MAY, 1943

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 361, MAY 1, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 29:

(a) During the evening, a Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bomber bombed Japanese installations at Numa Numa on the northeast coast of Bougainville Island.

(b) During the night, a group of Liberator heavy bombers attacked Kieta on the northern coast of Bougainville Island. Two of the four fires which were started were visible for 50 miles.

2. On April 30:

(a) During the early morning, a group of Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers raided Japanese positions at Kahili in the Shortland Island area. A large fire was started.

(b) Later in the morning, a formation of Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers and, Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers, escorted by Airacobra (Bell P‑39) and Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters, bombed and strafed Japanese installations at Vila in the Central Solomons.

(c) During the evening, Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters strafed the Japanese‑held area at Rekata Bay on the northern coast of Santa Isabel Island.

3. All U. S. planes returned from the above operational missions.

MAY 1, 1943

COAST GUARD CUTTER SINKS GERMAN U‑BOAT

The 165‑foot Coast Guard cutter Icarus, proceeding southward from New York on a routine run, some months ago, sank a German U‑boat and took 33 prisoners, including the submarine's commanding officer.

The cutter was alone, sailing through calm seas just off the Carolina coast, with her skipper, Lt. (now Lieutenant Commander) Maurice D. Jester, USCG, and his executive officer calmly reviewing recent patrol run experiences when the underseas craft was detected. The submarine was dead ahead and about 100 yards distant. General Quarters was sounded, and as the crew ran to battle stations, the Icarus flashed into action.

Speeding forward, she reached the spot over the sub, and dropped a pattern of depth charges. As she turned to come back for another attack, a terrific explosion occurred in the open sea about 200 yards off the port side.

The Icarus crossed the spot where the undersea raider was submerged, dropped another pattern of charges, and followed up with two single charges in quick succession.

Then, as the officers aboard the cutter watched, air bubbles began rising to the surface. Suddenly the crippled U‑boat shot up from below, her bow pointing skyward at a 45‑degree angle. The conning tower burst open, and submarine crew members scrambled onto the deck and made for the deck gun.

The guns of the Icarus immediately opened a withering fire, sweeping the Germans back toward the conning tower. Then, as the sub started to sink, the Germans jumped into the sea. The vessel suddenly plunged beneath the surface, and the engagement was over.

The Icarus then picked up the 33 survivors and brought them into port as prisoners of war.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 362, MAY 2, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 30:

During the morning Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers and Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers, escorted by Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters, attacked Japanese positions at Munda in the Central Solomons.

North Pacific.

2. On April 30, Army Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters carried out two attacks on Japanese installations at Kiska. Hits were scored but bad weather prevented complete observation of results.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 363, MAY 3, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On May 2, during the day, a force of Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers, escorted by Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters, bombed Japanese installations at Munda in the Central Solomons. Hits were scored on the airfield, on the runway and in the revetment areas.

North Pacific.

2. On May 1, formations of Army planes carried out thirteen attacks against Japanese positions at Kiska. Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers, and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters participated in these raids. A heavy explosion was observed in the vicinity of North Head. The runway was damaged, fires were started and heavy smoke was seen in other areas.

3. On the same day, Liberator heavy bombers dropped bombs on the enemy target areas at Holtz Bay and Chichagof Harbor on Attu Island.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 364, MAY 4, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. U. S. forces are established on the Russell Islands, northwest of Guadalcanal Island. These islands were occupied without opposition in February sometime after enemy resistance had ceased on Guadalcanal.

2. On May 2, in the afternoon; Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers, escorted by Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters, bombed Japanese installations at Munda, in the Central Solomons.

3. On May 3, a force of Avengers and Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers, escorted by Wildcat, Warhawk (Curtis P‑40) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters, bombed and strafed Japanese installations at Rekata Bay, on Santa Isabel Island. Defense positions were hit and a large fire was started. All U. S. planes returned.

North Pacific

4. On May 2, formations of Army planes carried out eight attacks against Japanese positions at Kiska. Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers and Warhawk and Lightning fighters participated in these raids. Hits were scored on North and South Heads. At Gertrude Cove fires were started and one building was destroyed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 365, MAY 4, 1943

North Pacific

1. Announcement may now be made of additional details of the surface engagements between a light U. S. patrol force and a Japanese force to the westward of Attu Island on March 20, 1943 (previously reported in Navy Department Communiqué No. 327).

2. The U. S. force, consisting of one heavy cruiser, one light cruiser and four destroyers, was patrolling in the area to the southeast of the Komandorski Islands when contact was made with the enemy shortly after dawn on the 26th. The Japanese force was composed of two heavy cruisers, two light

cruisers, six destroyers and two transports, and was headed eastward toward the Aleutians.

3. Firing was opened at long range and the engagement continued for three and one‑half hours. Hits were scored on both sides. At the start of the engagement the enemy force was to the eastward of the U. S. force, and, in the maneuvering to reverse positions, three of the U. S. destroyers launched a torpedo attack which caused the enemy to break off the engagement and withdraw.

4. Extent of the damage inflicted on the enemy vessels is not definitely known, but shell hits were scored on both of the Japanese heavy cruisers and on one of the light cruisers. At least one torpedo hit was scored on a heavy cruiser. Minor damage was sustained by U. S. vessels and casualties to personnel were extremely light.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 366, MAY 4, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the following results of operations against the enemy in the waters of these areas:

(a) Two destroyers sunk.

(b) One medium‑sized tanker sunk.

(d) One medium‑sized supply ship sunk.

(e) One medium‑sized transport sunk.

(f) One large transport damaged and probably sunk.

2. These actions have not been announced in any previous Navy Department Communiqué.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 367, MAY 5, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On May 4:

(a) During the day, a force of Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) and Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters bombed and strafed Japanese positions at Vangavanga and at Ringi Cove on Kolombangara Island in the Central Solomons. Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers and Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers, with Corsair (Vought F4U) fighter escort, followed the attack with additional bombing and strafing. A fire was started at Vangavanga and smoke was observed in the Ringi Cove area. All U. S. planes returned.

(b) Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers attacked Vila in the Central Solomons and Rekata Bay on Santa Isabel Island, starting a fire at the latter area.

North Pacific.

2. On May 3, formations of Army planes carried out nine attacks against Japanese installations at Kiska. Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk fighters participated in these raids. Three fires were started in the enemy main camp area and hits were observed in other areas. Heavy smoke was seen at North Head.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 368, MAY 6, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On May 4, during the afternoon, Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, supported by Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters, carried out a bombing and strafing attack against Japanese installations on Attu Island. Bomb hits were observed at Holtz Bay, and the Lightnings strafed Chichagof Harbor.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 369, MAY 7, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On May 6, Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters strafed Japanese positions on Vella Lavella Island in the Central Solomons.

2. On May 6, during the morning, a force of Dauntless (Douglas) dive bombers, Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers, and New Zealand Warhawk bombers (Curtiss P‑40), escorted by Corsair and Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters, attacked Japanese installations at Munda, on New Georgia Island in the Central Solomons. Numerous explosions and fires were observed.

Pacific and Far East.

3. A U. S. submarine reported the following results of operations against the enemy during a war patrol in these waters, early this year, under the command of the late Commander Howard W. Gilmore, USN:

(a) One medium‑sized cargo ship sunk.

(b) One gunboat damaged and probably sunk.

4. Commander Gilmore gave his life in the action against the gunboat listed above. As he lay on the bridge mortally wounded by enemy machine gun fire, he ordered his submarine submerged to save it from threatened destruction.

6. These actions have not been announced in any previous Navy Department Communiqué.

Memorandum to the Press:

In previous war patrols, the late Commander Gilmore's submarine was credited with sinking a total of 26,946 tons of enemy shipping, in addition to entering an enemy harbor on one occasion and attacking three enemy destroyers, sinking two of them and damaging the third. All of these results of operations have been previously announced in Navy Department Communiqués.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 370, MAY 7, 1943

North Pacific.

1. U. S. forces have established military positions, including an airfield, on Amchitka and have been in occupation of this island since January. Amchitka is an island in the Rat Island group, in which is also located the Japanese‑held island of Kiska. Previous to the occupation of Amchitka the island of Adak, in the Andreanof Islands, had been occupied by American forces. (Occupation of positions in the Andreanofs was announced in Navy

Department Communiqué No. 138, on October 3, 1942.) The announcement of the occupation of Amchitka has been withheld until our positions on this island were fully consolidated.

2. The occupation of Amchitka and Adak were unopposed by the enemy. In the occupation of Amchitka the weather presented the greatest obstacle, causing damage to landing craft and severe privation to personnel in the early stages of the operations. In later periods the positions were subjected to air reconnaissance by Japanese aircraft and light bombing attacks. (Reconnaissance and bombing flights by enemy planes over U. S. positions in the Western Aleutians were reported in Navy Department Communiqués No. 268, 273, 281, and 287. )

3. On May 5, Army planes carried out six attacks against Japanese Installations at Kiska. Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters, participated in these raids. Hits were scored in the Gertrude Cove, main camp, North and South Head, Submarine Base and beach areas. A number of fires were started in the beach section and one building was destroyed on North Head.

4. On the same day, Attu was bombed and strafed four times by Liberator heavy bombers, Mitchell medium bombers and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters. Hits were scored on Japanese installations and one enemy plane was destroyed.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 137, MAY 7, 1943

Text of remarks by Admiral C. W. Nimitz, USN, Commander‑in‑Chief, Pacific Fleet, at presentation of awards ceremony at Hickam Field, T. H., 1100 Friday, May 7, 1943:

OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN AREAS

Two and a half weeks ago B‑24 Liberator bombers, led by Maj. Gen. Willis Hale, Commanding General of the Seventh Air Force, in a daylight attack, dropped thousands of pounds of bombs on phosphate plants, parked aircraft, barracks, fuel and munition storage and other valued Installations on Nauru Island. The damage inflicted was considerable.

Two nights later American planes came out of the darkness over Tarawa and dropped many thousands of pounds of explosives. Again there was considerable damage.

It is my great pleasure to be here again at Hickam Field in recognition of the men who led the attacks. Nauru is one of the great phosphate producing centers of the world and is important to the Japanese war machine. Tarawa is an important air base. It will take some time to repair the damages done by the men of the Seventh Bomber Command at Nauru and Tarawa.

Many of the officers and men participating in these missions were in action for the first time. The reports of your commanding officers laud your aggressive spirit and courage under fire. You have taken your place beside the men in combat with the enemy in other parts of the Pacific.

For his share in the preparation and execution of this mission great credit is due Major General Willis Hale. His courage and determination in leading both attack flights sparked the men of his command, and serve as an inspiration to all fighting men in this area.

Credit must also go to Brig. Gen. Truman H. Landon, Commanding General of the Seventh Bomber Command. Not content with the endless

detail of organizing the mission, General Landon also participated in the attack on Nauru.

In addition to the personnel of the Nauru and Tarawa attacks, there are here officers and men who have participated in other actions and missions.

To the squadron leaders, the navigators, the bombardiers and all the others who made these attacks successful‑Well Done!

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 371, MAY 8, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On May 6, during the afternoon, a U. S. plane shot down one Japanese seaplane southwest of New Georgia Island.

North Pacific.

2. On May 6:

(a) Formations of Army Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters carried out five attacks against Japanese installations at Kiska. Bombs were dropped in all the target areas and direct hits were scored on enemy positions.

(b) On the same day, formations of Army planes carried out seven attacks against Japanese positions on Attu Island. Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters participated in these raids. Hits were scored in all target areas, and several fires were started.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 372, MAY 9, 1943

South Pacific (all dates ale east longitude).

1. On the night of May 6‑7, Liberator (Consolidated) heavy bombers, attacked Japanese positions on Kahili, Fauro Island and Ballale Island in the Shortland Island area.

2. On May 8:

(a) During the morning a formation of Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers attacked several Japanese destroyers in the vicinity of Gizo Island in the New Georgia group. One hit with a 1,000‑pound bomb was scored on one destroyer, and several near hits were observed on two other destroyers.

(b) The same morning, Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers and Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters bombed and strafed Japanese positions at Munda.

MAY 10, 1943

NAVY CATALINA FLYING BOAT SINKS GERMAN SUBMARINE

A Navy Catalina flying boat sighted a fully‑surfaced German submarine eight miles distant in West Indian waters, dived on it and sank it. The action took place sometime in March.

The approach maneuver was so skillfully executed by the pilot, Lt. (j.g. ) John Edwin Dryden, Jr., USNR, 4035 Troost Street, Kansas City, Mo., that

the plane was able to strafe the submarine before dropping four depth charges which broke the enemy undersea craft amidships.

Approaching his target, Lt. (j.g.) Dryden took his plane down from 4,500 to 1,200 feet and, a quarter of a mile from the submarine, pushed into a 45‑degree dive. The submarine, a large type over 200 feet long, was proceeding below him at a speed of from eight to 10 knots.

So completely was the enemy surprised that two crew members were caught basking on deck. After a 100‑round machine gun burst from 300 yards, one German never rose and the other, heading for the sub's gun, threw up his hands and pitched forward on the deck.

As the plane pulled out of its dive, Pilot Dryden and Lt. (j.g.) Stetson C. Beal, USNR., Lisbon Falls, Maine, the co‑pilot, jerked the switches releasing four depth charges in salvo from an altitude of less than 100 feet.

The two port charges left their racks and hit the water 10 to 15 feet to starboard of the U‑boat and just aft of the conning tower. A few seconds later, the submarine lifted and broke in two amidships. The center sections went under water first, then the bow and stern rose in the air and submerged. Simultaneously, a terrific explosion occurred, cascading debris, smoke and water 40 feet in the air.

Immediately after the explosion, a large patch of foam‑200 feet across appeared and stayed on the surface for four or five minutes. Then a shining green oil slick appeared, expanding during the next hour and a half until it was a quarter of a mile wide and three‑quarters of a mile long, with whitecaps licking at its edges. Emerging from the wreckage of the submarine were eleven members of the submarine crew, who swam or clung to debris floating about the huge oil slick.

Cruising low over the struggling men, crew members of the Catalina dropped life rafts, along with emergency rations tied to life jackets. Six of the eleven Germans were seen to lose their grip on fragments of wreckage and slip beneath the oily waters. Five others were seen perched on a raft. They waved frantically for the plane to land, but rough seas prevented a rescue effort.

The Catalina crew, after cruising the area for an hour and 39 minutes, was forced by a dwindling gas supply to return to base. No survivors have been announced as rescued to date.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 373, MAY 11, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On May 10:

(a) During the morning, a force of Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers and Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers, escorted by Corsair (Vought F4U), Wildcat (Grumman F4F) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters, attacked Japanese installations at Munda on New Georgia Island in the Central Solomons. Hits were scored on enemy anti‑aircraft positions and several fires were started.

(b) During the afternoon, Dauntless dive bombers and Avenger torpedo bombers, with Corsair escort, bombed Japanese positions at Vangavanga on the southwest coast of Kolombangara Island.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 374, MAY 12, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On May 11:

(a) During the early morning, a group of Army Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers bombed Japanese installations at Kahili on Bougainville Island and at Shortland Island. Fires were started at Kahili, but results of the attack on Shortland Island were not observed.

(b) Later in the morning, a force of Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers and Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers, escorted by Wildcat (Grumman F4F) and Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters, attacked Japanese positions at Rekata Bay, on Santa Isabel Island. Two barges and one seaplane were strafed and the seaplane was set on fire.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 375, MAY 13, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On May 11, a force of Army Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers attacked Japanese installations at Kiska, dropping bombs on the runway and main camp area.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On May 12

(a) During the morning, Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers bombed Japanese positions on Ballale Island in the Shortland Island area, and started a large fire.

(b) About the same time, Flying Fortresses attacked Kahili in the Shortland Island area and started a number of fires which appeared to be burning enemy aircraft.

(c) Later in the morning, Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers and Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers, escorted by Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) and Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters, attacked Japanese installations at Munda on New Georgia Island in the Central Solomons.

(d) On the night of May 12‑13, U. S. light surface units bombarded Japanese positions at Vila on Kolombangara Island and at Munda.

3. The Allied naval vessels which previously were announced as sunk by Japanese air attack on Allied shipping in the vicinity of Guadalcanal on April 7, 1943, now can be named as the destroyer USS Aaron Ward, the tanker USS Kanawha, and the corvette HMNZS Moa. The next of kin of all casualties aboard these vessels have been notified. The action previously was reported in Navy Department Communiqués No. 337, 338, 339 and 340.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 376, MAY 14, 1943

North. Pacific.

1. On May 11 United States forces landed at the Island of Attu in the Aleutians and are now engaged with Japanese forces on the island. Details of the operation will be released when the situation clarifies.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 377, MAY 14, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On May 13

(a) In the early morning, a Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bomber attacked Japanese installations at Kahili while another Liberator bombed Ballale Island, in the Shortland Island area. Results of these attacks were not observed.

(b) In the early afternoon, U. S. fighters engaged about twenty‑five Japanese Zeros in the vicinity of the Russell Islands. Sixteen Zeros were definitely shot down and two more were probably destroyed. Corsair (Vought F4U) fighter planes accounted for fifteen of the Zeros. Five U. S. planes were lost, but two of the pilots were saved.

North Pacific.

2. On May 13:

(a) Army Liberator heavy bombers attacked the Japanese main camp area at Kiska. Results were not observed due to poor visibility.

(b) During the same day, a formation of Army Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters bombed Japanese installations at Kiska.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 378, MAY 16, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On May 13:

(a) During the night Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers attacked Japanese installations at Kahili and on Ballale Island, in the Shortland Island area. Large fires were started.

(b) On the same night Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo planes attacked Japanese shipping in the Buin area and scored two hits on a cargo vessel which was observed to explode.

(c) During the night four Japanese bombers dropped bombs on Guadalcanal Island, causing slight damage to U. S. installations. U. S. fighter planes attacked the bombers and shot down one enemy bomber and damaged two others.

2. On May 14:

During the night Japanese shipping in the Buin area was again attacked by Avenger torpedo planes while Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers attacked Japanese installations at Kahili and on Ballale Island.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 379, MAY 17, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On May 15, during the night, Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers attacked four Japanese cargo vessels in the Buin area. One enemy ship was set on fire.

Pacific and Far East.

2. U. S. submarines have reported the following results of operations against the enemy in the waters of these areas.

(a) One destroyer sunk.

(b) One large cargo ship sunk.

(d) One medium‑sized transport sunk.

(e) One small passenger‑freighter sunk.

(f) One small escort vessel sunk.

(g) One large tanker damaged.

3. These actions have not been announced in any previous Navy Department Communiqué.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 380, MAY 17, 1943

North Pacific.

1. Operations against the Japanese on Attu Island are continuing.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 381, MAY 18, 1943

North Pacific.

1. The military situation now permits the announcement of some of the details of the landing of U. S. forces on Attu Island on May 11. (Previously announced in Navy Department Communiqué No. 376. )

2. The occupation began with scouting parties landing at Blind Cove, Holtz Bay, located at the northeastern end of Attu. Main landings of U. a. troops were effected at two points: (1) in the Holtz Bay area, and (2) at Massacre Bay, located at the southeastern end of Attu.

3. The landings were made under the cover of U. S. Naval surface forces, which bombarded enemy installations in both areas, and U. S. Army planes, which attacked enemy positions in the vicinity of Chichagof Harbor.

4. Both groups of U. S. troops advanced inland, encountering stubborn enemy resistance from numerous machine gun nests. Japanese forces on the island have entrenched themselves along a. rocky ridge.

5. In spite of unfavorable weather conditions, U. S. Army planes have carried out several bombing and strafing attacks since the initial landings were made. Our troops have established their positions on the island, and operations against the enemy are continuing.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 382, MAY 18, 1943

Central Pacific.

1. On May 15, a force of Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers attacked Japanese installations on Wake Island. Bad weather prevented observation of results. U. S. planes were engaged by 22 Japanese Zero fighters of which two were definitely destroyed and one additional was probably destroyed.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On May 16, during the morning, Navy and Marine Corps Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers, escorted by Army Airacobra (Bell P‑39) and Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters, bombed and strafed Japanese installations at Rekata Bay, Santa Isabel Island.

North Pacific.

3. On May 17, U. S. forces on Attu Island attacked enemy positions on the high ground between the two arms of Holtz Bay. In spite of strong counterattacks by the enemy, our troops took possession of this area in the evening.

4. U. S. surface forces continue to bombard enemy positions and to cover advances of our ground troops.

5. In spite of the difficulties and hazards of operations on the island, U. S. casualties to date have been light.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 383, MAY 19, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On May 18

(a) During the morning, U. S. forces working inland from Holtz Bay on Attu Island were in possession of the high ridge southeast of Holtz Bay, and U. S. troops from the Massacre Bag area were advancing northward.

(b) During the day, the Massacre Bay force advanced up a pass toward the Holtz Bay force, and advance patrols from the two forces joined.

(c) During the afternoon, the pass was cleared of enemy troops which withdrew toward Chichagof Harbor, leaving only snipers behind.

2. Several three‑inch antiaircraft guns have been captured from the enemy and are being used by our troops.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

3. On May 17, U. S. dive bombers attacked the Japanese seaplane base at Rekata Bay on Santa Isabel Island. Results were not observed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 384, MAY 20, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On May 18, gunfire from U. S. light surface forces assisted in clearing the Holtz Bay‑Massacre Bay pass of enemy troops.

2. On May 19:

(a) U. S. forces captured Sarana Pass leading to the Chichagof Harbor area. The contacts of the U. S. north and south forces from the Holtz Bay and Massacre Bay areas have confined Japanese resistance to the Chichagof Harbor area, except for isolated sniper activities.

(b) A force of U. S. Army bombers attacked military objectives in the Chichagof Harbor area.

3. U. S. forces are now in possession of the runway in the Holtz Bay area.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

4. On May 18, during the night, six Japanese bombers attacked U. S. positions on Guadalcanal Island and in the Russell Islands. There was no report of damage or casualties.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 385, MAY 21, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On May 19‑20, during the night, eight Japanese bombers attacked Guadalcanal Island, causing minor damage. U. S. fighters shot down two of the enemy planes.

North Pacific.

2. On May 19, operations on Attu continued. Japanese forces have established positions on the high ground east of Attu Village. U. S. Army bombers attacked Japanese entrenchments in the area north of Sarana Bay.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 386, MAY 22, 1943

North Pacific.

1. The battle for Attu has entered the final phase with the defending Japanese forces split into three groups occupying positions in the following areas:

(a) Chichagof Harbor.

(b) Chichagof Valley.

2. On May 20, during the night, a strong enemy position on a ridge in the Sarana‑Massacre Bay area was neutralized. An enemy unit which succeeded in penetrating our lines was subsequently wiped out.

3. On May 21:

(a) U. S. forces attacked the enemy position to the eastward of Chichagof Valley.

(b) Lightning fighters supported ground operations by strafing and bombing enemy positions from low altitudes. A fuel depot was set on fire and other fires were started. Attu Village was completely destroyed with the exception of a church and one other building.

4. On May 21, Army Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B‑24) attacked the Japanese main camp area on Kiska. Due to weather conditions, results were not observed.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

5. On May 20‑21, during the night, Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated) attacked Japanese installations at Kahili and Ballale in the Shortland Island area. Hits were scored on the runway and enemy searchlight positions at Kahili.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 387, MAY 23, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On the afternoon of May 22, about fifteen twin‑engine Japanese bombers unsuccessfully attacked two U. S. surface units operating in the Attu area.

2. There was no change in the general situation ashore.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 388, MAY 24, 1943

North. Pacific.

1. On May 23:

(a) The pressure of U. S. Army forces against pockets of Japanese resistance on Attu Island continues. A number of enemy points of resistance have been liquidated.

(b) During the afternoon, sixteen Japanese twin‑engine bombers were attacked by six Army Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters over the eastern part of Attu. Five of the enemy bombers were shot down. One U. S. fighter is missing. Another fighter was shot down, but the pilot was rescued.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 389, MAY 25, 1943

North, Pacific.

1. On May 23:

(a) U. S. Army forces continued to advance and exert pressure on Japanese forces on Attu, despite sleet, snow and rain which handicapped operations.

(b) Further details received relating to the attack of six Army Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters on sixteen Japanese twin‑engine bombers (previously reported in Navy Department Communiqué No. 388) reveal that five of the enemy bombers were definitely destroyed and seven additional bombers were probably destroyed. The remaining four Japanese bombers fled to the west. When sighted by U. S. Army fighters, the bombers unloaded their bombs but did not attack any of the U. S. positions.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On May 23, three Japanese cargo vessels in the Shortland Island area were bombed by Liberator (Consolidated) heavy bombers. Results were not observed.

3. During the night of May 23‑24:

(a) Guadalcanal Island was attacked by three Japanese bombers. No damage was inflicted on U. S. personnel and positions.

(b) Strong formations of Liberator and Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers heavily attacked Japanese positions in the Shortland Island area and at Munda, in the Central Solomons.

(c) One Japanese plane attempted to bomb Espiritu Santo, in the New Hebrides group. The bombs fell without effect into the sea.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 390, MAY 26, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On May 23, the small U. S. auxiliary vessel Niagara was attacked by Japanese planes east of Cape Surville, San Cristobal Island. Considerable damage was inflicted ion, the vessel, which was subsequently sunk by U. S. forces after members of the crew were taken aboard accompanying naval units.

2. On May 24, Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers and Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters bombed and strafed Japanese installations at Ringi Cove, west of Vila on Kolombangara Island.

3. On May 25, Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers, Avenger torpedo bombers and Wildcat fighters bombed and strafed Japanese installations at Rekata Bay, Santa Isabel Island. Ammunition dumps were exploded and large fires were started.

North Pacific.

4. On May 24, U. S. Army ground troops cleared out both sides of Chichagof Valley. An assault was made by combined northern and southern forces along the ridge north of the Valley and was reported as continuing. Assisting in the assault were U. S. Army air forces consisting of Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B-25) medium bombers and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters. These planes bombed and strafed Japanese positions in the Chichagof area and started fires.

MAY 26, 1943

NAVY PATROL PLANE SINKS ENEMY SUBMARINE

Diving his big PBY patrol. plane on a surfaced enemy submarine in the face of steady antiaircraft fire, Ensign Thurmond Edgar Robertson, USN, 136 East Columbia Avenue, Spartanburg, S. C., so crippled the enemy craft with his depth bombs that a second patrol plane, piloted by Lieutenant Gerard Bradford, Jr., USNR., 61 Williams Court, Mobile, Ala., was able to finish the job and sink the sub. The sinking took place several weeks ago.

Leaving 30 or 40 survivors on the surface, the submarine continued firing until the conning tower disappeared.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 391, MAY 27, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On May 25:

(a) A U. S. naval vessel bombarded Japanese, shore installations in the Chichagof area and started numerous fires.

(b) Army Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters bombed the main camp area at Kiska. Hits were scored in the vicinity of gun emplacements and other installations.

2. On May 26:

(a.) All buildings in the Chichagof area have been destroyed.

(b) U. S. Army troops, after hard fighting in a coordinated attack along the ridge south of Chichagof Corridor, succeeded in gaining a foothold on the high ground south of Chichagof.

(c) The right flank of the U. S. Army's southern forces is opposed by a Japanese force dug in on a ridge south of Lake Cories.

(d) Air support was provided by Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers and Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers which attacked Japanese positions in the Chichagof area. Army Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters assisted by strafing attacks.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 392, MAY 28, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On May 26:

(a) U. S. Army troops gained several important points along the ridge south of Chichagof Corridor. Hard hand to hand fighting over rugged terrain continued.

(b) The U. S. Army's northern forces have penetrated a part of Fish-Hook Ridge about one and five‑eighths miles southwest of Chichagof Harbor. Fighting continues in order to clear the Japanese from the high peaks in the vicinity.

(d) Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters effectively supported ground operations.

2. On May 26, Army Mitchell medium bombers and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters made three attacks on Kiska, bombing the Japanese main camp area and runway. Numerous hits were observed.

3. In an attack on Kiska (reported in Navy Department Communiqué No. 391) the Warhawk fighters participating were manned by Royal Canadian Air Force pilots.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 393, MAY 28, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On May 27, on Attu Island

(a) U. S. Army forces moved ahead and along a ridge commanding the area between Lake Cories and Lake Canirca.

(b) After artillery and mortar preparation, U. S. Army troops attacked the ridge extending to the east of Fish‑Hook Ridge. A Japanese position on Fish‑Hook Ridge was neutralized.

(c) U. S. Army patrols continue to probe Japanese positions on the lower ridge extending eastward from the Chichagof Valley floor.

(d) Army Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters supported ground operations.

2. A formation of Army Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters bombed Japanese positions at Kiska. Due to poor visibility results were unobserved.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 394, MAY 29, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On May 27, on Attu Island, U. S. Army troops, in capturing the strong Japanese position on Fish‑Hook Ridge (previously reported as neutralized in Navy Department Communiqué No. 393) fought over rugged and snowy terrain and scaled sixty degree ridges in the face of strong enemy fire. The Japanese positions were entrenched above the cloud line.

2. On May 28:

(a) The strong point of Japanese defense is centered in the area formed between the north wall of Chichagof Valley, Holtz Bay Pass and Chichagof Harbor.

(b) There is little Japanese activity in the Khlebnikof area except for one enemy position on the ridge east of the north end of Lake Cories. Other parts of the island are devoid of enemy activity.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

3. On May 28, a force of Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers flew in bad weather to bomb Munda on New Georgia Island in the Central Solomons. Hits were scored on the runway and in the revetment area. Numerous explosions were observed and fires were started.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 395, MAY 30, 1943

North Pacific (on Attu Island).

1. On May 28, U. S. Army troops cleared the Japanese from the easterly and northerly faces of Fish‑Hook Ridge.

2. On May 29:

(a) At dawn the enemy counter‑attacked the right flank of the U. S. Army forces on the Chichagof Valley floor. Except for snipers, this enemy force was annihilated. Preliminary reports indicate that the Japanese casualties were high.

(b) Unfavorable weather conditions prevented air operations.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 396, MAY 31, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On May 30, U. S. Army forces on Attu Island continued in the mopping up of the remaining Japanese pockets of resistance.