CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 332, APRIL 1, 1944

 

Liberator bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Dublon, Moen and Eten Islands in the Truk Atoll at night on March 30 (West Longitude Date). Hits were made on the airstrip at Moen and in barracks areas. Several delayed explosions were observed. Two enemy planes intercepted our bomb­ers, but all returned safely.

Three enemy positions in the Marshall Islands were bombed and strafed by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force and Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. A Daunt­less bomber was shot down by antiaircraft fire near one objective and its crew rescued by a destroyer.

 

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 334, APRIL 2, 1944

 

The Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet, has received the report of a board of investigation convened to investigate the accidental shelling of three landing craft by one of our destroyers at Parry Island, Eniwetok Atoll, on February 22, 1944 (West Longitude Date). As a result of this tragic episode 13 men were killed and 46 wounded.

At the time the destroyer was providing fire support to the first landing wave of assault troops approaching Parry Island in landing craft through heavy smoke and dust caused by the preparatory bombardment. The primary source of error was that under difficult conditions of navigation both destroyer and landing craft were slightly out of scheduled positions, with restricted visibility as a contributing factor.

The board was instructed to conduct a thorough investigation and to make recommendations to prevent a recurrence. It is recognized, however, that in any landing operation on a hostile shore close fire support is essential to prevent heavy losses during the landing and assault, and that this involves a calculated risk that must be accepted.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 335, APRIL 2, 1944

 

Dublon in the Truk Atoll was bombed by Liberator bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force before dawn on March 31 (West Longitude Date). Two enemy fighters were in the air but did not press home their attack. Medium antiair­craft fire was encountered which did no damage to our planes. Our attack started large fires.

Mitchell medium bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force accompanied by Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Ponape. In a separate strike a single Liberator also bombed the island. Antiaircraft fire was ineffective.

Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing Dauntless bombers and Corsair fighters and Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells bombed three enemy positions in the Marshalls. In these raids antiaircraft positions were strafed, gasoline storage facilities hit, and an explosion observed in an ammunition dump.

All of our planes returned.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 337, APRIL 3, 1944

 

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Dublon in the Truk Atoll on April 1 (West Longitude Date). Three fighters which attempted interception and light antiaircraft fire caused no damage to our planes.

On the same day Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force escorted by Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Ponape, start­ing fires among barracks in the area used for the servicing of planes.

In the Marshalls four enemy‑held atolls were bombed and strafed by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters. Hits were made on runways and in storage areas.

All of our planes returned from all of these operations.

 

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 338, APRIL 3, 1944

 

Eleven atolls in the Marshall Islands have been reconnoitered by our forces and U. S. sovereignty established thereon subsequent to the occupation of Kwajalein, Eniwetok and Majuro Atolls.

These are Wotho, Ujae, Lae, Lib, Namu, Ailinglapalap, Namorik, Ebon, Kill, Arno and Bikini.

Most of these atolls were taken without resistance. Light opposition en­countered on others was quickly overcome. We took some prisoners.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 516, APRIL 4, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

 

1. U. S. submarines have reported sinking fourteen vessels as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters, as follows

 

2 medium tankers.

11 medium cargo vessels.

1 small cargo vessel.

 

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

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 339, APRIL 4, 1944

 

Dublon and Eten in the Truk Atoll were bombed at night on April 2 (West Longitude Date) by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force. Three enemy fighters attempted interception, but none of our planes was damaged. On the same day Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells bombed and strafed the airfields at Ponape, one air strip was strafed by a search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two, and a single Seventh Army Air Force Liberator bombed one of the runways.

In the Marshalls, three enemy positions were bombed and strafed by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters. Runways were bombed and at one objective a small ship and a dock were set on fire.

All of our planes returned from all of these operations.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 340, APRIL 5, 1944

 

Ponape was bombed from low level by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force on April 3 (West Longitude Date). Moderate antiaircraft fire damaged three of our planes.

Sixty tons of bombs were dropped on four enemy positions in the Marshalls by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers, Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing Dauntless bombers and Corsair fighters, and Navy Hellcat fighters. Runways were hit, fires started, and at one objective hits were made among a group of motorized vehicles. Antiaircraft fire ranged from moderate to meager.

Two Navy search Liberators of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and sank a small cargo vessel docked at Wake Island.

All of our planes returned from these operations.

 

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 341, APRIL 6, 1944

 

Four enemy‑held atolls in the Marshall Islands were bombed and strafed by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Air­craft Wing, Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing, Two on April 4 (West Longitude Date). A Corsair fighter was shot down near one of the objectives, Wotje Atoll, and its pilot rescued by a destroyer. Shore batteries opened fire on the destroyer, scoring two hits which did minor damage. The destroyer returned the fire.

Moen and Dublon Islands in the Truk Atoll were bombed on the night of April 3‑4 (West Longitude Date) by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. On Dublon bombs were dropped on oil storage tanks, and several fires were started between the seaplane base and Dublon town. Smaller fires were set on Moen Island. One of six enemy fighters which attempted interception was shot down, and one was probably shot down. Two of our planes are missing.

A Liberator search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and probably sank a tanker near Moen Island.

Ponape Island was raided by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force escorted by Marine Corsair fighters. An airfield and adjacent buildings were hit. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

 

 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 42, APRIL 7, 1944

 

Supplementing Pacific Ocean Areas communiqué Number 41, the following information is now available concerning operations of Pacific Fleet forces under the tactical command of Admiral R. A. Spruance, U. S. Navy, against enemy installations and forces in the Western Carolines. The Palau Islands were attacked on March 29‑30 (West Longitude Date); Yap and Ulithi Islands on March 30 and Woleai Island on March 31 by planes from carrier task forces commanded by Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, U. S. Navy. Damage to enemy surface ships at Palau included:

 

Sunk: Two destroyers, one unidentified combat ship, two large cargo vessels, six medium cargo vessels, eight small cargo vessels, three large oilers, one medium oiler, one small oiler, one patrol vessel.

Damaged: One destroyer.

Beached and burning: One large repair ship, one medium oiler, two small oilers, one small cargo vessel.

Burning: Two small cargo vessels.

Beached and damaged: One large cargo vessel, two medium cargo vessels, five small cargo vessels.

Beached: One small cargo vessel.

Ground installations destroyed at Palau: Forty buildings at Arakabe­san ; at seaplane base four hangars and small buildings; at Malakal, more than twenty warehouses destroyed and extensive damage to docks and numer­ous large fires; at Koror, warehouses, dumps and hangars destroyed; at Angaur, phosphate plant damaged including docks and storage buildings; at Babelthuap, ore dock damaged.

Enemy aircraft casualties at Palau: Destroyed airborne, 93; destroyed ground or water, 39. Probably destroyed or damaged airborne, 29; probably destroyed or damaged on ground or water, 20.

At Ulithi several small vessels were sunk, the dock, radio station and other buildings damaged.

At Yap airdrome facilities and buildings in the settlement were damaged.

 

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At Woleai seven planes were destroyed and five probably destroyed and extensive ground installations were damaged on Mariaon and Woleai Islands, including stores, dumps, buildings, and small craft.

During the night preceding and following our attacks on Palau our car­rier aircraft shot down 17 attacking enemy planes and four were shot down by ships' antiaircraft batteries. Three small enemy ships were also sunk at sea by ships' gunfire.

During the night of March 28 (West Longitude Date) one of our sub­marines torpedoed an enemy battleship of unidentified class departing Palau under escort. Although she suffered considerable damage she was able to escape at moderate speed under protection of her destroyer escort.

Our combat losses in these operations were 25 planes and 18 aircraft per­sonnel. There was no damage to our surface ships.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 342, APRIL 7, 1944

 

Forty‑four tons of bombs were dropped on Wake Island by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force on the night of April 5‑6 (West Longitude Date). Large explosions were observed in storage areas and in an area devoted to repair and maintenance of aircraft.

On the same day Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Ponape Island starting a large fire on one of the airfields.

Four enemy positions in the Marshall Islands were bombed and strafed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, and Navy Hellcat fighters. Runways were hit and gun positions strafed. All of our planes returned from all of these operations.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 343, APRIL 8, 1944

 

Ponape Island was bombed by Mitchells of the Seventh Army Air Force on April 6 (West Longitude Date). Airfields and bauxite works were hit. Anti­aircraft fire was moderate.

Three enemy positions in the Marshalls were bombed and strafed by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, and Navy Hellcat fighters. At one objective an ammunition storage area was strafed and at another runways were heavily bombed.

All of our planes returned.

 

 

JOINT STATEMENT, APRIL 9, 1944

 

The following joint Anglo‑American statement on submarine and anti-submarine operations is issued under the authority of the President and the Prime Minister:

 

"March was an active month in the war against the U‑Boats which operated in widely dispersed areas from the Barents Sea to the Indian Ocean.

"The enemy has persevered vainly in strenuous endeavors to disrupt our flow of supplies to Russia by the northern route.

 

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"Our merchant shipping losses were mainly incurred in far distant seas. Though a little higher than in February, they were still low and the rate of sinking U‑Boats was fully maintained.

"The Allied merchant fleet continues to improve both in quantity and quality, but the strength of the U‑Boat force remains considerable and calls for powerful efforts by surface and air forces."

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 344, APRIL 9, 1944

 

Operations to soften up Truk continued. Moen and Dublon Islands in the Truk Atoll were bombed by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force at night on April 7 (West Longitude Date). At Moen the air strip was bombed and at Dublon wharfs and fuel reservoirs were hit.

Single Liberators from the same force bombed alternate targets at Oroluk, Ponape and Ujelang.

Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force escorted by Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing also bombed and strafed Ponape on April 7 (West Longitude Date). Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

Four enemy‑held atolls in the Marshalls were bombed and strafed by Mitchells of the Seventh Army Air Force, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters. At one objective a large explosion was observed near hangars, and at another explosions and fires were caused among barracks, warehouses, and gun emplacements. Antiaircraft fire ranged from moderate to meager.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 345, APRIL 10, 1944

 

Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers escorted by Marine fighters bombed an airfield at Ponape on April 8 (West Longitude Date). On the same day 48 tons of bombs were dropped on four enemy positions in the Marshalls by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Navy Hellcat fighters. Runways were hit and fires started.

Incendiary bombs were dropped on Oroluk Island by a search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two

All of our planes returned.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 347, APRIL 11, 1944

 

Ailuk, Rongelap, Likiep and Utirik Atolls and Mejit Island in the Mar­shalls have been reconnoitered by our forces and U. S. sovereignty established thereon.

An airfield at Ponape Island was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells on April 9 (West Longitude Date). On the same day Liberator and Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Navy Hellcat fighters dropped 55 tons of bombs on four enemy positions in the Marshalls. Wharves, barracks, hangars, gun positions and air strips were hit in these raids.

One search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Ulul Island and another strafed two small craft near Ponape.

 

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 349, APRIL 12, 1944

 

Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Matsuwa and Onekotan in the Kurile Islands on April 10 (West Longitude Date).

Moen and Dublon in the Truk Atoll were bombed by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force on the same day. Fires were started at Dublon Town and a large explosion observed. Hits were obtained on the Moen air strip. Six enemy planes were seen but only one attempted interception and it did no damage. A single Liberator from this force bombed Ponape Island.

Ponape was also bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers, which obtained hits on airfield runways.

Four objectives in the Marshalls were bombed and strafed by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters. Antiaircraft fire ranged from moderate to meager.

The pilot of a Hellcat fighter forced down near Majuro was rescued by one of our destroyers.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 350, APRIL 12, 1944

 

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Paramushiru and Shimushu in the Kurile Islands on April 11 (West Longitude Date). A Liberator bomber of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Matsuwa.

A search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed a beached ship on Oroluk Atoll, another bombed Ulul Island, and a third dropped incendiary bombs on Ponape on the same day.

Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force with a Corsair fighter escort of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing also bombed and strafed Ponape, hitting buildings, a storage area, air strips and small craft. Antiaircraft fire was intense.

Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters bombed and strafed three enemy‑held atolls in the Marshalls. Gun positions and runways were hit.

All of our planes returned.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 352, APRIL 13, 1944

 

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Paramushiru and Shimushu in the Kurile Islands before dawn on April 12 (West Longitude Date). Hits were obtained on airfields and fires started. Light antiaircraft fire did no damage to our planes.

Liberator bombers of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Shasukotan and Matsuwa Islands on the same day. No opposition was encountered.

All of our planes returned.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 353, APRIL 14, 1944

 

Uman, Param, Dublon, Fefan, and Moen in the Truk Atoll were bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on the night of April 12 (West Longi­tude Date). Three airborne enemy planes did not attempt to intercept our force. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered. Single planes from this force bombed Ponape and Ujelang.

Ponape Island was also bombed by Mitchells of the Seventh Army Air

 

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Force. An airfield and adjacent buildings were hit. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

Forty‑five tons of bombs were dropped on four enemy‑held atolls in the Marshalls by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, and Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. Hits were obtained on docks, warehouses, barracks and other buildings. At one objective gun positions were severely strafed. At another a large explosion was caused by a hit on an ammunition dump.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 354, APRIL 14, 1944

 

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Paramushiru in the Kurile Islands before dawn on April 13 (West Longitude Date). Libera­tors of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Matsuwa, Shasukotan, and Paramushiru on the same night. The Navy planes drew intense heavy caliber antiaircraft fire over one objective. The Army planes encountered no opposi­tion.

Ulul and Pakin Islands were bombed by single search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two on April 13 (West Longitude Date).

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Kusaie, hitting warehouses, gun positions, and piers.

Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force with a Corsair fighter escort from the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Ponape. Fires were started among buildings adjacent to an airfield. One of our fighters made a forced landing and its pilot was rescued.

Four objectives in the Marshalls were bombed by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters. Storage tanks, barracks, runways, and an ammunition dump were hit.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 355, APRIL 15, 1944

 

Major General Willis H. Hale, U. S. Army, on 1 May will assume new duties as the Commander, Shore Based Air Force, Forward Area, Central Pacific. He will be succeeded by Brigadier General R. W. Douglas, U. S. Army, who will serve as Acting Commanding General of the Seventh Air Force.

Rear Admiral John H. Hoover, U. S. Navy, former Commander Aircraft, Central Pacific, will assume duties as Commander Forward Area, Central Pacific. Admiral Hoover will exercise command over all forces assigned to the Forward Area, including shore based air forces.

In his new command Major General Hale will coordinate the operations and logistic support of all shore‑based Army, Navy and Marine Corps combat aviation in the Forward Area, Central Pacific.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 357, APRIL 15, 1944

 

Eniwetok Atoll was attacked by enemy bombers before dawn on April 14 (West Longitude Date). Night fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing intercepted the enemy force and shot down two planes and probably shot down another. All bombs landed in the water.

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Shimushu and

 

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Paramushiru in the Kuriles during the night of April 13‑14 (West Longitude Date). Liberator bombers of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Onekotan and Paramushiru the same night. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 359, APRIL 16, 1944

 

Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force raided Matsuwa in the Kuriles on the night of April 14 (West Longitude Date).

Oroluk, Nauru, Pakin, and Ulul Islands were bombed by single search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two on April 14 (West Longitude Date).

Airfields on Ponape Island were bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells on the same day. A small tanker and two escort vessels were bombed near Ant Island. The tanker was sunk and the escorts were beached on the island. Our planes pressed home their attack through heavy antiair­craft fire.

Forty‑six tons of bombs were dropped on four objectives in the Marshalls by Liberators and Mitchells of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, and Navy Hellcat fighters. One of these objectives was severely strafed. Bomb hits were obtained on gun positions and barracks.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 360, APRIL 17, 1944

 

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators dropped thirty‑eight tons of bombs on Dublon, Fefan and Moen Islands in the Truk Atolls before dawn on April 16 (West Longitude Date). Fires and explosions were observed. One airborne enemy plane did not attempt interception. Two Liberators from this force bombed Ponape Town and an airfield on Ponape Island.

Pakin, Ulul, and Ant Islands were bombed by single search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two on April 15 (West Longitude Date).

Enemy‑held atolls in the Marshalls were bombed and strafed by Mitchells of the Seventh Army Air Force, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Navy Hellcat fighters on April 15. Gun positions and barracks were bombed and at one objective two small craft were strafed.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 517, APRIL 18, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

 

1. U. S. submarines have reported sinking fifteen vessels as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters, as follows

 

1 large tanker

2 medium tankers

1 medium naval auxiliary (repair ship)

7 medium cargo vessels

2 medium cargo passenger vessels

1 small cargo passenger vessel

1 small cargo vessel

 

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

 

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 361, APRIL 18, 1944

 

Pingelap Island was strafed and Ant, Ulul, and Pakin Islands bombed by single search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two on April 16 (West Longitude Date).

On the same day forty‑five tons of bombs were dropped on enemy positions in the Marshall Islands by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, and Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force. Gun positions, barracks, and buildings were bombed and strafed.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 363, APRIL 19, 1944

 

Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed an airfield at Ponape Island on April 17 (West Longitude Date).

On the same day 42 tons of bombs were dropped on enemy objectives in the Marshall Islands by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters. Gun positions and buildings were hit. A large fire was started at one objective. The pilot and gunner of a dive bomber forced down by engine trouble were rescued by one of our destroyers.

Single search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Pakin and Ulul Islands, on April 17.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 364, APRIL 20, 1944

 

Forty‑six tons of bombs were dropped on Moen and Dublon Islands in the Truk Atoll by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on the night of April 18‑19 (West Longitude Date). Three enemy planes were in the air but did not attempt interception. Large fires were started at Dublon Town and several explosions were observed. At Moen the airstrip and barracks were hit. Anti­aircraft fire was meager.

On the night of April 18 a search Liberator of Fleet Air Wing Two ob­tained a direct hit on a medium cargo vessel south of Fefan Island in the Truk Atoll.

Ponape Island was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on the night of April 18‑19. Several fires were started. Ponape was also bombed by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force and by a single search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two on April 18.

A single Liberator bombed runways at Wake Island on April 18. Antiair­craft fire was intense.

On the same day 40 tons of bombs were dropped on enemy positions in the Marshall Islands by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, and Navy Hellcat fighters. Small craft, gun positions, barracks, and runways were bombed and strafed.

 

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 365, APRIL 21, 1944

 

Wake Island was bombed by Liberator bombers on the evening of April 19 (West Longitude Date). Thirty tons of bombs were dropped. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

On the same day the airfield and adjacent buildings at Ponape Island were bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers. Weak antiair­craft fire was encountered.

Fifty tons of bombs were dropped on enemy positions in the Marshall Islands by Mitchells of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Ventura search planes of the Fleet Air Wing Two. Barracks, gun positions, airstrips, and other facilities were hit.

Pakin, Ant, and Ujelang Islands were bombed by single search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two on April 19.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 366, APRIL 22, 1944

 

A group of Army and Navy heavy bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force and Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Saipan and Tinian in daylight on April 17 (West Longitude Date). One of a force of about 25 intercepting enemy fighters was shot down and one was probably shot down. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Dublon, Moen, Eten, and Mesegon in the Truk Atoll before dawn on April 19 (West Longitude Date). Two airborne enemy fighters did not attempt interception.

Ponape Island was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells on April 20 (West Longitude Date). Airfields were hit and large fires started. Anti­aircraft fire was intense.

On the same day a single search plane of Fleet Air Wing bombed Ulul Island.

Sixty‑seven tons of bombs were dropped on enemy positions in the Mar­shalls by Liberator and Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, and Navy Hellcat fighters on April 20. Gun positions and airstrips were bombed and strafed. One large explosion was caused by a hit in a magazine area.

Erikub and Aur Atolls in the Marshall Islands have been reconnoitered by our forces and United States sovereignty established thereon.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 367, APRIL 22, 1944

 

Outnumbered three to one, a carrier‑based Navy Hellcat squadron shot 12 Japanese Zeros from the sky in just two minutes, with the loss of only one American plane, during the recent Palau strike, it was revealed here today.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 368, APRIL 22, 1944

 

Moen and Dublon in the Truk Atoll were bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on the night of April 20 (West Longitude Date). Several explosions were observed on a runway and fires were started in adjacent areas.

 

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Three enemy night fighters were airborne but only one attempted interception. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. None of our planes was damaged.

Ulul Island and Igup, Murilo, and Ruo in the Hall Islands were attacked by single search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two on April 21 (West Longitude Date). Three small craft were destroyed at Ruo and two damaged. One small craft was destroyed at Murilo and two damaged.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 369, APRIL 23, 1944

 

Ponape Island was bombed by Mitchell medium bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force on April 21 (West Longitude Date). Runways and adjacent installations were hit. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

      On the same day 60 tons of bombs were dropped on remaining enemy positions in the Marshall Islands by Liberator and Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two. Gun positions and coastal defense positions were bombed and strafed.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 370, APRIL 24, 1944

 

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Moen, Eten and Param in the Truk Atoll before dawn on April 23 (West Longitude Date). Two enemy fighters were in the air but did not attempt interception. Fires were set and explosions observed on airfields.

Ponape Island was bombed on April 22 (West Longitude Date) by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers and a single search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two, and before dawn on April 23 by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force. Numerous fires were started.

Puluwat Island was bombed before dawn on April 23 by a single Seventh Army Air Force Liberator, and Ulul Island was bombed on April 22 by a single search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two.

Remaining enemy positions in the Marshalls were bombed on April 22 by Liberators and Mitchells of the Seventh Army Air Force, and Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. Gun posi­tions, runways, and storage tanks were bombed and strafed.

 

 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 43, APRIL 23, 1944

 

Strong carrier task groups of the Pacific Fleet commenced attacks on the Japanese airdromes and troop concentrations in the Hollandia‑Humboldt Bay region on the north coast of New Guinea on April 20 (West Longitude Date) for the purpose of covering and supporting the forces of the Commander in Chief, Southwest Pacific Area. These attacks are continuing.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 372, APRIL 24, 1944

 

Supplementing Pacific Ocean Areas communiqué Number 43, the following information is now available concerning operations of Pacific Fleet forces supporting and covering landings by forces of the Commander in Chief, South‑

 

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west Pacific Area, at Hollandia, Aitape, and Tanahmerah Bay on April 20 and 21 (West Longitude Date):

Airfields at Hollandia, Wakde Island and Sawar were struck by carrier aircraft on April 20. Thirteen airborne enemy planes were shot down over the target areas. At Hollandia, 67 planes were destroyed on the ground. Fuel storage facilities, ammunition dumps, supply areas and buildings were heavily bombed. Two small cargo ships, and several barges and small craft were sunk.

At Wakde and Sawar 21 enemy planes were destroyed on the ground and 17 damaged by our aircraft during daylight on April 20. On the night of April 20 cruisers and destroyers bombarded the Wakde‑Sawar airfields. The bom­bardment was accomplished without effective opposition. No damage was done to our surface ships.

 

 

APRIL 25, 1944

 

GERMAN SUBMARINE IS SUNK WITH LITTLE TRACE BY U. S. NAVAL    AIRMEN IN TWO‑MINUTE CONCENTRATED ATTACK

 

In the face of vigorous antiaircraft fire, airmen of the United States Navy attacked a German U‑boat in the Atlantic and destroyed it in a two-minute concentrated attack last December after it had been spotted sometime earlier and kept under watch by one of the planes which took part in the final attack.

Admiral Royal E. Ingersoll, U. S. Navy, Commander in Chief of the United States Atlantic Fleet, gave decorations to the aviators for sinking the submarine.

The airmen were part of a U. S. Naval Task Force consisting of a "baby flat‑top," destroyers and planes of the escort carrier.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 373, APRIL 25, 1944

 

United States forces occupied Ujelang Atoll, Marshall Islands, on April 22 and 23 (West Longitude Date). Light opposition was quickly overcome. The atoll was proclaimed to be under the military government of the Com­mander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas.

On April 23 (West Longitude Date) a small vessel at Murilo in the Hall Islands was bombed by a search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 374, APRIL 25, 1944

 

Taongi Atoll and other remaining enemy positions in the Marshall Islands were bombed by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, and Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on April 23 (West Longitude Date). Gun emplacements, fuel storage facilities, buildings and runways were hit. At one objective a small craft was strafed and beached.

Ponape Island was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells on the same day. Both airfields were hit. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

 

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 375, APRIL 26, 1944

 

Shimushu and Paramushiru in the Kurile Islands were bombed by Ven­tura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four, and a single Liberator of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Matsuwa on the night of April 23‑24 (West Longitude Date). Antiaircraft fire ranged from light to heavy.

Ant Island was bombed by a single search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two on April 24 (West Longitude Date). Small craft at Nomwin in the Hail Islands were strafed by another search plane on the same day.

Ponape was bombed on April 24 by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers. Airstrips were bombed and fires started.

Remaining enemy objectives in the Marshall Islands were bombed by Liberator and Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Ven­tura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, and Navy Hellcat fighters. One hundred and thirty‑eight tons of bombs were dropped in these operations. At one objective Marine Corsairs fired 23,000 rounds of machine gun ammuni­tion at gun positions and fuel storage facilities. Coastal defense guns, build­ings, ammunition dumps, and runways were heavily hit by our bombers.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 376, APRIL 26, 1944

 

Paramushiru and Shimushu in the Kurile Islands were bombed by Ven­tura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four, and Matsuwa Island was bombed by Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force at night on April 24‑25 (West Longitude Date). Heavy antiaircraft fire was encountered over Paramushiru and Shimushu. No opposition was encountered at Matsuwa.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Eten, Param, Moen, Tol and Dublon in the Truk Atoll on the night of April 24‑25 (West Longi­tude Date). Several enemy fighters were airborne but did not attempt inter­ception. Thirty‑six tons of bombs were dropped.

Ponape Town and an airstrip on Ponape Island were bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators before dawn on April 25.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 379, APRIL 27, 1944

 

General Douglas MacArthur, Commander in Chief, Southwest Pacific Area, and Admiral C. W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, recently conferred regarding the future operations in the Pacific of their two commands.

Plans were completely integrated so that a maximum of cooperative effort might be executed against the enemy.

 

 

APRIL 28, 1944

 

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY FRANK KNOX DIES.

 

Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox died at his home, 4704 Linnean Avenue, N. W., Washington, D. C., today at 1:08 P. M. (EWT), following a continuation of a heart attack first suffered at Manchester, New Hampshire, Sunday April 23, 1944.

The death of Colonel Knox was announced to all Naval personnel and

 

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establishments, ashore and afloat, throughout the world, in a dispatch from Acting Secretary of the Navy James V. Forrestal. The dispatch said

 

"It is with profound regret that I announce to the Naval Service the death of the Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable William Franklin Knox, which occurred in Washington, D. C., at 1308 on April 28, 1944. The Navy has suffered a great loss. Frank Knox was born in Boston, Massachusetts, tended public schools in Grand Rapids and was graduated from Alma College with the degree of A. B. On June 4, 1898, he enrolled in the First Regiment, U. S. Volunteer Cavalry, known in history as the Rough Riders. With that distinguished organization he participated in the actions of the Spanish American War. After that war he entered the field of journal­ism and in 1903 became publisher of the Sault Ste. Marie Evening News. In 1912 he established the Manchester Leader and later became publisher of the Manchester Union Leader. During World War I he served in France as Major in the 303rd Ammunition Train of the 78th Division participating in the St. Mihiel and Meuse Argonne offenses. After being transferred to the Field, Artillery Reserve he was promoted on October 15, 1923 to Lieutenant Colonel, Officers Reserve Staff Corps, and in July, 1937, to the rank of Colonel. Colonel Knox's outstanding career in journal­ism included successively the office of general manager of the Hearst newspapers, publisher of the Hearst Boston newspapers and since 1931 publisher of the Chicago Daily News.

On July 11, 1940, Colonel Knox took the oath of office as Secretary of the Navy. Throughout his entire career in public life, in journalism, in the armed services, and as Secretary of the Navy he has devoted him­self unremittingly and without reserve to the best interests of his country and of the Naval Service. His active leadership during the current strug­gle has been an inspiration which will be sorely missed.

"It is directed that Colors be displayed at half mast on all ships and at all Navy Yards and stations until sunset on the date of interment and to the extent permitted by war operations special memorial services shall be conducted on an appropriate day as prescribed by the senior officer present. Because the nation is at war the firing of salutes and the wear­ing of mourning badges shall be dispensed with.

"Information as to date of interment will be transmitted later."

 

 

APRIL 28, 1944

 

A STATEMENT BY ACTING SECRETARY OF THE NAVY JAMES FORRESTAL

 

In the death of Secretary Knox the Nation has lost one of its great leaders, the Navy a devoted servant and all of us who worked with him a loyal friend. His career of public service is a finer tribute to his memory than any that words could express. It can be truly said that he expended himself in the service of his country.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 380, APRIL 29, 1944

 

Guam Island was bombed by Liberator bombers of Fleet Air Wing Two and of the Seventh Army Air Force on April 24 (West Longitude Date). Many enemy planes were seen on the ground but no attempt at interception was undertaken. All of our planes returned.

 

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Ponape Island was bombed on April 26 by Army and Navy Liberators and in a second strike the same day was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells. Ponape was also bombed before dawn on April 27 by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force. Ponape Town and airfields were hit and fires started. No casualties were suffered by any of our planes or personnel.

Fifty‑four tons of bombs were dropped on Moen, Eten, Dublon, and Param in the Truk Atoll by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators before dawn on April 27. Several enemy planes were in the air but did not attempt intercep­tion. Antiaircraft fire was light and ineffective.

The airfield at Puluwat Island was bombed by a single search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two on April 25. Antiaircraft fire was intense. Fires were started.

Remaining enemy objectives in the Marshall Islands were bombed and strafed on April. 26 by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Navy Hellcat fighters.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 381, APRIL 29, 1944

 

Revetments and runways at Ponape Island were bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells on April 27 (West Longitude Date). Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

Forty‑eight tons of bombs were dropped on remaining enemy positions in the Marshalls on April 27 by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, and shore‑based Navy Hellcat fighters.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 382, APRIL 30, 1944

 

Forty‑one tons of bombs were dropped on the Truk Atoll by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on the night of April 2 (West Longitude Date). Anti­aircraft fire was meager. Several enemy planes were seen but did not at­tempt interception.

Ponape Island was bombed on April 28 by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells and a single Seventh Army Air Force Liberator. Airfields were hit and fires observed.

Sixty‑five tons of bombs were dropped on remaining enemy objectives in the Marshalls on April 28 by Mitchells and Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two and Navy Hellcat fighters. Gun positions, buildings, and runways were hit. At one objective a barge was severely strafed by Hellcat fighters.