13 July 1942
Palmyra liberated, IJA invasion of Oahu collapsing
Luzon Strait
USS Spearfish attacked an enemy cargo ship on the surface, scoring 2 torpedo hits and a few gun hits as well, sinking it.
Sumatra
3 light cruisers and 3 destroyers shelled Palembang, apparently having made it through the minefield. Nells and Sallies escorted by Oscars hit Palembang, causing minimal damage on the ground. 3 Australian P-40s were shot down attempting to intercept. 3 Oscars, a Nell, and a Sally were shot down by the CAP.
Hawaii and Line Islands
I ordered another real attack on Palmyra overnight, and it was successful today. The Japanese fought to the last man, but they were so beaten down by that point their resistance didn't amount to much, 1200 to 54 for casualties. Palmyra is ours again. Destroyed units:
23rd Fld AA Gun Co
12th Air Defense AA Battalion
38th Road Const Co
5th JNAF AF Unit
47th Nav Gd /1
(plus whatever tank unit was there earlier, was apparently already wiped out)
On Oahu, we're keeping the pressure on. Casualties were 1245 to 110 favoring us. It's only going to keep getting worse for them. We estimate the enemy has 15,000 troops left on Oahu.
China
I rested some bombers so my P-40s could sweep Chengchow (even though it's my own base, the enemy is starting to control the skies there). Overall, they lost 3 Zeroes and an Oscar, we lost 3 Lancers and a P-40.
E. Australia
Our ASW patrols connected with an enemy sub for a solid pattern hit. Didn't sink it though, probably crippled and returning to base.
Reinforcements
SC-518 arrives at Seattle
SC-522 arrives at Los Angeles
No.9 Sqn RNZAF arrives at Noumea (2/12 Hudson bombers, partially restricted, brought to full strength with reserves and set to pilot training)
7th BG/22nd BS arrives at Aden (American unit, 11/13 B-25, unrestricted--going to China via India)
34th Aviation Base Force arrives at San Francisco (unrestricted, full strength)
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