N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 571, FEBRUARY 1, 1945

Pacific Area.

 

1. The minesweepers USS Hovey and USS Palmer and the LST 759 have been lost in the Philippine Area as the result of enemy action.

2. The next of kin of casualties have been informed.

 

 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 572, FEBRUARY 1, 1945

 

1. The submarine USS Growler is overdue from patrol and presumed lost.

2. Next of kin of officers and crew have been informed.

 

 

 

CINCPOA PRESS RELEASE NO. 2, FEBRUARY 1, 1945

 

Chance Vought Corsair fighter aircraft have successfully completed their first regular operation from U. S. Navy aircraft carriers against the enemy in wartime.

These aircraft, which bear the official Navy designation of F4U‑1D, formed a portion of the fighter aircraft units used in the sustained fleet opera­tions against the Philippines, the coast of French Indo‑China, the coast of South China, Formosa and the Ryukyu Islands, which began on 2 January 1945 (West Longitude Date).

The Corsair squadrons were flown and commanded by officers of the U. S. Marine Corps. Their performance contributed materially to the success which the U. S. Pacific Fleet achieved.

 

 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 573, FEBRUARY 2, 1945

 

1. The LST reported in Navy Department communiqué No. 571 should have been identified as the LST 749. The LST 749 was lost in operations in the Philippine Area. The LST 759 has not been lost.

 

 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 574, FEBRUARY 2, 1945

Far East.

 

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of ten enemy vessels as a result of operations in these waters. The ships sunk were:

 

2 medium cargo transports

2 medium tankers

3 small cargo vessels 1 large transport

1 medium transport 1 small tanker

 

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

 

337

 

 

FEBRUARY 2, 1945

 

JAPANESE SHIP LOSS RATE INCREASES

 

Announcing the sinking or damaging of Japanese shipping at a rate in excess of 50 vessels a week since June 19, 1944, Navy Department and CinCPac communiqués show that more enemy vessels have been sunk and damaged in the Pacific since the First Battle of the Philippine Sea last year than had been reported from December 7, 1941, up to that time.

Fleet and sir units operating under the command of the Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet, have accounted for a major part of the enemy shipping listed in the tabulations, while submarines operating under the same command accounted for the remainder.

The recapitulation reveals that 152 combatant ships have been definitely sunk during that period, the same number that had been sent to the bottom in the period from December 7, 1941, to June 19, 1944.

The complete box score follows

 

COMBATANT SHIPS

 

Sunk

Probably Sunk

Damaged

Totals

12/7/41

6/19/44

12/7/41

6/19/44

12/7/41

6/19/44

12/7/41

6/19/44

6/19/44

2/2/45

6/19/44

2/2/45

6/19/44

2/2/45

6/19/44

2/2/45

152

152

31

39

159

105

342

296

NON‑COMBATANT SHIPS

719

759

52

65

270

605

1041

1429

TOTALS

871

911

83

104

429

710

1383

1725

 

The Grand Total is 3,108 ships sunk, probably sunk or damaged.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 247, FEBRUARY 2, 1945

 

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on January 30 (East Longitude Date). Our air­craft were opposed by three enemy fighters of which one was damaged.

On January 30 Army bombers of the same force bombed airstrip installa­tions on Woleai in the Western Carolines.

Avenger Torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing destroyed a building and bombed harbor installations on Yap in the Western Carolines on January 31.

Corsair fighters on the same force sank two barges by bombing near Babelthuap in the Palaus on the same date.

 

338

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 248, FEBRUARY 2, 1945

 

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed enemy airfield installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on January 31 (East Longitude Date). Four enemy fighters were airborne over the target. On the following day the Army bombers again attacked the Island causing fires which were visible for thirty miles.

Marine Mitchells of the Strategic Air Force during nightly harassing attacks against enemy shipping around the Bonins and Volcanos since Decem­ber 6 have damaged twelve ships and probably destroyed one other.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed harbor Installa­tions at Yap in the Western Carolines on January 31 and February 1.

Coast defenses on Urukthapel in the Palaus were bombed by Marine Air­craft on January 31. On the night of the same date Marine Hellcats bombed Arakabesan, Koror  and Babelthuap in the same group. An explosion and a large fire were observed on Arakabesan after the attack. Targets on the same islands were attacked again on February 1.

 

 

FEBRUARY 3, 1945

 

DESIGNATION OF THE "BATTLE FOR LEYTE GULF"

 

The Naval combat operations off the Philippine Islands during the period October 24‑26, 1944, have been officially designated the Battle for Leyte Gulf. The new name, superceding the popularly used designation "Second Battle of the Philippine Sea," was suggested by Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN, Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet, and was approved by Secre­tary of the Navy James Forrestal after receiving a recommendation to that effect from fleet Admiral Ernest J. King, USN, Commander in Chief, United States Fleet and Chief of Naval Operations.

The Battle for Leyte Gulf is subdivided into three separate operations, designated as follows: Battle of Surigao Strait; Battle off Samar; and Battle off Cape Engano.

The new names were approved on February 1, 1945.

 

 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 575, FEBRUARY 5, 1945

 

1. The submarine USS Tang is overdue from war patrol and presumed lost.

2. Next of kin of officers and crew have been informed.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 249, FEBRUARY 5, 1945

 

Navy search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four made machine gun and rocket attacks on buildings and radio installations at Kurabu Saki on Para­mushiru and at Shimushu in the Kuriles on February 3 (East Longitude Date). All our aircraft returned safely.

On February 2 Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed air installations and storage areas on Iwo Jima in the Vol­canos. On the following day Army Liberators, Lightning fighters and Navy search Liberators attacked the island through intense antiaircraft fire which destroyed one of our fighters over the target. Seven enemy fighters were in the air.

Harbor installations at Chichi Jima in the Bonins were bombed by Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force on February 3.

Airplanes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked installations on Yap in the Western Carolines and on Babelthuap in the Palaus on February 3.

Marine aircraft bombed installations on Rota in the Marianas on the same date.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 250, FEBRUARY 6, 1945

 

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed storage and barracks areas on Haha Jima in the Bonins on February 4 (East Longitude Date).

On February 4 and 5, Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force attacked targets on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed barges and build­ings in the Palaus on February 4 and 5.

 

339

 

Marine torpedo planes destroyed a pier and buildings on Yap in the Western Carolines on February 5.

Mitchell bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed airfield installations and destroyed a building on Ponape in the Carolines on Feb­ruary 6. The attack was made through intense antiaircraft fire. One of our aircraft was lost.

Neutralizing attacks on enemy held bases in the Marshalls were con­tinued on February 5 by Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 251, FEBRUARY 7, 1945

 

Marine Mitchells of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, attacked shipping in and around the Bonins and Volcanos on the night of February 6 (East Longitude Date). A large ship in a convoy north of the Volcanos was hit with rockets and a second ship in a convoy north of the Bonins was left smoking after an explosion aboard caused by rocket attacks.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators of the Strategic Air Force bombed barracks and other installations at Chichi Jima and Ototo Jima in the Bonins on the same date. Three enemy fighters were seen airborne over the targets.

The enemy base at Kataoka on Shimushu in the Kuriles was bombed by Eleventh Army Air Force Liberators on February 6.

Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing destroyed a bridge, set trucks afire and struck defense positions on Babelthuap in the Palaus on February 6.

A pier and bridge on Yap in the Western Carolines were hit by Marine fighters and torpedo planes on the same date.

On February 6, Marine fighters bombed enemy installations on Rota in the Marianas,

 

 

CINCPOA PRESS RELEASE NO. 4, FEBRUARY 7, 1945

 

Fleet Admiral C. W. Nimitz, U. S. Navy, and the plans and operations elements of his staff have moved to Advance Headquarters of the U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas in the Forward Area.

The first communiqué to be released at Advance Headquarters by Admiral Nimitz was Number 244, issued on 28 January 1945. Transfer of the personnel and equipment to the advance headquarters was made without incident by surface units of the fleet and by naval aircraft.

Present with Fleet Admiral Nimitz at his advance headquarters are Vice Admiral C. H. McMorris, U. S. Navy, Chief of Staff, and Rear Admiral For­rest Sherman, U. S. Navy, Deputy Chief of Staff.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 252, FEBRUARY 8, 1945

 

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on February 6 and 7, (East Longitude Date).

Army bombers of the same force attacked Okimura Town on Haha Jima n the Bonins on February 7. Three large fires were observed.

 

340

 

Woleai in the Western Carolines was bombed from high altitude by Army bombers of the Strategic Air Force on February 7 and shore installations on Yap in the same group were bombed by torpedo aircraft of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on the same date. Marine aircraft bombed and strafed targets on Ponape in the Carolines on the following day.

Marine planes attacked installations on Babelthuap in the Palaus on February 7.

Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing fighters strafed targets on Rota in the Marianas on February 7.

Planes of Fleet Air Wing Two continued neutralizing attacks on enemy-held bases in the Marshalls on February 8.

 

 

JOINT STATEMENT, FEBRUARY 9, 1945

 

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

 

"Throughout January the enemy's U‑boat activity was slightly greater than in December, but losses of merchant shipping were not substantially different. The U‑boats making use of their new devices penetrated further into focal areas of shipping close in shore. Results of our counter‑measures

have been encouraging."

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 253, FEBRUARY 10, 1945

 

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on February 8 (East Longitude Date). Our aircraft were attacked by three enemy fighters of which one was destroyed. One of our bombers was lost.

Eleventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Kataoka on Shimushu in the Kuriles on February 8. All of our aircraft returned safely.

On the same date Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked targets on Babelthuap in the Palaus and destroyed a bridge on Yap in the Western Carolines.

Marine Hellcats and Corsairs bombed and strafed enemy installations on Rota in the Marianas on February 8.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 254, FEBRUARY 10, 1945

 

Rockets bearing Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four struck radio and light­house installations at Kokutan Zaki at the northern tip of Shimushu in the Kuriles on February 8 (East Longitude Date).

More than sixty tons of bombs were dropped on Iwo Jima in the Vol­canos by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators operating under the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, on February 9. On the following day Army Lightnings of the Strategic Air Force swept the island and destroyed four bombers and three fighters on the ground and damaged another bomber on the ground. An enemy destroyer was strafed by our aircraft. One of our fighters was lost in the attack.

Warehouses and buildings on Babelthuap in the Palaus were damaged

 

341

 

by fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on February 9. On the same date harbor installations on Yap in the Western Carolines were set ablaze by Marine aircraft.

Venturas of Fleet Air Wing One bombed the airstrip on Puluwat in the Western Carolines on February 10.

 

 

FEBRUARY 10, 1945

 

NAVY DEPARTMENT STEPS UP ACTIVITY IN PREPARING TO PROSECUTE WAR CRIMES

 

Rear Admiral Thomas L. Gatch, Judge Advocate General of the Navy, announced today that the Navy Department is expanding its participation with the Army in preparing for the prosecution of war criminals.

An augmented staff, including representatives of the Navy, the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard, is being assigned under Lieutenant Commander James J. Robinson, USNR., Director of the Navy Division of the War Crimes Office, to assemble evidence, interview witnesses and prepare trial briefs in the War Crimes Office in Naval and other cases involving cruelties, atrocities and acts of oppression against members of the United States armed forces and other Americans.

"Bringing to justice international gangsters and their underlings has always been a special concern of the United States Navy," Rear Admiral Gatch said in describing the Navy's purposes in the expansion of this activity. "In fact," he continued, "the Navy was recreated after the Revolution to wipe out the Barbary pirates in order to protect American lives and property from those ransom racketeers.

"The Navy has always been a principal instrument for maintaining in­ternational law and order. We believe in justice. We shall do everything within our power to see that the evidence collected is true evidence and that the trials will be just. The accused will be given full opportunity to know the charges leveled against him and a fair chance to present his defense.

"In gathering evidence of war crimes our chief interest is the Navy's desire to protect its own and to serve all other Americans. To do this we believe we should be prepared so that the trials of war criminals can be held as speedily as conditions will permit."

The War Crimes Office was established last Fail by Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson in cooperation with Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal. It is under the general supervision of Major General Myron C. Cramer, the Judge Advocate General of the Army, and is directed by Brigadier General John M. Weir. The office is located in the Munitions Building. The Navy Division, under Lieutenant Commander Robinson, reports directly to Rear Admiral Gatch, the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, and to Brigadier General Weir.

The Navy has been at work assembling data regarding war crimes before and since the organization last year in London of the United Nations War Crimes Commission.

Early last year Rear Admiral Gatch, acting in conjunction with Fleet Admiral (then Admiral) Ernest J. King, USN, Chief of Naval Operations, designated Lieutenant Commander Robinson to serve as the Navy's representa­tive in war crimes matters.

 

342

 

The work of the war Crimes Office, in which the Navy Division partici­pates with the Army, includes the following activities:

 

1. Investigation of alleged war crimes, securing evidence and statements of witnesses.

2. Organization of evidence and preparation of files of alleged war criminals.

3. Drafting charges and specifications, and trial briefs.

4. Assisting in trials and other details of prosecution.

5. Organization to carry out sentences.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 255, FEBRUARY 11, 1945

 

Marine Mitchells of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, made rocket attacks on a medium size tanker and a large cargo ship north of Iwo Jima in the Volcanos in the early morning hours of February 10 (East Longi­tude Date). Explosions were observed aboard both ships. Our aircraft were opposed by night fighters and by intense antiaircraft fire.

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force bombed Haha Jima in the Bonins on February 10 through intense antiaircraft fire; results were un­observed. One of our aircraft was shot down over the target.

Shore installations on Babelthuap in the Palaus were attacked by fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on February 10.

On the same date Marine fighters strafed targets on Rota in the Marianas.

 

 

CINCPOA PRESS RELEASE NO. 5, FEBRUARY 11, 1945

 

Vice Admiral George D. Murray, USN, Commander Air Forces, Pacific Fleet, has revealed that during Pacific Fleet Carrier operations from June 11 to October 30, 1944, Japanese aircraft losses in aerial combat were 2472 against 123 of our own, a ratio of approximately 20 to 1.

Admiral Murray attributed this ratio to a combination of the Navy's superior pilot training program and of our sturdy and well‑designed aircraft.

The period of operations includes the First and Second Battles of the Philippines Sea, the air assault on the Bonin Islands, the Palau invasion, and the Leyte phase of the Philippines invasion during which carrier aircraft were pitted against Japanese land‑based air power operating from scores of air strips on the Nansei Shoto, Formosa and the Philippines.

These figures are solely those of aerial combat‑plane against plane in the air. They do not include planes shot down by antiaircraft fire.

Included in the total of 123 planes lost by our forces are aircraft which were able to return to the vicinity of our forces or bases, and even were landed aboard our aircraft carriers, but which were so badly damaged they were junked. The enemy total of 2472 includes only those aircraft confirmed to have been seen crashing, or to have been abandoned by pilot and crew.

Of the 123 planes lost by our forces, a substantial number of the pilots were rescued.

The totals of 2472 Jap planes lost against 123 of our own includes all types of planes, including both fighters and bombers.

"This highly favorable score can be attributed to a combination of the superior naval pilot training program and our sturdy and well‑designed air­craft," Admiral Murray said.

 

343

 

"Despite the difficulties inherent in mass training of large numbers of students, there has been no deterioration of quality. Our young men gaining their Naval Aviator's wings today take their place among the best in the world"

 

 

CINCPOA PRESS RELEASE NO. 6,

 

The Advance Headquarters of Fleet Admiral C. W. Nimitz, U. S. Navy, Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, have been established at Guam in the Marianas Islands. Elements of his planning and operations staff are present on the island with Fleet Admiral Nimitz.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 256, FEBRUARY 12, 1945

 

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, heavily bombed airfield installations and other targets on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on February 11 (East Longitude Date). Five enemy aircraft were observed in the air.

On the same date Army bombers of the Strategic Air Force attacked Marcus Island with unobserved results.

Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing One bombed Truk in the Carolines on February 11. Two enemy aircraft were airborne over the target.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing sank a barge and set nine others ablaze and destroyed six trucks on Babelthuap in the Palaus on February 11. Attacks were also made on targets on Arakabesan in the same group. Installations on Yap in the Western Carolines were bombed by Marine aircraft on the same date.

Marine Fighters attacked targets on Rota in the Marianas on February 11.

 

 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 576, FEBRUARY 13, 1945

Pacific Area.

 

1. The escort carrier USS Ommaney Bay and the minesweeper USS Long have been lost in the Philippine Area as the result of enemy action.

2. The next of kin of casualties have been informed.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 257, FEBRUARY 13, 1945

 

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed airfield installations and antiaircraft positions on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on February 12 (East Longitude Date).

On the same date bombers of the same force struck at Naval installations on Chichi Jima and at Me! Jima in the Haha Jima Group in the Bonins. Re­sults were unobserved.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing destroyed one building and damaged another on Babelthuap in the Palaus on February 12. Marine fighters and torpedo bombers struck dock installations on Yap in the Western Carolines on the same date.

 

344

 

 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 577, FEBRUARY 14, 1945

Far East.

 

1. United States submarines have reported the sinking of 31 enemy ves­sels, including a converted light cruiser and two small warships, as a result of operations in these waters. The ships sunk were:

 

14 medium cargo vessels

1 small transport

7 small cargo vessels

1 converted light cruiser

1 converted gunboat

2 medium tankers

1 small cargo transport

1 medium cargo transport

1 escort vessel

1 large cargo transport

1 small tanker

 

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

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 258, FEBRUARY 14, 1945

 

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators operating under the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed enemy installations on Iwo Jima with unobserved results on February 13 (East Longitude Date).

On the same day bombers of the same force made attacks on Haha Jima in the Bonins.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked targets on Koror  and Arakabesan in the Palaus starting a fire on Koror. On the same day Marine aircraft attacked Yap through intense antiaircraft fire destroying two buildings.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 259, FEBRUARY 15, 1945

 

Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher in command of a powerful task force of the Pacific Fleet is now attacking enemy aircraft, air bases and other military targets in and around Tokyo.

This operation has long been planned and the opportunity to accomplish it fulfills the deeply cherished desire of every officer and man in the Pacific Fleet.

Surface units of the Pacific Fleet are bombarding Iwo Jima. Aircraft of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, are bombing Iwo Jima and nearby positions in the Bonins.

The fleet forces are under the tactical command of Admiral R. A. Spruance, Commander Fifth Fleet.

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 260, FEBRUARY 16, 1945

 

Carrier aircraft of the Fifth Fleet are continuing to attack the Tokyo area.

Preliminary reports indicate that substantial damage was inflicted on enemy installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands. In spite of adverse weather conditions during the bombardment by battleships and cruisers of

 

345

 

the Pacific Fleet on February 16, our carrier aircraft set two luggers ablaze and three bombers were probably destroyed on the ground. A Kingfisher sea­plane from one of the cruisers in the bombardment force shot down a Zero landplane fighter. One of our aircraft was destroyed by enemy antiaircraft fire but the pilot was rescued. Enemy shore batteries which fired on the bombardment group were silenced by the guns of the fleet. The bombardment is continuing.

On February 15, Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed Iwo Jima in the Volcanos and Chichi Jima in the Bonins.

On the same date, Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force and Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing One struck the airfields in Truk Atoll. Two enemy fighters and moderate antiaircraft fire were encountered.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 261, FEBRUARY 17, 1945

 

Further reports on the attacks on Tokyo by aircraft of the Fifth Fleet under Admiral R. A. Spruance on February 16 and 17 (East Longitude Dates) are unavailable.

Bombardment of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands by battleships and cruisers of the Pacific Fleet is continuing. On February 17 carrier aircraft and Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed targets on the island through intense antiaircraft fire. One of our ships was damaged during the attack by shore based gunfire which was intense.

Five aircraft were strafed on the ground at Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands and eighteen small craft were strafed and an ammunition barge ex­ploded at Haha Jima in the same group on February 17. Enemy antiair­craft fire was intense over both targets. Ship's antiaircraft batteries shot down two enemy planes.

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force bombed Marcus Island on February 16.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked targets on Babel­thuap in the Palaus and on Yap in the Western Carolines on the same date.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 262, FEBRUARY 18, 1945

 

Battleships' gunfire damaged defensive installations including three heavily casemated coastal guns knocked out and probably three more damaged during a heavy bombardment of shore defenses on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on February 18 (East Longitude Date). The island was under fire of heavy units of the United States Pacific Fleet throughout the day. The bombard­ment of Iwo Jima on February 16‑17, and 18 was under the immediate tactical direction of Rear Admiral W. H. P. Blandy, USN

Carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet damaged sixteen small ships and barges at Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands on the same date. Four planes were damaged on the ground by strafing attacks and three aircraft at the island seaplane base were strafed. Our planes met intense antiaircraft fire.

Bombing from low altitude Seventh Army Air Force Liberators operat­ing under the Strategic Air Force attacked airfield and defense installations on Iwo Jima on February 17 setting large fires. Antiaircraft fire was intense.

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force and Navy search aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One attacked the airdrome on Marcus Island on February 18.

 

346

 

On the same date aircraft of the same forces attacked airfields of the Truk Atoll meeting only two enemy fighters which were not aggressive.

Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and damaged a pier, warehouses and other targets on Babelthuap in the Palaus on February 16.

 

 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 578, FEBRUARY 20, 1945

Pacific Area.

 

1. The YMS 48 has been lost in the Philippine area as a result of enemy action.

2. The next of kin of casualties have been informed.

 

 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 579, FEBRUARY 20, 1945

Pacific Theater.

 

1. The PT 73 and PT 338 have been lost in the Philippine Area as the result of grounding. There were no casualties.

2. The USS PC 1129 has been lost in the Philippine Area as the result of enemy action. The next of kin of casualties have been notified.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 263, FEBRUARY 19, 1945

 

The U. S. Pacific Fleet achieved a decisive victory over the enemy in attacks on Tokyo on February 16 and 17 (East Longitude Dates).

Approaching the enemy coast under cover of weather so adverse as to handicap enemy air operations complete tactical surprise was accomplished by our forces and the following damage was inflicted on the enemy:

 

Aircraft:

 

332 airplanes shot out of the air.

177 airplanes definitely destroyed on the ground.

At least 159 airplanes were probably destroyed or damaged on the first day.

 

An unknown number were damaged on the second day.

 

Shipping:

 

One escort carrier was bombed and set on fire. She went down by the bow and was left lying on her side at Yokohama.

9 coastal vessels sunk

One destroyer sunk

Two destroyer escorts sunk

One cargo ship sunk

22 coastal vessels damaged.

Numerous picket ships destroyed by aircraft and surface forces In­cluding one which was rammed by one of our destroyers.

 

Ground installations:

 

Hangars, shops and other installations destroyed at numerous air­fields. Ota Aircraft Factory damaged. Musashine Tama and Tachigawa engine plants heavily bombed.

 

347

 

Our forces lost 49 planes in the attack. Between 30 and 40 pilots were lost. All enemy efforts to attack our task force were turned back by our effective combat air patrols before they reached our ships. None of our ships suffered damage from enemy ace fighters who were unaggressive and avoided our fighter aircraft.

Compiling this record of damage done the forces under command of Admiral R. A. Spruance, USN, Commander, Fifth Fleet and Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, USN, in tactical command of the carrier forces have won a victory as historic as it is decisive in the heart of the enemy's defenses. The airmanship of our Naval aviators was superior to every test the enemy and adverse weather could offer.

The Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet, concurs in the following message which was sent to the carrier task force by Admiral Spruance: "Congratula­tions to all hands on a superlatively well‑done job. Only courage, skill and intelligent team work by every member of Task Force Fifty Eight could have produced these historic results in spite of opposition by both enemy and weather. I know that our future operations will hurt the enemy even more."

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 264, FEBRUARY 19, 1945

 

United States Marines supported by heavy units of the U. S. Pacific Fleet and by shore based and carrier aircraft have landed on Iwo Island in the Volcano Islands.

The landings were made by the Fifth Amphibious Corps which includes the Fourth and Fifth Marine Divisions after heavy bombardment by battle­ships, cruisers and lighter units of the Pacific Fleet and sustained bombing by substantial forces of Navy carrier aircraft and also by Army bombers of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, which is under the command of Lieutenant General M. F. Harmon, U. S. Army.

Vice Admiral Richmond Kelly Turner, U. S. Navy, Commander Amphibious Forces, U. S. Pacific Fleet, is in overall command of the Amphibious Forces involved in the operation.

Expeditionary troops are under the command of Lieutenant General Hol­land M. Smith, U. S. Marine Corps, Commanding General Fleet Marine Force Pacific. Major General Harry Schmidt, U. S. Marine Corps, Is Commanding General of the Fifth Amphibious Corps. The Fourth Marine Division 13 under command of Major General Clifton B. Cates, U. S. Marine Corps, and the Fifth Marine Division under the command of Major General Keller E. Rockey, U. S. Marine Corps.

The Naval forces which prepared the island for invasion with heavy bombardment included the following old battleships: USS New York, USS Texas, USS Nevada, USS Arkansas, USS Idaho and USS Tennessee.

More than 800 United States ships are involved in the operation. The carrier forces and amphibious forces are under the command of Admiral R. A. Spruance, Commander, Fifth Fleet.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 265, FEBRUARY 19, 1945

 

The Marines who landed on Iwo Island in the Volcanos have established a beachhead along the southeast shoreline extending from the volcano at the southern tip of the island 4,500 yards northward. The operation is proceeding satisfactorily.

 

348

 

The landing was made at 0900 today (East Longitude Date) against resistance which was light initially. Sporadic artillery and mortar fire encountered in the early hours on the beaches increased markedly after the drive inland began. Our casualties are moderate.

By 1000 penetrations from the beaches were generally about 500 yard in depth and at that time advance units of the attackers had reached the southern end of the southern airfield and had penetrated airfield defense east of the airstrip.

The troops went ashore after intense bombardment by heavy units c the U. S. Pacific Fleet and heavy bombing by carrier air groups.

Two light units of the supporting fleet task force suffered some damage during the pre‑landing attack.

A message has been sent to the units concerned as follows: "The Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas, joins the Commander Fifth Flee and Commander First Carrier Task Force in appreciation of the assistant and cooperation provided by the Twenty‑first Bomber Command, the Submarines Pacific, and Fleet Air Wing One in connection with the carrier attack on Tokyo.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 266, FEBRUARY 20, 1945

 

United States Marines attacking Iwo Island drove across the southern end of the island by 1800 on February 19 (East Longitude Date) cutting off the enemy strong point in Suribachi Volcano from his forces in the north. Resistance in this area was moderate and our forces occupied about 104 yards of the western beach of the island.

During the afternoon of the first day advance elements of the attacking units expanded their hold on the island's southern airfield slightly but were meeting stiff opposition there and on the northern flank of the beachhead. Our forces advancing from the east toward the northern end of the field were engaged in heavy fighting.

The northern part of the beachhead was under intense mortar and artillery fire during a large part of the day but it was expanded inland about 250 yards. Unloading of equipment and supplies began on the southern beaches.

Casualties in the south were light but on the open slopes east of the at field, our forces were being resisted bitterly and casualties were more numerous.

Enemy positions on the island were under heavy Naval gunfire, aircraft bombing, strafing and rocket attacks throughout the day.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 267, FEBRUARY 20, 1945

 

The United States Marines on Iwo Island moved forward on February 20, (East Longitude Date) against enemy defenses as fanatically defended as any yet encountered in the war in the Pacific.

By 1200 on the second day of the assault the Marines had taken an area which includes the Southern airfield and the ground from the Northern slope of Suribachi Volcano to a curving east and west line which crosses the northern ends of the runways and extends from the western beach to the northern anchor of the beachhead on the east side of the island.

At 0230 on February 20, the enemy sent a night counter‑attack of about

 

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battalion strength down the runway of the Southern airfield but the 27th Regiment of Marines met it staunchly, broke it up and beat off the remnants. Sporadic artillery and mortar fire fell on the beaches throughout the night but our forces continued to unload supplies.

Fleet units supported the troops throughout the night with illumination and heavy gunfire. Our night fighters drove off several small attempted air raids by enemy aircraft which failed to reach the island.

On the morning of February 20, with strong air and gunfire support the Marines began the attack which has given us control of the southern airfield.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 268, FEBRUARY 20, 1945

 

The Marine Divisions on Iwo Island made slight gains north of the South­ern airfield on the afternoon of February 20 (East Longitude Date) and by 1800 local time on that date were positions in the face of heavy mortar and artillery fire and some rocket fire.

In the south Marines attacking Mount Suribachi met stiff opposition.

A large proportion of our artillery is now ashore and in position to support both flanks of the beachhead.

The guns of the Pacific Fleet continued to shell enemy defenses on the Island with close‑in fire support concentrated on numerous caves and strong points from which the enemy was bringing the northern end of the beach­head under heavy artillery and mortar fire. More than 8,000 tons of am­munition have been expended by Naval gunfire thus far in the bombardment.

Carrier aircraft continued their intensive attack on the Island through­out the afternoon although their operations were handicapped by rain, low clouds and poor visibility.

Supplies are being placed ashore satisfactorily.

No estimate of casualties is yet available.

 

 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 580, FEBRUARY 21, 1945

Far East.

 

1. United States submarines have reported the sinking of 25 enemy ves­sels, including an escort carrier, a large converted cruiser and a destroyer, as a result of operations in these waters. The ships sunk were:

 

1 escort aircraft carrier

1 destroyer

1 large converted cruiser

1 medium transport

14 medium cargo vessels

8 small cargo vessels

1 large cargo transport

2 medium cargo transports

1 small transport

 

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

 

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CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 269, FEBRUARY 21, 1945

 

The Fifth Amphibious Corps, having secured the southern Iwo airfield made a general advance toward the island's central airdrome on February 21 (East Longitude Date). Advance elements of the Fifth Marine Division on the western side of the island by‑passed the southern ends of the airstrip's runways while the Fourth Marine Division was pushing toward the center of the field directly from the south at noon. Gains were made along the whole line and were generally about 500 to 1,000 yards in extent.

In the meantime, Marines at the south end of the island were pressing slowly forward up the slopes of Mount Suribachi and during the forenoon of the third day of the assault. They made gains averaging more than 100 yards against this enemy citadel.

In both the northern and southern actions the Marines are moving for­ward yard by yard against heavy machine gun mortar, small arms, and rocket fire. The numerous small strong points which confront our forces in all areas thus far penetrated are being reduced by individual troop action.

Casualties at 0800 local time on February 21 were estimated at a total of 150 officers and 3,500 men wounded, missing and killed. Of these, our forces had evacuated 3,063 of the wounded.

During the night of February 20‑21, little activity by the enemy was noted. Attempts at infiltration of our line were frustrated and a local counter­attack on the left flank where the enemy used several tanks supported by artillery fire was repulsed.

Ship's guns supported the ground troops throughout the night with shell fire and illumination and continued heavy fire support through the morning. Carrier aircraft made heavy bombing and strafing attacks on February 21.

Supplies and rations were unloaded on the beaches throughout the night of February 20‑21.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 270, FEBRUARY 22, 1945

 

During the afternoon of February 21 (East Longitude Date) the attack on Iwo Island was continued in both the northern and southern sectors against increasingly heavy resistance. Intense mortar artillery and small arms fire is being encountered by our troops and in some areas extensive enemy mine­fields are slowing the advance. During the afternoon there was no appreciable change in our lines.

Elements of the Third Marine Division began landing on the island in support of the Fourth and Fifth Divisions on February 21. The Third Divi­sion is under command of Major General Graves B. Erskine.

In the south, flame throwers and tanks are being used against well en­trenched enemy troops in the Mount Suribachi area. A counterattack launched by the enemy east of Mount Suribachi, shortly after noon, was thrown back. Numerous land mines have been encountered in this vicinity where four of our tanks were knocked out of action.

In the northern sector bitter resistance was met south of the central Iwo airfield although minor gains were made by the Marines.

It is estimated that approximately 20,000 enemy troops were present on Iwo Island on D‑Day. Our forces have counted more than 850 enemy dead but information as to enemy casualties is incomplete.

During the afternoon, battleships, heavy cruisers and carrier aircraft continued to give close support to our troops with shelling and bombing.

 

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Unloading of supplies over the beaches continues. The volume of mortar fire on the beaches is diminishing. Movement of equipment across the beaches is handicapped by very loose volcanic ash which in some sectors prevents the passage of wheeled vehicles.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 271, FEBRUARY 22, 1945

 

During the night of February 21‑22, the northern lines of the U. S. Marines on Iwo Island successfully resisted the pressure of several heavy counter‑attacks accompanied by continuous enemy attempts to infiltrate into our positions.

The Marines launched an attack northward on February 22 toward the Central Iwo Airfield encountering heavy fire from small arms, mortars, and automatic weapons. At noon the troops were advancing slowly through hard rain and had knocked out numerous enemy gun positions and generally weak­ened the airdromes defenses. There was little change in the position of the front lines.

Coordinating their attack with the action in the northern sector our forces facing Mount Suribachi resumed the offensive. By noon they were beginning an assault on the face of the cliff under most difficult combat con­ditions.

Heavy Naval gunfire continues on enemy‑held positions throughout the northern area of the Island. In spite of the rain and adverse weather con­ditions, Fleet aircraft are supporting ground forces with heavy bombing, strafing and rocket attacks.

At sunset on February 21, a force of enemy bombers and fighters at­tacked our surface units in the area of Iwo Island causing some damage to fleet units. Seven planes were shot down by air patrols and antiaircraft fire.

Total casualties on shore by 1745 on February 21 were estimated at 385 killed, and 4,168 wounded.

Unloading of supplies is continuing on the beaches under difficulties caused by the loose compositions of the volcano and shoreline.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 272, FEBRUARY 22, 1945

 

The U. S. Marines on Iwo Island attacked stubbornly‑held enemy posi­tions south of the Central Iwo airfield throughout the afternoon of February 22 making only slight gains. The attacking units continued to meet heavy rifle and mortar fire and during the later afternoon the enemy organized strong counterattacks on both flanks. Our artillery and Naval guns brought these concentrations under heavy fire immediately. At about 1800 our troops appeared to have repulsed the assault on the left but no reports were avail­able on the action on the right.

Progress was made in the assault on Mount Suribachi. By nightfall the Marines had surrounded the mountain at the southern end of the island and strong patrols were moving up the cliffs under attack by the enemy who was using hand grenades and demolition charges. Elimination of strong points was proceeding in this sector.

Fighting on February 22 was hampered by heavy rains.

Naval gunfire continued to support the ground troops with bombardment of enemy‑held areas of the island and carrier aircraft continued to attack.

A small group of enemy planes unsuccessfully attacked our surface forces

 

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in the area of Iwo Island and two other small groups approached it. Our fighters and antiaircraft fire shot down 6 enemy planes.

Conditions on the beaches were generally improved during the day and a substantial quantity of supplies were unloaded.

At 1800 as of February 21, our casualties on Iwo Island were estimated at 644 killed, 4,168 wounded and 560 missing. A total of 1,222 enemy dead have been counted.

On February 18 (East Longitude Date) surface units of the U. S. Pacific Fleet bombarded Kurabu Saki, the southern end of Paramushiru in the Kuriles.

On the following day Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force attacked the same target. Five enemy fighters met our bombers which damaged four of the attackers. Navy search Venturas carried out rocket attacks on Minami Saki off Paramushiru on the same date damaging buildings.

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed the airfield on Chichi Jima and Okimura Town on Haha Jima in the Bonins on February 20.

Marcus Island was attacked with unobserved results by Army Liber­ators of the Strategic Air Force on the same date.

Fighters and torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing at­tacked targets on Babelthuap in the Palaus and on Yap in the Western Caro­lines on February 21.

Airstrip buildings on Pagan In the Marianas were strafed by Army fighters on February 22.

Neutralizing raids were continued by Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two in the Marshalls on February 21.

Operations against remnants of the Japanese garrisons on Saipan, Tinian, and Guam in the Marianas and on Peleliu in the Palaus were continued dur­ing the week ending February 17. Routine patrols mopped up 94 enemy killed and 15 captured. In addition, elements of the 24th Regiment of Army Infantry on Saipan attacked a concentration of about 350 of the enemy in a mountainous portion of the Island killing or capturing 131 Japanese on Feb­ruary 15, 16 and 17. Our casualties in these operations in the Marianas were seven killed and three wounded.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 273, FEBRUARY 23, 1945

 

The 28th Regiment of United States Marines was observed raising the United States Flag on the summit of Mount Suribachi on Iwo Island at 1035 today (East Longitude Date).

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 274, FEBRUARY 23, 1945

 

The 28th Regiment of Marines on Iwo Island achieved the rim of Mount Suribachi on the Northern, Eastern and Western sides of the crater by 1200 today (East Longitude Date). Below on the steep slopes of the Volcano assault teams equipped with flame throwers were still attacking numerous enemy strong points which had been by‑passed. The drive which carried our forces to the summit was supported effectively by Marine ar­tillery.

 

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After a night in which their lines remained stable the troops in the northern sector made a frontal attack on enemy strong points and moved slowly toward the Central Iwo airfield. The enemy employing heavy artil­lery and mortar fire was offering stiff resistance.

By 1200 small gains had been made in the center of the lines south of the field.

Naval gunfire supported the troops throughout the night and morning. Heavy carrier aircraft attacks were made on enemy defenses during the morning. Meanwhile carrier aircraft destroyed three planes and damaged three others on Chichi Jima in the Bonins.

Unloading continued on the beaches throughout the day. Several roads have now been constructed over the volcanic ash terraces and the movement of supplies to the front lines is improved.

Part of the northern beaches were subjected to mortar and sniper fire during the day.

During the night of February 22‑23, a group of enemy swimmers landed on the western coast of the island to attack in the rear of our lines. The Marines mopped them up after dawn.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 275, FEBRUARY 23, 1945

 

The Fifth Amphibious Corps attacking northward on Iwo Island made limited gains against elaborate enemy defenses by 1800 on February 23 (East Longitude Date). On the right flank the Fourth Marine Division advanced a maximum of 300 yards. In the center elements of the Third Marine Di­vision occupied the southern tip of the Central Iwo airfield. There was no appreciable change in the positions of the Fifth Marine Divisions on the left flank. In all sectors the enemy is resisting our advance from concrete pill­boxes, entrenchments and caves.

In the area of Mount Suribachi mopping up operations are being carried out against blockhouses, and pillboxes on the slopes of the volcano. Similar defenses have been reported inside the crater. A total of 717 enemy dead have been counted in the Suribachi sector.

Throughout the day our troops continued to receive close support from carrier aircraft and Naval gunfire. Mortar fire directed at our positions from Kangoku Rock, west of Iwo, was eliminated by one of our destroyers. Sev­eral landing craft at the Rock were also destroyed.

The unloading of supplies is continuing and their rate of movement across the beaches is considerably improved in spite of the surf created by the recent southeasterly weather. The enemy continued to bring the northern beaches under fire during the afternoon of February 23.

Carrier Aircraft conducted an offensive sweep over Chichi Jima in the Bonins on February 23.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing accompanied by torpedo planes struck bivouac areas, destroyed a bridge and set a lumber yard afire in the Palaus on February 22. Fighter attacks were also carried out on Yap in the Western Carolines and on Sonsoral Island.

Army fighters strafed targets on Pagan in the Marianas on February 23.

Neutralizing attacks were made on enemy held bases in the Marshalls by Navy search Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two.

 

354

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 276, FEBRUARY 24, 1945

 

The battle for the airfield in the central area of Iwo Island continued on February 24 (East Longitude Date) with no marked changes in the lines at noon. The Marines holding a line on the Southwestern end of the air­drome and south of the center of the field launched an attack supported by tanks in the morning after our artillery aircraft and fleet surface units had subjected the enemy to heavy bombardment. By noon our forces were re­ported to be gaining ground slowly. Enemy resistance is heavy.

Marine patrols entered Suribachi Crater during the day and continued to mop up remnants of the garrison of that strong point.

Two enemy aircraft approached the island on February 23 but retired without attacking.

Conditions on the beaches are generally improved and the unloading of general cargo is proceeding.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 277, FEBRUARY 24, 1945

 

Elements of the Third, Fourth and Fifth Marine Divisions made sub­stantial advances along the whole northern sector on Iwo Island on February 24 (East Longitude Date). Their attack was made in the face of intense fire from heavy weapons and rockets but it carried northward generally about 308 to 500 yards through a maze of interlocking, or mutually support­ing concrete pillboxes, blockhouses and fortified caves. All areas crossed were heavily mined. By 1800, our units had reached the middle area of the central Iwo airfield, had pushed forward several hundred yards on the west and had begun a drive which expanded our beachhead northward along the east coast about 600 yards.

In every zone of the fighting, the enemy resisted our advance to the full extent of his armament. Weapons of the "bazooka" type were employed against our tanks and the use of rocket bombs, weighing about 500 kilograms, continued. Enemy positions in the area through which our units advanced were generally reinforced blockhouses and pillboxes with four‑foot bulkheads. In a single area of about 400 by 600 yards on the east coast, our forces neu­tralized about 100 caves between thirty and forty feet deep.

An immediate result of the advance was apparent in a marked decrease of enemy artillery fire into the interior of the area under our control.

The attack was supported by marine artillery and by fire from heavy units of the fleet standing off Iwo Island. Carrier aircraft continued their close support of the troops and also made an attack on Chichi Jima in the Bonins.

In the south, Marines continued their mop up of enemy strong points in and around Mount Suribachi. Incomplete reports indicate that 115 enemy emplacements have been destroyed in that sector.

A total of 2,799 enemy dead have been counted on Iwo Island.

The condition of the beaches showed marked improvement and unloading of supplies was accelerated.

Seventh Army Air Force Bombers of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Oceans Areas, bombed the airfield and Omura town on Chichi Jima and Okimura town on Haha Jima in the Bonins on February 22.

On February 23, Marine fighters attacked targets in the Palaus.

Army Thunderbolts strafed enemy positions on Pagan in the Marianas on the same date.

 

355

 

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing set a fuel dump afire and struck motor transport equipment in the Palaus on February 24.

Navy search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing One bombed the enemy airstrip on Puluwat in the Carolines on February 24.

Neutralizing raids were continued by search aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on February 23.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 278, FEBRUARY 24, 1945

 

Carrier aircraft of the Fifth Fleet are attacking military, naval and air installations in and around Tokyo. Admiral R. A. Spruance, U. S. Navy, is present in command of the Fifth Fleet and Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, U. S. Navy, is in tactical command of the fast carrier task force, making the attack.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 279, FEBRUARY 25, 1945

 

After preliminary bombardment by Marine artillery and heavy units of the Pacific Fleet, troops of the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Marine Divisions launched an attack northward on Iwo Island on February 25 (East Longi­tude Date). Fighting was heavy throughout the day and at nightfall our forces were in positions of the East‑West runway of the Central Iwo field and about two‑thirds of the North‑South runway.

Carrier aircraft and Seventh Army Air Force Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, supported the attack.

A total of 2,827 enemy dead had been counted by noon of February 25.

Shortly before midnight of February 24, a small group of enemy aircraft attacked our forces on and around Iwo Island causing no damage. Part of their bombs were dropped in enemy territory on the Island. One of our night fighters shot down an enemy plane over Chichi Jima in the Bonins and three others were destroyed on the ground in the Bonins by our aircraft on February 24.

Beach conditions continued to show marked improvement.

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force bombed the airfield on Chichi Jima in the Bonins causing a large explosion near the runways on February 23. On the following day an attack was made on Omura Town on the same Island.

The airfield on Marcus Island was bombed by Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force on February 24.

Neutralizing raids were continued on enemy held bases in the Marshalls by Navy search aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two on February 24.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 280, FEBRUARY 26, 1945

 

Elements of the Third Marine Division constituting the center of our lines on Iwo Island advanced about 400 yards through extremely heavy enemy defenses on February 26 (East Longitude Date) seized the high ground of the central plateau and by nightfall brought most of the island's second airfield into our possession. Fighting along the entire line was very heavy with enemy resistance mounting before our attack throughout the day. Our troops were subjected to artillery and rocket fire and a very heavy volume of small arms fire during the advance. The Fourth Marine Division on

 

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the east and the Fifth Marine Division on the west advanced during the day, the Fourth Division capturing a commanding hill near the east coast. The attack by our forces was supported by Marine artillery, Naval gunfire, and carrier aircraft.

Mopping up operations continued in the south, around Mount Suribachi. Little enemy fire fell on the interior of our beachhead during the day.

On February 26 our forces counted 3,568 enemy dead and 9 enemy prison­ers in eight days of fighting on Iwo Island.

Marine observation planes, the first U. S. aircraft to land, began operat­ing on the southern Iwo airstrip during the morning while restoration of the runways to operational condition continued.

Supplies and equipment were landed in increasing quantities as road and beach conditions continued to improve.

Carrier aircraft strafed targets in and around Chichi Jima in the Bonins burning one plane on the ground, sinking a small merchant vessel and burn­ing two medium merchant ships. Oil storage facilities were destroyed.

Planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing set a building supply dump and fuel storage area afire on Urukthapel in the Palaus on February 25.

Marine aircraft attacked targets on Yap in the western Carolines on the same date.

Army Thunderbolts strafed buildings and defenses on Pagan in the Marianas on February 26, starting two fires.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 281, FEBRUARY 27, 1945

 

Under extremely adverse weather conditions carrier aircraft of the U. S. Pacific Fleet attacked the Tokyo Area on February 25, and the Island of Hachijo on February 26 (East Longitude Dates).

Incomplete reports indicate that our forces inflicted the following damage on the enemy:

 

Aircraft:

 

158 planes destroyed, including 47 shot out of the air.

About 75 planes damaged on the ground.

 

Shipping:

 

5 small enemy vessels including one picket craft sunk.

5 coastal vessels and 7 small craft probably sunk.

9 coastal vessels and 5 small craft damaged.

 

Ground Installations:

 

2 trains destroyed in the Tokyo Area.

Radar installations and hangars at airfields destroyed.

Ota aircraft plant near Tokyo heavily hit.

About 75 per cent of its buildings are now destroyed and 15 per cent heavily damaged.

Koizumi Aircraft Plant heavily damaged.

 

Our forces lost nine fighter planes in combat and four pilots. The ships of our Task Force suffered no damage from enemy action during the attack but minor damage was caused to two light units during retirement.

 

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Throughout our attacks the enemy offered only slight resistance; about 100 aircraft were observed in the air but the Majority of them were un­aggressive. No substantial attempt was made to attack our force.

Admiral R. A. Spruance, U. S. Navy, Commander Fifth Fleet commanded our forces and Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, U. S. Navy, was in tactical command of the Fast Carrier Task Force.

 

 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 581, FEBRUARY 28, 1945

 

1. The submarines USS Escolar and USS Shark are overdue from patrol and presumed lost.

2. Next of kin of officers and crew have been notified.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 282, FEBRUARY 28, 1945

 

During the night of February 26‑27 (East Longitude Date) several small scale enemy attempts to infiltrate through our lines on Iwo Island were re­pulsed. In one sector a movement of tanks and troops was broken up by our artillery fire. A mortar support unit destroyed two enemy ammunition dumps during the night and gunfire from cruisers and destroyers offshore continued to harass the enemy.

Marines launched an attack on the morning of February 27 after prepara­tion by Marine artillery, Naval gunfire and carrier aircraft bombing. By nightfall limited advances had been made by the Third Marine Division in the center and the Fourth Marine Division on the right flank. Enemy artillery and mortar fire was heavy throughout the day, some of it falling on our rear areas and on the beaches.

Carrier aircraft and Naval guns continued to support the ground troops.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed enemy positions on Iwo Island during the afternoon.

Improved beach conditions continued to facilitate unloading of supplies.

The extent of the enemy's defense preparations on Iwo Island is indicated by the total of 800 pillboxes of various types which have been scouted in the Third Marine Division zone of action.

On February 25, Seventh Army Air Force Liberators operating under the Strategic Air Force Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed the airfield on Chichi Jima in the Bonins.

Fighters and Torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing de­stroyed a bridge and other installations on Babelthuap in the Palaus and destroyed warehouses on Yap in the western Carolines on February 27.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 283, FEBRUARY 28, 1945

 

The Marines on Iwo Island made an advance of several hundred yards In most sectors of the lines on February 28 (East Longitude Date). Driving through the center of the enemy's main line of resistance, the Third Marine Division moved beyond the village of Motoyama on the island plateau. The Fifth Division on the west, led by tanks and the Fourth Division on the east, pushed forward several hundred yards against stiff opposition. The attack was supported by Naval gunfire, Marine artillery and carrier aircraft. Some mortar fire fell on our northern beaches during the day but facilities for unloading continued to develop.

 

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The attack was made after a night of light activity. The enemy attempted infiltration with small groups which were driven off and our mortar support units and fleet surface units maintained harassing fire and illumination fire throughout the night.

At 1800 on February 26, 4,784 enemy dead had been counted and 10 prisoners of war taken.

On February 27 carrier aircraft attacked the seaplane base on Chichi Jima in the Bonins causing an explosion.

Fighters and torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing made bombing and rocket attacks on enemy‑held bases in the Palaus on February 27 and 28. Several fires were started, one bridge was destroyed, and a bridge and pier were damaged.