CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 384, MAY 1, 1944

 

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Paramushiru in the Kurile Islands before dawn on April 29 (West Longitude Date). Light antiaircraft fire did no damage to our planes. All of our planes returned.

A single search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and damaged a ship at anchor in the Truk Lagoon and strafed airstrips on Moen and Eten Islands on April 29.

 

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Ponape Island was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bomb­ers on April 29. Runways and adjacent installations were hit. A large ex­plosion was observed near one airfield. Moderate antiaircraft fire was en­countered.

Thirty‑five tons of bombs were dropped on remaining enemy objectives In the Marshalls on April 29 by Mitchell and Liberator bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine aircraft wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 518, MAY 2, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

 

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of twelve vessels, includ­ing three combatant ships, as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters, as follows

 

1 large tanker

1 large naval auxiliary

2 medium cargo transports

5 medium cargo vessels

1 light cruiser

2 destroyers

 

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

 

 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 44, MAY 2, 1944

 

Powerful Naval Task Forces of the Pacific Fleet under command of Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, U. S. Navy, have completed further attacks against enemy bases in the Central Pacific following their operations in sup­port of the Hollandia‑Humboldt Bay occupation.

Installations in Truk Atoll were attacked by carrier aircraft on April 29‑30 (West Longitude Date); Satawan, in the Nomoi Islands, was attacked by carrier‑based aircraft and shelled by cruisers under the command of Rear Admiral J. B. Oldendorf, U. S. Navy, on April 30; Ponape was attacked by carrier‑based aircraft on May 1 and shelled by battleships commanded by Vice Admiral W. A. Lee, U. S. Navy. None of our ships was damaged in any of these operations, and our aircraft losses were light. Approximately 30 flight personnel are missing.

In the first day's attack on Truk, 60 enemy planes were shot down in air combat, an equal number destroyed on the ground. Five enemy planes were shot down by our ships.

In the second day's attack at Truk, the one enemy plane encountered was shot down. Our planes dropped eight hundred tons of bombs in the Truk area, inflicting heavy damage to shore facilities.

Considerable damage was caused by our protracted shelling and bombing of Satawan and Ponape.

Our ships shot down five enemy search planes on April 26 during the retirement from the Hollandia Area.

 

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 385, MAY 2, 1944

 

Wake Island was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on April 30 (West Longitude Date). Ninety‑five tons of bombs were dropped on defense installations. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. Several enemy planes were in the air over the target but did not attempt intercep­tion. All of our planes returned.

Ponape Island was bombed on April 30 by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers. Explosions and fires were caused at an airfield. Anti­aircraft was moderate.

Remaining enemy positions in the Marshalls were attacked on April 30 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.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 386, MAY 4, 1944

 

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed the Truk Atoll on the night of May 1‑2 (West Longitude Date). Fifty tons of bombs were dropped on airstrips and adjacent installations, starting fires and causing large explo­sions. A searchlight battery was destroyed. Antiaircraft fire was moderate. Two enemy planes were in the air over the target but did not attempt inter­ception.

A single Seventh Army Air Force Liberator bombed Ponape Island at night on May 1. A fire was set in Ponape Town.

Remaining enemy positions in the Marshalls were bombed on May 1 and on May 2 by 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. Gun positions, shore installations, buildings and a power station were bombed and strafed.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 387, MAY 5, 1944

 

Paramushiru in the Kurile Islands was bombed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four on the night of May 3‑4 (West Longitude Date). Explosions were caused and large fires started. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered. All of our planes returned.

Nauru Island was bombed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two on May 3. Barracks and runways were hit. Antiaircraft fire was intense.

Ponape Island was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers on May 2. Runways at two airfields were hit. Antiaircraft fire was light.

Remaining enemy positions in the Marshall Islands were attacked on May 3 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. Hits were obtained in a magazine area and on gun positions.

 

 

CINCPAC RELEASE NO. 388, MAY 6, 1944

 

Eighty‑seven tons of bombs were dropped on Ponape Island by Liber­ators of the Seventh Army Air Force on May 4 (West Longitude Date). Ponape Town and dock areas were thoroughly covered, and large fires and explosions were caused.

 

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Truk Atoll was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators before dawn on May 5. Antiaircraft fire was light.

Forty‑seven tons of bombs were dropped in attacks on remaining enemy positions in the Marshalls during May 4 by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat lighters. Coastal batteries, anti­aircraft batteries, and magazine areas were hit.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 389, MAY 7, 1944

 

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Paramushiru and Shimushu in the Kuriles at night on May 5 (West Longitude Date). Large fires were started. Intense heavily caliber antiaircraft fire was en­countered. All of our planes returned.

Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Ponape Island on May 5 concentrating on the seaplane base and airfields. Antiaircraft fire was light.

Sixty‑two tons of bombs were dropped on remaining positions in the Marshalls on May 5 by Liberator and 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. Coastal guns, magazine areas and storage facilities were hit.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 391, MAY 8, 1944

 

Ventura search planes" of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Paramushiru in daylight on May 6 (West Longitude Date). Antiaircraft fire was light.

A search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two shot down an enemy four‑engine patrol plane near Ulul Island on May 6 (West Longitude Date).

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 392, MAY 8, 1944

 

Liberator search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two and Liberator bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Guam Island during daylight on May 6 (West Longitude Date). Our force was intercepted by approximately 25 enemy fighters. Seven of these were shot down, three probably shot down, and two damaged. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered over the target. All of our planes returned.

Truk Atoll was bombed at night on May 6 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. Several fires were started. Antiaircraft fire ranged from light to moderate.

Ponape Island was bombed during daylight on May 6 by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers and on the night of May 6 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. Airfields and defense installations were hit. No anti­aircraft fire was encountered during either strike.

Remaining enemy positions in the Marshalls received thirty‑three tons of bombs on May 6 from Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters. Coastal batteries, fuel storage facilities, and magazines were hit.

 

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JOINT STATEMENT, MAY 9, 1944

 

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

 

"In April 1944, the United Nations anti‑submarine activity continued at a highly satisfactory level. Again for another month the extraordinary fact continues that the number of enemy submarines sunk exceeds the number of Allied merchant ships sunk by submarines."

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 393, MAY 9, 1944

 

Airfields at Ponape Island were bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators and Mitchells on May 7 (West Longitude Date). Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

Remaining enemy positions in the Marshalls were bombed and strafed on May 7 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. Coastal guns, antiaircraft batteries, and a power station were hit.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 519, MAY 10, 1944

Mediterranean.

 

1. The U. S. Destroyer Lansdale was sunk in the Mediterranean April 20, 1944, as the result of attack by enemy aircraft.

2. The next of kin of the casualties have been notified.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 394, MAY 10, 1944

 

Ponape Island was bombed by Liberator and Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force on May 8 (West Longitude Date). The town and airfields were hit. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells, Dauntless dive bombers, and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, and Navy Hellcat fighters bombed and strafed remaining enemy positions in the Marshalls on May 8. Fuel storage facilities, antiaircraft batteries, barracks, and coastal guns were hit.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 395, MAY 11, 1944

 

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Farce bombed Truk Atoll on the night of May 8‑9 (West Longitude Date). Forty tons of bombs were dropped on airstrips and defense installations. A possible hit was obtained on a ship near Moen Island with a 2,000 pound bomb. Four enemy planes were in the air over the target but did not attempt interception. Antiaircraft fire was light.

Single Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Oroluk Atoll and Ponape Town on the night of May 8‑9.

Wake Island was attacked by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on the night of May 9.

Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells bombed Ponape on May 9.

 

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Remaining enemy positions in the Marshall Islands were bombed and strafed on May 9 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.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 520, MAY 12, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

 

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

 

1 destroyer

1 large tanker

1 medium tanker

1 medium transport

1 medium cargo transport

7 medium cargo vessels

1 small cargo transport

1 small cargo vessel

 

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

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 397, MAY 12, 1944

 

Better than 7 to 1—that's the ratio the Navy's carrier squadron have es­tablished during the past eight months: 1,229 Japanese aircraft destroyed at a cost of 164 U. S. planes. A large proportion of the crews of these 164 air­craft were rescued.

The score begins with the Marcus Island raid on September 1 last year, and includes our second big raid on Truk on the last two days of April. It does not include our own comparatively light losses at Truk and during the Hollandia landings on April 21. Nor does it include 54 Japanese craft shot down by task force anti‑aircraft fire.

To achieve this better than 7 to 1 superiority in aircraft destruction, our carrier‑squadrons wiped out 673 Japanese planes in aerial combat, and smashed 556 on the ground. All this was in addition to great losses and damage in­flicted on enemy ships and installations.

The escort carrier Liscome Bay, sunk by a submarine torpedo, was the only ship lost during 19 major raids against 15 enemy bases by these big carrier task forces which ranged from the Solomons to Marcus, from the Marshalls to the Marianas and Palau.

Figures released today mirror the increasing effectiveness of these forces. Only seven planes, all on the ground, were destroyed in the September 1 thrust at Marcus. But at Truk in February, 205 Japanese craft were demolished in the air and on the ground. In the 10‑week period since the initial assault on the Truk bastion, the carrier units accounted for 719 enemy craft, more than half the total for the eight‑month period.

Indicative of our increasing ascendancy in the air, at least in the area of the Japanese outer island defenses, is the fact that in the occupation

 

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of Kwajalein Atoll enemy air opposition was eliminated within four hours after the first fighter sweep. Further, at Truk in February not a single Japanese plane rose to challenge our aviators on the second day.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 398, MAY 12, 1944

 

Single search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed landing strips at Kusaie Island and at Murilo in the Hall Islands on May 10 (West Longitude Date).

Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Ponape Island on May 10.

Enemy‑held objectives in the Marshalls were bombed on May 10 by Mitchells of the Seventh Army Air Force, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. Antiair­craft batteries, building areas, and underground shelters were hit.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 399, MAY 12, 1944

 

Two flights of Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Truk Atoll before dawn on May 11 (West Longitude Date). Sixty‑two tons of bombs were dropped. Airfields were hit and explosions and fires observed. Seven enemy planes intercepted the first flight of Liberators and one of these enemy planes was shot down. One of four enemy aircraft intercepting the second flight was probably destroyed. All of our planes returned.

A single Liberator of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Ponape Island before dawn on May 11.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 400, MAY 13, 1944

 

A search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed the airstrip at Kusaie Island on May 11 (West Longitude Date). On the same day another search plane shot down a Japanese medium bomber northeast of Truk Atoll.

Enemy‑held positions in the Marshall Islands were bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells, Ventura search planes and a single Catalina of Fleet Air Wing Two, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters during the day and night of May 11. Runways, antiaircraft batteries, and barracks were hit.

A Dauntless dive bomber was shot down near one objective and its crew rescued by one of our destroyers.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 401, MAY 14, 1944

 

Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Nauru Island on the morning of May 12 (West Longitude Date). Bombs were dropped on shore installations including an ammunition dump, phosphate works, and the airfield.

Enemy‑held positions in the Marshall Islands were attacked on May 12 by Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Venturas and Catalinas of Fleet Air Wing Two, and Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force.

 

151

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 402, MAY 15, 1944

 

Ventura search planes of. Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Shimushu in the Kurile Islands before dawn on May 13 (West Longitude Date). Several fires were started. Antiaircraft fire was intense. On the afternoon of May 13 a single Mitchell bomber of the Eleventh Army Air Force attacked two enemy patrol boats near Paramushiru.

Forty‑two tons of bombs were dropped on defense installations in Truk Atoll by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators before dawn on May 13. Two large explosions were observed on Moen Island. Antiaircraft fire was moder­ate. A single enemy fighter made an ineffective attempt at interception.

Ponape Island was bombed before dawn on May 13 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators and during daylight the same day by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells. Landing strips and dock areas were hit.

Enemy positions in the Marshall Islands were attacked by Ventura, Coronado, and Catalina search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters during daylight on May 13 and during the night of May 13‑14.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 404, MAY 16, 1944

 

Two hundred and forty tons of bombs were dropped on Jaluit Atoll in the Marshall Islands during daylight on May 14 (West Longitude Date) and during the night of May 14‑15 in a coordinated aerial assault by aircraft of the Seventh Army Air Force, Fleet Air Wing Two, and the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. Two hundred and eighty‑four sorties were flown by Liberator and Mitchell bombers, Dauntless dive bombers, and Corsair and Hellcat fighters. Targets were cannoned by Mitchell bombers and strafed by Hellcat fighters. Attacks were made at altitudes ranging from 50 feet to 10,000 feet. Antiaircraft fire ranged from moderate to meager. Eight of our aircraft re­ceived minor damage but all returned safely.

Other objectives in the Marshalls were harassed on May 14 and until dawn on May 15 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators, Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Ventura and Catalina search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two.

A single search plane of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Shimushu in the Kuriles on the night of May 14 (West Longitude Date). No opposition was encountered.

A search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two dropped four 1,000‑pound bombs on a medium size cargo vessel at anchor in Truk Lagoon before dawn on May 14. Another Fleet Air Wing Two search plane bombed and strafed the air­strip at Puluwat Island on May 14. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 406, MAY 17, 1944

 

Ventura and Coronado 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 remaining enemy objectives in the Marshall Islands during the day and night of May 15 (West Longitude Date). Fuel storage facilities, runways, and buildings were hit,

 

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 407, MAY 18, 1944

 

Wake Island was bombed during daylight on May 16 (West Longitude Date) by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force. Objectives at Peacock Point and Wilkes Island were hit. A large fire was started. Moderate anti­aircraft fire did minor damage to two of our aircraft.

Nauru Island was attacked by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers on May 16. Hits were obtained on a phosphate plant and antiaircraft posi­tions. Explosions were caused and fires set. Antiaircraft fire was intense.

A search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and probably sank a ten thousand ton Japanese tanker and a medium cargo ship in Truk Harbor on May 16. Antiaircraft fire was light. The same plane later bombed and strafed the airstrip and barracks area at Puluwat Island. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered which wounded both pilot and co‑pilot but the aircraft re­turned safely to base.

Ponape Island was bombed by Liberator search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two and Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force on May 16. The seaplane base, airfields, dock installations and Ponape Town were hit. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Enemy positions in the Marshall Islands were bombed on May 16 by Catalina and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Navy Hellcat fighters. Runways and gun positions were hit.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 408, MAY 19, 1944

 

Wake Island was bombed during daylight on May 17 (West Longitude Date) by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force. Peale Island and Heel Point were the principal targets. Intense antiaircraft fire was encountered, and one of our aircraft was shot down.

An airstrip at Ponape Island was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells on May 17. No antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Enemy positions in the Marshalls were attacked on May 17 by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Navy Hellcat fighters. Repair work on the airstrip at Wotje was interrupted by Corsairs which strafed several vehicles and de­stroyed two trucks.

 

 

MAY 19, 1944

 

JAMES FORRESTAL TAKES OATH AS SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

 

James Forrestal today became the 48th Secretary of the Navy.

 

Rear Admiral Thomas L. Gatch, USN, Judge Advocate General of the Navy, administered the oath at ceremonies held at 9 A.M., today in the Office of the Secretary.

Among those present were members of Congress, the Navy High Command, Chiefs of the Bureaus of the Navy Department and other ranking Naval officials.

While he is the 48th Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Forrestal is actually the 47th person to hold the office. John Y. Mason was appointed to two terms, 1844‑45 and 1846‑49.

 

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Secretary Forrestal succeeds the late Frank Knox, who died April 28, 1944.

President Roosevelt sent to the Senate on May 10, 1944, the nomination of Mr. Forrestal as Secretary of the Navy and Senate confirmation was voted May 17, 1944.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 409, MAY 20, 1944

 

Paramushiru Island in the Kuriles was bombed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four at night on May 18 (West Longitude Date). Large fires were started at airfields. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. One of our aircraft received minor damage but all returned safely. A Liber­ator and a Mitchell bomber of the Eleventh Army Air Force damaged and probably sank an enemy patrol vessel east of Paramushiru during daylight on May 18. On the same day a Ventura search plane of Fleet Air Wing Four attacked an enemy auxiliary vessel present in the same locality.

Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Coronado and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Navy Hellcat fighters at­tacked enemy positions in the Marshalls during daylight on May 18 and during the night of May 18‑19. Runways, magazines, power stations and piers were hit.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 410, MAY 21, 1944

 

A single Liberator of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Shimushiru and Ketoi Islands in the Kuriles on the night of May 18‑19 (West Longitude Date). No opposition was encountered.

Shimushu Island was bombed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four before dawn on May 19. Large fires were started at an airfield. Anti­aircraft fire was meager.

Nauru Island was attacked by Mitchell medium bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force during daylight on May 19 (West Longitude Date). The phosphate workings and defense installations were hit. Explosions and fires were observed. Antiaircraft fire was intense.

Ponape Island was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells on May 19. An airfield was the principal target. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Remaining enemy positions in the Marshall Islands were bombed on the night of May 18‑19 and during daylight on May 19 by Catalina and 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. 411, MAY 22, 1944

 

Ponape Island was attacked by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells at sight on May 19 and during daylight on May 20 (West Longitude Date). No opposition was encountered.

Enemy positions in the Marshalls were bombed and strafed by Coronado,

 

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Catalina, and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters during the night of May 19‑20 and on May 20. Runways, antiaircraft batteries, and buildings were hit. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 412, MAY 23, 1944

 

Army, Navy, and Marine shore‑based aircraft dropped 230 tons of bombs on Wotje Atoll on May 21 (West Longitude Date). 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 flew 207 sorties in the coordinated attack. Specific targets were strafed by Mitchell bombers and Corsair fighters. Antiaircraft fire was meager. All of our planes returned, although ten suffered minor damage.

Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Mille Atoll on May 21.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 413, MAY 24, 1944

 

Paramushiru and Shimushu in the Kurile Islands were bombed by Ven­tura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four before dawn on May 21 (West Longitude Date). Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. All of our aircraft returned.

A single Ventura search plane of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Shimushu Island before dawn on May 23. No opposition was encountered.

Ponape Island was bombed during daylight on May 22 by Liberator and Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force. Airfields, gun positions, and buildings were hit and fires started. Meager antiaircraft fire was en­countered.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 521, MAY 25, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

 

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

 

1 destroyer

1 large cargo transport

1 large tanker

2 medium cargo transports

7 medium cargo vessels

1 small transport

1 medium tanker

1 small tanker

 

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

 

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 45, MAY 25, 1944

 

Carrier‑based aircraft of a Pacific Fleet Task Force commanded by Rear Admiral A. E. Montgomery, U. S. Navy, attacked Marcus Island on May 19 and 20 (West Longitude Date) and Wake Island on May 23.

At Marcus our aircraft in 373 sorties dropped 148 tons of bombs on air­drome installations. Ammunition and supply dumps were destroyed and gun positions and buildings damaged. Only two enemy aircraft were seen in the area: one of these a medium bomber was shot down near the target and the other, also a twin‑engine plane, was strafed on the ground. A small cargo ship was set afire north of Marcus. Our losses were four planes and three men.

One hundred and fifty tons of bombs were dropped on Wake in 354 sorties. No enemy aircraft were sighted in the Wake area. Twenty buildings were destroyed and others damaged; storage areas and other airdrome in­stallations were heavily hit. Several small craft were sunk or damaged. None of our planes was shot down.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 415, MAY 25, 1944

 

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Ponape Island on May 23 (West Longitude Date).

Enemy positions in the Marshall Islands were attacked on May 23 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. Defense instal­lations were bombed and severely strafed.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 417, MAY 26, 1944

 

Shimushu in the Kurile Islands was bombed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four before dawn on May 24 (West Longitude Date). Several fires were started. Antiaircraft fire was moderate. All of our planes returned.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 419, MAY 26, 1944

 

A single search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Kusaie Island during daylight on May 25 (West Longitude Date). Medium antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Ponape Island was attacked by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells on May 24. An airfield and dock areas were hit. Antiaircraft fire was meager. One of our aircraft was damaged.

Enemy positions in the Marshalls were bombed and strafed on May 24 by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters. Numerous fires were observed. Antiaircraft fire was moderate. Hits were obtained on anti­aircraft batteries and buildings.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 421, MAY 27, 1944

 

Shimushu in the Kurile Islands was bombed by a Ventura search plane of Fleet Air Wing Four before dawn on May 25 (West Longitude Date). No opposition was encountered.

 

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Matsuwa Island was bombed by a Liberator of the Eleventh Army Air Force before dawn on May 25 without opposition.

Ponape Island was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells on May 25. Docks, warehouses, and gun positions were hit. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Enemy objectives in the Marshall Islands were bombed on May 25 by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters. Antiaircraft fire ranged from medium to moderate. Runways, antiaircraft batteries, and barracks were hit. One Corsair fighter made a forced landing near Wotje Atoll and its pilot was rescued.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 423, MAY 29, 1944

 

Ponape and Pakin Islands were strafed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers during daylight on May 26 (West Longitude Date). Anti­aircraft fire was meager.

Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters bombed and strafed remaining enemy targets in the Marshalls on May 26. Storage areas, runways, and antiaircraft batteries were hit.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 424, MAY 29, 1944

 

One hundred and one tons of bombs were dropped on Ponape Island during daylight on May 27 (West Longitude Date) by Liberator and Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force. Ponape Town and the airfields were principal targets and barracks, hangars, and storage areas were hit. Moder­ate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Fifty tons of bombs were dropped on Wotje Island during the afternoon of May 27 by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters, a Ventura search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two, and Navy Hellcat fighters. Defense installa­tions were hit and several fires started.

Other objectives in the Marshalls were attacked by Navy Venturas and Marine Corsairs on May 27. Antiaircraft fire ranged from moderate to meager.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 425, MAY 30, 1944

 

Saipan Island in the Marianas was bombed by Liberator search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two and Liberator bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force during daylight on May 28 (West Longitude Date). Moderate heavy caliber antiaircraft fire was encountered. Twelve enemy fighters attacked our formation. Two fighters were shot down and two were damaged.

Shimushu Island in the Kuriles was bombed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four before dawn on May 27. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.

On May 28 enemy positions in the Marshalls were bombed 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. Runways, barracks, antiaircraft batteries and other defense installations were hit.

 

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 426, MAY 30, 1944

 

Ten officers and enlisted men of the Submarine Forces, Pacific Fleet, were presented awards for distinguished performance of duty by Admiral C. W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, in a ceremony at Pearl Harbor on 30 May.

 

In presenting the medal awards Admiral Nimitz said:

 

"During thirty months of war in the Pacific our submarine forces have penetrated far into Japanese home waters; have cut heavily into the available tonnage of Japanese shipping; and in so doing have prob­ably made more unsung heroes than any other branch of the naval service. The numerous men of distinguished valor who are to be found in the submarine forces receive little public recognition because details of submarine operations cannot be made public for good reasons of military security. It is possible, however, to confer medal awards upon those who have particularly distinguished themselves in undersea war­fare, while the dramatic exploits and achievements which make these awards so richly deserved must remain untold until after the war.

"One of the major reasons why Japan's once grandiose plan for conquest of the entire Pacific has gone glimmering is the enemy's in­ability to maintain control of the sea lanes which he must use to take supplies to his military outposts and bring supplies to the Empire. From the beginning of the war our submarines have challenged that control, and the western Pacific, which normally would be dominated by the enemy, is instead a No Man's Sea in which our submarine forces are daily increasing their interference with and interruption of Japan's war­time commerce and the movement of men and munitions. That our submarines will be joined sooner or later in these intrusion tactics by our surface forces and aircraft must be expected by our enemy.

"Our submarines have sent more than two and a half million tons of Japanese shipping to the ocean floor, and are sending a very consider­able quantity of tonnage into Japanese shipyards for repair, which ties up repair facilities and resources which the Jap needs for other purposes.

"This steady attrition of shipping space available to the enemy is slowly and surely sapping his strength.

"In accomplishing these results the submarine forces have demon­strated skill and daring, and have shown a noteworthy capacity to learn new tactics and new methods of getting the best out of their versatile weapons.

"In recognition of recent outstanding achievements by twelve of your number, I now have the pleasure of presenting individual awards. In presenting these awards, I am simply acting for the President of the United States. If it were possible, our Commander in Chief would de­rive the keenest pleasure from pinning these medals on you himself."

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 427, MAY 31, 1944

 

A single Liberator of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Shimushiru Island in the Kuriles before dawn on May 29 (West Longitude Date). No opposition was encountered. Another Eleventh Army Air Force Liberator bombed Matsuwa Island before dawn on May 29.

 

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Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Paramushiru and Shimushu Islands in the Kuriles before dawn on May 29. Moderate antiair­craft fire was encountered. Large fires were started at Shimushu.