomb runways at Cape
Gloucester, New Britain and Gasmata Island. 

SATURDAY, 30 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, two patrols, each composed of one B-25 and four P-38s,
fly over Amchitka Island and are recalled early due to weather.  One B-17, 
upon an alleged submarine sighting, drops four depth charges and one bomb 
whereupon a whale breaks water.  Weather cancels other missions.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24s bomb the train ferry terminal at Messina.  Direct hits
are scored on a ship and AA battery near the terminal.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, over 50 B-17s bomb the docks and shipping at Ferryville. 
B-25s hit railroad installations and warehouses at El Aouinet while B-26s
bomb a railroad south of Reyville.  Fighters and A-20s carry out numerous
strafing and bombing operations against tanks, motor transport and along
the battleline between El Guettar and Faid.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, AA positions and the airfield area at Munda Point, New
Georgia Island are pounded by B-17s, B-26s, P-39s and P-40s.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s bomb shipping and wharf facilities at
Rabaul, New Britain Island.  B-24s, operating individually, bomb the runway
at Gasmata Island and attack a transport vessel in Open Bay.
  In New Guinea, A-20s strafe and bomb Lae and the area around Mubo in the
vicinity of Garrison Hill and along the Komiatum Track.

MONDAY, 31 JANUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, a weather and photographic reconnaissance aircraft
flies twice over Kiska Island.  During the first mission near Attu Island, 
the aircraft is jumped by 6 fighters which it eludes.  Four B-17s, 2 B-24s, 
6 B-25s, 4 P-38s and 4 P-40s then attempt an attack on Kiska; P-40s turn 
back with mechanical troubles; the other aircraft find Kiska closed in
and abort the mission.  Two patrol missions, each by 1 B-25 and 4 P-38s, 
fly over Amchitka Island; two enemy floatplanes bomb Constantine Harbor on
Amchitka without results.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    Lieutenant General Lewis H Brereton, Commanding General Ninth Air Force
assumes command of US Army Forces in the Middle East.
    In Italy, B-24s hit the railroad ferry installations at Messina harbor.
The British 7 Armored Division finishes clearing Zuwarah.
    HQ IX Fighter Command arrives at Kabrit, Egypt from the US.
    The 343d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-24s transfers from Kabrit, Egypt to Gambut, Libya.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, B-17s hit the harbor and shipping at Bizerte while B-26s
bomb Gabes Airfield.  Fighters escort bombers and attack ground targets and
furnish cover for ground forces along the battleline between Gafsa and Faid.
    With the conclusion of the Casablanca Conference, the 308th Fighter
Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, which has been operating its Spitfire Mk Vs
from Casablanca, returns to its base at Tafaraoui, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-39s join Navy aircraft in attacks on shipping in the
Vella Gulf; hits are claimed on a destroyer.  B-17s bomb the ammunition
dump and airfield at Vila, Kolombangara Island.   P-39s, P-38s and P-40s,
and other Allied fighters, carry out sweeps over Vila and Munda, New
Georgia Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s continue to pound positions between Mubo and
Komiatum.  A lone B-17 bombs the runway at Wewak.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s pound airfields, shipping and the town
area at Rabaul, New Britain Island while a single B-24 bombs the runway at
Cape Gloucester.  
  In the ocean areas, B-24s unsuccessfully attack isolated vessels over 
widespread areas in the Banda Sea and Solomon Sea.

SOURCES: 
AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS OF WORLD WAR II, Office of Air Force History,
  Headquarters USAF, 1961, ISBN 0-912799-02-1
COMBAT SQUADRONS OF THE AIR FORCE, WORLD WAR II, Office of Air Force
  History, Headquarters USAF 1982
THE ARMY AIR FORCES IN WORLD WAR II: COMBAT CHRONOLOGY, 1941-1945 by the 
  Office of Air Force History, Headquarters USAF, 1973

Jack McKillop
USAF (Airways and Air Communications Service)
1955-59
• With grateful thanks for the scholarship of Kit Carter, Robert Mueller and Jack McKillop •
• Thanks also to Charles McGrew •
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