May 18, 1944
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology
THURSDAY, 18 MAY 1944
ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): Over the Kuriles, a B-24 on weather reconnaissance
attacks a Japanese aircraft and two B-25s sink an auxiliary vessel; another is
sunk shortly before 2400 hours by two other B-25s.
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 140+ fighter-bombers and 6 B-25s pound
numerous targets throughout the Mogaung Valley, concentrating on bridges (at
least 4 are knocked out) and support of ground forces in areas around Myitkyina,
Nanyaseik, Kamaing, Namkwin, Kazu, Lonkin and Katkyo; 8 B-25s knock out a Mu
River bridge and damage Chaungu bridge approaches; 12 P-38s destroy several
aircraft at Shwebo.
CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 6 B-25s and 12 P-40s pound barracks
and warehouse areas at Chienyangi, causing many fires; 30 P-40s support ground
forces in the Salween area, hitting troops and positions at Tengchung, Tatangtzu,
Mamien Pass and Luchiangpa; 12 B-24s bomb the towns of Lungling and Tengchung;
25 CACW and Chinese Air Force (CAF) P-40s attack trucks, armor and troops at
Chueh-shan and Loning, causing widespread destruction.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): B-25s based on Makin bomb Taroa, rearm at Majuro and attack the same target
during the return flight to base.
SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (SOPAC, Thirteenth Air Force): Ten
P-39s hit barges off Porton; 40+ P-38s and P-39s pound a supply area N of Mupuai.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, Fifth Air Force): 100+ fighter-bombers, A-20s, B-25s and B-24s pound targets of opportunity in the Wewak-Hansa
Bay area throughout the day. Lost is P-47D "The Golden Gopher" 42-75239 (survived). The 68th Troop Carrier Squadron, 433d Troop Carrier
Group based at Nadzab sends a detachment to operate from Tadji with C-47s.
B-24s hit targets of opportunity on Halmahera and bomb Bosnik. B-25s hit Larot on Celebes and Saumlakki on Tanimbar.
USMC: Lost on a flight bound for Guadalcanal is R4D-5 Dakota 49073 (MIA).
RAAF: Boomerange A46-174 ground looped at Cape
Gloucester Airfield and was later repaired.
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