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Navy Department Communique No. 254

JANUARY 18, 1943

South Pacific.

  1. On January 15th:
    • (a) During the evening “Flying Fortress” heavy bombers (Boeing B-17) dropped bombs in the Japanese-held Kahili area on Bougainville Island. Two large fires were observed after the attack.
    • (b) Later the same night, “Catalina” patrol bombers (Consolidated PBY) followed up the attack on Kahili and additional fires were started.
    • (c) During the same night “Catalinas” attacked enemy positions at Munda, on New Georgia Island.
    • (d) During this same night “Flying Fortresses” bombed Ballale Island in the Shortland area.
  2. On January 16th:
    • (a) During the afternoon and evening Ballale Island was again attacked by “Flying Fortresses” and fires visible for 50 miles were started.
    • (b) U. S. ground troops on Guadalcanal Island continued mopping up pockets of enemy resistance. Approximately 150 Japanese were killed and a number taken prisoner. Their equipment was destroyed.

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