Navy Department Communique No. 189

NOVEMBER 12, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the morning of November 11th, Grumm “Wildcat” fighters intercepted 2 enemy dive-bomber formations over Guadalcanal Island. The first attack was made by 10 enemy bombers and 12 fighters. Our fighters shot down 6 bombers and 5 fighters. The second attack was made by 25 bombers and 5 fighters. Our “Wildcats” shot down six of the enemy bombers. Three additional enemy bombers and 2 fighters were reported as probably destroyed during the encounters. Seven U. S. fighters were lost.
   • (a) U. S. troops continued to advance from the area near the Metapona River to the eastward along the northern coast of Guadalcanal Island.
   • (b) There was no fighting in the area west of our positions on Guadalcanal.