Forward: This study, prepared by Maj. Harris G. Warren of the Combat Operational History Division, AAF Historical Office, analyzes in considerable detail the air action carried out by AAF units in the Bismarck Archipelago area from November 1943 to March 1944, thus supplementing other narratives in the AAF Historical Series which deal with the operations of the Thirteenth Air Force in the Solomons and the Fifth Air Force in New Guinea. The campaign here described had in itself considerable strategic significance in that it covered the flank of important westward operations in New Guinea, Helped to make possible the by-passing of Rabaul and Kavieng, and afforded positions in the Admiralty Islands which were used as major staging bases for the later invasion of the Philippines.

"83 p. text and app. Typescript." - From old catalog card. TRANSFER TO ARCHIVE COLLECTIONS

I. The Military Situation and Plans for Operation Dexterity II. Pre-Invasion Bombardment and Arawe Diversion III. Conquest of New Britain from Cape Gloucester to Talasea IV. Conquest of the Admiralty Islands Glossary Notes Bibliographical note Appendixes 1 - 10 Index