Again, the Kuriles

U.S. forces made another jab at Japan's inner defenses this week. The Japs had scarcely sucked in their breaths after the carrier raid on Marcus Island when U.S. bombers hit again, this time in the north, in the Kurile Islands.

The Japs, who have been bombed in the Kuriles within the last two and a half months, were better prepared for this one. Heavy anti-aircraft fire let loose and 25 Jap fighters rose to intercept the U.S. force of Mitchells and Liberators that roared over. In a 50-minute duel over the northernmost Jap base of Paramoshiri ten, possibly 13, of the Japs were shot down.

"Successful" was the Navy's description of the raid. Said the Navy: hits were made on ground installations and three cargo ships; a transport was left afire and sinking, another was damaged. But if Tokyo's report that 18 bombers participated--was correct--the U.S. had paid a high percentage for success. The Navy admitted that four bombers were lost due to enemy action, that six others, "failed to return."

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