Japanese aircraft attacked US naval force near Solomon Islands according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 27 February 1942

An item reported that Japanese heavy bombers attacked on 20 February without success an US Naval force north of the Solomon Islands even loosing 16-17 aircraft. The American ships keep undamaged although 2 planes and a pilot were lost. According to the J.I.C. was this the attack reported from New Caledonia on 24 February No. 76.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. MR0423. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary No. 79 dated 27 February 1942