No. 36 FEBRUARY 1, 1942
The Navy Department issued the following communiqué on the naval situation based on reports received up to noon (e. s. t.) today:
Central Pacific.
A surprise attack has been made upon Japanese naval and air bases in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands. The attack was executed by surface and air units of the United States Pacific Fleet.
In the Marshalls, bases on the Islands of Jaluit, Wotje, Kwajalein, Roi (in the Kwajalein Atoll), and Taroa (in the Maloelap Atoll) were raided.
Makin Island, occupied by the Japanese since December 7, 1941, also was attacked.
Admiral Nimitz reports that while no large enemy combatant vessels were found many enemy fleet auxiliaries were sunk, beached or otherwise damaged extensively.
Japanese military installations on shore were hit hard by naval aviation units and shell fire. Many enemy airplanes were destroyed both on the ground and in the air.
Our naval aircraft struck the enemy positions and ships with bombs, torpedoes and guns.
Our surface ships meanwhile heavily bombarded several of the enemy's key shore positions.
Two of our surface vessels received minor damage from near bomb misses.
Eleven American aircraft failed to return from the attack. Our total personnel losses are not yet known, but are believed to have been slight.
There is nothing to report from other areas.
No. 37 FEBRUARY 3, 1942
The Navy Department issued the following communiqué on the naval situation based on reports up to 5 p. m. (e. s. t.) today:
1. A motor torpedo boat of Admiral Hart's Far Eastern Command is believed to have torpedoed an enemy warship in night action inside Manila Bay. Although under heavy fire of the warship's guns and in the full glare of her searchlights, the motor torpedo boat managed to fire two torpedoes and to survive the action without being hit.
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2. A naval battalion composed of bluejackets and marines has been organized and is fighting on Bataan Peninsula with General MacArthur's command.
3. The U. S. S. Neches, a naval tanker, has been torpedoed and sunk by an enemy submarine. One hundred and twenty-six members of the crew have reached port safely. Fifty-six men are as yet unaccounted for.
No. 38 FEBRUARY 7, 1942
The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué, outlining the naval situation as of noon (e. s. t.) February 7, 1942:
Far East.
The following new naval commands have been established to take effect immediately:
1. Forces which formerly constituted the Asiatic Fleet are now known as the U. S. Naval Forces, Southwest Pacific. Vice Admiral William A. Glassford, Jr., U. S. Navy, commands these forces.
2. Admiral Thomas C. Hart is Commander of the combined Naval forces in the ABDA (American-British-Dutch-Australian) Area.
3. Combined Naval Forces of the Australian-New Zealand Area have been established with Vice Admiral Herbert F. Leary, U. S. Navy, in command. His title is Commander Anzac Forces.
Atlantic Area.
Axis submarines continue to operate over a wide area in the Atlantic Ocean, including the coastal waters of the United States. Their attacks on Allied merchant shipping are being combated vigorously with increasing success by our forces.
No. 39 FEBRUARY 12, 1942
(For release morning papers, Friday, February 13, 1942)
The Navy Department issued the following communiqué today:
Central Pacific.
On February 1, 1942, the Navy Department announced that units of the United States Pacific Fleet had made surprise attacks on Japanese naval and air bases in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands. The results of these attacks are now available.
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On January 31, 1942, Vice Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., in command of a well-balanced force of aircraft carriers, cruisers and destroyers raided the Japanese strongholds on Roi, Kwajalein, Wotje, Taroa, and Jaluit Islands of the Marshall group and Makin Island in the Gilbert group.
The results of these separate actions follow:
Roi Island.
On this island of the Kwajalein Atoll a well-equipped air base was located with 12 fighter planes and several bombers. Two hangars, an ammunition dump, all fuel storage, all other storage and warehouses, a radio building, and 3 fighter planes and 6 scout bombers in the air, in addition to 1 bomber on the ground, were destroyed.
Kwajalein Island.
At this anchorage 10 surface ships, 5 submarines and a seaplane base were located. Our attacking forces destroyed 1 converted 17,000-ton aircraft carrier of the Yawata class, 11 fight cruiser, 1 destroyer, 3 large fleet tankers, 1 cargo vessel, 2 submarines and 2 large seaplanes. Other enemy vessels were badly damaged.
Our losses in the two above attacks were four scout bombers.
Wotje Atoll.
No planes were found on the Wotje Atoll. There were present, however, 9 vessels of various categories in the harbor. 4 cargo vessels of about 5,000 tons each were destroyed in addition to three smaller ships. The entire shore installation consisting of two hangars, oil and gasoline stowage, shops and storehouses two antiaircraft batteries and 5 coastal guns, was completely destroyed.
There was no damage or loss to our attacking forces.
Taroa Island.
On this island a new, well-equipped airfield was attacked. Two hangars, all fuel tanks, and industrial buildings were destroyed. Seven fighter planes and five scout bombers in the air, plus five fighters and six bombers on the ground were also destroyed.
Our only loss in this attack was one scout bomber. In addition, a U. S. cruiser sustained a hit from one small bomb.
RECAPITULATION
Enemy losses from Admiral Halsey's combined attacks included 1 converted 17,000-ton aircraft carrier of the Yawata class, 1 light cruiser,
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1 destroyer, 3 large fleet tankers, 2 submarines, 5 cargo vessels, and 3 smaller ships while several other ships were badly damaged. Two large seaplanes, 15 fighter planes, 11 scout bombers, and 10 additional bombers seaplanes were also destroyed.
In addition, destruction to enemy shore establishments was as follows:
At Roi-Two hangars, ammunition dumps, fuel stowage, all store
and warehouses, and the radio building.
At Wotje-Entire shore installation-two hangars, oil and gas stowage,
shops and storehouses, two antiaircraft batteries, and five
intermediate coastal guns.
At Taroa-Two hangars, all fuel tanks, and industrial buildings.
The raid of our forces on the Island of Jaluit was conducted in a heavy rainstorm. Our aircraft attacked two enemy auxiliary vessels, badly damaging one of them.
At Makin Island, these forces destroyed two enemy patrol planes and badly damaged one auxiliary vessel. In addition, one enemy patrol plane was destroyed at sea.
There is nothing to report from other areas.
***
CONFIDENTIAL NOTE TO EDITORS
This communiqué in no way changes the 12 noon (e. w. t.) Friday, February 13, release date of the correspondents' stories filed from Honolulu.
No. 40 FEBRUARY 13, 1942
The Navy Department issued the following communiqué based on additional reports of the Marshall and Gilbert islands' action of January 31, 1942.
Central Pacific.
Enemy losses in the naval raid of January 31, 1942, conducted by ships and planes of the U. S. Pacific Fleet against Japanese bases in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands totaled 16 ships and 41 planes.
Our losses totaled 11 scout bombers which failed to return, 4 from the Islands of Roi and Kwajalein, 1 from the Island of Taroa, and 6 from the Islands of Jaluit and Makin.
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In carrying out the raids on the several islands Vice Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., divided his surface and air forces into self-sustaining units. Timing the arrival of each force at its destination perfectly, he was able to carry out simultaneous and highly destructive attacks on each island.
Rear Admiral Frank J. Fletcher, acting under orders of Admiral Halsey, led the forces which made the attacks against the Islands of Jaluit and Makin.
Vice Admiral Halsey has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for planning and conducting these brilliant and audacious attacks on Japanese strongholds and for driving them home with great skill and determination.
Commander Miles R. Browning, Chief of Staff to Admiral Halsey, has been recommended for promotion to captain.
Appropriate rewards to other officers and men may be expected later when all recommendations have been received and acted upon.
There is nothing to report from other areas.
No. 41 FEBRUARY 19, 1942
The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, outlining the naval situation as of noon (e. w. t.) February 19, 1942:
Far East.
A U. S. submarine has sunk a 5,000-ton cargo ship in the East China Sea.
There is nothing to report from other areas.
No. 42 FEBRUARY 21, 1942
The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, outlining the naval situation as of noon (e. w. t.) February 21, 1942:
Far East.
Six U. S. destroyers in company with Dutch warships attacked the Japanese landing force on the Island of Bali and sank two enemy destroyers. Our destroyers suffered only slight damage and minor loss of personnel.
In addition to the naval battalion composed of bluejackets and marines fighting with General MacArthur's command considerable equipment salvaged from Cavite and other sources of naval supply has been used to good advantage in the defense of the Bataan Peninsula.
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Rear Admiral Francis W. Rockwell, U. S. Navy, Commandant of the Sixteenth Naval District, the senior naval officer fighting with General MacArthur, reports that this equipment consists of 3-inch and 4-inch artillery as well as boat guns and machine guns of several types, with grenades, aircraft bombs and ammunition. A large number of hand depth charges have been available.
Stores of gasoline, Diesel oil and lubricating oil were saved and are being used in field operations. Motor launches, tugs and facilities for repair of artillery, tanks, and trucks have been provided in addition to electrical and ordnance supplies.
Personnel of the naval air base organization who were previously employed on Government contracts have constructed and repaired airfields and roads in the fighting area. Such heavy equipment as steam shovels tractors, cranes, trucks and graders have been operated by this organization to useful advantage on Bataan and Corregidor.
There is nothing to report from other areas.
No. 43 FEBRUARY 23, 1942
The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, outlining the naval situation based on reports received up to 8 a. m. (e. w. t.),
February 23, 1942:
Atlantic Area.
The Coast Guard Cutter Alexander Hamilton was torpedoed by an enemy submarine off Iceland. While being towed into port the ship capsized and had to be sunk by gunfire.
Loss of personnel which occurred when the ship was torpedoed was moderate. Next of kin of those lost have been notified.
There is nothing to report from other areas.
No. 44 FEBRUARY 24, 1942
The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, outlining the naval situation based on reports received up to 9:30 a. m. (e. w. t.)
February 24, 1942:
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Atlantic Area.
The U. S. S. Truxtun, a World War destroyer, and the U. S. S. Pollux, a cargo ship, ran aground in foul weather off the coast of Newfoundland and were lost.
Due to the extremely difficult surf caused by the gale raging in the Atlantic and the bitterness of the winter weather loss of life was heavy on both vessels. Heroic efforts to swim lines ashore failed due to the inability to handle them when they became oil soaked.
A breeches buoy was finally rigged to a ledge at sea level, but some of the survivors were washed away before they could be gotten to the top of the cliff that lined the rocky shore.
The Truxtun broke up almost immediately after grounding and soon thereafter the Pollux did likewise.
The survivors owe their rescue in large measure to the tireless, efficient and in many cases heroic action of the people of St. Lawrence, Newfoundland.
The next of kin of those lost in this tragic drama of the sea have been notified.
There is nothing to report from other areas.
No. 45 FEBRUARY 25, 1942
Far East.
The Secretary of the Navy issued the following communiqué, summarizing previously published losses inflicted by U. S. naval forces upon the Japanese Navy and Merchant Marine in the period from December 10, 1941 until February 24, 1942, inclusive. The following information is compiled from Navy Department Communiqués beginning with No. 1 and ending with No. 44, and complements similar information summarizing enemy losses and damage published in recent communiqués of the United States Army.
In accordance with its previously announced policy, the Navy does not indulge in the practice of overstating the losses that we inflict upon the enemy, or of understating the losses inflicted on us. The Navy will report only such facts as can be substantiated. Thus the tabulation of vessels damaged does not include many enemy ships thought to have been damaged, lack of conclusive evidence precluding specific announcements in these instances.
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Submarines known to be sunk include only those sunk during the heroic defense of Wake Island and during the recent raid on the Marshall and Gilbert Islands. In accordance with the established Navy Department policy submarine sinkings are never announced until it is reasonably certain that the enemy has become cognizant of their loss. This explains the time lag in connection with various reports. There is evidence, however, of further sinkings of enemy submarines in Pacific waters, but their announcement will not be made public until full reports have been made to the Navy Department and absolute surety is determined.
Prior to the vicious attack made on the United Nations by the Japanese Empire on December 7, 1941, the pride of the Japanese Merchant Marine consisted of three 17,000-ton luxury ships of the Yawata class. One of these ships is known to have been converted to serve as an aircraft carrier. The United States naval forces have sunk one merchantman of the Yawata class, and one aircraft carrier of the same class, leaving only one such vessel known to be in service with the enemy.
Tabulation follows, by type of vessel:
Battleships..................................... 1 of Kongo class damaged.
Aircraft carriers............................. 1 sunk, 1 believed sunk.
Cruisers......................................... 2 sunk.
Destroyers..................................... 7 sunk, 1 believed sunk.
Submarines.................................... 3 sunk, 1 damaged.
Seaplane tenders............................ 1 believed sunk.
Mine sweepers............................... 1 sunk.
Gunboats....................................... 1 sunk.
Fleet tankers.................................. 3 sunk.
Transports..................................... 13 sunk, 2 believed sunk.
Supply ships and merchantmen........ 16 sunk.
Miscellaneous (type unidentified)..... 6 sunk, 2 believed sunk, 3 damaged.
SUMMARY
Total announced losses inflicted upon the Japanese in the period outlined above are as follows:
Combatant vessels.......................... 5 sunk, 3 believed sunk, 2 damaged.
Noncombatant vessels.................... 38 sunk, 4 believed sunk, 3 damaged.
Total combatant and noncombatant.. 53 sunk, 7 believed sunk, 5 damaged.
Atlantic Area.
During January 1942, 22 ships of the United Nations registry had torpedoes fired at them in waters contiguous to the United States. In
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addition 38 other ships were attacked in the area west of 30° west longitude. One enemy submarine is believed to have been sunk, 3 are believed to have been damaged and 34 additional attacks were inconclusive in evidence of damage.
In February, up to and including the 23d instant, 23 ships of the United Nations have been attacked by enemy submarines in U. S. coastal waters and 31 additional ships in the area west of 30° west longitude. Two enemy submarines are believed to have been sunk and 1 damaged in these areas. In addition, 15 attacks have been made on enemy submarines by our forces with inconclusive results.
There is nothing to report from other areas.
No. 46 February 27, 1942
The Navy Department issued the following communiqué outlining the naval situation based on reports received up to noon (e. w. t.) February 27, 1942.
Far East.
The following submarine commanders have been awarded the Navy Cross in recognition of their especially meritorious conduct during actions with the enemy:
Lt. Comdr. C. C. Smith, U. S. N.
Lt. Comdr. K. C. Hurd, U. S. N.
Lt. Comdr. W. L. Wright, U. S. N.
Lt. Comdr. M. C. Mumma, Jr., U. S. N.
Lt. Comdr. E. B. McKinney, U. S. N.
Lt. J. C. Dempsey, U. S. N.
Lt. W. G. Chapple, U. S. N.
Citations are not yet available as the above awards were made in the sphere of action by the Commander of United States Naval Forces, Southwest Pacific, Vice Admiral William A. Glassford, Jr., U. S. Navy.
There is nothing to report from other areas.
No. 47 FEBRUARY 28, 1942
The Navy Department issued the following communiqué:
The Secretary of the Navy announced today the acceptance, effective March 1, 1942, of the application for retirement of Rear Admiral H. E.
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Kimmel, U. S. N., "without condonation of any offense or prejudice to any future disciplinary action."
The Secretary of the Navy announced at the same time that, based upon the findings of the report of the Roberts Commission he had directed the preparation of charges for the trial by court-martial of Rear Admiral Kimmel, alleging dereliction of duty. The Secretary of the Navy made it clear, however, that the trial upon these charges would not be held until such time as the public interest and safety would permit.
No. 48 FEBRUARY 28, 1942
The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, outlining the Naval situation based on reports received up to 4 p. m. (e. w. t.), February 28, 1942:
Far East.
On February 27 a major action occurred in which combined Dutch, British, Australian, and United States naval forces engaged a much larger enemy force of combatant vessels covering 40 transports attempting a landing on the north coast of Java.
From fragmentary reports received in the Navy Department American naval forces participating in this action consisted of one heavy cruiser and five destroyers.
A landing on Java by the enemy was not effected.
The Japanese heavy cruiser Mogami and three enemy destroyers were put out of action in the attempt. When last seen, enemy transports were retiring to the northward.
None of our vessels suffered heavy damage in the initial phase of this battle for Java, and our forces are still intact despite the overwhelming superiority in numbers of the enemy naval forces.
Further action can be expected from this area.
Reports from U. S. submarines operating in the Far East are as follows:
On February 23 two torpedo hits were effected on one large ship of the enemy.
On February 24 two torpedo hits were effected on one large enemy auxiliary vessel.
On February 25 one torpedo hit was effected on an enemy transport and one torpedo hit on a type unknown.
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In addition, date unknown, one of our submarines registered a torpedo hit on an enemy transport.
All of these ships of the enemy are believed sunk.