Navy Department Communique No. 256

JANUARY 20, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 18th, during the afternoon a force of “Flying Fortress” heavy bombers (Boeing B-17), with fighter escort, bombed a Japanese cargo ship which was anchored in the Shortland Island area. Two hits were scored on the vessel which was left burning. Two enemy float-type “Zeros” were shot down and one of our fighters failed to return.
2. During the period from January 13th to January 17th, inclusive, 1,032 Japanese were killed in the various actions between U. S. and enemy forces on Guadalcanal Island.