The period 4 August to 15 September spent operating with TU 61.1.3 during assault and occupation of Guadalcanal and Tulagi Islands, Solomon Islands. The designation of the force reverted to TF 18 on 14 August. The longest period the ship had been continuously underway was during these operations, 42 days (23 July to 3 September), and only broken on entering Nouméa, New Caledonia for Tender availability, 3 September to 8 September. The Wasp was torpedoed by submarine 15 September while the Farenholt was recovering intelligence data from the bodies and wreckage of a downed Japanese snooper (destroyed by fighters). Wasp later was sunk by torpedoes from our own ships after fires were beyond control. The Farenholt recovered 10 Officers and 133 enlisted men survivors including CTF 18 and the Commanding Officer. The remaining ships entered Espiritu Santo 16 September to transfer survivors. Departed 17 September and joined TG 17.4 as the screen of TF 17 in the Coral Sea. Farenholt and Lardner detached 23 September and arrived Nouméa 25 September.
Reported to TG 62.6 as ComScreen, departed Nouméa 27 September and arrived Funafuti Atoll 2 October with the transports carrying occupation troops. This ship patrolled inside atoll during the landing. Operations completed 3 October, Espiritu Santo entered 2 October. Underway 7 October with TG 64.2 (San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Helena, Farenholt, Buchanan, Laffey with Boise, Duncan and McCalla joining later) to take station within striking distance of Japanese shipping approaching Guadalcanal.
No shipping reported within striking distance until 11 October when 2 cruisers and 6 destroyers were reported coming down “the Slot.” Approach of our force was made west of Guadalcanal and Savo Island. Contact on the enemy force was made at 2340 (11 October) and fire opened on the surprised enemy at 2345. This ship’s target was enemy cruiser. Extensive damage suffered by 4 shell hits after firing of first salvo. Power lost to all forward stations, forward fireroom, plotting room, ship’s office and sick bay damaged and flooded. Three personnel killed, four seriously injured, and thirty-nine injured to varying degrees. The torpedo tube had become jammed and unable to fire but the 5", 1.1" and 20mm batteries returned fire (5" in local control) and scored hits on a cruiser and destroyer, both of which were seen to sink under combined fire of our own force. After being hit, speed was reduced to 5 knots to effect damage control and repairs. Efforts to prevent flooding were ineffective (only 2 handy billies obtainable when fitting out); so damaged compartments were closed off and bulkheads in adjacent compartments shored and messing compartment A-205-L de-watered by bucket brigade. Jury power leads were rigged to bridge steering, signal lamps, and radio and magnetic compass used in steering. Speed was increased to 20 knots and the ship proceeding independently to Espiritu Santo, arriving 13 October. The ship went alongside the Manley, which rendered every possible service with the means available. The flooded compartments were de-watered by submersible pumps borrowed from the Manley. Wounded were transferred to the Solace. On the night of 13 October a submarine shelled the airfield on Espiritu Santo Island while this ship was in the process of transferring ammunition and torpedoes to other ships in the squadron on 14 October. CDS 12 shifted pennant to Aaron Ward.
The Curtis welded temporary patches over the damaged hull plating and on 15 October this ship with Salt Lake City and Boise departed for Nouméa, New Caledonia. During the period 17 October to 21 October the ship was alongside the Whitney undergoing further survey of damage, repairs, and preservation of damaged equipment. This ship with the Salt Lake City left Nouméa 21 October and via Pago Pago, Samoa Islands, arrived Pearl Harbor, T.H. November 1. During the period 1 November 1942 to 5 February 1943 the ship was being repaired by the Navy Yard, Pearl Harbor.
On Completion of repairs, 5 February 1943, the ship operated near Oahu conducting gunnery, torpedo and ASW training exercises. As escort for the Altamaha, the ship left the Hawaii area 19 February and arrived Xandi, Fiji Islands 28 February. Underway 1 March with the Lackawanna, Havannah Harbor. Éfaté was reached 2 March and steaming with the Aaron Ward, this ship entered Espiritu Santo 3 March. Patrolled off Espiritu Santo 3 March to 15 March. On 16 March CDS 12 shifted pennant to Farenholt. Operated with TF 15 during training period 17–21 March. With Lardner rendezvoused with TG 11.6 southeast San Cristobal Island, Solomon Islands on 23 March. Detached and returned to Espiritu Santo 26 March. 27 March to 2 April operated near Espiritu Santo. Farenholt and Woodworth escorted Tappahannock to Tulagi, Solomon Islands arriving 5 April. Patrolled off Lunga Point, Guadalcanal 6 April and during the night fired 40 rounds 5" at enemy bomber illuminated by shore-based searchlights. One plane possibly destroyed. On the afternoon of 7 April all shipping was dispersed due to air-alert. This ship with Woodworth and Sterett were escorting the Tappahannock plus five cargo ships through Sealark Channel and to the eastward. At 1518 when in the vicinity of Rua Sura two groups of dive bombers, 7 planes in each group, attacked. Three near misses were made on this ship and one man slightly wounded. This ship shot down one plane. Remained with convoy until sunrise 8 April then steamed at 30 knots to arrive at Espiritu Santo at sunset for logistics. Underway at sunrise 9 April, rendezvoused and reported to CTF 15 at a position south of Guadalcanal Island. TF 15 returned to Espiritu Santo 11 April. Operated from Espiritu Santo 12–30 April conducting various flight and gunnery training exercises. On 30 April escorted TU 32.4.9 to Port Purvis, Florida Island, Solomon Islands, Arriving there 2 May. Escorted TU 32.4.11 to Espiritu Santo, arriving there 5 May. Underway 6 May and anchored Undine Bay, Éfaté, New Hebrides, 7 May. Underway 9 May with TU 32.4.1, and arrived Guadalcanal area 11 May and departed the same day. The unit was attacked at 1227 by a single Japanese bomber in position Lat. 11-03S Long. 164-30E. Expended 60 rounds 5". Three bombs were dropped without damage to any ships. One man on board received minor shrapnel wound. This ship detached and joined escort of TU 32.4.4. and arrived Tulagi Harbor, Florida Island on 16 May. Joined TU 32.4.18 as escort to Nouméa, New Caledonia, arriving 23 May. Conducted underway training exercises to 5 June. Underway 7 June with TU 32.8.2 and arrived Guadalcanal 11 June. Several bogey contacts and flares were dropped during the night during approach to Guadalcanal but no attack developed. Patrolled off Koli Point, Guadalcanal until 13 June then departed with TU 32.8.2 to arrive Vila Harbor, Éfaté on June 16. Patrolled off Vila Harbor and conducted simulated shore bombardment exercises until 26 June when TU 32.8.2 was escorted to Guadalcanal, arriving there 29 June.
Approached Rendova Island, New Georgia Group during night and supported troop landings there during 30 June. Fired on shore batteries sporadically from 0706 to 1455 when transports completed unloading and commenced retirement. Approximately 250 rounds 5" expended without casualty. At 1550 attacked by 24 torpedo planes. One torpedo passed close ahead, one torpedo close astern, and one dud hit on port bow. Expended 234 rounds 5", 300 rounds 40mm and approximately 1000 rounds 20mm in this action. Credit was received for downing 3 planes and a possible fourth. Two men received minor injuries. CTF 31 and members of his staff transferred to this ship, when the McCawley was damaged, for transportation to Koli Point. Arrived Tulagi Harbor 1 July and escorted 31.3.6 to Rendova.
Made sound contact and dropped depth charges at 0247, July 2 with no observed results. Returned to Tulagi Harbor 3 July. On 5 July underway to join TU 31.9.3 as return escort to Guadalcanal. On 6 July joined TU 31.9.2 enroute to Rendova. Small bomb hit off starboard bow with no damage while forming unit at sunset July 6 to return to Guadalcanal. At 2158 obtained submarine contact; dropped depth charges but no results observed. Arrived Tulagi Harbor at sunset July 7. Underway July 8 with TU 31.2.1 and proceed to Rendova. Arrived off Munda Point at 0520 July 9 and commenced bombardment; target area for this ship was Baangaa Island and coast area north of Munda airfield. At 0612 completed firing having expended 800 rounds 5" without casualty. Returned to Tulagi same day for logistics. Underway for Rendova area 11 July with TU 36.9.2. Arrived off Munda Point at 0250, July 12. At 0257 cruisers of TG 36.9 commenced bombardment of Munda Point and airfield area. At 0321 Farenholt and Buchanan commenced firing on reverse slope of Kokengolo Hill, hitting an ammunition dump, and on beach area west of airfield. This ship expended 560 rounds 5" ammunition without material casualty but with some fatigue in ammunition handling details. At 0400 ceased firing. Spotting conducted by black-cat. Returned to Tulagi Harbor same day for logistics. This completed 13 days of active operations for this ship in supporting the operations on New Georgia.
Underway 14 July with TG 36.1 and arrived Espiritu Santo 16 July for availability alongside Dixie. Lt. Comdr. A.G. Beckmann, USN, relieved Comdr. E.T. Seaward, USN, as Commanding Officer on 17 July. Underway 28 July and escorted TU 32.4.7 to Guadalcanal, Arriving 30 July, and joined screen off Koli and Lunga Points. On 31 July departed this area with TU 32.4.7 and arrived Nouméa, New Caledonia 4 August. Escorted TU 34.5.7 to Havannah Harbor, Éfaté 9 August. Conducted training exercises here 10 to 18 August. Arrived Nouméa, New Caledonia 19 August and arrived Espiritu Santo 20 August with 32.4.9. Conducted various training exercises with TF 37 until 6 September. Escorted TU 32.4.6 to Guadalcanal, arriving 8 September and anchoring in Purvis Bay. Made an unsuccessful sweep up “the Slot” on the night of 12 September with TG 31.2. Underway 16 September and patrolled off Koli Point. Departed with TG 31.6 September 17 and arrived with troops and supplies off Vella Lavella at sunrise 18 September. Departed at sunset and arrived Purvis Bay 19 September. Made sweeps for enemy barges in the waters around Kolombangara Island on the nights of 21–22 September. Departed Guadalcanal area with TU 32.4.6 on 25 September and arrived Espiritu Santo 27 September. From 28 September to 15 October underwent availability alongside Whitney and underway training exercises conducted. Departed with Montpelier and arrived Sydney, Australia, via Nouméa, New Caledonia 19 October for recreation purposes. Departed Sydney 25 October and arrived Purvis Bay, Guadalcanal, via Nouméa, on 29 October. Departed Purvis Bay October 30 and reported to CTF 38 for duty in screen of the Carrier striking force. TF 38 operated northeast of Bougainville Island giving air support to our landings on that island. Carrier based strikes were made on Buka and Rabaul on 1–2 November. TF 38 changed operating area to southeast New Britain and planes made a highly successful attack on shipping in Rabaul Harbor 5 November. Another, but less successful attack was made on Rabaul 6 November. The force completed operations and arrived Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides on 8 November for logistics. On 9 November put to sea again and continued operations in an area northeast of Bougainville. Returned to Espiritu Santo 14 November. No attack on TF 38 ever developed while operating with it during this period. On 15 November DesRon #12 (less McCalla and Grayson) reported to CTG 36.1 as screen for cruiser striking force (CruDiv 9) departing Espiritu Santo this date and arriving Purvis Bay, Florida Island), Solomon Islands, on 16 November. TG 36.1 supported operations on Bougainville Island for a period 18 November to 25 November, operating to south and west of that island. DesRon #12 operated independently for a period 25–30 November west of Torokina, Bougainville Island as support force for the supply echelons to Empress Augusta Bay. Hathorn Sound, New Georgia was used as refueling station. During these operations the force was attacked once by surprise (28 November) by a single Val which dropped one bomb close astern of the Farenholt; no damage to ship or plane. Entered Purvis Bay, Florida Island, 30 November. Underway from Purvis Bay 4 December. Bombarded west cape, northwest coast of Choiseul Island, Solomon Islands from 0900–1145, 5 December with Lardner and Lansdowne. Expended 1069 rounds 5" without casualty at bivouac and supply area with PB2Y spotting. On 6 December returned to Purvis Bay for logistics. On 13 December departed for Espiritu Santo with other units of TG 36.1 for tender availability and training. Departed from Espiritu Santo 25 December with TF 38 (new designation changed from TG 36.11, fueled at Purvis Bay 26 December and bombarded Kieta-Numa Numa area on east coast of Bougainville Island 27 December from 1615–1803. Expended 569 rounds 5" without casualty at Kwini Point (designated target area) and at a small schooner aground on outer reef. Retired north of Buka Island during night and was detached from screen of TF 38 morning of 28 December to refuel in Blanch[e] Harbor, Treasury Islands. DesRon 12 made sweep to northwest of Buka Island during night and entered Hathorn Sound, New Georgia afternoon of 29 December for fuel. Underway 31 December and proceeded to west of Torokina to cover fifteenth echelon approaching Empress Augusta Bay, Bougainville Island.
On 6 January DesRon 12 retired to Purvis Bay, Tulagi to join the other units of TF 38. Underway 8 January from Purvis Bay for Shortland-Faisi area. At 2137, 8 January commenced bombardment, target for this ship being Poporang, Shortland Islands. A total of 587 rounds of 5" were expended without material casualty. TF 38, after completion of bombardment, proceeding to an area westward of Bougainville Island and covered the 17th echelon to Torokina. The units of DesRon 12 were detached from TF 38 on 10 January and from then to 16 January operated on the Rabaul-Bougainville line and Shortland-Choiseul line in search of barges or other surface craft. Blanch[e] Harbor, Treasury Islands and Hathorn Sound, New Georgia were used for fueling stations. At dawn 13 January the Farenholt, Lansdowne. Buchanan and Woodworth conducted a bombardment on the northeast coast of Bougainville Island. Target for this ship was an area on each side of the mouth of the Baniu River, Cimputs Bay. Total ammunition expended was 393 rounds of 5". Due to heavy seas encountered on making approach #1 mount had difficulty with projectile hoist, consequently missing just 20 salvos before trouble was corrected. Entered Purvis Bay 16 January for logistics and further orders. Underway from Purvis Bay 21 January. Conducted barge hunts on nights of 22 and 23 January and then joined screen of 21st. Echelon enroute to Torokina, Bougainville. On 27 January detached from 21st. echelon and rejoined TF 38 at Purvis Bay. Proceeded to Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides for tender availability, conducting training exercises enroute. On 2 February Commander A.G. Beckmann, USN, was relieved as commanding officer by Lt. Comdr. K.S. Shook, USN. On 10 February completed upkeep and training period and departed Espiritu Santo for Purvis Bay, Florida Island arriving 11 February. 13 February departed Purvia Bay and proceeded to area southeast of Buka to cover our force’s landing on Green Island. At sunset 14 February TF 38 underwent air attack by 6 dive bombing Vals which scored a hit on the St. Louis. On contact with enemy planes during most of the night this ship was credited with shooting down one plane, and other ships in the formation shooting down another plane, both possibly float planes. On 16 February TF 38 (less St. Louis and Woodworth) entered Hathorn Sound, New Georgia for fuel and conference in preparation for prospective bombardment of Rabaul by DesRon 12 on 17 February. Farenholt, Lardner, Lansdowne, and Buchanan departed for Rabaul. Woodworth joined formation before entering St. George’s Channel. At 2100 on 17th entered St. George’s Channel, final approach being made at 30 knots, and conducted anti-shipping sweep to westward of Duke of York Islands. At 0107, 18 February commenced the bombardment of the Rabaul area. No surface contacts had been made; the plane spotter was in position; and speed was reduced to 20 knots. The first objective for this ship was to conduct counter-battery fire. Flashes from what later was found to be a ship were used as a point of aim, but these ceased after several of our salvos landed very close. Fire was shifted to cover an area along Vunapope bivouac and supply area, and torpedoes were fired into Karavia Bay. Plane photos later showed 2 AKs in this area to have been sunk. This ship kept Cape Gazelle and its shore batteries well covered with salvos during our approach and retirement through that area. At 0159 ceased firing, having expended 725 rounds of 5". Bloomer of gun #4 caught fire and gun #1 had misfire, cleared by short powder case. Retired through St. George’s Channel at 30 knots, made one contact with unidentified plane before sunrise and arrived Hathorn Sound in afternoon for logistics. Arrived Purvis Bay 19 February for further orders.
On 21 February DesRon 12 departed Purvis Bay for Truk-Kavieng line. (Farenholt, Woodworth, Buchanan, Lansdowne, Lardner). On 23 February fueled from Kankakee. On 23–24 February conducted anti-shipping sweep of route between Kavieng, New Ireland and Truk. At 0021, 24 February the group was attacked by an unidentified aircraft strongly believed to be friendly but which dropped his bombs near Buchanan. All ships in the group fired on it without results. The attack was not pressed further. An anti-shipping sweep was made around the islands of Emirau and Massau on the late afternoon of 24 February with negative results. At 0055 a large Japanese cargo vessel was contacted and fired on by the group and later sunk by the Lardner and Lansdowne. At 0602, 25 February the group commenced its approach to Kavieng, making smoke when near position.
At 0637 fire was commenced on bombardment targets assigned by ComDesRon 12. This ship’s fire covered an area on the northern shore of North Cape. Upon completion of this phase this ship commenced counter battery fire while the Woodworth and Buchanan successfully fired at shipping in the harbor. At the beginning of this phase, shore batteries returned a large volume of fire, salvos being on in deflection but from 100 to 1000 yards out in range. The Farenholt and Buchanan were hit simultaneously and in almost the identical location, each by a 6" shell. The hit on the Farenholt, amidships (frame 107) starboard, at the waterline was about two feet square and caused flooding of the after fireroom when fishtailing was begun. The engineers successfully cross-connected the plant and maintained steam pressure. Control of the ship or power were never lost and the guns maintained firing, silencing at least two batteries after being hit. This ship did not carry out phase III in which it was to fire at shipping, but withdrew beyond firing range and made temporary repairs and stopped flooding. Expended 480 rounds of 5". Three ships were left burning in the harbor and at 0745 a search was made toward Steffan Straits and Isabel Pass. At 0826 retirement was made from the bombardment area to Purvis Bay westward of Bougainville Island and down “the Slot.” DesRon 12 shifted pennant to Buchanan and after temporary repairs to the hull by the Whitney, Farenholt was sent to Mare Island via Samoa and Pearl Harbor. This ended 11 months fully active duty in the South Pacific and 21 months outside the continental limits for the ship. The period 20 March to 22 May was spent in Mare Island undergoing extensive overhaul and repairs. The period 22–28 May was spent in the San Francisco area conducting various calibration exercises and post-repair trials. ComDesRon 12 shifted pennant to Farenholt.
During the period 29 May t o 12 June, the ship was in the San Diego area conducting the various training exercises instituted by COPCPAC. The ship reached San Francisco again 14 June and departed there 16 June, arriving Pearl Harbor, T.H. 21 June. The period 21 June to 1 July was spent conducting gunnery exercises of all types. The shore bombardment training program was completed with a grade of “A” for the ship. Departure from Pearl Harbor was on 2 July, rendezvous with TG 12.3 made enroute and arrived Eniwetok, Marshall Islands, 9 July. Reported Lo CTG 53.2 for duty. TG 53.2 departed Eniwetok 17 July and arrived Guam 21 July to participate in assault and landings. This ship screened in the transport area off Agat Beach, Guam, during landing operations. ComDesRon 12 was ComScreen of the southern screen. This ship remained in the screen off Guam from 22 July to 10 August. The time passed uneventfully except for hunter-killer operations conducted on 29–31 July with negative results.
On 8 August this ship reported to CTU 53.5.3 (fire support group) off Ritidian Point, Guam, but no call for fire support was received prior to the departure of the group for Eniwetok on 10 August. On arrival there 13 August this ship reported to CTF 58 (later changed to 38) for duty and was assigned to TG 38.1. TG38.1 sortied 29 August, conducted training exercises until 3 September, then carried out air strikes on the Palau Islands on 6, 7 and 8 September. On 9, 10, 12, 13 September, air strikes were made on the Mindanao-Cebu-Negros area. On 14 September the Farenholt, McCalla and Grayson were temporarily detached to destroy a radar station on Cape San Augustine, Mindanao. This ship expended 100 rounds 5" at what was estimated from the aerial photos available to be the target. Two to four hits were obtained, hut complete destruction of the building not accomplished. Fighter plane spotted; poor results at first due to lack of trained spotter, but greatly improved on later salvos and when the other ships fired. Several fires started by Grayson and McCalla and by strafing planes on other buildings in the area. This was perhaps the first bombardment of the Philippines by our surface ships in this war. The group rejoined TG 38.1 later in the day. On 15 September TG 38.1 supported the landing operation on Morotai Island. On 16–18 September TG 38.1 supported the landing operation then in progress on Palau Islands. After fueling, 19 September, the TG commenced approach to Luzon. A casualty occurred to number 2 boiler causing reduction in speed and necessitating retubing. On 21 September first air strikes were made on Manila Bay and surrounding areas on Luzon. Strikes continued on 22nd, during the day several single Japanese planes attempted runs on the formation, this ship expending 57 rounds 5" at one with negative results. On the 24th air strikes were made on the Cebu-Negros area and on completion of these the force departed this area for Manus, Admiralty Islands. Arrived Seeadler Harbor, Manus, on 28 September, this ship going alongside Sierra for repairs to boiler. ComDesRon 12 shifted pennant to McCalla 2 October on departure of TG 35.1 for sea. This ship departed Manus 13 October on completion of repairs, with TU30.8.3. Rendezvoused with TF 38, 21 October and this ship rejoined TG 38.1. On 24 October this ship, with other units of DesRon 12, was detached from TG 38.1 and reported to CTG 30.3 as screen for Canberra and Houston retiring from the Formosa area. This group arrived Ulithi Atoll 27 October and DesRon 12 ships reported to CTF 57 (later changed to 94) for duty. CDS12 shifted pennant to Farenholt. CDS12 assumed command of Western Carolines Patrol and Escort Group (TG94.6) with the Farenholt as station ship at Ulithi. On 11 November became station ship at Kossol Passage, Palau Islands. On 19 November sub sighted at west entrance. Got underway to investigate. Sub was later reported sunk by McCoy Reynolds and Conklin. On 30 November a single Betty flew over and dropped one bomb near one of the ARDs. Farenholt screened other ships underway and outside east entrance until attack over. On 16 December Commander K.S. Shook, USN, relieved as Commanding Officer by Lt. Comdr. B. Magoffin, III, USN.
On 12 January at 0801 a periscope was sighted 1000 yards on the starboard bow of the ship and LST 225 opened fire on it when the conning tower became visible. A large explosion resulted and parts of a midget Japanese submarine were recovered on the deck of the LST. This ship got underway and after investigating numerous reported contacts within the harbor finally anchored again at 1343. At 1419 another periscope was sighted by the Farenholt 1000 yards on the starboard bow making high speed. This ship got underway again after alerting the harbor, and PC 1587 made contact. This contact was tracked under and around two merchant ships anchored near the eastern entrance. Contact was lost and not regained. This ship anchored again at sunset (12th). Conditions remained normal at Kossol Passage for the Farenholt as station ship until CDS12 shifted pennant to the Woodworth on 17 January. A convoy was escorted to Peleliu on the 17th and another convoy escorted to Ulithi on 18 January. On arrival Ulithi (22 January) tender availability to make additional repairs to 82 boiler was obtained. However, no tubes were available, so, after a routine docking in ARD 23 the ship returned to Kossol Passage, escorting convoy enroute, arriving there 26 January. Escorted a Leyte, P. I. convoy to rendezvous with its seventh fleet escorts on 28 January. Returned to Kossol Passage 30 January. On 31 January relieved Lardner as ComScreen of the Peleliu-Angaur screen. Performed the various routine administrative and operational duties as ComScreen until relieved by the McCalla, 7 February. Returned to Kossol Passage for logistics, and on completion escorted a convoy to Peleliu and resumed duties of ComScreen on 9 February. At sunset 11 February sank floating mine in the patrol station assumed by this ship. On 13 February unsuccessfully attempted to salvage drifting LCW reported by aircraft 40 miles northwest of Peleliu. On 15 February rescued Marine aviator downed 8 miles west of Bokurugeru Pt., Babelthuap Island, Palau Group. Relieved of duties of ComScreen by Jack Miller on 17 February and returned to Kossol. On 18 February escorted Ramson to Ulithi arriving there 20 February 2nd began a period of availability to complete repairs to #2 boiler which were to require more than one month.
This ship considers herself as having the distinction of being the first ship in more missions than most other ships of the Fleet. It was:
(1) First into Funafuti Atoll during its occupation, 2 October, 1942 and conducted soundings for two days.
(2) Leading ship of the column approaching Savo Island when the battle of Cape Esperance occurred, 11–12 October, 1942.
(3) Leading ship entering Blanch[e] Channel in the assault and occupation of Rendova Island, New Georgia Group, 30 June, 1943.
(4) Leading ship on the following bombardment missions:
(a) Munda, New Georgia, 9 July 1943.
(b) Munda, New Georgia, 12 July 1943.
(c) Choiseul Island, Solomon Islands, 5 December 1943.
(d) Numa Numa and Kieta, Bougainville Island, 27 December 1943.
(e) Poporang-Faisi area, Shortland Islands, 8 January 1944.
(f) Northeast coast, Bougainville Island, 13 January 1944.
(g) Rabaul Area, New Britain, 18 February 1944.
(h) Kavieng Area, New Ireland, 25 February 1944.
(i) Cape St. Augustine, Mindanao, P.I., 14 September 1944.
B. Magoffin.
