# USAAF Chronology:

    COMBAT CHRONOLOGY OF THE US ARMY AIR FORCES
    SEPTEMBER 1942
    FTP SITES
      1. ftp.rutgers.edu in directory pub/wwii/usaf
      2. byrd.mu.wvnet.edu (129.71.32.152) in pub/history/military/airforce/
         wwii_chronology

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      A-20, Douglas Havoc
      B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
      B-18, Douglas Bolo
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      B-26, Martin Marauder
      Beaufighter, Bristol
      Beaufort, Bristol
      Boston, Douglas
      C-47, Douglas Skytrain
      C-53, Douglas Skytrooper
      DB-7, Douglas Havoc
      F-4, Lockheed Lightning
      Hudson, Lockheed
      Ju 87, Junkers Stuka
      Kittyhawk, Curtiss
      L-4, Piper Cub/Grasshopper
      LB-30, Consolidated Liberator
      O-47, North American
      P-38, Lockheed Lightning
      P-39, Bell Airacobra
      P-40, Curtiss
      P-400, Bell Airacobra
      PBY, Consolidated Catalina
      RM-37, Lockheed Lexington
      Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

    TUESDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (11th Air Force): US forces complete the occupation of Adak Island,
    Aleutian Islands. During Sep, HQ 343d Fighter Group moves from Elmendorf
    Field, Anchorage to Ft Glenn, Umnak Island, Aleutian Islands. The
    detachment of the 11th Fighter Squadron, XI Fighter Command, operating from
    Ft Randall, Cold Bay, Alaska with P-40s, returns to base at Ft Glenn.

      CARIBBEAN (6th Air Force): During Sep, the 24th Fighter Squadron, 16th
    Fighter Group, moves from La Joya, Panama to Albrook Field, Canal Zone with
    P-39s.

      EASTERN DEFENSE COMMAND (1st Air Force): During Sep, the 97th and 106th
    Observation Squadrons, 66th Observation Group, ceases flying ASW patrols from
    Miami Municipal Airport, Florida and Savannah AAB, Georgia respectively.

      WESTERN DEFENSE COMMAND (4th Air Force): During Sep, the following
    squadrons cease flying ASW patrols from bases in California: the 17th
    Observation Squadron, 71st Observation Group, from Salinas AAB; the 31st
    and 115th Observation Squadrons, 69th Observation Group, from Ontario AAF;
    and the 48th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 41st Bombardment Group (Medium),
    from NAS Alameda.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO, 8th Air Force): During Jul, the
    following units arrive in England from the US: HQ 51st Troop Carrier Wing
    at Greenham Common.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: B-24s attack the harbor at Candia, Crete, scoring several direct
    hits on 1 vessel and hitting others. 2 squadrons of the 57th Fighter Group
    fly escort missions and sweeps with the Royal Air Force (RAF). B-25s, in
    conjunction with RAF light bombers, hit trucks and tanks in the battle area
    of Alam-el-Halfa, Egypt.

    SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (SOPAC, Joint Chiefs of Staff): During Sep, the forward
    echelon of the 26th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 11th Bombardment Group
    (Heavy), begins operating from Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands with
    B-17s; the squadron is based on Efate Island, New Hebrides Islands.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): In New Guinea, P-40s hit a
    Japanese HQ at Wagga Wagga on Milne Bay while P-400s strafe Kokoda and
    Kokoda Pass in the Owen Stanley Range; Australian ground forces continue a
    slow retreat over the range but make progress in Milne Bay offensive; and
    the 89th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 3d Bombardment Group (Light), moves
    from Charters Towers, Australia to Port Moresby with A-20s.

    WEDNESDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (11th Air Force): In the Aleutian Islands, 6 bombers and 12 P-38s
    fly cover and photo reconnaissance over Nazan and Kuluk Bays on Adak Island,
    and Amchitka and Semisopochnoi Islands.

      CARIBBEAN (6th Air Force): The 22d Fighter Squadron, 36th Fighter Group,
    based at Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, sends detachments to operate from Aruba and
    Curacao, Lesser Antilles Islands with P-39s and P-40s.

      HQ AAF (Twelfth Air Force): Colonel Claude E Duncan becomes Commanding
    Officer XII Bomber Command.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA (CBI) THEATER OF OPERATIONS (10th Air Force):

      CHINA AIR TASK FORCE (CATF): In China, P-40s hit barges and junks carrying
    rice in the Poyang Lake region, strafe HQ and runways at Nanchang Airfield,
    attack railroad stations and warehouses at Hua Yuan, and sink a launch,
    damage 4 junks, and wreck a train on Wuchang Peninsula.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: B-24s hit docks and jetties at Tobruk, Libya; B-25s bomb aircraft
    and a landing ground and, with the RAF, attack troops and vehicles in the
    battle area around Alamel-Halfa, Egypt ridge; P-40s fly escort and sweep
    missions over the battle area in conjunction with the RAF.

    SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (SOPAC, Joint Chiefs of Staff): The mission of the 67th
    Fighter Squadron P-400s on Guadalcanal Island is shifted from air defense to
    close air support for Marine ground forces and attacks on shipping, tasks for
    which they are better suited.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): In New Guinea, P-400s bomb and
    strafe forces in the Kokoda and Alola areas as the Japanese continue to push
    toward Port Moresby.

    THURSDAY, 3 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (11th Air Force): In the Aleutian Islands, of 6 bombers and 5 P-38s
    off to bomb Kiska Island and flying air cover over Kuluk Bay, Adak Island, 5
    bombers and 3 fighters abort due to weather; the others strafe seaplanes and
    boats in Kiska Harbor and nearby installations; between 1 and 4 seaplanes are
    claimed destroyed on the water; this is the longest over-water attack flight
    thus far in World War II; the 2 fighters which reach the target area return
    from the 1,260 mile (2,028 km) round trip with only 40 US gallons (151 l) of
    fuel; and the 21st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group
    (under control of the 28th Composite Group), arrives at Umnak Island from the
    US with B-24s.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA (CBI) THEATER OF OPERATIONS (10th Air Force):

      CHINA AIR TASK FORCE (CATF): In French Indochina, 1 B-25 dumps bombs and
    pamphlets on Hanoi in the first US raid against that city; munitions,
    supplies, and several parked aircraft are destroyed or damaged; 9
    interceptors pursue the B-25s for about 30 miles (48 km) but fail to make
    contact; for the next 3 weeks, bad weather and inaccurate Chinese weather
    forecasts severely limit bomber operations.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: B-24s attack a convoy at sea; B-25s hit troop concentrations,
    vehicles, and airfield installations in the battle area of Alam-el-Halfa,
    Egypt and behind enemy lines; P-40s, mostly operating with the RAF, escort
    bombers and engage fighters in combat, claiming at least 1 shot down.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): Lieutenant General George C
    Kenney assumes command of the Fifth Air Force in Brisbane, Australia, where
    the Fifth's HQ is remanned; General Kenney retains command of the Allied Air
    Force.
      In New Guinea, P-400s bomb and strafe the Kokoda Pass area, hitting the
    airfield at Kokoda and in the vicinity of Alola, Isurava, and Missima; B-25s
    and A-20s pound the Mubo-Busama-Salamaua area. A B-17 strafes seaplanes at
    Faisi Island in the Shortland Islands.

    FRIDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (11th Air Force): 2 bombers and 1 P-38 bomb and patrol Nazan and
    Kuluk Bays, but bombing of Kiska Island is cancelled due to weather.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO, 8th Air Force): The 352d Bombardment
    Squadron (Heavy), 301st Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Podington to
    Chelveston, England with B-17s (first mission is tomorrow).

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: B-24s, in conjunction with the RAF and the Royal Navy (RN),
    attack a convoy at sea; 2 merchant ships are reported sunk and 1 left
    burning. B-25s and RAF Bostons, repelling counterattacks during the Alam-el-
    Halfa, Egypt battle, hit troop concentrations and vehicles, while P-40s,
    operating with the RAF, escort bombers and engage in combat over the battle
    area, claiming 1 fighter destroyed.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): In New Guinea, P-40s bomb and
    strafe forces in the Milne Bay area at Goroni, Wagga Wagga, Ahioma, and N of
    Lilihoa; Australian ground forces pushing E along Milne Bay reach Goroni; the
    Japanese begin evacuation of the area.

    SATURDAY, 5 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (11th Air Force): 3 B-24s abort the bombing of Kiska Island due to
    an overcast.

      EASTERN DEFENSE COMMAND (1st Air Force):

      SOUTHERN DEFENSE COMMAND (3d Air Force):

      WESTERN DEFENSE COMMAND (4th Air Force):

      ZONE OF INTERIOR

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA (CBI) THEATER OF OPERATIONS (10th Air Force):

      CHINA AIR TASK FORCE (CATF):

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO, 8th Air Force):

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: B-24s strike shipping and dock area in Candia Bay, Crete. In
    Egypt, P-40s escort RAF bombers over the the battle area SE of Alam-el-Halfa
    ridge near Rayil Dayr Ar Depression as the enemy offensive falters and is
    pushed back.

    PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, 7th Air Force):

    SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (SOPAC, Joint Chiefs of Staff): Because of Major General
    Carl Spaatz's convincing protests, Lieutenant General Dwight D Eisenhower
    changes his mind concerning his recent orders to suspend Eighth Air Force
    operations from the UK in order to devote total air effort to support of the
    Twelfth Air Force and the forthcoming African campaign; General Eisenhower
    informs General George C Marshall that he considers air operations in UK and
    in Africa mutually complementary.
      Mission 9: 49 bombers and 24 fighters attack targets in France without
    loss:
      1. 11 of 12 DB-7s attack the port area at Le Havre at 0932 hours; escort is
    provided by 24 Spitfires.
      2. 31 of 37 B-17s bomb the locomotive depot at Rouen/Sotteville marshalling
    yard; this is largest force of Eighth AF heavy bombers to attack to date;
    almost 20% of the high explosive bombs burst within the marshalling yard.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): Brigadier General Kenneth N
    Walker becomes Commanding General V Bomber Command as the command is remanned
    at Townsville, Australia.
      In New Guinea, P-400s strafe Kokoda, Kaile, Isurava, Alola, Buna,
    Sanananda, and Buna-Kokoda trail; the airfield at Buna is strafed and bombed
    by P-400s and A-20s; as the Japanese withdraw from the Milne Bay area,
    Australian ground forces capture the Wagga Wagga supply dump.

    SUNDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (11th Air Force): A B-24 flying patrol and armed reconnaissance over
    Tanaga Island, Aleutian Islands, sinks a mine layer and strafes a tender as
    well as nearby tents and buildings.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO, 8th Air Force): Mission 10: 76 bombers
    and 37 fighters bomb targets in France; 2 B-17s are lost:
      1. 12 of 12 DB-7s attack the Abbeville/Drucat Airfield at 1702 hours;
    escort is provided by 37 Spitfires, all without loss.
      2. 30 of 51 B-17s, 30 attack the Avions Potez aircraft plant at Meaulte at
    1740-1748 hours; they claim 4-19-20 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 B-17s are lost and
    7 damaged; 1 airman is KIA, 5 WIA and 18 MIA. This is the VIII Bomber
    Command's first loss of aircraft in combat.
      3. Of 13 B-17s, 11 hit St Omer/Longuenesse Airfield and 2 St Omer/Ft Rouge
    Airfield without loss.
      Arrivals in England from the US: HQ 67th Observation Group at Membury; and
    the 367th, 368th and 369th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 306th Bombardment
    Group (Heavy), at Thurleigh with B-17s.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: In Egypt, P-40s fly an offensive sweep over the battle area near
    the Rayil Dayr Ar Depression, claiming 3 Ju 87s shot down; P-40s also escort
    RAF bombers and fly 2 interceptor missions.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): In New Guinea, P-400s, A-20s,
    and B-17s strafe and bomb positions, troops, and shipping at Myola, Mubo,
    Kokoda, Myola Lake, Eora Creek, and Milne Bay; Australian ground forces
    continue to clear the enemy from the Milne Bay area while Australian troops
    in the Owen Stanley Range fall back to the vicinity of the Efogi Spur beyond
    Gap Mountain, where defensive positions are already established.

    MONDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (11th Air Force): 3 B-24s patrol and bomb Kiska Island Harbor and
    camp area and also patrol Tanaga Island; they are attacked by 3 sea fighters
    of which at least 1 is downed.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO, 8th Air Force): Mission 11: 29 bombers
    attack targets in the Netherlands without loss:
      1. 4 of 15 B-17s ineffectively raid the Wilton shipyards at Rotterdam in
    bad weather; they claim 8-4-7 Luftwaffe aircraft; 4 B-17s are damaged; 1
    airman is KIA and 3 WIA.
      2. 5 of 14 B-17s seek targets of opportunity in the vicinity of Utrecht;
    they claim 4-6-5 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 B-17 is damaged and 1 airman is WIA.
      Units arriving in England from the US: HQ 2d Bombardment Wing at Old
    Catton; HQ 93d Bombardment Group (Heavy) and 328th, 329th, 330th and 409th
    Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) at Alconbury with B-24s (first mission is 9 Oct
    42); HQ 306th Bombardment Group (Heavy) at Thurleigh; 12th, 107th, 109th and
    153d Observation Squadrons, 67th Observation Group, at Membury with no
    aircraft (first mission is in Aug, Dec 43 and Jan 44 respectively); and 15th
    Photographic Mapping Squadron, 3d Photographic Group, at Membury with B-17s
    (first mission is Nov 42).

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: B-24s bomb convoys at sea, hit other shipping, and in Crete,
    attack Maleme Airfield and Suda Bay.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): In New Guinea, A-20s and P-400s
    strafe and bomb positions at Myola Lake and Efogi in the Owen Stanley Range;
    P-40s and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Hudsons, Beauforts, and
    Beaufighters attack a cruiser and destroyer 17 miles (27 km) ENE of Cape
    Karitahua; organized Japanese resistance in the Milne Bay sector ends.

    TUESDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (11th Air Force): In the Aleutian Islands, 1 B-24 and 1 B-26 fly
    photo reconnaissance over Agattu, Attu, and Kiska Islands; the detachment of
    the 42d Fighter Squadron, 54th Fighter Group, operating from Kodiak with
    P-39s begins a movement to Adak (the squadron is based at Harding Field,
    Louisiana).

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO, 8th Air Force): The "Joint British
    American Directive on Day Bomber Operations Involving Fighter Cooperation" is
    issued; worked out between Major General Carl Spaatz and the RAF, it consigns
    night bombing to the RAF and day bombing to the Eighth Air Force; the purpose
    is to achieve continuity in the bombing offensive and secure RAF fighter
    support for US bombers; General Spaatz orders all tactical operations to give
    way to activity in support of Operation TORCH (plan for Allied landings in N
    and NW Africa in Nov 42); processing of units of the newly created Twelfth
    Air Force destined for N Africa takes priority over combat operations for the
    present.
      In England, HQ 3d Photographic Group arrives at Membury from the US; 342d
    and 414th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy), move
    from Grafton Underwood to Polebrook with B-17s.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: B-24s attack shipping and the harbor at Suda Bay, Crete.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): In New Guinea, P-400s bomb and
    strafe the Efogi area where Australian forces are hard pressed by the
    Japanese. B-17s and RAAF Hudsons attack cruisers and a destroyer N of the
    D'Entrecasteaux Islands.

    WEDNESDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (11th Air Force): 1 B-26 patrols Tanaga and Adak Islands.

      HQ, AAF: Lieutenant General Henry H "Hap" Arnold, Commanding General AAF,
    submits to the Chief of Staff a plan (AWPD-42) estimating the size of the air
    force necessary to attain air ascendancy over the enemy and outlining
    suggestions for the use of these forces in the several theaters; this plan,
    which by 17 Nov 42 has been approved by the War Department and President
    Roosevelt, includes the buildup of the depleted Eighth Air Force in the UK
    and contains the seeds of the Combined Bomber Offensive (CBO).

      WESTERN DEFENSE COMMAND (4th Air Force): A Japanese airplane, launched from
    a submarine off the coast, drops an incendiary bomb on a mountain slope near
    Brookings, Oregon, causing a small forest fire; this comprises the total
    bombing of the continental US by enemy aircraft during World War II.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA (CBI) THEATER OF OPERATIONS (10th Air Force): HQ 7th
    Bombardment Group (Heavy) moves from Dum-Dum to Karachi, India.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO, 8th Air Force): The 423d Bombardment
    Squadron (Heavy), 306th Bombardment Group (Heavy), arrives at Thurleigh,
    England from the US with B-17s (first mission is 9 Oct).

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: B-24s attack Tobruk, Libya harbor and shipping.

    PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, 7th Air Force): The 31st Bombardment Squadron
    (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Kipapa to Kualoa,
    Territory of Hawaii with B-17s.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): P-40s strafe the Galaiwa Bay
    area on Goodenough Island, D'Entrecasteaux Islands. In New Guinea, A-20s, in
    support of encircled Australian ground forces, strafe and bomb troops in the
    Efogi Spur area; and the 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, V Bomber
    Command, moves from Townsville, Australia to Port Moresby with F-4s.

    THURSDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (11th Air Force): Weather, photo reconnaissance, and patrol missions
    are flown during the morning over Nazan Bay, Tanaga, Adak and Amchitka
    Islands; poor weather is encountered at Kiska, Attu, and Agattu Islands; a
    detachment of the 42d Fighter Squadron, 54th Fighter Group arrives at Adak
    Island with P-39s (the squadron is based at Harding Field, Louisiana).

      SOUTHERN DEFENSE COMMAND (3d Air Force): The 124th Observation Squadron,
    75th Observation Group, moves from Galveston AAB, Texas to New Orleans AAB,
    Louisiana and continues flying ASW patrols with L-4s and O-47s; and the 433d
    Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 45th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from
    Brookley Field, Alabama to Galveston AAB, Texas and continues flying ASW
    patrols with RM-37s.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO, 8th Air Force): In England, the 5th
    Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, VIII Bomber Command, moves from
    Molesworth to Podington with F-4s (first mission is in Nov); and the 67th
    Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), arrives at
    Cheddington with B-24s (first mission is 20 Dec).

    FRIDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (11th Air Force): A weather, photo, and patrol aircraft draws AA
    fire over Chichagof Harbor, Attu Island and also covers Tanaga, Amchitka, and
    Semichi Islands, Aleutian Islands. HQ 343d Fighter Group is actived at
    Elmendorf Field, Anchorage.

      EASTERN DEFENSE COMMAND (1st Air Force): The 79th Bombardment Squadron
    (Medium), 45th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from MCAS Cherry Point,
    North Carolina to Miami Municipal Airport, Florida and continues flying ASW
    patrols with RM-37s.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ICELAND (Iceland Base Command): HQ 342d Composite Group and the 337th
    Fighter Squadron are activated in Iceland with P-38s.

      UK (8th Air Force): The 364th and 365th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy),
    305th Bombardment Group (Heavy), arrive at Grafton Underwood, England from
    the US with B-17s.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: P-40s fly an uneventful sweep with the RAF during a lull after
    the Battle of Alam-el-Halfa, Egypt.

    PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, 7th Air Force): The 333d Fighter Squadron, 18th
    Fighter Group, moves from Bellows Field, Territory of Hawaii to Canton
    Island, Phoenix Islands with P-39s.

    SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (SOPAC, Joint Chiefs of Staff): Island combat control
    groups are authorized for New Caledonia and Fiji Islands; these units, under
    immediate control of the Commanding General of US Army Forces in the South
    Pacific (COMGENSOPAC), are to take over local operational direction of
    fighter aircraft and all other units in the island combat team.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): In New Guinea, A-20s and B-26s
    hit Efogi and Menari in the Owen Stanley Range and Buna Airfield; B-17s,
    along with RAAF Hudsons, attack 2 destroyers 20 miles (32 km) E of Normanby
    Island; a B-17 scores a direct hit on the stern of the destroyer Yayoi, which
    later sinks.

    SATURDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (11th Air Force): In the Aleutian Islands, a weather and patrol
    reconnaissance aircraft finds overcast at Kiska Island but takes photos over
    Tanaga, Kanaga, and Attu Islands. The runway at Adak Island is completed.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO)

      8th Air Force: HQ VIII Air Force Composite Command arrives in Ireland and
    is temporarily stationed at Long Kesh, County Down. Following units arrive
    in England from the US: HQ 3d Bombardment Wing at Elveden Hall; HQ 4th
    Bombardment Wing at Camp Lynn but soon loses its personnel to the XII Bomber
    Command and is not manned again until Jan 43; HQ 91st Bombardment Group
    (Heavy) at Kimbolton; HQ 303d Bombardment Group (Heavy) and 358th, 359th,
    360th and 427th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) at Molesworth with B-17s (first
    mission 17 Nov); HQ 305th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and 366th and 422d
    Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) at Grafton Underwood with B-17s (first mission
    17 Nov); 66th and 68th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 44th Bombardment Group
    (Heavy) at Cheddington with B-24s (first mission is 7 Nov). In England, HQ
    4th Fighter Group and 334th, 335th and 336th Fighter Squadrons are activated
    at Bushey Hall with Spitfires to be manned by US pilots who formerly flew
    with the RAF Eagle Squadrons; and the 27th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter
    Group, moves from High Ercall to Colerne with P-38s (first mission is 2 Oct).

      Twelfth Air Force: The following units arrive in England from the US: HQ
    Twelfth Air Force, XII Fighter Command and XII Air Force Services Command; HQ
    319th Bombardment Group (Medium) and 437th, 438th, 439th and 440th
    Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) at Shipdham with B-26s (first mission 28 Nov);
    HQ 320th Bombardment Group (Medium) and 441st, 442d and 443d Bombardment
    Squadrons (Medium) at Hethel with B-26s (first mission 22 Apr);

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: P-40s fly 3 uneventful scramble missions along the frontlines.

    PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, 7th Air Force): HQ 90th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
    and 319th, 320th, 321st and 400th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) arrive at
    Hickam Field, Kahuku Field, Kipapa, Wheeler Field, and Hickam Field,
    Territory of Hawaii respectively from the US with B-24s (first mission is
    13 Nov).

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): P-400s, B-26s, A-20s, and B-17s
    bomb the airfield and strafe barges at Buna, New Guinea. P-40s strafe
    Gadaibai on Goodenough Island. A B-17 strafes a vessel in Bismarck Sea S of
    Kavieng, New Ireland Island, Bismarck Archipelago.

    SUNDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (11th Air Force): 14 B-24s of the 21st and 404th Bombardment
    Squadrons (Heavy) move up to Adak Island. 1 LB-30 and 2 P-38s fly a photo
    reconnaissance, antisubmarine coverage and strafing mission over Kiska Island
    lakes and harbor; a tender in the harbor is slightly damaged, 1 float fighter
    is downed; a P-38 is hit by AA fire and fighters damage the LB-30.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO)

      8th Air Force: In England, the 15th Bombardment Squadron (Light), VIII
    Bomber Command, moves from Molesworth to Podington, with DB-7s; the 322d,
    323d, 324th and 401st Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 91st Bombardment Group
    (Heavy), arrive at Kimbolton from the US with B-17s (first mission is 7 Nov).

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: In Libya during the night of 13/14 Sep, B-24s attack Tobruk and
    shipping in Bengasi harbor while B-25s hit landing grounds SE of Matruh,
    Egypt.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): B-26s pound the airfield at
    Lae, New Guinea. B-17s unsuccessfully attack a cruiser SE of Rabaul, New
    Britain Island, Bismarck Archipelago. P-40s strafe buildings on Goodenough
    Island.

    MONDAY, 14 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (11th Air Force): In the first combined heavy mission over Kiska
    Island 13 B-24s, 1 B-17, 14 P-38s, and 14 P-39s fly low-altitude and photo
    runs; the P-39s shell 3 submarines in the harbor; the other aircraft bomb and
    strafe many installations including AA guns and the submarine base; a single
    aircraft also strafes Segula Island; enemy losses are 5 float planes shot
    down and 1 flying boat destroyed on the water; 2 mine sweepers sunk and
    another vessel slightly damaged; while a large cargo vessel and several small
    barges and vessels sustain hits; 2 P-38s are lost, colliding head-on while
    after a fighter.

      CARIBBEAN (6th Air Force): The detachment of the 40th Bombardment Squadron
    (Medium), 13th Bombardment Group (Medium) (air echelon attached to the USN
    Caribbean Sea Frontier) moves from Guantanamo, Cuba to Vernam Field, Jamaica,
    British West Indies (squadron is based at Mitchel Field, New York).

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO)

      8th Air Force: After the transfer of the combat unit to the Twelfth Air
    Force (see below), the combat units assigned to the Eighth are: HQ 3d
    Photographic Group and 5th, 12th, 13th and 14th Photographic Squadrons and
    15th Photographic Mapping Squadron with F-4s, F-5s and B-17Fs; HQ 4th Fighter
    Group and 334th, 335th and 336th Fighter Squadrons at Steeple Morden with
    Spitfire Vs; HQ 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and 66th, 67th and 68th
    Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) at Cheddington with B-24s; HQ 67th Observation
    Group and 12th, 107th, 109th and 153d Observation Squadrons at Membury with
    no aircraft; HQ 91st Bombardment Group and 322d, 323d, 324th and 401st
    Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) at Kimbolton with B-17Fs; HQ 92d Bombardment
    Group (Heavy) and 325th, 326th, 327th and 407th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy)
    at Bovingdon with B-17Fs; HQ 93d Bombardment Group (Heavy) and 328th, 329th,
    330th and 409th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) at Alconbury with B-24Ds; HQ
    303d Bombardment Group (Heavy) and 358th, 359th, 360th and 427th Bombardment
    Squadrons (Heavy) at Molesworth with B-17Fs; HQ 305th Bombardment Group
    (Heavy) and 364th, 365th, 366th and 422d Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) at
    Grafton Underwood with B-17Fs; and HQ 306th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and
    367th, 368th, 369th and 423d Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) at Thurleigh with
    B-17Fs.

      Twelfth Air Force: HQ Twelfth AF, XII Fighter Command, XII Air Force
    Services Command, and XII Bomber Command are attached to corresponding units
    of the Eighth AF in the UK; The Eighth subsequently handles the buildup of
    the Twelfth by assigning a large number of its own units to the new AF
    (appropriately dubbed JUNIOR) and supervises its training. The following
    combat units are transferred from the Eighth to Twelfth Air Force: HQ 1st
    Fighter Group and 27th, 71st and 94th Fighter Squadrons at Ibsley and High
    Ercall with P-38Fs; HQ 14th Fighter Group and 48th and 49th Fighter Squadrons
    at Atcham with P-38Fs; HQ 31st Fighter Group and 307th, 308th and 309th
    Fighter Squadrons at Westhampnett with Spitfire Vs; HQ 52d Fighter Group and
    2d, 4th and 5th Fighter Squadrons at Goxhill with Spitfire Vs; HQ 60th Troop
    Carrier Group and 10th, 11th, 12th and 28th Troop Carrier Squadrons at
    Aldermaston with C-47s; HQ 64th Troop Carrier Group and 16th, 17th, 18th and
    35th Troop Carrier Squadrons at Ramsbury with C-47s; HQ 97th Bombardment
    Group (Heavy) and 340th, 341st, 342d and 414th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy)
    at Polebrook with B-17Fs; HQ 301st Bombardment Group (Heavy) and 32d, 352d,
    353d and 419th Bombardment Squadrons at Chelveston with B-17Fs; and 15th
    Bombardment Squadron (Light) at Podington with DB-7s.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: B-24s attack  shipping at Suda Bay, Crete, setting 1 vessel
    afire, while other B-24s hit Tobruk, Libya; P-40s fly a sweep with the RAF
    over the frontlines.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): In New Guinea, a single A-20
    bombs ground forces and installations at Myola; and HQ 43d Bombardment Group
    (Heavy) moves from Torrens Creek, Australia to Port Moresby.

    TUESDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (11th Air Force): 1 B-17 and 1 B-24 fly armed reconnaissance over
    Kiska Island, and at Amchitka Island blast buildings in the Constantine
    Harbor area; fighters strafe Kiska Island Camp area and down 4 intercepting
    aircraft.

      CHINA-BURMA-INDIA (CBI) THEATER OF OPERATIONS (10th Air Force): HQ 341st
    Bombardment Group (Medium) and the 490th and 491st Bombardment Squadrons
    (Medium) are activated at Karachi, India with B-25s; also assigned are the
    11th and 22d Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) at Kunming, China and Karachi
    respectively with B-25s.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: A lone B-24 drops 1 bomb on a tanker in Suda Bay, Crete. B-24s
    bomb behind the enemy lines while P-40s, along with the RAF, fly escort and
    carry out a scramble missions over the area W of El Alamein, Egypt.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): In New Guiana, medium bombers
    hit Buna and Sanananda and attack camps at Efogi and Myola; and the first US
    infantry troops, elements of the 32d Infantry Division, arrive at Port
    Moresby. B-17s bomb the harbor and airfield at Rabaul, New Britain Island.
    The 19th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 22d Bombardment Group (Medium), moves
    from Woodstock to Iron Range, Australia with B-26s.

    WEDNESDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (11th Air Force): The Japanese completes transfer of the Attu Island
    garrison to Kiska Island, begun on 27 Aug; 1 B-17 and 1 B-24 fly photo and
    reconnaissance runs over Adak Island.

      CARIBBEAN (6th Air Force): HQ 40th Bombardment Group (Heavy) moves from
    Howard Field to Albrook Field, Canal Zone. The 22d Fighter Squadron, 36th
    Fighter Group, based at Vega Baja, Puerto Rico with P-39s and P-40s sends a
    detachment to operate from Zandery Field, Surinam; other detachments are
    operating from Waller Field, Trinidad, Aruba, and Curacao.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO)

      8th Air Force: The VIII Air Force Services Command selects Honington and
    Watton, England as sites for Bomber Command advance depots; the site for the
    VIII Fighter Command awaits a final settlement of question of location and
    mission of the Fighter Command.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: Major General Lewis H Brereton is officially assigned to the
    Middle East as a result of pressure from Major General Clayton L Bissell, new
    Commanding General Tenth Air Force, for clarification of the status of
    Brereton and other key staff officers and combat crews who had gone from
    India to the Middle East in Jun and Jul 42. HQ 57th Fighter Group and the
    64th, 65th and 66th Fighter Squadrons move from Muqeibile and Beit Daras,
    Palestine to Landing Ground 174, Egypt with P-40s.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): B-17s bomb the wharf and
    airfield at Rabaul, New Britain Island and airfield on Gasmata Island off the
    S coast of New Britain Island. In New Guinea, a lone B-17 attacks landing
    barges in the Sanananda area while a single A-20 bombs and strafes positions
    at Nauro and Menari in the Efogi area; the Japanese ground offensive toward
    Port Moresby comes to a halt at Ioribaiwa; Australians are entrenched on
    Imita Range where they are preparing a counteroffensive.

    THURSDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER 1942

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO)

      Twelfth Air Force: XII Ground Air Support Command is activated at
    Birmingham, Alabama; the only Twelfth Air Force command to be completely
    organized in the US, it eventually will proceed directly to N Africa as part
    of the Western Task Force (WTF). HQ XII Fighter Command moves from Wattisham
    to Bushey Hall, England.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: During the night of 16/17 Sep, B-24s bomb Bengasi, Libya harbor;
    during the day, targets for B-24s are in Greece: shipping in Pylos Bay and
    shipping and piers near Sphakia, and in Khalones and Pylos Island. P-40s make
    an offensive sweep with the RAF over the front lines.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): B-17s, carrying out single-
    bomber attacks, bomb airfields at Rabaul, New Britain Island; B-17s also hit
    Lae, and hit a beached cargo vessel at Salamaua; P-400s, P-40s, and P-39s
    strafe and bomb landing barges at Buna and Sanananda Point; Japanese ground
    forces, halted within sight of Port Moresby, are unable to attack without
    reinforcements and supplies, neither of which is available.

    FRIDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ZONE OF INTERIOR (HQ AAF): The designation of all air forces is changed
    from a number to a name, e.g., 1st to First, 2d to Second, etc.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO)

      Eighth Air Force: VIII Ground Air Support Command at Membury, England is
    redesignated VIII Air Support Command.

      Twelfth Air Force: 12 British units--signal, observer, radar, and air
    warning--are attached to the XII Fighter Command in the UK. Colonel Rosenham
    R Beam becomes Commanding Officer XII Ground Air Support Command.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, Fifth Air Force): In New Guinea, 1 B-17 bombs
    Salamaua while a B-25 strafes pack trains on the Kokoda trail in the Andemba-
    Wairopi-Kokoda area; and HQ 8th Fighter Group and the 35th and 36th Fighter
    Squadrons move from Townsville, Australia to Milne Bay with P-39s and P-400s.

    SATURDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 1942

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA (CBI) THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force):

      CHINA AIR TASK FORCE (CATF): In China, B-25s strike Lungling; the raid is
    ineffective due to bad weather but results in the discovery of much Japanese
    activity which further reconnaissance reveals as part of a heavy movement of
    enemy and supplies along the Burma Road toward the Salween front.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: In Greece, B-24s bomb the Pylos Bay area, Pylos Island and
    Khalones during the night of 19/20 Sep.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, Fifth Air Force): In New Guinea, A-20s and
    B-26s strafe and bomb the airfield at Lae; and the 7th Fighter Squadron,
    49th Fighter Group, moves from Batchelor, Australia to Port Moresby with
    P-40s. B-17s attack cargo vessels near Umboi (Rooke) Island between New
    Guinea and New Britain Island. A whaling vessel is strafed by fighters off
    Goodenough Island.

    SUNDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force): The 2d Sea-Search Attack Squadron (Medium),
    1st Sea-Search Attack Group, based at Langely Field, Virginia, begins
    flying ASW patrols from Edinburgh Field, Trinidad with B-18s.

    SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (SOPAC, Joint Chiefs of Staff): Rear Admiral Aubrey W
    Fitch becomes Commander Aircraft South Pacific Forces (COMAIRSOPAC).

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, Fifth Air Force): In Owen Stanley Range of
    New Guinea, A-20s bomb and strafe troops and installations at Sangara, Arehe,
    and along the Popondetta-Andemba road, and P-40s strafe the airfield at
    Kokoda, bridges on the trail near Wairopi, and troops at Myola, Efogi, and
    Kagi.

    MONDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): Bombers fly reconnaissance over Kiska Island
    and bomb and fire Constantine Harbor installations at Amchitka Island; and
    the 21st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
    (operating under control of the 28th Composite Group), based on Umnak
    Island, begins operating from Adak Island with B-24s.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, Fifth Air Force): In New Guinea, P-40s bomb and
    strafe bridges and targets of opportunity along Buna-Kokoda trail.

    TUESDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 9 B-24s, 2 B-17s, and 1 LB-30, accompanied by
    15 P-39s and 20 P-40s, abort a Kiska Island bombing mission due to weather;
    photo reconnaissance suggests that Chichagof Harbor, Attu Island is
    abandoned.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO)

      Twelfth Air Force: Brigadier General John K Cannon takes command of the XII
    Ground Air Support Command.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: B-24s bomb shipping in Bengasi, Libya harbor; direct hits are
    made on 1 large vessel while a smaller vessel and other targets receive
    lesser hits.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, Fifth Air Force): In New Guinea, A-20s bomb and
    strafe occupied areas at Menari, Efogi, Nauro, Yodda, and Kokoda; P-40s
    strafe AA positions, huts, and barges at Buna and Salamaua and bomb and
    strafe Wairopi bridge, strafe buildings at Yodda, the airfield at Buna, and
    AA positions and other targets along the Buna-Kokoda trail; 1 B-25 bombs the
    N end of Buna Airfield and the coastal end of Sanananda track. B-17s bomb the
    airfield and shipping at Rabaul, New Britain Island.

    WEDNESDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): Weather causes a mission abort to Kiska
    Island; photo reconnaissance over Attu Island confirms it's abandonment by
    the enemy; a US Navy (USN) PBY escorted by 2 P-38s lands off Amchitka Island
    with a scouting party which determines that the island is unsuited as an
    airfield; the P-38s also bomb a radio shack and sink a submarine at Amchitka
    Island.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO)

      Twelfth Air Force: Major General James H Doolittle assumes command of the
    Twelfth Air Force in Great Britain.

    PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): The movement of the 72d
    Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) to the SOPAC on 18 Sep, plus subsequent movement
    of other squadrons of the 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy) to the SOPAC, makes
    it difficult for some time to maintain the minimum force of 35 heavy bombers
    considered necessary for the defense of the Hawaiian Islands; this situation
    is relieved by 90th Bombardment Group (Heavy), which stops in Hawaii while
    enroute to the SWPA, and by the 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy), which is
    assigned to the Seventh Air Force for a time.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, Fifth Air Force): In New Guinea, P-40s, P-39s,
    P-400s, and B-17s hit tanks, buildings, and airfield at Buna, Wairopi bridge
    and targets of opportunity on the Buna-Kokoda trail, and Tau-Pota Mission
    near Goodenough Bay.

    THURSDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): On Kiska Island, 3 B-24s bomb Main Camp,
    storage dumps, and dock areas, starting several fires.

      CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force): The 417th Bombardment Squadron (Medium),
    25th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves form Borinquen Field, Puerto Rico to
    Vernam Field, Jamaica with B-18s.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO)

      Twelfth Air Force: XII Ground Air Support Command is redesignated XII Air
    Support Command.

    SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (SOPAC, Joint Chiefs of Staff): The 72d Bombardment
    Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), arrives at Espiritu Santo
    Island, New Hebrides Island from Hawaii with B-17s.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, Fifth Air Force): B-17s bomb shipping at
    Rabaul, New Britain Island. In New Guinea, P-40s and A-20s hit Mubo while
    B-17s bomb wrecked vessel at Gona; P-40s hit the airfield at Kokoda and
    targets along the Kokoda-Wairopi trail, including a bridge at Wairopi.

    FRIDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 9 B-24s, 1 B-17, and 1 B-24 photo airplane,
    escorted by 11 P-39s and 17 P-40s, fly the first of 2 missions to Kiska
    Island; Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Kittyhawks participate in this first
    combined Canadian-American mission of the Eleventh Air Force; later 2 B-24s
    and a B-17, escorted by 15 P-39s, pound Little Kiska and Kiska Islands; radar
    installations at Little Kiska Island are destroyed and explosions and fires
    are caused in the Main Camp area; other targets include shipping, stores, and
    tents; the P-39s also strafe 2 submarines; 2 float planes are downed; 5 to 8
    biplanes are probably destroyed on the water; 1 large transport vessel is hit
    and lists badly; and 150 personnel are believed killed.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA (CBI) THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force):

      CHINA AIR TASK FORCE (CATF): 4 B-25s, with an escort of 10 P-40s, attack
    Hanoi, French Indochina; the strike force is intercepted by 10 fighters but
    the B-25s place several bombs on the runway at Gia Lam Airfield; the P-40s
    claim at least 9 fighters shot down. In China, CATF bombers fly 11 missions
    during the remainder of Sep and early Oct to support Chinese ground forces
    attempting to hold the Japanese on the W bank of the Salween River.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO)

      Twelfth Air Force: HQ 62d Troop Carrier Group and 4th, 7th and 8th Troop
    Carrier Squadrons arrive at Keevil, England from the US with C-47s.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: B-24s fail to locate a shipping convoy S of Crete and return
    without bombing. Other B-24s bomb Bengasi, Libya.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, Fifth Air Force): In New Guinea, P-40s again
    bomb the bridge at Wairopi, scoring a direct hit on the NE end, which is
    demolished; Australian ground forces open a counteroffensive, attacking
    strongly toward Ioribaiwa to drive the enemy back along the Port Moresby-
    Kokoda trail; and the 8th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, moves from
    Darwin, Australia to Port Moresby with P-40s.

    SATURDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 1 destroyer and 1 freighter are bombed N of
    Atka Island at 53-30N 174-20E; 2 near misses are scored on the freighter.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA (CBI) THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force):

      CHINA AIR TASK FORCE (CATF): 4 B-25s devastate the village of Luchiangpa in
    SW China.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO)

      Eighth Air Force: Mission 12: 75 B-17s and 36 P-38s are dispatched to
    attack Cherbourg/Maupertus and Morlaix/Porjeau Airfields, France; 16 execute
    diversionary missions but the remainder are recalled due to adverse weather.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: B-24s of 3 squadrons sent on shipping strikes fail to locate
    targets.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, Fifth Air Force): In New Guinea, A-20s bomb and
    strafe forces N of Ioribaiwa and along the Efogi-Menari trail in support of
    the Australian counteroffensive in Papua; and a B-17, along with RAAF
    aircraft, bomb Buna Airfield. B-17s strike shipping and airfield at Rabaul,
    New Britain Island.

    SUNDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): Shore and harbor areas of Kiska Island are
    bombed: 8 B-24s and 1 B-17, escorted by 1 P-38, 13 P-39s and 4 P-40s take off
    first, and are followed by 6 unescorted B-24s; weather turns back 13 of the
    fighters; an LB-30 flies photo-weather reconnaissance over Attu, Buldir, the
    Semichi, Agattu, and Amchitka Islands.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA (CBI) THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force):

      CHINA AIR TASK FORCE (CATF): 4 B-25s over SW China blast Mengshih, claiming
    about 30 trucks and 400 troops destroyed; The B-25s also bomb Tengchung,
    leaving it aflame; 3 flights of P-40s strafe targets of opportunity along the
    Burma Road, claiming 15 trucks destroyed and 5 barracks groups damaged.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO)

      Twelfth Air Force: Following a series of command changes between 16 and 27
    Sep, Brigadier General Thomas W Blackburn becomes Commanding General XII
    Fighter Command. The War Department assigns to the XII Air Support Command
    the units which are to constitute its force for the invasion of N Africa: the
    5th Bombardment Wing [47th Bombardment Group (Light) and 68th Observation
    Group], the 7th Fighter Wing (33d and 81st Fighter Groups), and 10 signal,
    service, and engineer units of various sizes.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: B-24s are dispatched to attack an 8,000-ton vessel at Bengasi,
    Libya. No bombs hit the target but several straddle a jetty in the harbor.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, Fifth Air Force): In New Guinea, A-20s continue
    to pound forces N of Ioribaiwa in the area between Kagi and Efogi and in the
    Myola and Menari areas; the Japanese abandon Ioribaiwa Ridge and are in full
    retreat under heavy pressure from Australian ground forces.

    MONDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 2 bombing missions are flown to Kiska and Attu
    Islands by 7 B-24s, 1 B-17, and 1 LB-30, escorted by 17 fighters;
    installations on Kiska Island and a freighter nearby are bombed; 1 of the
    B-24s and the LB-30 bomb the village and Chichagof Harbor on Attu Island and
    on returning silence AA guns on a freighter; 5 floatplanes are shot down, and
    1 submarine is sunk; 1 P-39 is shot down.

    PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): The 394th Bombardment Squadron
    (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Hickam Field to Bellows
    Field, Territory of Hawaii with B-17s.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, Fifth Air Force): In New Guinea, P-40s and
    P-400s bomb and strafe Wairopi bridge, the village of Kagi, Myola Lake area,
    and targets of opportunity along the Buna-Kokoda trail; 1 B-17 bombs Lae
    Airfield; the main body of the US 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry
    Division, arrives at Port Moresby and is assigned to the New Guinea Force to
    join the Australian advance on Wairopi.

    TUESDAY, 29 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): A morning armed reconnaissance mission is
    flown by an LB-30 over Semichi and Attu Islands; it strafes a ship at Attu
    Island; 3 B-24s bomb and strafe sea transport, scoring no hits.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO)

      Eighth Air Force: US pilots who had been members of the 3 RAF Eagle
    Squadrons (Numbers 71, 121 and 133 Squadrons) are taken over by the VIII
    Fighter Command and organized into the 4th Fighter Group as the 334th, 335th
    and 336th Fighter Squadrons; the group HQ and all squadrons move from Bushey
    Hall to Debden, England with Spitfires.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force
    (USAMEAF)]: B-24s hit harbor installations at Suda Bay, Crete. P-40s fly an
    offensive sweep over the battle area, and carry out an interception mission
    against Ju 87s over the frontline near El Alamein, Egypt. The 434th
    Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from
    Ismailia to Landing Ground 88, Egypt with B-25s.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, Fifth Air Force): In New Guinea, B-17s bomb AA
    positions at Buna and Salamaua Airfield; a single A-20 bombs the Menari area.
    HQ 22d Bombardment Group (Medium) and 33d Bombardment Squadron (Medium) move
    from Woodstock to Iron Range, Australia with B-26s.

    WEDNESDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER 1942

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): Of 9 B-24s off to bomb Kiska and Attu Islands,
    2 turn back; the others blast the Attu Camp area, and at Kiska Harbor score
    at least 1 direct hit and near misses on a ship; 8 fighters intercept over
    Kiska and Little Kiska Islands but inflict no losses; the detachment of the
    57th Fighter Squadron, 54th Fighter Group operating from Elmendorf Field,
    Anchorage moves to Kodiak with P-39s (the squadron is based at Harding Field,
    Louisiana).

      CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force): The 31st Fighter Squadron, 37th Fighter Group,
    moves from Albrook Field to Howard Field, Canal Zone with P-39s and P-40s.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO)

      Twelfth Air Force: Brigadier General Delmar H Dunton assumes command of the
    XII Air Force Services Command.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, Fifth Air Force): In New Guinea, B-17s, A-20s,
    and P-40s pound occupied areas at Menari, Myola Lake, Kagi, and Efogi and a
    bridge at Wairopi. HQ 38th Bombardment Group (Medium) and the 405th
    Bombardment Squadron (Medium) moves from Breddan Field to Townsville,
    Australia with B-25s.

    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

    -------------------------------------------------------------------
    |  Jack McKillop              |  Those who have long enjoyed such |
    |  Bellcore                   |  privileges as we enjoy forget in |
    |  Piscataway, NJ USA         |  time that men have died to win   |
    |  jem3@donuts0.bellcore.com  |  them.                     FDR    |
    -------------------------------------------------------------------