Wednesday, 9 September 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Small reconnaissance seaplane from Japanese submarine I-25 drops incendiary bombs on forest near Mount Emily, ten miles northeast of Brookings, Oregon, in an attempt to ignite forest fires. It is the first time a Japanese aircraft has bombed the continental United States during World War II. The bombing is reported by a forest ranger (see 29 September 1942).

            Japanese submarine I-30 reaches Penang, Malaya, having *successfully run the Allied blockade of Lorient, France (see 13 October 1942).

            District patrol craft YP-346 is sunk by Japanese light cruiser Sendai and three destroyers off Guadalcanal.

ATLANTIC—Coast Guard weather ship Muskeget (WAG-48) is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-755 between Norfolk, Virginia, and Iceland.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

UNITED STATES—Japanese airplane, launched from sub off coast, drops incendiary bomb on mountain slope near Brookings, causing small forest fire. This comprises total bombing of continental US by enemy aircraft during World War II.

ARMY AIR FORCES—General Arnold submits to the CoS a plan (AWPD-42) estimating size of air force necessary to attain air ascendancy over the enemy and outlining suggestions for use of these forces in the several theaters. This plan, which by 17 Nov has been approved by WD and the President, includes buildup of depleted Eighth AF in UK and contains the seeds of the Combined Bomber Offensive (CBO).

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—B‑24’s attack Tobruk harbor and shipping.

FIFTH AF—P‑40’s strafe Galaiwa Bay area on Goodenough Island. A‑20’s, in support of encircled Australian ground forces, strafe and bomb troops in Efogi Spur area.

ELEVENTH AF—1 B‑26 patrols Tanaga and Adak.

US ARMY

UNITED STATES—Japanese plane, launched from submarine off coast, drops incendiary bomb on mountain slope near Brookings, Oregon, causing small forest fire. This is sole bombing by plane of continental U.S. during the war.

NEW GUINEA—25th Brigade of Australian 7th Division is rushed toward Owen Stanley Range front. 16th Brigade of Australian 6th Division is ordered to Port Moresby.

MADAGASCAR—British forces of East Africa Command renew offensive in order to insure safety of certain military objectives and gain air and sea control of Mozambique Channel. 29th Independent Infantry Brigade makes surprise landing, night 9–10, on W coast in vicinity of Majunga and seizes Majunga virtually unopposed. After being passed through by E African 22d Brigade Group, which starts toward Tananarive, 29th begins re-embarking for another landing. As diversion for Majunga landing, small landings are made on Nosy Be Island., off NW coast, and at Morondava, on W coast; forces on N part of island move southward along W and E coasts.

GERMANY—RAF Bomber Command, during heavy attack on Duesseldorf, night 10–11, drops first 2-ton incendiary bomb.

US MARINE CORPS

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