March 15, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

SUNDAY, 15 MARCH 1942

AVG: Four P-40s from AVG strafed road target in the area north of Kyaitko. While doing this, six Ki-27s attempted to 'bounce' them, but Bob Moss of the 2nd AVG Squadron was able to engage, claiming one shot down 15 miles south of Nyunglobin (identified by him as a 'Navy 96').

Burma: General Stilwell is notified that Gen Wavell, as Supreme Commander, India, is responsible for operations in Burma.

ALASKA (11th Air Force): XI Interceptor Command is activated at Elmendorf Field under the command of Colonel Norman D. Sillin. Its operational components are the 11th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) and the 18th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor).

SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (SOPAC, 7th Air Force): 67th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 58th Pursuit Group (Interceptor), the first AAF tactical unit in the South Pacific arrives New Caledonia from the US with P-400s.

IJA: Japanese Army emplaced additional artillery along the southern shore of Manila Bay southwest of Ternate and renew intensive bombardment of fortified islands in Manila Bay. Shelling is conducted daily and in great force through March 21, 1942, despite U.S. counterbattery fire. Fort Frank and Fort Drum are hit hard.