Navy Department Communique No. 254
JANUARY 18, 1943
South Pacific.
- On January 15th:
- (a) During the evening “Flying Fortress” heavy bombers (Boeing B-17) dropped bombs in the Japanese-held Kahili area on Bougainville Island. Two large fires were observed after the attack.
- (b) Later the same night, “Catalina” patrol bombers (Consolidated PBY) followed up the attack on Kahili and additional fires were started.
- (c) During the same night “Catalinas” attacked enemy positions at Munda, on New Georgia Island.
- (d) During this same night “Flying Fortresses” bombed Ballale Island in the Shortland area.
- On January 16th:
- (a) During the afternoon and evening Ballale Island was again attacked by “Flying Fortresses” and fires visible for 50 miles were started.
- (b) U. S. ground troops on Guadalcanal Island continued mopping up pockets of enemy resistance. Approximately 150 Japanese were killed and a number taken prisoner. Their equipment was destroyed.