USAAF Combat Operations 1941

USAAF Worldwide Operations Chronology

              COMBAT CHRONOLOGY OF THE US ARMY AIR FORCES

MARCH 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-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  
  MONDAY, 1 MARCH 1943

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutians, P-40s jettison their bombs when bad weather prevents
a sweep over Kiska Island.

  CARIBBEAN (Antilles Command, US Army)
    The Antilles Air Task Force is activated at San Juan, Puerto Rico under
the Antilles Command, US Army.  The new unit is responsible for aerial
protection for the Caribbean Sea and Antilles Island chain from Florida to
the South American coast.
  ZONE OF INTERIOR (AAF Antisubmarine Command)
    Sometime during the month of March, the air echelon of the 9th
Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy) which is operating their B-18s from Edinburgh 
Field, Trinidad will return to its base at Miami, Florida.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, 46 P-40s hit targets of opportunity in the Nsopzup area and
throughout the Hukawng Valley.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24s raid the harbor at Naples; 1 bombs Soverato while 2
others hit Staletti and Catanzaro as targets of opportunity.  AA fire is
accurate and several B-24s are hit over Naples and Palmi.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    General Carl Spaatz assumes command of the Twelfth Air Force in
Algeria.  Colonel Laurence P. Hickey becomes acting commander of the XII
Fighter Command until the arrival of Brigadier General Elwood R. Quesada.
Lieutenant General John K. Cannon takes command of the Northwest African 
Training Command (NATC).
    In Sardinia, B-17s bomb docks and shipping, also hitting railroad yards
and the town area, at Cagliari.
    In Tunisia, B-25s and B-26s of the Northwest African Strategic Air Force
attack bridges and AA gun positions in the La Hencha area.  Fighters escort
bombers and hit ground forces in the battle areas around Sidi Nsir and
Bedja.  B-25s of the Northwest African Tactical Air Force bomb the Mateur 
area.
    In the Mediterranean, B-26s attack a freighter NE of Bizerte, Tunisia.
    The 5th Bombardment Wing transfers from Biskra, Algeria to Chateaudun,
Algeria while the 47th Bombardment Wing moves from Chateaudun, Algeria to
El Guerrah, Algeria.
    The 319th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group establishes HQ at
Tafaraoui, Algeria upon arrival from the U.S.  The squadron is equipped
with P-40s.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s bomb and strafe forces at Guadagasal and along the
trails throughout the Mubo, Komiatum and Salamaua areas.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s bomb the runway on Gasmata Island.
  In the Sunda Islands of the Netherland East Indies,  B-24s carry out 
single-plane attacks on shipping off Soemba and Soembawa Islands, and in 
the Solomon Sea.

TUESDAY, 2 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  PB4Y, Consolidated Liberator (USN)
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Zeke, Mitsubishi A6M, Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, more than 20 B-24s pound targets.  Seven splinter part of the
Ahlone docks and destroy a nearby warehouse, 6 hit the Mahlwagon
roundhouse, and 9 attack the bridge at Pazundaung, tearing up its S
approach.  Six B-25s, with P-40 escort, hit a camp and storage area at
Lamaing while 24 B-25s, also with fighter escort, pound Myitkyina.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily, Northwest African Strategic Air Force B-17s bomb shipping and
the harbor area at Palermo.
    In Tunisia, B-26s attack bridges and flak positions at La Hencha. 
Northwest African Tactical Air Force fighters hit troops, tanks, and motor
transport S of Mateur and NE of Bedja as the enemy renews an attack along
the Mateur-Taberka road near Jefna.
    HQ 33d Fighter Group and it's 58th, 59th and 60th Fighter Squadrons with 
P-40s transfer from Telergma, Algeria to Berteaux, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-40s, P-38s and a single PB4Y fly photographic
reconnaissance over Munda Airfield on New Georgia Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  The Battle of the Bismarck Sea begins.  On 28 Feb, the Japanese had
dispatched a force of 8 destroyers and 8 transports from Rabaul to
reinforce their New Guinea forces; this convoy was spotted yesterday.
Today, 28 B-17s of the 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy) attack in 2 waves, the
first 8 B-17's sinking 1 transport and claim 3 Zekes shot down. Two
destroyers pick up 850 troops from this transport and land them that night
at Lae, New Guinea.  At dusk, 11 more B-17's attack the convoy without
result.

WEDNESDAY, 3 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  Beaufighters, Bristol (RAAF)
  Beaufort, Bristol (RAAF)
  Boston, Douglas (RAAF)
  Oscar, Nakajima Ki-43, Army Type 1 Fighter Hayabusa
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 4 P-40s sweep Kiska Island dropping demolition and
fragmentation bombs.
  Admiral Thomas C. Kincaid, Commanding Officer of the Alaska Defense
Command, tables the Kiska Island invasion plan and substitutes an Attu
Island invasion plan.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, 13 B-24s bomb the Mahlwagon marshalling yard and the dock area
at Rangoon.  Nine others attack the Pazundaung railroad bridge but fail to
knock it out.  Six B-25s bomb the railroad sheds at Maymyo.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24s dispatched against Naples fail to reach the primary
target.  Several bomb the secondary target, Messina, while 3 bomb bridges
at Bianco and Siderno Marina.
    In Tunisia, P-40s fly fighter-bomber missions along the Mareth Line as
a probing attack against the British 51 Division positions near Mareth is
driven back.  The German Afrika Korps issues a plan for a counterattack
from the Mareth Line.
    The 83d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium)
with B-25s transfers from Castel Benito, Libya to El Assa, Libya
    The 343d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-24s transfers from Gamut, Libya to Lete, Libya.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Tunisia, B-17s bomb docks and shipping at Tunis and shipping and a
power plant at La Goulette harbor.  Fighters and medium bombers of the
Northwest African Tactical Air Force hit ground forces in the areas around
Bedja, Bou Arada, and Mateur.  Fighting around Bedja subsides but enemy
forces take Sedjenane.
    HQ 319th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 437th, 438th, 439th and
440th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-26s are pulled out of combat for
training and reorganization and transfer from Telergma, Algeria to Oujda,
French Morocco.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  The Battle of the Bismarck Sea continues as heavy bombers are joined by
medium and light bombers and fighters (US and Australian) in pounding the
Japanese convoy as it moves in the Huon Gulf. After 2 RAAF Beauforts fail
to score hits with torpedoes, the main attack begins with strafing runs by
13 RAAF Beaufighters.  Simultaneously, 13 B-17's of the 43d Bombardment
Group (Heavy) sink a transport.  Then they and their 28 escort P-38's are
jumped by Zekes escorting the convoy; the B-17's claim 5 Zekes and the
fighters (from the 9th and 39th Fighter Squadrons) claim 15; 1 B-17 and 3
P-38's are lost. During this dogfight, 13 B-25's of the 38th Bombardment
Group (Medium) and 12 B-25C gun-nosed aircraft of the 90th Bombardment
Squadron (Dive) attack from 500 to 200 feet followed by 12 A-20's of the
89th Bombardment Squadron (Dive) and 6 B-25's of the 13th Bombardment
Squadron (Dive); these attacks sink 2 destroyers and 3 transports. In the
afternoon, 16 B-17's, 23 B-25's and 5 RAAF Bostons attack; 8 90th
Bombardment Squadron sink a destroyer and 2 transport while the Boston's
sink a destroyer. That night, Seventh Fleet motor torpedo (PT) boats sink 
the last transport. By the end of the day, all 8 transport have been sunk 
and Allied aircraft have destroyed 4 of the 8 destroyers and a large number 
of fighter aircraft covering the convoy.
  Dick Bong gets his 6th kill when he destroys and Oscar.

THURSDAY, 4 MARCH 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-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 4 P-40s fly over Kiska Island but drop no bombs due to
weather.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, 3 B-25s bomb the railroad facilities at Ywataung.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission 39: 71 B-17s of the 1st Bombardment Wing are
dispatched against the marshalling yard at Hamm, Germany; 16 drop 40 tons of
bombs on the target at 1043 hours; we claim 13 enemy aircraft destroyed, 3
probably destroyed and 4 damaged.  We lose 4 B-17s and 9 others are
damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 7 WIA and 33 MIA.  Another 28 B-17s hit the
shipyards at Rotterdam, The Netherlands dropping 70 tons between 1020 and
1021 hours.  We claim 3 enemy aircraft destroyed; we lose 1 B-17 while 15
others are damaged; casualties are 9 MIA.  This is the first Eighth Air
Force attack on a Ruhr industrial target.  To divert the enemy, 14 B-24s of
the 2d Bombardment Wing fly a diversion without a loss.
  The Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly 26 uneventful sorties, 24
on fighter patrols and 2 on offensive patrols over the Ostend/Dunkirk,
France area.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, P-40s fly top cover missions as the British Eighth Army
completes the concentration of troops and weapons in forward areas and
awaits an attack which seems imminent in view of German troop movements in
the mountains W of Medenine.
    The 344th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-24s transfers from Kabrit, Egypt to Lete, Libya.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean, B-25s and B-26s fly unsuccessful missions against
shipping between Tunisia and Sicily.  B-17s attack a convoy NW of Bizerte,
Tunisia, claiming 4 vessels sunk.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-24s hit the airfield on Ballale Island and bomb Kahili
on Bougainville Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  Allied aircraft continue to bombard remnants of the Japanese convoy in
the Huon Gulf, thus ending the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, a decisive
victory.  Fifth Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft sink 
12 of 16 vessels in 3 days.  This is the last enemy attempt to use large 
vessels to reinforce positions on the Huon Gulf.
  In New Guinea, A-20s hit Lae Airfield and vicinity, B-17s attack power
launches off Lae.  Several B-25s, a single B-17 and B-24s hit the harbor
and airfield at Lae and barges off Finschhafen.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s attack Ubili and power launches off
Cape Gloucester.

FRIDAY, 5 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 1 B-24 flies negative weather reconnaissance over
Kiska, Semichis, Attu, Agattu and Buldir Islands.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber
Command, bomb the harbor at Naples during the night of 4/5 March.
    All operations by the IX Bomber Command are suspended for 7 days so the
crews can rest.
    The 66th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group with P-40s transfers from
Libya to Tunisia.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean, Northwest African Strategic Air Force B-17s hit
convoys NW of Bizerte, Tunisia while B-26s attack motor vessels between
Tunisia and Sicily.
    Northwest African Tactical Air Force fighters and medium bombers hit the
Djedeida, Siki Nsir area, and ground forces in the Bedja-Mateur areas.
    HQ 14th Fighter Group and it's 49th Fighter Squadron with P-38s are 
pulled out of combat and transferred from Berteaux, Algeria to Mediuna, 
French Morocco.
    HQ 81st Fighter Group transfers from Le Kouif Airfield, Algeria to
Thelepte, Tunisia.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, heavy bombers, operating individually, hit
Gasmata Island.
  In New Guinea, A-20s pound Lae Airfield while heavy bombers, operating
individually, hit Lae and Alexishafen.
  In the Netherlands East Indies, heavy bombers, operating individually,
hit Saumlakki on Yamdena Island in the Mulaccas Islands.

SATURDAY, 6 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 1 B-24 flies uneventful reconnaissance over Kiska. 
Attu, Agattu, Buldir, and the Semichis Islands.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, 4 B-24's bomb shipping near Pagoda Point, scoring near misses. 
On the return flight, they strafe the lighthouse on Alguada Reef, a 
lightship off China Park, and a radio station at Diamond Island.  Three 
B-24s intending to bomb Pazundaung bridge fail to reach the target; 1 
manages to bomb the airfield at Pagoda Point.  The others return to base 
without bombing.  Six B-24s unsuccessfully attack the Myitnge bridge.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission No. 40:  71 B-17's of the 1st Bombardment
Wing are dispatched against the power plant, bridge and the port area at
Lorient, France; 65 drop 162.5 tons on the target between 1441 and 1445
hours local.  We claim 7 aircraft destroyed, 2 probably destroyed and 1
damaged; we lose 3 B-17's and 8 others are damaged; casualties are 30 MIAs.
Fifteen B-24's of the 2d Bombardment Wing fly a diversionary mission
against the a bridge and the U-boat facilities at Brest, France; all 15 drop 
44.5 tons of bombs at 1416-1417 hours local.  We claim 2 aircraft destroyed 
and 2 damaged; 3 B-24's are damaged but there are no casualties.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, 35 planes strafe and bomb installations in the Mareth Line 
as Rommel's expected attack in Tunisia takes place and is defeated.  Four 
thrusts toward Medenine are repulsed by the British, and the enemy retreats 
after nightfall, having lost about 50 tanks.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Weather cancels Northwest African Strategic Air Force bomber missions. 
    In Tunisia, fighters fly reconnaissance along the battle line.
    HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) transfers from Youks-les-Bains,
Algeria to Canrobert, Algeria.
    HQ 301st Bombardment Group (Heavy) transfers from Ain M'lila, Algeria
to St-Donat, Algeria.
    The 92d and 93d Fighter Squadrons, 81st Fighter Group with P-39s
transfer from Le Kouif Airfield, Algeria to Thelepte, Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-24s bomb Kahili Airfield on Bougainville and the 
airfield on Ballale Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s hit the Guadagasal area.  Single B-24s attack 
shipping off Manus Island in the Admiralties and off Talasea, New Britain 
Island and hit the Airfield on Gasmata Island.
  HQ 49th Fighter Group and it's 9th Fighter Squadron with P-38Fs transfer
from Port Moresby, New Guinea to Dobodura, New Guinea.

SUNDAY, 7 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  The first flight of B-25s is brought up to Amchitka Island. This enables 
stepped-up raids on Kiska.  Nine B-24s and 4 P-38s bomb and strafe the 
Chichagof Harbor area and Holtz Bay installations on Kiska.  A fighter 
sweep, 6 B-24s, and 10 B-25s hit North Head and the Main Camp area on Kiska.
  HQ 343d Fighter Group transfers from Elmendorf Field, Alaska to Adak,
Aleutian Islands.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, 12 B-25's attack Gokteik Viaduct, causing only minor damage.
  The 1st Troop Carrier Squadron, Tenth Air Force, transfers from Chabua,
India to New Delhi, India.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean, B-25s hit shipping between Tunisia and Sicily 
while B-17s bomb a convoy in the Gulf of Tunis and shipping and the
marshalling yard at Souase, Tunisia.
    The 352d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) with B-17s transfers from Ain
M'lila, Algeria to St-Donat, Algeria.
    The 445th, 446th, 447th and 448th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 321st 
Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25's arrive at Oujda, French Morocco from 
the U.S.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, single B-24s hit Airfields at Vila on Kolombangara
Island and Kahili on Bougainville Island.  Eight B-24s bomb Munda Airfield
on New Georgia Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s attack the Guadagasal area and barges offshore; 
B-25s bomb Toeal.  Single B-24s attack a ship NW of Madang and bomb 
Salamaua.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, single B-24s bomb Gasmata Island, and Cape 
Gloucester on New Britain Island.

MONDAY, 8 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  ZONE OF INTERIOR (HQ, USAAF)
    The Committee of Operations Analysts, composed of military and 
civilian members. submits to General Henry (Hap) Arnold a report attempting 
to set forth industrial objectives. the destruction of which would weaken 
Germany most decisively in the shortest time.  This report, which lists 
German the aircraft industry as first priority. is the basis for much of 
Combined Bomber Offensive (CBO) Plan.

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    The 344th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group with P-40's transfers 
from Ft. Randall, Alaska to Ft. Glenn, Alaska.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, 12 B-25s strike at the Myitnge bridge and AA positions.  Results 
are poor.  Four B-24s bomb Bassein docks.  P-40s hit military targets near 
Pebu and Wan-hat.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission No. 41: 67 B-17's of the 1st Bombardment Wing
and 16 B-24's of the 2d Bombardment Wing are dispatched against the 
marshalling yard at Rouen, France. Thirteen B-24's drop 39 tons of bombs on
the target at 1402-1403 hours local; we claim 14 aircraft destroyed, 3
probably destroyed and 3 damaged; we lose 2 B-24's, 1 is damaged beyond
repair and 3 others are damaged; casualties are 5 KIA, 3 WIA and 17 MIA. 
54 B-17's hit the target at 1430 hours dropping 134.75 tons of bombs; they
claim 14 enemy aircraft destroyed, 1 probably destroyed and 5 damaged; we
lose 2 B-17's, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 9 others are damaged;
casualties are 8 WIA and 20 MIA. The bomb run over Rouen is considerably
disrupted by the well-executed attack of fighters which down 2 bombers 
including the lead aircraft. This action is preceded by an earlier wave of 
German fighters which occupy the fighter escort while the second wave 
attacks the bombers

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    The 314th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group with P-40s transfers
from El Kabrit, Egypt to Libya and is attached to the 57th Fighter Group to
gain experience.
    The 434th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group
(Medium) with B-25's transfers from Castel Benito, Libya to El Assa, Libya.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) 
B-17s and B-25s attack shipping between Tunisia and Sicily, claiming the 
destruction  or the heavy damage of several motor vessels.
    In Tunisia, other B-17s hit shipping and marshalling yard at Sousse. 
P-38s escort the bomb missions.  Fighters of the Northwest African Tactical 
Air Force (NATAF) fly several reconnaissance and patrol missions along the
Tunisian British First Army battlefront while Western Desert Air Force P-40s 
and Spitfires hit the rear of columns attacking Medenine from the west.
    The 2d, 4th and 5th Fighter Squadrons, 52d Fighter Group with Spitfire 
Mk Vs transfer from Telergma, Algeria to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.
    The 32d, 353d and 419th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 301st Bombardment 
Group (Heavy) with B-17's transfer from Ain M'lila, Algeria to St-Donat, 
Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, airfields at Munda on New Georgia Island and Vila on
Kolombangara Island are again hit by light B-24 raids.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, heavy bombers, operating individually, hit occupied areas 
in the SE coastal region of NW New Guinea and also strike at Saumlakki and
Babo.

TUESDAY, 9 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  P-36, Curtiss Hawk
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutians, 6 B-24s, 10 B-25s, 12 P-38s and 4 P-40s attack 
Kiska Island.  The P-40s and 6 of the B-25s return to base due to 
bad weather; the other bombers bomb the Main Camp area, North Head 
and the submarine base.
  CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force)
    The 32d Fighter Squadron, 36th Fighter Group with P-36s, P-39s and
P-40s transfers from Arecibo, Puerto Rico to Hato Field, Curacao with 
detachments operating from Dakota Field, Aruba and Losey Field, Puerto
Rico.
    The detachments of the 51st Fighter Squadron, 32d Fighter Group at
Salinas, Ecuador and Talora, Peru return to their base at Seymour Island
in the Galapagos Islands.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, P-40s hit the town area and bridge at Mogaung. Many fires
are started and the bridge is severely damaged.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    HQ 57th Fighter Group and it's 65th Fighter Squadron with P-40's 
transfer from Libya to Tunisia.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Bad weather cancels Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) 
operations and restricts other commands to reconnaissance, patrol,
and transport missions.
    HQ 52d Fighter Group transfers from Telergma, Algeria to
Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.
    The 1st Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 25th Antisubmarine Wing with
B-24's, transfers from St. Eval, England to Port Lyautey, French Morocco.
    The 347th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group with P-39s transfers
from La Senia, Algeria to Orleansville, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, 3 B-24s bomb the airfields at Munda, New Georgia
Island; Kahili, Bougainville Island; and Ballale Island.

WEDNESDAY, 10 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-47, Republic Thunderbolt
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, a reconnaissance airplane is attacked by 5 enemy 
aircraft. The Kiska attack mission is flown by 10 B-25s, 6 B-24s, 12 P-38s 
(4 of them flying top cover), and 1 F-5A.  Eight of the P-38s strafe ground 
installations; the B-25s bomb a radar site and pound North Head, silencing 
AA fire; the B-24s hit the Main Camp area.  Four Amchitka-based P-40s bomb 
the submarine base.                                  

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, heavy bombers strike the Rangoon area at 2 points.  Five 
B-24s hit the Pazundaung bridge; 4 others pound runways, buildings. and 
revetments at Mingaladon Airfield.  After the attack, several fighters 
attack the flight.  The heavy bombers claim 3 shot down.  The China Air
Task Force (CATF) is is absorbed by the Fourteenth Air Force (see below).

  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In China, the Fourteenth Air Force is activated at Kunming assigned to
U.S. Army Forces, China-Burma-India Theater.  This new Air Force is
responsible for all USAAF units in China; Major General Claire L. Chennault 
is named Commanding General.
    P-40s from Kunming fly armored reconnaissance into Burma, crossing the 
Salween River and covering areas SW of Lashio.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  The 4th Fighter Group flies 32 uneventful sorties during the day, 14 in
P-47's. Aircraft-to-aircraft communication proves impossible because of
VHF radio malfunctions in the Thunderbolts.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Egypt, the flight echelon of the 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) 
begins arriving.
    The 64th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group with P-40's transfers
from Libya to Tunisia.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Tunisia, B-17s bomb El Aouins Airfield and La Marsa landing ground,
destroying several parked airplanes and hit the town of Gafsa.  Fighters 
escort the B-17's and carry out numerous reconnaissance missions.              
    The 93d Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group with P-39s transfers from
Berteaux, Algeria to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-17s bomb the airfield and shipping at Wewak. Single
heavy bombers attack shipping off New Guinea.         

THURSDAY, 11 MARCH 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
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force)
    A detachment of the 23d Fighter Squadron, 36th Fighter Group with
P-39's and P-40's begins operating from Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 7 B-25s bomb the Myitnge bridge, causing little damage.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean, B-26s attack a convoy between Tunisia and Sicily. 
B-25s in the area carry out no attacks on vessels.
    In Tunisia, fighters escort medium bombers and attack guns, vehicles. 
and tanks in the Sedjenane, Jefna, and Bedja areas.          
    HQ 31st Fighter Group and it's 307th, 308th and 309th Fighter Squadrons 
with Spitfire Mk V's transfer from Kalaa Djerda, Tunisia to Thelepte, 
Tunisia.
    The 2d Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 25th Antisubmarine Wing with
B-24's transfers from St. Eval, England to Port Lyautey, French Morocco.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  HQ 18th Fighter Group transfers from Wheeler Field, Territory of Hawaii
to Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Islands and is reassigned from the
Seventh to Thirteenth Air Force.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s bomb and strafe Vickers Ridge and the Guadagasal 
area.  Single B-24s attack Finschhafen.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-24s bomb the airfield at Rabaul on New 
Britain Island while single B-24s attack Cape Gloucester and Powell Point.
  Dick Bong gets his 7th and 8th kills when he shoots down 2 Oscars.

FRIDAY, 12 MARCH 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-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutians, 12 Amchitka-based P-40s scout Kiska Island.
    The 54th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group with P-38's transfers
from Adak Island to Amchitka Island.
 
  CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force)
    The 3d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 6th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with
B-24's and LB-30's transfers from the Galapagos Islands to David, Panama.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 6 B-24s attack Pazundaung bridge, causing negligible damage.
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    The 74th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group with P-40's transfers from
Kunming, China to Yunnani, China.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission No. 42: 72 B-17's are dispatched by the 1st
Bombardment Wing against the Rouen-Sotteville marshalling yard; 63 drop
156.5 tons of bombs on the target between 1241 and 1244 hours local.  There 
are no losses and no claims on this mission; good fighter escort is a major 
factor in this no-loss mission. Eighteen B-24's of the 2d Bombardment Wing 
fly a diversionary mission with no losses or claims.
  The 4th Fighter Group flies 43 sorties in their Spitfire Mk V's; 41 are
flown on a flighter sweep and 1 Spitfire is shot down near St. Omer,
France; the pilot is listed as MIA; we claim 2 enemy aircraft damaged.  The
other 2 sorties were shipping patrols.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    HQ 79th Fighter Group transfers from Libya to Tunisia.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Tunisia, B-17s bomb the docks and marshalling yards at Sousse. B-26s 
pound supply dumps and score near misses on bridges at Enfidaville, while 
B-25s bomb shipping between Tunisia and Sicily. Fighters escort the bombers 
and carry out attacks on ground targets, destroying several vehicles in 
the Pichon area and south of Pont-du-Fahs.  RAF Wellingtons bomb the Tunis 
docks during the night of 12/13 March.      
    The 321st Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 445th, 446th, 447th and 
448th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-25's transfer from Oujda, 
French Morocco to Ain M'lila, Algeria. The squadrons will enter combat on 
next Monday and Tuesday.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, airfields at Munda, New Georgia Island; Ballale Island;
and Kahili, Bougainville are again hit by light B-24 raids.  P-38's destroy 
small a vessel off NE coast of Rendova Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s attack the Guadagasal Gap area and Salamaua 
Airfield.
  In the Celebes, B-24s and B-25s attack shipping at Amboina on Ambon
Island and bomb Fuiloro on Timor.
  On New Britain Island in the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s bomb Rabaul 
Airfield while individual B-24s hit a wreck off Talasea and bomb Cape 
Gloucester.

SATURDAY, 13 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  Bf 109, Messerschmitt
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-51, North American Mustang

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, a B-24 on reconnaissance returns early because of 
adverse weather. Twelve P-40s strike the Kiska Island beach, camp and runway.  
Hits are observed on these targets and among 14 parked airplanes.  Eight 
P-38s with 8 P-40s flying top cover again take off for Kiska.  Only 3 of the 
P-38s reach the target and strafe aircraft on the beach.  Another sights a 
submarine SW of Rat Island.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 4 B-24s attack and slightly damage the Pazundaung bridge.
  
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission No. 43: 80 B-17's of the 1st Bombardment Wing
are dispatched against the marshalling yard at Amiens, France; 44 bomb the
marshalling yard while 31 hit targets of opportunity.  A total of 223.5
tons of bombs are dropped between 1515-1517 hours local.  We claim 2 enemy
fighters destroyed and 2 damaged; 11 B-17's are damaged and 6 men WIA.  
Sixteen B-24's of the 2d Bombardment Wing fly a diversion without loss.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    Lieutenant General Lewis H. Brereton, Commanding General Ninth Air
Force, directs that Headquarters Desert Air Task Force be redesignated
Advance Headquarters, Ninth Air Force, and that the USAAF tactical units 
with the HQ be designated Desert Air Task Force (DATF).
    In Italy, B-24s bomb Naples harbor through heavy clouds.  
    In Tunisia, 34 P-40s of the 57th Fighter Group fly top cover and fighter 
sweep, and engage about 25 Bf 109 fighters in combat; we claim 4 destroyed; 
we lose 4 including 3 pilots.
    The 7th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62d Troop Carrier Group, based at
Nouvion, Algeria with C-47's, begins operating from bases in Egypt and
Palestine.
    The 85th, 86th and 87th Fighter Squadrons, 79th Fighter Group with 
P-40's transfer from Landing Ground 150, Libya to Causeway Landing Ground in
Tunisia.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    B-25s are sent against shipping NE of Bizerte, Tunisia but fail to 
locate the target.  Fighters hit positions and movement in the Mareth 
Line area, and fly patrols and reconnaissance.
    HQ XII Air Support Command transfers from Algeria to Tunisia.
    The 154th Observation Squadron, 68th Observation Group with P-39's and
P-51's transfers from Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to Thelepte, Algeria. The
154th is an ex-Arkansas National Guard outfit.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, Vila Airfield on Kolombangara Island and Munda Airfield
on New Georgia are again attacked by B-24s in light raids. Also bombed is 
Faisi Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-17s bomb the airfield and shipping at Wewak. 
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, a B-l7 bombs the airfield on Gasmata Island
and warehouses on Wide Bay, while a B-24 attack shipping off Netherlands New
Guinea.
  HQ 54th Troop Carrier Wing is activated at Brisbane, Australia to control
all Fifth Air Force troop carrier units.

SUNDAY, 14 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
  P-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  HQ 28th Composite Group transfers from Elmendorf Field, Alaska to Adak
Island.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 4 B-24s bomb the Moulmein docks.  Eight B-25s hit the oft-
bombed Gokteik Viaduct but the structure remains serviceable.
  
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy during the night of 13/14 Mar, RAF Liberators under the
operational control of the IX Bomber Command hit the harbor at Naples. 
    In Tunisia during the day, fighters fly cover and sweep over the battle 
area.  The 85th and 87th Fighter Squadrons of the 79th Fighter Group fly
their first combat mission when 12 P-40's escort 11 B-25's on a mission
against the Mareth Line.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Weather cancels all missions except Northwest African Tactical Air Force 
fighter reconnaissance in the Enfidaville-Sfax area and between Tunisia and 
Sicily.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-17s and B-24s bomb Wewak, Tring, and Madang. 
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, single B-17s bomb Gasmata Island, and strafe
a vessel off Talasea, AA positions at Cape Gloucester, and Finschhafen
Airfield.  A lone B-24 bombs Dili on Timor.

MONDAY, 15 MARCH 1943

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

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 6 B-25s, with 4 P-38s flying top cover, bomb North Head 
on Kiska Island, hitting the Main Camp and gun emplacements.  Six B-24s with 
4 P-38s for top cover then bomb Main Camp.  Revetments and the hangar area 
are strafed by the P-38s one of which is lost to AA.  Next, 5 B-24s and 16 
P-38s bomb and strafe the Main Camp area and North Head.  Four P-40s then 
unsuccessfully search for 3 enemy fighters which had earlier attacked a 
weather plane.  Main Camp is hit two more times, by 3 B-25s and by 8 P-38s.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 8 B-25s bomb the Gokteik Viaduct and 8 others attack Myitnge.  
Neither target suffers effective damage.  Eight fighter-bombers damage the 
bridge at Kadrangyang.
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In French Indochina, 12 B-25's bomb the power plant and railroad yards
at Luo Kay.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, B-25s, escorted by P-40's of 79th Fighter Group (the group's 
first operation in the theater), bomb Zarat.  Fighters also fly strafing and 
bombing raids against ground targets.
    The 81st and 82d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group
(Medium) with B-25's transfer from Berteaux, Algeria to Canrobert, Algeria.
These Ninth Air Force units are TDY to the Northwest African Air Force.
    The 316th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group with P-40's transfers
from El Kabrit, Egypt to Libya.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26s, with 
fighter escort, attack the landing pound at Mezzouna. B-25's follow with 
an attack on the same target. Fighters of the Northwest African Tactical Air 
Force (NATAF) fly tactical reconnaissance over the battle area as the units
of the US II Corps prepare to attack east from the Gafsa area.
    In the Mediterranean, B-17s, with fighter escort, hit shipping off 
Northern Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  Single B-17s hit Munda Airfield on New Georgia Island and Vila Airfield on 
Kolombangara Island.  P-38's strafe the airfield at Viru.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25s and 4 P-38s, along with Royal Australian Air Force 
aircraft, bomb shipping at Dobo and Wokam.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s, on single-plane flights bomb Gasmata 
Island and Cape Gloucester on New Britain Island.

TUESDAY, 16 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 16 B-25s, 13 B-24s, 8 P-40s and 32 P-38s (cover/escort) 
sorties are flown to Kiska Island in one weather reconnaissance and 2 
attack missions from Adak Island, and in 3 more missions from Amchitka 
Island. Targets hit are North Head, the Main Camp area, radar sites, and 
the submarine base. On the last Amchitka mission 1 enemy floatplane is shot 
down and 2 more are probables.  Four heavy bombers are hit and 1 B-25 does 
not return.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 6 B-24s damage the approaches to the Pazundaung bridge. 
Eight B-25s attack the Myitnge bridge, scoring at least 2 hits, but the 
structure remains intact.  P-40's hit positions north of Sumprabum.                           
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In French Indochina, P-40s strafe the Mong Yaw storage area and docks, 
warehouse area, and rail-river terminal (for phosphate mines) at Lao Kay.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, P-40s fly fighter-bomber operations against enemy positions 
as British ground forces prepare to conduct limited attacks as a 
preliminary to the main assault against the Mareth Line.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean, B-17s attack shipping between Tunisia and Sicily, 
leaving 2 small vessels aflame.  Weather prevents completion of other 
bomber operations. 
    In Tunisia, fighters fly reconnaissance and patrols but bad weather 
hides enemy ground activity.
    The 346th and 348th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 99th Bombardment 
Group (Heavy) with B-17's arrive at Navarin, Algeria from the U.S.  The 
squadrons will fly their first mission on 31 March.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-17s and B-24s on harassing raids bomb Kahili, Vila, 
and Ballale Airfields.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25s bomb Lae. 
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s bomb Rapopo airstrip and attack Ubili, 
a sub off Cape Turner, the town of Marienberg, and the Cape Gloucester area. 
B-24's unsuccessfully attack cargo ships between Bitsjaroe Bay and Fak Fak.

WEDNESDAY, 17 MARCH 1943 (ST. PATRICK'S DAY)

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 8 P-38s patrol Kiska Island without making contacts.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 8 B-25s again attack the bridge at Myitnge, damaging the 
northern approach.   Fourteen P-40s hit bridges at Kadrangyang and 
northeast of Myitkyina and the motor pool at Hpunkizup.  The motor pool 
suffers considerable damage.
  
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission No. 44: 78 B-17's of the 1st Bombardment Wing
are dispatched against the Rouen-Sotteville marshalling yard. Due to bad
weather, the aircraft are recalled before they leave England.  28 B-24's of
the 2d Bombardment Wing are dispatched on a diversionary mission over the
North Sea but are also recalled.
  The 506th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-24's arrives at Shipdham, England from the U.S.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, P-40s fly scramble and fighter-bomber operations as British 
ground forces continue local operations in preparation for the assault on the
Mareth Line.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Weather cancels Northwest African Strategic Air Force bomber (NASAF)
operations. 
    Tactical fighters and light bombers fly numerous armed reconnaissance 
missions and sweeps over Sedjenane, Cap Serrat, and the Sidi Nsir area and 
attack ground forces east of Gafsa in preparation for the allied assault. 
The US II Corps opens an offensive to the east from the Gafsa area after air 
and artillery preparation.
    Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) aircraft continue coastal 
and sea patrols.
    The 37th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group with P-38's transfers
from La Senia, Algeria to Mediouna, French Morocco.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-17s continue harassing raids against Vila, Kahili, 
and Ballale.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25s bomb Langgoer.

THURSDAY, 18 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, taking off from Adak Island, 6 B-24's bomb the Main Camp 
area, 6 B-25's bomb North Head, and 12 P-38's fly top cover and strafing 
attacks. Twelve Amchitka-based P-38's then blast the Kiska runway and Main 
Camp area, starting fires. At Amchitka, the 54th Fighter Squadron is 
reinforced by several F-5A's.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 16 P-40's bomb and strafe the stronghold of Seniku, claiming a 
high enemy casualty rate.  Seven others attack Nalong.  Sixteen B-24's bomb 
the Pazundaung bridge, causing considerable damage to the structure.  Eight 
B-25's damage the Myitnge bridge; 8 other B-25's hit AA positions in the 
Myitnge general area.
    A detachment of the 9th Photographic Squadron (Light), Tenth Air Force
begins operating from Dinjan, India.
  
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission No. 45: 76 B-17's of the 1st Bombardment Wing
and 27 B-24's of the 2d Bombardment Wing are dispatched against the
submarine yards at Vegesack, Germany; 73 B-17's and 24 B-24's drop 268 tons
of bombs on the target at 1531-1535 local. Seven U-boat hulls appear 
severely damaged.  This mission marks the first successful combat use of 
automatic flight control linked with bombsights. Our claims are 52-20-23;
we lose 1 B-17 and 1 B-24; 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair; 9 B-17's and 14
B-24's are damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 16 WIA and 20 MIA.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24's, escorted by P-40's, bomb the harbor at Naples.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Weather cancels operations of the Northwest African Strategic Air Force 
(NASAF) bombers.
    In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters fly 
sweeps and reconnaissance over the Sidi Nsir-Sedjenane-Medjez el Bab areas 
and attack a railway station, other buildings, railroad sidings, and motor 
transport at Temara.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  HQ 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 370th and 424th Bombardment 
Squadrons (Heavy) with B-24's transfer from the Territory of Hawaii to 
Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.  Both squadrons has been operating from 
Espirtu Santo since 6 Feb.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-24's pound the town of Madang. 
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, single B-17's strafe a launch at Talasea and 
barges northeast of Cape Gloucester, while a lone B-24 bombs Timoeka and 
Langgoer.

FRIDAY, 19 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  P-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

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

  USAAF ANTISUBMARINE COMMAND
    The 19th Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy) with B-24's arrives at Gander 
Lake, Newfoundland from the U.S.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 8 B-25's score 4 direct hits on the bridge at Myitnge, 
rendering it unserviceable. A single P-40 uses a 1,000-lb bomb against the 
bridge near Mogaung in a test to see if the fighter can carry such 
"blockbusters" and deliver them effectively. Despite negligible damage, 
suffered by the target, both the carrying and releasing of the bomb are 
considered successful.  
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In French Indochina, 12 B-25's, with an escort of 6 P-40's, bomb the 
power plant and railroad yards at Lao Kay. The P-40's strafe the target 
area and a barracks s few miles down the Red River.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    Colonel Uzal G. Ent assumes command of the IX Bomber Command, replacing 
Colonel Hugo P Rush.  Ent AFB, Colorado was named for Col. Ent.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Landing grounds are non-operational due to continued bad weather. 
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) and Northwest African Tactical 
Air Force (NATAF) cancel missions.  Northwest African Coastal Air Force 
(NACAF) aircraft fly routine patrols.
    The Northwest African Troop Carrier Command (Provisional), consisting of 
the 5lst Troop Carrier Wing and its subordinate units, which are transferred 
from the XII Air Force Service Command, is activated.  Colonel Ray A. Dunn 
is acting  Commanding Officer. 

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

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

SATURDAY, 20 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 7 B-25's again attack the Myitnge bridge, inflicting little 
additional damage to the structure.
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    HQ 308th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 373d, 374th, 375th and
425th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) with B-24's arrive in China from the 
U.S.  The 308th and 425th are based at Kunming; the 373d at Yangkai; and the 
374th and 375th at Chengkung. The four squadrons will fly their first
combat mission on 4 May.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, B-25's bomb the Mareth area. AA is intense and all medium 
bombers suffer hits.  P-40's escort bombers and carry out fighter-bomber and 
top cover operations as British ground troops open the assault on positions 
with infantry and artillery.  The British 30 Corps gains a bridgehead across 
the Oued Zigzaou.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Northwest African Tactical Bomber Force (NATBF) is formed under the
Northwest African Tactical Air Force with a small combined HQ which has under 
it the 47th Bombardment Group (Light), the RAF 326 Wing, and air echelons of 
2 squadrons of the 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) which are attached for 
operational control. B-26's and B-25's launch consecutive attacks against 
the landing ground at Djebel Tebaga. Fighters fly escort and carry out 
numerous reconnaissance missions as the British Eighth Army opens an assault 
on the Mareth Line.
    In the Mediterranean, B-25's bomb shipping between Tunisia and Sicily. 
    HQ XII Fighter Command transfers from La Senia, Algeria to Algiers,
Algeria.
    A detachment of the 59th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group based at
Berteaux, Algeria with P-40's begins operating from Thelepte, Tunisia.

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

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

SUNDAY, 21 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

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

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

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy during the night of 20/21 March, B-24's attack the harbor and 
surrounding area of Naples, hitting a vessel, the city area, and in the 
vicinity of the railroad yards. 
    In Tunisia, B-25's bomb targets, including a highway, in the Gabes area. 
They are escorted by almost 100 P-40's.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Tunisia during the night of 20/21 March, RAF Wellingtons bomb the 
docks at Ferryville. On the morning of 21 Mar, B-17's, with P-38 escort, 
attack the landing grounds at Djebel Tebaga, and Mezzouna. Elements of the 
US 1st Armored Division push toward Maknassy, placing it under artillery fire 
in preparation for the assault on the town.                    
    The 35th Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier Group which has
been operating it's C-47's from Telergma, Algeria returns to its base at
Blida, Algeria.

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

MONDAY, 22 MARCH 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-40, Curtiss

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

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 17 B-25's, operating in 2 forces, bomb the Gokteik Viaduct. 
Several damaging hits are scored on the base and structure. Seven B-25's 
pound the Thazi rail junction. Considerable damage is caused to warehouses, 
yards, sidings, tracks, and rolling stock.
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In French Indochina, P-40's again strafe the phosphate mine area at Lao
Kay.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission No. 46: 76 B-17's and 26 B-24's are
dispatched against the U-boat yards at Wilhelmshaven, Germany; 69 B-17's and
15 B-24's drop 224 tons of bombs on the target at 1501-1510 hours local. 
We claim 28-9-9; we lose 1 B-17 and 2 B-24's; 12 B-17's and 10 B-24's are
damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 18 WIA and 32 MIA.
  The 452d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 322d Bombardment Group (Medium)
with B-26's transfers from Rattlesden to Rougham, England.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy during the night of 21/22 Mar, RAF Liberators, under
operational control of the IX Bomber Command, bomb Naples.
    In Tunisia, B-25's hit the Gabes area, bombing a road junction, motor
transport, and troop concentrations. P-40's fly 5 escort missions during
the day. British ground forces, after expanding the Oued Zigzaou bridgehead
during 21/22 Mar, are severely handicapped by heavy rain. The enemy
counter-attacks and forces 50 Division to give ground.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
  In the Atlantic, German submarine U-524, is sunk north of the Canary
Islands at 3O-15N 18-13W, by aircraft of 1st Antisubmarine Squadron
(Heavy).
    In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons 
hit the landing ground near Sfax during the night of 21/22 March. Northwest 
African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters fly numerous reconnaissance and 
patrol missions while A-20's bomb Mezzouna and fighter-bombers hit motor 
transport and tanks in the northern Tunisian battle area.
    In the Mediterranean, B-26's on a sea sweep attack vessels near Zembra
Island.
    In Sicily, B-17's bomb shipping in the harbor at Palermo.

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

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

TUESDAY, 23 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, weather grounds all missions except the weather 
reconnaissance flight and an unsuccessful intercept attempt of an enemy 
reconnaissance airplane by 2 P-40's.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 9 B-25's bomb barracks, warehouse, railroad tracks, and the 
airfield at Meiktila.
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In French Indochina, P-40's strafe the operations building at Dong 
Cuong and hit troop trucks between Tuyen Quang and Ha Giang.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24's bomb Messina, concentrating on the ferry slip. 
    In Tunisia, B-25's hit the Mareth area. P-40's fly fighter-bomber 
operations and bomber escort over the battle area as the British 50 Division 
withdraws from the Oued Zigzaou bridgehead under cover of artillery fire.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Tunisia during the night of 22/23 March, RAF Wellingtons hit El Maou 
Airfield near Sfax. During the day, B-17's bomb shipping in Bizerte 
harbor. Fighters fly reconnaissance and patrol, bomb and strafe trucks, 
tanks, and troops near Bir Zallujah, hit tanks and trucks east of Mezzouna 
and Maknassy, and east of El Guettar, where the enemy ground forces are 
making thrusts toward the town.            

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

WEDNESDAY, 24 MARCH 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
  Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 10 B-24's, 3 B-25's, and 12 P-38's fly 5 attack 
missions to Kiska Island. North Head runway and the Main Camp area are 
bombed.      

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

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24's attack the ferry installations at Messina. Direct 
hits are scored in the target area and adjacent railroad yards and naval 
oil and storage tanks are set afire. Just before midnight, RAF Liberators, 
under operational control of the IX Bomber Command, blast the docks at 
Messina. 
    In Tunisia, B-25's hit Zarat. P-40's fly an escort, armed 
reconnaissance, and strafing mission. 
    The British Eighth Army prepares to assault the west flank of the 
Mareth Line.               

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's hit 
shipping and the the dock area at Ferryville. B-26's bomb the La Smala des 
Souassi landing ground and B-25's hit the Djebel Tebaga North landing 
ground.  Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) A-20's and B-25's hit 
troop concentrations near El Guettar (where the US 1st Infantry Division is 
under attack) and the landing ground at Djebel Tebaga. Fighters escort 
bombers and strafe ground forces along the battleline.
    HQ 68th Observation Group and it's 16th and 122d Observation Squadrons
transfer from Oujda, French Morocco to Berrechid, French Morocco.  The 16th 
and 122d, with P-38's, P-39's, P-40's and Spitfires, begin training fighter 
pilots.

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

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

THURSDAY, 25 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss

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

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 8 B-25's bomb the engine sheds at Maymyo for the second 
consecutive day. Considerable damage is done although the main shed is not 
hit.
  
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, B-25's, in the early daylight hours, bomb installations in 
the Mareth area. P-40's attack motor transport, tanks, and communications 
targets in the battle area. During the night of 25/26 Mar heavy, medium and 
light bombers blast forces gathering in the El Hamma area.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's bomb 
the docks and shipping at Sousse. B-25's hit the Djebel Tebaga landing 
ground. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters fly numerous 
patrols, sweeps, and reconnaissance flights over the battle areas. 
Northwest African Tactical Bomber Force (NATBF) bombers hit the Djebel 
Tebaga Airfield and motor transport west of Sfax and Sousse during the 
night of 24/25 March). XII Air Support Command medium bombers and fighters 
hit Djebel Tebaga Airfield, vehicles near Gabes, Mezzouna, Maknassy, and at 
several other points in the battle area.
    The 416th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 99th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-17's arrives at Navarin, Algeria from the U.S. The squadron will fly
it's first mission on 31 Mar.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-24's pound Rabaul.  Single B-17s hit Gasmata 
and Ubili.
  In the Moluccas, B-24s hit shipping, the wharf and town area at Amboina.
  In New Guinea, single B-17's hit Lae.

FRIDAY, 26 MARCH 1943

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

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

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

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, B-25's attack the Mareth area, dropping over 28.5 tons
of bombs during 2 strikes. P-40's fly fighter-bomber and strafing missions, 
destroying or damaging over 50 military transport vehicles, tanks, and gun 
emplacements. Intense ground fire downs several US fighters. Following the 
aerial bombardment, Allied ground forces renew their assault on the Mareth 
Line.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Tunisia, B-25's bomb the Grombalia area. Other B-25's and B-17's of 
the Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) fail to complete missions 
because of weather. P-39's destroy several trucks in the Maknassy-Mezzouna 
area. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters and light and 
medium bombers bomb a fuel dump at Oudref, roads and a railway near Cekhira, 
docks at Sfax, and the airfield at Djebel Tebaga. Fighters strafe vehicles 
during armored reconnaissance between Faid and Gabes.
    The 347th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 99th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-17's arrives at Navarin, Algeria from the U.S.  The squadron will
fly it's first mission on 31 Mar.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Gilbert Islands, B-24's bomb the airfield on Nauru Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-17's attack shipping, the harbor and town area at Wewak. 
A-20's pound forces and targets of opportunity in the Mubo, Malahang, and 
Salamaus area. A single B-l7 bombs Finschhafen and unsuccessfully attacks a
ship E of Talasea

SATURDAY, 27 MARCH 1943

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

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

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

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

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters 
attack machinegun installations NE of Maknassy and a train at Mezzouna, and 
hit Djebel Naimia. Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) fighters on 
patrol claim several aircraft shot down. Weather prevents completion of an 
antishipping sweep by North African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-25's.

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

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

SUNDAY, 28 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  F4U, Vought Corsair (USN)
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission No. 47: 79 B-17's and 24 B-24's are 
dispatched against the Rouen-Sotteville, France marshalling yard. The 
B-24's are recalled at 1245 due to bad weather; 70 B-17s drop 209 tons of
bombs on the target at 1249-1250 hours.  We claim 5-4-1; we lose 1 B-17 and
9 others are damaged; casualties are 2 WIA and 10 MIA.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, P-40's launch a fighter-bomber attack against El Hamma, 
which the enemy has held as an escape corridor through which troops have 
been withdrawing during the night of 27/28 Mar.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Tunisia, weather again prevents completion of Northwest African 
Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-25 shipping strike. Northwest African Tactical 
Air Force (NATAF) fighters attack trucks south of Maknassy and near Gabes, 
hit gun positions and tanks near Mezzouna, where fierce ground fighting is 
taking place, and fly patrols and reconnaissance throughout the battle 
areas of Tunisia. Bombers hit roads, railroads, and military transport in 
the Sousse and Sfax areas during the night of 28/29 Mar.
    HQ 51st Troop Carrier Wing transfers from Algiers, Algeria to La Senia,
Algeria.
    HQ 82d Fighter Group and it's 95th and 97th Fighter Squadrons with 
P-38's transfer from Telergma, Algeria to Berteaux, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, the last remaining personnel of the battle-weary 11th
Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-17's leave SOPAC to return to Hawaii. 
P-38's and F4U's hit the seaplane bases at Poporang and Shortland, claiming 
8 aircraft destroyed, and attack a destroyer east of Shortland Island, 
leaving it listing.

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

MONDAY, 29 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-17, Curtiss
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  Doris, Mitsubishi B-97 Darai Medium Bomber (fictional type of aircraft)
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutians, 7 heavy and medium bombers, with fighter escort, bomb 
and strafe the Kiska runway and nearby Main Camp area. Heavy AA fire damages
6 bombers and 2 P-38's.
  CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force)
    The 29th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 40th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with A-17's transfers from Aguadulce, Panama to Anton, Panama.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 4 B-24's bomb shipping and dock area at Tavoy. Nine B-25's 
bomb the Maymyo railroad yards, 7 P-40's blast possible Japanese HQ north
of Maingkwan. Eight others pound positions WNW of Sumprabum.
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In Burma, P-40's strafe trucks at Bhamo and fuel drums at Chefang,
China.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, B-25's attack Sfax and El Maou area, scoring hits on several
parked aircraft. P-40's fly escort and fighter-bomber missions as British 
ground forces pursue the enemy north through Gabes. The British Eighth Army 
completes the occupation of the Mareth Line.
    HQ 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 486th, 487th, 488th and
489th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-25's arrive at El Kabrit, Egypt 
from the U.S. The group will fly it's first mission on 6 Apr.
    The 315th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group with P-40's arrives at
El Kabrit, Egypt from the U.S.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Weather cancels all Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) 
operations. 
    In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters bomb 
and strafe a truck column south of Djebel Chemsi, a troop concentration 
near Mezzouna, and vehicles at other points along the Tunisian battlefront.
    The 4th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62d Troop Carrier Group with C-47's
transfers from Casablanca, French Morocco to Nouvion, Algeria.
    The 84th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light)
with A-20's transfers from Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to Canrobert, Algeria.
    The 92d Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group with P-39's transfers from
Thelepte, Tunisia to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.

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

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

TUESDAY, 30 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss

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

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 5 B-25's bomb the Maymyo railroad yards, scoring hits on 
machine shops, sheds, and tracks. Sixteen P-40's hit targets of opportunity
at Npyentawng, Wuja, and Mohnyin.
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In China, P-40's strafe 8 locomotives southwest of Lashio, exploding
3 of them.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, 3 B-24's sent to bomb the Messina ferry slip are unable to 
rendezvous because of bad weather; 1 B-24 bombs the Crotone chemical 
factory, hitting the center of the factory area, warehouses, and rail 
facilities. RAF Liberators sent against the same target return without 
bombing. 
    In Tunisia, B-25's hit the landing ground at Sfax, scoring direct hits
on 4 aircraft. P-40's fly escort missions. British ground forces make 
contact with the enemy's new line along Oued el Akarit.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Weather halts all Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) 
missions except fighter reconnaissance. 
    In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters bomb 
the area northeast of Oued Zarga, attack tanks, trucks, and troops southeast 
of Slourhin, at Djebel ben Kheir, at Djebel Chemsi, near El Ayacha and El 
Avoua, along the El Guettar-Mahares road, and in the El Agahea area. A-20's 
bomb the La Fauconnerie Airfield, hit troops at Djebel Chemsi, and bomb 
tanks and troops at Djebel Berda which is being assaulted by the US 9th 
Infantry Division.
    HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) and it's 85th and 86th Bombardment 
Squadron (Light) with A-20's transfer from Canrobert, Algeria to Thelepte, 
Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, heavy bombers continue snooper strikes on Vila and 
Kahili Airfields.

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

WEDNESDAY, 31 MARCH 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  Beaufighter, Bristol
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, a reconnaissance airplane finds impenetrable weather 
and returns to base. Two P-38's make an uneventful sweep.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 9 B-25's bomb the marshalling yard at Pyinmana, blasting 
railroad tracks and warehouses.                     
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    The 16th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group with P-40's transfers
from Chenyi to Kweilin, China.
    The 75th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group with P-40's transfers from
Yunnani to Lingling, China.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission No. 48: 78 B-17's and 24 B-24's are
dispatched against the shipyards and dock area at Rotterdam, The
Netherlands.  The target is clouded and only 33 B-17's drop 99 tons of
bombs at 1225 hours; we claim 1-1-2; we lose 3 B-17's and 1 B-24 plus 3
B-17's are damaged beyond repair and 4 B-17's and 1 B-24 are damaged;
casualties are 16 KIA, 10 WIA and 10 MIA.
  The air echelons of the 414th and 415th Night Fighter Squadrons, AAF 
School of Applied Tactics arrive in England from the U.S.; the ground
echelons are enroute to Algeria.  Both squadrons will train with 
Beaufighters before moving to North Africa.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, B-25's bomb Sfax Airfield; bombs explode among 6 parked 
airplanes. P-40's escort bombers and fly fighter-bomber operations, during 
which motor transport along the highway north of Gabes is hit.
    The 9th Fighter Wing is inactivated at El Kabrit, Egypt.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sardinia during the night of 30/31 Mar, RAF Wellingtons bomb 
Decimomannu Airfield. During the day, B-17's hit Villacidro, Monserrato and
Decimomannu Airfields and Cagliari harbor. 
    In the Mediterranean, B-25's hit shipping off northeastern Tunisia. The 
B-l7 and B-25 missions are escorted by P-38's. 
    In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters, and 
light and medium bombers attack La Fauconnerie Airfield, hit concentrations 
on the El Guettar-Gabes road (enemy positions through which the US II Corps 
is trying to break), bomb transport in the Djebel Tabouna area, attack roads 
in the Mezzouna-Mahares-Sfax-Sousse areas, hit trucks, halftracks, and tanks
south of Djebel Berda and in the Djebel Berrani area, bomb the Djebel Chemsi 
Pass, strafe trucks on the Djebel Hadifa-Sidi Rouda road and in the Ofel-
El Guettar area. Western Desert Air Force (WDAF) aircraft hit the El Maou 
landing ground.
    The 97th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light)
with A-20's transfers from Canrobert, Algeria to Thelepte, Tunisia.    

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

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20's hit Salamaua, while B-24's bomb Babo. Individual
B-24's attack Lae Airfield, Finschhafen, and Samoa Point and Timper River
bridges.

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
THE MIGHTY EIGHTH WAR DIARY by Roger A. Freeman, ISBN 1-85409-071-2

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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