Navy Department Communique No. 176

NOVEMBER 1, 1942

South Pacific (All dates are east longitude).

1. On October 29th:
   • (a) U. S. aircraft continued attacks on enemy positions on Guadalcanal Island.
   • (b) During minor ground operations two enemy 75-millimeter guns were captured west of the Matanikau River.
   • (c) During the late evening a Douglas “Dauntless” dive bomber attacked two enemy destroyers near Tassafaronga. No hits were scored but the destroyers were driven westward toward the Russell Islands.
2. On October 30th:
   • (a) During the early morning our dive bombers attacked enemy destroyers in the vicinity of the Russell Islands. Results of the attack have not been reported. One dive bomber failed to return.
   • (b) During the morning seven Grumman “Wildcats” attacked the enemy at Rekata Bay. Three “Zero” float planes and two biplanes were shot down and buildings and a fuel dump were strafed and set on fire.
   • (c) During the morning U. S. surface ships bombarded enemy positions on Guadalcanal. The cannonading lasted more than 2 hours and some artillery and several buildings and boats were destroyed.