N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 582, MARCH 1, 1945

 

1. The USS Extractor, a small salvage vessel, was sunk in the Central Pacific Area by a United States submarine. The sinking, which occurred in the early morning just prior to sunrise, was the result of incorrect identifica­tion by the submarine. The survivors were rescued by the attacking sub­marine, which made a thorough search of the area upon discovering the error made. There were six men reported missing.

2. The USS Serpens, a cargo ship manned by Coast Guard personnel, has been lost in the South Pacific Area as the result of enemy action.

3. The LCI (L) 600 has been lost in the Central Pacific Area as the re­sult of enemy action.

4. The next of kin of casualties of the above mentioned vessels have been informed.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 284, MARCH 1, 1945

 

U. S. Marines on Iwo Island advanced northward on March 1 (East Longitude Date) occupying the Western end of the Island's northern airstrip moving our lines in the Western and Central sectors forward and making smaller gains on the Eastern side of the Island. The enemy continues to offer stiff opposition.

The attack was made after intense shelling by Marine artillery and Naval guns. Carrier aircraft supported the ground troops during the day.

Seventeen prisoners of war were taken by Marines in the Third Division zone of action.

Occasional artillery fire fell on parts of the beaches but unloading pro­ceeded.

During early morning hours of March 1, a small group of enemy aircraft entered the Iwo area and dropped bombs which caused no damage. One bomber was shot down by ships' antiaircraft fire.

Harassing attacks were carried out by carrier aircraft on enemy Installa­tions on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on the night of February 28‑March 1.

During the week of February 18 to February 24, mopping up operations continued in the Marianas and Palaus. Thirty‑seven of the enemy were killed and 52 captured on Saipan. On Guam 35 were killed and 11 taken prisoner. Seven of the enemy were killed and two taken prisoner on Tinian. Two prisoners were taken on Peleliu.

Fighters and torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing started fires and destroyed a bridge in the Palaus on March 1.

 

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Corsairs of the Fourth Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed buildings, small craft and airfields at Ponape in the Carolines on February 28.

Marine aircraft continued neutralizing raids on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on the same date.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 285, MARCH 2, 1945

 

Attacking in the center of the enemy lines, the Third Marine Division drove a salient seven hundred yards deep into enemy positions and captured Hill 362 on Iwo Island on March 2 (East Longitude Date). Smaller advances were made in other sectors. The attack was launched after bombardment of enemy areas by Marine artillery, Naval guns and carrier aircraft, and it was met by intense small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire. The Fifth Division beat off a counterattack in its zone of action.

A total of 7,127 enemy dead had been counted by 1200 on March 2. Prisoners of war total 32.

Destruction of enemy caves and strong points on Iwo Island is continuing. Restoration of the southern Iwo airfield is proceeding.

During the night of March 1, carrier aircraft made bombing and rocket attacks on Omura town and on the airfield on Chichi Jima in the Bonins, causing an explosion and fire. Seventh Army Air Force Liberators operating under the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed targets on Chichi Jima and Haha Jima on March 1.

Navy Search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and strafed air­field installations on Wake Island on March 1.

Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing Corsair fighters continued neutralizing enemy held bases in the Marshalls.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 286, MARCH 3, 1945

 

Without enemy air opposition carrier aircraft of the U. S. Pacific Fleet struck military, Naval and air installations and shipping in the Nansei Shoto on March 1 (East Longitude Date). Islands which came under attack were: Amami, Minami, Kume Jima, Okinawa Jima, Tokuno Jima and Okinoyerabu Jima.

Our aircraft inflicted the following damage on the enemy:

 

Aircraft:

Four aircraft shot out of the air.

Thirty‑seven aircraft destroyed on the ground.

About 50 aircraft destroyed or damaged on the ground, some of which may have been previously in‑operational.

 

Shipping: Sunk:

One destroyer.

One motor‑torpedo boat.

Six small cargo ships.

Two medium cargo ships.

One ocean‑going tug.

Two luggers.

 

Probably Sunk:

One medium cargo ship.

Six small coastal cargo ships.

Six luggers.

 

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Damaged:

 

Four destroyer escorts or patrol craft.

One medium transport.

Four medium cargo ships.

Nine small coastal cargo ships.

One small cargo ship.

Ten luggers.

In addition, several small craft sunk or damaged.

 

Ground Installations:

 

On the Islands of Okinoyerabu, Amami, Minami, Okinawa, Kume and Tokuno, our aircraft destroyed or damaged airfield installations, barracks, administration buildings, mills, lumber yards, warehouses and radio and radar installations.

Our losses in combat were five pilots, three aircrewmen and thirteen air­craft.

During the night following the attack, the force conducted a bombard­ment of Okina Daito Jima starting large fires in the target area.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 287, MARCH 3, 1945

 

Under heavy tire from small arms and mortars the Fifth Marine Division on the left flank and the Third Marine Division in the center pushed forward in a general advance of 200 to 400 yards on Iwo Island on March 3 (East Longitude Date). Progress of the Fourth Division on the right flank was slow due to extremely heavy enemy resistance in that sector. Attacks by the Infantry were supported by Marine artillery but close carrier aircraft support was limited by the small dimensions of the area now held by the enemy. A strong pocket of the enemy in the Fourth Division zone of action near Minami continued to hold back our lines in that sector.

Carrier aircraft made bombing and rocket attacks on installations in Omura Town on Chichi Jima and on harbor installations at Haha Jima in the Bonins. One ship was sunk at Haha Jima.

Ships are unloading on both eastern and western beaches of Iwo Island.

Land based aircraft have begun to use the Southern Iwo airfield for evacuation of the wounded.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators operating under the Strategic Air Force bombed Omura Town and the airfield on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on March 2.

Two bridges were destroyed and fires were started on enemy held islands of the Palaus after attacks by Corsair and Hellcat fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on March 2.

Army Thunderbolts bombed airfield installations on Pagan in the Marianas on March 3.

Navy search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed the Airfield on Wake island through moderate antiaircraft fire on March 2.

On the same date fighter planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing struck neutralizing blows at enemy held bases in the Marshalls.

 

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CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 288, MARCH 4, 1945

 

Small local advances which left the lines substantially unchanged were made by the Marines on Iwo Island on March 4 (East Longitude Date). Enemy resistance stiffened in all sectors and small arms fire mounted in In­tensity as our troops attacked. The enemy organized a counter‑attack in the Fifth Division Sector but was repulsed with the loss of several hundred men. The Fourth Division fighting over extremely difficult terrain eliminated a strong center of resistance in the morning. Hand to hand fighting was in progress in the Fifth Division zone of action where the ground is rough and naturally suited to defensive operations. The southern Iwo airfield came under scattered artillery fire during the day as evacuation planes continued to land and take off.

By 1800 on March 3, a total of 12,864 enemy dead had been counted and 81 prisoners, of whom 45 are Koreans and 36 Japanese, had been captured.

The guns of fleet units covered the ground troops during the night of March 3, and supported the attack on the following day.

Carrier aircraft and Seventh Army Air Force Liberators operating under the strategic air force attacked Chichi Jima in the Bonins with bombs and rockets on March 3.

Corsair and Hellcat Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing made bombing and rocket attacks on enemy held islands in the Palaus on March 3. One plane was shot down by antiaircraft fire.

Marine fighters bombed Yap in the Western Carolines on the same date.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft wing and Mitchell bombers strafed and bombed airfields and other installations on Ponape in the Eastern Carolines on March 3.

Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two continued neutralizing attacks on enemy held bases in the Marshalls on March 3.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 289, MARCH 5, 1945

 

During the night of March 4‑5 (East Longitude Dates), the enemy made a number of attempts to infiltrate into our lines on Iwo Island and subjected the Marines to substantial small arms and artillery fire. All enemy efforts to move into our positions were broken up. No appreciable change was made in the lines of the opposing forces on March 5. Improved wind and weather conditions facilitated unloading of supplies on both Eastern and Western beaches.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators operating under the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed the airfield on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on March 4.

Corsair and Hellcat fighters and Avenger torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing set an ammunition dump and a supply area afire and damaged a pier by bombing and rocket attacks in the Palaus on March 4. Two of our aircraft were lost.

Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two strafed targets on Ponape in the Eastern Carolines on the same date.

 

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CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 290, MARCH 6, 1945

 

After the most intense artillery bombardment of enemy positions since the operation on Iwo Island began, elements of the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Marine Divisions resumed the attack on the morning of March 6 (East Longi­tude Date). Fighting was heavy. throughout the day with the enemy offering very stiff resistance and subjecting our forces to a heavy volume of small arms and mortar fire. By 1730 on March 6, the Marines had made small local gains on the left flank and in the center of the lines. Carrier aircraft sup­ported the attack and Naval guns were in action throughout the day.

The Marines had counted 14,456 enemy dead at 1800 on March 5.

Army fighters are using the southern Iwo airfield and air evacuation of wounded by transport plane continues. Unloading conditions continue to be favorable.

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed the airfield on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on March 5.

On the same date fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and set afire an oil dump, a supply dump and a house in the Palaus. Marine Corsair and Avenger torpedo planes attacked targets in the Palaus and on Yap in the Western Carolines on March 6.

Marine fighters strafed targets on Rota in the Marianas on March 6.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 291, MARCH 7, 1945

 

Attacking in all sectors of the line the Marines on Iwo Island advanced against heavy enemy resistance on March 7 (East Longitude Date). In the Fifth Marine Division sector on the west flank our forces moved forward about 500 yards on the left with lesser gains in the center and right. The Third Division in the center advanced about 588 yards at one point after en­gaging the enemy in hand to hand fighting. Advances of 100 to 200 yards were reported in local areas of the Fourth Division sector on the east. The enemy continued to resist with intense small arms and machine gun fire throughout the day.

Carrier aircraft made bombing and rocket attacks on targets on Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonins on March 6 and 7.

Favorable weather conditions continue and unloading of supplies is pro­gressing satisfactorily.

A Navy Search Liberator of Fleet Air Wing One bombed and strafed two enemy cargo ships north of the Bonins on March 6.

Corsair and Hellcat fighters and Avenger torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing destroyed a bridge and set buildings afire with bomb and rocket attacks on the Palaus on March 6. On the same date Marine air­craft bombed installations on Yap in the Western Carolines.

Strafing and bombing attacks were made on Ponape in the Eastern Caro­lines on March 6 by planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 292, MARCH 8, 1945

 

Attacking resolutely in the face of heavy resistance the Marines on Iwo Island made small advances in all sectors of the lines on March 8 (East Longi­tude Date). Defending every prepared position desperately, the enemy used light and heavy machine guns and intense small arms fire to slow the move­ment of our forces. Operating over extremely difficult terrain our tanks

 

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knocked out a number of enemy pillboxes. The attack was supported by carrier aircraft and the guns of surface units of the fleet.

Carrier aircraft made rocket and strafing attacks on the Naval base and airfield at Chichi Jima in the Bonins on March 8.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators operating under the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed Chichi Jima and Haha Jima on March 7.

On the same date Corsairs and Hellcats of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed targets in the Palaus setting buildings afire.

Navy search Privateers of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and strafed In­stallations on Wake Island on March 7.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 740, MARCH 8, 1945

 

VICE ADMIRAL SMITH ASSUMES COMMAND OF PACIFIC FLEET SERVICE FORCE

 

Vice Admiral William Ward Smith, USN, has assumed command of the Service Force, United States Pacific Fleet, relieving Vice Admiral William L. Calhoun, USN, who saw this auxiliary fleet grow ten‑fold in the little more than four years he commanded it.

Vice Admiral Smith, recently promoted from the rank of Rear Admiral, was Director of Naval Transportation Service in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations prior to assuming his new command.

This is his second Pacific assignment in this war. He was Chief of Staff to Admiral Husband E. Kimmel, USN, until shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. He was then promoted to Rear Admiral and placed in command of a cruiser task group that participated in the battles of Coral Sea and Midway. For his outstanding service in these engagements he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

He later was assigned to a task force command and his ships were the first naval unit to bombard Kiska Island in the Aleutians August 7, 1942.

While Vice Admiral Smith was Director of Naval Transportation Service, the number of merchant‑type vessels commissioned by and allocated to the Navy increased from 150 to 500.

 

 

JOINT STATEMENT, MARCH 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:

 

"During the month of February a moderate number of Allied merchant vessels fell victim to U‑boat activity. However, the anti‑submarine forces were successful in destroying more enemy submarines this past month than in January.

"Despite satisfactory results now being obtained in the war on undersea raiders, our forces must maintain unceasing vigilance because any enemy with a large number of submarines always possesses a potential threat."

 

 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 583, MARCH 9, 1945

 

1. The PT‑77 and PT‑79 were lost in the Philippine area, having been sunk by one of our own ships.

2. This incident was the result of an error in identification.

3. The next of kin of casualties have been notified.

 

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N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 584, MARCH 9, 1945

Far East.

 

1. United States submarines have reported the sinking of 12 enemy ves­sels, including an escort carrier and a destroyer, as a result of operations in these waters. The ships sunk were:

 

1 escort aircraft carrier

1 destroyer

1 large cargo transport

1 large tanker

2 medium cargo transports

5 medium cargo vessels

1 small cargo transport

 

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

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 293, MARCH 10, 1945

 

During the night of March 8‑9, the enemy attempted infiltration of Marine lines on Iwo Island on a large scale and subjected troops in the Fourth Divi­sion sector to heavy mortar and sniper fire. The Fourth Division destroyed 564 of the enemy while repulsing these attacks.

A general advance was made on the island on March 9, with forward elements of the Third Marine Division reaching the northeast beaches early in the afternoon. Gains up to several hundred yards were made against very stiff resistance. Army fighters based on Iwo Island joined carrier aircraft in providing close support for the troops and fleet units continued to shell the enemy. Heavy artillery preparation was directed onto enemy positions prior to attack by the Infantry.

On March 10, the Marines continued their attack and widened the area held on the northeast beaches of Iwo Island by noon. Resistance during the morning appeared to be diminishing although the enemy continued to hold prepared strong points tenaciously and snipers were active.

A small group of enemy aircraft approached Iwo Island in the early morn­ing hours of March 9, but retired without attacking.

Targets in the Palaus were bombed by fighter and torpedo aircraft of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on March 8‑9.

Mitchells of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing strafed and bombed small craft and buildings at Kusaie and Ponape in the Eastern Carolines on March 8.

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed the airfield on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on March 8 and 9.

On March 9, Navy search Privateers of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed run­ways and other installations on Wake Island.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 294, MARCH 10, 1945

 

The Marines on Iwo Island continued to drive forward on the afternoon of March 10. By 1800 the Fourth Division had made substantial advances along most of its front and one of its patrols had reached the beach on the easternmost point of the island. Enemy resistance appeared to be decreasing

 

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at numerous points along the lines. Army and Navy aircraft continued to attack enemy positions and fleet surface units provided close gunfire support.

Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed docks, small craft, and defense positions on Ponape in the eastern Carolines on March 10.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 295, MARCH 11, 1945

 

The Third and Fourth Marine Division drove through enemy lines to capture most of the east coast of Iwo Island on March 11 (East Longitude Date). The remainder of the enemy's garrison was compressed to a small area at the northern end of the island by the troops of the Fifth Marine Division. A small pocket of enemy resistance was by‑passed by the Fourth Marine Division and was still holding out at 1800 on March 11. At that time the Fifth Division was gaining slowly in the north against heavy re­sistance. The attack was supported by heavy artillery and Naval gunfire.

Army fighters bombed Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands scoring hits on airfield and harbor installations. Targets were strafed on Haha Jima.

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed the airfield on Chichi Jima on March 10.

Large fires were started among enemy defenses in the Palaus by fighters and torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on March 10. Marine aircraft on the same date struck targets on Yap in the Western Carolines.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 296, MARCH 12, 1945

 

The Fifth Marine Division continued its advance on Iwo Island on March 12 (East Longitude Date) and further reduced the area held by the enemy on the northern end of the island. Remnants of the enemy garrison in this sector continued to offer stiff resistance. Mopping up operations were in progress in the Third and Fourth Divisions zones of action, but one enemy pocket continued to hold out at 1800 on March 12. Naval gunfire and Army fighters supported the troops in the fighting on the northern end of the island.

Army fighters bombed and strafed targets on Chichi Jima in the Bonins through intense antiaircraft fire on the same date.

Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed installations at Suri­bachi on Paramushiru and Kataoka on Shimushu in the Northern Kuriles on March 11. Columns of smoke rising to 15,000 feet were observed after the attacks.

Army Thunderbolts strafed and bombed installations on Maug Island in the Marianas on the same date.

Two buildings were destroyed and fires were started on Babelthuap in the Palaus by Corsair Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on March 11.

Neutralizing attacks on enemy held bases in the Marshalls were continued by Marine aircraft on the same date.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 297, MARCH 13, 1945

 

No appreciable change was made in the front lines in Iwo Island on March 13 (East Longitude Date). The enemy occupying the northern end of the island continued to resist our attacks with small arms, machine gun and mortar fire. While mopping‑ up operations continued in the Third and Fourth Division sectors, our forces made unopposed landings on Kama and Kangoku Rocks west of the island. An enemy pocket in the Fourth Division sector was reduced in size but part of it still held out at 1800 on March 13. During the day 115 caves were sealed up.

Army fighters bombed airfield and harbor installations on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on March 13.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators operating under the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed air installations on the same island on March 11 and 12.

Fighters and torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing de­stroyed four buildings, set four other ablaze and destroyed or set afire three ammunition and fuel dumps on Babelthuap in the Palaus on March 13.

Marine Corsair fighters destroyed one aircraft on the water and damaged a pier at Yap on the same date.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 298, MARCH 14, 1945

 

Advances of 200 to 400 yards were made by the Fifth Marine Division on the northern end of Iwo Island on March 14 (East Longitude Date). From prepared positions the enemy continued to resist the pressure of our attacks and at nightfall the battle was continuing in this sector and in a small pocket in the Fourth Marine Division zone of action.

Because of the complex system of caves in which enemy casualties have been trapped and sealed and because of the difficult conditions on Iwo Island an exact count of enemy losses is not possible. Counted burials plus very careful estimates as to numbers sealed in caves gives 20,000 as a very close approximation of enemy killed at end of March 14. That number is less than the detailed estimates made by commanders of front line troops.

Our forces in the front lines have found "booby traps" set on the bodies of our dead.

The United States Flag was formally raised over Iwo Island at 0930 on March 14 although some resistance continues.

Planes of Navy, Army and Marine Corps are now operating from the island.

Iwo‑based Army fighters made bombing and strafing attacks on airfield installations on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on March 14.

On March 13, Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed Chichi Jima airfield.

Army Liberators of the Eleventh Air Force bombed airfield facilities at Kurabu Saki on southern Paramushiru in the Kuriles on the same date. The enemy sent up meager antiaircraft fire.

Corsair and Hellcat fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing destroyed a bridge, damaged two piers and set fuel dumps and motor facilities afire in the Palaus on March 14.

Mopping up operations in the Marianas and Palaus continued. During March 4 through March 10, 48 of the enemy were killed on Saipan, Tinian and Guam and 13 prisoners were taken on Saipan, Guam and Peleliu.

 

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CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 299, MARCH 15, 1945

 

The Fifth Marine Division on March 15 (East Longitude Date) continued to reduce further the area held by the enemy at the northern tip of Iwo Island. Our forces encountered intense small arms and mortar fire in that sector throughout the day. Mopping up operations were continued in the Third and Fourth Marine Division zones of action. Planes of the Seventh Army Fighter Command bombed airfields and other installations on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on the same date.

On March 14 Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force, operating under the Strategic Air Force, bombed Chichi Jima airfield.

Navy search Privateers of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Wake Island through meager antiaircraft fire on March 14.

On the same date Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued neutralizing attacks on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls.

 

 

CINCPOA PRESS RELEASE NO. 34, MARCH 15, 1945

 

Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, Mar. 14.‑(Delayed)‑With the rattle of mus­ketry to the north, where the remnants of the Japanese garrison force were being exterminated by Marines, faintly audible, the United States government today officially took possession of this desolate but strategic island on the road to Tokyo.

It did so in a proclamation issued by Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas and military governor of the Volcano Islands. After the proclamation had been read, the American flag was officially raised over the island.

The ceremony, held in the shadow of Suribachi, extinct volcano at the southern tip of Iwo, and attended by high ranking officers of the Marine Corps, Navy and Army, was marked by simplicity.

Deep‑throated roars of nearby Marine field pieces drowned the voice of Marine Colonel D. A. Stafford, of Spokane, Wash., Fifth Amphibious Corps personnel officer, as he read the words suspending all powers of government of the Japanese Empire on the island.

The Stars and Stripes were run up on a staff atop a strongly reinforced Japanese bunker with an anti‑aircraft gun emplacement above it. The military notables formed in rank on one side of the staff. On the other, an honor guard composed of eight military policemen from each of the three divisions that participated in the seizure of the island, was drawn up.

Among the military and naval leaders who planned and executed the in­vasion were: Vice Admiral Richmond Kelly Turner, USN, Commander, Am­phibious Forces, Pacific; Rear Admiral Harry Hill, USN, of Oakland, Cal., deputy commander of the attack force; Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith, Commanding General of the Fleet Marine Force of the Pacific; Major General Harry F. Schmidt, Fifth Amphibious Corps Commander; Major General Graves B. Erskine, of La Jolla, Cal., Third Marine Division commander, and his chief of staff, Colonel Robert E. Hogaboom, of Vicksburg, Miss.; Major General Clifton B. Cates, Fourth Marine Division Commander, and his chief of stag, Colonel M. J. Batchelder; and Major General Keller Rockey, Fifth Marine Division Commander, and his chief of staff, Colonel Ray A. Robinson. The Army was represented at the ceremony by Major General James E. Chaney.

While Marine Private First Class John E. Glynn (309599), 21, of 2319 Humanity Street, New Orleans, La., veteran of Guadalcanal, sounded "Colors",

 

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Old Glory was sent fluttering in the breeze to the top of the flagstaff by Marine Privates First Class Thomas J. Casale (411750), 20, of (no street address) Herkimer, N. Y., and Albert B. Bush (437298), 24, of 16712 Wood­bury Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio. Marine Sergeant Anthony C. Yusi (285607), 25, of 68 Grove Street, Port Chester, N. Y., was in charge of the color detail.

The bugler and the color detail were chosen from the Fifth Amphibious Corps Military Police Company. Their commanding officer, First Lieutenant Nathan R. Smith, of Whitehaven, Pa., said the men had been selected for general efficiency and military bearing. Both Yusi and Bush took part in the seizure of Saipan and Tinian in the Marianas. Moreover, Yusi was serving aboard the USS Wasp when she was sunk by the Japs September 15, 1943.

The proclamation was the first issued by Fleet Admiral Nimitz as military governor of the Volcano Islands. It was addressed, in Japanese as well as English, to the people of the islands. It read:

 

"I, Chester William Nimitz, Fleet Admiral, United States Navy, Com­mander in Chief of the United States Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, do hereby proclaim as follows:

"United States Forces under my command have occupied this and other of the Volcano Islands.

"All powers of government of the Japanese Empire in the islands so oc­cupied are hereby suspended.

"All powers of government are vested in me as Military Governor and will be exercised by subordinate commanders under my direction.

"All persons will obey promptly all orders given under my authority. Of­fenses against the Forces of Occupation will be severely punished.

"Given under my hand at Iwo Jima this fourteenth day of March, 1945."

 

The ceremony took place as the battle for Iwo Jima entered its 24th day. The stubborn Japanese defenders had been driven northward to the end of the island.

The enemy was still defending his caves and bunkers to the death.

As the official flag was raised, the one that had flown over Suribachi since the fifth day of the battle was lowered. The Stars and Strips had been planted on the volcano by the Marines who wrested it from the Japs.

The place selected for the official flag is just off the beach in the south­western section of the island. Selection of the site was prompted by con­venience and the height of the ground.

Several hundred dirty, bearded and weary Marines working and biv­ouacked in the vicinity gathered to witness the brief ceremony, which required less than 10 minutes. They, as well as the participants, came smartly to at­tention and saluted while the bugler was sounding colors.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 300, MARCH 16, 1945

 

The battle of Iwo Island has been won. The United States Marines by their individual and collective courage have conquered a base which is as necessary to us in our continuing forward movement toward final victory as it was vital to the enemy in staving off ultimate defeat. The enemy was fully aware of the crushing attacks on his homeland which would be made possible by our capture of this island only 660 nautical miles distant, so he prepared what he thought was an impregnable defense. With certain knowledge of the cost of an objective which had to be taken, the Fleet Marine Force supported

 

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the ships of the Pacific Fleet and by Army and Navy aircraft fought the battle and won. By their victory the Third, Fourth and Fifth Marine Divi­sions and other units of the Fifth Amphibious Corps have made an accounting to their country which only history will be able to value fully. Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue.

Organized resistance on Iwo Island ceased at 1800 on March 16 (East Longitude Date) when elements of the Third and Fifth Marine Divisions drove through the enemy lines breaking them up and reached Kitano Point at the northern end of the island.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 301, MARCH 16, 1945

 

The Marines on Iwo are continuing to mop up remnants of the enemy garrison. The central Iwo airfield was placed in operation on March 16 (East Longitude Date).

Army aircraft of the Seventh Fighter Command bombed and strafed targets on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on the same date.

On March 15, Army Liberators of the Seventh Air Force operating under the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed airfield installations on Chichi Jima.

Fighters and Torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing de­stroyed bridges and damaged piers and other installations in the Palaus on March 15. On the following day barges were destroyed and fires were started on and around Babelthuap and Arakabesan in the same group.

Radio, airfield and harbor installations on Yap in the Western Carolines were bombed by Marine Aircraft on March 15 and 16.

Neutralizing raids on enemy held bases in the Marshalls were carried out by planes of Fleet Air Wing Two and the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on March 15.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 302, MARCH 17, 1945

 

The Marines on Iwo continued mopping up operations on March 17 (East Longitude Date). About noon a group of 150 of the enemy were observed attempting to organize in the northern part of the Island. They were dispersed by mortar fire. A few enemy troops attempted to "booby trap" installations in our rear areas.

Surface units of the Pacific Fleet bombarded Matsuwa Island in the Kuriles on March 16. Our gunfire caused a large explosion and several large fires. Shore based batteries of the enemy answered our fire but caused no damage to our ships.

 

 

CINCPOA PRESS RELEASE NO. 39, MARCH 17, 1945

 

For twenty‑six days on Iwo Island, the United States Marines fought under conditions which have had no parallel in the war against Japan. Our troops have now defeated the enemy despite every natural advantage of his defenses.

This accomplishment was made against concentrated fortifications which approached, as closely as it is possible to do so, impregnability against attack by mobile forces employing every useful weapon available in modern warfare.

 

370

 

From the opening day, when at H‑hour the pre‑invasion bombardment successfully beat down the island defenses long enough for the troops to gain a foothold which they were never to lose, our forces met and solved problems which could have been insuperable for men less resolute in mind, heart and purpose.

Volcanic ash which immobilized even tracked vehicles and made them motionless targets; artillery long since registered on every possible landing place; interlocking and mutually supporting pillboxes and strong points; underground labyrinths extending a total of many miles and the result of many years of military planning and construction; defenses whose depth was limited only by the coastlines of the island; a garrison which was made up of units of the enemy forces especially trained to utilize the defensive ad­vantages of this island; a terrain that was characterized by a high volcanic cone, cliffs, deep gulleys, several commanding hills and a series of terraces rising from the beach to the prominences and plateaus which had to be taken these were the problems of Iwo Island.

That it was taken was the direct result of the fortitude of our officers and men who, by 14 March, had killed more than 21,000 of the enemy.

In achieving this victory, the forces involved lost 4,189 officers and men killed, according to reports from the front line units at 1700 on 16 March.

The wounded, a very considerable number of whom suffered slight wounds or combat fatigue and have already been returned to action in the Iwo opera­tion, numbered 15,308. Missing in action are 441 officers and men.

The majority of our seriously wounded have been evacuated from the island by hospital ship and by evacuation aircraft. Complete medical facili­ties are operating to provide the best possible care for those wounded on Iwo Island.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 303, MARCH 18, 1945

 

On March 18 (East Longitude Date) a strong force of carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet attacked enemy aircraft bases and installations on the Island of Kyushu.

The Marines on Iwo mopped up isolated remnants of the former enemy garrison in the rugged terrain of the northern part of the island on March 18. Marine uniforms were again found on enemy soldiers, one of whom stopped one of our ambulances, shot and wounded the driver and escaped. Snipers continued to be active. Army fighters bombed and strafed barges and radio and radar facilities on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on the same date.

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force bombed the airfield on Chichi Jima on March 16 and 17.

Without opposition, Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Shimushiru in the Kuriles on March 17. Fighters, dive bombers and torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed radio towers, airstrip and other targets on Yap in the Western Carolines on March 18.

On March 17 and 18, Marine Aircraft attacked buildings, bridges and other facilities on Babelthuap in the Palaus. One plane was lost in the attacks.

 

371

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 743, MARCH 18, 1945

 

LIEUT.  GEN. HOLLAND M. SMITH, USMC, RETURNS FROM IWO

 

Reiterating that the battle for Iwo Jima was "the toughest and hardest fight in Marine Corps history," Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith, USMC, Commanding General of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, has returned to his Pearl Harbor headquarters with members of his staff.

The bloody conquest of Japan's Gibraltar of the Pacific further evidenced that the fighting will "get tougher" as we close in on the Nipponese empire, General Smith said.

 

 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 585, MARCH 19, 1945

Pacific Area.

 

1. U. S. submarines operating in Far Eastern waters have sunk 15 enemy vessels, including two escort vessels and three destroyers. The vessels sunk were:

 

3 destroyers

2 escort vessels 1 large tanker

1 large cargo transport

6 medium cargo vessels

1 medium transport

1 small cargo vessel

 

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

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 304, MARCH 19, 1945

 

Carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet continued their attacks on Japan on March 19 (East Longitude Date). They attacked Kobe Kure and other ob­jectives in and around the Inland Sea.

The Marines on Iwo Island continued to search out snipers and isolated remnants of the enemy garrison on March 19.

On the same date Army fighters from Iwo bombed and strafed the airfield and radio stations on Chichi Jima in the Bonins.

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force bombed targets on Chichi Jima and Haha Jima on March 18. One enemy fighter was observed in the air at Chichi.

A single Navy search Ventura of Fleet Air Wing Four made rocket attacks on small craft and buildings in the Torishima group southeast of Paramushiru on March 18. On the same date Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Matsuwa in the Kuriles without opposition.

A Navy search Privateer of Fleet Air Wing One sank a lugger and four small craft in the anchorage at Truk in the Carolines on March 19.

Fighters, torpedo planes and dive-bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing struck piers, runways, buildings, and radio installations on Yap in the Western Carolines on March 19.

On the same date Marine aircraft carried out attacks on enemy‑held islands in the Palaus.

Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing planes continued neutralizing attacks on enemy bases in the Marshalls.

 

372

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 305, MARCH 20, 1945

 

After a day of destructive attacks on the enemy air force in Kyushu the Fast Carrier Task Force commanded by Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, moved northeast and on March 19 (East Longitude Date) attacked the prin­cipal units of the Japanese Fleet in its home bases in the Inland Sea. During these attacks crippling damage wag inflicted on the Japanese Fleet and many Japanese aircraft were destroyed.

A preliminary report from Admiral R. A. Spruance, Commander Fifth Fleet, who was present in tactical command of the Fleet forces engaged shows that the following damage was inflicted on the enemy during the two days fighting

Aircraft:

200 shot out of the air

275 destroyed on the ground

More than 100 damaged in the first day's attacks, and a large number

damaged in the second day's attacks.

 

Ships sunk:

            Six small freighters

 

Ships damaged

One or two battleships

Two or three aircraft carriers

Two light aircraft carriers or escort carriers

Two escort carriers

One heavy cruiser

One light cruiser

Four destroyers

One submarine

One destroyer escort

Seven freighters

 

Ground installations:

A large number of installations including hangars, shops, arsenals and oil storage facilities were destroyed.

 

Our aircraft losses in combat were extremely light.

The enemy made many air attacks on our forces. None of our ships was lost. One of our ships was seriously damaged and is returning to port under her own power. A few others received minor damage but are fully operational.

Mopping up operations were continued by the Marines in Iwo on March 20.

On March 19, Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed the air­field on Chichi Jima in the Bonins causing explosions and large fires.

Navy search Mariners of Fleet Air Wing One bombed the town of Yap in the western Carolines on March 20.

Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing fighters continued attacks on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls.

 

 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 586, MARCH 21, 1945

 

The submarine USS Barbell is overdue from patrol and is presumed lost. Next of kin of officers and crew have been notified.

 

373

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 306, MARCH 21, 1945

 

On March 20 (East Longitude Date) Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force bombed the airfield on Chichi Jima in the Bonins. Army Mustang Fighters based on Iwo dive bombed barracks, a radio station and other in­stallations on Chichi on the following day.

Navy search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four made rocket and strafing attacks on buildings and small craft at Hayake Kawa on Paramushiru in the Kuriles on March 19. On the same day Mitchells and Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed and strafed canneries, buildings, and radio installations in southern Paramushiru.

Fighters, dive bombers, and torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing carried out rocket and bombing attacks on airfield installations, piers, and buildings on Yap in the western Carolines on March 21.

Navy search Privateers of Fleet Wing Two caused an explosion and fire after bombing attacks on Wake Island on March 20.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 307, MARCH 23, 1945

 

Further reports by the Fifth Fleet of attacks by carrier aircraft on Japan during the period of March 18 to 21 (East Longitude Dates) reveal damage inflicted on the enemy air force in addition to that reported in communiqué No. 305 making the total:

 

281 aircraft shot out of the air.

275 aircraft destroyed on the ground.

175 aircraft probably destroyed or damaged on the ground.

 

Reconnaissance reports indicate that extensive damage was done by our carrier aircraft to air installations at Oita, Omura, Kanoya, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Saeki and Nittagahara during the attacks on Kyushu.

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force bombed the airfield on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on March 21 and 22. Army Mustang fighters on March 22 and 23 attacked fuel dumps, a weather station and other installations on the same island.

Corsair and Hellcat fighters and Avenger torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed targets in the Palaus on March 22.

Marine aircraft struck dock and airfield installations at Yap in the West­ern Carolines on March 22 and 23.

Navy search aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two continued neutralizing at­tacks on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on March 21.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 308, MARCH 24, 1945

 

Following the destructive attacks on objectives in the Inland Sea on March 19 (East Longitude Date), fighting between the carrier‑based aircraft of the Fifth Fleet operating in Japanese home waters and the enemy air force based on Kyushu, Shikoku and Honshu continued on March 20 and 21. Although complete details are not yet available reports show that large num‑

 

374

 

bers of Japanese aircraft were shot down both by the fire of the Hellcat and Corsair fighters of the Fleet and by its antiaircraft guns. On the afternoon of March 21 approximately fifty enemy aircraft were shot down in one encounter with a loss of three of our fighters. During this fighting one of our destroyers was seriously damaged and one larger unit received minor damage.

On March 23 and 24, in bad weather, units of the U. S. Pacific Fleet struck objectives in the Ryukyus including aircraft, shipping, airdromes and installations in the Kerama‑Retto at Okinawa, at le Shima and at Minami Daito Shima. Carrier aircraft destroyed some enemy shipping and damaged numerous small craft. Fast battleships attacked coastal objectives with their heavy guns.

Mustangs of the Seventh Fighter Command based on Iwo attacked targets on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on March 24.

Corsair and Hellcat fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and damaged the causeway between Koror and Babelthuap in the Palaus and set supply dumps afire elsewhere in these Islands on March 24.

During the week of March 11 through 17, garrison forces killed 51 of the enemy and took 16 prisoners on Saipan, Tinian and Guam in the Marianas and Peleliu in the Palaus.

On March 23, Navy Search Privateers of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Wake Island.

Neutralizing attacks on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls were continued by Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on March 23 and 24.

 

 

CINCPOA PRESS RELEASE NO. 45, MARCH 24, 1945

 

The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet, regrets to announce the loss of the escort aircraft carrier, USS Bismarck Sea, due to enemy action. The commanding officer and most of the ship's company are survivors. Next of kin of those who lost their lives have been notified.

While supporting the assault on Iwo Island, the Bismarck Sea was dam­aged by enemy air attacks on the evening of 21 February (East Longitude Date) and fires were started aboard her. Subsequently the fires spread throughout the ship and, having made every effort to save her, the ship's com­pany was ordered to abandon her. She sank a short time later.

The Bismarck Sea, of the Casablanca Class, was built by the Kaiser Shipyards at Vancouver, Washington, and was commissioned in 1944. After a period of escort duty, she was assigned to the Seventh Fleet and supported the invasion of Lingayen, Luzon. She then joined the forces which participated in the Iwo operation.

Captain John Lockwood Pratt, USN, was commanding officer.

Published information on the Casablanca. Class

 

Displacement    ‑About 4,000 tons.

Length              ‑About 500 feet.

Speed               ‑About 19 knots.

Aircraft             ‑About 20.

 

375

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 745, MARCH 24, 1945

 

NEW COMMANDING GENERAL OF MARINE AIRCRAFT

 

Major General James T. Moore, USMC, has been named Commanding General, Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. He succeeds Major General Francis P. Mulcahy, USMC, who will shortly receive a new assignment.

General Moore, who has served 24 years with Marine Corps aviation, is a veteran of 27 months of the Pacific air war. He recently returned from the combat areas where he was, at the same time, Commanding General of the Second Marine Air Wing during the Peleliu operation and Commander, Gar­rison Air Force, Western Carolines.

When war was declared General Moore was serving as Chief of the U. S. Air Mission to Peru and Commanding General of the Peruvian Air Force. In December, 1942, he was named Commanding General of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing which then had its headquarters in the Hawaiian Islands. In May 1943, he began a 17‑month tour of duty in the South Pacific as Chief of Staff of the First Marine Aircraft Wing.

After the occupation of Munda airfield on New Georgia in August 1943, General Moore became Commander, Aircraft, New Georgia, and took command of all Allied air activity in the fight for aerial supremacy over the Central and Northern Solomon Islands.

In the fall of 1943 he became Commanding General, First Marine Aircraft, Wing. He later served as Commander, Aircraft, Emirau Island, during the invasion and consolidation of that element of the St. Mathias group. While there, General Moore also was Island Commander.

He then was named Commander, Aircraft, Solomon Islands, and after a brief period at this post took command of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 309, MARCH 25, 1945

 

Avenger torpedo planes and Helldiver bombers of the Fifth Fleet covered by Corsair and Hellcat fighters destroyed a convoy of three large cargo ships, two destroyers, and three other escort vessels west of the Amami Gunto in the Ryukyus on March 24 (East Longitude Date).

On the same date Navy search Liberators of Fleet Air Wing One attacked a medium sized cargo ship in the northern Ryukyus. Navy search Venturas strafed two small cargo ships north of the Bonins on March 25, leaving one ship dead in the water and the other damaged.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed the airfield on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on March 23. Naval installations and air facilities were bombed and strafed by Army Mustang fighters on March 23 and 24.

Storage areas on Marcus Island were bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on March 24.

Attacking through intense antiaircraft fire, planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing destroyed a bridge and large building and started fires on Babelthuap in the Palaus on March 25.

On the same date installations on Yap in the Western Carolines were bombed by Marine Corsair fighters.

 

376

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 310, MARCH 26, 1945

 

Carrier aircraft of the U. S. Pacific Fleet attacked airfield and other installations on Okinawa in the Ryukyus on March 26, (East Longitude Date).

Shore installations on the island were brought under fire by fast battle­ships.

During these operations our forces were attacked by a small group of enemy aircraft of which six were destroyed. One of our light units suffered some damage.

On March 24 Seventh Army Air Force bombers attacked installations on the airfield on Chichi Jima in the Bonins. On the following day targets in the same group were bombed by Mustangs of the Seventh Fighter Command.

An enemy air attack was broken up and a number of enemy bombers were destroyed off Iwo Island by Army Black Widow night fighters during the night of March 25-26. No hostile planes reached the island.

 

 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 587, MARCH 27, 1945

 

The submarine USS Albacore is overdue from patrol and is presumed lost. The next of kin of officers and crew have been informed.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 311, MARCH 27, 1945

 

On March 27, (East Longitude Date) Carrier Aircraft of the U. S. Pacific Fleet continued to attack enemy forces and defense installations in the Ryukyus and surface units attacked coastal objectives with Naval gunfire.

Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing One damaged three small cargo ships in the area around Hachijo Island, 150 miles south of Tokyo on March 26.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed the Suzaki airdrome on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on March 25. On the following day storage areas and buildings on Marcus Island were attacked by planes of the same force.

Corsair and Hellcat fighters, Helldiver bombers and Avenger torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing destroyed buildings and other installations and damaged warehouses, transport and pier facilities on enemy-held islands in the Palaus on March 26 and 27.

Marine fighters and torpedo planes strafed and bombed the airstrip on Yap in the Western Carolines on March 27.

Search planes of Fleet Air Wing One bombed and strafed small craft and installations at Truk in the Central Carolines on March 26.

Navy search Privateers of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed runways, fuel and ammunition dumps and bivouac areas on Wake Island on March 26.

Helldiver bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed enemy-­held bases in Me Marshalls on March 26.

 

377

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 312, MARCH 28, 1945

 

During the period of March 25 to March 27 inclusive (East Longitude Dates) carrier aircraft of the U. S. Pacific Fleet ranged over the Ryukyu Islands from the Niyako group to Tanega Island, attacking aircraft, shipping and installations. Preliminary reports of damage inflicted on the enemy, in addition to that previously reported, include

 

Ships:

Three destroyers or destroyer escorts damaged

One large cargo ship damaged

Two medium cargo ships damaged

Two small cargo ships damaged

Many small craft wrecked

Eight to ten luggers burned

One whaler beached and burned

 

Aircraft:

Twenty‑five aircraft shot out of the air

Thirteen aircraft burned on the ground

 

Ground installations:

Submarine pens at Unten Bay on the west coast of Okinawa heavily hit

Gun positions, landing craft, airfields, warehouses, barracks, trucks, and other targets heavily hit at Amami, Tokuno, Okinawa and Kikai Islands.

 

Some of our units suffered damage under enemy air attacks.

Hellcat and Corsair fighters, Avenger torpedo planes, and Helldiver bombers, continued their attacks on enemy positions in the Ryukyus and battleships continued to shell shore installations on March 28.

On March 27, Navy search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four made rocket and machine gun attacks on installations at Tomari Zaki in northeastern Paramushiru in the Kuriles. Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Kataoka on Shimushu on the same date.

Mustang fighters of the Seventh Fighter Command and Seventh Army Air Force Liberators attacked Suzaki airdrome on Chichi Jima in the Bonins and struck radar installations on the island on March 26. Fighters also car­ried attacks on Kitamura Town on Haha Jima on the same date. On March 27 and 28, Mustangs again attacked targets on Chichi Jima and Haha Jima setting fires in ammunition storage areas, buildings and other targets.

Neutralizing attacks were made on enemy‑held islands in the Marshalls on March 27 by aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two.

 

 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 588, MARCH 29, 1945

Philippine Area.

 

1. The LCS (L) (3)‑7 and LST 577 have been lost in the Philippine Area as the result of enemy action.

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

 

378

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 313, MARCH 29, 1945

 

On March 26 and 27 (East Longitude Dates) carrier aircraft of the British Pacific Fleet bombed and strafed installations in the Sakishima group. Twenty enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground, one small coastal vessel was destroyed and several damaged and the town of Ohama was left in flames.

The British Task Force engaged is commanded by Vice Admiral Sir Bernard Rawlings, Royal Navy, with Rear Admiral Sir Philip Vian, Royal Navy, in command of its carriers. It consists of some of the most powerful ships in the British Navy such as HMS King George V and HMS Illustrious. The British Task Force is now under the operational control of Admiral R. A. Spruance, U. S. Navy, Commander, Fifth Fleet.

The British Pacific Fleet, of which the task force mentioned is a part, is under the command of Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, Royal Navy.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 314, MARCH 29, 1945

 

During the night of March 27‑28 (East Longitude Dates), U. S. surface forces operating in the area of the Ryukyus shot down four enemy aircraft and destroyed a number of enemy torpedo boats.

The U. S. Pacific Fleet continued on March 29 to attack shore installations in the Ryukyus with carrier aircraft and with surface gunfire.

On March 28 search aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One sank two small enemy ships north of the Bonins and damaged two others.

Warehouses and defense installations on Haha Jima in the Bonins were bombed and strafed on March 29 by Army Mustangs of the Seventh Fighter Command.

Helldiver bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two made neutralizing attacks on enemy bases in the Marshalls on March 28.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 744, MARCH 29, 1945

 

VICE ADMIRAL NEWTON BECOMES INSPECTOR GENERAL

 

Vice Admiral John H. Newton, USN, has assumed the duties of Inspector General, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas.

As Inspector General he inspects, investigates and reports on all matters affecting the efficiency and economy of the Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas.

Admiral Newton succeeds Rear Admiral John F. Shafroth, USN, who served as Inspector General from 20 March 1944 until recently. Admiral Shafroth has been assigned to other duty afloat.

Admiral Newton until assuming his new duty was Commander, South Pacific Area and South Pacific Force. Other assignments have been: Deputy Commander, South Pacific Area and South Pacific Force, Deputy Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, Sub Chief of Naval Operations, and Commander Cruisers, Scouting Force.

 

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N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 589, MARCH 30, 1945

Pacific Area.

 

1. United States submarines have reported the sinking of 11 enemy vessels, including a large aircraft carrier and two destroyers, as the result of operations in Far Eastern waters. Enemy ships sunk:

 

1 large carrier

2 destroyers

3 medium cargo vessels

2 escort vessels

1 large tanker

1 medium cargo transport

1 small cargo vessel

 

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

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 315, MARCH 30, 1945

 

Seventeen enemy aircraft were shot out of the air by carrier planes and guns of the U. S. Pacific Fleet operating in the waters off the Ryukyus on March 28 and 29 (East Longitude Dates). In addition, fifteen more enemy planes were destroyed on the ground.

Ships' gunfire destroyed four enemy motor torpedo boats on March 29.

Shore installations in the Ryukyus were again brought under fire of heavy units of the Pacific Fleet and carrier aircraft continued to attack military installations on March 30.

Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing destroyed a building and sank a power boat during attacks on targets in the Palaus on March 30. Marine fighters strafed targets on Sonsoral Island southeast of the Palaus on the same date.

 

 

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 316, MARCH 31, 1945

 

During the night of March 27‑28 (East Longitude Dates), barracks, ware­houses, radio station, ammunition dump, buildings, and the airdrome on Minami Daito Island were attacked by gunfire of heavy surface forces of the U. S. Pacific Fleet.

Fast carrier task forces of the U. S. Pacific Fleet inflicted the following damage on the enemy in and around Kyushu and the Ryukyu Islands on March 28 and 29:

 

Shipping.

 

Sunk:

Two destroyer escorts

One medium cargo ship

Ten small cargo ships

Four luggers

One motor torpedo boat

 

Probably sunk:

Nine medium cargo ships

Five small cargo ships

 

380

 

Damaged

One destroyer escort

Thirteen small cargo ships

One medium cargo ship

 

Aircraft:

29 shot out of the air

One glider shot out of the air

16 destroyed on the ground

42 damaged or destroyed on the ground

 

Ground installations

Installations on Tokuno and Yaku bombed heavily

Hangars and shops at Kanoya, Kagoshima, Kushira, Chiran, Tojim­bara, and Ibusuki bombed and burned.

 

Our forces lost twelve planes and six pilots in combat during these actions.

On March 30 battleships and light units of the U. S. Pacific Fleet shelled shore installations on Okinawa heavily at close range. Seawalls were breached by gunfire and defenses, gun positions, airfields, and bridges were heavily hit. U. S. carrier aircraft attacked numerous targets on Okinawa destroying four submarine pens and two torpedo boats in the submarine base at Unten Bay on the west coast of the island. Carrier aircraft and heavy units of the Fleet continued their attacks on Okinawa on March 31.

On the same date a carrier task force of the British Pacific Fleet struck targets in the Sakishima group.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed installations on Marcus Island on March 29.

Eleventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed the naval base at Kataoka on Shimushu in the Northern Kuriles on March 30.

Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed targets in the Marshalls on March 30.