2-4 March 1943: USAAF aircraft and PT boats wreaked havoc on a Japanese convoy in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea.

Japanese losses were heavy: all eight troop transports were sunk as well as four of eight destroyers. Only 1,200 troops made it ashore. Some 2,700 were rescued by destroyers and submarines and returned to Rabaul. In all, nearly 3,000 were killed. In addition, 20 fighter planes were shot down.

Allied losses were two bombers and four fighters. Thirteen men were killed.

For details, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Bismarck_Sea

ILLUSTRATIONS: (1) 3d Attack Group B-25s and an RAAF Beaufighter attack ships in the Bismarck Sea. (2) A 345th BG B-25J attacks a Japanese destroyer. (3) B-25Js of the 399th BS, 345th BG attack Japanese transports in the Bismarck Sea. (4) A 312th BG A-20G attacks a troop transport. (5) An 80th FS, 8th FG P-38F scores hits on a Zero over Papua New Guinea during the Battle of the Bismarck Sea.