Navy Department Communique No. 179

NOVEMBER 2, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

On October 30th:
- (a) U. S. aircraft made three attacks on enemy positions on Guadalcanal Island.
- (b) A formation of six “Zero” fighters was intercepted over Guadalcanal by five Grumman “Wildcats”. Four of the enemy fighters were shot down without damage to our planes.
- (c) There was no ground activity on Guadalcanal.
- (d) During the night of October 30-3q, Douglas “Dauntless” divebombers attacked enemy positions on the island.
On November 1st:
- (a) Grumman “Wildcats” attacked enemy installations at Rekata Bay. Buildings were strafed and a fire was started. Five enemy planes were destroyed on the beach. Our planes suffered some damage from heavy antiaircraft fire, but all returned to their base.
- (b) On Guadalcanal Island a small force of U. S. Marines, supported by Boeing “Flying Fortresses,” crossed the Matanikau River and attacked the enemy to the westward. One wave of Marines made an advance of 2 miles with comparatively few casualties.
- (c) U. S. fighters and dive bombers attacked enemy positions on Guadalcanal throughout the day. Enemy artillery fire was silenced and the Japanese were reported to be retreating slowly.