During the Battle of Midway, "Shirakumo" was part of "Operation AL" - the diversionary invasion of the Aleutian islands. In July 1942, "Shirakumo" sailed from Amami-Ōshima to Mako Guard District, Singapore, Sabang and Mergui for a projected second Indian Ocean raid. The operation was cancelled due to the Guadalcanal campaign, and "Shirakumo" was ordered to Truk instead. In August, "Shirakumo" was used for “Tokyo Express” high speed transport missions in the Solomon Islands. On 28 August, after having aborted a troop transport mission to Guadalcanal, "Shirakumo" suffered heavy damage in an attack by American dive bombers, and was left dead in the water with a direct hit to her engine room, although only two crewmen were wounded. She was towed by the destroyer , followed by the minelayer to Shortland Island, and by the tanker "Koa Maru" back to Truk for emergency repairs, which enabled her to limp back to Kure by 8 October.