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As of 8/3/43 Lae Lae has fallen and PM will follow in the near future.  Surprisingly Joe had Lae Lae heavily fortified.  Once PM is mine I hopé to expand so that Rabul falls under my LBA so that it's harbor will become an anchorage of death.

P-47 suadrons are chomping at the bit to get into the fight as the F4U drivers continue to rack up wild kill #s.  The Wildacts are slowly being replaced by Hellcats as the pour of the assembly line in Bethpage Long Island.

I remain on guard to prevent an end run by the IJN trying for an auto victory, which denies me the use of more troops.

After a week or so of attempting to sink Todd's armada off PM, it falls to Allied forces. Mines, subs and planes all prove ineffective; it's as if the IJ has one arm tied behind it's back after UV enters '43.

Although the airfield at Gilli is MIA, Buna is only damaged and Lae remains operational. Nonetheless, all my planes prove pathetic and I rarely get hits despite desperate sorti after desperate sorti. What's left of the IJ AF is licking its wounds safely at Truk, but Rabaul will soon be in jeopardy.

But it's not over yet.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/08/43

Weather: Clear

Sub attack at 11,34

Allied Ships
SS S-42


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lae at 9,33


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 23
F6F Hellcat x 33
F4U-1 Corsair x 11
SBD Dauntless x 18
TBF Avenger x 64


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
TBF Avenger x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Heiyo Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
AP Hokuhi Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hakonesan Maru, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Tokai Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
PG Nikkai Maru
AP Gosei Maru
AP Horaisan Maru
AP Hokkai Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ch 29
AP Hakutetsu Maru #13, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hakozaki Maru
DD Susuzuki, Bomb hits 2, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 3

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 22

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 2 destroyed

LTJG B.Nomura of F2/1st Daitai is credited with kill number 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42

Japanese aircraft

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 39

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 26

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 34

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lunga , at 38,40

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 27
B-25J Mitchell x 99

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 21

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 73

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 144th Regiment, at 10,40


Allied aircraft
B-25J Mitchell x 49

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 52

Attacking Level Bombers:
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
12 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
10 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
15 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 79th Regiment, at 38,40


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 82
P-39D Airacobra x 85
P-38G Lightning x 8

no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 64

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Lae at 9,33


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 27
F6F Hellcat x 28
F4U-1 Corsair x 11
SBD Dauntless x 18
TBF Avenger x 58

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Gosei Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ch 29
AP Heito Maru, Torpedo hits 2
AP Tokai Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Heiyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hokuhi Maru, on fire, heavy damage
DD Susuzuki, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hakutetsu Maru #13, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hakozaki Maru


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 8,41

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 24
G4M1 Betty x 4
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 23
Ki-49 Helen x 9

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 22
F6F Hellcat x 19
F4U-1 Corsair x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 2 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen x 2 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen x 8 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
F6F Hellcat x 2 destroyed
F6F Hellcat x 1 damaged

LT V.Underwood of VF-28 is credited with kill number 5

Allied Ships
CVL Cowpens, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CVL Belleau Wood, Bomb hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-49 Helen at 11000 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
1 x Ki-49 Helen at 11000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 3
G4M1 Betty x 3
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 3
Ki-49 Helen x 10

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 3 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen x 5 damaged


Allied Ships
CL Santa Fe, Bomb hits 1
CL Birmingham
DD O'Bannon
CA Quincy
DD Case, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-49 Helen at 11000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 11000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen at 11000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 18

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 5 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 7 damaged


Allied Ships
CL Birmingham
DD Drayton
CA Quincy


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 28772 troops, 435 guns, 30 vehicles

Defending force 61670 troops, 363 guns, 338 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 48344 troops, 347 guns, 288 vehicles

Defending force 29905 troops, 435 guns, 30 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Port Moresby base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 2968
Guns lost 18
Vehicles lost 17

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 140

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The only respite my airfields get is when Todd goes after my shipping, most of which are damaged (some severely), but not sunk.

With PM in my fold now I must get it up and running as quickly as possible to lighten the load that the CVs have been shouldering.

Joe still has lots of infantry in the immediate PM area (hex) so they'll have to be dealt with before my expansion can begin.

The VP spread is growing and now my question is what can I accomplish in the next 3 1/2 months......

Todd gets PM's airfield up in one turn, apparently w/all his engineers.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/09/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 11,34

Japanese Ships
AG 368, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-42


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 24,32

Allied Ships
SS S-41


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 11,34

Japanese Ships
AP Heito Maru, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-42


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Finschhafen at 11,33


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 5
Beaufort x 3
P-38G Lightning x 16
P-47C Thunderbolt x 7


no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Chihaya Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x Beaufort at 1000 feet
3 x Beaufort at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 8,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 24
D3A Val x 21

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
F6F Hellcat x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 11,34


Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 11
Beaufort x 3
P-38G Lightning x 16
P-47C Thunderbolt x 16


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Heiyo Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 23
D3A Val x 16

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 5
P-38G Lightning x 6
P-47C Thunderbolt x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 destroyed
D3A Val x 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Leedstown, Bomb hits 2
AP Arthur Middleton, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 8,40

Japanese Ships
SS I-164

Allied Ships
DD Buchanan, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CLAA San Diego
DD Porter


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 25314 troops, 288 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 73630 troops, 537 guns, 338 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 2

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Actually CBs, EABs and plenty of supplies are the Allied formula for getting a base into action virtually overnight.  The weakness of the Japanese is a lack of quality engineer units, while the Allies have more than I've ever utilized.  I think that this reflects just one more aspect of the USA's war machine in WW II that is represented in the game.  The CBs were famous for the speed that they could build from scratch or repair an existing base.  They used crushed coral (in abundance) and the metal grid matting and poof, an airfield.

Now I need bases closer to Rabul for my fighters.  My bombers will put everything at risk that isn't in Truk Lagoon.

Another couple of days have gone by and I paused for a day with my attacks at PM to allow a regiment to slip in behind the IJA forces, blocking their only route of retreat and then I hit again, bagging about 27K Japanese KIAs as they won't surrender.

ORIGINAL: tocaff
Another couple of days have gone by and I paused for a day with my attacks at PM to allow a regiment to slip in behind the IJA forces, blocking their only route of retreat and then I hit again, bagging about 27K Japanese KIAs as they won't surrender.

Actually they must have surrendered since you couldn't have killed them all in one day; the IJA not fighting to the last man is an issue in UV that was fixed in WitP.

Latest (last?) sorti of the Yamato w/escort:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/14/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 12,33

Japanese Ships
TK Kyokuto Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-42


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Shell hits 24, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Yunagi, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD LaValette, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
DD Saufley, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Wollongong
AP George Clymer
AP Calvert
AP President Monroe


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40


Allied aircraft


Allied aircraft losses
P-47C Thunderbolt x 2 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
Men lost 27

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 5


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 25,32

Allied Ships
SS Grampus


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 20,31

Japanese Ships
DD Shigure
DD Hakaze

Allied Ships
SS Stingray


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 3
Boomerang x 4
P-38G Lightning x 4
P-47C Thunderbolt x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 3 destroyed


FLT R.Bellamy of No. 79 Sqn RAAF is credited with kill number 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
F6F Hellcat x 11
SBD Dauntless x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 10 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Bomb hits 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,33


Allied aircraft
P-47C Thunderbolt x 12


no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x A-20G Boston at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,33


Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 6
Boomerang x 12
Beaufort x 4
P-38G Lightning x 16
P-47C Thunderbolt x 25


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Bengal Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 21

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x Beaufort at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,43


Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 1


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort x 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Yunagi, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x Beaufort at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,43


Allied aircraft
TBF Avenger x 24


Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Yunagi, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Rabaul , at 21,28


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 6 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 23

Runway hits 7

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14
F6F Hellcat x 15
SBD Dauntless x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat x 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless x 11 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Bomb hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 12,33


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 7
Spitfire VIII x 5
P-38G Lightning x 8
P-47C Thunderbolt x 18
A-20G Boston x 5


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Chowa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hayanami

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x A-20G Boston at 6000 feet
0 x A-20G Boston at 6000 feet
0 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
4 x A-20G Boston at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,43


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 11
TBF Avenger x 22


no losses


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 12,33

Japanese Ships
AP Tatsuwa Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
SS S-42


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 10,39

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2286 troops, 27 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1756 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 7

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 37


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Yamato was supposed to go after transports, just like the Bismark, but there were too many escorts anchored at PM. The Yam took a fish, but shruggged it off; one tough ship. Her escort wasn't as fortunate.

Actually there were only 2 DDs at PM when Joe's TF showed up.  Just like history, the CO of the INJ TF turned tail and ran without touching the transports.  The actual bombardment was ineffective also.  Now I'd say that the odds are not good on the "floating island" making it home as there are CVs and LBA that would like to get their licks in.

Looks like the Yamato will make it back to Rabul without my CVs getting in a strike as they were in range, had her spotted and hit something else.  All in all it was a bad day for the Japanese as they lost many transports in the PNG area to my LBA, now based out of PM.

So the big girl, Yamato, looking worse for wear has made it past my LBA, CVs and subs to Rabul.  I'll leave it to Joe for anything about her condition, but intel informs me that she's out of action for a long time, if she gets back to Japan.

thats a hard hit. hope you will not miss her big guns, joe.

I won't miss her a bit, though all of those VPs would've been nice to get if I had sunk her.  At least she's not safely out of harm's way yet.

Although out of harm's way and enroute to Tokyo, w/nearly 50% syst damage and considering the late date, the Yamato's out of the game.

A morale victory though, as historically the ship represented Japan (Yamato is another name for that island nation). As least I got some use out of her!

There was actually a LL attack in this skirmish, but the IJN didn't score a single fish!
Another one-sided naval exchange w/the vultures mopping-up the stragglers.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/22/43

Weather: Thunderstorms

Night Time Surface Combat, near Russell Islands at 35,39

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai, Shell hits 2, on fire
CA Nachi
CL Kiso, Shell hits 4
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Yugure, Shell hits 1
DD Isonami, Shell hits 1
DD Uranami, Shell hits 1
DD Shiokaze
DD Hokaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Namikaze

Allied Ships
BB Mississippi, Shell hits 2
CA Indianapolis
CL Leander, Shell hits 4
CL Hobart
DD Conyngham
DD Cushing, Shell hits 2
DD Perkins
DD Reid
DD Flusser


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Russell Islands at 35,39

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai, Shell hits 3, on fire
CA Nachi, Shell hits 3, on fire
CL Kiso, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Yugure, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Isonami, Shell hits 1
DD Uranami, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Shiokaze, Shell hits 8, on fire
DD Hokaze, Shell hits 14, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Namikaze, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
BB Mississippi, Shell hits 8
CA Indianapolis
CL Leander, Shell hits 7
CL Hobart, Shell hits 7
DD Conyngham, Shell hits 1
DD Cushing, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Perkins, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Reid
DD Flusser


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 29,37


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 9
SBD Dauntless x 21
TBF Avenger x 10
P-38G Lightning x 23
A-20G Havoc x 20
B-17E Fortress x 12


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
TBF Avenger x 3 damaged
A-20G Havoc x 1 destroyed
A-20G Havoc x 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CA Nachi, Bomb hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shiokaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Suzukaze, on fire
DD Isonami, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
4 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
2 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 11000 feet
4 x A-20G Havoc at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 22,31

Allied Ships
SS Tunny


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Joe continues to be very aggressive even though it's costing him, big time.  I honestly don't see how the Japanese can continue to hit me with the IJN and aircraft considering the lopsided results in the Allied favor. 

Joe continues to keep me on guard and is playing an excellent game in spite of the odds being stacked against him now.

We're at the end of August and the Allies have taken Vela and are moving overland in PNG.  Japanese air and naval actions are increasingly futile.

ORIGINAL: tocaff

...  Japanese air and naval actions are increasingly futile.

You've noticed that too, huh.

I can only imagine how the Imperial Japanese troops felt; they controlled most of the PTO, and then watched it just slip out of their grasp, practically powerless to do anything about it. And all the while their troops starved on islands throughout the theater; historically they took their frustrations out on their POWs.

I remember a shop teacher that I had when I was in the 7th or 8th grade that was captured in the PI and survived the Bataan Death March and then the camps.  He only spoke briefly of the horrors and that was scary enough.

A good read by the way is Ghost Soldiers.  It's about a rescue mission in the PIs in '44 of American POWs and what the POWs suffered through.

ORIGINAL: tocaff

... A good read by the way is Ghost Soldiers.  It's about a rescue mission in the PIs in '44 of American POWs and what the POWs suffered through.

Wasn't that the Mucci Raid? They made a movie re that in 2005.

"The Great Raid is based on true events. In the winter of 1945, WWII was coming to a close. Part of the American prisoners who survived the Bataan Death March were held in a notorious Japanese POW camp based in Cabanatuan, and subjected to harsh treatment by the Japanese ...

Col. Muci learns of the Cabanatuan prison camp, and is ordered by Gen. Walter Krueger to devise a raid to make sure that all of the POWs get out alive. The plan is hatched, and the Rangers move out."

The raid was a smashing success; we even named a highway after Col. Mucci here in CT.

Just a sample of what's been happening here for the last few weeks:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 08/28/43

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on TF, near Russell Islands at 35,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 10
D3A Val x 3
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 31
Ki-49 Helen x 8

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 6
P-38G Lightning x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 2 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen x 1 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen x 9 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged

1LT K.Vebber of 67th FS is credited with kill number 2

Allied Ships
CL Hobart
DD Conyngham
CA Indianapolis

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Lae , at 9,33

Japanese aircraft

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 3
P-47C Thunderbolt x 18
B-25J Mitchell x 111

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed


Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 267
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 100

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
11 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
8 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
7 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
9 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Buna , at 12,38


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 12
Hudson x 34
Spitfire VIII x 8
Boomerang x 13
Beaufort x 49
P-38G Lightning x 12
P-47C Thunderbolt x 26


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 275

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 55

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
0 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
6 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
9 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
0 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
0 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
6 x Hudson at 6000 feet
0 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
5 x Hudson at 6000 feet
5 x Hudson at 6000 feet
12 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
0 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
2 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
0 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
4 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
9 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
1 x Beaufort at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet

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Air attack on Gili Gili , at 17,42


Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 3
P-47C Thunderbolt x 3
A-20G Boston x 6


no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
0 x A-20G Boston at 6000 feet
6 x A-20G Boston at 6000 feet

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Air attack on Shortland Island , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 16
SBD Dauntless x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
no losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 18 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 17

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 10


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Air attack on Shortland Island , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
P-38G Lightning x 13
PB4Y Liberator x 42

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 1 destroyed
B5N Kate x 1 damaged
Ki-46 Dinah x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen x 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 99
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 13
Runway hits 18

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet
3 x PB4Y Liberator at 11000 feet

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Air attack on 238th Regiment, at 38,40


Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 106
P-39D Airacobra x 100
P-38G Lightning x 16
B-25J Mitchell x 72


no losses

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 96

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
6 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25J Mitchell at 6000 feet

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Air attack on TF, near Russell Islands at 35,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 12
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 38
Ki-49 Helen x 3

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 8
P-38G Lightning x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen x 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning x 1 damaged

1LT R.Barnes of VMF-121 is credited with kill number 3

Allied Ships
CL Hobart

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x Ki-49 Helen at 6000 feet

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Most of my airfields on PNG are near useless and littered w/damaged planes; what air I have is ineffectual -- notice not a single hit on any surface ship -- and what's left of them returns back to Truk in sad shape.