Navy Department Communique No. 159

OCTOBER 18, 1942

South Pacific (all dates below are east longitude).

1. The Japanese are continuing to bomb our airfield and shore positions on Guadalcanal Island and it is believed that enemy troops and equipment are being disposed for a strong assault against our airfield.
2. There have been no reports of enemy landings on Guadalcanal since October 15th, but heavy concentrations of enemy ships are still reported in the Buin-Shortland area.
3. On October 16th, Army Flying Fortresses and Navy and Marine Corps aircraft repeatedly attacked the enemy troops and equipment which have been assembled in force on the northwest end of Guadalcanal.
4. On October 17th:
   • (a) During the early morning about 14 enemy bombers escorted by 3 fighters attacked our airfield and shore positions. U. S. fighters and antiaircraft batteries reported the destruction of all of the bombers and 2 of the fighters.
   • (b) During the early afternoon another group of about 15 enemy bombers and a number of fighters carried out a second raid on our positions. One enemy bomber was reported probably destroyed and 1 U. S. plane was lost during the morning and afternoon raids.