Navy Department Communique No. 211

DECEMBER 3, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On the night of November 30-December 1 a Japanese force of troop transports, escorted by combatant fleet units, was intercepted and engaged by a task force of U. S. naval vessels in the waters immediately north of Guadalcanal Island.
2. The enemy was interrupted in his attempt to reinforce and supply his troops on the island and no landing was effected.
3. During the night action which followed our interception of the landing force one U. S. cruiser was sunk and other U. S. vessels were damaged.
4. The enemy suffered the following losses during the engagement:
   • (a) Two large destroyers (or cruisers) sunk.
   • (b) Four destroyers sunk.
   • (c) Two troop transports sunk.
   • (d) One cargo ship sunk.
5. Japanese sailors rescued from life rafts on the following day identified one of the enemy destroyers as the Takanami.
6. No list of casualties has, as yet, been received. The next of kin of personnel killed, wounded, or missing in the above action will be notified by telegram as soon as information is received.