December 23, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

WEDNESDAY, 23 DECEMBER 1942

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20s strafe troops near Gona and at Woiba Islands while B-24s attack a cargo ship at Arawe. In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-25s bomb Cape Gloucester Airfield and attack a ship at Pilelo Island. B-24s carry out single-bomber attacks on a transport west southwest of Cape Orford, a vessel northwest of Lorengau and the Cape Gloucester Airfield.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Army Forces in South Pacific Area): Airacobras escort B-17s to New Georiga. Lost is P-39D Airacobra 41-38395 (MIA).

USMC: Force landed is F4F Wildcat 03534 (survived).

IJA: In the early morning, Japanese Army soldiers embark on barges and depart Madang then land unopposed at Alexishafen and Bogadjim occupying both without opposition.