Today in World War II History—Feb. 23, 1942

US B-17 Flying Fortress “Swamp Ghost” undergoing restoration at the Pacific Aviation Museum. (Photo: Sarah Sundin, 7 Nov 2016)

75 Years Ago—Feb. 23, 1942: US Fifth Air Force B-17s, based in Townsville, Australia make first attack on Rabaul; 1 crash-lands in New Guinea swamp—Swamp Ghost now in Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor.

Japanese sub I-17 fires at Bankline Oil Refinery at Ellwood near Santa Barbara CA; little damage; first attack on US mainland in war.

US Army Air Forces approve “winged star” emblem in shape of a V for victory.