U.S. Navy Department (October 18, 1942)
Communiqué No. 159
South Pacific.
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.
There have been no reports of enemy landings on Guadalcanal since October 15, but heavy concentrations of enemy ships are still reported in the Buin-Shortland area.
On October 16, 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.
On October 17:
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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.
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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.
Communiqué No. 160
North Pacific.
On October 16, Army “Marauder” bombers carried out low-altitude bombing attacks on two Japanese destroyers to the northwestward of Kiska. The attacks lasted about 45 minutes and resulted in five hits on one of the destroyers and four hits on the other. Heavy explosions and fires resulted and when last seen both ships were stopped and burning and the crews were abandoning ship. One “Marauder” was lost.
Brooklyn Eagle (October 18, 1942)
U.S. Navy goes into action in battle for Guadalcanal
Our planes still operate from isle – losses are small
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Queens nurse describes Bataan, Corregidor ‘hells’
Lt. Summers tells of 100 operations a night in jungle
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House votes 18-19 draft by 345–16
Restrictions on use of youths rejected in four-hour debate
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Report U.S. troops now in Liberia
The BBC tonight broadcast a British Reuters News Agency dispatch from Monrovia, announcing that American troops have arrived in Liberia. The dispatch gave no details.
The CBS quoted the British radio as saving that “it is probable” that the German consul general and his staff:
…will shortly be asked to leave Liberia.
It said that other Germans were evacuated from the country some weeks ago and that President Roosevelt’s representative, name ungiven, had just concluded extensive discussions with the President of Liberia.
Biddle asks U.S. tighten spy laws
Washington (UP) – (Oct. 17)
Attorney General Francis Biddle tonight asked Congress to enact legislation providing penalties of death or life imprisonment for anyone committing acts of sabotage or espionage, or otherwise aiding the enemy.
He sent to House Speaker Sam Rayburn (D-TX) and Chairman Frederick Van Nuys (D-IN) of the Senate Judiciary Committee a proposed law, entitled the War Security Act, which would plug loopholes in existing laws and strengthen internal security in time of war.
The inadequacy of present law was revealed by legal technicalities which arose after the recent capture of the eight Nazi saboteurs and the arrest of their 14 confederates.
Tax conferees reach complete accord on bill
They reinstate levy on freight to pick up $98,000,000 more
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Allied mortars pound Japs atop Stanley Heights
U.S. bombers strike at villages on river valley supply route
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15 reported drowned in three-state flood
Potomac, other rivers recede slowly – damage in Washington is negligible
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24 Boro, Long Island women enlist in the WAVES
Daughter of Patrol Corps auxiliary chief is among recruits
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Serves in three wars
Covina, California (UP) –
Randall T. Chew Jr. has just gone to war for the third time. He saw service at the end of the Spanish-American War, served in World War I as a navigation officer and has enlisted now as an ensign in the Naval Auxiliary.
Queens scrap soars to 62.5 million pounds
Assemblyman Dwyer calls on Brooklyn for 2nd drive to get in the stragglers
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U.S. Navy Department (October 19, 1942)
Communiqué No. 161
South Pacific.
No recent troop activity or enemy landings on Guadalcanal have been reported. The strong force of enemy warships, transports, and cargo ships which is assembled in the Shortland Island area has been bombed repeatedly by Allied heavy bombers, as announced by Gen. MacArthur.
On October 16:
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Our dive bombers attacked enemy installations at Rekata Bay. Several anti-aircraft batteries were bombed, fuel stowages were set afire and 12 enemy seaplanes were strafed and burned. One twin-engine bomber was shot down by “Wildcats,” and Army “Flying Fortresses” destroyed a large flying boat.
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Four direct bomb hits completed the destruction of two of the three transports which had been previously damaged and beached on the northwest coast of Guadalcanal.
On October 17:
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During the morning, U.S. surface vessels bombarded enemy positions on northwestern Guadalcanal. Heavy explosions and fires followed hits on ammunition dumps.
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Throughout the day, our aircraft on Guadalcanal continued to attack enemy shore positions.
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During the night of October 17-18, Japanese surface forces shelled our installations on the north coast of the island.
On October 18:
During the early afternoon, about 20 enemy bombers, escorted by an equal number of “Zero” fighters, attacked our positions on Guadalcanal. Our Grumman “Wildcats” intercepted and shot down 8 enemy bombers and 11 Zeros. Two of our fighters were lost.
North Pacific.
On October 17, Army “Liberator” bombers attacked the camp area at Kiska and bombed the ships which are beached in the harbor. Fifteen tons of bombs were dropped, but an overcast prevented observation of results. Anti-aircraft opposition was light and no enemy aircraft were seen.
Brooklyn Eagle (October 19, 1942)
Solomons gird for attack
Zero hour near for Jap assault on Guadalcanal
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Bombs fire 2 Jap destroyers in Aleutians
26 U.S. planes pounce on vessels disguised as cargo ships
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See House O.K. of liquor ban in camp areas
Rider to 18-19 draft bill to be passed if sent to roll call, says Barkley
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