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Summary of Operations 9/16/43 U.S. invasion fleet departs for Pago Pago. Information below and in next post.

North Pacific: SS Sunfish attacks Japanese ML at Paramushiro Jima. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Paramushiro Jima at 82,33

Japanese Ships
ML Maeshima, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Sunfish

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Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting light Jap air patrols (G4M Betty, G5N Liz) near Kwajalein, quiet in Canton Is area and at Pago Pago. Light Jap air patrol activity also reported by U.S. subs operating off Japanese home islands.

U.S. sub S-30 torpedoes Jap MSW in Canton Is base. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Canton Island at 100,100

Japanese Ships
MSW W.15, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-30

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F-5A recon over Canton Is reporting various A6M fighters on CAP, 1 Jap TF, 15 Jap LCU's.


South Pacific: Invasion force for Pago Pago departed from Penhryn Is base. Estimated sailing time to Pago Pago from Penhryn is 4-5 days. Not surprisingly, the invasion force's departure was promptly sighted by G4M Betty naval air search west of Penhryn. Not that I had the slightest intention of this invasion becoming a surprise attack. More details on the invasion force and overall situation follows in the next post.

SS Saury attacked by Jap ASW TF in a night action in Suva base hex. AAR follows.

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ASW attack near Suva at 83,117

Japanese Ships
DD Hasu
DD Namikaze
DD Satsuki
DD Yayoi
DD Yugiri

Allied Ships
SS Saury

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Australia: No reported ground or air combat.

Detected status of Jap base in Darwin - 552 aircraft (257 fighters, 1 bomber), 13 Jap LCU's.
Detected status of Jap base at Daly Waters - airfield damage 18, no planes, 28 Jap LCU's.

Sigint report entry for 9/16 indicates Jap 53 Heavy AA Bn transferred to NW Australia from Kwantung Army and now located in Daly Waters. Previous location of this LCU was Mutankiang on 6/3/43.

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting 5 Jap LCU's. No Allied recon over Port Moresby.


India/Burma: Jap recon flight over Asansol. No reported ground or air combat.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 1 Jap TF, 362 aircraft (154 fighters, 24 bombers), 8 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 59(134), resource production 86(15).


China: Jap recon flights over Kunming, Chungking, Tsuyung, Tuyun. Latest AAR's of Jap air attacks in China follow.

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Day Air attack on Tuyun , at 41,35

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 35
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 28
Ki-48-II Lily x 23

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
32 casualties reported

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 27

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet
19 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
5 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
5 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet

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Day Air attack on Tsuyung , at 37,31

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 9
Ki-51 Sonia x 27

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
24 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet

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Day Air attack on Tsuyung , at 37,31

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 19
Ki-46-III Dinah x 2

No Japanese losses

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

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Day Air attack on Kweiyang , at 41,34

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 115

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged

Airbase hits 23
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 97

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
18 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
20 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
5 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
5 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet

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Day Air attack on Lanchow , at 46,25

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 47

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 10 damaged

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
32 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

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Day Air attack on Tsuyung , at 37,31

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 17

No Japanese losses

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Japanese ground forces continue attacks in Tuyun area. AAR's follow.

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Ground combat at Tuyun

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 177238 troops, 732 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3625
3rd, 6th, 13th, 34th, 41st, 104th, 110th & 116th Infantry Divisions; 1 Yobi Ebi Rgt,
1 Independent Bde; 2, 8, 19, 20 & 27 Engineer Rgts; 2 Mountain Gun Rgt, 2 RF Gun Bn
Defending force 67793 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1929
3rd New, 36th, 37th, 46th, 52nd, 60th, 62nd, 64th, 65th, 74th, 79th & 99th Chinese Corps;
71st Chinese Division; 27th Chinese Guerilla Corps; HQ 1st, 2nd, 16th & 20th Group Armies

Allied ground losses:
54 casualties reported

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Ground combat at 42,34

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 22811 troops, 43 guns, 400 vehicles, Assault Value = 985
26th Infantry Division, 3rd Tank Division, 13 & 15 Tank Rgts
Defending force 27765 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 764
2nd New, 10th, 25th, 38th, 44th, 45th, 49th, 52nd, 58th & 88th Chinese Corps;
HQ 27, 30 & 32 Group Armies

Japanese max assault: 1028 - adjusted assault: 901
Allied max defense: 716 - adjusted defense: 53
Japanese assault odds: 17 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
246 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 2

Allied ground losses:
1275 casualties reported

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

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Ground combat at 42,36

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 20620 troops, 86 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 938
22nd & 51st Infantry Divisions
Defending force 17079 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 311
32nd & 78th Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 415 - adjusted assault: 1490
Allied max defense: 298 - adjusted defense: 73
Japanese assault odds: 20 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
84 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
16 casualties reported

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Ground combat at 40,35

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6755 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 157
5 Independent Brigade
Defending force 17030 troops, 66 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 398
31st Chinese Corps, 6th Chinese Cavalry Corps, HQ 11 Group Army

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Ground combat at 43,34

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 21821 troops, 102 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 496
47th Infantry Division
Defending force 22800 troops, 64 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 627
21st, 23rd & 86th Chinese Corps

Operation Gemini - the Pago Pago invasion

It'd be safe by now to say the "Phony War in the Pacific" is certainly over. The original plan for Operation Gemini had been a dual invasion of Canton Is and Pago Pago by U.S. amphibious forces. However, with Pillager's detected buildup at Canton Is plus the numbers of ships required to launch both invasions at once, it was decided to execute Operation Gemini as a "single-prong" operation.

A number of assumptions were included in considerations for planning the operation - a brief list of these follows.

1) Movement of an amphibious fleet to attack any point in the Japanese outer perimeter from any U.S. forward base large enough to serve as a staging point would have to travel a considerable distance. (i.e. 14 hexes between Penhryn Is and Pago Pago). The distance I mention here plays into other factors I state below.

2) This would not be a surprise attack. Pillager would have ample opportunity to detect a U.S. amphibious force and begin Japanese movement in reaction to any invasion before a U.S. amphibious fleet reaches its objective.

3) A U.S. invasion of any base in the Japanese outer perimeter will encounter heavy opposition on all fronts - air, land, and sea.

4) This applies specifically to an invasion of Pago Pago - capturing all three islands (Pago Pago, Upolu, Savaii) would be necessary to establish effective U.S. control of the target. Doing half the job was not much better than doing none of it at all.


Pago Pago Invasion Force OOB

Amphibious and naval forces in this operation are moving in a compact formation (or as compact as I can keep it, given the number of TF and ships involved).

Amphibious forces are organized in three Attack groups plus a Supply group as follows. All LCU are 100% prepped for their respective targets.

Pago Pago Landing Force – 2 TF’s (Admirals R.L.Connolly & W.W.Brown)
94 Transports (AP, APD. AK), 36 Landing Craft (LCI, LST) ,2 BB (Arizona & Pennsylvania), 10 Escorts (DD, DE, PC, PG),
12 Minesweepers (DMS, MSW), 1 AVD

13609 Supply
LCU's include 3rd Marine, 41st & 43rd Divisions, HQ U.S. IX Corps, 11 & 50 CBT Engineer Rgts, 193 Tank Bn, 88th Seabees


Savaii Landing Force – 1 TF (RADM M.F.Draemel)
53 Transports (AP, APD, AK), 26 Landing Craft (LCI, LST), BB California, 6 Escorts (DD, DE), 6 Minesweepers (DMS, MSW)

5463 Supply
LCU's include HQ U.S. IX Corps, 6th & 27th Divisions


Upolu Landing Force – 1 TF (RADM H.Hill)
39 Transports (AP, APD. AK), 16 Landing Craft (LCI, LST), BB Tennessee, 7 Escorts (DD, DE, PC, PG),
5 Minesweepers (DMS, MSW), 1 AVD

3213 Supply
LCU's include 1st Cavalry & Americal Divisions


Supply TF – 1 TF (this TF can be divided to dispatch supply for any or all landings)
41 AK, 1 DE, 118100 Supply


Naval support forces for the operation include TF's for surface combat/bombardment, CVE groups for close-in air support, and a separate ASW detachment to actively attack Jap submarine(s) detected enroute.

Surface Combat/Bombardment TF 1109 (RADM W.Lee) – 4 BB (Idaho, New Mexico, Mississippi, Warspite), 4 CL (Concord, Leander, Achilles, Perth), 12 DD

Surface Combat/Bombardment TF 1054 (RADM F.W.Rockwell) – 3 BB (Maryland, Colorado, West Virginia), 2 CA (Chicago & Salt Lake City), 2 CL (Boise & Nashville), 13 DD

ASW Detachment TF 1105 – 4 DD, 1 DE, 1 PG

Escort Carrier TF 1135 (RADM A.Fitch) – 4 CVE (23 F6F, 63 F4F, 27 TBF), 1 CL, 10 DD

Escort Carrier TF 1196 (RADM V.H.Ragdale) – 3 CVE (57 F4F, 16 SBD-5, 8 TBF), 1 CL, 10 DD

Escort Carrier TF 1197 (RADM A.W.Radford) – 3 CVE (19 F6F, 48 FM-2, 8 TBM), 1 CL, 10 DD


U.S. Carrier Force Main Body is intially moving with the invasion fleet to assist in escorting - the Main Body is set to operate as an independent group that can break off to engage the KB and/or Jap surface naval forces as they approach the Pago Pago area. Composition of U.S. Carrier Main Body group is as follows.

Carrier Main Body – 8 TF’s
9 CV (8 USN, 1 RN), 7 CVL, plus escorts to form a total of 15 ships in each TF. (average 7000+ AAA per TF)
Aircraft – 471 fighters (445 F6F, 26 Corsair III/IV), 320 DB (all SB2C Helldivers), 220 TB (205 TBM, 15 Avenger I/II)


Replenishment Group - 1 TF
6 AO (123000 Fuel)


Submarine Force - 27 SS now deployed in a patrol area immediately north of the Pago Pago area. In addition, U.S. subs in the Kwajalein area have shifted southward to pick up Jap TF moving south from Kwajalein. Similarly, one SS is at Truk to pick up Jap TF(s) departing from that base.


Other U.S. forces include -

3 Transport TF's each with a base force LCU plus additional supply.

Three AVD's have been included with the Amphibious Force. Intended purpose of the AVD's is to detach from their assigned TF's immediately upon capture of one of the bases (Pago Pago, Savaii, and/or Upolu). Once the AVD's are detached, up to three PBM Mariner VP squadrons now based at Penrhyn Is will transfer by air from Penhryn to the AVD's location(s) to immediatly begin naval air search ops from the Pago Pago area in support of U.S. carriers or other forces.

Six land-based fighter squadrons (approx 150 planes total, all P-47D and P-38G) now based on Penhryn are available to transfer by air into Pago Pago as soon as U.S. base force LCU(s) are disembarked and ready to support air operations. CVE Long Island is at Penhryn Is with a F4U-1 squadron for transfer into Pago Pago.



Known and estimated Japanese opposition - Known Japanese LCU's in the Pago Pago area include the following.

Pago Pago (7 LCU detected) including 52 Naval Gd, 1 AA Regiment, 60 Construction Bn, four unidentified.

Upolu (4 LCU detected). Possible LCU on Upolu include 42 & 61 Naval Gd, 140 IJN Base Force, 5 Naval & 9 AF Construction Bns.

Savaii (3 LCU detected) including 5 NLF, 127 IJAAF Base Force, one unidentified.

Locations and movement of Jap LCU’s have been tracked as closely as possible since the start of the war from available Sigint, AAR reports, and other sources. Current locations of all large Japanese combat LCU (brigade & division-size) are pretty well established including LCU that Pillager has transferred into the Pacific from other theatres. From this data it is estimated that Pillager probably does not have any brigade or division size Jap combat LCU in the target area though I have not excluded the possibility.

Known Japanese land-based air strength in the Pago Pago area includes mainly G4M Bettys plus small numbers of G3M Nell & B6N2 Jill. At least one H8K Emily squadron is also operating from the Pago Pago area. No estimate of Jap fighter strength at Pago Pago if any. However, I anticipate Pillager can readily transfer Japanese LBA reinforcements into Pago Pago by air from other bases in the Central and/or South Pacific as time and numbers of locally available Jap air squadrons permit.

Japanese naval forces - There is no accurate information on locations of the KB and major Japanese surface naval forces. If Pillager has them nearby, I expect them to show up. My plans assume they will. Given past observation of Pillager's mode of carrier ops, a carrier battle is likely to be in the form of "death star vs death star".

If this round of WitP was a hand of Texas Hold Em, the Allies just went "All In". It didn't matter where I attempt to break the Japanese outer perimeter in this PBEM - the difficulties were largely the same regardless of location. Pillager has set himself up with a solid outer perimeter in this game (to his credit as a Japanese player). It's gonna be tough, no question about it. Any U.S. attack less than all-out was probably doomed to failure, Now we see who wins...

It's Showtime.

wneumann,
 
You may be planing to do this anyway, but I would suggest that one of the invasion forces engaged in Operation Gemini should not immediately disembark when it reaches its destination.  That way you would have an immediate reserve on hand to reinforce a stalled landing on on one of the other more important bases.  A delay of 1 day in landing should not create any difficulties for you.
 
Alfred

Summary of Operations 9/17/43

Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting light Jap air patrols in all locations. A number of reported actions between U.S. submarines and Japanese surface ships or ASW. AAR's follow.

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ASW attack at Kwajalein - 81,84

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 11
PC Ch 5
PC Ch 4
PC Ch 3
PC Kyo Maru #6
PC Fumi Maru
PG Yachiyo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Porpoise

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Sub attack at 81,86 (S of Kwajalein)

Japanese Ships
MSW Asahi Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Bass

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Sub attack at Truk - 66,78

Japanese Ships
AK Hawaii Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Narwhal

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No report on Japanese ships detected at anchor in either Kwajalein or Truk bases.
F-5A recon over Canton Is reporting 2 Jap TF, one Jap SS, 69 aircraft (33 fighters, 9 bombers), 15 Jap LCU's.


South Pacific: G3M Nell naval search flight reported over Penhryn Is. SS Saury in action vs probable Jap ASW TF in Suva base hex, AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Suva at 83,117

Japanese Ships
DD Namikaze
DD Hasu
DD Satsuki
DD Yayoi
DD Yugiri

Allied Ships
SS Saury

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Day 2 at sea with the Pago Pago Invasion Force A G3M Nell flying naval search has spotted the lead task force group in the invasion force. No Japanese naval air strikes occurred this game turn - my guess is that Japanese LBA from Pago Pago will attempt to strike the invasion force tomorrow.

Sea movement of the invasion force has proceeded at a much slower pace than desired - one of the Amphibious transport TF's was originally selected as a lead TF with nearly all other TF's (other than TF with the Carrier Main Body force) having their movement orders set to follow the lead TF. I don't know if it's the size of the TF's or the number of TF's in the invasion force, but it's necessary to get this force across as quickly as possible.

Effective this game turn, movement orders for all TF's except the Carrier Main Body have been changed such that each TF (Landing Force, Escort Carriers, Surface combat/Bombardment, etc) is now moving independently. Movement speeds for all Transport TF's have been increased to full speed, with CVE and Surface combat/Bombardment TF's continuing to move at mission speed. All TF will continue to remain in as compact a formation as possible.

TF's in the Carrier Main Body continue to move as a group and are maintaining their own "death star" formation. Position of the Carrier Main Body is currently one day (3 hexes) behind the lead invasion TF's. If possible, my intent is to let fighter CAP from the CVE's "absorb" whatever Japanese LBA Pillager launches from Pago Pago without intervention from the main carrier group.

Fighter squadrons aboard CVE's in the Escort Carrier TF's have increased from 20% to 70% CAP. Today all is quiet, tomorrow I expect there will be Japanese air attacks to fight.

Current situation map follows.

Summary of Operations 9/17/43 part deux...

Australia: USAAF medium bombers hit airfield facilities in Daly Waters. AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 24
P-40N Warhawk x 15
B-25C Mitchell x 31
B-26B Marauder x 32
B-25G/H Mitchell x 15

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 21 damaged
B-26B Marauder: 4 destroyed, 18 damaged
B-25G/H Mitchell: 13 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
331 casualties reported
Guns lost 13

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 68

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 12000 feet
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 12000 feet
9 x B-25G/H Mitchell bombing at 12000 feet
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 12000 feet
5 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-25G/H Mitchell bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-25G/H Mitchell bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 12000 feet
2 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 12000 feet
2 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 12000 feet

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Unidentified Jap LCU detected outside (north) of Daly Waters along the rail line to Katherine. One squadron has been dispatched on a ground attack strike to hit and identify this unit.

Hudson I recon over Darwin reports fighters on CAP, 1 Jap TF, 602 aircraft (278 fighters), 14 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting 5 Jap LCU's.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports A6M5 fighters on CAP (an upgrade from the A6M3a previously encountered).


Philippines: Sigint report entry for 9/17 indicates 148 IJN Base Force now located at Tacloban. 148 Base Force is a new LCU in the Japanese OOB.


India/Burma: Jap recon flight over Asansol. RAF and USAAF Liberator bombers hit resource production facilities in Rangoon. AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 9
N1K1-J George x 4
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 37
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 18

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 34
B-24D Liberator x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 6 damaged
N1K1-J George: 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 15 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 1 destroyed, 32 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 3 destroyed, 15 damaged

Resources hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
5 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet

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F-5A recon over Rangoon reported 2 Jap TF (+1 from last report), 408 aircraft (181 fighters, 22 bombers), heavy industry 59(134), resource production 78(23), 8 Jap LCU's. This report indicates that additional damage to resource production in Rangoon from the Liberator bomber raid was not particularly heavy.


China: Jap recon flights over Kunming, Tsuyung, Chungking. Jap air bombing raids continue, latest AAR's follow.

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Day Air attack on Tuyun , at 41,35

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 44
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 27
Ki-48-II Lily x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
36 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 29

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
11 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
20 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
5 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet

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Day Air attack on Kunming , at 38,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 3 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet

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Day Air attack on Kunming , at 38,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 10
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 44

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 6 damaged

Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
12 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet

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Day Air attack on Tsuyung , at 37,31

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 9
Ki-51 Sonia x 27

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
24 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet

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Day Air attack on Tsuyung , at 37,31

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 30

No Japanese losses

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Day Air attack on Kweiyang , at 41,34

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 111

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 3 damaged

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Airbase hits 21
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 70

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
18 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
20 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
5 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet

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Day Air attack on Lanchow , at 46,25

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 34

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 10 damaged

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported

Airbase hits 6
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
22 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

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Day Air attack on 1st Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 45,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 32

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
75 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
32 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

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Day Air attack on 62nd Chinese Corps, at 41,35 (Tuyun)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

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Latest AAR of Japanese ground attacks follow.

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Ground combat at Tuyun

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 177967 troops, 737 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3676
3rd, 6th, 13th, 34th, 41st, 104th, 110th & 116th Infantry Divisions; 1 Yobi Ebi Rgt,
1 Independent Bde; 2, 8, 19, 20 & 27 Engineer Rgts; 2 Mountain Gun Rgt, 2 RF Gun Bn
Defending force 67887 troops, 103 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1943
3rd New, 36th, 37th, 46th, 52nd, 60th, 62nd, 64th, 65th, 74th, 79th & 99th Chinese Corps;
71st Chinese Division; 27th Chinese Guerilla Corps; HQ 1st, 2nd, 16th & 20th Group Armies

Allied ground losses:
84 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 42,36 (N of Tuyun)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 42811 troops, 200 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 933
22nd & 51st Infantry Divisions
Defending force 17015 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 307
32nd & 78th Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 889 - adjusted assault: 369
Allied max defense: 297 - adjusted defense: 65
Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
313 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Allied ground losses:
119 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 40,35 (S of Tuyun)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6826 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 160
5 Independent Brigade
Defending force 17002 troops, 65 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 398
31st Chinese Corps, 6th Chinese Cavalry Corps, HQ 11 Group Army

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,34

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 21858 troops, 102 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 497
47th Infantry Division
Defending force 22824 troops, 62 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 631
21st, 23rd & 86th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
24 casualties reported

Summary of Operations 9/18/43

Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting very light Jap air patrol activity near Kwajalein and at Truk. No detected Japanese air activity in Canton Is area and off Japanese home islands.

SS Perch returning to Pearl Harbor reports contact with Jap MSW east of Wake Is. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 88,72

Japanese Ships
MSW Toshi Maru #1

Allied Ships
SS Perch

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

F-5A recon over Canton Is reporting fighters on CAP (including A6M3, A6M5, N1K1-J George), 8 aircraft (2 fighters) ??, 2 Jap TF's, 1 Jap SS, 15 Jap LCU's. I'd seriously question the recon pilot's ability to count airplanes.

SS Silversides attacked by Japanese ASW TF south of Japanese home islands. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 68,46

Japanese Ships
PC Shonon Maru #3
DD Kari
DD Hato
DD Hayabusa

Allied Ships
SS Silversides, hits 1

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


South Pacific: Other than the Pago Pago operation, all other sectors reporting quiet.

Day 3 at sea with the Pago Pago Invasion Force - Ship movement speeds have improved with TF's moving independently and Transport TF's moving at full speed. However, the formation has broken up a little. The fewer game turns it takes for the invasion force to cover the distance to Pago Pago, the fewer days it will be exposed to Japanese attacks.

The invasion force literally overran a Japanese picket sub identified as the I-19. Carrier naval search planes spotted and later attacked a lone Japanese MSW north of the invasion force. This MSW sighting along with the contact reported by SS Perch near Wake Is (shown above) leads to the possibility that Pillager may now be employing Jap MSW's as "picket boats".

The following AAR are actions against the I-19 and the Jap MSW.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 105,112

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 34
FM-2 Wildcat x 15
F6F Hellcat x 13
TBF Avenger x 16

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
MSW Toshi Maru #5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 103,114

Japanese Ships
SS I-19, hits 5, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)

Allied Ships
DD Downes
DD Cassin
DD Tucker
DD Preston
DD Conyngham
DD Case
DD Henley
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Mugford
DD Helm
DD Blue

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 103,114

Japanese Ships
SS I-19, hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Bailey

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

As anticipated, Japanese LBA launched numerous naval air strikes against the Invasion Fleet. CVE Prince William was the only U.S. ship damaged in the attacks - the Prince William is still capable of flight ops but has been detached from the Invasion Fleet and is returning to Penhryn Is moving at 11 kts.

Reports indicate 104 Japanese planes destroyed in actions over the U.S. Invasion Fleet vs 17 U.S. planes destroyed. CVE fighter pilots have done as well or better than expected - CVE VF squadrons went into action with an average pilot experience level of around 60. However, this game turn is only the first round of air battles and certainly more attacks from Jap LBA are to come. A good start but we are by no means out of the woods.

AAR's of air actions follow and today's situation map follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 102,114

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 7
A6M3a Zero x 23
G4M2 Betty x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 78
FM-2 Wildcat x 31
F6F Hellcat x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 7 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 17 destroyed
G4M2 Betty: 9 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 42 damaged
FM-2 Wildcat: 7 damaged
F6F Hellcat: 5 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Prince William, Torpedo hits 2, on fire (system damage 32, float damage 19, fire 12)
CVE Barnes

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 102,114

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 23
G3M Nell x 9

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 37
FM-2 Wildcat x 19
F6F Hellcat x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 18 destroyed
G3M Nell: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 9 destroyed, 19 damaged
FM-2 Wildcat: 5 damaged
F6F Hellcat: 8 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Barnes
CVE Prince William, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 102,114

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 3
B6N2 Jill x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 53
FM-2 Wildcat x 25
F6F Hellcat x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 3 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 102,114

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 21
B6N2 Jill x 22

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 53
FM-2 Wildcat x 25
F6F Hellcat x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 13 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 14 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed, 27 damaged
FM-2 Wildcat: 2 damaged
F6F Hellcat: 2 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 102,114

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 3
G4M2 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 51
FM-2 Wildcat x 25
F6F Hellcat x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 102,114

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 5
G4M2 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 51
FM-2 Wildcat x 25
F6F Hellcat x 29

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
FM-2 Wildcat: 2 damaged
F6F Hellcat: 1 damaged

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

Weather forecast for this area on 9/19 - overcast.

Summary of Operations 9/18/43 part deux

Australia: USAAF P-38's attack unidentified Japanese LCU detected on 9/17 north of Daly Waters. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 3rd Air Army, at 35,89

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 15

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
44 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x P-38G Lightning bombing at 2000 feet

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

Detected status of Jap base in Daly Waters - airfield damage 50, no planes, 27 Jap LCU's.

Hudson I recon over Darwin reports fighters on CAP, 1 Jap TF (4 ships), 1 Japanese ship disbanded in port (+1 from last report), 648 aircraft (261 fighters, 23 bombers), 14 Jap LCU's.

SS Hoe in action against Japanese ASW TF and minelayers in Darwin base hex. AAR's follow.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Darwin at 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Natsugumo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Suzukaze
DD Urakaze
DD Isokaze
DD Yukikaze

Allied Ships
SS Hoe

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Darwin at 36,84

Japanese Ships
ML Kinjosan Maru
ML Hoko

Allied Ships
SS Hoe

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

Allied recon flights over Port Moresby and Exmouth reporting no detected activity or change in Jap forces.


India/Burma: Jap recon flight over Asansol. Chinese fighter planes attack Jap airbase at Mandalay - no reported plane losses or damage to target. Otherwise quiet.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 2 Jap TF's, 391 aircraft (177 fighters, 32 bombers), 8 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 59(134), resource production 79(22).


China: Jap recon flights over Kunming, Tsuyung, Chungking, Tuyun. Japanese air attacks continue, latest AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tuyun , at 41,35

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 47
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 24
Ki-48-II Lily x 24

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 34

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet
7 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
18 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kunming , at 38,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 6

No Japanese losses

Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kunming , at 38,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 8
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 4 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 12

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
10 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tsuyung , at 37,31

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 12
Ki-51 Sonia x 27

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 15

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
24 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tsuyung , at 37,31

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 34

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kweiyang , at 41,34

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 106

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 6 damaged

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 136

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
18 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
18 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
5 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 1st Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 45,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 32

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
58 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
32 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 62nd Chinese Corps, at 41,35 (Tuyun)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

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

AAR's of latest attacks by Japanese ground forces follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tuyun

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 178729 troops, 746 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3719
3rd, 6th, 13th, 34th, 41st, 104th, 110th & 116th Infantry Divisions; 1 Yobi Ebi Rgt,
1 Independent Bde; 2, 8, 19, 20 & 27 Engineer Rgts; 2 Mountain Gun Rgt, 2 RF Gun Bn
Defending force 67725 troops, 98 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1945
3rd New, 36th, 37th, 46th, 52nd, 60th, 62nd, 64th, 65th, 74th, 79th & 99th Chinese Corps;
71st Chinese Division; 27th Chinese Guerilla Corps; HQ 1st, 2nd, 16th & 20th Group Armies

Allied ground losses:
114 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 42,36

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 42529 troops, 198 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 918
22nd & 51st Infantry Divisions
Defending force 16893 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 305
32nd & 78th Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 876 - adjusted assault: 1685
Allied max defense: 291 - adjusted defense: 67
Japanese assault odds: 25 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
263 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
57 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 40,35

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6860 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 162
5 Independent Brigade
Defending force 16970 troops, 65 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 396
31st Chinese Corps, 6th Chinese Cavalry Corps, HQ 11 Group Army

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,34

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 21900 troops, 102 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 836
32nd & 47th Infantry Divisions
Defending force 22750 troops, 61 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 629
21st, 23rd & 86th Chinese Corps, HQ 9 War Area

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported

Latest VP display follows.

Summary of Operations 9/19/43

Central Pacific: U.S. submarines report light to no Jap air patrol activity near Kwajalein, Canton Is area, and off Japanese home islands. It is believed at this point that most available Japanese LBA in the Central & South Pacific is enroute to or already in action against the Pago Pago Invasion force.

SS Silversides south of Japanese home islands has system damage 54, float damage 56 - probable cause from Jap surface ASW attack on 9/18.

F-5A recon over Canton Is reporting no fighters on CAP, 5 Jap TF's, 15 Jap LCU's. U.S. sub S-27 at Canton Is reports two contacts with lone Jap MSW's.

5 Japanese ships detected at anchor in Truk base, no report of ships at Kwajalein.


South Pacific: SS Saury at Suva attacked by Jap ASW task force. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Suva at 83,117

Japanese Ships
DD Hasu
DD Namikaze
DD Satsuki
DD Yayoi
DD Asagiri

Allied Ships
SS Saury

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

Day 4 at sea with the Pago Pago Invasion Force - Latest situation map follows. Weather forecast for Pago Pago area is partly cloudy. Invasion fleet overruns Jap submarine I-17, AAR of this action follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 97,113

Japanese Ships
SS I-17, hits 11, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Chicago
DD Downes
DD Cassin
DD Tucker
DD Preston

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

Japanese LBA continue naval air strikes on Invasion fleet. AAR's follow. Reports indicate 43 Japanese aircraft destroyed in today's air-to-air combat, no U.S. fighters shot down.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,113

Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Pennsylvania

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,113

Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Jubal A. Early, Torpedo hits 1, on fire (36 system damage, 9 float, 49 fire)

Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 97,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 5

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 55
FM-2 Wildcat x 16
F6F Hellcat x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 7 damaged
F6F Hellcat: 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,113

Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 2 destroyed, 20 damaged

Allied Ships
BB California, Torpedo hits 1, on fire (9 system damage, 8 float, 14 fire)
AP William P. Biddle
AP Doyen, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (79 system damage, 81 float, 31 fire)
LST LST-343

Allied ground losses:
36 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 97,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 22
G4M2 Betty x 32

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 55
FM-2 Wildcat x 16
F6F Hellcat x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 16 destroyed
G4M2 Betty: 17 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 19 damaged
FM-2 Wildcat: 2 damaged
F6F Hellcat: 3 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,113

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Joseph Holt, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Opon, Torpedo hits 1, on fire (45 system damage, 41 float, 29 fire)
AK Yukon, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (25 system damage, 66 float, 24 fire)

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 100,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Charles Crocker

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,113

Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Arizona

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Arizona

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,113

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Arizona

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 99,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 26
A6M3a Zero x 5
G4M2 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Tennessee

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 3
B6N2 Jill x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Warramunga

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 22
A6M5 Zeke x 4
N1K1-J George x 6
A6M3a Zero x 2
G3M Nell x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Benjamin Ide Wheeler
AK Bicol

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 12

No Japanese losses

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

Summary of Operations 9/19/43 part deux.

Australia: No reported air or ground combat.

Hudson I recon over Darwin reports fighters on CAP, 1 Jap TF, 14 Jap LCU's. U.S. submarine Hoe in action against probable Jap ASW TF in Darwin base hex. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at Darwin - 36,84

Japanese Ships
DD Isokaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Urakaze
DD Yukikaze

Allied Ships
SS Hoe, hits 5 (system damage 13, no float)

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

Allied recon flights over Port Moresby and Exmouth reporting no detected activity or change in Jap forces.


India/Burma: Jap recon flight over Asansol. No reported air or ground combat.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 1 Jap TF, 385 aircraft (165 fighters, 21 bombers), 8 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 59(134), resource production 80(21).


China: Jap recon flights over Chungking and Kunming. Japanese air attacks continue, latest AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kunming , at 38,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 8 damaged

Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kunming , at 38,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 3
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 4 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
12 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tsuyung , at 37,31

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 14
Ki-51 Sonia x 27

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 17

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
24 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tsuyung , at 37,31

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 15
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 28
Ki-46-III Dinah x 2

No Japanese losses

Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
10 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 64th Chinese Corps, at 41,35 (Tuyun)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

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

AAR's of latest Japanese ground attacks.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tuyun

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 191411 troops, 756 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3762
3rd, 6th, 13th, 34th, 41st, 104th, 110th & 116th Infantry Divisions; 1 Yobi Ebi Rgt,
1 Independent Bde; 2, 8, 19, 20 & 27 Engineer Rgts; 2 Mountain Gun Rgt, 2 RF Gun Bn
Defending force 67858 troops, 101 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1952
3rd New, 36th, 37th, 46th, 52nd, 60th, 62nd, 64th, 65th, 74th, 79th & 99th Chinese Corps;
71st Chinese Division; 27th Chinese Guerilla Corps; HQ 1st, 2nd, 16th & 20th Group Armies

Japanese max assault: 3666 - adjusted assault: 1815
Allied max defense: 1992 - adjusted defense: 4883
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 8)

Japanese ground losses:
3981 casualties reported
Guns lost 62

Allied ground losses:
3419 casualties reported
Guns lost 21

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 42,36

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 42173 troops, 195 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 899
22nd & 51st Infantry Divisions
Defending force 16844 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 306
32nd & 78th Chinese Corps

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,34

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 40895 troops, 175 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 922
32nd & 47th Infantry Divisions, 13 Tank Rgt
Defending force 22787 troops, 60 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 628
21st, 23rd & 86th Chinese Corps, HQ 9 War Area

Japanese max assault: 1636 - adjusted assault: 1054
Allied max defense: 597 - adjusted defense: 62
Japanese assault odds: 17 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
358 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Allied ground losses:
191 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 40,35

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6895 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 164
5 Independent Brigade
Defending force 16986 troops, 65 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 397
31st Chinese Corps, 6th Chinese Cavalry Corps, HQ 11 Group Army

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

Summary of Operations 9/20/43

Central Pacific: Jap air patrols quiet near Kwajalein and Canton Is area. Ki-49 Helen air patrol attacks SS Lapon off Japanese home islands, no reported damage to SS Lapon.

6 Japanese ships detected at anchor in Kwajalein base, 1 ship detected at Truk.

SS Pike near Majuro Atoll spots Jap TF (4 ships) heading NW.

U.S. sub S-31 torpedoes Jap MSW off Canton Is. SS Nautilus reports contact with Jap TF north of Nanumea moving on W heading. AAR's of both actions follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 100,99

Japanese Ships
MSW Hinode Maru #18, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-31

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 83,101

Japanese Ships
ML Niizaki
ML Sokuten
ML Tsubame
ML Nasami
ML Tsugaru
DD Okikaze
DD Sawakaze
DD Minekaze

Allied Ships
SS Nautilus

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


South Pacific: Sectors other than Pago Pago invasion ops reporting quiet.

Day 5 at sea with the Pago Pago Invasion Force - Latest situation map follows at end of this report. Weather forecast for Pago Pago area is partly cloudy.

Japanese sub I-17 engaged on 9/19 is confirmed sunk. U.S. AK Joseph Holt and AP Doyen sink after damage from action on 9/19.

Most invasion fleet TF's reach Pago Pago, several stragglers will reach Pago Pago hex next game turn. Plans for this game turn is for all invasion fleet TF's to be regrouped in Pago Pago hex for the 9/21 game turn.

Some LCU elements in the Pago Pago landing force were accidentally landed on Pago Pago - plans had been for the Pago Pago landing force to begin going ashore during the 9/21 game turn night phase. Ground combat AAR of landing on Pago Pago later in the Invasion Force report. Fortunately, casualties were relatively light among U.S. LCU elements that landed.

U.S. and some Australian minesweepers along with DD, DE, APD, and escorts cleared a considerable number of Jap mines from the approaches to Pago Pago. However, several Allied ships did hit mines. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1021 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)

Allied Ships
AK Billy Sunday, Mine hits 1, on fire (system damage 38, flood 50, fire 31)
AK Sheldon Jackson, Mine hits 1, on fire (system damage 27, flood 4, fire 35)

Allied ground losses:
51 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1054 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)

Allied Ships
DD Cassin
DD Preston
DD Case
DD Mugford
DD Blue
BB West Virginia, Mine hits 1 (system damage 30, float 2, fire 2)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1109 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)

Allied Ships
DD Maury
DD McCall
DD Jarvis
DD Patterson
DD Warrington
DD Daly
DD Lamson, Mine hits 1, on fire (returning to Penhryn with moderate damage)
DD Gridley
DD Stevens

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1188 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)

Allied Ships
MSW Bittern
MSW Sheldrake
MSW Champion
MSW Oracle
MSW Starling
MSW Skylark
DMS Zane
DMS Southard
PC Sonoma
DE Austin
APD Kilty
APD Schley
APD Fox
DD McDougal
LCI LCI-335, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1129 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)

Allied Ships
LST LST-468, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (system damage 35, flood 53, fire 22)

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

Some LCU elements landing on Pago Pago after naval bombardment and an air strike by CVE squadrons. AAR's of these actions follow.

Naval bombardment of Pago Pago, at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Lamson, on fire
DD Mahan
DD Maury
DD McCall
DD Gridley
DD Craven
DD Jarvis
DD Patterson
DD Warrington
DD Stevens
DD Murray
DD Daly
CL Concord
CL Perth
CL Achilles
CL Leander
BB Warspite
BB Mississippi
BB New Mexico
BB Idaho

Japanese ground losses:
380 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 24
Port hits 8
Port fuel hits 3
Port supply hits 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pago Pago , at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
TBF Avenger x 6
TBM Avenger x 6
SBD-5 Dauntless x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBF Avenger bombing at 15000 feet
3 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
2 x TBF Avenger bombing at 15000 feet
2 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
1 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBF Avenger bombing at 15000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1004 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1004 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied Ships
MSW Bundaberg
MSW Benalla
MSW Tern
DMS Boggs
APD Dickerson
DE Gilmore
PG Charleston
LCI LCI-23, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1004
11 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied ground losses:
664 casualties reported

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

AAR of initial ground combat on Pago Pago follows. Of the Japanese LCU encountered on Pago Pago, three of them (52 Naval Gd, 1 AA Regiment, 60 Construction Bn) were correctly identified from intelligence data.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Pago Pago

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5345 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 237
51 Independent Mixed Brigade, 46 & 52 NLF, 1 AA Rgt, 127 IJNAF Base Force, 5 Naval Construction Bn,
5 AF Construction Bn, 60 Construction Bn
Defending force 9460 troops, 0 guns, 55 vehicles, Assault Value = 204
193 Tank Bn (-), 11 & 50 CBT Engineer Rgts, HQ IX Corps

Allied ground losses:
40 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Pago Pago

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 1160 troops, 0 guns, 39 vehicles, Assault Value = 201
193 Tank Bn (-), 11 & 50 CBT Engineer Rgts, HQ IX Corps
Defending force 14656 troops, 80 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 237
51 Independent Mixed Brigade, 46 & 52 NLF, 1 AA Rgt, 127 IJNAF Base Force,
5 Naval Construction Bn, 5 AF Construction Bn, 60 Construction Bn

Allied max assault: 56 - adjusted assault: 16
Japanese max defense: 199 - adjusted defense: 388
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 6)

Japanese ground losses:
165 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Allied ground losses:
312 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 10

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

Jap LBA naval air strikes against invasion force TF's continue. AAR's follow. Strongest Japanese LBA air strikes are now originating from Wallis Is and Suva - these bases appear to be where Pillager is dispatching Jap LBA reinforcements into action.

51 Japanese planes tallied as destroyed in air-to-air combat, vs 16 U.S. fighters lost. As expected, fighter CAP coverage from CVE's beginning to weaken from fatigue and damaged planes. Four fighter pilots from CVE VF squadrons are showing as aces.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
FM-2 Wildcat x 10
F6F Hellcat x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
FM-2 Wildcat x 10
F6F Hellcat x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
FM-2 Wildcat x 10
F6F Hellcat x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
FM-2 Wildcat x 10
F6F Hellcat x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 5 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 damaged
FM-2 Wildcat: 2 damaged
F6F Hellcat: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Warramunga
DE Carlson

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 6
G4M2 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
FM-2 Wildcat x 10
F6F Hellcat x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
FM-2 Wildcat x 10
F6F Hellcat x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3
G4M2 Betty x 8

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
FM-2 Wildcat x 10
F6F Hellcat x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
G4M2 Betty: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 14

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
FM-2 Wildcat x 10
F6F Hellcat x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 10 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 5 damaged
FM-2 Wildcat: 3 damaged
F6F Hellcat: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Heywood

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 4

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
FM-2 Wildcat x 7
F6F Hellcat x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 24
A6M3a Zero x 3
G4M2 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
FM-2 Wildcat x 7
F6F Hellcat x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 3 damaged
G4M2 Betty: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 destroyed
FM-2 Wildcat: 5 damaged
F6F Hellcat: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 16
N1K1-J George x 7
A6M3a Zero x 18
G3M Nell x 5

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
FM-2 Wildcat x 6
F6F Hellcat x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged
G3M Nell: 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
FM-2 Wildcat: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
F6F Hellcat: 3 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVE Altamaha, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3
G4M2 Betty x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 6
F6F Hellcat x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged
G4M2 Betty: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVE Altamaha, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (system damage 85, float 79, fire 38)
CVE Nassau

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 3
F6F Hellcat x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Breton

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet

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

One group of Japanese aircraft found the U.S. Carrier Main Body. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 101,111

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 7
A6M3a Zero x 13
G3M Nell x 4
G4M2 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 334
Corsair III/IV x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 7 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 9 destroyed
G3M Nell: 3 destroyed
G4M2 Betty: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 9 damaged

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

Summary of Operations 9/20/43 - continued

Australia: No reported ground or air combat.

Detected status of Jap base in Daly Waters - airfield damage 45, no planes, 27 Jap LCU's.

F-5A recon over Darwin reports fighters on CAP, no TF (-1 from last report), 5 Jap ships disbanded in port (+5 from last report), 13 Jap LCU's (-1 from last report).

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports 5 Jap LCU's. No allied recon flight over Port Moresby.


India/Burma: No Jap recon flight.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 1 Jap TF, 379 aircraft (166 fighters, 27 bombers), 8 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 59(134), resource production 81(20).


China: Jap recon flights over Kunming, Tsuyung, Chungking. AAR's of latest Japanese air attacks follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tuyun , at 41,35

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 48
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 30

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 22

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
20 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kunming , at 38,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tsuyung , at 37,31

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 26

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 12

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tsuyung , at 37,31

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 14
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 28
Ki-46-III Dinah x 2

No Japanese losses

Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 12

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
11 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
8 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 1st Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 45,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 32

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
32 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 64th Chinese Corps, at 41,35 (Tuyun)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-II Lily x 13

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
32 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet
5 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 64th Chinese Corps, at 41,35 (Tuyun)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

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

Japanese ground forces continue attacks in Tuyun area. Latest AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tuyun

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 171391 troops, 678 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3281
3rd, 6th, 13th, 34th, 41st, 104th, 110th & 116th Infantry Divisions; 1 Yobi Ebi Rgt,
1 Independent Bde; 2, 8, 19, 20 & 27 Engineer Rgts; 2 Mountain Gun Rgt, 2 RF Gun Bn
Defending force 64753 troops, 98 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1877
3rd New, 36th, 37th, 46th, 52nd, 60th, 62nd, 64th, 65th, 74th, 79th & 99th Chinese Corps;
71st Chinese Division; 27th Chinese Guerilla Corps; HQ 1st, 2nd, 16th & 20th Group Armies

Allied ground losses:
46 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 42,36 (N of Tuyun)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 42275 troops, 195 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 905
22nd & 51st Infantry Divisions
Defending force 16957 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 309
32nd & 78th Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 869 - adjusted assault: 456
Allied max defense: 297 - adjusted defense: 73
Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
324 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Allied ground losses:
299 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 40,35 (S of Tuyun)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6946 troops, 9 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 168
5 Independent Brigade
Defending force 16916 troops, 64 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 394
31st Chinese Corps, 6th Chinese Cavalry Corps, HQ 11 Group Army

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

Summary of Operations 9/21/43

Central Pacific: Except for several G5N Liz air patrols near Kwajalein, U.S. subs reporting no Japanese air activity near Kwajalein, Canton Is area, or Truk. This could suggest Pillager has committed nearly all available Jap LBA in the Central Pacific theatre against the Pago Pago invasion force.

SS Tunny reports contact with Jap MSW near Tarawa. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 81,94

Japanese Ships
MSW W.11

Allied Ships
SS Tunny

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

F-5A recon over Canton Is reports no Jap TF, 7 aircraft (none operational), 15 Jap LCU's.


South Pacific: Sectors other than Pago Pago invasion reporting quiet.

Day 6 at sea with the Pago Pago Invasion Force - Latest situation map follows at end of this report. Weather forecast for Pago Pago area is overcast.

Main portion of Pago Pago landing force LCU's (3rd Marine, 41st, 43rd Divisions) now ashore on Pago Pago with a few remaining elements due to land next game turn.

A total of 31 fully unloaded ships and landing craft have departed Pago Pago heading eastward on 9/20. Another large contingent of empty transports unloaded this game turn have formed into several TF and will begin retiring eastward from Pago Pago and Savaii in the 9/22 game turn. Remaining transports and landing craft at Pago Pago and Savaii have been broken up into two and three ship TF's and will continue unloading. All escort ships assigned to CVE and Amphibious Landing force TF's and the two Surface Combat/Bombardment TF's have also departed Pago Pago and Savaii.

Savaii landing force LCU's (HQ XI Corps, 6th & 27th Divisions) have reached Savaii and are now ashore. A few elements of 6th & 27th Divisions remain to land next game turn, but most elements of the two divisions are landed.

With Japanese air strikes and following on a hint posted earlier by Alfred, the TF carrying Upolu landing force (1st Cavalry & Americal Divisions) has temporarily withdrawn one hex off Pago Pago pending the outcome of events on Pago Pago and Savaii. This force can still be landed on Upolu (my preferred option).

AAR's of today's landing operations on Pago Pago and Savaii follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1004 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1004 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied Ships
MSW Bundaberg
MSW Benalla
MSW Tern
DMS Boggs
PG Charleston
AK Thomas Nelson, Mine hits 1 (system damage 31, float 33, fire 8)
APD Dickerson
DD Phelps
LCI LCI-63, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1004

Allied ground losses:
148 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1021 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1021 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied Ships
AK Sheldon Jackson, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (additional damage undetermined)
AK Luther S. Kelly, Mine hits 1, on fire (system damage 19, float 33, fire 49)

Allied ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1021

Allied ground losses:
250 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1188 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1188 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied Ships
MSW Bittern
MSW Sheldrake
MSW Champion
MSW Oracle
MSW Starling
MSW Skylark
DMS Zane
DMS Southard
DE Edward C. Daly
DE Austin
DE Levy
APD Brooks
APD Kilty
APD Chew
LCI LCI-334, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (system damage 77, float 98, fire 21)
APD Talbot
APD Waters
DD Selfridge
LCI LCI-223, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
PC Sonoma
APD Paul Jones
APD Fox

Allied ground losses:
69 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1188
61 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships

LCI LCI-221, Shell hits 1 (no damage)

Japanese ground losses:
139 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
2919 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1108 encounters mine field at Savaii (95,112)
TF 1108 troops unloading over beach at Savaii, 95,112

Allied Ships
MSW Launceston
MSW Geelong
MSW Fremantle
MSW Echuca
MSW Cowra
DMS Lamberton
PC Apache
PG Onondaga
APD Herbert
DE Steele
DE LeHardy
APD Hatfield
APD Kennison
APD Whipple

Coastal Guns at Savaii, 95,112, firing at TF 1108
55 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
DE LeHardy
LCI LCI-217, Shell hits 1, on fire (system damage 22, float 5, fire 5)
DD Balch

Allied ground losses:
1780 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1004 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1004 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied Ships
MSW Bundaberg
MSW Benalla
MSW Tern
DMS Boggs
PG Charleston
APD Dickerson
DD Phelps

Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1004

Allied ground losses:
106 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1021

TF 1021 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1021 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
218 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1108 encounters mine field at Savaii (95,112)
TF 1108 troops unloading over beach at Savaii, 95,112

Allied Ships
MSW Launceston
MSW Geelong
MSW Fremantle
MSW Echuca
MSW Cowra
DMS Lamberton
APD McKean
DE Steele
DE LeHardy
APD Whipple
LST LST-475, Mine hits 1, on fire (system damage 19, float 36, fire 19)

Coastal Guns at Savaii, 95,112, firing at TF 1108
15 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
DD Balch, Shell hits 1 (no damage)

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
313 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1188 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1188 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied Ships
MSW Bittern
MSW Sheldrake
MSW Champion
MSW Oracle
MSW Starling
MSW Skylark
DMS Zane
DMS Southard
PC Sonoma
DE Austin
APD Barker
AK Luther Hurd, Mine hits 1, on fire (system damage 16, float 43, fire 13)
APD Schley
DD Selfridge

Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1188
43 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
APD Barker

Allied ground losses:
1407 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

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


Ground combat AAR's of action on Pago Pago and Savaii follow. What's curious is the fact that Jap 52 Naval Gd has appeared on both the Pago Pago and Savaii ground combat AAR's. Whether this is some kind of "synch bug" or Pillager actually divided 52 Naval Gd remains to be seen.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Pago Pago

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5827 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 243
51 Independent Mixed Brigade, 46 & 52 Naval Gd, 1 AA Rgt, 127 IJNAF Base Force, 5 Naval Construction Bn,
5 AF Construction Bn, 60 Construction Bn
Defending force 54115 troops, 270 guns, 120 vehicles, Assault Value = 1227
3rd Marine Division (-), 41st & 43rd Infantry Divisions (both -), 193 Tank Bn (-),
11 & 50 CBT Engineer Rgts, HQ IX Corps

Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Savaii

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1762 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 63
5 NLF, 52 Naval Gd, 10 Special Base Force
Defending force 33751 troops, 319 guns, 13 vehicles, Assault Value = 726
6th Infantry Division (-), 27th Infantry Division, HQ XI Corps

Japanese ground losses:
8 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Pago Pago

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 46845 troops, 270 guns, 120 vehicles, Assault Value = 1225
3rd Marine Division (-), 41st & 43rd Infantry Divisions (both -), 193 Tank Bn (-),
11 & 50 CBT Engineer Rgts, HQ IX Corps
Defending force 14423 troops, 83 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 243
51 Independent Mixed Brigade, 46 & 52 Naval Gd, 1 AA Rgt, 127 IJNAF Base Force, 5 Naval Construction Bn,
5 AF Construction Bn, 60 Construction Bn

Allied max assault: 966 - adjusted assault: 282
Japanese max defense: 199 - adjusted defense: 103
Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 6)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 4

Japanese ground losses:
1415 casualties reported
Guns lost 15

Allied ground losses:
1917 casualties reported
Guns lost 44
Vehicles lost 11

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


AAR's of latest air combat follow. At this point, the CVE task forces have fought to the last fighter plane. This force has done all that was asked of it and more.

Of the 10 CVE's ("ten little Indians") forming the three escort carrier TF's -

CVE Altamaha sank this game turn from damage received in Jap air attacks on 9/20.
Five other CVE's (Casablanca, Chenango, Copahee, Nassau, Sangamon) sunk in naval air attacks this game turn, also CVE Suwannee mortally damaged in this turn's air attacks.
CVE Prince William returned safely this game turn to Penhryn Is after damage from Jap air attacks on 9/18.
The last two undamaged CVE's (Breton, Barnes) and escorts are retreating eastward to Penhryn with no remaining operational planes on board.

As shown on the situation map, the KB and possibly Japanese surface combat TF(s) have appeared SE of Wallis Is. This Japanese naval force has entered the battle from the west (probably coming from Rabaul) instead of from the north (Truk or Kwajalein) as I had expected. In one fell swoop, Pillager avoided my 27-submarine "dragnet". Some of those subs are now being dispatched southward.

Movement of the U.S. Main Carrier Force is due west from current position shown on the situation map below. Anticipated position of the Main Carrier force after this game turn should be immediately north of Pago Pago, six hexes from the KB's current location. My guess at this point Pillager will keep the KB in its current position for the coming game turn. If the KB moves eastward it enters the striking range of U.S. carriers. If the KB remains in its current location, the U.S. Carrier Main force will have approached to just outside the striking range of its aircraft and could be in a relatively good tactical position.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Pago Pago , at 96,113 (U.S. CVE's launch one last air strike)

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
TBF Avenger x 21
TBM Avenger x 6
SBD-5 Dauntless x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 2 damaged

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x TBF Avenger bombing at 15000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger bombing at 15000 feet
4 x TBF Avenger bombing at 15000 feet
3 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
2 x TBF Avenger bombing at 15000 feet
2 x TBF Avenger bombing at 15000 feet
2 x TBF Avenger bombing at 15000 feet
2 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
1 x TBF Avenger bombing at 15000 feet
1 x TBF Avenger bombing at 15000 feet
1 x TBF Avenger bombing at 15000 feet
1 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 7 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 1 (1 fire, no system or float damage 16)

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Jacques Laramie
AK Charles N. McGroarty, Bomb hits 3, on fire (system damage 41, float 36, fire 49)
AK Robert M. Lafollette

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
APD Crane

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Maryland
BB West Virginia, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (system damage 59, float 38, fire 15)

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Savaii at 95,112

Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 8
G4M2 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25
F6F Hellcat x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
G4M2 Betty: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Savaii at 95,112

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 10

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25
F6F Hellcat x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Warspite, Torpedo hits 1 (system damage 32, float 32, fire 7)
BB Mississippi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire (system damage 19, float 22, fire 14)
BB New Mexico

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Andrew D. White, Torpedo hits 1 (system damage 44, float 54, fire 10)

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
LST LST-204

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Savaii at 95,112

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 17
N1K1-J George x 7
D4Y Judy x 24
A6M3a Zero x 14
G3M Nell x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25
F6F Hellcat x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 3 destroyed, 4 damaged
N1K1-J George: 2 damaged
D4Y Judy: 5 destroyed, 14 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged
G3M Nell: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed, 19 damaged
F6F Hellcat: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Suwannee, Bomb hits 1 (sunk)
CVE Chenango
CVE Casablanca, Bomb hits 1, on fire (sunk)
CVE Sangamon, Bomb hits 2, on fire (sunk)
DD Gwin

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Savaii at 95,112

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 58
A6M5 Zeke x 92
N1K1-J George x 5
D4Y Judy x 60
A6M3a Zero x 54
B6N2 Jill x 60
G4M1 Betty x 3
G4M2 Betty x 26
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17
F6F Hellcat x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 2 damaged
A6M5 Zeke: 1 damaged
D4Y Judy: 2 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed, 19 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
G4M2 Betty: 15 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 22 destroyed
F6F Hellcat: 5 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVE Suwannee, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (system damage 99, float 88, fire 48)
CVE Sangamon, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
CVE Chenango, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
CVE Casablanca, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
8 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 2
A6M3a Zero x 3
G4M2 Betty x 4
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Arizona, Torpedo hits 1 (system damage 5, float 13, fire 3)

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DMS Long

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Savaii at 95,112

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 2
A6M3a Zero x 2
G3M Nell x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Copahee

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Savaii at 95,112

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Copahee

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Savaii at 95,112

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 2
G4M1 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVE Breton

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 10
G4M2 Betty x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CVE Altamaha, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Savaii at 95,112

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Dunlap

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Van Hentz

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
BB West Virginia, on fire, heavy damage (system damage 59, float 38, fire 15)

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Arizona

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Savaii at 95,112

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CVE Sangamon, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 94,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 9
N1K1-J George x 3
D4Y Judy x 8
A6M3a Zero x 14
B6N2 Jill x 25
G3M Nell x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y Judy: 8 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed, 15 damaged
G3M Nell: 2 damaged

Allied Ships (both sunk)
CVE Copahee, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Nassau, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
2 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 94,113 (this attack launched from the KB)

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 42
A6M5 Zeke x 51
N1K1-J George x 4
D4Y Judy x 153
A6M3a Zero x 33
B6N2 Jill x 155

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y Judy: 1 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed, 11 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Nassau, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Copahee, on fire, heavy damage
CL Raleigh, Bomb hits 1 (system damage 33, float 3, fire 6)
DD Woodworth
DD Monssen
DD Aaron Ward
DD Buchanan

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
6 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
6 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
7 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 94,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 8
A6M5 Zeke x 11
D4Y Judy x 18
A6M3a Zero x 11
B6N2 Jill x 34
G4M2 Betty x 15
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 5 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE Nassau, on fire, heavy damage
DD McCalla
CVE Copahee, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 94,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 16
D4Y Judy x 41
B6N2 Jill x 42

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CVE Nassau, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 94,113 (this attack possibly launched from the KB)

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 7
D4Y Judy x 24
B6N2 Jill x 26

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CVE Copahee, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 6 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Warspite
BB Mississippi, Bomb hits 1, on fire (system damage 19, float 22, fire 14)

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet

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

Summary of Operations 9/21/43 - continued

Australia: No ground or air combat.

Allied recon flights over Port Moresby, Darwin, Exmouth all reporting no detected activity or change in Jap forces. Recon flights over Darwin and Port Moresby encountered Jap fighters on CAP.


India/Burma: Jap recon flight over Asansol. No air or ground combat.

F-5A recon over Rangoon repots 1 Jap TF, 384 aircraft (165 fighters, 17 bombers), 8 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 59(134), resource production 82(19).

Allied sub minelaying force (7 subs) led by U.S. sub Snook entered Rangoon base hex and laid additional mines. SS Snook torpedoes Jap AK in Rangoon in possible "synch bug" attack, AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rangoon at 29,33

Japanese Ships
AK Taisei Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Snook

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


China: Jap recon flights over Tuyun, Tsuyung, Kunming, Chungking, Kweiyang. AAR's of latest Japanese air attacks in China follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tuyun , at 41,35

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 47
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 23

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
15 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tsuyung , at 37,31

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 3
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 39

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chengtu , at 41,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 43

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40N Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
31 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 28th New Chinese Division, at 38,32 (Kunming)

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 6
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 10 damaged


Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet
12 x Ki-45 KAIb Nick bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 1st Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 45,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 29

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
48 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
29 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 64th Chinese Corps, at 41,35 (Tuyun)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-II Lily x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 64th Chinese Corps, at 41,35 (Tuyun)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 23

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 5th Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 41,34

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 85

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 destroyed, 11 damaged

Allied ground losses:
127 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
20 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
20 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 60th Chinese Corps, at 41,35 (Tuyun)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-II Lily x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
23 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Latest AAR's of ground combat and a current China situation map follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tuyun

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 172263 troops, 691 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3326
3rd, 6th, 13th, 34th, 41st, 104th, 110th & 116th Infantry Divisions; 1 Yobi Ebi Rgt,
1 Independent Bde; 2, 8, 19, 20 & 27 Engineer Rgts; 2 Mountain Gun Rgt, 2 RF Gun Bn
Defending force 64510 troops, 96 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1876
3rd New, 36th, 37th, 46th, 52nd, 60th, 62nd, 64th, 65th, 74th, 79th & 99th Chinese Corps;
71st Chinese Division; 27th Chinese Guerilla Corps; HQ 1st, 2nd, 16th & 20th Group Armies

Allied ground losses:
31 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 42,36

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 41961 troops, 185 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 895
22nd & 51st Infantry Divisions
Defending force 16873 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 305
32nd & 78th Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 859 - adjusted assault: 449
Allied max defense: 291 - adjusted defense: 65
Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
202 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
53 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 40,35

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7016 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 170
5 Independent Brigade
Defending force 16843 troops, 62 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 391
31st Chinese Corps, 6th Chinese Cavalry Corps, HQ 11 Group Army

Today's box score...

wneumann,
 
This entails a significant risk but you should assess whether the odds are good.
 
It seems to me that the KB has expended a considerable number of its sorties against the Allied CVEs.  Also because it may not spot the arrival of the USN CVs, the KB may next launch its major sorties against the transports at Pago Pago or Savaii.  That being so, you may have an opportunity to aggressively move your carriers into position to directly hit the KB when it is low on available sorties.  This could be particularly if Savaii/Pago Pago are captured and therefore cease to become bases for enemy recon/strike aircraft.
 
Alfred

Summary of Operations 9/22/43

Central Pacific: Except for three contacts at Canton Is (one each B6N2 Jill, Ki-46 Dinah & H8K Emily), no Jap air patrol activity reported by U.S. submarines in the Central Pacific area and off Japanese home islands.

S-27 torpedoes Jap MSW at Canton Is. AAR follows. No other reported contacts in the Central Pacific area or off Japanese home islands between U.S. subs and Japanese surface ships or ASW.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at Canton Island - 100,100

Japanese Ships
MSW Kyo Maru #1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)

Allied Ships
SS S-27

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

56 Japanese ships detected at anchor in Kwajalein base. No report on Japanese ships in Truk base.
Detected status of Jap base on Canton Is - 9 aircraft, no remaining Jap TF's, 15 Jap LCU's.


South Pacific: Sectors other than Pago Pago invasion reporting quiet.

Day 7 of the Pago Pago Invasion - Latest situation map follows at end of this report. Weather forecast for Pago Pago area is continued overcast. An accurate compilation of action here a bit difficult as neither Allied or Japanese AAR's are completely accurate - both AAR's contain some quantity of "fog of war" and/or synch bugs.

All but a very small number of U.S. combat LCU elements are now ashore on Pago Pago and Savaii. Parts of 126 USAAF Base Force and most of 78 Seabees are still aboard ships (these LCU landing on Pago Pago). Landing ops of 78 Seabees is a concern as many elements of this LCU are aboard heavily damaged ships - these ships now virtually immobile and staying at Pago Pago to continue unloading as many elements of 78 Seabees as possible before these ships are destroyed by enemy action or sink during the game turn damage adjustment phases.

A number of heavily damaged transports and landing craft remain at Savaii along with a some undamaged ships still unloading - most of the damaged ships now capable of very little or no movement, very few if any of these ships would reach Penhryn before sinking. These ships have broken up into small (1-2 ship) TF's to draw KB and land-based Jap air strikes.

Transports and landing craft still unloading at Pago Pago along with a number of heavily damaged ships there have also been divided into small TF's.

AAR of today's landing ops follow. As seen below, one drawback of dividing invasion transports into small TF's is that it gives enemy shore batteries more shooting opportunities. However, the resulting damage from shore batteries (at least) may not be that much greater.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1193
TF 1193 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1193 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
68 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1201 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1201 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied Ships
AK Jubal A. Early, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (system damage 81, float 71, fire 20)

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported

Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1201

Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1212 encounters mine field at Savaii (95,112)
TF 1212 troops unloading over beach at Savaii, 95,112

Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1213 encounters mine field at Savaii (95,112)
TF 1213 troops unloading over beach at Savaii, 95,112

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1214 encounters mine field at Savaii (95,112)
TF 1214 troops unloading over beach at Savaii, 95,112

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1215 encounters mine field at Savaii (95,112)
TF 1215 troops unloading over beach at Savaii, 95,112

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1218
TF 1218 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1218 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1221
TF 1221 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1221 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1222
TF 1222 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1222 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1226
TF 1226 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1226 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
31 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1227
TF 1227 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1227 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1230
TF 1230 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1230 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
34 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1231
TF 1231 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1231 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
25 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1232
TF 1232 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1232 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1233
TF 1233 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1233 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
16 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1235
TF 1235 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1235 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
40 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1236
TF 1236 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1236 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1237
TF 1237 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1237 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
31 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1238 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1238 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied Ships
AK Ina Coolbrith, Mine hits 1, on fire (system damage 41, float 47, fire 9)

Allied ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1238

Allied ground losses:
47 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1239
TF 1239 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1239 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1240
TF 1240 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1240 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
27 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1241
TF 1241 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1241 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1242
TF 1242 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1242 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1250
TF 1250 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1250 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
107 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1251
TF 1251 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1251 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
64 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1252 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1252 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied Ships
AK Admiral Wiley, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (later sunk)

Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1252

Allied ground losses:
60 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1253 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1253 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied Ships
AK Stanley Matthews, Mine hits 1, on fire (system damage 78, float 86, fire 46)

Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported

Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1253

Allied ground losses:
128 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1254
TF 1254 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1254 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
94 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1074 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1074 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied Ships
DMS Chandler

Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1074

Allied ground losses:
113 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1193
TF 1193 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1193 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
43 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1201
TF 1201 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1201 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1221
TF 1221 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1221 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1222
TF 1222 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1222 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1226
TF 1226 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1226 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1227
TF 1227 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1227 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1230 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1230 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1230

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1232
TF 1232 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1232 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
28 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1235
TF 1235 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1235 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1236
TF 1236 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1236 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1237
TF 1237 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1237 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
30 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1238
TF 1238 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1238 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1239
TF 1239 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1239 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
45 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1240
TF 1240 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1240 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1241
TF 1241 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1241 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1242 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1242 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1242

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1250 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1250 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1250

Allied ground losses:
47 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1251
TF 1251 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1251 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
56 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1252 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1252 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied Ships
AK Admiral Wiley, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported

Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1252

Allied ground losses:
85 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1253
TF 1253 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1253 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Pago Pago, 96,113, firing at TF 1254
TF 1254 encounters mine field at Pago Pago (96,113)
TF 1254 troops unloading over beach at Pago Pago, 96,113

Allied ground losses:
51 casualties reported

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


Now for a bigger drawback of dividing invasion transports into small TF's.... Two Japanese surface combat TF's reached Savaii, attacked, and pretty much wiped out all the small U.S. transport TF's there. This played out as a series of small surface combat actions where the Jap TF's went through each small U.S. TF and sank all the ships it found before moving on to attack the next TF. The following AAR's are a summary of the overall results from all the separate surface combats.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Savaii at 95,112

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro
CL Sendai
DD Yugumo
DD Akigumo
DD Makigumo
DD Kasumi
DD Ayanami
DD Sagiri
DD Matsukaze
DD Hayate
DD Nokaze

Allied Ships (this is a combined list of all U.S. ships sunk in the separate combat actions)

AK Verspijck, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Edward Nickels, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Nathaniel Bowditch, Shell hits 24, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Lipscomb Lykes, Shell hits 60, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Van Spilbergen, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Steel Seafarer, Shell hits 15, Torpedo hits 5, and is sunk
AK Idaho, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Steel Scientist, Shell hits 22, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Mauna Loa, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Smith Thompson, Shell hits 36, and is sunk
AK Starr King, Shell hits 14, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Samuel F. Miller, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AK Samuel Gompers, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Adoniram Judson, Shell hits 24, and is sunk
AK David J. Brewer, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Savaii at 95,112

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa
CA Furutaka
CA Kako
CL Jintsu
DD Minegumo
DD Arare
DD Yudachi

Allied Ships
AK Benjamin Ide Wheeler, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
AK Benjamin Lundy, Shell hits 30, and is sunk

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

Interesting you posted this Alfred... I positioned the U.S. Main Carrier Force just N of Pago Pago for exactly the same reasons you stated (before seeing what you had posted). While the KB did not approach Pago Pago, the U.S. Carrier Force did not go without targets. AAR's follow. Two Japanese BB (Kongo, Haruna), 4 CA, and one CL all confirmed sunk. One Jap DD also hit.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 93,111

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 44
Corsair III/IV x 10
SB2C Helldiver x 132
TBM Avenger x 116
Avenger I/II x 14

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 11 damaged
TBM Avenger: 1 destroyed, 15 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Furutaka, Bomb hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 18, Torpedo hits 7, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 12, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa
CA Kako

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
6 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
6 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
6 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Avenger I/II launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I/II launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I/II launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I/II launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 93,111

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 8
SB2C Helldiver x 48
TBM Avenger x 25

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 1 destroyed
TBM Avenger: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Kako
CA Aoba

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
6 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
8 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 93,111

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 10
SB2C Helldiver x 48
TBM Avenger x 15

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
6 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 93,111

Allied aircraft
TBM Avenger x 17

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, on fire, heavy damage
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 93,111

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 55
Corsair III/IV x 8
SB2C Helldiver x 219
TBM Avenger x 140
Avenger I/II x 11

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Jintsu, Bomb hits 11, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)
CA Kako, Bomb hits 12, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)
CA Aoba, Bomb hits 8, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage (confirmed sunk)
DD Arare
DD Yudachi, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
6 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x Avenger I/II launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I/II launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Avenger I/II launching torpedoes at 200 feet

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

Aircraft from U.S. Main Carrier Force also attack and sink (confirmed) a Jap MSW approaching Pago Pago from the north. Pillager appears to have dispatched this MSW southward from either Canton Is or Kwajalein to operate as a picket boat.

AAR's of today's Japanese LBA bombing and strafing attacks on the Invasion TF's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 3
A6M5 Zeke x 9
A6M3a Zero x 5
G4M1 Betty x 3
G4M2 Betty x 14
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 2 damaged
A6M5 Zeke: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 4 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
G4M2 Betty: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (system damage 47, float 63, fire 24)
CL Boise
BB Colorado, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (system damage 55, float 50, fire 31)
DD Helm
CA Chicago, Shell hits 4 (no damage)
DD Tucker
DD Case
CL Nashville, Shell hits 12, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar attacking at 100 feet
1 x A6M3a Zero attacking at 100 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x A6M5 Zeke attacking at 100 feet
3 x A6M3 Zero attacking at 100 feet
4 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar attacking at 100 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar attacking at 100 feet
4 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar attacking at 100 feet
4 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar attacking at 100 feet
4 x A6M3a Zero attacking at 100 feet
4 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x A6M5 Zeke attacking at 100 feet
4 x A6M5 Zeke attacking at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
D4Y Judy x 3
B6N2 Jill x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y Judy: 1 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Floyd B. Olson
DMS Chandler
AK John H. Rosseter
AK Glenn Curtiss, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (system damage 62, float 97, fire 44)

Allied ground losses:
51 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D4Y Judy bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 101,112

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 3 damaged

Allied Ships (no damage to either DD)
DD Dunlap, Shell hits 4
DD Balch, Shell hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x N1K1-J George attacking at 100 feet
4 x N1K1-J George attacking at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 6
G4M2 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
G4M2 Betty: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Idaho
BB New Mexico, Torpedo hits 1 (system damage 15, float 10, fire 9)

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Benjamin Franklin

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
AVD Swan, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (system damage 67, float 64, fire 38)

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 98,114

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
BB West Virginia, heavy damage (system damage 60, float 41, fire 4)

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 100,113

Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Arizona

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 97,114

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Raleigh

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 101,112

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 9
A6M3a Zero x 15
G3M Nell x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 2 damaged
G3M Nell: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DMS Lamberton, Shell hits 16, on fire (system damage 3, float 9, fire 14)
APD Kennison, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
APD Herbert
APD Hatfield
APD Crosby

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x A6M3a Zero attacking at 100 feet
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x A6M3 Zero attacking at 100 feet
4 x A6M3a Zero attacking at 100 feet
4 x A6M3a Zero attacking at 100 feet
4 x A6M3a Zero attacking at 100 feet
4 x A6M3 Zero attacking at 100 feet
4 x A6M3 Zero attacking at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Acadia

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK North Coast

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AP Chaumont

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x A6M3a Zero attacking at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
MSW Bittern

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK William H. Gray

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar attacking at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3
G4M2 Betty x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Rufus King
AK Admiral Nulton, Bomb hits 1, on fire (system damage 43, float 16, fire 24)

Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M2 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Peter Silvester

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Stanley Matthews, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (system damage 78, float 86, fire 46)

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Cassin

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x A6M3a Zero attacking at 100 feet
4 x A6M3a Zero attacking at 100 feet
4 x A6M3a Zero attacking at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK William L. Garrison

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK John A. Rawlins, Shell hits 4 (no damage)

Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x A6M3 Zero attacking at 100 feet
4 x A6M3 Zero attacking at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AP Mataroa
AK Ephraim W. Baughman

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Henry Villard

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x A6M3a Zero attacking at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AP George Clymer, Bomb hits 1, on fire (system damage 4, no float, fire 12)

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese aircraft
D4Y Judy x 2

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y Judy: 1 damaged

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

U.S. ground forces capture Pago Pago and Savaii bases. AAR's of today's actions follow. Surviving elements of Jap LCU's remain at large on both Pago Pago and Savaii with both bases occupied by U.S. forces.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Pago Pago

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5072 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 203
51 Independent Mixed Brigade, 46 & 52 Naval Gd, 1 AA Rgt, 127 IJNAF Base Force, 5 Naval Construction Bn,
5 AF Construction Bn, 60 Construction Bn
Defending force 59717 troops, 348 guns, 160 vehicles, Assault Value = 1107
3rd Marine Division, 41st & 43rd Infantry Divisions, 193 Tank Bn, 11 & 50 CBT Engineer Rgts, HQ IX Corps

Allied ground losses:
227 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Vehicles lost 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Pago Pago

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 51879 troops, 330 guns, 153 vehicles, Assault Value = 1092
3rd Marine Division, 41st & 43rd Infantry Divisions, 193 Tank Bn, 11 & 50 CBT Engineer Rgts, HQ IX Corps
Defending force 12155 troops, 33 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 203
51 Independent Mixed Brigade, 46 & 52 Naval Gd, 1 AA Rgt, 127 IJNAF Base Force, 5 Naval Construction Bn,
5 AF Construction Bn, 60 Construction Bn

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 5
Allied max assault: 1757 - adjusted assault: 1195
Japanese max defense: 171 - adjusted defense: 162
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 5
Allied assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 5)
Allied forces CAPTURE Pago Pago base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
1532 casualties reported
Guns lost 12

Allied ground losses:
1359 casualties reported
Guns lost 21
Vehicles lost 4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Savaii

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 31321 troops, 349 guns, 19 vehicles, Assault Value = 723
6th & 27th Infantry Divisions, HQ XI Corps
Defending force 8047 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 62
5 NLF, 52 Naval Gd, 10 Special Base Force

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 6
Allied max assault: 781 - adjusted assault: 1408
Japanese max defense: 44 - adjusted defense: 125
Allied assault odds: 11 to 1 (fort level 6)
Allied forces CAPTURE Savaii base !!!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 12 destroyed
D4Y Judy: 14 destroyed
H8K Emily: 4 destroyed
G3M Nell: 10 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 10 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 14 destroyed
A6M5 Zeke: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 4 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
288 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Allied ground losses:
217 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Vehicles lost 5

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

Summary of Operations 9/22/43 part deux.

Australia: Several USAAF P-38G fighter squadrons in Australia now upgrading to P-38J's. This upgrade also releases P-38G planes back into the replacement pool for upgrading USAAF P-39 squadrons still on the U.S. west coast.

USAAF heavy bombers hit Jap airfield facilties at Daly Waters. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Daly Waters , at 35,90

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 39
B-17E Fortress x 101
B-24D Liberator x 48

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 49 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 24 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
493 casualties reported
Guns lost 23

Airbase hits 15
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 124

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 12000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 12000 feet

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

Detected status of Jap base in Daly Waters - airfield damage 91, 27 Jap LCU's.

Hudson I recon over Darwin reports fighters on CAP, one Jap TF (+1 from last report), 4 disbanded ships in port (-1 from last report), 14 Jap LCU's (+1 from last report).

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting 4 Jap LCU's.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting A6M5 fighters on CAP, 7 Jap LCU's.


India/Burma: No Jap recon flights.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 1 Jap TF, 364 aircraft (164 fighters, 20 bombers), 8 Jap LCU's, resource production 83(18), heavy industry 59(134).

USAAF and RAF Liberators bomb Jap airfield facilities in Mandalay. AAR follows. Pillager is launching Jap air attacks from Mandalay airbase against Chinese ground forces and bases in southern China.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 8

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 73
B-24D Liberator x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 5 damaged
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 4 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
5 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 15000 feet
5 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 15000 feet

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

Detected status of Jap base in Mandalay - airfield damage 7, 45 aircraft (13 fighters), 3 Jap LCU's.


China: Jap recon flights over Tuyun, Chungking, Kweiyang. AAR's of latest Jap air attacks follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tsuyung , at 37,31

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 3
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 11

No Japanese losses

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-61-Ib Tony bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 62nd Chinese Corps, at 41,35 (Tuyun)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 23

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet

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


AAR of latest attacks by Japanese ground forces follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tuyun

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 173104 troops, 697 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3385
3rd, 6th, 13th, 34th, 41st, 104th, 110th & 116th Infantry Divisions; 1 Yobi Ebi Rgt,
1 Independent Bde; 2, 8, 19, 20 & 27 Engineer Rgts; 2 Mountain Gun Rgt, 2 RF Gun Bn
Defending force 64498 troops, 96 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1880
3rd New, 36th, 37th, 46th, 52nd, 60th, 62nd, 64th, 65th, 74th, 79th & 99th Chinese Corps;
71st Chinese Division; 27th Chinese Guerilla Corps; HQ 1st, 2nd, 16th & 20th Group Armies

Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,33

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22040 troops, 105 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 501
39th Infantry Division
Defending force 49805 troops, 293 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 836
12th, 40th, 42nd & 76th Chinese Corps, GMT Provisional Artillery

Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 42,36

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 41381 troops, 180 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 866
22nd & 51st Infantry Divisions
Defending force 16775 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 307
32nd & 78th Chinese Corps

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 40,35

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 7049 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 171
5 Independent Brigade
Defending force 16746 troops, 60 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 389
31st Chinese Corps, 6th Chinese Cavalry Corps, HQ 11 Group Army

Following Gemini attentively, pity about the brave CVE's and i feel your pain after Local Yokel handed a similar spanking to me by Efate. Press on the attack!

I like the style you adopt in your AAR, the only combat report AAR i read!