U.S. Navy Department (July 4, 1943)
Communiqué No. 432
South Pacific.
On June 28, at dawn, Liberator (Consolidated) heavy bombers, attacked Japanese installations at Nauru Island. Fourteen defending Zero fighters were in the air but only four Zeros appeared willing to press home an attack. Two Zeros were damaged. Results of the attack were unobserved. All U.S. planes returned.
- On July 3:
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Mitchell (North American) medium bombers, escorted by Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters, attacked Japanese antiaircraft positions at Munda, New Georgia Island.
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Later, in the afternoon, Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers and Dauntless (Douglas) dive bombers attacked the Japanese camp sector at Munda, New Georgia Island.
North Pacific.
On July 2, Ventura (Vega) and Mitchell medium bombers and Liberator heavy bombers carried out eight attacks on Japanese installations at Kiska. Hits were observed on anti-aircraft positions in Gertrude Cove, the camp area and North Head sections. One direct hit as made on a house.
On July 3, Liberator heavy bombers attacked the central bivouac area in Kiska. Weather conditions prevented observation of the results.
Memorandum to the Press:
The following information has been announced in the South and Southwest Pacific:
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On July 2, in the early evening, just east of Rendova Island, New Georgia Group, seven U.S. Corsair fighters intercepted and engaged one formation of 30 Zeros and immediately following attacked another formation of 20 Zeros. Six Zeros were destroyed. Three Corsairs were lost, but one pilot was rescued.
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On July 3, shortly before 3 p.m., Lightning fighters attacked a formation of about 50 Japanese Zeros over Rendova Island, New Georgia Group. Five Zeros were destroyed. Three U.S. planes were lost.
