In the first U.S. carrier offensive of the war, air raids are launched on Japanese bases in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands. Japan overruns Dutch East Indies. FDR announces that, by Executive Order, Pacific Coast Japanese Americans will be relocated to internment camps. During the course of the war, over 17,000 Japanese Americans volunteer and fight for the U.S. in Europe. FDR orders MacArthur out of the Philippines.
Japan destroys Dutch-American naval force.
Japan invades New Guinea. MacArthur leaves the Philippines. April American and Filipino forces on Bataan surrender. Approximately 1,000 Americans die during the march. Surprise U.S. air raids on Tokyo led by Lt. Col. James Doolittle.