U.S. Navy Department (May 4, 1943)
Communiqué No. 364
South Pacific.
U.S. forces are established on the Russell Islands, northwest of Guadalcanal Island. These islands were occupied without opposition in February sometime after enemy resistance had ceased on Guadalcanal.
On May 2, in the afternoon; Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers, escorted by Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters, bombed Japanese installations at Munda, in the Central Solomons.
On May 3, a force of Avengers and Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers, escorted by Wildcat, Warhawk (Curtis P‑40) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters, bombed and strafed Japanese installations at Rekata Bay, on Santa Isabel Island. Defense positions were hit and a large fire was started. All U.S. planes returned.
North Pacific.
On May 2, formations of Army planes carried out eight attacks against Japanese positions at Kiska. Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers and Warhawk and Lightning fighters participated in these raids. Hits were scored on North and South Heads. At Gertrude Cove fires were started and one building was destroyed.
Communiqué No. 365
North Pacific.
Announcement may now be made of additional details of the surface engagements between a light U.S. patrol force and a Japanese force to the westward of Attu Island on March 20, 1943 (previously reported in Navy Department Communiqué No. 327).
The U.S. force, consisting of one heavy cruiser, one light cruiser and four destroyers, was patrolling in the area to the southeast of the Komandorski Islands when contact was made with the enemy shortly after dawn on the 26th. The Japanese force was composed of two heavy cruisers, two light cruisers, six destroyers and two transports, and was headed eastward toward the Aleutians.
Firing was opened at long range and the engagement continued for three and one‑half hours. Hits were scored on both sides. At the start of the engagement the enemy force was to the eastward of the U.S. force, and, in the maneuvering to reverse positions, three of the U.S. destroyers launched a torpedo attack which caused the enemy to break off the engagement and withdraw.
Extent of the damage inflicted on the enemy vessels is not definitely known, but shell hits were scored on both of the Japanese heavy cruisers and on one of the light cruisers. At least one torpedo hit was scored on a heavy cruiser. Minor damage was sustained by U.S. vessels and casualties to personnel were extremely light.
Communiqué No. 366
Pacific and Far East.
U.S. submarines have reported the following results of operations against the enemy in the waters of these areas:
- Two destroyers sunk.
- One medium‑sized tanker sunk.
- One medium‑sized cargo ship sunk.
- One medium‑sized supply ship sunk.
- One medium‑sized transport sunk.
- One large transport damaged and probably sunk.
These actions have not been announced in any previous Navy Department Communiqué.