At 5 PM Eastern Time, the 43rd Bomb Group departed from Australia, escorted by two P-38s and two P-40Fs, heading towards Hollandia, New Guinea, to destroy a Japanese factory under construction intended to support its invasion of Australia.
A quarter of the way into the Coral Sea, the bomber pilot lost consciousness (disconnected), but the co-pilot promptly assumed control and kept the aircraft flying. Midway through the Coral Sea, the formation came under attack by two Zeros. One P-38 was downed unexpectedly, but the second P-38 successfully shot down a Zero before being struck by its wreckage. The remaining Zero was pursued and shot down by a P-40F. A third Zero approached but was swiftly destroyed by the B-17E’s tail gunner, with additional support fire from a P-40F.
Once the objective was reached, bombs were dropped, effectively demolishing the factory and all its construction. Three more Zeros attempted to engage the B-17E on its return journey, but all were eliminated, unfortunately this resulted in the loss of a friendly P-40F. The pilot is reported missing in action in New Guinea.
During its return flight, the B-17E encountered a major issue that rendered the pilot unable to maintain the aircraft in flight, prompting all crew members to bail out and be subsequently rescued.
Casualties and Losses:
- x2 Zeros,
- x1 P-40F,
- x2 P-38
