# USAAF Chronology:

    COMBAT CHRONOLOGY OF THE US ARMY AIR FORCES - JUNE 1943

    TUESDAY, 1 JUNE 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      A-20, Douglas Havoc
      B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      B-26, Martin Marauder
      C-47, Douglas Skytrain
      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 Aleutian Islands, 2 P-40's, 1 B-24, and 1 F-5A fly weather
    reconnaissance and photo runs and 8 B-25's, 18 P-38's, and 20 P-40's,
    fly 7 attack missions to Kiska Island. Targets include parked aircraft
    and installations, runway, gun positions, radar, and tents on South
    Head, North Head, Gertrude Cove and Main Camp.
      The 36th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 28th Composite Group, based on
    Amchitka Island begins operating from Adak Island with B-24's.
      During Jun 43, the 73d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 28th Composite
    Group transfers from Umnak Island to Amchitka Island with B-25's.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        20 P-40's dive-bomb warehouses and railroad yards at Changanyi,
    China.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      During the month of June, HQ 40th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) arrives at
    Brampton Grange, England from the US.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In the Mediterranean, an attack by Wellingtons against Pantelleria
    Island during the night of 31 May/l Jun is followed by Northwest African
    Strategic Air Force (NASAF) P-38's and B-17's while Northwest Tactical
    Air Force (NATAF) P-40's attack gun positions on the island during the
    day.
        In Italy, NASAF P-40's strafe seaplane base on Stagnone Island and
    P-38's bomb the railroad near Balesrate.
        In Sardinia, P-38's, B-26's, and B-25's, bomb Porto Torres harbor,
    Porto Ponte Romano and Olbia harbor.
        HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) and it's 84th, 85th, 86th and
    97th Bombardment Squadrons (Light) transfer from Souk-el-Arba, Tunisia
    to Soliman, Tunisia with A-20's.
        HQ 319th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 437th, 438th, 439th
    and 440th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) transfer from Rabat Sale,
    French Morocco to Sedrata, Algeria with B-26's.
        HQ 321st Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 445th, 446th, 447th
    and 448th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) transfers from Ain M'lila,
    Algeria to Souk-el-Arba, Tunisia with B-25's.
        During Jun 43, the 14th and 53d Troop Carrier Squadrons, 61st Troop
    Carrier Group, transfer from Lourmel, Algeria to Kairouan, Tunisia with
    C-47's.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      During Jun 43, the 67th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group which
    has been operating from Guadalcanal with P-39's since Jan 43, returns to
    it's base on New Caledonia Island.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, B-25's hit Bogadjim and vicinity. B-24's bomb Lae
    Airfield and nearby area.

    WEDNESDAY, 2 JUNE 1943

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

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        In China, 5 B-25's, escorted by 10 P-4O's, bomb Pailochi Airfield. 18
    P-4O's strafe troop barges and launches at Itu and 6 long columns of
    troops E of Changyang.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      HQ 13th Bombardment Wing (Medium) arrives at Marks Hall, England from
    the US.
      HQ 100th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 350th, 351st and 418th
    Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) with B-17's arrives at Thorpe Abbots,
    England from the US. They will fly their first combat mission on 25 Jun
    43.
      HQ 381st Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 532d, 533d, 534th and
    535th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) with B-17's arrive at Ridgewell,
    England from the US. They will fly their first combat mission on 22 Jun
    43.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        HQ 324th Fighter Group and it's 315th and 316th Fighter Squadrons
    with P-40's transfer from an unknown location in Tunisia to Kairouan,
    Tunisia.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        During the night of 1/2 Jun, Wellingtons of Northwest African
    Strategic Air Force (NASAF) hit Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean
    and drop pamphlets on Naples, Italy. Fighters and medium bombers hit
    Pantelleria during the following morning and afternoon. P-38's attack the
    airfield at Milo, Sicily while P-40's strafe targets of opportunity
    in Sardinia.
        HQ 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 81st, 82d and 434th
    Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-25's and HQ 340th Bombardment
    Group (Medium) transfer from Sfax, Tunisia to Hergla, Tunisia.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomon Islands, 2 B-24's on armed reconnaissance attack gun
    positions, cargo boats, and shipping at Numa Numa and Tinputs.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, B-17's and B-24's bomb airfields at Wewak, Boram, Dagua,
    and But. Isolated shipping strikes result in little damage to vessels and
    barges.

    THURSDAY, 3 JUNE 1943

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

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
        Weathered out from Kiska Island in the Aleutian Islands are 3
    weather missions flown by 2 B-24's and 2 P-40's, as well as 2 attack
    missions by 2 B-24's and 6 fighters.

      CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force)
        HQ 40th Bombardment Group (Heavy) transfers from Albrook Field to
    Howard Field, Canal Zone.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      HQ 5th Air Defense Wing arrives at Duxford, England from the US. This
    unit will be redesignated the 66th Fighter Wing in Jul 43.
      HQ 384th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 545th Bombardment Squadron
    (Heavy) arrive with B-17's at Grafton Underwood, England from the US.
      HQ 386th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 552d, 553d and 554th
    Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) arrive with B-26's at Snetterton Heath,
    England from the US.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        Fighters, light and medium bombers of the Northwest African Strategic
    Air Force (NASAF) and Northwest Tactical Air Force NATAF) attack defended
    positions on Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean following a raid on
    the town area and docks by Wellingtons during the night of 2/3 Jun.
        HQ 14th Fighter Group and it's 48th and 49th Fighter Squadrons with
    P-38's transfer from Telergma, Algeria to El Bathan, Tunisia.
        HQ 86th Bombardment Group (Dive) and it's 309th Bombardment Squadron
    (Dive) transfer with A-36's from La Senia, Algeria to Marnia, French
    Morocco.
        HQ 325th Fighter Group and it's 317th and 318th Fighter Squadrons
    transfer with P-40's from Montesquieu, Algeria to Souk-el-Khemis,
    Tunisia.
        The 83d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group
    (Medium) transfers with B-25's from Sfax, Tunisia to Hergla, Tunisia.
        The 154th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 68th Reconnaissance
    Group transfers with P-38/F-5s from Korba, Tunisia to Nouvion, Algeria.
         The 486th, 487th, 488th and 489th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium),
    340th Bombardment Group (Medium) transfer with B-25's from Sfax, Tunisia
    to Hergla, Tunisia.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomon Islands during the night of 3/4 Jun, B-17's bomb Kahili
    Airfield on Bougainville Island and the Moliko River area. B-24's attack
    small vessels at Tinputs and Teop sinking 1 and firing the other.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      B-24's bomb a supply dump area at Dobo, New Guinea. Other targets
    attacked in the Netherland East Indies suffer little damage.

    FRIDAY, 4 JUNE 1943

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

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
        In the Aleutian Islands, 6 B-24's following a Navy PV make a
    radar-bombing run over North Head. 14 P-40's and P-38's bomb North Head,
    Main Camp and Little Kiska Island. 4 P-38's and 1 B-24 flying air cover
    over Attu Island make no enemy contact.
      The 404th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 28th Composite Group based on
    Adak Island begins operating from Amchitka Island with B-24's.

      CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force)
        The detachment of the 32d Fighter Squadron, 36th Fighter Group which
    has been operating from Losey Field, Puerto Rico with P-40's returns to
    it's base at Hato Field, Curacao.
        The 44th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 40th Bombardment Group
    (Heavy) transfers with B-17's from Guatemala City, Guatemala to Howard
    Field, Canal Zone.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      HQ 4th Air Defense Wing arrives at Debden, England from the US. This
    unit will be redesignated the 65th Fighter Wing in Jul 43.
      HQ 14th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) arrives at Camp Lynn, England from
    the US.
      The 544th, 546th and 547th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 384th
    Bombardment Group (Heavy) arrive with B-17's at Grafton Underwood,
    England from the US. The group will fly it's first mission on 22 Jun.
      The 555th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 386th Bombardment Group
    (Medium) arrives at Snetterton Heath, England from the US with B-26's.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Italy, B-24's attack Grottaglie Airfield, leaving hangars and other
    building in flames. B-24 gunners claim 3 fighters shot down.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        During the night of 3/4 Jun, Northwest African Strategic Air Force
    (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Syracuse, Sicily; Catanzaro, Italy; and
    Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean, which is also hit on the
    following day by fighters, light, medium, and heavy bombers, of NASAF
    and the Northwest Tactical Air Force (NATAF).
        HQ 27th Bombardment Group (Light) and it's 17th and 91st Bombardment
    Squadrons (Light) transfer with A-36's from Ras el Ma, French Morocco to
    Korba, Tunisia.
        The 319th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group transfers with P-
    40's from Montesquieu, Algeria to Souk-el-Khemis, Tunisia.
        The 346th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group based at Maison
    Blanche, Algeria begins operating it's P-39's from Monastir, Tunisia.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      B-17's and B-24's bomb airfields at Boram, Wewak and Dagua, New Guinea.
    B-25's hit Koepang and Lautem, Timor.

    SATURDAY, 5 JUNE 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
      Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
      P-38, Lockheed Lightning
      P-40, Curtiss
      Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      In the Aleutian Islands, 7 B-24's, 6 B-25's, and 6 P-40's fly weather
    reconnaissance and radar-bombing missions over Kiska Island, being
    handicapped by poor weather and mechanical trouble.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        In China, P-40's strafe troop columns near Peiyang and hit a barge
    and boat NW of Yoyang.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        During the early morning, Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers, under
    operational control of the IX Bomber Command, attack the harbor at
    Catania, Sicily.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        During the night of 4/5 Jun, Wellingtons hit docks and town area of
    Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean. On 5 Jun, B-25's and P-38's
    extend the attack on the island, hitting mainly gun positions. B-17's
    hit the harbor and shipping at La Spezia, Italy.
        In Sardinia, B-26's bomb Porto Ponte Romano while P-38's hit
    airfields at Monserrato and Capoterra.
        "A" Flight of the 15th Photographic Squadron (Heavy), 3d
    Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group transfers with B-17's and
    F-5's from Algiers, Algeria to Le Kroub, Algeria.  "B" and "C" Flights
    of the squadron are still in the US.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      The 394th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
    which has been operating from Guadalcanal Island with B-24's since 25
    Apr 43 returns to it's base on Fiji Island.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      HQ 345th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 498th, 499th, 500th and
    501st Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) arrive with B-25's at Port Moresby,
    New Guinea from the US. The group will fly it's first mission on 21 Jun.

    SUNDAY, 6 JUNE 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      A-20, Douglas Havoc
      A-36, North American Apache
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      B-26, Martin Marauder
      Beaufighters, Bristol (RAF)
      DB-7, Douglas Havoc
      P-38, Lockheed Lightning
      P-40, Curtiss
      Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
      Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        In China, 5 P-40's strafe trucks, barracks, and personnel at Tangyang;
    at least 15 trucks are burned and considerable damage is done to the
    barracks area. 11 P-40's hit the approaches to a bridge at Puchi; 2
    locomotives in the area are destroyed. 10 other P-40's attack Shasi
    Airfield and hit river shipping; in the general area. 7 B-25's bomb the
    airfield at Pailochi.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      The detachment of the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, VIII Fighter
    Command training with the RAF at Bristol, England with Beaufighters returns
    to it's base at Honiley, England.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Italy, B-24's strike the harbor areas of Villa San Giovanni and
    Reggio di Calabria, and ferry slips and railroad yards at Messina. B-24
    gunners claim 8 fighters destroyed. B-25's of 2 groups hit Pantelleria
    Island in the Mediterranean.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In the Mediterranean, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF)
    Wellingtons hit the town and docks of Pantelleria Island during the
    night of 5/6 Jun. The following afternoon, Spitfires, P-40's, P-38's,
    B-26's, A-20's, A-36's, and B-25's of the NASAF and Northwest Tactical
    Air Force (NATAF) continue pounding the island. The Allied air bombardment
    increases and is concentrated on coastal batteries and other gun
    emplacements as the second phase of air offensive against Pantelleria
    Island starts.
        HQ 310th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 379th, 380th, 381st and
    428th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) transfer with B-25's from Berteaux,
    Algeria to Dar el Koudia, Tunisia.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomon Islands, P-38's, P-40's, and Navy and Marine fighters
    and dive bombers attack shipping off Buin scoring damaging hits on a
    destroyer and 2 smaller vessels; 15 Japanese airplanes are claimed shot
    down. Other P-38's and P-40's strafe the Luti Bay area of Choiseul Island,
    New Guinea.
      HQ 42d Bombardment Group (Medium) transfers from Fiji Island to
    Guadalcanal Island.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      On Timor, B-24's hit the town of Koepang and the airfield at Penfoei.

    MONDAY, 7 JUNE 1943

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

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      HQ 353d Fighter Group arrives at Goxhill, England from the US.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        B-25's bomb gun emplacements at the airfield on Pantelleria Island
    in the Mediterranean.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        Following a night raid by Wellingtons on Pantelleria Island in the
    Mediterranean, heavy, medium and light bombers, and fighters of the
    Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) and Northwest Tactical Air
    Force (NATAF) pound the island throughout the afternoon.
        The 99th Fighter Squadron, XII Air Support Command attached to the
    33d Fighter Group transfers with P-40's from Oued N'ja, French Morocco
    to Fardjouna, Tunisia.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomon Islands, P-38's and P-40's, along with Royal New Zealand
    Air Force (RNZAF) P-40's and Navy and Marine fighters, intercept a large
    force of fighter-escorted dive bombers on a mission against Allied
    shipping off Guadalcanal Island. Fighters from the newly-opened Russell
    Island bases initiate the interception. A running fight develops and
    extends down to Guadalcanal Island. More than 20 Japanese aircraft are
    downed; 9 Allied fighters are lost but all the pilots are recovered.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, B-17's and B-24's attack Wewak, Lae, Madang, and Kesup
    hitting town areas and airfields, and strafe sampans on the Sepik River.

    TUESDAY, 8 JUNE 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      A-36, North American Apache
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      C-47, Douglas Skytrain
      F-5, Lockheed Lightning
      P-38, Lockheed Lightning
      P-40, Curtiss
      P-47, Republic Thunderbolt
      Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
        In the Aleutian Islands, a C-47 is the first USAAF airplane to land
    on Attu Island, landing fighters crews at Alexai Point. All other flying
    is cancelled due to weather.

      ARMY AIR FORCES ANTISUBMARINE COMMAND
        The 4th Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), AAF Antisubmarine Command
    arrives at Gander Lake, Newfoundland from the US with B-24's.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        In French Indochina, 7 B-24's and 6 B-25's, with P-40 escorts, are
    dispatched to bomb shipping and dock installations at Haiphong. Bad
    weather prevents striking the primary targets; alternates, including
    Hongay shipping, rail yard, and power facilities, Gia Lam Airfield, and
    warehouses E of Hanoi are bombed.
        P-40's bomb and strafe Japanese HQ at Tatung, China barracks E of
    Lamaing, Burma on the Salween River, and a camp N of Lungling, China.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      The 22d Photographic Squadron (Light), 5th Photographic Reconnaissance
    and Mapping Group, attached to the Eighth Air Force, arrives at Mount
    Farm, England from the US with F-5's. The squadron will fly it's first
    mission in Jul 43.
      The 350th, 351st and 352d Fighter Squadrons, 353d Fighter Group
    arrives at Goxhill, England from the US with P-47D's.  The group will
    fly it's first mission in Aug 43.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers bomb the Messina, Italy ferry
    terminal. B-25's of 2 groups hit Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean,
    directing their major effort at gun emplacements.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons pound the
    town and docks on Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean during the
    night of 7/8 Jun. The air offensive against the island increases during
    the following day as fighters, light, medium and heavy bombers of the NASAF
    and Northwest Tactical Air Force (NATAF) continue to bomb throughout the
    day. Naval forces bombard the harbor and shore batteries. Surrender
    requests, dropped by airplane, bring no response.
        In Sardinia, P-38's attack barracks N of Segariu and the airfield at
    Villacidro.
        HQ 47th Bombardment Wing (Medium) transfers from El Guerrah, Algeria
    to Souk-el-Arba, Tunisia.
        The 16th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 27th Bombardment Group
    (Light) transfers with A-36's from Ras el Ma, French Morocco to Korba,
    Tunisia.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomon Islands, B-24'a on armed reconnaissance bomb Kahili
    Airfield on Bougainville Island and Ballale Island.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In Timor, B-25's bomb Koepang and hit the area SE of Dili. B-24's
    unsuccessfully attack shipping at Waingapoe, in the Sunda Islands and
    off Wewak, New Guinea.

    WEDNESDAY, 9 JUNE 1943

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

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        6 P-4O's damage a railroad bridge at Puchi, China and strafe nearby
    railroad yards.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Sicily, B-24's bomb the landing ground at Gerbini and the airfield
    at Catania. B-25's hit Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean. Fighters
    escort bombers and fly patrols and fighter sweeps.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        Fighters, and medium and heavy bombers of the Northwest African
    Strategic Air Force (NASAF) continue pounding Pantelleria Island in the
    Mediterranean in predawn hours and during the afternoon.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomon Islands, B-24's on reconnaissance attack a small vessel
    WNW of Cape Henpan. B-17's, P-40's, and P-38's' pound the airfields at
    Munda and Vila.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, 2 B-24's bomb the town area of Manokwari and the airfield
    at Nabire. A lone B-17 bombs Unea Island in the Bismarck Archipelago.

    THURSDAY, 10 JUNE 1943

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

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      In the Aleutian Islands, 7 B-24's, 8 B-25's, 12 P-40's, and 2 F-5A's fly
    weather reconnaissance, attack, and photo missions to Kiska Island and
    Little Kiska Island. Targets include gun batteries, runway, North Head and
    Main Camp.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        In China, 9 P-40's on armed reconnaissance strafe 10 barges and a
    gunboat at Chienli; 1 barge is set aflame. 10 P-40's intercept about 25
    airplanes over Hengyang; 1 enemy bomber is shot down.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      The Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS) issues a directive through the Chief
    of Air Staff (C/AS), Royal Air Force (RAF), marking the official beginning
    of the Combined Bomber Offensive (CBO) of the USAAF and RAF against
    sources of German war power. The RAF is to bomb strategic city areas at
    night and the USAAF is to hit precise targets by daylight. The CCS
    sanctions the Combined Operational Planning Committee as the agency for
    coordinating the efforts of the CBO forces.
      HQ 386th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 552d, 553d, 554th and 555th
    Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-26's transfer from Snetterton Heath,
    England to Boxted, England. The group will fly it's first combat mission on
    30 Jul 43.
      The detachments of the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, VIII Fighter Command
    at Cranfield, Usworth, and Bath, England return to their base at Honiley,
    England. The squadron is attached to the RAF for training on Beaufighters.
      The 417th Night Fighter Squadron, VIII Fighter Command transfers from
    Cranfield, England to Scorton, England. The detachments at Ayr, Scotland
    and Uxbridge, Coltishall and Bristol, England transfer to Scorton. The
    squadron is attached to the RAF for training on Beaufighters.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        B-25's, escorted by fighters, bomb Pantelleria Island in the
    Mediterranean. The escorting fighters dive-bomb targets on the island.
    Later, Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers attack Reggio di Calabria
    Airfield, Italy.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        Following attacks during the night of 9/10 Jun by fighter-bombers,
    Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) and Northwest Tactical Air
    Force (NATAF) aircraft (fighters, and light, medium and heavy bombers)
    maintain all-day attacks on Pantelleria Island; over 1,000 sorties are
    flown.
        The 60th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group transfers with P-40's from
    Menzel Temime, Tunisia to Sousse, Tunisia.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomon Islands, P-38's and Navy fighters claim 4 aircraft downed
    off the N tip of Malaita Island. B-17's and B-24's pound the airfield at
    Kahili on Bougainville Island twice during the day.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      More than 20 B-17's and B-24's pound airfields in the Rabaul, New
    Britain Island area. A single B-24 bombs the town of Sorong, New Guinea
    and shipping at Kokas, New Guinea .

    FRIDAY, 11 JUNE 1943

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

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
        In the Aleutian Islands, 7 B-24's, 8 B-25's, 10 P-40's, 4 P-38's, and
    2 F-5A's fly weather, photo, reconnaissance, and attack missions to Kiska
    Island. Main targets are Gertrude Cove and Main Camp, South Head, North
    Head, runway, and offshore barges. Fighter bombing and strafing, and
    subsequent bomber runs over emplacements, are effectively coordinated.

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

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        Eight P-40's hit a camp on the Salween River, trucks at Mangshih, and
    warehouses at Tungling, China.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 62: 252 B-17's are dispatched against
    the U-boat yard at Wilhelmshaven, Germany and the port area at Cuxhaven,
    Germany; 218 hit the targets; we claim 85-20-24 Luftwaffe aircraft; we
    lose 8 and 62 are damaged. Casualties are 3 KIA, 20 WIA and 80 MIA. The
    raid on Wilhelmshaven demonstrates the difficulty of operating beyond
    range of fighters escort as enemy fighters attacks prevent accurate
    bombing of the target.
      HQ 388th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 560th, 561st, 562d and 563d
    Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) arrive at Knettishall, England from the US
    with B-17's. The group will fly it's first combat mission on 17 Jul 43.
      HQ 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 564th Bombardment Squadron
    (Heavy) arrive at Hethel, England from the US with B-24's. The group will
    fly it's first mission on 9 Jul.
      The 416th Night Fighter Squadron, VIII Fighter Command transfers with
    Beaufighters from Honiley, England to Acklington, England.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        B-25's attack islands of Pantelleria in the Mediterranean and
    Lampedusa Island, Italy. Fighters  escort the medium bombers to
    Pantelleria Island and fly cover during their bomb runs. After the British
    1 Division is landed unopposed, Pantelleria surrenders unconditionally.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        An attack during the night of 10/11 Jun on Pantelleria Island in the
    Mediterranean by Wellingtons is followed by morning and afternoon attacks
    by fighters and bombers of the Northwest African Air Force (NAAF), in
    conjunction with naval bombardment of the island.
        HQ 86th Bombardment Group (Light) and it's 309th, 310th and 311th
    Bombardment Squadrons (Light) transfer with A-36's from French Morocco to
    Tafaraoui, Algeria.
        The 414th Night Fighter Squadron, 2d Air Defense Wing transfers from La
    Senia, Algeria to Rerhaia, Algeria. The air echelon is in England training
    on Beaufighters.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-24's again bomb the airfield at Rabaul
    on New Britain Island and hit targets of opportunity on Gasmata Isalnd and
    along the shore of Keravia Bay.
      In New Guinea, B-25's pound areas along Huon Gulf coast, hitting Kela
    Point, Salamaua and the bridge at Nuk Nuk. P-40's strafe a submarine off
    Cape Nelson.
      In Timor, Koepang is thoroughly blasted by B-24's while Penfoei and
    Dili airfields are hit by light B-25 attacks.
      The 432d Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group transfers with P-38's from
    Charters Towers, Australia to Amberley Field, Townsville, Australia.

    SATURDAY, 12 JUNE 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      B-26, Martin Marauder
      Oscar, Nakajima Ki-43, Army Type 1 Fighter Hayabusa

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      A detachment of the 344th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group based at
    Ft Glenn, Alaska begins operating from Attu Island with P-40's.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      HQ 3d Bombardment Wing transfers from Elveden Hall, England to Marks
    Hall, England.
      HQ 96th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 337th, 339th and 413th
    Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) transfer with B-17's from Great Saling,
    England to Snetterton Heath, England.
      The 449th, 450th, 451st and 452d Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 322d
    Bombardment Group (Medium) transfer with B-26's from Rougham, England to
    Great Saling, England.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        B-25's, escorted by P-40's, attack Lampedusa Island in the
    Mediterranean. The island surrenders unconditionally, and Coldstream
    Guards go ashore and take charge

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) and Northwest Tactical
    Air Force (Northwest Tactical Air Force (NATAF)) fighters, light, medium
    and heavy bombers hit Lampedusa Island in the Mediterranean.
        In Sicily, B-17's and B-26's bomb Castelvetrano, Boccadifalco, and
    Milo Airfields.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      USAAF fighters, along with Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), US Navy,
    and US Marine Corps fighters, claim over 30 aircraft shot down during the
    interception of an enemy strike on Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands. 8
    Allied fighters are lost.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, B-24's hit runways at Nabire and Kaimana; a lone B-25
    bombs and strafes barges S of Langemak Bay.
      Dick Bong gets his 11th kill when he downs an Oscar.

    SUNDAY, 13 JUNE 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-40, Curtiss

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 9 B-25's attack the Meza railway bridge on the Mandalay-
    Myitkyina line, causing minor damage.

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        In China, 11 B-25's supported by 14 P-40's, bomb hangars and the depot
    area at Nanchang Airfield.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 63: 151 B-17's are dispatched against
    the Bremen, Germany U-boat yards; 122 hit the target claiming 2-2-1
    Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 4 and 31 are damaged; casualties are 8 WIA and
    32 MIA. A smaller force of 76 B-17's is dispatched against the Kiel,
    Germany U-boat yards; 60 hit the target and claim 39-5-14 Luftwaffe
    aircraft; we lose 22, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 23 are damaged;
    casualties are 3 KIA, 20 WIA and 213 MIA. Heaviest fighter attacks to date
    against Eighth Air Force accounts for 26 B-17's, mostly of the force
    attacking Kiel.
      HQ 13th Bombardment Wing (Medium) transfers from Marks Hall, England to
    Camp Blainey, England.
      The 331st, 332d, 333d and 410th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 94th
    Bombardment  Group (Heavy) transfer with B-17's from Earls Colne, England
    to Bury St Edmunds, England.
      The 338th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 96th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
    transfers with B-17's from Great Saling, England to Snetterton Heath,
    England.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Sicily, US and Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers attack Catania
    and Gerbini Airfields, causing severe damage to aircraft, runways,
    hangars, and other installations. Our heavy bombers claim 5 fighters; 2
    B-24's are down at sea.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        Northwest Tactical Air Force (NATAF) and Northwest African Coastal Air
    Force (NACAF) carry out land and sea patrols and reconnaissance flights.
    Northwest African Photographic Reconnaissance Wing covers areas of
    Sardinia, Sicily, and the Italian mainland.
        HQ 3d Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group and it's 12th
    Photographic Squadron (Light) transfers with F-5's from Algiers, Algeria to
    La Marsa, Tunisia.
        HQ 82d Fighter Group and it's 95th, 96th and 97th Fighter Squadrons
    transfer with P-38's from Berteaux, Algeria to Souk-el-Arba, Algeria.
        The 5th Photographic Squadron (Light), Twelfth Air Force transfers with
    F-5's from Algiers, Algeria to La Marsa, Tunisia.
        The 346th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group which has been
    operating it's P-39's from Monastir, Tunisia since 4 Jun returns to it's
    base at Maison Blanche, Algeria.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomon Islands,  B-24's and B-17's again bomb Kahili Airfield on
    Bougainville Island.
      The 371st and 372d Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group
    (Heavy) transfers from Kahuku and Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii
    respectively to Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides Islands with B-24's.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17's and B-24's bomb airfields in the
    Rabaul area on New Britian Island and on Gasmata Island.
      B-25's hit Dili and Koepang, on Timor and bomb and strafe barges off the
    Huon Peninsula, at Jacob Island, off Cape Gerhards, and S of Cape Cretin,
    New Guinea. Single B-24's bomb Malahang Airfield and attack a freighter in
    Humboldt Bay, both in New Guinea.

    MONDAY, 14 JUNE 1943

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

    CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
      One B-24 from Funafuti Atoll, Ellice Islands bombs the runways at Tarawa
    Atoll, Gilbert Islands.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        Eight P-40's intercept about 8 bombers and 20 fighters 25 mi (40 km)
    SW of Nanchang, China. The P-40's claim 7 fighters shot down.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      HQ 323d Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 453d, 454th , 455th and 456th
    Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) transfer with B-26's from Horham, England to
    Earls Colne, England.
      The 349th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 100th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
    arrives at Thorpe Abbots, England from the US with B-17's. The squadron
    will fly it's first mission on 25 Jun.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        During the night of 13/14 Jun, Northwest African Strategic Air Force
    (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Messina, Italy. Other NASAF and Northwest
    Tactical Air  Force (NATAF) airplanes continue patrols and reconnaissance.
    The Northwest African Photographic Reconnaissance Wing maintains flights
    over Sardinia and Sicily.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomon Islands, 18 B-25's, escorted by F4U's, hit Vila Airfield.
    11 B-17's and B-24's bomb Kahili Airfield on Bougainville Island and hit
    nearby Shortland Island.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      A single B-24 bombs Lakunai Airfield at Rabaul on New Britain Island.

    TUESDAY, 15 JUNE 1943

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

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Sixth Air Force)
      The 40th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 44th and 45th Bombardment
    Squadrons (Heavy) begin a movement from Howard Field, Canal Zone back to
    the US. The group will transition to B-29's and move to India in Apr 44.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        B-25's score 2 direct hits on the bridge at Myitnge, Burma.

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        Ten B-25's, escorted by 12 P-40's, support Chinese ground forces by
    bombing positions at Owchihkow, China.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      Additional modifications of YB-40 escort bombers are completed in the
    United Kingdom. It is now hoped that these B-17's converted to heavily
    armored aircraft with great firepower will solve the problem of long-range
    escort for bombers
      HQ 94th Bombardment Group (Heavy) transfers from Earls Colne, England to
    Bury St Edmunds, England.
      HQ 95th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 334th, 335th, 336th and 412th
    Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) transfer with B-17's from Framlingham,
    England to Horham, England.
      The 329th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 93d Bombardment Group (Heavy)
    transfers with B-24's from Bungay, England to Hardwick, England.
      The 565th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
    arrives at Hethel, England from the US with B-24's.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        During the night of 14/15 Jun, Northwest African Strategic Air Force
    (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb the airfields at Milo, Sciacca, Castelvetrano,
    and Boccadifalco, Sicily. B-17's, B-25's, B-26's, and P-38's follow
    during the morning hours with raids on the same targets and hit the
    airfield at Bo Rizzo and radio stations near Marsala, Sicily. Widespread
    photo reconnaissance of mainland Italy, Sicily, and Sardinia continues.
        A detachment of the 12th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 67th
    Reconnaissance Group begins operating from Malta with F-5's.

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

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      B-24's bomb airfields at Rabaul on New Britain Island in predawn strikes
    and hit Kendari Airfield, Celebes in the evening.
      In New Guinea, a single B-25 attacks a power boat in Hanisch Harbor
    and strafes a beach near Finschhafen.

    WEDNESDAY, 16 JUNE 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      A-20, Douglas Havoc
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      C-47, Douglas Skytrain

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Sixth Air Force)
      The 25th and 395th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 40th Bombardment Group
    (Heavy) begin a movement from Howard Field, Canal Zone to the US. The
    squadrons will transition to B-29's and transfer to India in Apr 44.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      The 566th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
    arrives at Hethel, England from the US with B-24's.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        Northwest African Photographic Reconnaissance Wing continues coverage
    of areas of mainland Italy, Sicily, and Sardinia.
        HQ 313th Troop Carrier Group and it's 29th, 47th and 49th Troop Carrier
    Squadrons transfer with C-47's from Oujda, French Morocco to Kairouan,
    Tunisia.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      Search aircraft report nearly 250 Japanese airplanes at Rabaul on New
    Britain Island in the Bismarck Archipelago and other airfields jammed with
    aircraft. In air action in the Solomon Islands, about 120 Japanese aircraft
    converging on Allied vessels off Tulagi and Guadalcanal Islands in the
    Solomon Islands are met by more than 100 Allied fighters (USAAF, Royal New
    Zealand Air Force, US Navy and US Marine Corps). The skies over Savo and
    Tulagi Islands, and Cape Esperance and Koli Point on Guadalcanal Island are
    filled with dogfights and flak from ship and ground guns. The battle results
    in the largest single-day Allied aerial victory of the Solomon Islands
    campaign; 79 airplanes are claimed shot down by  Allied fighters, and AA
    claims 17 more; 6 Allied fighters are lost. The Japanese succeed in damaging
    3 ships (2 of which have to be beached) and cause considerable destruction
    on Guadalcanal Island.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      B-25's bomb Koepang and Oeikoesi on Timor and, along with A-20's, hit
    barges and shore targets at several points along the coasts of NE New Guinea
    and New Britain Island in the Bismarck Archipelago.

    THURSDAY, 17 JUNE 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)

    CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
      During the night of 17/18 Jun, 4 B-24's take off from Funafuti Atoll,
    Ellice Islands at 2-hour intervals to bomb Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert
    Islands.  One aborts and another fails to find the target. The 2 heavy
    bombers bombing the target hit runways, silence an AA battery, and blow up
    an ammunition dump. The raid is a diversion in support of the first night
    photo-reconnaissance mission by the VII Bomber Command, during which 3
    B-24's photograph Mille Atoll in the Caroline Islands and nearby waters in
    the Marshall Islands.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        P-40's strafe a warehouse and train S of Chiuchiang and a train N of
    Nanchang, both in China. Road traffic E of Hanoi, French Indochina is also
    attacked.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      HQ 4th Air Defense Wing transfers from Debden, England to Saffron Walden,
    England. This unit will be redesignated 65th Fighter Wing on 7 Aug 43.
      The 567th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
    arrives at Hethel, England from the US with B-24's.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        B-24's attack airfields at Biscariy and Comiso, Sicily.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        During the night of 16/17 Jun, Wellingtons bomb docks and a
    marshalling yard at Naples, Italy.
        HQ 2d Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 20th, 49th and 96th Bombardment
    Squadrons (Heavy) transfer with B-17's from Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria
    to Ain M'lila, Algeria.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      B-25's administer a thorough pounding to the Madang and Salamaua, New
    Guinea areas.  B-24's bomb Sorong, New Guinea and Boela, Moluccas Islands.
    A single B-24 bombs the airfield at Cape Gloucester on New Britain Island
    and, during the night of 17/18 Jun, a B-25 attacks power launches nearby,
    sinking 1 and badly damaging 2 more.
      The 433d Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group transfers with P-38's from
    Charters Towers, Australia to Amberley Field, Townsville, Australia.

    FRIDAY, 18 JUNE 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      A-20, Douglas Havoc
      A-24, Douglas Dauntless
      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

    CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
      The 58th Bombardment Squadron (Dive), Seventh Air Force begins a movement
    from Wheeler Field, Territory of Hawaii to Canton Island in the Phoenix
    Islands with A-24's.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        HQ 324th Fighter Group and it's 314th, 315th and 316th Fighter
    Squadrons transfer with P-40's from Kairouan, Tunisia to El Haouaria,
    Tunisia.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        B-17's strike the Messina, Italy ferry slip and railroad yards while
    P-38's bomb the airfield at Milo, Sicily. B-26's and B-25's, with P-38
    escort, hit docks and shipping at Olbia, Sardinia and shipping at Golfo
    Aranci, Italy. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) and  Northwest
    African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) airplanes maintain patrol and
    reconnaissance flights. Northwest African Air Force (NAAF) aircraft claim
    over 40 aircraft destroyed.
        The 59th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group transfers with P-40's from
    Sousse, Tunisia to Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean.
        The 429th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 2d Bombardment Group (Heavy)
    transfers with B-17's from Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria to Ain M'lila,
    Algeria.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomon Islands,  B-24's bomb Kahili Airfield on Bougainville
    Island while B-25's hit Ballale Island and strafe barges in Wilson Strait.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      B-25's bomb and strafe power launches off Cape Gloucester, New Britain
    Island and Finschhafen, New Guinea, sinking 1 and damaging 2 near the
    Cape. A single B-17 bombs Unea Island, Bismarck Archipelago while an A-20
    on armed reconnaissance during the night of 18/19 Jun bombs and strafes
    Salamaua, New Guinea and nearby coastal areas.

    SATURDAY, 19 JUNE 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      Beaufighters, Bristol (RAF)
      Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

    CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
      During the night of 18/19 Jun, 2 B-24's fly photo reconnaissance of
    Jaluit Atoll in the Marshall Islands from Funafuti Atoll in the Ellice
    Islands.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      During the month of June, the 40th Bombardment Wing arrives at
    Brampton Grange, England from the US.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Italy, B-24's attack ferry and railroad yards at Villa San
    Giovanni, ferries in the Straits of Messina, and the harbor of Reggio di
    Calabria.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        During the night of 18/19 Jun, Northwest African Strategic Air Force
    (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Syracuse, Sicily. Northwest Tactical Air Force
    (NATAF), Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF), and Northwest
    African Photographic Reconnaissance Wing airplanes maintain patrols and
    reconnaissance over areas of N Africa, the Mediterranean, Sicily,
    Sardinia, and mainland Italy.
        HQ 33d Fighter Group transfers from Sousse, Tunisia to Pantelleria
    Island in the Mediterranean.
        HQ 325th Fighter Group and it's 318th and 319th Fighter Squadrons
    transfer with P-40's from Souk-el-Khemis, Tunisia to Mateur, Tunisia.
        The air echelon of the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force
    with Beaufighters joins the ground echelon at La Senia, Algeria after
    training in England.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      During the night of 18/19 Jun, B-24's bomb Nauru Island in the Gilbert
    Islands.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      B-17's and B-24's thoroughly pound Vunakanau Airfield on New Britain
    Island. A-20's hit barges in Hanisch Harbor and a trail near the village
    of Tamigudu, both in New Guinea. Single B-24's bomb the Finschhafen, New
    Guinea area and the airstrip at Rapopo on New Britain Island.

    SUNDAY, 20 JUNE 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      A-20, Douglas Havoc
      A-36, North American Apache
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      C-47, Douglas Skytrain
      F-5, Lockheed Lightning
      P-38, Lockheed Lightning
      P-40, Curtiss
      P-51, North American Mustang
      Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

    CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
      During the night of 19/20 Jun, 3 B-24's from Funafuti Atoll in the
    Ellice Islands fly photo reconnaissance of Jaluit Atoll in the Marshall
    Islands.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb
    Messina, Sicily during the night of 19/20 Jun. The following morning B-26's
    bomb the airfields at Milo, Castelvetrano, and Bo Rizzo, Sicily. The
    Northwest Tactical Air Force (NATAF) and Northwest African Coastal Air
    Force (NACAF) maintain patrols, reconnaissance, and convoy escort while
    the Northwest African Photographic Reconnaissance Wing continues coverage
    of areas in Sicily and mainland Italy.
        The 12th Photographic Squadron (Light), 3d Photographic Reconnaissance
    and Mapping Group transfers with F-5's from La Marsa, Tunisia to Ariana,
    Tunisia. The squadron has a detachment operating on Malta.
        The 48th Troop Carrier Squadron, 313th Troop Carrier Group transfers
    with C-47's from Oujda, French Morocco to Kairouan, Tunisia.
        The 94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group transfers with P-38's from
    Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria to Mateur, Tunisia.
        The air echelon of the 111th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 68th
    Reconnaissance Group based at Nouvion, Algeria begins operating at Bou
    Ficha, Tunisia with P-51's.
        The 311th Bombardment Squadron (Dive), Twelfth Air Force transfers with
    A-36's from La Senia, Algeria to Sale, French Morocco. This squadron is
    attached to the Northwest African Training Command and trains A-36 pilots.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomon Islands, P-40's join Marine and Navy airplanes in a
    strike against Vila Airfield on Kolokombara Island. Hits are scored on the
    runway and dump area.  B-24's blast the airfield and other targets at Kahili,
    and also bomb Kieta, both on Bougainville Island.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      B-24's bomb airstrip at Rapopo, and airfields at Keravat, and Rabaul, all
    on New Britain Island and also hit Rabaul town area. A-20's pound the
    airfield at Lae, New Guinea. 2 B-25's and an A-20 hit Finschhafen, New
    Guinea and barges and shoreline targets along the coast of New Britain.

    MONDAY, 21 JUNE 1943

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

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      In the Aleutian Islands a fighters strip is completed at Shemya Island.
    All missions are  cancelled due to weather for the tenth straight
    day.

    CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
      One B-24 carries out armed photo reconnaissance over Nonouti Island,
    Beru Island, and Nukunau Island in the Gilbert Islands.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        In China, 7 B-25's, with escort of 8 P-40's, bomb the village of
    Shihshow.  8 other B-25's, supported by 9 P-40's, are dispatched to attack
    the Japanese-held village of Hwajung but mistakenly bomb the friendly
    village of Nanhsien, killing over 50 Chinese.
        The 11th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 341st Bombardment Group (Medium)
    transfers with B-25's from Kunming, China to Kweilin, China.  The squadron
    has detachments operating from Hengyang, Suichwan, Nanning and Lingling
    between Jun 43 and Jun 44.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Italy, B-24's attack the ferry terminal and surrounding areas at
    Villa San Giovanni, and the harbor area and railroad yards at Reggio di
    Calabria. Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers follow up with raids on the
    same targets.
        HQ 316th Troop Carrier Group and it's 45th Troop Carrier Squadron
    transfer with C-47's from Guercif, French Morocco to Enfidaville, Tunisia.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Italy, Wellingtons bomb Naples during the night of 20/21 Jun. The
    following day, B-17's hit the Naples railroad yards, Salerno marshalling
    yard and trestle, Battipaglia marshalling yard, and Cancello Arnone air
    depot. Fighters fly patrol, reconnaissance, and convoy escort.
        HQ 61st Troop Carrier Group and it's 59th Troop Carrier Squadron
    transfer with C-47's from Lourmel, French Morocco to Kairouan, Tunisia.
        HQ 480th Antisubmarine Group, AAF Antisubmarine Command is activated
    at Port Lyautey, French Morocco to control Antisubmarine Squadrons
    patrolling the Atlantic Ocean off Morocco.
        The 60th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group transfers with P-40's from
    Sousse, Tunisia to Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean.
        The 317th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group transfers with P-40's
    from Souk-el-Khemis, Tunisia to Mateur, Tunisia.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In a predawn strike B-25's bomb Koepang on Timor Island. In New Guinea,
    A-20's bomb and strafe airfields at Lae and Malahang while B-25's blast the
    airfield and general area at Salamaua. A single B-24 bombs MacDonald's
    Junction, New Guinea and strafes targets of opportunity along the coast S
    of Buka Island in the Solomon Islands.

    TUESDAY, 22 JUNE 1943

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

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      In the Aleutian Islands, a P-40 sights a submarine 5 mi (8 km) E of Zeto
    Point. A B-24 then searches the area but makes no contact.

    CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
      3 B-24's from Canton Island in the Phoenix Islands fly photo
    reconnaissance of Beru Island, Nukunau Island, Tabiteuea Island, Onotoa
    Island, Tarawa Atoll, and Arorae Island in the Gilbert Islands. 1 of the
    heavy bombers strafes Arorae.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        Heavy bombers join B-25's in pounding the Ywataung, Burma marshalling
    yard. Monywa, Burma is also thoroughly bombed.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 65: In the first large-scale daylight
    raid on the Ruhr, 235 B-17's are dispatched to hit the chemical works and
    synthetic rubber plant at Huls in the main attack; 183 bomb the target; we
    claim 46-21-35 Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 16 and 75 others are damaged;
    casualties are 2 KIA, 16 WIA and 151 MIA; this plant, representing a large
    percentage of the country's producing capacity, is severely damaged. 11
    YB-40's accompany the Huls raid; 1 is lost. In a second raid, 42 B-17's
    are dispatched to bomb the former Ford and General Motors plants at
    Antwerp; 39 hit the target; they claim 1-2-9 Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose
    4, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 17 others are damaged; casualties are 1
    KIA, 3 WIA and 40 MIA. An additional 21 B-17's fly an uneventful diversion.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        P-40's patrol over Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean; there are
    no encounters with the enemy.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb
    Salerno, Italy during the night of 21/22 Jun. Northwest African Coastal
    Air Force (NACAF) Beaufighters sink a small vessel off E Sardinia.
        The 7th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62d Troop Carrier Group transfers with
    C-47's from Matemore, Algeria to El Djem, Tunisia.
        The 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 1st Air Defense Wing transfers with
    Beaufighters from La Senia, Algeria to La Sebala, Tunisia.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      B-24's bomb the Taberfane, New Guinea area.

    WEDNESDAY, 23 JUNE 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
      P-47, Republic Thunderbolt
      Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (AAF Antisubmarine Command)
      The 4th Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), AAF Antisubmarine Command begins
    a movement from Gander Lake, Newfoundland to England with B-24's.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        Royal Air Force (RAF) Liberators, under the operational control of the
    IX Bomber Command, hit the airfield at Comiso, Sicily. Fighters patrol
    over Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean without incident.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb the
    town of Olbia, Sardinia and lay mines in the harbor during the night of
    22/23 Jun. Photographic reconnaissance airplanes continue missions, flying
    over areas of mainland Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and the S coast
    of France.
        HQ 17th Bombardment Group (Medium) transfers from Sedrata, Algeria to
    Djedeida, Tunisia.
        The detachment of the 12th Photographic Squadron (Light), 3d
    Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group at Malta returns to it's base
    at Ariana, Tunisia.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomon Islands, B-25's and Navy fighters and dive bombers hit
    Buki village on Buki Island.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      17 B-24's bomb shipping, dock area, factory and residential areas of
    Makassar, Celebes Island. 2 light cruisers are damaged and many buildings
    along Juliana Quay and in the town area are damaged or demolished. A
    single B-24 on armed reconnaissance bombs the airfield at Lae, New Guinea.
      HQ 348th Fighter Group and it's 340th, 341st and 342d Fighter Squadrons
    arrive at Port Moresby, New Guinea from the US with P-47's.

    FRIDAY, 25 JUNE 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      B-26, Martin Marauder
      B-40, Boeing Flying Fortress
      Beaufighter, Bristol (RAF)
      C-47, Douglas Skytrain
      P-38, Lockheed Lightning
      P-40, Curtiss
      Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
        In the Aleutian Islands, 2 photo and weather reconnaissance missions
    by 2 B-24's and 6 attack missions by 25 B-25's, 12 B-24's, and 2 P-38's
    hit Kiska Island. Targets include gun revetments at Gertrude Cove and AA
    batteries.
        The 344th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group transfers with P-40's
    from Ft Glenn, Alaska to Shemya Island. The squadron also has detachments
    operating from Amchitka and Attu Islands.

      ANTISUBMARINE (AAF Antisubmarine Command)
        The 19th Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), AAF Antisubmarine Command
    begins a movement from Gander Lake, Newfoundland to England with B-24's.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 67: 275 B-17's make scattered attacks
    on targets of opportunity in NW Germany when primary targets at Bremen and
    Hamburg are obscured by clouds; 167 bomb targets and claim 62-11-40
    Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 18 B-17's, 1 is damaged beyond repair and
    another 61 are damaged; casualties are 3 KIA, 14 WIA and 172 MIA. Of 7
    YB-40 escort bombers dispatched only 4 are able to accompany formations to
    the target area.
      HQ 387th Bombardment Group (Heavy) arrives at Chipping Ongar, England
    from the US.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb docks
    and marshalling yard at Olbia, Sardinia during the night of 24/25 Jun. On
    the following day B-17's drop over 300 tons of bombs on Messina, Sicily
    bombing the marshalling yard, the W and N part of town, warehouse area and
    part of commercial quay.
        The 4th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62d Troop Carrier Group transfers with
    C-47's from Matemore, Algeria to Goubrine, Tunisia.
        The 34th, 37th, 95th and 432d Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 17th
    Bombardment Group (Medium) transfer with B-26's from Sedrata, Algeria to
    Djedeida, Tunisia.
        The 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 1st Air Defense Wing transfers with
    Beaufighters from La Sebala, Tunisia to Monastir, Tunisia.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomon Islands during the night of 24/25 Jun, B-24's attack the
    Kahili area on Bougainville Island and hit the airfield on Buka Island.
    During the following day B-25's, escorted by P-40's, hit the runway at
    Vila Airfield on Kolombangara Island.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      B-25's bomb and strafe several occupied villages in the Sepu, New Guinea
    area.

    SATURDAY, 26 JUNE 1943

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

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
        In the Aleutian Islands, 16 bombers and 28 fighters fly 7 attack,
    weather reconnaissance and photo missions to Kiska and Little Kiska
    Islands, starting fires. Intense machinegun fire damages 4 P-38's.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      Air Marshall Trafford L Leigh-Mallory is given responsibility for
    drafting air plans for the invasion of the Continent. His deputy is
    Brigadier General Haywood S Hansell, Jr.
      Eighth Air Force Mission Number 68: 165 B-17's are dispatched against
    the Vilacoublay, France air depot; 12 hit the target while 6 hit the
    secondary target, Poissy Airfield, and 39 bomb Tricqueville Airfield; they
    claim 17-5-10 Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 5 B-17's and 14 others are
    damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 3 WIA and 51 MIA. 5 YB-40 escort bombers
    take off to accompany heavy bombers but none are able to complete the
    attack.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        During the night of 25/26 Jun, Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers,
    under IX Bomber Command control, bomb Messina, Sicily.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        Wellingtons bomb the Bari, Italy oil refinery during the night of
    25/26 Jun.
        HQ 314th Troop Carrier Group and it's 32d, 50th and 61st Troop Carrier
    Squadrons transfer with C-47's from Berguent, French Morocco to Kairouan,
    Tunisia.
        HQ 319th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 437th, 438th, 439th and
    440th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) transfer with B-26's from Sedrata,
    Algeria to Djedeida, Tunisia.
        The 10th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group transfers
    with C-47's from Thiersville, Algeria to El Djem, Tunisia.
        A detachment of the 68th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 44th Bombardment
    Group (Heavy) based at Shipdham, England begins operating from Benina,
    Libya with B-24's.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomon Islands during the night of 25/26 Jun, B-24's pound the
    airfield on Ballale Island and bomb the Poporang-Buin-Faisi area. P-38's
    strafe the Rekata Bay area.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      During the predawn and early morning hours, B-24's and B-17's bomb the
    airfield and harbor at Rabaul, New Britain and the town of Lae, New Guinea.
    During the midday, B-25's hit the airfield at Lae and the town of Salamaua,
    New Guinea. In the early evening B-25's bomb Penfoei, Timor Island.

    SUNDAY, 27 JUNE 1943

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

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
        On Kiska Island in the Aleutian Islands, 8 B-24's make a radar run but
    return with their bombs due to weather. Later, 5 B-24's and 7 B-25's bomb
    the Main Camp area and vicinity N of Salmon Lagoon. 14 B-25's bomb
    Gertrude Cove, camp areas, and North Head, while 7 others abort due to
    weather. 2 P-40's fly reconnaissance over Segula Island but overcast
    prevents observations.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        The 21st Photographic Squadron (Light), Fourteenth Air Force arrives at
    Bishnupur, India from the US with F-5's.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        Beginning this date, the 20lst Bombardment Wing (Provisional)- the
    93d, 44th, and 389th Bombardment Groups (Heavy)- of the Eighth Air Force
    is attached to the Ninth Air Force for operations.
        B-24's hit airfields at Kalamaki and Eleusis, Greece, damaging
    buildings, runways, and parked airplanes; they claim 7 fighters shot down.
        HQ 57th Fighter Group and it's 64th, 65th and 66th Fighter Squadrons
    transfer with P-40's from Tunisia to Malta.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        During the night of 26/27 Jun, Wellingtons bomb the marshalling yard
    and port area of Naples, Italy.
        The 328th, 329th, 330th and 409th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 93d
    Bombardment Group (Heavy) based at Hardwick, England begin operating from
    Bengasi, Libya with B-24's.
        The 506th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
    based at Shipdham, England begins operating from Benina, Libya with B-24's.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomon Islands, B-24's bomb Kahili Airfield on Bougainville
    Island and hit Ballale Island. A single heavy bomber on armed reconnaissance
    bombs Munda Airfield on New Georgia Island.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, B-25's bomb and strafe occupied areas at Dumpu, Kaigulin,
    and Kaiapit while A-20's strafe barges and shore installations at Labu
    Lagoon.
      B-24's hit Taka, Saumlakki and Malo Island in the Moluccas Islands and
    Boeroe Island in the Sunda Islands.

    MONDAY, 28 JUNE 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
      P-39, Bell Airacobra
      P-40, Curtiss

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
        In the Aleutian Islands, 6 B-25's bomb Gertrude Cove, Little Kiska
    Island and the southern Main Camp area through holes in the overcast. The
    mission is partly ineffective because of faulty bomb-release mechanisms.

    CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
      A bombing mission against Nauru Island, Gilbert Islands from Funafuti
    Atoll, Ellice Islands is hampered by engine trouble and bad weather. 1
    B-24 had crashed at Palmyra Island, Oceania the previous day while en
    route from the Hawaiian Islands to the staging base at Funafuti Atoll. Of
    the 18 arriving at the forward base, 2 are released from duty because of
    engine trouble, 2 crash on takeoff, and 8 are grounded after a second
    crash. 6 heavy bombers are airborne for the mission, 2 abort, 2 fail to
    find Nauru Island because of heavy front, and 2 drop bombs on the island,
    with unobserved results.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        HQ 80th Fighter Group and it's 88th and 90th Fighter Squadrons arrive
    at Karachi, India from the US with P-40's.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 69: 191 B-17's are dispatched against
    the locks and submarine pens at Saint-Nazaire, France; 158 hit the target
    between 1655 and 1713 hours local; we claim 28-6-8 Luftwaffe aircraft; we
    lose 8 B-17's and 57 others are damaged; casualties are 3 KIA, 14 WIA and
    50 MIA. 50 other B-17's are dispatched against Beaumont-le-Roger Airfield;
    43 bomb the target between 1736 and 1740 hours local; 6 B-17's are damaged.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        During the night of 27/28 Jun Northwest African Strategic Air Force
    (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb the Messina, Sicily marshalling yards and Villa
    San Giovanni, Italy. The following day, B-17's hit Leghorn, Italy, B-25's
    hit airfields near Olbia, Sardinia and Alghero, Sicily, B-26's attack the
    landing ground at Milis, Sardinia, and fighters hit the airfield at
    Decimomannu, Sardinia.
        HQ 60th Troop Carrier Group and it's 11th Troop Carrier Squadron
    transfer with C-47's from Thiersville, Algeria to El Djem, Tunisia.
        HQ 64th Troop Carrier Group and it's 16th, 17th and 35th Troop Carrier
    Squadrons transfer with C-47's from Blida, Algeria to Kairouan, Tunisia.
        "A" Flight of the 15th Photographic Squadron (Heavy), 3d Photographic
    Reconnaissance and Mapping Group transfers with F-5's from Le Kroub,
    Algeria to La Marsa, Tunisia. "B" and "C" Flights are still in the US.
        The 27th and 71st Fighter Squadrons, 1st Fighter Group transfer with
    P-38's from Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria to Mateur, Tunisia.
        The 58th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group transfers with P-40's from
    Menzel Temime, Tunisia to Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean.
        The 66th and 67th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 44th Bombardment Group
    (Heavy) based at Shipdham, England begin operating from Benina, Libya with
    B-24's.
        The 345th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group transfers with P-39's
    from Maison Blanche, Algeria to Bone, Algeria.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      The 394th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
    transfers with B-24's from the Fiji Islands to Guadalcanal Island in the
    Solomon Islands.

    TUESDAY, 29 JUNE 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
      B-40, Boeing Flying Fortress
      C-47, Douglas Skytrain
      P-40, Curtiss
      Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        The 89th Fighter Squadron, 80th Fighter Group arrives at Karachi, India
    from the US with P-40's.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 70: 108 B-17's are dispatched against
    the air depot at Villacoublay, France and another 40 against the airfield
    at Tricqueville, France; neither groups hit the target due to heavy cloud
    cover and return to base; they claim 0-3-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 14 B-17's
    are damaged. Another 84 B-17's are dispatched against the aeroengine works
    at Le Mans, France; 76 hit the target between 1959 and 2003 hours local.
    Both of the 2 YB-40's dispatched as escorts are forced to abort. The lack
    of success of the YB-40's in this and previous missions in Jun 43
    convinces Lieutenant General Ira C. Eaker, Commanding General Eighth Air
    Force, that if the escort bomber is to succeed it must be able to carry
    bombs and must be endowed with the same flight performance as the B-l7.
      The 548th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 385th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
    arrives at Great Ashfield, England from the US with B-17's. The squadron
    will fly it's first mission on 17 Jul 43.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers hit the airfield at Reggio di
    Calabria, Italy. P-40's patrol the sea off Cap Bon, Tunisia; there are no
    incidents.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        Wellingtons during the night of 28/29 Jun raid ferry slips and
    marshalling yard at Messina, Sicily. Photographic reconnaissance airplanes
    cover areas in N and S Italy, E Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and S France.
        HQ 1st Fighter Group transfers from Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria to
    Mateur, Tunisia.
        HQ 320th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 441st, 442d, 443d and
    444th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) transfer with B-26's from Montesquieu,
    Algeria to Massicault, Tunisia.
        The 12th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group transfers
    with C-47's from Thiersville, Algeria to El Djem, Tunisia.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, B-25's bomb and strafe strong points along the Bitoi River
    and A-20's pound a supply dump on the S side of Nassau Bay in preparation
    for allied amphibious landings which are to begin during the night of 29/30
    Jun; a lone B-24 bombs building area W of Parsee Point near Salamaua; and
    other B-24's bomb Nabire.

    WEDNESDAY, 30 JUNE 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      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
      F4F, Grumman Wildcat (USN)
      F4U, Vought Corsair (USN)
      P-40, Curtiss
      Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
      Wellington, Vickers (RAF)
      Zeke, Mitsubishi A6M, Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      The VIII Fighter Command becomes independent of Royal Air Force (RAF)
    operational control. All fighter groups are placed under control of the
    4th Air Defense Wing.
      The 4th and 19th Antisubmarine Squadrons (Heavy), AAF Antisubmarine
    Command arrive at St Eval, England from Newfoundland with B-24's.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        P-40's fly escort for a sea rescue airplane 35 mi (56 km) N of Cap
    Bon, Tunisia.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        During the night of 29/30 Jun over 60 Wellingtons hit the area NW of
    Cape San Marco, Italy and the marshalling yard and surrounding area at
    Messina, Sicily.
        In Sicily the following day, B-17's bomb the airfields at Palermo and
    Boccadifalco, B-25's hit the airfield at Sciacca, and B-26's strike the
    airfield at Bo Rizzo.
        Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) airplanes sink 2 schooners
    off S and E Sardinia and damage a vessel off the W coast of Italy.
        HQ 31st Fighter Group and it's 307th and 308th Fighter Squadrons
    transfer with Spitfires from Korba, Tunisia to Gozo Island, Malta.
        HQ 86th Bombardment Group (Dive) and it's 310th Bombardment Squadron
    (Dive) transfer with A-36's from Tafaraoui, Algeria to Korba, Tunisia.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomon Islands, the invasion of New Georgia Island begins with
    amphibious landings by US Army and US Marine Corps forces on nearby
    Rendova Island. Subsidiary landings take place at other points in the New
    Georgia area. USAAF and other allied fighters cover the landings. At 1100
    hours, 30+ Zekes attack the beachhead; Allied fighters intercept, claiming
    16 shot down. At 1500 hours, a large force of fighters, dive bombers, and
    torpedo-carrying bombers attack the vessels of the Task Force which is
    handling the landings. F4U's, F4F's and AA down all the torpedo-carrying
    bombers as they attack vessels however, a torpedo strikes the flagship, the
    attack transport USS McCawley (APA-4), amidship severely damaging the vessel
    (later mistakenly sunk by US PT boats). Early in the evening about 30 more
    Japanese aircraft return to the assault area. Allied fighters claim 18 of
    these shot down. B-25's and US Navy dive bombers bomb Munda Airfield on New
    Georgia. A B-24 strike on Kahili, Bougainville Island aborts because of bad
    weather.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, Allied amphibious forces begin landings, unopposed, at
    Nassau Bay during the night of 29/30 Jun. Forces push N and S toward the
    Bitoi River and Tabali Creek, respectively. Troops make contact with enemy
    forces in the Cape Dinga area S of Nassau Bay. Australians open the
    assault on Bobdubi Ridge and maintain pressure on the enemy in the Mubo
    area. B-25's pound Bobdubi Ridge in support of the assault and hit forces
    at Logui and Salamaua. B-25's also bomb the airfield at Cape Chater on
    Timor Island. B-24's and B-17's bomb an airfield at Rabaul, New Britain
    Island in the Bismarck Archipelago.  1 heavy bomber scores a hit on a cargo
    vessel off Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island.
      The 57th Troop Carrier Squadron, 375th Troop Carrier Group arrives at
    Port Moresby, New Guinea from the US with C-47's

    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