Navy Department Communique No. 177

NOVEMBER 1, 1942

South Pacific (All dates are east longitude).

1. The first detailed report of the naval air battle which was fought on October 26th, to the eastward of the Stewart Islands, was received by the Commander in Chief, United States Fleet, this afternoon from Vice Admiral Halsey, Commander of the South Pacific area. In this report the following damage to the enemy was detailed:
   • (a) Four to six heavy bomb hits on an aircraft carrier of the Zuikaku class.
   • (b) Two medium bomb hits on another aircraft carrier of the same class.
   • (c) Two heavy bomb hits on a battleship of the Kongo class.
   • (d) One heavy bomb hit on a second battleship.
   • (e) Five medium bomb hits on a cruiser of the Tikuma class.
   • (f) Torpedo and bomb hits on a heavy cruiser.
   • (g) Two torpedo hits on a heavy cruiser.
2. Reports indicate the definite destruction of more than 100 hundred enemy aircraft and the probable destruction of about 50 others.
3. The above action was first reported in Navy Department Communiqué No. 169 and subsequent reference was made thereto in Navy Department Communiqué No. 171.