Navy Department Communique No. 249
JANUARY 12, 1943
South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).
- On January 11th:
- (a) A force of “Dauntless” dive bombers (Douglas SBD) escorted by “Wildcat” fighters (Grumman F4F) was attacked by 12 Japanese “Zeros” between Santa Isabel Island and New Georgia Island. Four “Zeros” were shot down and 2 others were possibly destroyed. One “Wildcat” failed to return.
- (b) A force of “Marauder” medium bombers (Martin B-26) with “Airacobra” (Bell P-39) escort attacked Japanese positions at Munda. Clouds over the target areas prevented accurate bombing and made observation of results difficult.