Today in World War II History—April 30, 1942
Saturday, April 30, 2022 by Sarah Sundin

Bell P-39Q Airacobra, 1940s (USAAF photo)
80 Years Ago—Apr. 30, 1942: First use of US Bell P-39 Airacobra fighter plane in combat—Australia-based P-39s fly mission to Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea.
USS Peto, the first sub built on the Great Lakes, is launched at Manitowoc, WI.
Japanese secure central Burma.

USS Peto side launching at Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co, Manitowoc, WI, 30 April 1942 (US Navy photo).