Vila Attacked By U.S. Planes, Warships -- This is an aerial view of the Japanese air field at Vila on Kolombangara Island, which was bombed by U.S. planes and shelled by American warships in the early stages of the American offensive in the Central Solomons. A runway can be seen at right center, surrounded by rings of revetments where Japanese planes are hidden in the palms. The expanse of water at upper right is Kula Gulf and the channel below is Blankett Strait. September 27, 1943.