Tuesday, 30 December 1941

US NAVY

UNITED STATES—Admiral Ernest J. King assumes duties as Commander in Chief U.S. Fleet. To avoid use of what he considers the pejorative acronym CINCUS ("Sink Us"), he introduces COMINCH ("Comm Inch").

PACIFIC—Japanese submarine I 1 shells Hilo, Hawaii; seaplane tender (destroyer) Hulbert (AVD‑6), moored to a pier adjacent to the one damaged by the bombardment, is not damaged.

            Navy‑commandeered tug Ranger lands volunteer raiding party on Sangley Point. The sailors bring out diesel generators and diesel oil needed on Corregidor to provide auxiliary power.

  

US ARMY AIR FORCE

 

US ARMY

U.S.—Forces of Naval Coastal Frontiers are placed under U.S. Fleet.

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—North Luzon Force is unable to hold enemy on line Cabanatuan–Tarlac and begins withdrawal southward toward final defense positions before Bataan. From Cabanatuan, 31st Division (PA) withdraws along Route 5 through Gapan toward Baliuag, NE of Calumpit. Tank battalions are ordered to Plaridel-Baliuag area to defend vital Calumpit bridge over Pampanga River, across which South Luzon Force must withdraw to reach San Fernando and the road leading into Bataan, and 71st Division (PA) is dispatched to Baliuag. In center, 11th Division (PA) succeeds in delaying enemy column heading for Tarlac from Cabanatuan, 21st Division (PA) falls back from Tarlac along Route 3 toward line Bamban- Arayat. South Luzon Force, ordered to delay enemy, halts at Santiago, where ambush is arranged, but because of reverses of North Luzon Force is directed in evening to continue withdrawal and cross Calumpit bridge not later than 0600 on 1 January. 51st Infantry ( — ) and battery of 51st Field Artillery are dispatched to assist in defense of Calumpit bridge. 2d Philippine Constabulary (PC) covers withdrawal while main body moves toward Bataan. President Manuel Quezon is inaugurated on Corregidor.

MALAYA—Japanese maintain pressure against Kampar position in W Malaya; on E coast threaten Kuantan from N in greater strength. Kuantan defense force is in process of concentrating W of Kuantan R, which is crossed by a single ferry.

LIBYA—After another costly and unsuccessful tank battle for Agedabia, during which 22d Armored Brigade is rendered ineffective as a fighting force, 13 Corps of British Eighth Army suspends assault pending arrival of reinforcements. German tanks have proved superior both mechanically and in gun power.

USSR—While German Army Group South continues offensive against Sevastopol, Soviet Caucasian troops make amphibious assault against E Crimea and seize Kerch and Feodosia. On central front, Germans continue to withdraw from Moscow area under Red Army pressure.

 

US MARINE CORPS