March 30, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

MONDAY, 30 MARCH 1942

Joint Chiefs of Staff: Directives are drafted for General Douglas MacArthur as Supreme Commander, South West Pacific Area (SWPA), and for Admiral Chester W. Nimitz as CINCPOA, for submission to Allied governments concerned. SWPA is to include Australia, Philippines, New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, Solomons, and most of NEI. As Supreme Commander of SWPA, Gen MacArthur is to maintain positions in Philippines and bases in Australia; guard approaches to SWPA; halt enemy's advance on Australia; protect communications within theater; support POA forces; and be prepared to take the offensive. POA comprises N, Central, and S Pacific, all under over-all command of Adm Nimitz, and the first two under his direct command. As CINCPOA, Adm Nimitz is to maintain communications between U.S. and SWPA; support operations in SWPA; and be prepared to take offensive action. In addition to SWPA and POA, Pacific Theater is to include Southeast Pacific Area--ocean stretches W of Central and South America. Pacific War Council is established in Washington.

Washington D.C.: The Inter-American Defense Board holds its first meeting in Washington. The Pacific War Council representing United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, and China is established in Washington, D.C., to plan war policy.

Burma: Ch 200th Div withdraws from Toungoo under pressure. On Irrawaddy front, Burma I Corps TF falls back to Prome from Paungde area, leaving vehicles behind at Shwedaung. During night 30-31, Japanese attack Ind 63d Brig at Prome and soon breach defenses, exposing right flank of Ind 17th Div.

U.S. Navy: Submarine Tambor (SS-198) damages Japanese transport Tatsuho Maru off Brown Atoll, 13°00'N, 157°30'E.

Destroyer Phelps (DD-360) undergoing repairs in drydock at Pearl Harbor Navy Yard is damaged when a railroad crane falls into the drydock.

Submarine Sturgeon (SS-187) sinks Japanese transport Choko Maru off Makassar City, Celebes, N.E.I., 05°39'S, 119°00'E.

IJN: Japanese warships enter Shortland Harbor and two platoons of Special Naval Landing Force (SNLF) occupy the Shortland Islands.