September 24, 1943
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

FRIDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 1943

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC (Fifth Air Force): B-24s fly a small strike against Sorong and Manokwari. B-25s from the 3rd BG, 90th BS escorted by P-38s from 475th FG, 433rd BS on a mission against Finschafen. Over the target, intercepted by Japanese fighters and bombers. Lost is P-38H 42-66580 pilot F/O Kenneth D. Kirschner (POW, executed) and P-38H Lightning pilot Corrigan (MIA).

Australian Army: MV Krait (formally Kofuku Maru) with Australian Army "Z Force" (Z Special Unit) commandos arrives off Subor Island and after dark, three two man folboats were deployed that paddled into Singapore Harbor and attached limpet mines to Japanese vessels at anchor and hid when they exploded, sinking or damaging seven ships.

USMC: Barakoma Airfield first official landing by a pair of F4U Corsairs piloted by Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington and Mo Fisher from Marine Fighting Squadron 214 (VMF-214) "Black Sheep".

U.S. Army: Alamo Scouts begin reconassiance of the Cape Gloucester area in preparation for the upcoming invasion.