August 1942 (2)

LVT-1 Alligator hits Guadalcanal

With the American and Japanese troops dug in at their present locations on Guadalcanal, the New York Times described the situation: “It is as if the Marines held Jones Beach and the rest of Long Island [N.Y.] were loosely dominated by the enemy.”  Japanese bombers arrived daily at 1300 hours, which due to their regularity, became known as “Tojo Time,” but they were a minor problem compared to the torrential rains.

The enemy ground troops attacked so fiercely on 19 August that the Marines had to pull back.  One of Coastwatcher Clemens’ scouts, captured, tortured and trussed-up, Jacob Vouga, chewed through his bonds and escaped (despite his bayonet wounds) trekking through copra plantations, to report the enemy’s advancements.  The next day, cheers went up as the Dauntless dive bombers went to work.

1st Marines us a M1918 155mm howitzer, based on a WWI French design.

18-24 August – a regiment of 900 men under Col. Ichiki Landed at Taivu, 20 miles east of Henderson Field and headed west.  After several attacks, the enemy was decimated by the strong perimeter defense and the colonel committed suicide.  The 1st contingent of land-based aircraft, 31 fighters, arrived at the airfield.  The Japanese made and aerial attack and lost 21 planes versus 3 for the U.S.

21-22 August – 15 fighters, fondly called the “Cactus Air Force” from the USS Long Island, battled with the Japanese.  The next day, the US Army’s 67th Fighter Squadron arrived as reinforcements.  By this time, both sides were well aware of the major operation they were in to control the Solomons.  The USS Blue had to be scuttled after a torpedo hit.  Yamamoto ordered Nagumo to put his strike force into the mix for the new Operation KA.  This would provide air cover for the 1,500 Imperial Marines about to go ashore.

Part of the Cactus Air Force

23 August – the Japanese resupply convoy for Guadalcanal, protected by the carriers, Ryujo, Zuizaku and Shokaku was intercepted by Admiral Fletcher’s Task Force – 61, with 3 carriers: the Saratoga, Wasp and Enterprise.  The Ryujo was caught while refueling her planes and sank within four hours.  The Enterprise and North Carolina were hit by aircraft from the other 2 enemy vessels.  The smoke rising from the “Big E” convinced the Japanese that she was mortally damaged.

The USS Saratoga‘s puny 7-plane group served well by finding and attacking Admiral Kondo’s Advance Force. During battle, the seaplane tender, Chitose was put out of action.

Admiral Fletcher

25 August – land-based Marine dive bombers sank 2 enemy transports, the Jintsu and Kinryu Maru and the destroyer, Mutsuki.  Afterward, Japanese supply runs were made at night.

27-28 August – Yamamoto called off the operation and the Japanese detachments commenced landings by the 30th when 1,00 men went ashore.  The US Army Air Corps aircraft attacked one reinforcement convoy and the destroyer Asagiri was sunk and two others were damaged.

Click on images to enlarge.

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Military Humor – 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cartoons are courtesy of Chris at the Muscleheaded site.

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Farewell Salutes – 

John Artaz – Grand Junction, CO; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 11th Airborne Division

Alexander Ashby – Worrigee, AUS; RA Air Force # 424012, WWII

John Dawson – Whitinsville, MA; US Army, Afghanistan, 1st Squadron, 33 Cavalry Reg/3rd Brigade/101st A/B Div.

Richard Dysart – Santa Monica, CA; US Air Force, Korea (beloved actor)

Patrick Gould – Palmerston No., NZ; RNZ Army # 614404/ RNZ Air Force # 452742, WWII

Milton Hertzberg – NY, ME & FL; US Army, WWII

Joseph Lodoly – St. Louis, MO & Tampa, FL; US Army, WWII, PTO, Bronze Star, Purple Heart

William Mahn Jr. – Jupiter, FL; US Army, Vietnam

Anthony Panehal – Lakewood, OH; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, 351 Bomb Group/8th Air Force

Eldon Tanner – Anchorage, AK; US Air Force, Korea

Ernest Travolo – Sherbrooke, CAN; Canadian Forces, Algonquin Regiment, WWII

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