USAAF Combat Operations 1941

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

MAY 1943



AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  A-36, North American
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  
  SATURDAY, 1 MAY 1943

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 16 attack missions on Kiska and Attu are flown by 16
B-24's, 15 B-25's, 35 P-38's, 38 P-40's, and 4 F-5A's. Kiska targets
include the Main Camp, hangar, submarine base (where a fire is started),
runway, radar, ship, North Head, AA guns and Gertrude Cove. Attu targets
include E Attu, Holtz Bay and Chichagof Harbor installations.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In China, the forward echelon of the Fourteenth Air Force, under
Colonel Clinton D Vincent and Lieutenant Colonel David L ("Tex") Hill,
moves into E China along the Hengyang-Kweilin line. This brings US
aircraft within range of all major Japanese-held bases from N China to
Indochina and Thailand, and makes shipping in the China Sea more
vulnerable to US air strikes.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission No. 53: 78 B-17's are dispatched against the
Sainte-Nazaire, France U-boat base and shipyard. They find bad weather
over the target and only 29 B-17's hit the target between 1125 and 1131 
hours local.  We claim 18-6-8 Luftwaffe aircraft; 7 B-17's are lost, 2 
are damaged beyond repair and 20 others are damaged. Casualties are 3 KIA, 
17 WIA and 73 MIA. At the same time, 24 B-24's fly a diversion along the 
Brittany Coast.
  HQ 351st Bombardment Group (Heavy) arrives at Polebrook, England from
the US.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24's bomb the harbor at Reggio di Calibre. 
    In Tunisia, P-40's bomb and strafe shipping and shore installations on
the NE coastline.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF)
B-26's and P-38's fly uneventful shipping sweeps. 
    In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters and
A-20's hit shipping in the Gulf of Tunis and jetties at Sidi Daoud and
Kelibia, and attack positions in the NE Tunisian battle area as Allied
ground forces regroup for the final Tunisian offensive.
    During the month of May, the 2d Air Defense Wing transfers from Oran,
Algeria to Maison Blanche, Algeria. The wing will be redesignated the 63d
Fighter Wing in Jul 43.
    During the month of May, the 15th Bombardment Squadron (Light),
Twelfth Air Force with A-20's and A-36's transfers from Nouvion, Algeria
to Sale, French Morocco. The squadron flew the first USAAF mission in
Europe but is now relegated to a training role.
    The 81st and 82d Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 12th Bombardment
Group (Medium) with B-25's transfer from Canrobert, Algeria to Thibar,
Tunisia.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-24's bomb the landing strip at Nabire and hit a vessel
in Manokwari harbor.

SUNDAY, 2 MAY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Zeke, Mitsubishi A6M, Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 6 B-25's, 8 P-40's, and 8 P-38's fly bombing,
photographic and attack missions to Kiska. Targets include North Head,
South Head and buildings and AA gun batteries on Gertrude Cove.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In China, 17 P-40's intercept 30-40 fighters near Lingling and in a
running battle to just N of Changsha claim at least 7 Zekes downed. One
P-40 is shot down.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, P-40's attack shipping off the coast.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Tunisia, bad weather restricts the Northwest African Strategic Air
Force (NASAF) to reconnaissance missions. Northwest African Tactical Air
Force (NATAF) fighters hit tank and troop concentrations near Massicault
and Tebourba and fly battle area reconnaissance as the US II Corps
occupies Kef en Nsour while the enemy withdraws toward Bizerte.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-17's on harassing strikes hit the Rekata Bay area and
Munda Airfield. P-38's and P-39's join Navy aircraft in pounding the
runway area at Munda.        

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In Timor, B-25's bomb Penfoei.
  In New Guinea, other B-25's  unsuccessfully attack a vessel off Toeal. A
single B-17 bombs dock area at Finschhafen.  

MONDAY, 3 MAY 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, 7 B-24's, 11 B-25's, 20 P-38's, 27 P-40's and 2 F-5A's
participate in a weather reconnaissance mission to Attu and in 9 attack
missions to Kiska. Kiska targets include the Main Camp, North Head, radar,
and runway.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  In Iceland, Lieutenant General Frank M. Andrews, the USAAF officer who
is Commanding General European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army (ETOUSA),
is killed in an aircraft crash while landing. There has been speculation
over the years whether Andrews instead of Eisenhower would have commanded
the Allied forces in Europe if he had lived. Camp Springs Army Air Field,
Camp Springs, Maryland was renamed Andrews Army Air Field (now Air Force
Base) in 1945 in his memory.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, P-40's fly fighter-bomber missions against a bridge,
buildings, and docks in the NE part of the country.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-25's bomb
a landing ground near Protville and B-17's hit shipping at Bizerte.
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters fly numerous
reconnaissance missions over the battle area as Mateur falls to the US 1st
Armored Division. Other fighters escort NASAF bombers. Fighter-bombers
bomb the Massicault area.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-40's and P-38's join Navy dive bombers and fighters
in attacks on buildings and AA positions in the Rekata Bay area.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-25's strafe the airfield at Gasmata while
a B-17 strafes launches N of Lolobau Island, claiming 1 boat sunk.
  HQ 54th Troop Carrier Wing transfers from Brisbane, Queensland,
Australia to Port Moresby, New Guinea.

TUESDAY, 4 MAY 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
  LB-30, Consolidated Liberator
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-47, Republic Thunderbolt

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutians, 5 B-24's, 6 B-25's, 8 P-38's, 2 P-40's and 2 F-5A's
take off on 2 Kiska and Attu missions. Missions to Kiska abort due to
weather. At Attu targets include Chichagof Harbor, AA positions at Holtz
Bay, and a floatplane.
  The 36th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 28th Composite Group with B-24's
transfers from Fort Greeley on Kodiak Island to Amchitka Island.

  CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force)
    The 397th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 6th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-24's and LB-30's transfers from Talara, Peru to Rio Hato, Panama.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In French Indochina, 18 B-24's bomb dock installations, coal yards,
and oil storage area at Samah on Hainan Island; 9 B-25's pound docks at
Haiphong; 19 P-40's escort B-17's and B-25's to Hanoi and then proceed
with B-25's to Haiphong and strafe the target area following the bombing
strike. 

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission No. 54: 79 B-17's are dispatched against the
former Ford and General Motors plants at Antwerp, Belgium; 65 aircraft
hit the target between 1839 and 1843 hours local. We claim 10-0-2 Luftwaffe 
aircraft; 16 B-17's are damaged.  Casualties are 3 WIA.  The B-17's are 
escorted by 117 P-47C's up to 175 miles (280 km) from base. A diversion is 
flown by 20 B-17's and 13 B-24's towards the French coast arousing more 
than 100 German fighters (about half of the total number in the region) and 
keeping many of them airborne long enough to prevent their attacking the 
main effort. None of the 33 diversionary aircraft are damaged or lost. 

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24's attack shipping at Reggio di Calabria and Taranto.    
    In Tunisia, B-25's hit Zaghouan, including a landing ground and a road
running to Bou Ficha. P-40's fly sea patrol and escort, as well as
fighter-bomber missions in the Zaghouan area.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Tunisia, weather restricts Northwest African Strategic Air Force
(NASAF) operations to a reconnaissance and uneventful shipping sweep;
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters attack gun positions
and vehicles near Zaghouan and Massicault and at other points in the
surrounding areas. A-20's and medium bombers hit Zaghouan in support of
the French advance.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-17's fly snooper strikes during the night of 3/4 May
against Vila Airfield and the Rekata Bay area. P-40's join Navy aircraft
in a strike on Vangavanga.  

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-24's bomb Babo and the town area, harbor, and shipping
at Wewak. 
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, single B-24's hit barges off the N coast of
New Britain.

WEDNESDAY, 5 MAY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  F4U, Vought Corsair (USN)
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, the weather reconnaissance airplane over Attu observes
a floatplane burning on the water. Fourteen B-24's, 17 B-25's, 16 P-38's,
32 P-40's, and 5 F-5A's fly 4 attack missions to Attu and 6 [partly with
Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilots] to Kiska. Bombs are dropped on
Attu installations and fighters strafe and set afire 1 seaplane and
silence AA guns. Targets include Main Camp, a radar site, North and South
Head, runway, and Gertrude Cove installations.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  The 73d Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group with P-40's transfers from
NAS Kaneohe to Mokuleia both in the Territory of Hawaii. The squadron will
begin transitioning to razorback P-47D's in late 1943.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, P-40's strafe and bomb a bridge, vessels, docks,
warehouses, and other buildings at Nabeul harbor. 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-l7's bomb a
vessel off Capo San Vito.
    In Italy, B-25's and B-26's bomb shipping off Marettimo Island. 
    In Tunisia, NASAF B-17's hit Tunis harbor and attack ships and docks
at La Goulette. B-25's and B-26's bomb shipping E of Cape Zebib, and hit a
landing ground at Galaat el Andeless and near Protville. Northwest African
Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters and bombers fly 6 missions against
strongholds on the NE and E slopes of Djebel Bou Aoukaz as the British 5
Corps' 1 Division attacks and gains the position. Fighters hit shipping in 
Gulf of Tunis and attack landing grounds and concentrations near
Protville. Wellingtons bomb roads at Bir Meherga.
    After regrouping and re-equipping, HQ 14th Fighter Group and it's 37th
and 49th Fighter Squadrons with P-38's transfer from Mediouna, French
Morocco to Telergma, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-38's and Navy F4U's administer thorough strafing to
Nyanga.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25's pound Toeal.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, a lone B-24 bombs airfields at Cape
Gloucester and Gasmata.

THURSDAY, 6 MAY 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, B-24's, B-25's and P-38's drop over 52 tons (47.2
tonnes) on Attu targets including Holtz Bay, Sarana Bay, and the Chichagof
Harbor area and nearby gun positions. Kiska is also hit. Targets include
radar gun positions and the Gertrude Cove and Main Camp areas. Returning
P-38's also bomb and strafe a hut on Rat Island. P-40's blast Kiska and
Little Kiska.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24's bomb Reggio di Calabria harbor, hitting several
vessels and shore installations. 
    In Tunisia, B-25's attack Furna and Massicault and surrounding areas.
P-40's hit shipping in the Gulf of Tunis and vehicles and buildings along
the coast.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's,
escorted by fighters, bomb Marsala and Trapani.
    In Italy, B-25's and B-26's, escorted by fighters, bomb a convoy SW of
Marettimo Island, the port of Favignana, and vessels W of Mitrettimo.
    In Tunisia, the British 18 Army Group opens the final assault on Tunis
and Bizerte before dawn. The assault is supported by massed artillery fire
and the most intensive air bombardment yet employed in North Africa.
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) airplanes bomb El Aouina, La
Sebala, and Ariana Airfields during the night of 5/6 May. Today, fighters,
A-20's, and medium bombers fly over 1,400 sorties, attacking Protville and
La Sebala Airfields, trucks on the Massicault-Tunis road, Bordj Frendj,
Djebel Achour, traffic SW of Tunis, troops N of Massicault, the Djedeida-
Saint-Cyprien road, the road S of Djedeida, and numerous other points of
strength in extreme NE Tunisia.  B-25's and B-26's bomb 2 beached vessels
at Cape Zebib, and ships, a lighthouse, and parked aircraft near Capes
Fortass, Zebib, Cap Serrat and at Protville. Fighters escort the bombing
missions.
    The 48th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group with P-38's transfers
from Mediouna, French Morocco to Telergma, Algeria. 

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-40's and Navy dive bombers and fighters hit Munda
Airfield. During the evening, B-24's carry out harassing strikes on Kahili
Airfield and on Fauro and Balla Island.
  HQ 4th Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group transfers from
Espiritu Santo to Guadalcanal.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20's hit forces in the Green's Hill area. Single B-24's
hit Madang and Finschhafen while other B-24's hit Manokwari and Toeal.. 
  In Timor, B-25's pound Dili.

FRIDAY, 7 MAY 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, an attempted mission to Kiska by 6 P-40's is aborted
due to weather.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  In England, Lieutenant General Jacob L. Devers is appointed Commanding
General European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army replacing General
Andrews who was killed in Iceland on Monday.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, B-25's hit the town of Kelibia. P-40's bomb and strafe
shipping in the Gulf of Tunis, severely damaging 3 boats.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily during the night of 6/7 May, Northwest African Strategic Air
Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb the docks and shipping at Trapani as a
diversion for a mine-laying mission off Malta. 
    In Tunisia, NASAF P-40's attack motor vessels, the quay and dock area
at Tunis harbor. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters, 
A-20's, and medium bombers hit El Aouina Airfield and traffic on the roads
around Tunis, especially the Tunis-Bizerte road, as the Allied forces of
Lieutenant General Harold R. Alexander's 18 Army Group overrun both Tunis
and Bizerte, splitting the enemy's forces.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-17's and B-24's bomb the airfield, supply dumps, and
other targets at Madang while A-20's hit forces in the Green's Hill area.  
  In Timor, B-25's pound Penfoei.

SATURDAY, 8 MAY 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
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In China, 16 B-24's and 11 B-25's bomb Tien Ho Airfield, the shop and 
factory area, and White Cloud Airfield at Canton. The 24 escorting P-40's
strafe the target areas following the bombing strikes. Considerable damage
is done, including the destruction of about 20 enemy aircraft.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean, B-25's hit the landing ground on Pantelleria
Island.  
    In Tunisia, P-40's strafe and bomb shipping in the Cap Bon area and
shipping and shore installations on the Gulf of Tunis. Fighters claim 5 
Bf 109's destroyed.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) 
P-38's and Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters and A-20's
bomb the landing ground on Pantelleria Island.
    In Tunisia, NASAF B-26's and P-4O's attack small vessels off NE 
Tunisia. Weather prevents the success of other shipping sweeps, but B-25's
hit a road junction and railroad at Korba and a highway N of Beni Khalled.
P-40's bomb docks near Thonara. NATAF fighters and A-20's bomb shipping 
between Tunisia and Sicily, convoys and road network near Soliman and 
Hammamet, tanks near Protville, troops, emplacements, trucks, landing 
grounds, and vessels on and near Cap Bon and in the area S of Tunis. On 
the ground, CORPS FRANC D'AFRIQUE makes an official entry into Bizerte as 
the British 7 Armored Division pushes N from Tunis toward the US II Corps 
zone. The British 6 Armored and Indian 4 Infantry Divisions, pushing SE 
toward Hammamet, are stopped at Hammam Lif as the enemy strives to keep 
their line of retreat to the Cap Bon peninsula open. The British 5 Corps' 
l Division and 4 Indian Division push E with the French 19th Corps which 
meets firm resistance near Zaghouan.
    HQ 52d Troop Carrier Wing arrives at Oujda, French Morocco from the
US. This begins the buildup of troop carrier units for the planned
airborne assault on Sicily.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-4O's join Navy aircraft in an attack on destroyers in
Blackett Strait. Other P-40's and P-38's hit AA positions at Vila.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25's claim the destruction of 2 cargo vessels at Madang. 
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17's bomb the airfield at Rabaul, and
single B-17's attack barges and small boats off the N coast of New Britain.

SUNDAY, 9 MAY 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
  Blenheim, Bristol (RAF)
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24's attack harbor facilities at Messina, scoring hits on
the ferry terminal, roundhouse, 2 ferries, and a ship. 
    In the Mediterranean, B-25's hit the landing ground on Pantelleria
Island. 
    In Tunisia, over 300 P-40's fly escort and reconnaissance missions,
and strafing and bombing raids on landing grounds vessels, vehicles,
bridges, and gun positions in the areas of Zembra Island, Cap Bon, and
Pantelleria Island.
    HQ 316th Troop Carrier Group transfers from Fayidk Egypt to Nouvion,
Algeria and begins training for the invasion of Sicily.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sardinia during the night of 9/10 May, Northwest African Strategic
Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Villacidro, Elmas, and Decimomannu
Airfields.
    In Sicily, B-17's, with P-38 escort, bomb Palermo; B-26's follow
immediately with an attack on the same target.
    In Tunisia during the night of 9/10 May, Northwest African Tactical
Air Force (NATAF) Blenheims, bomb troops and vehicle concentrations in the
Homemade-Nabeul-Menzel Bou Zelfa-Soliman-Tazorhrane areas. Fighter sweeps
over the battle area, provide cover for destroyers, strafe barges, bomb
buildings in the battle area, strafe trucks between Hammamet and Soliman
and bomb a landing ground near Menzel Temime. A-20's and medium bombers
also bomb shipping, hit concentrations in the battle area and in the town
of Soliman, and bomb the airfield on Pantelleria Island. The US II Corps
receives the unconditional surrender of enemy troops in its zone.
    HQ 313th Troop Carrier Group and it's 47th and 49th Troop Carrier
Squadrons with C-47's arrive at Oujda, French Morocco from the US and begin 
training for the invasion of Sicily.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-24's and B-17's bomb Manokwari, Nabire, Kaimana, and
Madang Airfield, and the Wewak-But area. 
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-25's hit the airfield at Gasmata.
  The 89th Bombardment Squadron (Dive), 3d Bombardment Group (Dive) with
A-20's transfers from Port Moresby, New Guinea to Dobodura, New Guinea.
Both the squadron and group will be redesignated Bombardment Group/Squadron 
(Light) on 25 May 43 to reflect it's true equipment and mission.

MONDAY, 10 MAY 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 (RAF)
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 6 P-40's bomb and strafe Kwitu, leaving several areas burning 
fiercely.

  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In French Indochina, 8 P-40's fly an offensive sweep against 
communications in the Nam Dinh and Hanoi areas. Four locomotives and 3
riverboats are destroyed, a train carrying troops and supplies is heavily
damaged, and several trucks of troops are destroyed.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean B-25's and P-40's bomb Pantelleria landing
ground. 
    In Tunisia, P-40's bomb the Medi and Cap Bon peninsula. Fighters claim
4 airplanes destroyed.
    The 36th and 44th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 316th Troop Carrier Group
with C-47's transfer from Egypt to Nouvion, Algeria and begin training for
the aerial assault on Sicily.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily during the night of 9/10 May, Northwest African Strategic
Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Palermo and the surrounding area.
B-17's follow up, shortly past noon, with raids on the airfields at Milo
and Bo Rizzo. 
    In Tunisia, Northwest Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters, A-20's, and
medium bombers attack Pantelleria harbor in the Mediterranean, Korba
bridge, Menzel Temime landing ground, Kelibia areas, and town of Menzel
Bou Zelfa. Numerous motor transport and troop concentrations on Cap Bon
peninsula are bombed and strafed as British 6 Armored Division drives to
Hammamet, cutting off the peninsula.
    HQ 17th Bombardment Group (Medium) transfers from Telergma, Algeria to
Sedrata, Algeria.
    The ground echelon of the 414th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air
Force, arrives at La Senia, Algeria from the U.S. The air echelon is in
England training on Beaufighters.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-38's join Navy and Marine aircraft in a strike
against gun emplacements, runway, and revetments at Munda Airfield.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20's bomb and strafe the Labu area.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-25's pound Cape Gloucester Airfield. 
  B-17's and B-24's, operating individually attack coastline targets in NE 
New Guinea; New Britain in the Bismarck Archipelago; and on Jamdena Island
in the Sunda Islands.
  The 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group with P-39's transfers from
Mareeba, Queensland, Australia to Port Moresby, New Guinea.  

TUESDAY, 11 MAY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  A-36, North American Apache
  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

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutian Islands, the following missions are flown to support US
forces landing on Attu: 1 air-ground liaison sortie by 1 B-24; a B-24 
supply sortie dropping supplies to ground forces; and 5 attack missions,
flown by 11 B-24's and 12 B-25's. The first attack mission cannot find the
target and instrument-bombs targets which include the runway, radar,
submarine base, and camp area. Because of poor visibility the next 2
missions hit Kiska, where the runway and Main Camp are attacked. Two B-24's
then bomb the Chichagof Harbor area through fog while another drops
leaflets on Attu.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  The 26th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy),
with B-17's, transfers from Bellows Field to Wheeler Field, Territory of
Hawaii and begins transitioning to B-24D's.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 6 B-24's pound Syriam, causing large fires in the town area. 

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  HQ 94th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 331st, 332d, 333d and 410th
Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) with B-17F's, arrive at Earls Colne, England
from the US. The group will fly it's first combat mission on Thursday.
  The 334th, 335th, 336th and 412th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 95th
Bombardment Group (Heavy), with B-17F's, arrive at Framlingham, England
from the US. The squadrons will fly their first combat mission on
Thursday.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Sicily, B-24's strike Catania harbor, severely damaging the harbor
area and several ships. 
    In Tunisia, B-25's strike the battle area in NE Tunisia.  P-40's fly
escort and armed reconnaissance, and carry out bombing and strafing
missions in the Cap Bon area against motor transport, concentrations,
roads, docks, and AA batteries.
 
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's,
B-26's, and B-25's bomb Marsala, hitting the warehouse, docks, railroad
yards, seaplane base, and city area.
    In Italy, NASAF P-40's bomb and strafe harbor at San Michele.
    In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters and
A-20's attack vehicles, gun positions and troop concentrations in the
Zaghouan-Sainte-Marie du Zit area and on Cap Bon as the British 4 Division
completes an uneventful sweep around the Cap Bon peninsula, revealing no
important forces there. Resistance in the Zaghouan sector weakens.
    The 29th and 48th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 313th Troop Carrier Group,
with C-47's arrive at Oujda, French Morocco from the US.
    The 310th, 311th and 312th Bombardment Squadrons (Dive), 86th
Bombardment Group (Dive), with A-36's, arrive at La Senia, Algeria from
the US.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-17's fly harassing strikes during the night of 10/11
May against Kahili Airfield and Shortland Island.
  The 390th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 42d Bombardment Group (Medium)
with B-25's, transfers from the Fiji Islands to Guadalcanal.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17's and B-24's hit the airfield and
general area at Rabaul. 
  In Timor, B-25's bomb Penfoei and Dili.
  The 403d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy),
with B-24's transfers from Mareeba, Queensland, Australia to Port
Moresby, New Guinea.  

WEDNESDAY, 12 MAY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  A-36, North American Apache
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  Beaufighter, Bristol (RAF)
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, a P-39 reconnaissance sortie over Kiska and Rat Island
encounters poor weather and turns back. At Attu, an air-ground liaison
B-24 watches US forces land on beach "Red" while another B-24 drops
supplies. Seven attack missions flown by 10 B-24's, 12 B-25's, and 24 
P-38's bomb and strafe assigned Attu targets. Four barges are set afire in
the W arm of Holtz Bay.
 
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  HQ 95th Bombardment Group (Heavy) arrives at Framlingham, England from
the US.
  HQ 323d Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 453d and 455th Bombardment
Squadrons (Medium) with B-26C's arrive at Horham, England from the US.
The group will fly it's first combat mission on Friday.
  The 14th Photographic Squadron (Light), 3d Photographic Group, with F-
5A's, arrives at Mount Farm, England from the US.
  The 337th, 338th, 339th and 413th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 96th
Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-17F's, arrive at Great Saling, England
from the US. The squadrons will fly their first combat mission tomorrow.
  The 417th Night Fighter Squadron, VIII Fighter Command arrives at Ayr,
Scotland from the US. and begins training with Beaufighters.
  The 508, 509th 510th and 511th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 351st
Bombardment Group (Heavy), with B-17F's, arrive at Polebrook, England from
the US. They will fly their first combat mission on Friday.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, B-25's bomb targets in the battle area in NE Tunisia. 
 
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons
bomb the docks at Marsala during the night of 11/12 May; some bombs fall
on Mazara del Vallo and Trapani. 
    In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters, A-
20's, and medium bombers fly sweeps and tactical reconnaissance over the
battle area and hit positions S of Bou Ficha which form the last link
between the enemy forces and the sea. By night, enemy resistance in the S
is almost ended. Enemy troops, including Colonel-General Jurgen von Arnim,
Commander-in-Chief, Army Group Africa, are surrendering en masse.
    HQ 86th Bombardment Group (Dive) and it's 309th Bombardment Squadron
(Dive) with A-36's arrive at La Senia, Algeria from the US.
    The 92d Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group, with P-39's, transfers
from Maison Blanche, Algeria to Warnier, Algeria.
    The ground echelon of the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air
Force arrives at La Senia, Algeria from the US. The air echelon is in
England training with Beaufighters.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons during the night of 11/12 May, B-17's fly snooper
strikes against Kahili Airfield. During the early morning hours, P-40's
and Navy aircraft hit AA positions, runway and revetments there.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25's bomb the airfield and surrounding area at
Finschhafen.
  In the Moluccas B-24's hit Saumlakki.
  Single heavy bombers hit Salamaua, New Guinea and Gasmata in the
Bismarck Archipelago.

THURSDAY, 13 MAY 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
  Beaufighters, Bristol (RAF)
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutians, bad weather keeps the air-ground liaison B-24 from
observing or hearing friendly ground forces on Attu and it returns to
base. An air-ground support mission of 6 B-24's divert from Attu to Kiska;
2 of the bombers don't get the message, proceed to Attu, and bomb
Chichagof Harbor and Holtz Bay. The other 4 bomb the Main Camp area. Eight
P-40's dispatched to Kiska in 2 waves cannot see the target and instead
bomb Little Kiska installations.

  CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force)
    The 29th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 6th Bombardment Group (Heavy),
with B-24's, transfers from Anton, Panama to the Galapagos Islands.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    The 76th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group, with P-40's, transfers
from Kunming, China to Lingling, China.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 55: 97 B-17s' are dispatched against
the Avions Potez aircraft factory at Meaulte, France; 88 aircraft hit the
target at 1628-1630 hours local. We claim 11-31-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; we 
lose 3 and 11 others are damaged. Casualties are 1 WIA and 31 MIA. In a 
second raid, 72 B-17's are dispatched against the Longuenesse and Ft. 
Rouge Airfields at St. Omer, France; 31 bomb Longuenesse at 1637-1638 hours;
1 B-17 is lost and 1 is damaged beyond repair. Casualties are 1 KIA and 2 
WIA.
  The 416th Night Fighter Squadron, VIII Fighter Command arrives at
Honiley, England from the US. Detachments are dispersed to Cranfield,
Usworth and Bath to train with Beaufighters under control of the RAF.
  The 456th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 323d Bombardment Group
(Medium), with B-26C's, arrives at Horham, England from the US.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-25's bomb Augusta while RAF Liberators, under operational
control of the IX Bomber Command, attack the Messina ferry terminal.
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Italy, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons
bomb the area of the railroad station, marshalling yard and docks in
Naples during the night of 12/13 May. 
    In Sardinia, B-17's, B-25's and B-26's from 7 bomb groups, escorted by
fighters from 4 fighter groups, bomb Cagliari, hitting shipping, the dock
area, marshaling yard, oil dump, chemical plant, and city area. 
    In Tunisia, the Tunisian campaign ends with the surrender of Marshall
Giovanni Messe, commander of Axis forces in Africa.
    HQ 51st Troop Carrier Wing transfers from La Senia, Algeria to
Mascara, Algeria.
    HQ 60th Troop Carrier Group and it's 11th and 28th Troop Carrier
Squadrons with C-47's, transfer from Relizane, Algeria to Thiersville,
Algeria.
    The 34th, 37th and 432d Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 17th
Bombardment Group (Medium), with B-26's transfer from Telergma, Algeria to
Sedrata, Algeria.  

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons during the night of 12/13 May, 2 B-24's on snooper
missions bomb Kahili and Ballale Airfields. They are followed shortly by 6
B-17's which pound the same targets. During the day, 34 P-38's, P-39's,
and P-40's, along with 62 Navy and Marine fighters and Royal New Zealand
Air Force (RNZAF) P-40's, intercept 20+ airplanes over the Russell 
Island-Tulagi area. Allied pilots claim 16 aircraft shot down (1 by USAAF 
fighters).  During the early evening, 5 B-17's again hit Kahili and Ballale 
Airfields.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  B-17's bomb airfields at Rabaul on New Britain Island and Wewak and
Boram in New Guinea. 
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-25's blast the airfield, town area, and
targets of opportunity at Gasmata while A-20's hit Cape Gloucester
Airfield and area. 
  Single B-24's and B-17's attack various shoreline and offshore targets,
including landing strips, buildings, gun positions, barges, and vessels,
on the NE New Guinea coast, New Britain, and in the Admiralty Islands.

FRIDAY, 14 MAY 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
  P-47, Republic Thunderbolt
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, poor weather curtails bombings. The air-ground liaison
B-24 flies reconnaissance and photo reconnaissance over Attu throughout
the day. One B-24 carrying supplies for the ground forces hits a mountain
side 10 miles (16 km) W of the drop zone. Six B-24 s and 5 B-25's fly
ground support bombing missions over Attu. Two P-40's bomb Kiska through
the overcast. 

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 56: A maximum force is put in the air
as part of a combined offensive against the Wehrmacht. 154 B-17's, 21 B-
24's and 12 B-26's are dispatched against 4 targets. The principal attack
is against submarine yards and naval installations at Kiel, Germany; 136
B-17's and 21 B-24's are dispatched with 126 B-17's and 17 B-24's hitting
the target at 1200-1203 hours local. We claim 62-24-27 Luftwaffe aircraft; 
we lose 5 B-24's and 3 B-17's with 1 B-24 damaged beyond repair and 9 
B-24's and 27 B-17's damaged. Casualties are 3 KIA, 17 WIA and 81 MIA. 42 
B-17's are dispatched against the former Ford and General Motors plants at 
Antwerp, Belgium; 38 hit the target at 1320 hours local; we claim 5-1-4 
Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 1 and 15 others and damaged; casualties are 3 
WIA and 10 MIA; in the third raid, 39 B-17's are dispatched against 
Courtrai Airfield, France; 34 hit the target; we claim 0-0-1 Luftwaffe 
aircraft; we lose 2 B-17's and 10 others are damaged; casualties are 20 
MIA. In the 4th raid, 12 B-26's are dispatched against the Velsen power 
station at Ijmuiden, The Netherlands; 11 hit the target at 1100 hours; 1 
B-26 is damaged beyond repair when it crashes upon returning to base and 
9 others are damaged; casualties are 1 KIA and 7 MIA. This is first time 
more than 200 US bombers are dispatched. The attack at Ijmuiden is made at 
low level by the 322d Bombardment Group (Medium), the first US medium 
bomber group to become operational in the UK.
  The Antwerp mission is escorted by 118 P-47's; they claim 4-6-11
Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 3 P-47's and 1 is damaged; casualties are 3
MIA.
  A detachment of the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, VIII Fighter Command
is sent to Bristol, England for training with the RAF.
  The 417th Night Fighter Squadron, VIII Fighter Command transfers from
Ayr, Scotland to Cranfield, England. The squadron is training on
Beaufighters with the RAF and has detachments at Ayr, Uxbridge, Coltishall
and Bristol, England.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    P-40's fly sea patrol and escort for bombers.
   
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sardinia during the night of 13/14 May, Wellingtons hit Cagliari.
During the day, B-25's and P-38 escorts bomb the dock and town area of
Olbia claiming destruction of 3 vessels. B-26's hit Porto Ponte Romano.    
    In Italy, B-17's bomb Civitavecchia.
    During the day, P-38's bomb tunnel, barracks, airfield, industry,
power station, and town areas at Sassari and Abbasanta, Italy; and Alghero
and Porto Torres, Sardinia.
    HQ 1st Air Defense Wing transfers from Casablanca, French Morocco to
Sousse, Tunisia. The unit will be redesignated the 62d Fighter Wing in Jul
43.
    The 10th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group, with 
C-47's, transfers from Relizane, Algeria to Thiersville, Algeria.
    The 14th Troop Carrier Squadron, 61st Troop Carrier Group, with 
C-47's, arrives at Lourmel, Algeria from the US.  
    The 95th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 17th Bombardment Group
(Medium), with B-26's, transfers from Telergma, Algeria to Sedrata,
Algeria.
    The 347th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group, with P-39's,
transfers from Le Sers, Tunisia to Djidjelli, Algeria. 

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, single B-24's fly early evening snooper strikes against
airfields at Kahili, Ballale, and Munda. During the night of 14/15 May, 
B-17's on a snooper mission bomb Kahili

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-25's administer a thorough pounding to the
airfield and surrounding area at Gasmata while B-24's and B-17's pound
Rabaul Airfield. 
  In Timor, B-25's bomb Penfoei Airfield and the Dili area. 
  Single heavy bombers hit various targets in NE New Guinea, New Britain
and the Netherlands East Indies.
  The 475th Fighter Group and it's 431st, 432d and 433d Fighter Squadrons
are activated at Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia. The unit will be
equipped with P-38F and H aircraft and will enter combat in Aug 43.

SATURDAY, 15 MAY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  A-36, North American Apache
  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
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 
  
  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutians, weather again curtails operations. The air-ground
liaison B-24 observes and directs air operations at Attu throughout the
day as visibility permits and directs a supply drop for ground forces by
another B-24 in 2 air-ground support missions. Six B-24's bomb Holtz Bay
and Chichagof Harbor and 6 P-38's strafe AA installations in the Holtz Bay
area.

  CARIBBEAN (Antilles Air Command)
    HQ VI Fighter Command transfers from Henry Barracks, Puerto Rico to
Waller Field, Trinidad.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  7 B-24's from Midway Island bomb Wake Island; 4 others abort and 7
others fail to find the target. 22 fighters intercept the formation; the
B-24's claim 4 shot down; 1 B-24 is lost.
  
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In China,  25-35 Japanese bombers and 30-40 fighters attack Kunming.
Nearly all of the bombs fall in W and SW of the airfield, causing little
damage. 28 P-40's intercept, claiming 13 fighters and 2 bombers shot down.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 57: 113 B-17's are dispatched against
various targets in Germany as well as airfield and naval installations on
Helgoland Island and the naval base and submarine construction works at
Wilhelmshaven; 76 bomb the targets at 1050-1055 hours local; we claim 29-
20-30 Luftwaffe aircraft destroyed; we lose 5 B-17's, 1 is damaged beyond
repair and 26 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 7 WIA and 51 MIA. 80 B-17's
are dispatched against the U-boat yard, marshalling yard and airfield at
Emden, Germany; 59 bomb at 1056-1103 hours local; they claim 14-3-1
Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 1 B-17 and 9 others are damaged; casualties
are 10 MIA.
  116 P-47's are dispatched on a high altitude sweep of the
Amsterdam/Rotterdam area prior to the bombing raids; they claim 2
Luftwaffe aircraft damaged; 1 P-47 is lost and the pilot is listed as MIA.
  The 109th Observation Squadron, 67th Observation Group, with Spitfire
VB's, transfers from Atcham, England to Membury, England.
 
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean, P-40's fly sea patrol.     
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons
bomb Palermo during the night of 14/15 May. 
    In the Mediterranean, the Northwest Coastal Air Force (NACAF) maintains 
sea patrol and reconnaissance over large area from the W coast of Italy 
over Sicily, Corsica, Sardinia, and as far N as Marseilles, France.
    HQ 31st Fighter Group transfers from Le Sers, Tunisia to Korba, 
Tunisia.
    HQ 61st Troop Carrier Group and it's 15th, 53d and 59th Troop Carrier
Squadrons, with C-47's, arrive at Lourmel, French Morocco from the US.
    The 58th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group, with P-40's, transfers
from Ebba Ksour, Tunisia to Menzel Temime, Tunisia.
    The 307th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, with Spitfires,
transfers from Le Sers, Tunisia to Korba, Tunisia.
    The 309th, 310th and 312th Bombardment Squadrons (Dive), 86th
Bombardment Group (Dive), with A-36's, transfer from La Senia, Algeria to
Mediouna, French Morocco.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25's pound the airfield at Lae; A-20's strafe the
aircraft and building at Lae; and B-24's hit Nabire.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-25's pound the airfield at Gasmata; B-
24's bomb the airfield at Rabaul; and single heavy bombers hit Gasmata,
Cape Gloucester, and barges SW of Ubili. 

SUNDAY, 16 MAY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, the air-ground liaison B-24 bombs Chichagof Harbor
with unobserved results. Another B-24 drops supplies to ground forces on
Attu. 8 B-24's, 12 B-25's, and 12 P-38's fly ground support missions to
Attu; because of weather, only the P-38's get through and strafe AA guns,
installations and barges, scoring several hits. The bombers are directed
to bomb Kiska. 2 P-40's fly reconnaissance mission over Kiska.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    P-40's escort shipping off the Mediterranean coast.
 
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily,  Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons
bomb Trapani during the night of 15/16 May. 
    Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) and Northwest African
Coastal Air Force (NACAF) planes fly sea patrol, reconnaissance, and
convoy escort.
    The 51st Troop Carrier Squadron (C-47's), 62d Troop Carrier Group,
transfers from Nouvion, Algeria to Matemore, Algeria.
    HQ 350th Fighter Group transfers from Oran, Algeria to Maison Blanche,
Algeria. It's 345th Fighter Squadron (P-39's) transfers from La Senia,
Algeria to Maison Blanche, Algeria.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Celebes, B-24's bomb the Kendari Airfield area. 
  Single heavy bombers attack coastal or offshore targets in NE New Guinea,
New Britain, and New Ireland.
  HQ 8th Fighter Group transfers from Mareeba, Queensland, Australia to
Port Moresby, New Guinea.

MONDAY, 17 MAY 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
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 2 attempted ground support missions to Attu by a B-24,
5 B-25's, and 6 P-38's are recalled due to weather.
  The detachment of the 11th Fighter Squadron (P-40's), 343d Fighter Group
that has been operating from Amchitka returns to it's base at Adak.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 58: 159 B-17's are dispatched to hit
the port area and U-boat base at Lorient, France; 118 bomb the target at
1213-1217 hours local; we claim 47-8-29 Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 6 B-
17's, another is damaged beyond repair and 27 others are damaged;
casualties are 1 KIA, 8 WIA and 57 MIA. An additional 39 B-17's are
dispatched to hit the docks and sub pens at Bordeaux, France; 34 bomb at
1238-1244 hours local; we claim 0-1-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 1 B-17
and another is damaged; casualties are 2 WIA and 11 MIA. In a third
mission 11 B-26's of the 322d Bombardment Group (Medium) are dispatched on
a low-level mission to bomb power stations at Haarlem and Ijmuiden, The
Netherlands; 1 B-26 aborts, the other 10 are all shot down before they
reach the target; casualties are 58 MIA. This mission prompts the Eighth
Air Force to abandon low-level medium bomber attacks.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Italy, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons
bomb the Lido di Roma seaplane base and drop leaflets over Rome.
    The 8th Troop Carrier Squadron (C-47's), 62d Troop Carrier Group,
transfers from Nouvion, Algeria to Matemore, Algeria.
    The 309th Fighter Squadron Spitfires), 31st Fighter Group, transfers
with Spitfires from Le Sers, Tunisia to Korba, Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-39's and Navy airplanes bomb and strafe a bivouac and
AA positions in the Rekata Bay area.
 
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In Timor,  B-25's bomb Dili, Penfoei, and Barique.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-25's bomb Gasmata; single heavy bombers
hit Gasmata and Cape Gloucester.
  In New Guinea, single heavy bombers hit Lae and Finschhafen.

TUESDAY, 18 MAY 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
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 6 B-24's, weathered out of Attu, bomb the Gertrude
Cove area on Kiska Island leaving large fires. 4 P-40's reconnoiter Kiska 
and strafe barges. 1 B-25 flies photo reconnaissance over Kiska. 

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  The Combined Bomber Offensive (CBO) plan for the round-the-clock bombing
of the enemy from the UK by the RAF and Eighth Air Force is approve by the
Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS). The Eighth Air Force now has authorization
to proceed with daylight strategic bombing within the type of combined
offensive it has long wished to initiate. The CBO plan lists the
destruction of German fighters as the immediate priority objective. 
Primary objectives in order are German submarine yards and bases, the
German aircraft industry, ball bearings, and oil (the last being
contingent upon attacks from the Mediterranean against Ploesti, Rumania). 
Secondary objectives in order of priority are synthetic rubber and tires, 
and military motor transport vehicles.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sardinia during the night of l7/l8 May, Wellingtons bomb the
Alghero-Sassari area. 
    In the Mediterranean during the day, the Northwest African Air Force
(NAAF) begins a strong air offensive against Pantelleria Island in
conjunction with a naval blockade. Over 80 B-25's and B-26's, escorted by
P-38's, blast the island, hitting Porto di Pantelleria and Marghana
Airfield. 
    In Sicily, B-17's, with fighter escort, bomb Trapani.
    The 4th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62d Troop Carrier Group, transfers
with C-47's from Nouvion, Algeria to Matemore, Algeria.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, heavy bombers, operating individually, hit
Gasmata and Rabaul Airfields twice and Cape Gloucester, and Arawe; in
addition to Lorengau in the Admiralty Islands once.

WEDNESDAY, 19 MAY 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-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 6 B-24's and 11 B-25's fly 3 air-ground support
missions to Attu Island, bombing the Sarana Valley. 4 P-40's fly 2 
reconnaissance missions to Kiska Island.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    HQ 402d Bombardment Group (Medium) is activated at Kunming, China. No
squadrons are assigned and headquarters is never fully manned.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 59: 123 B-17's are dispatched against
the U-boat yards at Kiel, Germany; 103 bomb the target at 1329-1333 hours 
local; we claim 48-7-21 Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 6 B-17's and 28 others 
are damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 7 WIA and 60 MIA. A smaller force, 64 
B-17's, is dispatched against the naval yards at Flensburg, Germany; 55 
attack the target at 1325-1328 hours local; we claim 12-4-14 Luftwaffe 
aircraft; 9 B-17's are damaged; casualties are 2 KIA and 4 WIA. An 
uneventful diversion is flown by 24 B-17's. 

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia after 2 days of sand storms, aircraft are again airborne.
P-40's fly escort for ships in area E of Kelibia off Cap Bon peninsula.
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sardinia, B-25's hit Milis and Villacidro Airfields while B-26's
bomb Monserrato and Elmas Airfields, the outskirts of Quarto Sant'Elena,
and Cagliari harbor. 
    In Sicily, B-17's bomb Milo Airfield at Trapani.
    The 7th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62d Troop Carrier Group which has been
operating from bases in Egypt and Palestine with C-47's, returns to
Nouvion, Algeria.
    The 154th Observation Squadron, 68th Observation Group, transfers with
A-20's and P-38's from Le Sers, Tunisia to Korba, Tunisia.
    The 317th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group, transfers with P-40's
from Tafaraoui, Algeria to Montesquieu, Algeria and flies it's first
combat mission.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-24's hit the airfield at Gasmata. Single
heavy bombers hit Gasmata twice during the day.  
  In New Guinea, B-25's attack the Salamaua area and targets of opportunity 
off the NE coast of the Huon Peninsula. 
  In Timor, B-24's hit Penfoei.

THURSDAY, 20 MAY 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
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, all air-ground support missions to Attu are cancelled
due to weather. 20 P-40's bomb the Main Camp and submarine area at Kiska,
and strafe barges in the harbor. The remaining Japanese on Attu are
concentrated in the Chichagof Harbor area.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    The 490th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 341st Bombardment Squadron
(Medium) based at Ondal, India begins operating from Chakulia, India with
B-25's.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  The 524th, 525th, 526th and 527th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 379th
Bombardment Group (Heavy) arrive at Kimbolton, England from the US with 
B-17F's. They will fly their first mission on 29 May 43.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean, P-40's escort ships and fly sea patrol off Cap
Bon and in the Kelibia area.
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sardinia during the night of l9/2O May, Northwest African Strategic
Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Villacidro and Decimomannu Airfields.
During the day, P-38's bomb Milis Airfield and targets of opportunity at
Bonorva while B-25's bomb Villacidro, Alghero, and Decimomannu Airfields 
    In Italy, P-38's bomb the docks on the Gulf of Aranci, a railroad
bridge NE of Perfugas, the Macomer rail junction, and targets of 
opportunity at Sassari, Bonnanaro, and Chilivani while B-17's strike 
Grosseto Airfield. 
    In the Mediterranean, P-38's and P-40's strafe and bomb Pantelleria
Island.
    HQ 33d Fighter Group and it's 59th Fighter Squadron transfer with 
P-40's from Ebba Ksour, Tunisia to Menzel Temime, Tunisia.
    The 2d, 4th and 5th Fighter Squadrons, 52d Fighter Group transfer with
Spitfires from Le Sers, Tunisia to La Sebala, Tunisia.
    The 12th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group transfers
with C-47's from Tafaraoui, Algeria to Relizane, Algeria.
    The 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group transfers with
Spitfires from Le Sers, Tunisia to Korba, Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons during the night of 20/21 May, heavy bombers on snooper
missions bomb he Kahili area and Ballale Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, the airfield and surrounding areas on
Gasmata Island are hit by A-20's during the night of 20/21 May and by
B-17's during the day. B-17's and B-24's bomb Vunakanau Airfield.
  In New Guinea, B-25's sink several barges offshore between Madang and
Cape Cretin.
  HQ 3d Bombardment Group (Dive) transfers from Port Moresby, New Guinea
to Dobodura, New Guinea.  The group and it's 4 squadrons will be
redesignated Bombardment Group/Squadron (Light) on 25 May to reflect their 
true aircraft.

FRIDAY, 21 MAY 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
  Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-47, Republic Thunderbolt
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 10 B-24's, 12 B-25's, and 24 P-38's are dispatched to
Attu but only 3 missions, totalling 6 P-38's and 1 B-24, are able to bomb
and strafe troops and installations. 4 other missions, after vainly waiting
for a break in the overcast over Attu, bomb the Kiska submarine base
through the overcast.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 60: 98 B-17's are dispatched against
the U-boat yards at Wilhelmshaven, Germany; 77 hit the target at 1244-1245
hours local; we claim 47-5-17 Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 7 B-17's with
another 24 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 9 WIA and 60 MIA. A second,
smaller strike of 63 B-17's is dispatched against the U-boat yards at
Emden, Germany; 46 bomb the target at 1244-1246 hours local; we claim 
31-6-6 Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 5 B-17's with 2 others damaged beyond 
repair and 9 others damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 5 WIA and 50 MIA. At 
Wilhelmshaven German fighters are reported firing rockets.
  VIII Fighter Command Field Order Number 105: 105 P-47's are dispatched on
a fighter sweep in the Ostend/Ghent area; they claim 0-0-1 Luftwaffe
aircraft; we lose 3 and all pilots are listed as MIA.
  HQ 379th Bombardment Group (Heavy) arrives at Kimbolton, England from the
US.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy during the night of 2O/2l May, RAF Liberators, under 
operational control of IX Bomber Command, bomb Messina and Reggio di 
Calabria. During the day, B-24's hit Vila San Giovanni and Reggio di 
Calabria; gunners claim 4 fighters destroyed. 
    In the Mediterranean, P-40's fly sea patrol off the NE Tunisian coast.
 
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sardinia during the night of 20/21 May, Wellingtons hit Villacidro
and Decimomannu Airfields and targets of opportunity. During the day,
B-25's and B-26's bomb the same airfields. 
    In the Mediterranean, P-40's attack gun positions and targets of
opportunity on Pantelleria Island.
    In Sicily, B-17's hit hangars, repair shops, dispersal points, and a
gun battery at Castelvetrano.
    HQ 52d Fighter Group transfers from Le Sers, Tunisia to La Sebala,
Tunisia.
    HQ 314th Troop Carrier Group and it's 32d, 50th and 61st Troop Carrier
Squadrons with C-47's arrive at Berguent, French Morocco from the
US.
    The 7th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62d Troop Carrier Group transfers with
C-47's from Nouvion, Algeria to Matemore, Algeria.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17's bomb airfields in the Rabaul area
while B-24's hit the airfield at Gasmata. 
  In New Guinea, Nabire Airfield is hit by B-24's.
  In the Moluccas, B-25's blast AA positions, supply dumps, and town area,
at Saumlakki.
  The 90th Bombardment Squadron (Dive), 3d Bombardment Group (Dive)
transfers with B-25's from Port Moresby, New Guinea to Dobodura, New 
Guinea. The squadron will be redesignated Bombardment Squadron (Light) on 
the 25th.
  
SATURDAY, 22 MAY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  LB-30, Consolidated Liberator
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutians, bad weather forces cancellation of all missions. 15
enemy bombers make a torpedo attack on the gunboat USS Charleston (PG-51)
and destroyer USS Phelps (DD-360) patrolling Attu. The ships suffer only
negligible damage.

  CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force)
    The 25th and 45th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 40th Bombardment
Group (Heavy) transfer with B-24's and LB-30's to Howard Field, Canal
Zone. The 25th was at Salinas, Ecuador and the 45th was on the Galapagos
Islands.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  The 451st Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 322d Bombardment Group (Medium)
transfers with B-26C's from Rattlesden, England to Rougham, England.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean, P-40's fly sea patrol off NE Tunisia.  
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily, as a diversion for a convoy passing off Sicily during the
night of 21/22 May, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF)
Wellingtons fly intrusion missions dropping bombs on Castelvetrano,
Sciacca, Milo, and Bo Rizzo Airfields.
    In the Mediterranean, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF)
fighters fly convoy escort.
    The 60th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group transfers with P-40's
from Ebba Ksour, Tunisia to Menzel Termime, Tunisia.
    The 93d Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group transfers with P-39's
from Bone, Algeria to Monastir, Tunisia.
    The 346th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group transfers with P-39's
from Orleansville, Algeria to Maison Blanche, Algeria.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-24's bomb the town of Kaimana and strafe power launches
at Koer Island.
  The 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group transfers with P-39's from
Mareeba, Queensland, Australia to Port Moresby, New Guinea.

SUNDAY, 23 MAY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  Beaufighter, Bristol (RAF)
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  PBY, Consolidated Catalina (USN)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutians, 6 B-24's and 12 B-25's fly 3 air-ground support
missions to Attu. Due to bad weather they are routed to Kiska. Weather
there is also poor and only 1 B-25 bombs the Main Camp area. Next, 3
B-24's and 18 P-38's fly 3 air cover missions to Attu. The last of these
missions is notified by a PBY that 16 Japanese bombers are W of Attu. 5 of
the P-38's then intercept the bombers over Attu, which jettison their
bombs and close formation. The P-38's score 5 kills and 7 probables. 2 P-
38's are lost.
    The 344th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group begins a movement from
Fort Glenn, Umnak Island to Shemya Island, both in the Aleutians. The air
echelon is operating with P-40's from Amchitka Island.

  CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force)
    The 3d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 6th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
transfers with B-24's from Talara, Peru to Salinas, Ecuador.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  In the Territory of Hawaii, a flight of P-40's on patrol from Kauai bomb
a submarine from 1,500 feet (457 m), after which an oil slick and debris
are seen.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  The 417th Night Fighter Squadron, VIII Fighter Command based at
Cranfield, England sends a detachment to Scorton, England to train with
the RAF on Beaufighters. 

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean, P-40's fly convoy escort off Tunisia.
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF)
B-25's and B-26's bomb the docks and airfield on Pantelleria Island and
P-40's attack gun positions on the island.
    In Italy, P-38's attack the zinc works at Iglesias and Carloforte
harbor on San Pietro Island.
    The 91st Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group transfers with P-39's
from Bone, Algeria to Sfax, Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, 5 B-24's bomb the airfields at Kahili and Ballale
Island during the night of 23/24 May. 10 B-17's, attempting a follow-up
strike, abort because of bad weather. While other aircraft are
successfully laying mines in the N Solomons in the Buin area, 19 B-17's
and B-24's, in a diversionary raid, bomb the Buin-Kahili-Tonolai shoreline
area.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-24's and B-17's hit the harbor and
airfield at Kavieng, the airfield at Gasmata, and the village of Ubili.
  The 13th Bombardment Squadron (Dive), 3d Bombardment Group (Dive)
transfers with B-25's from Port Moresby, New Guinea to Dobodura, New
Guinea.

MONDAY, 24 MAY 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
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 2 of 3 air-ground support missions to Attu, together 6
B-24's, 11 B-25's, and 1 F-5A, bomb Attu. The third mission is cancelled,
except for 2 B-25's which do not hear the cancelling order. 3 B-24's and
14 P-38's fly 3 more air cover missions over Attu but make no contacts.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24's hit the Villa San Giovanni ferry slip and railroad
yards, and ferry terminal and a nearby tanker at Reggio di Calabria.
    The 45th Troop Carrier Squadron, 316th Troop Carrier Group transfers
with C-47's from Libya to Nouvion, Algeria.
 
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean during the night of 23/24 May, Northwest African
Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb the harbor and airfield at
Pantelleria Island. During the day, NASAF and Northwest African Tactical 
Air Force (NATAF) fighters follow with more attacks on the airfield. 
    In Sardinia, P-40's, P-38's, B-25's, B-26's and B-17's, bomb targets 
including Carloforte harbor, factories, hangars, and oil dump at Alghero
and the seaplane base at Porto Conte, the railroad bridge at Arbatax, the
area near Macomer, the town of Iglesias,the  harbor at La Maddalena
Island, harbor, warehouses, and dump at Terranova, and the airfield at
Olbia.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-24's pound Lakunai Airfield at Rabaul
while B-25's hit the runway at Gasmata. 
  In Timor, B-25's bomb Penfoei.

TUESDAY, 25 MAY 1943

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

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 12 B-25's and 15 B-24's fly air-ground support and 4
B-24's and 20 P-38's fly air cover, all over Attu. 18 P-40's fly 1
reconnaissance and 2 attack missions to Kiska and Little Kiska.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    HQ 341st Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 490th Bombardment
Squadron (Medium) transfer to Kurmitola, India. Group HQ transfers from
Chakulia, India while the 490th, which has been operating from Chakulia,
India since 20 May, transfers with B-25's from Ondal, India.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    B-24's attack the Messina, Italy ferry docks and railroad yards.  
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sardinia during the night of 24/25 May, Wellingtons bomb the docks
and marshalling yard at Olbia. Northwest African Strategic Air Force
(NASAF) fighters, medium and heavy bombers bomb Portoscuso, Porto
Empedocle, Boccadifalco Airfield, Licata harbor, and Milo Airfield.        
    In the Mediterranean, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) and
NASAF P-40's and B-25's hit the airfield, shipping, and military
concentrations on Pantelleria Island.
    In Italy, NASAF fighter, medium and heavy bombers bomb Terranova, a
tunnel near Macomer, and Messina.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  Single heavy bombers bomb coastal airfields and villages; in New Guinea
they hit Madang, Kakakog, and Simbang; in the Bismarck Archipelago, they
hit Cape Gloucester and attack barges off Gavuvu.     

WEDNESDAY, 26 MAY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  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, 8 B-24's and 11 B-25's, flying air-ground support,
bomb enemy positions. 2 B-24's and l2 P-38's fly air cover sorties and
also patrol and strafe Attu. Kiska is covered by 3 F-5A's photo sorties
and 3 attack missions, flown by 9 B-25's and 16 P-40's. Targets include
gun emplacements on North Head and the E end of the runway.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  In the Gilbert Islands, 3 B-24's from Canton Island in the Phoenix
Islands fly a reconnaissance-bombing mission over Abemama. Bombs are
dropped on a barracks area.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sardinia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) medium and
heavy bombers hit the airfields at Ponte Olivo, Biscari, and Comiso.
P-38's hit Porto Ponte Romano shipping, and Villacidro Airfield.      
    In the Mediterranean, NASAF P-40's attack gun emplacements, trucks,
and troops on the SE coast of Pantelleria Island. Northwest African
Tactical Air Force (NATAF) P-40's also bomb Pantelleria. 
    In Italy, NASAF P-38's hit the Tirso power dam and the Golfo Aranci
harbor.
    HQ 81st Fighter Group transfers from Algeria to Monastir, Tunisia.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, 9 B-24's and B-25's bomb Madang town area and airfield.

THURSDAY, 27 MAY 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-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, Attu is covered by 1 B-25 flying ground support,
bombing and strafing troops and dropping photos taken on the previous day
to friendly forces, and by 1 B-24 and 6 P-38's flying air cover.  6 P-40's
fly an attack and reconnaissance mission to Kiska, concentrating on Little
Kiska and on the Main Camp area.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) 
P-40's bomb the harbor defenses on Pantelleria Island and Northwest 
African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) P-40's attack targets on the S coast 
of Pantelleria.      
    In Sardinia, NASAF B-25's and B-26's hit Villacidro and Decimomannu
Airfields.
    The 111th Observation Squadron, 68th Observation Group transfers with
A-20's from Guercif, French Morocco to Nouvion, Algeria. 

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)  
  In New Guinea, B-24's and B-25's pound the Lae town area and airfield.
Other B-25's hit enemy forces at Labu and Jacobsens Plantation. 
Finschhafen, Saidor, Kakakog, and Langgoer are hit by single-plane
strikes.

FRIDAY, 28 MAY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  TBF, Grumman Avenger (USN)
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force)
    The 24th Fighter Squadron, 16th Fighter Group transfers with P-39's 
from La Joya, Panama to Albrook Field, Canal Zone.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  In the Gilberts, 3 B-24's from Canton Island in the Phoenix Islands fly
a reconnaissance-bombing  mission over Abemama Island, dropping six 500-
pound bombs.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In China, 16 P-40's, operating in 2 forces, dive-bomb railroad yards
at Yoyang damaging tracks, warehouses, and the roundhouse.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy during the night of 27/28 May, RAF Liberators, under
operational control of the IX Bomber Command, bomb Augusta. During the
day, B-24's of 2 groups hit Foggia Airfield and the surrounding area.  

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sardinia during the night of 27/28 May, Northwest African Strategic
Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Villacidro, Decimomannu, and Elmas
Airfields. 
    In the Mediterranean, Pantelleria Island is hit by NASAF P-40's and
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) A-20's.
    In Italy, NASAF B-17's bomb the oil refinery, marshalling yard,
harbor, and shipbuilding yards at Leghorn.
    In Sicily, NASAF medium bombers attack the airfields of Sciacca,
Castelvetrano, Milo, and Bo Rizzo.
    The 36th, 44th and 45th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 316th Troop Carrier
Group transfers with C-47's from Nouvion, Algeria to Guercif, French
Morocco to train for the upcoming airborne invasion of Sicily.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-38's and P-40's, along with naval aircraft, attempt a
strike on the Kolombangara area and Munda but are hampered by bad weather.
Some of the Navy TBF bombers manage to bomb the runway and revetment area
at Munda.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-17's and B-24's attack Wewak, Dagua, and Boram
Airfields and bomb the Wewak-Dagua coast road.

SATURDAY, 29 MAY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-18, Douglas Bolo
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  B-40, Boeing Flying Fortress
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutians, no missions are flown. All of Attu Island is secure
after 19 days of fighting. US ground forces land on Shemya Island.

  CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force)
    The 417th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 25th Bombardment Group
(Medium) transfers with B-18's from Vernam Field, Jamaica to Losey Field,
Puerto Rico.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In China, 9 B-24's bomb Ichang. 4 P-40's hit targets of opportunity in
Tengchung and Lungling areas.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 61: 169 B-17's are dispatched against
the submarine pens and locks at Saint-Nazaire, France; 147 aircraft hit
the target at 1706-1711 hours local; we claim 6-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; we
lose 8 B-17's, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 58 are damaged; casualties
are 10 WIA and 71 MIA. 7 YB-40's, heavily armored B-17's with increased
firepower for escorting bombers, fly their first mission. YB-40's show an
inability to keep up with B-17's and the need for modification of waist and 
tail gun feeds and ammunition supplies. In two other raids, 72 B-17's are 
dispatched against the Rennes, France naval depot; 57 hit the target at 
1601-1605 hours; we claim 19-5-14 Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 6 B-17's, 1 
is damaged beyond repair and 30 others are damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 
10 WIA and 64 MIA. In the third raid, 38 B-24's are dispatched against 
the U-boat yards at La Pallice, France; 34 hit the target without any 
casualties on either side.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily during the night of 28/29 May, Northwest African Strategic
Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb the town areas, docks, and airfield at
Castelvetrano, Bo Rizzo, Trapani, and Marsala. 
    In Sardinia, NASAF P-38's bomb Porto Ponte Romano. 
    In the Mediterranean, P-40's, P-38's, and B-26's of NASAF and
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) attack gun positions, a radar
station, and town area on Pantelleria Island.
    HQ 316th Troop Carrier Group transfers from Nouvion, Algeria to
Guercif, French Morocco.
    The 34th Troop Carrier Squadron, 315th Troop Carrier Group, based at
Aldermaston, England, begins operating with C-47's from Blida, Algeria.
    The 62d Troop Carrier Squadron, 314th Troop Carrier Group arrives at
Berguent, French Morocco from the US with C-47's.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-17's bomb Madang and Alexishafen. Heavy and medium
bombers, operating individually or in flights of 2 bombers, attack the
town, airfields, shipping, docks, and other targets at various places,
including Babo, Nabire, Saidor, Finschhafen, and Manam Island; Cape
Gloucester in the Bismarck Archipelago; Damar Island, Soemba, and Soembawa
in the Sunda Islands; and Dili and Penfoei on Timor.

SUNDAY, 30 MAY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 8 P-4O's fly 4 reconnaissance missions to Kiska. 3
air-ground support missions to Attu by 7 B-24's and 12 B-25's drop no
bombs there and instead bomb Kiska installations. 2 B-24's and 12 P-38's
fly air cover missions over Attu and patrol the area. 3 F-5A's fly photo
reconnaissance and 8 P-40's attack and strafe tents and troops and blast
the runway at Kiska.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  The 19th Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group transfers with P-40's
from NAS Barbers Point, Territory of Hawaii to Kipapa Field, Territory of
Hawaii.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In China, 7 B-24's bomb artillery positions S of Ichang. 4 P-40's bomb
and strafe Tengchung and targets of opportunity along the Burma Road and
at Lamaing, Burma; 8 others on offensive sweep strafe several targets of
opportunity in the Ichang area; 11 others hit riverboats at Shasi and
trains NE of Yoyang.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24's hit Foggia Airfield, damaging buildings and hangars,
and destroying several aircraft. 
    In the Mediterranean, B-25's attack concentrations on the NE slope of
Pantelleria Island.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean during the night of 29/30 May, Northwest African
Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Pantelleria Island. The
following morning medium bombers and fighters also hit the island. 
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters hit Pantelleria
Island. 
    In Italy, P-38's bomb the Chilivani railway station and marshalling
yard, hit port and railroad at Aranci. B-17's bomb the Pomigliano aircraft
factory and landing ground and Capodichino Airfield and marshalling yard.
    In Sardinia, P-38's strafe targets of opportunity.
    The 43d Troop Carrier Squadron, 315th Troop Carrier Group, based at
Aldermaston, England, begins operating with C-47's from Blida, Algeria.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea,  B-17's bomb Wewak, Boram, and Madang. 
  In the Celebes, B-24's hit the Kendari area.  

MONDAY, 31 MAY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  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, 5 F-5A's fly separate photo missions. 6 B-24's, 10
B-25's, 37 P-40's and 8 P-38's fly attack missions to Kiska. Their
targets include Gertrude Cove, AA installations, trenches, the North
Head runway, and a vessel.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In China, 9 B-24's, escorted by US and Chinese P-40's, bomb Ichang
Airfield. The heavy bombers and fighters shoot down 5 fighters of an
intercepting group of about 20. 1 Chinese P-40 is lost. 6 P-4O's on
armed reconnaissance over the Siaokan area blast a train and strafe a
troop concentration.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers, including Liberators
of No. 178 Squadron under operational control of the IX Bomber Command,
bomb oil stores, harbor, and seaplane base at Augusta.
 
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Italy, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's bomb
the airfield and marshalling yard at Foggia. 
    In the Mediterranean, NASAF medium bombers and fighters hit defended
positions on Pantelleria Island. Northwest African Tactical Air Force
(NATAF) P-40's also hit positions on the island. 
    In Sardinia, P-38's bomb Cagliari, a factory at Guspini, and a power
station at Santa Caterina.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, 3 B-24's on armed reconnaissance over S Bougainville
bomb the Numa Numa area and Tinputs. A small coastal vessel at Tinputs
is set afire.  

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-24's pound Lae Airfield and the town area.

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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