NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUÉS

NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUÉS
1-300
AND PERTINENT PRESS RELEASES

DECEMBER 10, 1941
TO
MARCH 5, 1943

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 1943

Foreword

March 23, 1943.

This publication contains the first 300 communiqués issued by the Navy Department during the Second World War. The first is dated December 10, 1941; the last March 5, 1943. There are also included certain press releases, such as the Secretary of the Navy's statement on Pearl Harbor dated December 15, 1941, which it is felt are of outstanding historical importance.

It will be noted that the communiqués are reprinted serially and that the press releases have been interpolated in their proper chronologic places. Where not otherwise stated all these documents were given to the press for "immediate release."

MONTH	COMMUNIQUÉS	PAGES
December 1941	1-22	1-14
January 1942	22-35	15-24
February 1942	36-48	25-35
March 1942	49-64	35-46
April 1942	65-74	46-51
May 1942	75-82	52-55
June 1942	83-92	55-62
July 1942	93-100	62-74
August 1942	101-116	74-85
September 1942	117-135	85-95
October 1942	136-175	95-125
November 1942	176-206	121-137
December 1942	207-234	137-152
January 1943	235-266	152-168
February 1943	267-294	168-182
March 1943	295-300	182-184

No. 1 DECEMBER 10, 1941

The Navy Department announces that instructions have been issued that the remains of naval personnel, including Coast Guard and Marine Corps, lost in action be interred temporarily in the localities in which they lost their lives. This procedure is necessitated by the difficulties of ocean transport in war. They will be buried with full military honors.

No. 2 DECEMBER 11, 1941

The Marine garrison on Wake Island has been subject to four separate attacks in the last 48 hours by enemy aircraft and one by light naval units. Despite the loss of part of the defending planes and the damage to material and personnel, the defending garrison succeeded in sinking one light cruiser and one destroyer of the enemy forces by air action. A resumption of the attack and a probable landing attempt is expected. The Marine garrison is continuing to resist. The above report is based on information received up until noon December 11.

No. 3 DECEMBER 11, 1941

The Navy Department announced that Admiral Thomas C. Hart, U. S. Navy, Commander in Chief, United States Asiatic Fleet, has reported that Navy patrol planes scored bomb hits on a Japanese battleship of the Kongo class off the coast of Luzon. The ship was badly damaged. This is the second Japanese battleship to be bombed effectively by United States forces.

No. 4 DECEMBER 12, 1941

Naval forces continue to coordinate their efforts with the Army on land, sea and in the air against heavy Japanese attacks on the Island of

Luzon. There is no confirmation of the alleged occupation of Guam by the Japanese. The resistance of Wake and Midway continues. No further air activity over Hawaii has been reported. The situation in the Atlantic remains unchanged.

The above is based on reports up to noon today.

No. 5 DECEMBER 13, 1941

The Navy Department announced that it is unable to communicate with Guam either by radio or cable. The capture of the island is probable. A small force of less than 400 naval personnel and 155 marines were stationed in Guam. According to the last reports from Guam, the island had been bombed repeatedly and Japanese troops had landed at several points on the island.

Wake and Midway continue to resist.

The above is based on reports until 9 a. m. today.

No. 6 DECEMBER 13, 1941

U. S. airmen turned back the fishing vessel Alert of U. S. registry in the Gulf of Nicoya, on the west coast of Costa Rica. The vessel was boarded on its return to port and was found to have seven Japanese in the crew. They were taken into custody. The Alert was loaded with a cargo of 10,000 gallons of Diesel oil.

No new developments have been reported from combat areas as of 3 p. m. (e. s. t.) today.

No. 7 DECEMBER 14, 1941

There have been two additional bombing attacks on Wake Island. The first was light, the second was undertaken in great force. Two enemy bombers were shot down. Damage was inconsequential.

The Marines on Wake Island continue to resist.

Enemy submarines are known to be operating in the Hawaiian area. Vigorous attacks are being made against them.

The above is based on reports up until noon today.

DECEMBER 15, 1941

BRIEF REPORT OF CONDUCT OF NAVAL PERSONNEL DURING JAPANESE ATTACK, PEARL HARBOR, T. H., DECEMBER 7, 1941

The Secretary of the Navy, after making a full report to the President this morning on behalf of the Navy Department, issued the following statement this afternoon concerning the air attack on the island of Oahu on Sunday, December 7:

My inspection trip to the island enables me to present the general facts covering the attack which hitherto have been unavailable.

1. The essential fact is that the Japanese purpose was to knock out the United States before the war began. This was made apparent by the deception practiced, by the preparations which had gone on for many weeks before the attack, and the attacks themselves which were made simultaneously throughout the Pacific. In this purpose the Japanese failed.

2. The United States services were not on the alert against the surprise air attack on Hawaii. This fact calls for a formal investigation which will be initiated immediately by the President. Further action is, of course, dependent on the facts and recommendations made by this investigating board. We are all entitled to know it if (a) there was any error of judgment which contributed to the surprise, (b) if there was any dereliction of duty prior to the attack.

3. My investigation made clear that after the attack the defense by both services was conducted skillfully and bravely. The Navy lost:

(a) The battleship Arizona which was destroyed by the explosion of first, its boiler and then its forward magazine due to a bomb which was said to have literally passed down through the smokestack;

(b) The old target ship Utah which has not been used as a combatant ship for many years, and which was in service as a training ship for antiaircraft gunnery and experimental purposes;

(d) Minelayer Oglala. This was a converted merchantman formerly a passenger ship on the Fall River Line and converted into a mine layer during the World War.

The Navy sustained damage to other vessels. This damage varied from ships which have been already repaired, and are ready for sea, or

which have gone to sea, to a few ships which will take from a week to several months to repair. In the last category is the older battleship Oklahoma which has capsized but can be righted and repaired. The entire balance of the Pacific Fleet with its aircraft carriers, its heavy cruisers, its lights cruisers, its destroyers, and submarines are uninjured and are all at sea seeking contact with the enemy.

4. The known Japanese materiel losses were 3 submarines and 41 aircraft.

5. Army losses were severe in aircraft and some hangars, but replacements have arrived or are on their way.

6. The up-to-date figures of Navy killed and wounded are: officers, 91 dead and 20 wounded; enlisted men, 2,638 dead and 636 wounded.

The Secretary of the Navy told in some detail of many individual actions of outstanding courage.

He said:

"In the Navy's gravest hour of peril, the officers and men of the fleet exhibited magnificent courage and resourcefulness during the treacherous Japanese assault on Pearl Harbor. The real story of Pearl Harbor is not one of individual heroism, although there were many such cases. It lies in the splendid manner in which all hands did their job as long as they were able, not only under fire but while fighting the flames afterward and immediately starting salvage work and reorganization.

"Prompt action saved many lives and a vast amount of material. Without exception, all ships and stations rose to the emergency. Less than 4 minutes after the first alarm, guns of the fleet went into action against enemy aircraft. Seconds later the first Japanese plane was shot down.

"To a recruit seaman aboard a battleship probably goes the honor of striking the first telling blow in the fleet's defense. Even before 'general quarter' sounded, this youngster single-handedly manned a machine gun and blasted an attacking torpedo plane as it leveled against his ship.

"The dying captain of a battleship displayed the outstanding individual heroism of the day. As he emerged from the conning tower to the bridge, the better to fight his ship, his stomach was laid completely open by a shrapnel burst. He fell to the deck. Refusing to be carried to safety, he continued to direct the action. When the bridge became a blazing inferno, two officers attempted to remove him. But he ordered them to abandon him and save themselves. The latter found themselves blocked by the flames. Only the heroic efforts of a third officer enabled

them to escape. He climbed through the fire to a higher level from which he passed one line to an adjoining battleship, and another to his trapped shipmates. By this frail means they made their way to safety.

"Entire ship's companies showed exemplary valor and coordination. Drama was thus crowded into a few seconds on board an aircraft tender moored at the naval air station, target of the enemy's fiercest bombing and strafing. With the ship already on fire from repeated high-altitude attacks, her antiaircraft batteries downed a plane which crashed in flames on deck. At this moment her captain observed the shadow of an enemy two-man submarine approaching within a few yards of the vessel. It was placed under fire. Hits were scored immediately and the submarine exposed her conning tower. At that instant a destroyer stood down channel, passed directly over the submarine, and sank it with depth charges. Doubtless saved from this craft's torpedoes, the tender then shot down a second plane, which fell on land nearby.

"Men fought with the cool confidence that comes from complete indoctrination for battle. In one case, a single bluejacket manned a 5-inch antiaircraft gun after his 10 battery mates had been shot down by a strafing attack. He would seize a shell from the fuze-pot, place it in the tray, dash to the other side of the gun, and ram it home. He would then take his position on the pointer's seat and fire. After the third such round, a terrific explosion blew him over the side of the battleship. He was rescued.

"At the several naval air stations attacked, crews dashed into the flames enveloping planes set ablaze by incendiaries, stripped off free machine guns, and with them returned the enemy's fire. In at least one instance an enemy craft was shot down.

"Two cruiser scouting seaplanes, their speed and maneuverability reduced by heavy pontoons, destroyed an attacking Japanese pursuit ship of thrice their speed.

"Simultaneously throughout the navy yard examples of personal heroism developed. Several workmen of Japanese ancestry deserted their benches to help the Marine defense battalion man machine-gun nests. Two of them with hands blistered from hot gun barrels, required emergency treatment.

"Cool as ice, the men who manned the navy yard signal tower from which flashed orders to the anchored fleet, carried out their assignment under a hail of machine-gun fire and bombs from the enemy, as well as

shrapnel from their own force's antiaircraft batteries. None left his dangerous post. First to observe the invaders through their long glasses from their high vantage point, they sent out the astounding air raid warning by visual signals. Then they settled into the complex business of transmitting the scores of orders to the ships that fought back at the attackers from their berths, or prepared to stand out to sea.

"Men from ships out of action managed at any cost to return to the battle. There were the survivors of the capsized ship who swam through blazing oil to clamber aboard other ships and join gun crews. Crews from another disabled vessel swam into mid-channel where they were hoisted aboard outward-bound destroyers. Proof that getting back into battle took precedence over their own lives was the fact that the comparative safety of the shore lay only a few yards away. Lying in a hospital bed when the first air raid alarm sounded, one officer leaped up, brushed aside nurses and ran across the navy yard to his ship. He fought with such gallantry and zeal, despite his illness, that his captain recommended him for promotion.

"There was the case of the destroyer tender which lay alongside a dock undergoing major overhaul, powerless and without armament. Unable to assume an active defense role, she concerned herself with the vital task of rescue with her available ship's boats. One Naval Reserve ensign volunteered as skipper of a motor launch. With four men he proceeded across Pearl Harbor's reverberating channel through a hail of enemy machine-gun fire and shrapnel. They saved almost 100 men from 1 battleship - men who had been injured or blown overboard into the oil-fired waters. The attack on this vessel was at its height as these rescue operations proceeded. Suddenly the launch's propeller jammed. Coolly, the ensign directed the work of disengaging the screw as flames licked around its wooden hull, meantime also supervising the picking up of more victims from the harbor. His captain cited him for 'initiative, resourcefulness, devotion to duty and personal bravery displayed'.

"Four motor-torpedo boats had been loaded aboard a fleet tanker for shipment. Their youthful ensign-captains put their power-driven turret machine guns into immediate action, accounting for at least one enemy raider plane.

"To the unsung heroes of the harbor auxiliaries must go much of the credit for helping stem the onslaught. Even the lowly garbage lighters shared the grim task. One came alongside a blazing ship which

threatened momentarily to explode. Calmly the yardcraft's commander led fire-fighting both aboard the warship and on the surface of the harbor. He kept his tiny vessel beside the larger one for 24 hours.

"Men's will-to-fight was tremendous. One seaman had been confined to his battleship's brig for misconduct a few days earlier. When an explosion tore open the door, he dashed straight to his battle station on an antiaircraft gun. On the submarine base dock a bluejacket, carrying a heavy machine gun for which there was no mount immediately available, shot the weapon from his arms, staggering under the concussion of the rapid fire.

"Quick-thinking in the dire emergency probably saved many lives and ships. An aviation machinist's mate aboard one ship saw that flames from the huge vessel threatened a repair ship alongside. He ran through the blaze and single-handedly slashed the lines holding the two ships together. Freed, the smaller craft drew clear. Only in the final moments, when remaining aboard appeared utterly hopeless, would men leave their ships. Then they went reluctantly. Once ashore, instead of finding some dry place to recuperate from their terrific pounding, they pitched emergency quarters as near their vessels as possible. And with portable guns they continued to fight; later they stood guard at these same camps as repair operations began on their ships, setting regular shipboard watches. Like all treacherous attacks, the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese caught certain vessels of the fleet under periodic overhaul. While in this condition of repair, such ships were not able to utilize their offensive powers to the greatest effectiveness. These ships, therefore, turned to with a will at many useful purposes. One ship rescued with its boats, hundreds of survivors thrown into the water by the force of explosions; meanwhile the surface of the water was becoming a raging inferno from burning oil. Other ships sent their repair parties to help the fighting ships keep afloat. Others sent ammunition parties to maintain the flow of powder and shells to the guns. Without doubt the whole spectacle was the greatest spontaneous exhibition of cooperation, determination, and courage that the American Navy has been called upon to make. The crew of one ship followed it around on its outside as it capsized, firing their guns until they were under water. Those same men stood on the dock and cheered as one of the more fortunate ships cleared the harbor and passed by, en route after the Japanese. Of all the accounts submitted on that memorable day, the record shows a con-

tinual demonstration of courage, bravery, and fearlessness of which the American Nation may well be proud."

No. 8 DECEMBER 15, 1941

A Norwegian motor ship was sunk while approaching the Hawaiian Isles. The crew was rescued by naval vessels. The Hawaiian area has otherwise been without incident.

Recent enemy bombing in the Philippine theatre has resulted in no damage to naval installations or ships. Heavy weather in the North Atlantic hampers naval operations there.

Midway and Wake Islands continue to resist.

The above is based on reports up until noon today.

No. 9 DECEMBER 16, 1941

Two islands in the Hawaiian area have been shelled by Japanese war vessels within the last 24 hours. The naval outpost of Johnston Island figured for the first time in Pacific action. It was bombarded by ships of the enemy at dusk. On the northeastern coast of the island of Maui, the shipping center of Kahului was shelled by an enemy submarine at about the same time. Damage in both instances is believed to be slight. Naval operations are continuing against the enemy.

Wake Island has sustained two additional bombing attacks. The first occurred in the afternoon, the second in the evening. The first attack was light, the second heavy.

Wake and Midway are countering the blows of the enemy.

No. 10 DECEMBER 17, 1941

It has been established that there were no injuries to personnel in the weak attack on Johnston Island reported yesterday. The naval situation in the Atlantic remains quiet.

No. 11 DECEMBER 18, 1941

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation as of noon today:

Atlantic Area.

The naval situation has been without incident. Heavy weather continues in the western Atlantic.

Eastern Pacific.

There are no new developments to report.

Central Pacific.

There are no new developments to report.

Far East.

Submarine actions against enemy forces in the Far East have resulted in the sinking of an enemy transport and the probable loss of one enemy destroyer.

No. 12 DECEMBER 19, 1941

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation as of 9 a. m. today:

Atlantic Theater.

There are no new developments to report.

Eastern Pacific.

There are no new developments to report.

Central Pacific.

There have been two additional air attacks by the enemy on Wake Island. The first occurred on the night of the 17th-18th and was comparatively light. The second was in greater force and occurred in the forenoon of the 19th. Wake Island continues to counter these blows.

Far East.

There are no new developments to report.

No. 13 DECEMBER 20, 1941

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué‚ on the naval

situation as of 9 a. m. (e. s. t.) today:

Atlantic Theater.

There are no new developments to report.

Eastern Pacific.

There are no new developments to report.

Central Pacific.

There are no new developments to report.

Far East.

A U. S. submarine sank an additional enemy transport. Cavite sustained a heavy bombing raid at noon of the 19th. This raid caused some damage to property, but only light casualties to our own forces and civilian personnel.

No. 14 DECEMBER 21, 1941

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation as of noon today:

Atlantic Theater.

There are indications of enemy submarine activity off the East Coast of the United States.

Eastern Pacific.

Enemy submarines have been active along the west coast of the United States. The S. S. Agwiworld was shelled by an enemy submarine.

The S. S. Emidio was also shelled and then torpedoed. The crew abandoned ship and took to the lifeboats. Three lifeboats were destroyed by submarine gunfire. Thirty-two survivors have been rescued. There were 54 in the crew.

Central Pacific.

Wake Island has sustained two additional attacks by enemy aircraft.

Far East.

The enemy made a light air attack on Cavite. Only slight damage resulted.

No. 15 DECEMBER 22, 1941

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué‚ on the naval situation as of noon (e. s. t.) today:

Atlantic Theater.

There are no new developments to report.

Eastern Pacific.

The S. S. Samoa was attacked by an unknown submarine off the coast of California during the night of December 20. The attack was made at close range, and consisted of gunfire followed by the discharge of a torpedo. All shots missed their mark. The torpedo exploded in the vicinity of the ship. There were no casualties or damage to the Samoa.

Central Pacific.

Thirty survivors of the S. S. Lahaina have landed at Kahului on the island of Maui. The Lahaina was shelled and sunk by an enemy submarine on December 11 while en route to San Francisco. Two of the crew are dead and two are missing.

There has been no enemy activity in the vicinity of Midway Island

recently.

Far East.

There are no new developments to report.

No. 16 DECEMBER 23, 1941

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation based on reports received up to 9 a. m. (e. s. t.) today:

Atlantic Theater.

There are no new developments to report.

Eastern Pacific.

Two U. S. merchant ships were attacked by enemy submarines off the Pacific Coast. Both attacks were unsuccessful.

Central Pacific.

Wake Island sustained another strong air attack in the forenoon of the 22d. Several enemy planes were shot down. An enemy force effected a landing on Wake the morning of the 23d.

Far East.

Japanese claims of seizure of a large number of American merchant vessels are without foundation. The only U. S. merchant vessel known to have been seized by the Japanese is the S. S. President Harrison.

No. 17 DECEMBER 24, 1941

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation based on reports received up to 9 a. m. (e. s. t.) today:

Atlantic Theater.

There are no new developments to report.

Eastern Pacific.

The S. S. Larry Doheny was shelled by an enemy submarine, but reached port safely. Press reports of the sinking of the S. S. Montebello are confirmed.

Central Pacific.

Radio communication with Wake has been severed and the capture of the island is probable. Two enemy destroyers were lost in the final landing operations.

Palmyra Island was shelled by an enemy submarine. Damage was negligible. There were no casualties. Johnston Island was also shelled by an enemy submarine with no damage to material and no casualties resulting.

The Hawaiian area was quiet.

Far East.

There are no new developments to report.

No. 18 DECEMBER 26, 1941

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation based on reports received up to 9 a. m. (e. s. t.) today:

Far East.

Press reports of U. S. submarine activities in the Far East on Christmas Day are confirmed. A dispatch from Admiral Hart states that one enemy transport and one mine sweeper have been sunk. An additional transport and one seaplane tender are probably sunk.

Manila has been declared an open city as defined in Hague Convention (IV) of 1907, Annex, Article 25. Our forces have complied with the stipulations of that convention.

Central Pacific.

Enemy reports that 3,000 naval and marine personnel were engaged in the defense of Wake Island are incorrect. The total strength of the

garrison was less than 400 officers and men. There were approximately 1,000 civilians engaged in construction work on the island, which may account for the enemy statement that 1,400 prisoners were captured.

Eastern Pacific.

Naval operations against enemy submarines are being vigorously prosecuted.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 19 DECEMBER 27, 1941

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation based on reports received up to noon (e. s. t.) today:

Far East.

During enemy bombing attacks two of our destroyers sustained minor damage. There were no casualties to personnel.

Eastern Pacific.

Enemy submarines still are operating in the West Coast shipping lanes. Due to the effective countermeasures adopted by our forces they arc experiencing great difficulty in prosecuting their attacks.

Central Pacific.

Countermeasures against enemy submarines patrolling in the Hawaiian area are being vigorously prosecuted.

Atlantic Theater.

There are no new developments to report.

No. 20 DECEMBER 29, 1941

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation based on reports received up to 9 a. m. (e. s. t.) today:

Far East.

U. S. submarines have sunk two additional ships of the enemy. One was a transport, the other a supply vessel.

During enemy air operations one of our destroyers was attacked. Slight damage and minor casualties resulted.

Central Pacific.

Thirteen survivors of the S. S. Prusa, torpedoed by an enemy submarine on December i8, have been rescued.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 21 DECEMBER 30, 1941

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation based on reports received up to noon today:

Far East.

Submarine operations against enemy surface craft are continuing. Reports that a U. S. destroyer and two of our submarines were sunk in the period December 26-28 are without foundation.

Central Pacific.

The situation in respect to Midway Island remains unchanged. There have been no further attacks since last reported.

Eastern Pacific.

Japanese vessels are suspected of being in the vicinity of Kodiak. All merchant vessels have been warned.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 22 DECEMBER 31, 1941

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation based on reports received up to noon (e. s. t.) today:

Central Pacific.

The naval situation in respect to Maui, Johnston, and Palmyra Islands remains unchanged. There have been no further attacks since last reported.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

NOTE.-The Navy makes no claims of enemy losses, except when borne out by positive evidence. The Navy will not indulge in the common enemy practice of estimating losses, but will report only such facts as can be substantiated.

No. 23 JANUARY 2, 1942

The U. S. naval base at Cavite was evacuated before the enemy entered Manila. All records, equipment, and stores that were not destroyed by bombing were removed prior to evacuation by naval personnels. All industrial and supply facilities, including fuel, were destroyed. The personnel of the naval hospital remained at their posts at the Naval Hospital, Canacao, to care for the wounded. All ships and naval personnel were removed from the Manila-Cavite area prior to enemy occupation.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 24 JANUARY 5, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué on the naval situation based on reports received up to noon (e. s. t.) today:

Far East.

The U. S. S. Heron, a small seaplane tender, while engaged in action with enemy planes over a period of 7 hours sustained 1 direct bomb hit and 3 very near misses. The Heron was attacked by a total of 10 four-engined flying boats and 5 twin-engined landplane bombers. Forty-six 100-pound bombs were dropped by the enemy planes and 3 torpedoes were launched at her sides. Due to very skillful handling, the ship most courageously fought against overwhelming odds, and destroyed 1 four-engined flying boat, badly damaged at least 1 other and probably more. The ship though receiving damage from one bomb that found its mark managed to reach port safely. The Commander in Chief of the Asiatic Fleet, Thomas S. Hart, in accordance with an order of the Secretary of the Navy has awarded the Navy Cross to the Commanding Officer, Lt. William Leverette Kabler, and recommended that he be advanced immediately to the rank of lieutenant commander. Further recommendations regarding other personnel will be made at a later date.

It has been ascertained from late information that the patients and staff at the Naval Hospital, Canacao, near Cavite, were evacuated to Manila prior to the occupation of that city by the enemy.

Atlantic Area.

The merchant ship Marconi flying the Panamanian flag but reported to be of Italian ownership was captured and brought into Cristobal Canal Zone, and turned over to the courts for adjudication.

The submarine situation in the Atlantic area and off the West Coast of the United States remains unchanged.

The Hawaiian area was quiet.

No. 25 JANUARY 8, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation based on reports received up to noon (e. s. t.) today:

Far East.

The commanding officer of a U. S. submarine of the Asiatic Fleet has reported the sinking of an enemy transport. In addition this vessel succeeded in sinking three enemy cargo vessels, each estimated to be of 10,000 tons displacement.

Central Pacific.

The defense of Wake Island by United States Marines has been cited by the President of the United States as follows:

THE WHITE HOUSE,

Washington, January 5, 1942.

Citation by

THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

The Wake detachment of the First Defense Battalion, U. S. Marine Corps,

under command of Maj. James P. S. Devereux, U. S. Marines

AND

Marine Fighting Squadron 211 Of Marine Aircraft Group 21, Under command of Maj. Paul A. Putnam, U. S. Marines

"The courageous conduct of the officers and men of these units, who defended Wake Island against an overwhelming superiority of enemy air, sea, and land attacks from December 8 to 22, 1941, has been noted with admiration by their fellow countrymen and the civilized world, and will not be forgotten so long as gallantry and heroism are respected and honored. These units are commended for their devotion to duty and splendid conduct at their battle stations under most adverse conditions.

With limited defensive means against attacks in great force, they manned their shore installations and flew their aircraft so well that five enemy warships were either sunk or severely damaged, many hostile planes shot down, and an unknown number of land troops destroyed."

***

Wake.

An increase of two Japanese warships-a destroyer and a gunboat-over the originally reported cruiser, submarine, and three destroyers that the Japs lost in the attack on Wake Island, was indicated in two reports to Marine Corps Headquarters, received from the Pacific area.

These reports were sent from Wake Island by a patrol plane. One, written on December 20, is from Maj. Paul A. Putnam, commanding aviation on Wake. The other is a day-by-day account of marine aviation's participation in the battle of Wake Island up to December 20 by Maj. W. Bayler.

The day-by-day record of the battle, though not an official report, is Major Bayler's account of what marine aviation and Major Devereux's men did.

Major Bayler's report has but little reference to the Marines on the isle besides the aviation group, but one brief note-"Japs closed into 4,700 yards before 5- and 3-inch guns opened up at point blank range"-indicates a cool courage on the part of Devereux's men that ranks with the classic it "whites of their eyes" line of Bunker Hill, in the opinion of ranking officers at Marine Corps Headquarters.

Added to the two Japanese destroyers which were lost in the final phase of the battle of December 22, the new information received brings Japanese losses in taking the Island of Wake up to a total of seven warships-one cruiser, four destroyers, one submarine, and one gunboat.

Major Bayler was on temporary duty in Wake in connection with the establishment of a base of operations for the Marine Corps Aviation unit. This unit, composed of 12 planes, with pilots, 49 ground personnel, arrived shortly before the outbreak of hostilities. Following is a copy of the penciled notes the major made from the records kept by him and sent to the Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet. He was present at Wake until December 20.

SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS (WAKE LOCAL TIME) DECEMBER 8-20

Dec. 8, 7 a. m-11:58 a. m.	Received word bombing Oahu. General quarters station. 24 Jap bombers on a northern course hit airdrome in close column of division "V's" from 3,000 feet. 100-pound fragmentation bombs and simultaneous strafing. Casualties 25 dead, 7 wounded, 7 airplanes burned, destroyed.
Dec. 9, 11:45 a. m	27 Japs. Bombed hospital, Camp No. 2. Killed several patients, 3 dead. Got one Jap plane.
Dec. 10, 10:45 a. m	27 Jap bombers. No casualties.
Dec. 11, 5 a. m.	Landing attempt by 12 Jap ships, including light cruisers, destroyers, gunboats, 2 troop or supply ships. Jap casualties: 1 light cruiser, 2 destroyers, 1 gunboat, 2 bombers. NOTE.-That Japs closed in to 4,700 yards before 5- and 3-inch guns opened up at point blank range.
Dec. 12	27 Jap planes bombed Peale and Wake from 22,000 feet. No casualties.
Dec. 13	All quiet.
Dec. 14	32 Jap planes hit airdrome. Two killed, 1 plane down (own destroyed by bombs).
Dec. 15, 11 a. m	Dawn raid by 3 four-engine seaplanes. 27 Jap bombers. Shot down 2 Japs.
Dec. 16, 5:45 p. m	41 Jap bombers hit Camp 2 and airdrome. Jap four-motor plane raid. One Jap shot down.
Dec. 17	32 Jap bombers at 1317 hit Camp 1, Peale Island, Diesel oil supply, mess hall, and pumps of evaporators, Camp 1.
Dec. 18, 11:40 a. m	One Jap high rec. plane (2 engine) (photo?).
Dec. 19, 10:30 a. m.	Jap bombers hit airport and camp.
Dec. 20	All quiet-first day of bad weather.

Total casualties:

28 dead, 6 wounded as of Dec. 20 from VMF-211.

NOTES:

(1) Jap bombers of Dornier type, two-engine, twin-tail, 160 knots.

(2) Attack formations always in form of line of division V's in close formation. Excellent air discipline.

(3) Nine sure Jap bombers shot down; three more possibly. One four-engine boat. 1 CL, 2 DD, 1 gunboat.

Major Putnam's report of operations to his commanding officer in Pearl Harbor goes into more detail on the efforts of the tiny aviation complement to keep the planes that were left after the first attack in the air against each new attack.

Of the original aviation force of 12 officers and 49 enlisted men, 19 enlisted men and 8 officers were still on duty by December 20. Of these, 4 enlisted men and 2 officers were wounded but still on duty. One officer and 6 enlisted men were in the hospital and "doing nicely". The remainder, 3 officers and 24 men, were dead.

The letter relates that four planes were in the air against the Japs at the time of the first raid. The other eight were on the ground being serviced between flights, and of these seven were destroyed and one was slightly damaged. One of the planes that was in the air later taxied into debris on the field—the wreckage of the first raid—and bent its propeller.

The Marine fighters, up to December 20, had made contact with the enemy seven times, had shot down five Japs in flames, four more had "been claimed by pilots but not verified and several are known to have been damaged. Of the four claimed one was a four-engined sea plane."

Discussing the surface attack of December 11, Putnam reported "4 airplanes (Marine planes) made a total of 10 attacks, operating in a greatly overloaded condition and performing splendidly...We claim the sinking of 1 ship and serious damage to another." The guns of Devereux's force evidently accounted for the remainder of the ships reported destroyed in Major Bayler's synopsis. In the attack on December 11, 1 plane was lost, "a washout on the rocky beach."

After the attack on December 14, which saw two Marine planes destroyed, "one plane on the ground by enemy action and one crashed on the take-off" the Marines had "only two operating airplanes, one of which gives constant trouble so that two planes in the air at one time is the exception rather than the rule." At one time only one serviceable plane was left to Major Putnam's squadron, but the mechanics and ground crews evidently made an additional plane, or even planes out of the wreckage of the remainder.

Lauding the work of the ground crews at Wake, Major Putnam wrote since that time (the first raid) parts and assemblies have been traded back and forth so that no airplane can be identified. Engines have been traded from plane to plane, have been junked, stripped, rebuilt, and all but created."

Continuing his praise for the men under him, Major Putnam wrote "all hands have behaved splendidly and held up in a manner of which the Marine Corps may well tell. I have no report to make regarding

any officer or man being outstanding in bravery or fortitude; they have all acquitted themselves with equal distinction. On the other hand, I particularly wish to comment on the indefatigable labor, and ingenuity, skill, and technical knowledge of Lieutenant Kinney and Technical Sergeant Hamilton. It is solely due to their efforts that the squadron is still operating."

Discussing the living conditions on the airdrome as they were on December 11, Major Putnam said "Personnel are living in dugouts made by the contractor's men and equipment. Not comfortable but adequate against all but direct bomb hits. Feeding is from the contractor's galley, a truck making the rounds with hot food twice daily. Sanitation is only fair, but so far have had only a mild flurry of diarrhea. Fresh water is adequate for drinking, but salt water is used for all other purposes."

The tone of the entire report indicates no particular anxiety on the part of the air group at Wake. They were there under orders with a job to do. They were doing the job and would continue to do it until circumstances beyond their control forced them to discontinue their efforts. They had kept these circumstances under control for almost 2 weeks and they would continue to do so.

At no time during the siege were more than four Marine planes in operation, Putnam reported, but the verified total that these planes took of the Japanese was one ship, one submarine, and five Jap planes.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

***

No. 26 JANUARY 9, 1942

Far East.

The S. S. Ruth Alexander, attacked by an enemy plane in Netherlands East Indies waters has been abandoned and declared a total loss. One of the crew was killed and four were injured. The balance of the survivors are safe in a friendly port. The Ruth Alexander of the American President Lines was a vessel of 8,000 gross tons.

Central Pacific.

Operations continue against enemy submarines. The Hawaiian area is quiet.

Eastern Pacific.

Coastal defense plans have resulted in a narrowing of enemy submarine operations off the West Coast.

Atlantic Area.

A report that an enemy submarine was operating in New England waters has been thoroughly investigated. The area has been searched without tangible results. Otherwise, Atlantic operations have been without incident.

No. 27 JANUARY 11, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation based on reports received up to noon (e. s. t.) today:

Central Pacific.

The naval station at Tutuila, Samoan Islands, was shelled shortly after midnight Sunday, January 11, Samoan time by a small enemy vessel. Fourteen shells of light caliber landed in the naval station area. The only casualties were three slight injuries to personnel. There was no material damage to the naval station itself.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 28 JANUARY 15, 1942

Far East.

A 17,000-ton Japanese merchant ship of the Yawata class has been sunk by an American submarine.

There is nothing to report from other Pacific areas.

Atlantic Area.

The menace of enemy submarines off the East Coast of the United States remains substantial.

There is nothing to report from other Atlantic areas.

No. 29 JANUARY 16, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation based on reports received up to 9 a. m (e. s. t.) today:

Far East.

Units of the U. S. Asiatic Fleet report the sinking of five enemy vessels in Far Eastern waters. They include two large cargo ships, two large transports and one medium-sized transport. These sinkings are in addition to enemy casualties at sea previously reported.

Atlantic Area.

The submarine situation along the northeast coast of the United States remains unchanged.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 30 JANUARY 17, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation based on reports received up to 5 p. m. (e. s. t.) today:

Far East.

A U. S. submarine has sunk three enemy merchant ships off Tokio Bay.

Admiral Thomas C. Hart has assumed control of Allied naval forces in Far Eastern waters.

Atlantic Area.

Enemy submarine activities off the northeast coast of the United States continue.

There are no further developments to report from other areas.

No. 31 JANUARY 20, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation based on reports received up to noon (e. s. t.) today:

Far East.

A motor torpedo boat under Admiral Hart's Far Eastern Command entered Binanga Bay, inside the entrance to Subic Bay, Philippine Islands, and torpedoed an unidentified enemy vessel of 5,000 tons in a night attack. This small boat carried out its difficult task while under fire of machine guns and 3 inch shore batteries. Lt. John D. Bulkeley has been commended for executing his mission successfully.

Atlantic Area.

Enemy submarine activity is continuing off the East Coast of North America from Cape Hatteras to Newfoundland. The sinkings of the tankers, Norness, Coimbra, and Allan Jackson have been accompanied by attacks on other vessels within the territorial limits of the United States. Strong counter measures are being taken by units of the Navy's East Coastal Command.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 32 JANUARY 24, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation based on reports received up to 5 p. m. (e. s. t.) today:

Far East.

The Navy Department has been advised by the Commander in Chief, Asiatic Fleet, that United States' destroyers made a night attack on an enemy convoy in the Makassar Straits. Our forces made several torpedo hits and close range gun hits on destroyers and transports. The effect of the attack was that one large enemy ship was blown up; another was sunk; a third was listing heavily when last sighted, and considerable damage was inflicted upon other vessels.

Our destroyers received only slight damage. Our only casualties were four men wounded, one seriously and three slightly.

Atlantic Area.

Enemy submarines are operating off the East Coast of the United States as far south as Savannah, Ga. Countermeasures against their activities are continuing with favorable results.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 33 JANUARY 25, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation based on reports received up to 9 p. m. (e. s. t.) today:

Far East.

United States cruisers and destroyers of the Asiatic Fleet have sunk five additional enemy transports, and probably one other, in the Makassar Straits without loss to our attacking forces.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 34 JANUARY 26, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation based on reports received up to 4 p. m. (e. s. t.) today:

Far East.

U. S. naval forces have scored further successes against Japanese convoys in the Makassar Strait. Heavy hits on enemy destroyers and transports have been effected. While it is still impossible to estimate total damage inflicted by our combat vessels, the known results are substantial.

Additional reports to the Navy Department of continuing action state that an American submarine has torpedoed an enemy aircraft carrier, which is believed to have sunk.

Dispatches also advise that another U. S. motor torpedo boat under the command of Ensign George Cox sank a 5,000-ton enemy vessel in a second torpedo boat raid close to Subic Bay.

The attack succeeded in the face of heavy fire at close range from enemy shore batteries and machine-gun fire from the Japanese ship. The motor torpedo boat penetrated the water adjacent to its objective despite net and boom defenses laid down by the enemy.

Participating in the attack with Ensign Cox were Lt. John D. Bulkeley, MTB squadron commander and Lt. (jg) Edward G. DeLong, squadron engineer.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 35 JANUARY 29, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation based on reports received up to 4 p. m. (e. s. t.) today:

Central Pacific.

Two enemy submarines appeared off Midway Island with the intention of shelling it. They were driven away by the artillery fire of our garrison. One hit was scored on one of the attacking submarines. No damage was inflicted on the Midway Garrison and there were no injuries to personnel.

Atlantic Area.

Enemy submarines continue to operate off the East Coast of the United States and are reported as far south as Florida. Counter measures by our forces are increasingly effective.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 36 FEBRUARY 1, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué on the naval situation based on reports received up to noon (e. s. t.) today:

Central Pacific.

A surprise attack has been made upon Japanese naval and air bases in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands. The attack was executed by surface and air units of the United States Pacific Fleet.

In the Marshalls, bases on the Islands of Jaluit, Wotje, Kwajalein, Roi (in the Kwajalein Atoll), and Taroa (in the Maloelap Atoll) were raided.

Makin Island, occupied by the Japanese since December 7, 1941, also was attacked.

Admiral Nimitz reports that while no large enemy combatant vessels were found many enemy fleet auxiliaries were sunk, beached or otherwise damaged extensively.

Japanese military installations on shore were hit hard by naval aviation units and shell fire. Many enemy airplanes were destroyed both on the ground and in the air.

Our naval aircraft struck the enemy positions and ships with bombs, torpedoes and guns.

Our surface ships meanwhile heavily bombarded several of the enemy's key shore positions.

Two of our surface vessels received minor damage from near bomb misses.

Eleven American aircraft failed to return from the attack. Our total personnel losses are not yet known, but are believed to have been slight.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 37 FEBRUARY 3, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué on the naval situation based on reports up to 5 p. m. (e. s. t.) today:

1. A motor torpedo boat of Admiral Hart's Far Eastern Command is believed to have torpedoed an enemy warship in night action inside Manila Bay. Although under heavy fire of the warship's guns and in the full glare of her searchlights, the motor torpedo boat managed to fire two torpedoes and to survive the action without being hit.

2. A naval battalion composed of bluejackets and marines has been organized and is fighting on Bataan Peninsula with General MacArthur's command.

3. The U. S. S. Neches, a naval tanker, has been torpedoed and sunk by an enemy submarine. One hundred and twenty-six members of the crew have reached port safely. Fifty-six men are as yet unaccounted for.

No. 38 FEBRUARY 7, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué, outlining the naval situation as of noon (e. s. t.) February 7, 1942:

Far East.

The following new naval commands have been established to take effect immediately:

1. Forces which formerly constituted the Asiatic Fleet are now known as the U. S. Naval Forces, Southwest Pacific. Vice Admiral William A. Glassford, Jr., U. S. Navy, commands these forces.

2. Admiral Thomas C. Hart is Commander of the combined Naval forces in the ABDA (American-British-Dutch-Australian) Area.

3. Combined Naval Forces of the Australian-New Zealand Area have been established with Vice Admiral Herbert F. Leary, U. S. Navy, in command. His title is Commander Anzac Forces.

Atlantic Area.

Axis submarines continue to operate over a wide area in the Atlantic Ocean, including the coastal waters of the United States. Their attacks on Allied merchant shipping are being combated vigorously with increasing success by our forces.

No. 39 FEBRUARY 12, 1942

(For release morning papers, Friday, February 13, 1942)

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué today:

Central Pacific.

On February 1, 1942, the Navy Department announced that units of the United States Pacific Fleet had made surprise attacks on Japanese naval and air bases in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands. The results of these attacks are now available.

On January 31, 1942, Vice Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., in command of a well-balanced force of aircraft carriers, cruisers and destroyers raided the Japanese strongholds on Roi, Kwajalein, Wotje, Taroa, and Jaluit Islands of the Marshall group and Makin Island in the Gilbert group.

The results of these separate actions follow:

Roi Island.

On this island of the Kwajalein Atoll a well-equipped air base was located with 12 fighter planes and several bombers. Two hangars, an ammunition dump, all fuel storage, all other storage and warehouses, a radio building, and 3 fighter planes and 6 scout bombers in the air, in addition to 1 bomber on the ground, were destroyed.

Kwajalein Island.

At this anchorage 10 surface ships, 5 submarines and a seaplane base were located. Our attacking forces destroyed 1 converted 17,000-ton aircraft carrier of the Yawata class, 11 fight cruiser, 1 destroyer, 3 large fleet tankers, 1 cargo vessel, 2 submarines and 2 large seaplanes. Other enemy vessels were badly damaged.

Our losses in the two above attacks were four scout bombers.

Wotje Atoll.

No planes were found on the Wotje Atoll. There were present, however, 9 vessels of various categories in the harbor. 4 cargo vessels of about 5,000 tons each were destroyed in addition to three smaller ships. The entire shore installation consisting of two hangars, oil and gasoline stowage, shops and storehouses two antiaircraft batteries and 5 coastal guns, was completely destroyed.

There was no damage or loss to our attacking forces.

Taroa Island.

On this island a new, well-equipped airfield was attacked. Two hangars, all fuel tanks, and industrial buildings were destroyed. Seven fighter planes and five scout bombers in the air, plus five fighters and six bombers on the ground were also destroyed.

Our only loss in this attack was one scout bomber. In addition, a U. S. cruiser sustained a hit from one small bomb.

RECAPITULATION

Enemy losses from Admiral Halsey's combined attacks included 1 converted 17,000-ton aircraft carrier of the Yawata class, 1 light cruiser,

1 destroyer, 3 large fleet tankers, 2 submarines, 5 cargo vessels, and 3 smaller ships while several other ships were badly damaged. Two large seaplanes, 15 fighter planes, 11 scout bombers, and 10 additional bombers seaplanes were also destroyed.

In addition, destruction to enemy shore establishments was as follows:

At Roi-Two hangars, ammunition dumps, fuel stowage, all store

and warehouses, and the radio building.

At Wotje-Entire shore installation-two hangars, oil and gas stowage,

shops and storehouses, two antiaircraft batteries, and five

intermediate coastal guns.

At Taroa-Two hangars, all fuel tanks, and industrial buildings.

The raid of our forces on the Island of Jaluit was conducted in a heavy rainstorm. Our aircraft attacked two enemy auxiliary vessels, badly damaging one of them.

At Makin Island, these forces destroyed two enemy patrol planes and badly damaged one auxiliary vessel. In addition, one enemy patrol plane was destroyed at sea.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

***

CONFIDENTIAL NOTE TO EDITORS

This communiqué in no way changes the 12 noon (e. w. t.) Friday, February 13, release date of the correspondents' stories filed from Honolulu.

No. 40 FEBRUARY 13, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué based on additional reports of the Marshall and Gilbert islands' action of January 31, 1942.

Central Pacific.

Enemy losses in the naval raid of January 31, 1942, conducted by ships and planes of the U. S. Pacific Fleet against Japanese bases in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands totaled 16 ships and 41 planes.

Our losses totaled 11 scout bombers which failed to return, 4 from the Islands of Roi and Kwajalein, 1 from the Island of Taroa, and 6 from the Islands of Jaluit and Makin.

In carrying out the raids on the several islands Vice Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., divided his surface and air forces into self-sustaining units. Timing the arrival of each force at its destination perfectly, he was able to carry out simultaneous and highly destructive attacks on each island.

Rear Admiral Frank J. Fletcher, acting under orders of Admiral Halsey, led the forces which made the attacks against the Islands of Jaluit and Makin.

Vice Admiral Halsey has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for planning and conducting these brilliant and audacious attacks on Japanese strongholds and for driving them home with great skill and determination.

Commander Miles R. Browning, Chief of Staff to Admiral Halsey, has been recommended for promotion to captain.

Appropriate rewards to other officers and men may be expected later when all recommendations have been received and acted upon.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 41 FEBRUARY 19, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, outlining the naval situation as of noon (e. w. t.) February 19, 1942:

Far East.

A U. S. submarine has sunk a 5,000-ton cargo ship in the East China Sea.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 42 FEBRUARY 21, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, outlining the naval situation as of noon (e. w. t.) February 21, 1942:

Far East.

Six U. S. destroyers in company with Dutch warships attacked the Japanese landing force on the Island of Bali and sank two enemy destroyers. Our destroyers suffered only slight damage and minor loss of personnel.

In addition to the naval battalion composed of bluejackets and marines fighting with General MacArthur's command considerable equipment salvaged from Cavite and other sources of naval supply has been used to good advantage in the defense of the Bataan Peninsula.

Rear Admiral Francis W. Rockwell, U. S. Navy, Commandant of the Sixteenth Naval District, the senior naval officer fighting with General MacArthur, reports that this equipment consists of 3-inch and 4-inch artillery as well as boat guns and machine guns of several types, with grenades, aircraft bombs and ammunition. A large number of hand depth charges have been available.

Stores of gasoline, Diesel oil and lubricating oil were saved and are being used in field operations. Motor launches, tugs and facilities for repair of artillery, tanks, and trucks have been provided in addition to electrical and ordnance supplies.

Personnel of the naval air base organization who were previously employed on Government contracts have constructed and repaired airfields and roads in the fighting area. Such heavy equipment as steam shovels tractors, cranes, trucks and graders have been operated by this organization to useful advantage on Bataan and Corregidor.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 43 FEBRUARY 23, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, outlining the naval situation based on reports received up to 8 a. m. (e. w. t.),

February 23, 1942:

Atlantic Area.

The Coast Guard Cutter Alexander Hamilton was torpedoed by an enemy submarine off Iceland. While being towed into port the ship capsized and had to be sunk by gunfire.

Loss of personnel which occurred when the ship was torpedoed was moderate. Next of kin of those lost have been notified.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 44 FEBRUARY 24, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, outlining the naval situation based on reports received up to 9:30 a. m. (e. w. t.)

February 24, 1942:

Atlantic Area.

The U. S. S. Truxtun, a World War destroyer, and the U. S. S. Pollux, a cargo ship, ran aground in foul weather off the coast of Newfoundland and were lost.

Due to the extremely difficult surf caused by the gale raging in the Atlantic and the bitterness of the winter weather loss of life was heavy on both vessels. Heroic efforts to swim lines ashore failed due to the inability to handle them when they became oil soaked.

A breeches buoy was finally rigged to a ledge at sea level, but some of the survivors were washed away before they could be gotten to the top of the cliff that lined the rocky shore.

The Truxtun broke up almost immediately after grounding and soon thereafter the Pollux did likewise.

The survivors owe their rescue in large measure to the tireless, efficient and in many cases heroic action of the people of St. Lawrence, Newfoundland.

The next of kin of those lost in this tragic drama of the sea have been notified.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 45 FEBRUARY 25, 1942

Far East.

The Secretary of the Navy issued the following communiqué, summarizing previously published losses inflicted by U. S. naval forces upon the Japanese Navy and Merchant Marine in the period from December 10, 1941 until February 24, 1942, inclusive. The following information is compiled from Navy Department Communiqués beginning with No. 1 and ending with No. 44, and complements similar information summarizing enemy losses and damage published in recent communiqués of the United States Army.

In accordance with its previously announced policy, the Navy does not indulge in the practice of overstating the losses that we inflict upon the enemy, or of understating the losses inflicted on us. The Navy will report only such facts as can be substantiated. Thus the tabulation of vessels damaged does not include many enemy ships thought to have been damaged, lack of conclusive evidence precluding specific announcements in these instances.

Submarines known to be sunk include only those sunk during the heroic defense of Wake Island and during the recent raid on the Marshall and Gilbert Islands. In accordance with the established Navy Department policy submarine sinkings are never announced until it is reasonably certain that the enemy has become cognizant of their loss. This explains the time lag in connection with various reports. There is evidence, however, of further sinkings of enemy submarines in Pacific waters, but their announcement will not be made public until full reports have been made to the Navy Department and absolute surety is determined.

Prior to the vicious attack made on the United Nations by the Japanese Empire on December 7, 1941, the pride of the Japanese Merchant Marine consisted of three 17,000-ton luxury ships of the Yawata class. One of these ships is known to have been converted to serve as an aircraft carrier. The United States naval forces have sunk one merchantman of the Yawata class, and one aircraft carrier of the same class, leaving only one such vessel known to be in service with the enemy.

Tabulation follows, by type of vessel:

Battleships..................................... 1 of Kongo class damaged.

Aircraft carriers............................. 1 sunk, 1 believed sunk.

Cruisers......................................... 2 sunk.

Destroyers..................................... 7 sunk, 1 believed sunk.

Submarines.................................... 3 sunk, 1 damaged.

Seaplane tenders............................ 1 believed sunk.

Mine sweepers............................... 1 sunk.

Gunboats....................................... 1 sunk.

Fleet tankers.................................. 3 sunk.

Transports..................................... 13 sunk, 2 believed sunk.

Supply ships and merchantmen........ 16 sunk.

Miscellaneous (type unidentified)..... 6 sunk, 2 believed sunk, 3 damaged.

SUMMARY

Total announced losses inflicted upon the Japanese in the period outlined above are as follows:

Combatant vessels.......................... 5 sunk, 3 believed sunk, 2 damaged.

Noncombatant vessels.................... 38 sunk, 4 believed sunk, 3 damaged.

Total combatant and noncombatant.. 53 sunk, 7 believed sunk, 5 damaged.

Atlantic Area.

During January 1942, 22 ships of the United Nations registry had torpedoes fired at them in waters contiguous to the United States. In

addition 38 other ships were attacked in the area west of 30° west longitude. One enemy submarine is believed to have been sunk, 3 are believed to have been damaged and 34 additional attacks were inconclusive in evidence of damage.

In February, up to and including the 23d instant, 23 ships of the United Nations have been attacked by enemy submarines in U. S. coastal waters and 31 additional ships in the area west of 30° west longitude. Two enemy submarines are believed to have been sunk and 1 damaged in these areas. In addition, 15 attacks have been made on enemy submarines by our forces with inconclusive results.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 46 February 27, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué outlining the naval situation based on reports received up to noon (e. w. t.) February 27, 1942.

Far East.

The following submarine commanders have been awarded the Navy Cross in recognition of their especially meritorious conduct during actions with the enemy:

Lt. Comdr. C. C. Smith, U. S. N.

Lt. Comdr. K. C. Hurd, U. S. N.

Lt. Comdr. W. L. Wright, U. S. N.

Lt. Comdr. M. C. Mumma, Jr., U. S. N.

Lt. Comdr. E. B. McKinney, U. S. N.

Lt. J. C. Dempsey, U. S. N.

Lt. W. G. Chapple, U. S. N.

Citations are not yet available as the above awards were made in the sphere of action by the Commander of United States Naval Forces, Southwest Pacific, Vice Admiral William A. Glassford, Jr., U. S. Navy.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 47 FEBRUARY 28, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué:

The Secretary of the Navy announced today the acceptance, effective March 1, 1942, of the application for retirement of Rear Admiral H. E.

Kimmel, U. S. N., "without condonation of any offense or prejudice to any future disciplinary action."

The Secretary of the Navy announced at the same time that, based upon the findings of the report of the Roberts Commission he had directed the preparation of charges for the trial by court-martial of Rear Admiral Kimmel, alleging dereliction of duty. The Secretary of the Navy made it clear, however, that the trial upon these charges would not be held until such time as the public interest and safety would permit.

No. 48 FEBRUARY 28, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, outlining the Naval situation based on reports received up to 4 p. m. (e. w. t.), February 28, 1942:

Far East.

On February 27 a major action occurred in which combined Dutch, British, Australian, and United States naval forces engaged a much larger enemy force of combatant vessels covering 40 transports attempting a landing on the north coast of Java.

From fragmentary reports received in the Navy Department American naval forces participating in this action consisted of one heavy cruiser and five destroyers.

A landing on Java by the enemy was not effected.

The Japanese heavy cruiser Mogami and three enemy destroyers were put out of action in the attempt. When last seen, enemy transports were retiring to the northward.

None of our vessels suffered heavy damage in the initial phase of this battle for Java, and our forces are still intact despite the overwhelming superiority in numbers of the enemy naval forces.

Further action can be expected from this area.

Reports from U. S. submarines operating in the Far East are as follows:

On February 23 two torpedo hits were effected on one large ship of the enemy.

On February 24 two torpedo hits were effected on one large enemy auxiliary vessel.

On February 25 one torpedo hit was effected on an enemy transport and one torpedo hit on a type unknown.

In addition, date unknown, one of our submarines registered a torpedo hit on an enemy transport.

All of these ships of the enemy are believed sunk.

No. 49 MARCH 2, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué: Admiral Ernest J. King, U. S. Navy, Commander in Chief, United States

Fleet, made the following statement today:

"I have noted the widespread interest in the press about what the United States Fleets are doing. Did this interest not exist I should be deeply concerned.

"As to the activities of our fleets, the public can count with certainty upon being furnished all information which does not give aid and comfort to the enemy. The traditional title of the Navy as "The Silent Service" is, however, based on experience and necessity. It will have to be maintained.

"On the other hand I can say, that while no miracles are to be expected, an all-out effort is being made in the unspectacular but vitally essential task of establishing our sea and air communications.

"Appropriate measures are being taken to strengthen the key points of these communications, with a view to developing an offensive, which slowly but surely, will gain scope and power as we gain strength, through the production of aircraft, ships and guns.

"Currently, therefore, the United States Fleets are carrying on with the basic idea to 'Do more than your best with what you've got.' This means to take and make every opportunity to harass and damage the enemy, while building soundly for his ultimate defeat."

E. J. KING.

No. 50 MARCH 3, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, outlining the naval situation based on reports received up to 10 a. m. (e. w. t.), March 3, 1942.

Atlantic Area.

The U. S. S. Jacob Jones, a World War destroyer, was sunk by an enemy submarine off Cape May, N. J., just before dawn on February 28, 1942.

There were only 11 survivors consisting of 9 engine room ratings and 2 apprentice seamen. Factual information in regard to the circumstances that led to the sinking is sparse because of the lack of deck ratings among the survivors. It has been established, however, that prior to receiving the first torpedo hit, the enemy submarine was not sighted nor was the torpedo.

The first torpedo blew up the bow and apparently killed all the personnel on the bridge as well as the men sleeping in the forward living compartments. The second torpedo, which was fired after the submarine circled ahead of the Jacob Jones, blew up the stern and all the depth charges.

The only survivors, except one man from the after engine room, were in the amidship section when the stern was blown up.

The commanding officer of the U. S. S. Jacob Jones was Lt. Comdr.

H. D. Black, U. S. N.

The next of kin of those lost have been notified.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 51 MARCH 3, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, based on reports received up to 6:30 p. m. (e. w. t.), March 3, 1942.

Central Pacific.

In the course of recent naval operations west of the Gilbert Islands a task force of the Pacific Fleet consisting of an aircraft carrier, cruisers and destroyers, was attacked by 18 heavy bombers of the enemy operating in 2 groups of 9 each.

These attacks occurred in the late afternoon and were timed about one-half hour apart.

The Japanese formations were closely and vigorously engaged by our carrier fighter planes and by antiaircraft fire from the ships of our task force.

Only three enemy planes of the first formation reached their bomb release point over the aircraft carrier which avoided all bomb hits by split second maneuvering.

The leading bomber of this group attempted a crash landing on the carrier and was shot down by heavy close range antiaircraft fire when barely 100 yards from its objective.

In the second attack only five bombers of the enemy formation reached the bomb release point. In this instance the salvo of enemy bombs was closer to the carrier than in the first attack, but again no hits were obtained.

Sixteen of the 18 attacking enemy bombers were shot down in this action. There was no damage to our surface forces.

Lt. (j. g.) Edward H. O'Hare, U. S. N., fighter pilot, personally accounted for six bombers of the enemy.

In the two attacks only two of our fighter planes were lost. The pilot of one was recovered.

The next of kin of the lost pilot has been notified.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 52 MARCH 9, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, based on reports received up to 4:30 p. m. (e. w. t.), March 9, 1942:

Far East.

During the week ending March 6, U. S. submarines operating in Far Eastern waters reported the following casualties inflicted on the naval forces of the enemy:

One destroyer leader-sunk.

One large naval tanker-sunk.

Ships damaged and definitely put out of action:

One aircraft carrier-2 torpedo hits.

One cruiser-1 torpedo hit.

One cruiser-2 torpedo hits.

These vessels have not been mentioned previously in any other communiqués.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 53 MARCH 12, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to 4 p. m. (e. w. t.) March 12, 1942:

Far East.

A U. S. submarine has sunk three enemy freighters and one passenger cargo ship in Japanese waters.

These sinkings are in addition to those reported in all previous communiqués.

Central Pacific.

On March 10th, two large Japanese four-engined seaplanes were detected west of Midway Island. They were intercepted by four of our fighter planes based on the island. One of the enemy planes was shot down. The other escaped. One of our fighters was damaged and the pilot wounded. He succeeded in returning to base safely.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 54 MARCH 14, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to 12 noon (e. w. t.) March 14, 1942.

Far East.

Joint British Admiralty and U. S. Navy Department communiqué:

Although full information is not yet available it is now possible to give some account of events in the Java Sea on February 27 and subsequent days during Japanese invasion of Java.

On afternoon of Friday, February 27th, an Allied Force consisting of H. M. A. S. Perth, H. M. S. Exeter, the U. S. S. Houston and Dutch cruisers De Ruyter and Java were at sea north of Sourabaya. The Allied cruisers were accompanied by a group of British, Dutch, and U. S. destroyers. This force was under the sea command of Rear Admiral Deoorman of the Dutch Navy whose flag was flying in the De Ruyter. The whole naval force in the area was under the strategic control of Vice Admiral Helfrich of the Royal Netherlands Navy.

At 4: 14 p. m. on February 27th this Allied Force made contact with a Japanese force about halfway between Bawean Island and Sourabaya. The Japanese force consisted of at least 9 cruisers of which two were of the Nati class of 10,000 tons armed with ten 8-inch guns. The Japanese cruisers had with them 2 flotillas of destroyers.

Action was joined at extreme range. Almost at once one of the Japanese destroyer flotillas launched an attack but this attack was driven off

by the fire of Allied cruisers and one of the enemy destroyers was seen to be hit by shells from H. M. A. S. Perth. Soon afterwards the other Japanese destroyer flotilla delivered a torpedo attack. While action was being taken to avoid these torpedoes H. M. S. Exeter was hit by an 8-inch shell in a boiler room. This reduced her speed and forced her to drop out of line. Only one of the torpedoes launched in this attack took effect. This hit the Netherlands destroyer Kortenaer and she sank.

Three destroyers were ordered to counterattack the Japanese destroyers who were retiring under cover of a smoke screen. Very little information is available about the result of this counterattack. H. M. S. Jupiter reported seeing only two enemy destroyers both of which she engaged with gunfire. H. M. S. Electra was not seen after she had disappeared into the smoke screen and it is presumed that she was sunk. As soon as Allied cruisers, including the Houston but without the Exeter, which was unable to keep up, drew clear of smoke they again engaged the enemy, this time at shorter range. Less than half an hour later the enemy cruisers turned away under cover of a smoke screen. It was seen that one of the enemy's heavy 8-inch gun cruisers had been hit aft and was burning fiercely.

Admiral Deoorman led his force about and chased the enemy to northeastward but he failed to regain touch with the enemy in the fading light. After nightfall the Allied cruisers sighted four enemy ships to westward and engaged them but without definite knowledge of the results.

Admiral Deoorman attempted to work around these enemy ships in order to locate the convoy which was expected to the northward. This was found to be impossible owing to the high speed of the enemy, and Admiral Deoorman then turned his force to southward to approach the coast of Java intending to sweep to westward along the coast in an attempt to intercept the Japanese invasion convoys.

Half an hour after this Allied force had turned to westward along the Java coast H. M. S. Jupiter was disabled by an under-water explosion. She sank 4 hours later. H. M. S. Jupiter was not far from the mainland of Java and a number of survivors have already reached Australia. A U. S. submarine assisted in the rescue of 53 survivors.

At 11: 30 p. m. when the remaining Allied cruisers were about 12 miles north of Rembang two enemy cruisers were sighted between our ships and the coast. Our ships at once engaged and a number of hits were

secured on the enemy. The De Ruyter was hit by one shell. Afterwards the De Ruyter made a large change of course presumably in order to avoid torpedoes fired by the enemy. The other Allied cruisers were following the De Ruyter when underwater explosions occurred simultaneously in cruisers De Ruyter and Java. Both these Dutch cruisers blew up and sank at once.

It is impossible to estimate with accuracy the damage inflicted upon the enemy during these actions of February 27th. Observers in the Perth consider that one Japanese 8-inch gun cruiser was sunk, a second 3-inch [sic] gun cruiser damaged and a destroyer sunk. It has also been reported that a cruiser of the Mogami class was set on fire and three destroyers seriously damaged and left on fire or sinking.

H. M. A. S. Perth and U. S. S. Houston, which had received some damage in this action, reached Tanjong Priok at 7 o'clock the morning of Saturday, February 28th. Five U. S. destroyers reached Sourabaya after the action.

With the enemy in command of sea and air north of Java in overwhelming force the Allied command was faced with the problem of extricating the remaining Allied ships from a very dangerous situation. The way to Australia was barred by the 600-mile long Island of Java with the Straits at either end of it under enemy control.

After dark on February 28th, H. M. A. S. Perth and U. S. S. Houston left Tanjong Priok with the intention of passing through Sunda Strait during dark hours. During the night an enemy report from H. M. A. S. Perth was received which indicated that she and U. S. S. Houston had come into contact with a force of Japanese ships off St. Nicholas Point at about 11: 30 p. m. Nothing, however, has been heard from H. M. A. S. Perth or the U. S. S. Houston since that time. The next of kin of the U. S. S. Houston are being informed accordingly.

The same night the Exeter, which was capable of only half speed, left Sourabaya accompanied by H. M. S. Encounter and the U. S. destroyer Pope. On the forenoon of Sunday March 1st the Exeter reported that she had sighted three enemy cruisers steering towards her. No further word has been received from the Exeter, Encounter or the U. S. S. Pope. The next of kin of the Pope are being informed accordingly. The Dutch destroyer Evertsen encountered two Japanese cruisers in Sunda Strait. She was damaged and was beached.

The destroyer H. M. S. Stronghold and Sloop H. M. A. S. Yarra are also missing and are presumably lost.

It has not been possible to form any accurate estimate of damage inflicted on the enemy by these ships during these actions.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 55 MARCH 16, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to 3 p. m. (e. w. t.) March i6, 1942:

Far East.

A U. S. submarine has sunk an enemy freighter during the course of extended operations in Japanese waters.

A 3,000-ton enemy gasoline tanker also has been sunk in the Philippine area.

These sinkings are in addition to those reported in previous communiqués.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 56 MARCH 17, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué today:

Rear Admiral Adolphus Andrews has been assigned to exclusive duty as Commander Eastern Sea Frontier. The additional duties as Commandant Third Naval District which he has heretofore performed have been taken over for the present by Rear Admiral Edward J. Marquart. Rear Admiral Marquart will, in addition, retain his present duties as Commandant Navy Yard, New York.

No. 57 MARCH 18, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué today:

Far East.

Combined operations of American and Australia island-based forces were conducted recently against Japanese ships and land installations in and near Salamaua and Lae in New Guinea.

These operations are believed to have resulted in the sinking of two enemy heavy cruisers; heavy damage to and the probable sinking of one light cruiser; damage to a fourth cruiser; the probable sinking of one destroyer; the possible sinking of two destroyers and damage to one large destroyer.

Five transports or cargo ships were either sunk or gutted by fire and run aground. One heavy bomb hit was secured on each of two transports, one troop ship was damaged and left burning and three other transports were damaged.

One aircraft tender was heavily damaged and two gunboats were damaged, one of which was left burning and is believed to have sunk. One mine sweeper was left in flames and probably sank. Three seaplanes were shot down and many small boats were demolished. Considerable damage was done to enemy shore installations, aircraft runways and antiaircraft batteries.

The heavy losses inflicted on the enemy by the combined American and Australian forces were accomplished with the loss of but one plane. The U. S. submarine Shark has been overdue in the Far East for more than a month and must be presumed to be lost. The next of kin of the personnel of the Shark have been notified.

During the month of December, the U. S. submarine Sealion which was under extensive overhaul at Cavite, was so damaged as to necessitate her demolition to prevent her use by the enemy in the event of capture.

Early this month the damaged U. S. destroyer Stewart was demolished in the drydock at Sourabaya to prevent her falling into the hands of the enemy. Previous efforts to put her in serviceable condition had failed.

There were no personnel casualties in the case of the Sealion and the Stewart.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 58 MARCH 19, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué today:

Far East.

In compliance with orders from the Navy Department, Rear Admiral Francis W. Rockwell, U. S. N., the Commandant of the Sixteenth Naval District (Philippine Islands) has arrived in Australia. Rear Admiral

Rockwell left Corregidor in General MacArthur's party which reached Australia on March seventeenth. He is now in Melbourne.

When Japan attacked the Philippines without warning, Admiral Rockwell was in command of the Sixteenth Naval District, with his headquarters at the Navy Yard, Cavite, which is across Manila Bay from Manila. When the Naval Establishment there became no longer tenable, it was destroyed effectively. Admiral Rockwell then proceeded to Corregidor with the Naval and Marine Corps forces under his command and since then has taken part in the defense of Corregidor and the Bataan Peninsula under command of General MacArthur. His Naval and Marine Corps forces number only about one-third of the regular U. S. Army troops in that area.

It is expected that Admiral Rockwell will be assigned to an appropriate command, probably at sea.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 59 MARCH 21, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué today:

Far East.

Early this month the U. S. gunboat Asheville was attacked by the enemy south of Java.

The Asheville has been reported missing for some days and must be presumed to be lost. The next of kin of the personnel of the Asheville have been notified.

No. 60 MARCH 23, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué today:

Far East.

U. S. submarines operating in Japanese waters have recently added the following to the list of enemy merchant vessels sunk or damaged in that area:

One 7,000-ton tanker sunk.

One 6,000-ton ship sunk.

One 5,000-ton freighter sunk.

Two 2,000-ton freighters damaged.

In addition to these merchant ships one enemy destroyer or antisubmarine vessel was attacked and probably sunk.

The above actions have not been reported in any previous Navy Department communiqué.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 61 MARCH 24, 1942

Far East.

The U. S. destroyers Pillsbury and Edsall have been reported missing since early March and must be presumed lost. The next of kin of the personnel of the Pillsbury and Edsall have been informed accordingly.

The Pillsbury is believed to have been lost in the vicinity of Bali Strait subsequent to the naval engagement in the Java Sea which was reported in communiqué No. 54.

The last report from the Edsall placed her in waters south of Java.

These destroyers were units of the original U. S. Asiatic Fleet which has been used since the beginning of the war in an attempt to frustrate the Japanese invasion of the islands of the Southwest Pacific. The ships of this fleet were fought with distinction as units of the Allied Naval Forces at Makassar Strait (communiqués Nos. 32, 33, and 34) Lombok Strait, Bali Strait (communiqué No. 42) and the Battle of the Java Sea.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 62 MARCH 25, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué today:

Vice Admiral William F. Halsey, who commanded the naval forces which so successfully raided the Marshall Islands on January 31st has delivered additional blows at two enemy outposts.

First, on February 24th at Japanese-occupied Wake Island and second, on March 4th at Japanese-owned Marcus Island.

Although the islands had been the scene of much recent enemy activity these surprise attacks were met with little opposition and the attacking, forces found few enemy planes and ships in the areas.

Considerable damage was done to shore installations, defense positions, aircraft runways and water tanks by combined bombardment from air-

craft and surface vessels, following the pattern so effectively used by Admiral Halsey in his raid on the Marshall Islands.

At Wake Island, which U. S. Marines defended from December 7 until its capture on December 23, 1941, the enemy has worked feverishly to strengthen the defenses against attack. Two hundred and nineteen bombs from aircraft and many shells from cruisers and destroyers were rained on the shore installations and landing field. Two enemy patrol boats were sunk, three large seaplanes at anchor were demolished, and the aircraft runways and a part of the defense batteries were damaged. Our loss in this engagement was one aircraft.

At Marcus Island, 760 miles west-northwest of Wake, and 990 miles southeast of Yokohama, Admiral Halsey's forces executed a successful air attack just before dawn on the 4th dropping flares to illuminate objectives. No enemy aircraft or ships were present.

Heavy antiaircraft fire was encountered while our planes dropped 96 bombs on the small island, resulting in considerable damage to hangars, fuel and ammunition storages, radio installations and aircraft runways.

Our loss in this engagement was one aircraft.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 63 MARCH 26, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué today:

Caribbean Area.

The U. S. Coast Guard cutter Acacia was shelled and sunk presumably by an enemy submarine, in the Caribbean area in March. The Acacia was a small unarmed ship of the tender class which was used to provide services to aids to navigation.

All personnel aboard the Acacia were rescued and there were no casualties.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 64 MARCH 27, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué today:

Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Areas.

On March 25, General Marshall, Chief of Staff of the Army, and Admiral King, Commander in Chief of the United States Fleet, with a

view to increasing the effectiveness of antisubmarine warfare along our coast, issued instructions for a closer cooperation between the naval commanders of the sea frontiers and the Army defense commanders. These instructions govern operations over the sea for the protection of shipping and for antisubmarine and other operations against enemy seaborne activities.

In accordance with these instructions, Army defense commanders have allocated Army air units to the naval commanders of the sea frontiers. Command of the air units so allocated is vested in the naval sea frontier commanders.

The cooperation between these forces and the Navy antisubmarine and patrol forces has been close and effective. In most ports the operating centers of these commands have already been combined in one room. The new system of operating control under one service will eliminate any possible uncertainty regarding jurisdictional limits and will insure the smooth and effective working of our intensified antisubmarine campaign in the waters off our coasts.

Unity of command already exists for all Army and Navy forces in the Hawaiian Islands and in the Caribbean, those at Hawaii being under the Navy, those at Panama being under the Army, and those along the eastern Caribbean being under the Navy.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 65 APRIL 3, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué today:

Southwest Pacific.

1. The United States aircraft tender Langley, the naval tanker Pecos and the destroyer Peary were sunk by the enemy in the vicinity of Northern Australia and in waters south of Java in late February an March.

2 A number of survivors from these ships were rescued and 1 port safely. The next of kin of all personnel lost in the Pecos have notified. The next of kin of those lost in the Langley and Peary already have been notified or will be notified as soon as information available.

3. Official reports from Tokyo claimed the sinking of the Langley, least three times during the first month of the war, during which period

the Langley was not damaged. She was sunk after a prolonged attack by the enemy south of Java in late February. Except for about a dozen men, all Langley personnel survived the attack and were transferred to the Pecos which was itself sunk a few days later.

4. The Pecos, a small tanker, employed in supplying fuel to units of our fleet in the Far East, was sunk in early March.

5. The Peary, a World War destroyer which received minor damage in the Japanese bombing attacks on Cavite immediately after the outbreak of the war, was sunk in the harbor at Darwin about February 19th. The Peary had participated in many of the offensive actions of our destroyers in the Far East. Observers who witnessed the last engagement of the Peary described the conduct of her crew as beyond all praise. Gun crews remained at their battle stations continuing the fire until they were forced by rising water to leave their stations. No officer or man left the ship until it sank under him. A number of survivors were later rescued.

6. War conditions in the Southwest Pacific have greatly complicated and delayed reports of casualties, and the public is urged to refrain from initiating individual inquiries regarding casualties. The next of kin of all casualties are always notified by telegram as soon as possible.

7. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 66 APRIL 4, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué today:

Southwest Pacific Area.

1. Recent reports indicate that the following damage has been inflicted on enemy ships by United States submarines operating in waters of the Java Sea and the Indian Ocean:

(a) One light cruiser was sunk in the vicinity of Christmas Island, south of Java.

(b) One light cruiser was damaged, in the vicinity of Christmas Island, by a direct torpedo hit and on the following day another direct hit was scored which is believed to haveresulted in her sinking.

(d) One supply ship was damaged in waters near Lombok Island.

(e) In the vicinity of Bali, one barge transport and one unidentified ship were damaged by one torpedo hit each.

2. The above damage to the enemy has not been reported in any previous Navy Department communiqué.

3. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 67 APRIL 6, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué today:

Far East.

1. A U. S. submarine has reported the sinking of an enemy freighter in Japanese waters while on extended patrol in that area.

Southwest Pacific Area.

2. A U. S. submarine has reported that it sank two heavily laden Japanese tankers in waters near the Caroline Islands while on extended patrol in that area. The submarine was fired upon by one of the tankers but escaped without damage.

3. These sinkings have not been reported in any previous Navy Department communiqué.

4. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 68 APRIL 7, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué today:

China Sea.

1. Information has just been received that a U. S. submarine while on an extended patrol in the China Sea has sunk two Japanese merchant vessels.

2. One of these ships was a combination passenger and cargo vessel of approximately 10,000 tons. The second was a cargo ship of about 5,000 tons.

3. These sinkings have not been reported in any previous Navy Department communiqué.

4. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 69 APRIL 10, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué today:

Philippine Area.

Capt. K. M. Hoeffel, U. S. N., the senior U. S. naval officer in the forces defending Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor, acting under the orders of Lt. Gen. Wainwright, U. S. A., ordered the complete destruction of the previously damaged U. S. submarine tender Canopus, the Dewey Drydock, the mine sweeper Bitern and the tug Napa in order to prevent their being of use to the enemy in the event of capture, the Navy Department has been informed. The destruction was ordered when it became apparent that the increasing weight of enemy numbers, combined with the fatigue and exhaustion of our forces, made imminent the fall of Bataan.

These ships and the Dewey Drydock were used at and near Corregidor and Bataan Peninsula by the Army, Navy, and Marine forces serving under General MacArthur and later under Lt. Gen. Wainwright in the valiant defense of these vital positions which control the entrance to Manila Bay.

Southwest Pacific.

A report has just been received that a U. S. submarine while on patrol in the vicinity of the Celebes Sea sank a large, heavily armed, Japanese vessel.

Three torpedo hits were scored on the enemy ship which is classed either as an auxiliary cruiser or a large tender. This sinking has not been reported in any previous Navy Department communiqué.

There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 70 APRIL 11, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to 10:30 a. m.:

Southwest Pacific.

1. The U. S. submarine Perch has been overdue for more than a month and must be presumed to be lost.

2. The Perch was one of the U. S. submarines operating in the vicinity of Java and her last position report placed her in the Java Sea.

3. The next of kin have been notified.

4. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 71 APRIL 11, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué, based on reports received up to 4 p. m.

Southwest Pacific and Indian Ocean.

1. Recent detailed reports reveal that the damage inflicted on enemy ships by U. S. submarines as announced in Navy Department Communiqué No. 66, paragraph 1 (a) to (e), inclusive, should be corrected to read as

follows:

(a) One light cruiser was sunk in the vicinity of Christmas Island, South of Java.

(b) One light cruiser was damaged and is believed to have sunk and a third cruiser was damaged in the vicinity of Christmas Island.

(d) One supply ship was damaged in waters near Lombok Island.

(e) One destroyer and one large transport were sunk in the vicinity of Bali and an unidentified vessel was damaged.

Further, it is now known that all the results except that noted in item (d) above were achieved by one submarine on a single patrol.

Far East.

2. A U. S. submarine returning from an extended patrol in enemy waters has just reported the sinking of one 7,000-ton merchant vessel and one small naval vessel of the submarine chaser class.

3. This same submarine further reports that on the same patrol it damaged and possibly sank a 4,000-ton freighter.

4. Except as noted in paragraph 1 the above sinkings and damage have not been reported in any previous Navy Department communiqué.

5. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 72 APRIL 16, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué on reports received up to 11 a. m.:

Far East.

1. The U. S. mine sweeper Finch has been sunk as a result of enemy bombing attacks on Corregidor during the past few days.

2. There were no casualties to personnel.

3. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 73 APRIL 21, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué, based on reports received up to 4 p. m.:

Far East.

1. During recent operations near the island of Cebu in the Philippine Archipelago, units of a United States motor torpedo boat squadron made a night attack on a Japanese cruiser which was protected by four destroyers.

2. Enemy counteraction finally forced the retirement of the attacking PT boats after they had seriously damaged one enemy light cruiser and left it in a sinking condition.

3. The PT-41 and PT-34 participated in the attack. The PT-34 was forced ashore on the island of Cebu, but the PT-41 made good its escape. It is believed that the PT-35 was destroyed in order to prevent capture by the enemy during the invasion of the city of Cebu.

4. The above action has not been mentioned in any previous Navy Department communiqué.

5. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 74 APRIL 27, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, based upon reports received up to 12 noon:

Atlantic Coast.

1. The World War U. S. destroyer Sturtevant has been sunk off the coast of Florida by an underwater explosion.

2. Loss of life was small and most of the crew reached port safely.

3. The next of kin of those lost are being notified.

4. There is nothing to report from other areas,

No. 75 MAY 4, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué, based on reports received up to 3 p. m.:

Far East.

1. As a result of enemy bombing attacks during the past few days, the U. S. S. Mindanao, a river gunboat, has been sunk in the vicinity of Corregidor.

2. There were no casualties to personnel.

3. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 76 MAY 6, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué, based on reports received up to 3 p. m.:

Far East.

1. Several messages from the Navy personnel at Corregidor were received in the Navy Department this morning. Just before the fall of this small island fortress which these men have helped to defend so gallantly, the commander of the naval forces at Corregidor, Capt. Kenneth M. Hoeffel, U. S. N., joined his officers and men in sending a last message of loyalty, devotion, and good cheer to their country, their families and their friends.

2. Captain Hoeffel reported that the mine sweeper Tanager, and the river gunboat Oahu had been sunk by enemy gunfire from Bataan and that the mine sweeper Pigeon had been sunk by bombers. The river gunboat, Luzon, and the mine sweeper, Quail, were severely damaged by gunfire and were sunk by U. S. forces when capture appeared imminent. All local small craft in the vicinity were demolished by our forces.

3. When Corregidor fell, there were approximately 175 officers and 2,100 men of the Navy, and 70 officers and 1,500 men of the Marine Corps in the defending forces. Col. Samuel L. Howard is the senior officer of the Marine Corps personnel on the island. It is assumed that all of these officers and men have been captured and will be held as prisoners of war.

4. So far as is known no casualties resulted from any of the above sinkings.

5. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 77 MAY 7, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué, based on reports received up to 3 p. m., May 7, 1942:

Southwest Pacific.

1. Very excellent news has been received. A naval engagement between U. S. and Japanese forces on May 4th resulted in the following damage to the enemy:

(a) One light cruiser, two destroyers, four gunboats, and one supply vessel were sunk.

(b) One 9,000-ton seaplane tender, one light cruiser, one cargo vessel, and one transport were badly damaged.

2. This highly successful action took place in the vicinity of the Solomon Islands and was accomplished with the loss of but three planes.

Far East.

3. U. S. submarines on patrol in the Far East have sunk the following enemy vessels: One medium-sized cargo ship, one medium-sized tanker, and one small cargo ship.

4. The above actions have not been announced in any previous Navy Department communiqué.

5. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 78 MAY 8, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to 6 p. m., May 8, 1942.

Southwest Pacific.

A naval engagement between our forces and those of the Japanese has been in continuous progress in the general area southward of Bismarck Archipelago in the Coral Sea, since Monday, May 3, and there is no indication yet of a cessation. Japanese losses are believed to be:

Sunk Damaged

One aircraft carrier. One aircraft carrier.

One heavy cruiser. One heavy cruiser.

One light cruiser. One light cruiser.

Two destroyers. One seaplane tender.

Four gunboats. Two transports or cargo vessels.

Two transports or cargo vessels.

2. Details of losses and damage to our forces are not fully known at present but no credence should be given to claims that have been or may be put out by Tokio.

3. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 79 MAY 9, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué today:

Southwest Pacific.

1. The Navy Department realizes that the American public is aware of the unreliable nature of any claims emanating from an enemy source.

2. Recent announcements by the enemy have made sweeping claims regarding U. S. losses in the Battle of the Coral Sea.

3. Reports received in the Navy Department to date fail to substantiate the loss of any U. S. aircraft carrier or battleship in that action.

4. Reports of damage to our forces are incomplete. They will be announced when the information will be without value to the enemy.

5. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 80 MAY 11, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué today:

Far East.

1. Information has been received that U. S. submarines operating in the Far East have sunk the following Japanese ships

One destroyer.

One naval cargo ship.

One medium-sized cargo ship.

2. These sinkings have not been reported in any previous Navy Department communiqué and are not related to the recent engagement in the Coral Sea.

3. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 81 MAY 26, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to noon, May 26, 1942:

Caribbean Area.

1. The U. S. S. Blakeley, a World War destroyer, has been damaged by a torpedo from an enemy submarine in the Caribbean Sea.

2. The Blakeley has reached port with 10 members of her crew reported as missing and 6 injured. The injured men have been hospitalized and next of kin of both injured and missing are being notified as information is received in the Navy Department.

3. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 82 MAY 28, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to 1 p. m., May 28, 1942:

Far East.

1. Information has been received that U. S. submarines operating in the Far East have sunk or damaged enemy ships as shown below.

(a) One large auxiliary ship sunk.

(b) One medium-sized cargo ship sunk.

(d) One heavy cruiser damaged by torpedo hits.

2. These actions have not been announced in any previous Navy Department communiqué and are not related to the engagement in the Coral Sea which was fought early this month.

3. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 83 JUNE 3, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to 4 p. m., June 3, 1942:

North Pacific Area.

1. Information has been received that Dutch Harbor, Alaska, was attacked by 4 Japanese bombers and about 15 fighters at approximately 6 a. m. local time today (12 noon e. w. t.). The attack lasted approximately 15 minutes.

2. No further details are available at this time.

3. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 84 JUNE 3, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to 6 p. m., June 3, 1942:

North Pacific Area.

1. Further reports on the Japanese air attack at Dutch Harbor which took place earlier today, state that there were but few casualties.

2. A few warehouses were set on fire but no serious damage was suffered.

3. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 85 JUNE 3, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to 9 p. m., June 3, 1942:

North Pacific Area.

1. A brief report just received in the Navy Department states that for the second time today enemy planes have attacked Dutch Harbor.

2. The second attack was made about 12 noon, local time (6 p. m., e. w. t.), 6 hours after the initial attack.

3. No further details are available at this time.

No. 86 JUNE 4, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to 12 noon (e. w. t.) June 4, 1942:

North Pacific Area.

1. The situation at Dutch Harbor is at present quiet. Yesterday's first raid by the Japanese appears to have been made primarily to test our defenses. High explosives and incendiary bombs were dropped but, as previously announced, our casualties were light and damage was not extensive. The few fires which were started were quickly extinguished.

2. The second wave of enemy planes, which was reported to have attacked 6 hours after the initial attack (communiqué No. 85), failed to drop any bombs and appears to have been engaged solely in reconnaissance.

3. The source of the attacking Japanese aircraft has not been definitely determined but they are thought to have been carrier-based.

Atlantic Area.

4. The U. S. S. Cythera, a small naval patrol vessel taken over by the Navy last December, has been overdue in this area for more than 3 weeks and is presumed to be lost.

5. The next of kin of personnel in the Cythera have been notified.

6. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 87 June 4, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to 4:30 p. m., June 4, 1942:

Central Pacific Area.

1. Information has been received that Midway Island was attacked by Japanese aircraft at approximately 9 a. in. local time (2:30 p. m., e. w. t.)

2. No further details are as yet available.

No. 88 JUNE 12, 1942

1. The battle of Midway now makes it possible to release information in regard to the Battle of the Coral Sea. Holding up this information gave to our Navy security which was a cornerstone in building for the Midway victory.

2. In early March the Japanese were observed to be concentrating transports and combatant ships in the ports of Salamaua and Lae on the Island of New Guinea, apparently in preparation for an assault on Port Moresby on the south coast of the same island. The occupation of Port Moresby would have afforded the enemy a strategically located advance base from which promptly to make further attacks on northern Australia.

3. For some time the bases at Salamaua and Lae had been subjected to air attacks by U. S. and Australian shore-based aircraft from Australia. On March 10th a number of aircraft from a Pacific Fleet Task Force, under the command of Vice Admiral Wilson Brown, joined these shore-based planes in their successful attack on shipping and shore installations at the enemy bases. As announced in Navy Department Communiqué No. 57 of March 18th, this attack resulted in the following damage to the enemy:

the sinking of or damage to more than 20 Japa-

nese ships and heavy damage to shore installations. The resulting disruption of Japanese plans delayed for 2 months any attempt of the enemy to advance by sea to the southward. The attacking force was described in the communiqué as American and Australian island-based forces, since the participation of our carriers in that action had still not been discovered by the enemy.

4. During April our Army reconnaissance planes reported that the enemy was once again concentrating transports, and the supporting elements, including aircraft from carriers and shore bases, preparatory to an attempt to advance into the Solomon and Louisiade Islands. In early May these advances were actually begun. Bases for land planes in both of these groups of islands were seized by the Japanese and the entire northern portion of the Coral Sea was subjected to daily reconnaissance by enemy shore-based aircraft.

5. On May 4th a task force of the Pacific Fleet under the command of Rear Admiral Frank J. Fletcher found a part of this Japanese invasion fleet at anchor in and near the harbor of Tulagi, the capital of Florida Island in the Solomon group. In spite of the excellent Japanese air reconnaissance facilities, Admiral Fletcher's attack caught the Japanese forces completely by surprise and all but annihilated them. A few ships managed to get under way, but most of these were severely crippled and some were later beached to prevent their sinking. The results of this engagement as announced in Navy Department Communiqué No. 77 of May 7th were as follows: the sinking of or damage to 12 Japanese vessels and the destruction of 6 aircraft. Our entire loss amounted to but 3 aircraft. On the following day a large four-engined flying boat was intercepted by our forces and shot down.

6. On May 7th Admiral Fletcher's aircraft struck the main body the Japanese force in the Louisiade Archipelago off Misima. The new Japanese aircraft carrier, Ryukaku, and a heavy cruiser were sunk. Fifteen bomb hits and 10 torpedo hits were reported scored on Ryukaku which was turning into the wind, to launch her aircraft thus blasted. She sank in a few minutes with most of her planes on board. The enemy counterattack which followed was fought off successfully. During this day's fighting more than 25 enemy aircraft shot down as compared to our loss of 6. Shore-based Army air from Australia assisted in reconnaissance both before and during 1 attacks and added their fire-power to that of the attacking naval planes.

7. During the afternoon of May 7th Japanese aircraft located and bombed the U. S. tanker Neosho and its accompanying destroyer the U. S.

S. Sims in the Coral Sea. The Sims was sunk during the attack and the

Neosho sank several days later as a result of the damage received during the bombing. A large part of the personnel from the Neosho and Sims were rescued and have reached port. The next of kin of casualties are being notified.

8. On May 8th the same task force again carried the attack to the enemy and succeeded in inflicting serious damage on a second Japanese carrier, the Shokaku, which was left ablaze as a result of bomb and torpedo hits.

9. During this same engagement the enemy launched a counterattack with aircraft while our planes were still attacking. The principal target was the U. S. aircraft carrier Lexington, flagship of Rear Admiral A. W. Fitch. In spite of skillful handling, all available fighter protection and antiaircraft defense, the Lexington was hit by two torpedoes and at least two bombs and was further damaged by several near misses. These attacks were the last action in the Battle of the Coral Sea. The crew of the Lexington succeeded in putting out the fires and recovering her aircraft. Several hours after the battle, while steaming at 20 knots, terrific internal explosion rocked the Lexington causing serious fires to break out in many parts of the ship. It was first thought that the explosion was the result of a "sleeper" bomb. Investigation revealed, however, that the probable cause was the ignition of gasoline vapors which resulted from leaks in ruptured gasoline lines in closed compartments below decks.

10. The crew fought heroically for more than 5 hours to save the ship but were at great disadvantage because the explosion had damaged much of the fire-fighting equipment. Destroyers were sent alongside to assist with their pumps, fire hose and chemical fire-fighting equipment. The wounded were transferred from the burning carrier to the destroyers alongside. Finally, with all machinery disabled, the ship stopped, and flames enveloping nearly her entire length, it became apparent that any further attempt to save her was futile and the captain ordered the crew to "abandon ship." Men slid down lines from the carrier's decks to boats from other ships while some crawled aboard life rafts and rubber boats.

11. Ninety-two percent of the entire ship's company were rescued and have reached port safely. The only casualties were the result of the battle or the explosion and the resulting fire. The last man to leave his ship was her commanding officer, Capt. F. C. Sherman. As he slid to safety down a line from the deck into the water the torpedo warhead locker of the Lexington exploded. After all men in the water had been rescued, the Lexington sank with a final detonation which shook nearby ships.

12. The attacks on Salamaua and Lae and the Battle of the Coral Sea resulted in the disruption of two Japanese attempts to advance to the southeastward of New Guinea and cost them a total of more than 15 ships sunk, including:

One aircraft carrier.

Three heavy cruisers.

One light cruiser.

Two destroyers.

Several transports and small vessels.

and severe damage to and the probable sinking of 11 additional cruiser and 1 destroyer-and severe damage to more than 20 ships including 1 carrier, 3 cruisers, 2 aircraft tenders, 3 destroyers and the loss of more than 100 aircraft.

13. The Lexington, Neosho, and Sims were the only U. S. vessels lost as a result of the action in the Coral Sea and only minor damage was suffered by other vessels. The next of kin of all casualties in these ships are being notified as information is received.

No. 89 JUNE 15, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to 5 p. m., June 15, 1942:

North Pacific Area.

1. The Army and Navy are continuing air attacks against the Japanese forces which recently were reported to have landed on western; islands of the Aleutian group.

2. Foul weather and fog, characteristic of this locality at all seasons, are hampering our reconnaissance and attack operations, but reports to date indicate that at least three cruisers, one destroyer, one gunboat, and one transport have been damaged, some of them severely.

3. Except for these continuing air attacks upon the enemy landing parties and their supporting naval contingents, the general situation in the Aleutian Islands appears unchanged.

No. 90 JUNE 21, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to 3 p. m., June 21, 1942:

North Pacific Area.

1. Operations in the Aleutians continue to be restricted by considerations of weather and great distances.

2. Within the last few days, however, the weather was sufficiently clear at times to permit some restricted air operations against Kiska where tents and minor temporary structures were observed to have been set up on land. A small force of Japanese ships in the harbor was bombed by Army aircraft. Hits were reported on one cruiser, and a transport has been sunk.

No. 91 JUNE 25, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to 2 p.m., June 25, 1942:

Atlantic Area.

1. Two small antisubmarine patrol craft have been lost off the Atlantic Coast during the current month as the result of enemy submarine attacks.

2. The U. S. S. Gannet, a seagoing tug, used to service patrol planes, was torpedoed and sunk. Sixteen members of the crew were lost.

3. The YP-389, a small fishing craft, which had been taken over by the Navy and armed for antisubmarine patrol duty, was sunk by gunfire. Four members of the crew were lost.

4. The next of kin of all casualties have been notified.

No. 92 JUNE 29, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to 2 p. m., June 29, 1942:

Central Pacific Area.

1. U. S. bombers attacked Japanese-occupied Wake Island on June 27th.

2. Under favorable conditions of weather and visibility our planes, attacking in formation, damaged the airfield and various shore installations.

3. Enemy antiaircraft and fighter defense was weak and, although one bomber suffered minor damage during the attack, all of our planes returned safely.

No. 93 July 1, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to 8:30 a. m. (e. w. t.):

European Area.

1. Reinforcements in the form of airplanes were recently carried through the Mediterranean to Malta to aid the British in their defense of the embattled island.

2. These trips were accomplished by the U. S. aircraft carrier Wasp and were completed without damage either to the escort or the Wasp.

3. During one of these ferry trips after British aircraft manned by RAF pilots, had been launched from the Wasp and were in flight over the Island of Malta the enemy attacked the island. Completely surprised by the increased number of defending fighters the enemy suffered considerable losses.

4. The planes which took off from the Wasp engaged the enemy over Malta before landing on the island. After landing and hasty refueling at the airdrome they were again in the air continuing to repel the enemy attack within 30 minutes after arrival.

5. The expertly timed arrival of reinforcement planes on the Wasp was most fortunate for the heroic defenders of the British stronghold and the cause of the United Nations.

No. 94 July 4, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to 2 P. M., July 4, 1942:

North Pacific Area.

1. Since the issuing of communiqué No. 90 on June 21, the situation in the Aleutian Islands has not changed materially. Long-range Army

and Navy aircraft have engaged in reconnaissance and attack missions whenever weather permitted.

2. On June 21 Army planes dropped bombs on shore installations at Kiska but due to fog, results could not be observed.

3. On June 25 Navy reconnaissance aircraft over the Kiska area observed one large cruiser and three destroyers in the harbor of Kiska. The bow of the Japanese transport, which was sunk by Army aircraft on June 18, was clearly visible near the center of the harbor. During these operations a Navy patrol plane was attacked and damaged by enemy aircraft but returned safely to its base.

4. On June 26 two Army planes attacked shore installations at Kiska but again fog did not permit results to be observed.

5. On June 28 Army bombers again attacked Kiska, doing further damage to shore installations. From June 28 to July 2 the weather was such as to render flight operations inadvisable.

6. On July 2 a patrol plane observed three Japanese transports with escorting vessels off the island of Agattu, about 35 miles to the southeastward of Attu. Army bombers attacked this force that afternoon inflicting damage, the exact extent of which could not be observed. Our aircraft returned safely having suffered only minor damage from antiaircraft fire.

7. On July 3 Kiska was again bombed by Army aircraft but again observation of results was not possible.

No. 95 JULY 6, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to 12:30 p. m., July 6, 1942:

North Pacific Area.

1. On the Fourth of July, U. S. submarines torpedoed four Japanese destroyers in the Aleutian Islands.

2. Three of these destroyers were attacked at Kiska. Two were sunk and the third, when last seen, was burning fiercely.

3. The fourth destroyer was torpedoed and sunk at Agattu where enemy transports and escorting vessels were located on July 2 and attacked by Army bombers.

No. 96 JULY 8, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué based on reports received up to 4:30 P. m., July 8, 1942:

North Pacific Area.

1. On the afternoon Of July 5th a U. S. submarine, operating in the Aleutian Islands, torpedoed and is believed to have sunk a Japanese destroyer in the vicinity of Kiska.

2. This is the fifth enemy destroyer to have been sunk or damaged by our submarines in this area during the 2-day period, (July 4th and 5th).

3. Low visibility continues in this area.

No. 97 July 14, 1942

1. Early in June, near the island of Midway about 1,100 miles to the westward of Pearl Harbor, units of our Army, Navy, and Marine Corps joined action with a strong Japanese invasion fleet which was approaching our Midway outpost. The voluminous reports of the details of the battle of Midway have been studied and evaluated so that this resume now becomes possible.

2. After the defeat of the Japanese in the Battle of the Coral Sea between May 4 and May 8, our shore-based reconnaissance aircraft and submarines reported a general withdrawal of enemy naval ships from the Southwest Pacific toward Japan. Concentrations of enemy naval units made it apparent that large-scale offensive operations were planned by the enemy, but the exact nature of the plan of attack could only be guessed. The enemy had learned in the Battle of the Coral Sea that the sea approaches to Australia were strongly defended. It appeared logical, therefore, to assume that the enemy's next thrust would come in some other area-possibly Hawaii, Alaska, the Panama Canal Zone, or even the Pacific Coast of the United States. In accordance with this estimate, United States naval surface forces were deployed in the area between Midway and the Aleutian Islands. Bases in the outlying islands and in Alaska were reinforced by long-range, shore-based aircraft. Similar precautionary measures also were taken on the Pacific Coast and in the vicinity of the Panama Canal.

3. At about 9 a. m., June 3, U. S. Navy patrol planes reported a strong force of enemy ships about 700 miles off Midway, proceeding eastward.

Nine United States Army "Flying Fortresses" based on Midway immediately were ordered to intercept and attack the approaching enemy. Japanese force was observed to be approaching in five columns and was composed of many cruisers, transports, cargo vessels, and other escort ships. The Army bombers scored hits on one cruiser and one transport. Both ships were severely damaged and left burning. Some lesser damage was done to other vessels in the formation. Later, during the night, four Navy "Catalina" flying boats located and attacked the same enemy group by moonlight. These four planes scored two torpedo hits on large enemy ships, one of which is believed to have sunk.

4. About dawn on June 4, several groups of Army medium and heavy bombers, and U. S. Marine Corps dive bombers and torpedo planes took to the air from Midway to attack the approaching enemy. The results of this attack were as follows:

(a) Four Army torpedo bombers attacked two enemy aircraft carriers through a heavy screen of enemy fighter protection and a curtain of antiaircraft fire. One torpedo hit on a carrier is believed to have been made. Two of the four bombers failed to return.

(b) Six Marine Corps torpedo planes attacked the enemy force in the face of heavy odds. It is believed this group secured one hit on an enemy ship. Only one of these six planes returned to its base.

(c) Sixteen Marine Corps dive bombers attacked and scored three hits on a carrier, which is believed to have been the Soryu. Only half of the attacking planes returned.

(d) Another group of 11 Marine Corps dive bombers made a later attack on enemy ships and reported 2 bomb hits on an enemy battleship, which was left smoking and listing.

(e) A group of 16 U. S. Army "Flying Fortresses" carried out high-level bombing attacks, scoring 3 hits on enemy carriers. One carrier was left smoking heavily.

5. Meanwhile, at 6:35 a. m. (Midway time, June 4th), shortly after the Marine Corps planes had left Midway to carry out an attack mission the island, itself, was attacked by a large group of carrier-based enemy planes. They were engaged by a badly out-numbered Marine Corps fighter force, which met the enemy in the air as he arrived. These defending fighters, aided by antiaircraft batteries, shot down at least 40 of the enemy planes. Several more were damaged. As the result of this

fighter defense, the material damage to shore installations, though serious, was not disabling. No plane was caught grounded at Midway.

6. The Midway-based air forces had struck the approaching Japanese fleet with their full strength, but the enemy did not appear to have been checked. It was estimated that only about 10 enemy ships had been damaged out of a total enemy force of approximately 80 ships then converging upon Midway.

7. It was learned later that our aerial attacks had caused the enemy carrier force to change its course. They began a retirement to the northwestward some time between 8:30 and 9:30 a. m., on the morning of June 4. Their complete change of course was not observed by our shore-based planes because the change came after the planes had delivered their attacks and while they were returning to Midway to rearm.

8. Meanwhile, U. S. naval forces afloat were being brought into position. Our carrier-based aircraft were launched and were proceeding to the spot where the enemy's previous course and speed would have placed him had he chosen to continue the assault, as expected. Unaware of the enemy's change of course, one group of carrier-based fighters and dive bombers searched along the reported track to the southeast until shortage of gas forced them to abandon the search and go in to Midway. Some were forced down at sea when they ran out of gas. Most of those forced down were later rescued. The commanding officer of a different flight composed of fighters, dive bombers, and torpedo planes made an accurate estimate of the situation and concluded that the enemy was retreating. Fifteen torpedo planes from this group, therefore, located the enemy to the westward and proceeded to attack at once without protection or assistance of any kind. Although some hits were reported by radio from these airplanes and although some enemy fighters were shot down, the total damage inflicted by this squadron in this attack may never be known. None of these i5 planes returned. The sole survivor of the 30 Officers and men of this squadron was Ensign G. H. Gay, Jr., U. S. N. R, who scored one torpedo hit on an enemy carrier before he was shot down.

9. Other Carrier-based groups of torpedo planes proceeded to press the attack after the enemy had been located. In spite of heavy losses during these attacks, the torpedo planes engaged the attention of the enemy fighters and antiaircraft batteries to such a degree that our dive bombers were able to drop bomb after bomb on the enemy ships

without serious interference. As the result, the Navy dive bombers scored many hits and during this phase of the action inflicted upon the enemy the following damage:

(a) The Kaga, Akagi, and Soryu, aircraft carriers, were severely damaged. Gasoline in planes caught on their flight decks ignited, starting fires which burned until each carrier had sunk.

(b) Two battleships were hit. One was left burning fiercely.

10. Shortly after this battle, a force of about 36 enemy planes from the undamaged carrier Hiryu attacked the U. S. aircraft carrier Yorktown and her escorts. Eleven of 18 Japanese bombers in the group were shot down by your fighters before their bombs were dropped. Seven got through our fighter protection. Of these 7, one was disintegrated by surface ship's antiaircraft fire; a second dropped its bomb-load into the sea and plunged after it; while a third was torn to shreds by machine-gun escaped after scoring fire from U. S. fighter planes. Four enemy bombers escaped after scoring three direct hits.

11. Shortly afterward, 12 to 15 enemy torpedo planes escorted by fighters attacked the Yorktown. Between 4 and 7 of this group were destroyed by our fighters and 3 were shot down by antiaircraft fire before they could launch torpedoes. Five succeeded in launching torpedoes but all 5 were destroyed as they attempted to escape. The Yorktown was hit during this assault and put out of action. The damage caused a list which rendered her flight deck useless for landings and take-offs. Her aircraft, however, continued the battle operating from other United States carriers.

12. While this attack on the Yorktown was in progress, some of her own planes located the Japanese carrier Hiryu in company with battleships, cruisers, and destroyers. Our carrier planes immediately launched an attack against this newly located force. The Hiryu was hit repeatedly and left blazing from stem to stern. She sank the following morning. Two of the enemy battleships were pounded severely by bombs and the heavy cruiser was damaged severely.

13. During the same afternoon (June 4), a United States submarine scored three torpedo hits on the smoking carrier Soryu as the enemy was attempting to take it in tow. These hits caused an outbreak of fresh flames which engulfed the carrier and forced the crew to abandon ship.

At about sunset heavy explosions and huge billows of smoke were observed. The Soryu sank during the night.

14. Just before sunset (June 4) United States Army bombers delivered a heavy bomb attack on the severely crippled and burning ships. Three hits were scored on a damaged carrier (probably the Akagi); one hit was scored on a large ship; one hit on a cruiser which was left burning; and one destroyer was damaged and believed to have sunk.

15. The situation at sundown on June 4, was as follows:

(a) United States forces had gained mastery of the air in the region of Midway.

(b) Two carriers, Kaga and Akagi, had been hit by many bombs and torpedoes from Army planes and carrier-based naval aircraft in the morning, and the Akagi had been further damaged by Army aircraft in the late afternoon. One of these two carriers was reported by Ensign Gay to have been shelled and finished off by a Japanese cruiser. Both enemy carriers sank or were sunk by the Japanese before morning.

(c) The Soryu had been hit heavily by Marine Corps dive bombers, Army bombers, carrier-based planes, and a submarine. She sank during the night.

(d) The Hiryu had been put out of action by carrier aircraft after her own planes had damaged the Yorktown. The Hiryu sank early the following morning.

(e) Two enemy battleships had been damaged, one severely.

(f) One enemy destroyer had been sunk.

(g) One enemy transport and several other ships had been damaged.

(h) The U. S. S. Yorktown had been put out of action.

16. Early in the morning of June 5, an enemy submarine shelled Midway briefly but caused no damage. Our shore batteries returned the fire. At dawn our forces were marshalling their strength for further assaults against the enemy fleets which by now had separated into several groups, all in full retreat. Unfavorable flying weather made search to the northwest of Midway difficult and hazardous but a flight of U. S. Army "Flying Fortresses" managed to contact an enemy contingent of battleships and cruisers to the westward of Midway. They attacked, and scored a direct hit on the damaged cruiser. Another bomb

damaged the same cruiser's steering gear. She was last observed listing badly and turning in tight circles. This attack was followed quickly by a second Army Air Force attack which scored a hit on the stern of a heavy cruiser. Meanwhile, at about noon (June 5) U. S. Marine Corps aircraft located the damaged enemy cruiser and delivered one direct hit.

17. In the afternoon of June 5, Army "Flying Fortresses" attacked enemy cruisers again and scored three direct hits upon one heavy cruiser. On the return trip, one of these planes was lost; a second was forced down at sea i5 miles from Midway. All except one of the crew of the second plane were rescued. A local bad weather condition to the northwest of Midway hampered the search operations of our carrier planes which were seeking the enemy in that area. Throughout the night of June 5-6, our aircraft carriers steamed to the westward in pursuit of the enemy.

18. Early in the morning of June 6 a search by carrier aircraft discovered two groups of enemy ships, each containing cruisers and destroyers. Between 9:30 and 10 a. m., our carrier planes attacked one cup which contained the heavy cruisers Mikuma and Mogami and three destroyers. At least two bomb hits were scored on each cruiser. One of the destroyers was sunk. The attacks were carried on until 5:30 p. m. The Mikuma was sunk shortly after noon. The Mogami was gutted and subsequently sunk. Another enemy cruiser and a destroyer also were hit during these series of attacks.

19. It was during this afternoon (June 6) that the U. S. destroyer Hammann was torpedoed and sunk by an enemy submarine. Most of her crew were rescued. The Hammann was the destroyer announced as lost in Admiral Nimitz' Communiqué No. 4 (June 7, 1942).

20. After June 6 repeated attempts were made to contact the remainder of the Japanese invasion fleet but without success. It was on June 9, while one of these searches was being carried out by a group of long-range Army medium bombers under the command of Maj. Gen. Clarence L. Tinker, U. S. A., that the plane carrying General Tinker was forced down at sea and lost.

21. The following is a recapitulation of the damage inflicted upon the enemy during the battle of Midway:

(a) Four Japanese aircraft carriers, the Kaga, Akagi, Soryu, and Hiryu were sunk.

(b) Three battleships were damaged by bomb and torpedo hits, one severely.

(d) One light cruiser was damaged.

(e) Three destroyers were sunk and several others were damaged by bombs.

(f) At least three transports or auxiliary ships were damaged, one or more sunk.

(g) An estimated 275 Japanese aircraft were destroyed or lost sea through a lack of flight decks on which to land.

(h) Approximately 4,800 Japanese were killed or drowned.

22. Our total personnel losses were 92 officers and 215 enlisted men.

23. Our forces fought under the command of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, U. S. N., Commander in Chief of the Pacific Feet. Other officers who held important commands during the battle were Lt. Gen. Delos C. Emmons, U. S. A., Commanding General, Hawaiian Department; Maj. Gen. W. W. Hale, U. S. A., Head of the Bombing Command of the Army Air Force in Hawaii and Brig. Gen. Henry K. Pickett, U. S. M. C Commander of U. S. Marine Corps forces in the Hawaiian area.

24. Among the officers who held important commands at the scene of the action were Maj. Gen. C. L. Tinker, U. S. A., Commander of the Army Air Force in Hawaii. General Tinker was lost in action. Vice Admiral, then Rear Admiral F. J. Fletcher U. S. N, Rear Admiral R. A. Spruance, U. S. N., Rear Admiral T. C. Kinkaid, U. S. N., and Rear Admiral W. W. Smith, U. S. N., had commands at sea throughout the action. Capt. C. T. Simard, U. S. N., had command of the Naval Air Station at Midway. Col. Harold D. Shannon, U. S. M. C., was the Commanding Officer of Ground Troops at Midway. Lt. Col. Ira L. Kimes, U. S. M. C., was the Commanding Officer of the Marine Corps Aircraft at Midway. Lt. Col. W. C. Sweeney, Jr., U. S. A. commanded a formation of heavy Army bombers.

25. The battle of Midway was a complex and widespread action involving a number of engagements lasting more than 3 days and nights. Even our active participants in the numerous attacks and counterattacks are unable to give confidently an accurate account of the damage inflicted by any one group in the many individual and unified attacks of our Army, Navy, and Marine Corps personnel.

No. 98 July 17, 1942

ALEUTIANS

1. In early June, Japanese naval forces made a two-pronged thrust at our westernmost possessions Midway and the Aleutian chain. The presence in each attacking force of troop transports indicated that these attacks were aimed at capture and occupation. The thrust at Midway was made by approximately 80 ships including 4 carriers, at least 3 battleships, and a large number of cruisers, destroyers, and transports.

A simultaneous thrust was made on the Aleutians employing a far smaller force of approximately two small carriers, two seaplane tenders, several cruisers and destroyers and from four to six transports. The size of the forces involved shows the attack on Midway to have been the primary objective.

2. The attack on Midway was repelled as described in Navy Department communiqué No. 97. A resume of operations in the Aleutian Islands to date is given in the following paragraphs.

3. The first attack on Dutch Harbor and Fort Mears was made at about 6 a. m. on June 3d, concurrently with the early stages of the Japanese attack on Midway. Five waves of three planes each, launched from carriers to the southward of Dutch Harbor, participated in the 20-minute attack, which was concentrated on Dutch Harbor and the nearby Army station at Fort Mears.

4. Three U. S. destroyers, an Army transport, a mine sweeper and a Coast Guard cutter were in the harbor, as well as an old station ship, the Northwestern, which had been beached and was used as barracks for contractors' personnel. The attack was not unexpected, and anti-aircraft crews, who were at their battle stations, both aboard the ships and at the shore batteries, opened fire 5 minutes before the first bomb was dropped. To obtain maneuverability the ships present got under way, continuing their antiaircraft fire. No ship was hit during the raid. Two of the attacking aircraft were shot down.

5. A few barracks and warehouses at Fort Mears and Dutch Harbor were bombed and set afire and a Navy patrol plane which was about to take off with official mail was strafed.

6. On June 4, Army bombers and Navy patrol planes located and attacked the enemy carriers which had launched the attacking planes.

Several bomb and torpedo attacks were made but results could not be observed.

7. One enemy plane was shot down during the several reconnaissance flights which the Japanese made over the Dutch Harbor area following the initial raid.

8. About 5 p. m. on June 4, 18 carrier-based bombers and 16 fighters attacked the installations at Dutch Harbor and Fort Mears. This attack was made simultaneously with an attack on the Army post at Fort Glenn, about 70 miles west of Dutch Harbor on the island of Umnak, where 9 enemy fighters strafed shore installations. Two of the attacking planes were shot down by Army pursuit planes and the remaining withdrew without inflicting damage.

9. The alarm at Dutch Harbor and Fort Mears was sounded well in advance of the attack and the enemy was met with heavy antiaircraft fire from ship and shore batteries. The station ship Northwestern was bombed and destroyed by fire. A warehouse and a few fuel oil tanks were hit and set afire, and one empty aircraft hangar was hit.

10. Casualties amounted to approximately 44 military and naval personnel killed and 49 wounded, and 1 civilian employee killed.

11. Since June 4, there have been no further attacks on Dutch Harbor Fort Mears, Fort Glenn or any other U. S. military installations in Alaska or the Aleutian Islands.

12. Our naval patrol planes, Army bombers and submarines under the unified command of the Navy, have conducted the following attacks on the enemy forces which have made landings in the westernmost island groups which include Attu and Kiska:

(a) On June 5, Army aircraft attacked an enemy cruiser with undetermined results.

(b) On June 11, a naval patrol plane reported enemy forces in Kiska Harbor. During the night this force was attacked by patrol planes and Army bombers. Results were not observed.

(c) On June 12, enemy ships were observed at both Attu and Kiska, and about 20 tents and temporary structures were observed on the shore at Kiska. The enemy ships at Kiska were attacked by long-range Army aircraft and hits were made on the ships in the harbor but the exact extent of the damage could not be determined.

(d) Various bombing and reconnaissance missions against Kiska were conducted in the week from June 12 to 18 with no important

results or major changes in the situation. Weather prevented observation of Attu.

(e) On June 18, the ships in Kiska were bombed by Army aircraft, resulting in the sinking of one transport near the center of the harbor.

(f) All operations from June 21 to July 3 have been covered by Navy Department Communiqué No. 94.

(g) On July 4 U. S. submarines torpedoed three destroyers off Kiska, sinking two and leaving the third badly damaged. A third destroyer was sunk by a U. S. submarine off Agattu.

(h) On July 5, a U. S. submarine torpedoed and is believed to have sunk a fourth Japanese destroyer off Kiska.

(i) On July 6, Army aircraft dropped 56 bombs on the enemy shore installations at Kiska.

(j) On July 11, Army aircraft bombed an enemy cruiser in Kiska with undetermined results.

(k) Since July 11, there has been no material change in the general situation.

13. The military results of the Aleutian campaign to date are as follows:

(a) The enemy inflicted minor damage to the naval station at Dutch Harbor and the Army post at Fort Mears but did not seriously impair their military effectiveness.

(b) The enemy has occupied the undefended islands of Attu, Kiska, and Agattu in the westernmost tip of the Aleutian chain and has constructed temporary living facilities ashore.

(c) At least seven enemy aircraft have been destroyed and our pilots' reports indicate damage and possible destruction of several others. A number of our aircraft have been lost.

(d) As previously reported, the following damage has been inflicted on the enemy naval forces since June 3:

Damaged Sunk

Four cruisers. Three destroyers.

Three destroyers. One transport.

One gunboat.

One transport.

14. Operations against the enemy in this area continue.

No. 99 July 21, 1942

The following communiqué is based on reports received up to 3 p. m., (e. w. t.), Tuesday, July 21, 1942:

North Pacific Area.

1. U. S. submarines have sunk three Japanese destroyers in the vicinity of Kiska in the Aleutian Islands.

2. These sinkings are in addition to those previously announced in Navy Department communiqués.

3. Several air attacks against enemy-occupied Kiska Island have been made recently by long-range Army bombers. These attacks have centered on the enemy encampment at Kiska and on ships in Kiska Harbor. It has been impossible to observe and appraise the results of these raids.

4. U. S. Army and Navy aircraft are continuing joint operations against the enemy forces occupying islands in the western Aleutians.

No. 100 July 25, 1942

Navy Department today issued the following communiqué:

Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the following results of operations in Far Eastern waters:

(a) One modern Japanese destroyer sunk.

No. 101 August 8, 1942

The following communiqué is based on reports received up to 1 p. m. (e. w. t.), Saturday, August 8, 1942:

North and South Pacific Areas.

1. U. S. naval and other forces have attacked enemy installations in the southeast part of the Solomon Islands in force and the attacks are continuing.

2. Simultaneously, U. S . naval forces bombarded enemy ships and shore establishments at Kiska.

3. No additional information is available at present.

No. 102 August 9, 1942

The following communiqué is based on reports received up to 4 p. m. (e. w. T.)

South Pacific Area.

1. Offensive operations against Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands are continuing.

2. Considerable enemy resistance has been encountered and it is still too early to announce results or to estimate either our own or enemy losses.

3. Australian units are participating with our forces.

August 10, 1942

A STATEMENT BY ADMIRAL ERNEST J. KING, COMMANDER IN CHIEF, U. S. FLEET

1. Offensive operations by U. S. naval and other forces, looking to the occupation of islands in the Tulagi area in the southeasterly Solomon Islands, have now been underway for about 3 days.

2. The operations are under the immediate command of Vice Admiral Ghormley and under the general control of Admiral Nimitz. Certain of the forces under General MacArthur are cooperating.

3. The objective of the current operations is to expel the Japanese from the Tulagi area and to make use of that area for our own purposes. The enemy have been in process of consolidating their positions, in which their purpose has been not only to deny them to us but to use them as a base of offensive operations against our positions which cover the line of communications to Australia and New Zealand.

4. An initial surprise was effected and planned landings accomplished. The enemy has counterattacked with rapidity and vigor. Heavy fighting is still in progress. Our operating forces are employing all available communications in the conduct of the operations, so that our information is incomplete but it appears that we have had at least one cruiser sunk and two cruisers, two destroyers and one transport damaged. Likewise, information as to the extent of damage inflicted on the enemy is incom-

plete but includes a large number of enemy planes that have been destroyed and surface units put out of action.

5. This operation in the Tulagi area is significant in that it marks our first assumption of the initiative and of the offensive. All of the previous operations in the Pacific, however successful, have been essentially defensive in character.

6. It should be understood that the operation now underway is one of the most complicated and difficult in warfare. Considerable losses, such as are inherent in any offensive operation, must be expected as the price to be paid for the hard-won experience which is essential to the attainment of far-reaching results.

/S/ E. J. King.

No. 103 August 11, 1942

The following communiqué is based on reports received up to 6 p. in. (e. w. t.) on August 11, 1942:

North Pacific Area.

1. Information received by the Navy Department now makes it possible to report the following incidents in the Aleutian Islands:

2. On July 22 Army bombers dropped bombs through the fog in the area of Kiska Harbor. Results were unobserved.

3. On July 29 Navy patrol planes conducted a night attack on Kiska and Army bombers attacked shore installations and ships in the same vicinity.

4. On August 3 Japanese aircraft attacked the U. S. destroyer Kane off Atka Island, about 305 miles east of Kiska. No damage was inflicted. Army bombers again attacked the Kiska Harbor area, with unobserved results.

5. On August 4 Army pursuit planes shot down two Kawanishi 97 seaplane bombers.

6. On August 8 a task force of the Pacific Fleet, protected by Navy patrol planes, heavily bombarded a group of enemy ships, camp facilities, and shore installations at Kiska. The attack was a complete surprise. The enemy, mistaking the first salvos of shells for bombs, opened fire with antiaircraft batteries on imagined planes. The intensive bombardment from cruiser and destroyer guns soon silenced short batteries, started fires and inflicted severe damage to the camp area. The only

enemy resistance encountered was from aircraft. Our loss was one observation plane.

7. On August 9 naval patrol planes followed up the bombardment by an attack on two cargo ships in Kiska Harbor. Two bomb hits were scored on each of the two ships, resulting in severe damage. On this flight, observers reported sighting a sunken cargo ship, which is believed to have been sunk near the beach during the previous day's bombardment by surface forces.

South Pacific Area.

8. While the action in the Tulagi area of the Solomon Islands continues, nothing further can be reported at this moment.

No. 104 August 12, 1942

1. Operations in the Solomons are still in progress.

2. It has been confirmed that the United States Marines have landed as scheduled on three islands in the vicinity of Tulagi. The Marines are engaged in consolidating their positions. Supporting naval forces have been engaged in bitter fighting, details of which are not yet available. United States Army and Australian aircraft are continuing attacks on enemy landing fields and shore-based aircraft.

3. There is substantial evidence that the Japanese had planned and had well underway the development of an enemy base in the Tulagi area.

4. Until more details are available it is impossible to elaborate further on these operations. All available communications facilities are overtaxed by urgent messages concerning operations.

No. 105 August 13, 1942

1. Operations are continuing in the Solomon Islands area.

2. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 106 August 14, 1942

1. The task of consolidating the shore positions now held by U. S. Marines in the Solomon Islands is progressing satisfactorily.

2. Naval units are engaged in protecting our lines of communication and escorting supply vessels to our occupying forces.

3. U. S. Army and Allied shore-based aircraft are continuing to attack Japanese air bases and ship concentrations in enemy-held harbors.

No. 107 August 17, 1942

South Pacific Area.

1. It is now possible to issue some details of the attacks and landing operations which have been in progress in the Solomon Islands since the early morning of August 7 (local time).

2. The attacks were a complete surprise to the enemy and 18 of their seaplanes were destroyed before they could get into action.

3. Transport-borne, amphibious forces of the U. S. Marine Corps made several landings on islands in the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area. Vigorous enemy resistance was rapidly overcome and a number of Japanese prisoners were taken. The shore positions taken by U. S. forces have since been developed and are now well established.

During these landing operations, cruisers and destroyers were so disposed as to protect our transports and cargo ships as they unloaded troops and equipment. While thus engaged on August 7 and August 8, our forces were attacked by enemy land-based aircraft. These attacks were driven off and at least 18 more enemy planes destroyed, while only minor damage was suffered by our forces.

5. During the night of August 8-9 an enemy force of cruisers and destroyers attempted to attack our transports, cargo ships and supporting forces. This enemy force was intercepted and engaged by our cruisers and destroyers. The heavy fighting which followed resulted in the enemy being forced to retreat before reaching the vessels engaged in the landing operations. The close-range fighting during this night engagement resulted in damage both to the enemy and to our forces. This night action is the only engagement between surface forces which has been fought to date in the Solomon Islands.

6. It is impossible, in night engagements, to determine accurately the damage inflicted on the opposing force. No further statement is made at this time of the extent of damage to our forces because of the obvious value of such information to the enemy.

No. 108 August 19, 1942

North Pacific Area.

1. A U. S. submarine has reported the sinking of a Japanese cruiser or destroyer in the western Aleutian area. Conditions made impossible an exact identification of the type of ship.

2. This sinking has not been announced in any previous Navy Department communiqué.

No. 109 August 20, 1942

The following communiqué is based upon reports received up to 3:30 p. m. (e. w. t.) on August 20, 1942:

South Pacific Area.

1. U. S. Marines are engaged in "mopping up" remnants of the Japanese forces on the islands which were recently captured in the Solomon Archipelago.

2. Casual bombardments of our shore positions by enemy aircraft, destroyers, and submarines have inflicted only minor damage.

3. An enemy destroyer or cruiser was bombed and set afire by our aircraft.

4. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 110 August 22, 1942

The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué:

Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the following results of operations in Far Eastern waters:

(a) Two large cargo ships sunk.

(b) One large transport sunk.

(d) One medium-sized cargo ship damaged by one torpedo hit.

2. These actions were not related to the operations in the Solomon Islands.

North Pacific.

3. A U. S. submarine has reported the sinking of a large Japanese merchant ship in the Aleutian area.

4. The above actions have not been announced in any previous Navy Department communiqué.

No. 111 August 25, 1942

The following communiqué is based on reports received up to 11 a. m. (e. w. t.) on August 25, 1942:

South Pacific.

1. U. S. naval and air forces are engaged in a large-scale battle at sea in an attempt to repel a strong Japanese striking force which has approached the southeastern group of the Solomon Islands from the northeastward.

2. It was expected that our occupation of the important enemy base at Tulagi would be countered by a violent attempt on the part of the enemy to recapture their shore bases in this area. This counterattack has developed and is now being met.

3. Preliminary reports indicate that the enemy striking force has been attacked by U. S. Army "Flying Fortresses" and that our carrier-based naval aircraft are in action.

4. Army bombers attacked a large Japanese carrier and reported four hits. U. S. carrier aircraft attacked and severely damaged the smaller Japanese carrier Ryuzyo. Several enemy cruisers and a battleship also have been hit by our carrier planes.

5. During the afternoon of August 23 (Washington date) a strong enemy air attack on Guadalcanal Island was intercepted by our fighters and at least 21 enemy aircraft were shot down. Our losses in this action were minor.

6. During the night of August 23-24 (Washington date) enemy destroyers shelled our shore positions on Guadalcanal.

7. On August 24 (Washington date) U. S. aircraft hit and damaged an enemy transport and a cruiser north of Guadalcanal and left both burning fiercely.

8. The action continues.

No. 112 August 26, 1942

The following communiqué is based on reports received up to 2 p. m., (e. w. t.), on August 26, 1942:

South Pacific.

1. It is still too early to estimate the outcome of the battle at sea being fought off the Solomon Islands, but reports to date reveal that our forces at Guadalcanal are holding their positions in the face of strong enemy thrusts and in each action have inflicted heavy damage on the attacking Japanese forces.

2. During the previously reported shelling of Guadalcanal Island on the night of August 23-24 (Washington date) our dive bombers damaged an enemy destroyer.

3. The enemy force of transports, cruisers, and destroyers which approached Guadalcanal from the northward on August 24 (Washington date) was attacked by U. S. Marine and naval aircraft based on Guadalcanal. In addition to the cruiser which was previously reported burning fiercely, one destroyer and four additional ships were left burning and the transport which was reported to have been hit during this attack was later seen abandoned as the enemy force withdrew.

4. The performance of our fighter aircraft based at Guadalcanal has been outstanding. As previously reported, a strong enemy air attack on Guadalcanal, during the afternoon of August 23 (Washington date), was intercepted by these fighters. Twenty-one enemy planes were shot down. Our loss was 3 planes. On August 25 (Washington date) Guadalcanal was attacked by 16 two-motored bombers escorted by 12 "Zero" fighters. Our fighters met this force and shot down 7 bombers and 5 "Zero" fighters. Our loss was 1 fighter.

5. The results, to date, of the battle for the retention of our foothold in the southeastern Solomons are encouraging.

No. 113 August 27, 1942

South Pacific.

1. Since the issuance of Navy Department Communiqué No. 112, there has been no further action in the sea battle off the Solomon Islands.

2. Japanese surface forces appear to have withdrawn from the vicinity of our positions in the Tulagi area.

Atlantic.

3. The U. S. destroyer Ingraham has been sunk as a result of a collision in a fog in the Atlantic.

4. The next of kin of those lost have been notified.

No. 114 August 29, 1942

The following communiqué is based on reports received up to 12 noon(e. w. t.), on August 29,1942:

South Pacific.

1. During the late afternoon of August 27 (Washington date) a U. S. aircraft patrol, based on Guadalcanal Island, in the Solomon Archipelago, sighted one small and three large Japanese destroyers. These ships appeared to be loaded with supplies and equipment for isolated Japanese patrols believed to be operating near the eastern end of Santa Isabel Island.

2. After reporting contact, the patrol planes attacked and secured one hit on the small destroyer.

3. A striking force of "Douglas" dive bombers from Guadalcanal answered the contact report by proceeding to attack the three large destroyers. The attack resulted in the following damage to the enemy:

(a) One large destroyer sunk as the result of a heavy explosion

following bomb hits.

(b) A second large destroyer severely damaged and probably sunk.

4. During this attack the striking force observed that the destroyer previously hit by the patrol planes was crippled and burning.

5. No further action has been reported in this area.

No. 115 August 29, 1942

South Pacific (All dates given are east longitude, one day later than Washington date).

1. The position of our forces in the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area has been sufficiently well established to warrant the release of details of the action in the Solomon Islands, which has been in progress since the early morning of August 7.

2. The operation was carried out under the direction of the Commander Naval Forces, South Pacific, Vice Admiral R. L. Ghormley, and under the general direction of the Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. The amphibious landing force of U. S. Marines was under the immediate command of Maj. Gen. A. A. Vandergrift, U. S. M. C. The transport force was commanded by Rear Admiral R. K. Turner and the supporting ships were under the command of Vice Admiral Frank J. Fletcher.

3. Our approach to the area of operations was accomplished under cover of an overcast which made aerial reconnaissance difficult. On the night of August 6-7 the weather cleared and our transports and screening forces proceeded unopposed to their assigned positions. During the early morning hours of August 7, under the strong protection of carrier-based aircraft and supporting fire from surface vessels, the actual landing operations were commenced. A complete surprise had been effected and 18 Japanese seaplanes and a small schooner were caught in the harbor and sunk, Our carrier-based planes covered the entire operation, dive-bombing shore batteries, supply stations and centers of enemy resistance while maintaining an alert against possible enemy air attack.

4. Specially trained and fully equipped Marine Corps troops were transported to the beaches in landing craft and beachheads were soon established. Varying degrees of resistance were encountered but by nightfall our troops were in possession of a strong beachhead in the Tenaru River region on Guadalcanal and had captured most of Tulagi, all of Gavutu, and had occupied a position at Halavo on Florida Island. During the night and early the following morning the island of Tanambogo, which is connected to Gavutu by a causeway, was taken in the face of strong opposition.

5. Before, during and after these attacks, long-range Army bombers, some under the command of Gen. Douglas MacArthur and others under the command of Vice Admiral Ghormley, were engaged in coordinated search operations. These bombers, while so engaged, delivered heavy attacks on enemy ships and air bases in the New Britain, New Guinea, and Solomon Islands area.

6. The first enemy counterattack developed at about 3:20 p. m. on August 7 when 25 heavy bombers attacked the occupying forces. No hits were scored by the enemy and antiaircraft fire from our surface ships brought down two of these bombers and damaged two others. Shortly after 4:00 p. m., 10 enemy dive bombers attacked our ships. A bomb hit damaged one of our destroyers while 2 of the enemy planes were shot down by antiaircraft fire.

7. Our operations on August 7 resulted in heavy loss to the enemy in both men and aircraft, loss of control of all vital positions in the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area, and the loss of large quantities of supplies when positions were surrendered. We suffered one destroyer damaged but

our losses in men and aircraft during the first day's operations were moderate.

8. During the night of August 7 and throughout the following morning, supplies and equipment were hurriedly unloaded from ships and sent ashore to assist our patrols in consolidating their gains.

This work was carried on in the face of sporadic attacks by scattered enemy troops against whom continued assaults were made.

9. At about noon on August 8, 40 or more enemy torpedo planes attacked our ships in the harbor. One destroyer and 1 unloaded transport were hit. Twelve enemy planes were shot down by ships' antiaircraft and fighters and 2 were destroyed by gunfire from shore batteries. During the enemy air attacks on August 7 and August 8 our carrier-based aircraft and antiaircraft batteries, in addition to dive-bombing enemy shore batteries and supply centers, shot down 47 enemy planes of different types.

10. By sundown on August 8, the area occupied by our troops on Guadalcanal Island had been expanded and the airfield, which the Japanese had nearly completed, was in our possession. Enemy resistance on the islands of Tulagi, Gavutu, and Tanambogo had been overcome and large quantities of ammunition and supplies were captured as well as equipment which the Japanese were using to develop a major naval base.

11. During the night of August 8-9 unloading from transports and cargo ships continued. The enemy attempted to disrupt these operations by a strong thrust with surface vessels. Our cruisers and destroyers, which were covering the operations, intercepted the attack and forced the enemy to retreat before reaching the vessels engaged in the landing operations. The close-range fighting in this action resulted in damage to the enemy and to our forces. By nightfall on August 9 unloading operations had been completed and our transports and cargo ships left the area.

12. By noon on August 10 the Marines had overcome all major opposition on the islands of Guadalcanal, Tulagi, Gavutu, Tanambogo, Makambo, and portions of Florida Island and were engaged in pursuing isolated patrols which had withdrawn to the interior.

13. "Mopping-up" operations have continued to date. Several small contingents of enemy troops have been landed on the islands which we hold, the largest landing having been made by 700 troops on Guadalcanal

on August 21. Our positions have been bombarded by surface craft and submarines and bombed by aircraft, but our losses as a result of these attacks have been small. Every attempt by the enemy to recapture his lost positions has resulted in the complete annihilation or capture by U. S. Marines of all troops that have landed.

14. On August 23 our reconnaissance aircraft observed several detachments of enemy ships approaching Guadalcanal Island from the north and northeastward. The presence of transports indicated that an attempt to recapture the shore positions in the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area was intended. The action at sea which ended in the withdrawal of the enemy surface forces was described in Navy Department Communiqués Nos. 111 and 112. While this action was in progress enemy aircraft made three attacks in force on Guadalcanal. Naval and Marine fighters, based at the newly captured airfield at Guadalcanal met and repulsed these attacks.

No. 116 August 30, 1942

The following communiqué is based on reports received up to 4 p. m. (e. w. t.) on Aug. 30, 1942:

South Pacific.

1. On August 29 (east longitude date) the Japanese conducted two bombing raids on our positions at Guadalcanal.

2. The first attack was made by 6 planes and was followed, about 8 hours later, by a flight of 18 bombers.

3. Three enemy bombers and 4 "Zero" fighters were shot down. Damage to our positions was minor and no U. S. planes were lost.

No. 117 September 3, 1942

Far East.

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

(a) One Japanese light, cruiser sunk.

(b) Two small freighters sunk.

(d) One small steamer sunk.

(e) Two large tankers damaged.

(f) One medium-sized cargo ship damaged and probably sunk.

2. The above actions are not related to the recent operations in the Solomon Islands and have not been announced in any previous Navy Department communiqué.

No. 118 September 3, 1942

The following communiqué is based on reports received up to 6 p. m. (e. w. t.)

South Pacific.

1. Several new attempts have been made by the Japanese to land and establish small detachments of troops on various islands in the southeastern Solomon group. U. S. land-based aircraft, operating from our Guadalcanal base have attacked the ships engaged in these landing operations. Several hits have been reported but the extent of damage inflicted is not known. The parties which have succeeded in landing are being sought out and engaged by U. S. Marines.

2. During the morning of September 2 (east longitude date) an Army Flying Fortress on patrol off the north coast of Santa Isabel Island bombed and damaged an enemy tanker or seaplane tender, leaving it burning.

3. At about this same time 18 Japanese bombers, escorted by fighters, attacked our installations at Guadalcanal. Three enemy bombers and 4 fighters were shot down by our defending aircraft while antiaircraft batteries shot down an additional fighter. Damage to our positions was minor.

4. In spite of the periodic attacks by enemy aircraft our positions in the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area are steadily being reinforced and strengthened.

No. 119 September 5, 1942

South Pacific.

1. The U. S. destroyer Blue and the small auxiliary transport Colhoun have been sunk during the past 2 weeks in the South Pacific as a result of enemy action.

2. There were few casualties and the next of kin of those lost will be notified as soon as reports are received.

No. 120. September 7, 1942

South Pacific.

1. Shortly after noon on September 5 (east longitude date) 26 Japanese bombers, escorted by 20 "Zero" fighters, attacked our positions at Guadalcanal and inflicted minor damage. Our fighters intercepted the attack and shot down 2 enemy bombers and 1 fighter.

No. 121 September 7, 1942

South Pacific (all dates given are east longitude).

1. Since the capture by U. S. forces of the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area of the Solomon Islands on August 7, supplies and reinforcements have been landed and the development of our shore positions and airfields on Guadalcanal has been steadily pressed.

2. These operations have been opposed by enemy aircraft and submarines and have not been accomplished without some cost. The U. S. destroyer Blue and the small transport Colhoun, whose sinkings were announced in communiqué No. 119, were lost as a result of operations necessary to the supply of our shore bases in the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area.

3. Land-based bombers, supported by fighters, have attacked our positions on numerous occasions, but in no instance has the damage to shore installations been serious. Our Grumman "Wildcats" and "Avengers" at Guadalcanal airfield have intercepted these attacks and have exacted a heavy toll of enemy planes. Enemy submarines have also been active in this area and on several occasions have ineffectually shelled our positions at night.

4. Our air patrols have sighted and attacked several small enemy detachments attempting landings on Guadalcanal and nearby islands. On September 3 our Grumman fighters and Douglas "Dauntless" dive-bombers attacked a landing party near San Jorge Island about 65 miles northwest of the airfield at Guadalcanal. Loaded landing barges were strafed causing heavy loss of life. Many of the small enemy vessels engaged in this operation were sunk.

5. On September 5 the air patrol sighted another landing party near the western end of Guadalcanal. Our air patrol and Curtiss Army pursuit planes, sank three of the landing boats, damaged several others and killed a large number of the troops in these boats.

6. It is believed that these landings have been attempted in order to reinforce isolated Japanese patrols which withdrew to the mountains and jungles in the uninhabited regions of the island when our forces occupied the defended positions. Our Marine forces are continuing their efforts to search out and dispose of these scattered enemy units.

No. 122 September 9, 1942

South Pacific (all dates given are cast longitude).

1. On September 5 a Navy patrol plane shot down a large Japanese four-engined flying boat northeast of the Solomons.

2. On September 6 our aircraft bombed and strafed enemy shore installations at Gizo Island in the New Georgia group of the Solomons. No resistance was encountered.

3. Marines on Guadalcanal continue to seek out and attack Japanese detachments. These are made up of Japanese soldiers that fled to the jungles during our initial landing, on August 7, possibly reinforced by small numbers of troops landed from time to time under cover of darkness.

No. 123 September 12, 1942

South Pacific (all dates given are east longitude).

1. The Japanese are continuing their determined efforts to dislodge American forces from the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area of the Solomon Islands.

2. Enemy air raids against our positions in this area continue. On September 9, 26 enemy bombers escorted by Zero fighters attacked our installations at Guadalcanal. U. S. aircraft shot down 5 bombers and 4 fighters. On September 10, 27 enemy bombers attacked Guadalcanal and 4 of the Japanese planes were shot down. On September 11, 26 enemy bombers with fighters were shot down by U. S. planes.

3. Enemy destroyers have shelled our positions at night but no damage has resulted.

4. On September 11 our Douglas "Dauntless" dive bombers attacked enemy installations on Gizo Island in the New Georgia group. A small enemy surface craft was sunk and considerable damage was done to buildings and installations.

5. U. S. Marines, assisted by dive bombers and fighters, continue to seek out and engage enemy troop units in the interior of Guadalcanal. The enemy has reinforced and supplied these units by means of small craft which approach the shore under cover of darkness. Despite opposition to these landings, it has not been possible to prevent them entirely.

No. 124 September 15, 1942

South Pacific (all dates given are east longitude).

Based on reports received up to 6 p. m. (e. w. t.).

1. Japanese attempts to recapture U. S. positions on Guadalcanal Island have been intensified. Heavy fighting has been in progress since the night of September 12-13 between our Marines and reinforced enemy troops on the island. Details of the fighting are lacking, but reports received to date indicate that the Marines are maintaining their positions.

2. During the past few days the Japanese have increased the intensity of their bombing attacks by aircraft and the bombardment by surface vessels. Some attempts by the enemy to land small detachments of troops at night have been successful.

3. On September 11 Army "Flying Fortresses" shot down four "Zero" fighters in the vicinity of Guadalcanal and strafed shore installations on the island of Gizo. On September 12 Army bombers shot down two enemy seaplanes.

4. During the night of September 12-13 our positions on Guadalcanal were shelled by enemy surface craft. One of these vessels was reported to have been hit by our shore batteries. Contacts with enemy patrols were made during this same night and heavy fighting continued during the following day and night.

5. On September 13 two flights of about 28 enemy bombers each, escorted by "Zero" fighters, attacked the airfield at Guadalcanal. Navy and Marine Corps Grumman "Wildcat" fighters shot down 4 bombers and 4 fighters. This same day Army bombers attacked seaplanes on the water at Rekata Bay on the northwest shore of Santa Isabel Island. One enemy plane was destroyed and a second was damaged.

6. During the night of September 13-14 our positions at Guadalcanal were shelled by enemy surface craft and our troops engaged in heavy fighting with enemy troops, who made an unsuccessful attempt to capture the airfield.

7. On September 14 an enemy flight of 28 bombers, escorted by fighters, attacked Guadalcanal shortly after noon. Navy and Marine fighters shot down 1 bomber and 5 fighters.

No. 125 September 16, 1942

1. The U. S. S. Yorktown (aircraft carrier) was sunk on June 7, 1942, as the result of enemy action during and subsequent to the Battle of Midway. The Navy Department, having good reason to believe that the loss of the Yorktown was not known to the enemy, withheld this pending developments which were vital to the operations announcement which have been in progress in the South Pacific since early August.

2. The Yorktown was put out of action by enemy aircraft attacks with bombs and torpedoes on the afternoon of June 4, as described in Navy Department Communiqué No. 97, of July 14. She was seriously damaged and heavily listed as the result of these attacks, and the crew was forced to abandon ship in view of the imminent danger of her capsizing. Tugs and other salvage vessels were sent to her assistance. A salvage party was placed aboard and she was taken in tow. Progress was slow, but it appeared that she might be saved.

3. By the morning of June 6 the salvage party had been able to reduce the list and the prospects of saving the ship appeared brighter. The U. S. S. Hammann (destroyer) was placed alongside to assist. Shortly after noon on June 6, an enemy submarine scored two torpedo hits amidships on the Yorktown and two torpedo hits on the Hammann alongside. The Hammann sank shortly thereafter, and the condition of the Yorktown became critical. The enemy submarine was attacked by destroyers throughout the day. Results of these attacks indicated that the submarine was certainly damaged and possibly sunk.

4. During the early morning of June 7, the Yorktown capsized and sank as the result of the cumulative damage from aircraft bombs and torpedoes on the 4th, and submarine torpedoes on the 6th.

5. Casualties in the Yorktown were few and were included in the total personnel losses in the Battle of Midway (92 officers and 215 enlisted men) which have been previously reported. The next of kin of those lost have been notified. The Yorktown and the Hammann were the only U. S. ships lost in the Battle of Midway.

No. 126 September 16, 1942

South Pacific (all dates given are east longitude). Based on reports received up to 5:30 p. m. e. w. t.

1. The intensity of the fighting on Guadalcanal Island has decreased and the Marines are still holding their positions. Marine patrols continue active.

2. On September 15 two heavy Army bombers (Boeing "Flying Fortresses") attacked shore installations at Rekata Bay on the northwest coast of Santa Isabel Island. Fires were observed as a result of this bombing.

3. On September 16 Navy and Marine Corps dive bombers (Douglas "Devastators") and Navy torpedo planes (Grumman "Avengers") attacked Japanese cruisers and destroyers south of Choiseul Island. One Cruiser was damaged by a torpedo and a second by bombs.

No. 127 September 16, 1942

North Pacific.

1. On September 4, two long-range Army pursuit planes (Lockheed "Lightnings") accompanied by one Army heavy bomber (Consolidated "Liberator") made a strafing attack on enemy ships, aircraft and shore installations at Kiska Harbor, in the western Aleutian Islands. A four-engined flying boat is believed to have been destroyed on the water and many casualties both aboard ships and ashore were reported.

2. On September 14, a large group of Army heavy bombers (Consolidated "Liberators") accompanied by Army pursuit planes (Bell "Airocobras" and Lockheed "Lightnings") bombed and strafed the same objectives from low altitude. The enemy attempted to repel this attack with planes and weak antiaircraft resistance. The attack resulted in the following damage to the enemy:

(a) Two mine sweepers were sunk.

(b) Three large cargo ships were damaged by bombs.

bombs and machine-gun fire.

(d) Storehouses and supply dumps in the camp area were set fire by

repeated attacks.

(e) Four "Zero" fighters and one small plane were shot down.

(f) One large patrol plane was destroyed on the water.

(g) An estimated 500 troops were either killed or wounded.

3. No U. S. aircraft were lost as a result of enemy action.

No. 128. September 17, 1942

Far East.

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

(a) Two large freighters sunk.

(b) One medium-sized freighter sunk.

(d) One large tanker damaged and left afire.

(e) One large freighter damaged.

(f) One large transport damaged.

(g) One medium-sized cargo ship damaged.

2. These actions have not been announced in any previous Navy Department communiqué, and are not related to operations in the Solomon Islands.

No. 129. September 19, 1942

South Pacific (all dates given are east longitude).

1. Since the unsuccessful attempt of the Japanese to recapture the airfield at Guadalcanal during the night of September 13-14, there has been a lull in the land-fighting on the island. These hostilities have been confined to minor patrol activity, sniping, and occasional skirmishes between small enemy units and U. S. Marines. Supplies and reinforcements have reached our forces.

2. On September 14 Army "Flying Fortresses" attacked a force of enemy ships to the northeastward of Tulagi. This force included battleships and cruisers. Heavy antiaircraft fire was encountered but possible hits on two battleships were reported. When last seen, this force was retiring to the north.

3. On September 15, 16, and 17 Army long-range bombers strafed and bombed Rekata Bay and on September 16 and 17 bombed ships and shore installations at Gizo Island. Results of these attacks were undetermined although fires were observed after the attack on Rekata Bay on the 15th.

No. 130. September 22, 1942

South Pacific (all dates given are east longitude).

1. On September 19 Army heavy bombers (Boeing Flying Fortresses) bombed Gizo Island and bombed and strafed shore installations at Rekata Bay.

2. On September 20 Navy and Marine Corps Douglas dive bombers attacked and damaged a Japanese cruiser northwest of Guadalcanal and bombed shore installations at Rekata Bay.

3. Patrol activity on Guadalcanal was minor during September 18 and September 19, but increased somewhat on September 20. Our positions remain intact.

No. 131. September 24, 1942

South Pacific.

1. The U. S. S. Jarvis (destroyer), which was damaged as a result of enemy air attacks off Guadalcanal, must be presumed lost at sea en route from Tulagi to a southern repair base. The Jarvis has been overdue for several weeks and intensive search by ships and aircraft has failed to locate her or reveal any trace of her personnel. It is assumed that she was sunk by enemy submarines or aircraft.

2. The U. S. S. Little (small auxiliary transport) has been sunk by the enemy in recent operations in the Solomon Islands area. Approximately half of the personnel of the Little were saved.

3. The next of kin of those lost have been notified.

No. 132. September 25, 1942

South Pacific (all dates given are cast longitude).

1. On September 21 Army heavy bombers (Boeing Flying Fortresses) bombed and strafed Gizo Island in the New Georgia Group of the Solomon Islands and attacked enemy installations at Rekata Bay on the northern coast of Santa Isabel Island.

2. On September 23 Army bombers again attacked Rekata Bay. Docks and buildings were damaged and one small float plane was shot down.

3. On September 24 Army bombers attacked a force of enemy transports near Shortland Island, in the western Solomons. This attack was opposed by about 20 Japanese fighters. Three hits were scored on the transports and 1 enemy fighter was shot down.

4. Marine patrols on Guadalcanal have been active in attacking scattered enemy units. These operations have been supported by Navy and Marine Corps Douglas dive bombers which have bombed and strafed enemy-held villages and other points of resistance.

No. 133. September 28, 1942

North Pacific.

1. On September 24 a small force of heavy Army bombers attacked enemy installations on the island of Kiska. Results were not observed.

2. On September 25 a strong force of Army bombers and pursuit planes, accompanied by planes of the Royal Canadian Air Force, attacked shore installations and ships at Kiska. Two submarines were strafed, 6 seaplane fighters were destroyed on the water and a seventh was shot down. Bomb hits started fires on 1 of the 2 transports (or cargo ships) which were found in the harbor and the damaged ship was last seen listed and beached. It was estimated that 150 Japanese were killed or wounded.

No. 134. September 28, 1942

South Pacific (all dates given are east longitude).

1. U. S. Marines on Guadalcanal and Florida Islands in the Solomon Archipelago are continuing active patrol operations against Japanese ground forces. Navy and Marine Corps dive bombers have supported our ground forces in both search and attack. Several small enemy detachments have been engaged and destroyed and our positions have been expanded somewhat.

2. During the period September 25th to September 28th, inclusive, Army, Navy and Marine Corps flyers destroyed 42 enemy aircraft and damaged 3 others without combat loss of any U. S. planes.

3. On September 25th heavy Army bombers attacked Rekata Bay, Tonolei Harbor, and Japanese ships southeast of Buka Passage. At Rekata Bay an enemy seaplane was damaged on the water and several small-gun emplacements were strafed. At Tonolei Harbor one bomb hit was scored on an enemy cruiser and three seaplanes were shot down. A Japanese seaplane tender was damaged by one bomb hit in the action southeast of Buka Passage.

4. On September 26th heavy Army bombers in force attacked enemy ships near Shortland Island. One cruiser was hit and left burning and a large transport (or cargo ship) was heavily bombed and also set afire. This ship probably sank. Six enemy seaplanes were shot down and a seventh was damaged.

5. On September 27th 18 enemy bombers escorted by 13 fighters attacked our positions at Guadalcanal. Intercepting Navy and Marine Corps fighters shot down 4 bombers and 5 fighters.

6. On September 28th 25 enemy bombers escorted by 18 "Zero" fighters attacked our Guadalcanal installations. Navy and Marine Corps fighters again intercepted and forced the attacking bombers to jettison their bombs into the sea. Twenty-three enemy bombers and 1 fighter were destroyed.

No. 135 September 30, 1942

South Pacific (all dates given are east longitude).

1. At about noon on August 8th a Japanese torpedo plane crashed into and set afire the U. S. S. George F. Elliott (naval transport, formerly the S. S. City of Los Angeles) during the torpedo attack announced in paragraph 9 of Navy Department Communiqué No. 115. Burning gasoline started fires which could not be extinguished and the Elliott was abandoned and destroyed. There were few casualties and the next of kin of those lost have been notified.

2. The U. S. S. Gregory (small auxiliary transport) was recently sunk by enemy gunfire off Guadalcanal. Most of her personnel were saved and the next of kin of those lost have been notified.

No. 136 October 2, 1942

Far East.

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

1 large seaplane tender sunk.

1 large cargo passenger ship sunk.

1 large freighter sunk.

2 medium sized cargo ships sunk.

2 medium sized cargo ships damaged and probably sunk.

1 large tanker damaged.

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

No. 137 October 2, 1942

North Pacific.

1. On September 27th Army Liberator bombers dropped bombs on enemy ships and shore installations at Kiska. One Zero fighter was shot down. Damage to bomb objectives could not be determined. All our planes returned.

2. On the same date near the island of Attu three Army bombers attacked a transport, escorted by a destroyer. Near misses damaged the transport which, when last seen, had stopped.

3. During the morning of September 28th a strong force of Army 3 heavy bombers, escorted by pursuit craft, again bombed enemy ships and buildings at Kiska. Zero fighters and antiaircraft batteries on surface vessels attempted to repel this attack. A transport and a submarine were damaged and probably sunk and five Zero fighters were shot down. One of our pursuit planes was lost.

4. During the afternoon of September 28th Army bombers again attacked the Kiska area, strafing and bombing ships and shore facilities. Results of this attack are not known.

5. During this same afternoon Army planes attacked an enemy cargo ship northwest of Kiska. The ship was bombed and strafed and left in a damaged condition.

No. 138 October 3, 1942

North Pacific.

1. U. S. Army troops, covered and supported by units of the U. S. Navy, have recently occupied positions in the Andreanof group of the Aleutian Islands. Occupation was effected without enemy opposition. Army aircraft, including B-24 (Consolidated) and B-17 (Flying Fortress) bombers, and P-38 (Lockheed Lightning), P-39 (Bell Airacobra), and P-40 (Curtiss) pursuit planes, are now operating from air fields in these islands.

2. On September 29th the enemy cargo ship which was attacked northwest of Kiska on the 28th was again bombed and strafed by Army air-

craft. No opposition was encountered and the ship appeared to have been abandoned.

3. On September 30th, in the face of considerable antiaircraft opposition. Army Consolidated B-24's bombed ships in the harbor at Kiska. An enemy transport was set afire by two direct hits. The camp area also was bombed and several fires resulted. All our planes returned.

No. 139 October 5, 1942

Pacific Area.

1. The U. S. S. Grunion (submarine) has been overdue in the Pacific for some time and must be presumed to be lost.

2. The next of kin of the personnel of the Grunion have been notified.

No. 140 October 5, 1942

North Pacific.

1. Army bombers, operating from our new bases in the Andreanof group of the Aleutian Islands, are making almost daily raids on Kiska. Weather conditions have favored these operations and the enemy has been under continual fire.

2. On October 1st and 2d many demolition and incendiary bomb hits were scored on the camp area and the seaplane hangar. Five enemy seaplanes were shot down during the raid on October 2d.

3. Although no hits were observed on the three cargo ships present at Kiska, subsequent photographic reconnaissance revealed that two of these ships were damaged by bombs and were beached.

No. 141 October 5, 1942

South Pacific

1. U. S. Marines are maintaining their positions on Guadalcanal while our air forces are continuing to attack the enemy over a wide area.

Clashes with enemy patrols have been frequent but there has been no major change in positions. In spite of our determined air attacks it has not been possible to prevent the enemy from landing small troop reinforcements on Guadalcanal under cover of darkness.

2. On September 29th:

(a) A small group of Japanese heavy bombers with strong fighter escort raided our positions at Guadalcanal. Our fighters shot down four enemy fighters and forced the bombers to jettison their bombs before reaching their objectives.

(b) Navy and Marine Corps dive bombers, assisted by Army pursuit planes, raided enemy small craft carrying supplies to troops on Guadalcanal and bombed and strafed enemy troops and equipment ashore.

(c) Enemy installations at Rekata Bay were bombed and strafed by our search planes. Fires were observed ashore and two enemy seaplanes were destroyed.

3. On September 30th:

(a) Rekata Bay was attacked by Navy dive bombers. A munitions dump was set afire and two enemy aircraft were damaged.

(b) Navy and Marine Corps dive bombers and Army pursuit planes continued attacks on enemy troop concentrations and supply dumps on Guadalcanal.

4. On October 1st:

(a) Army pursuit planes continued attacks on enemy ground forces on Guadalcanal.

(b) Navy and Marine Corps dive bombers and torpedo planes attacked four Japanese destroyers to the south of the New Georgia group. These ships are believed to have been covering a small landing which the enemy made at Viru Harbor on the night of September 30th. One destroyer was hit and damaged and when last seen was dead in the water.

5. On October 2d:

(a) The Japanese again attacked Guadalcanal with a small group of bombers, heavily protected by fighters. Our intercepting fighters shot down four enemy fighters. No bombs were dropped.

(b) Army heavy bombers attacked Rekata Bay but results were not observed.

[1] The Greenwich Island referred to in the above is the Kapingamarangi Island ... Known as Greenwich Island.

No. 142. October 6, 1942

South Pacific (all dates given are east longitude).

Based on reports received up to 5:30 p. m., e. w. t.

1. On October 3d:

(a) A small group of Japanese bombers, preceded by about 30 Zero fighters attempted to raid U. S. installations on Guadalcanal. Antiaircraft batteries shot down two enemy fighters while nine more of the attacking Zeros were shot down by seven Navy Wildcat fighters. The enemy bombers turned back and dropped no bombs. One U. S. plane was lost but the pilot was saved.

2. During the night of October 3d-October 4th Navy and Marine Corps dive bombers attacked an enemy heavy cruiser and several destroyers which were engaged in landing troop reinforcements on Guadalcanal. At least one hit was scored on the cruiser. One of our planes was shot down but the crew was saved.

3. On October 4th:

(a) Shortly after daybreak a group of Navy and Marine Corps torpedo bombers scored two torpedo hits on the cruiser which was still smoking as a result of the previous bomb hit.

(b) Army pursuit planes and Navy and Marine Corps dive bombers bombed and strafed Japanese troops and supply dumps on Guadalcanal.

4. During the above period there was little activity between ground forces on Guadalcanal. The enemy continued to land small detachments of troops on the island under cover of darkness.

No. 143 October 7, 1942

North Pacific.

1. (a) Reconnaissance by our aircraft has failed to detect any signs of continued enemy occupancy or activity on Attu and Agattu in the western Aleutians for several weeks.

(b) In the latter part of September, Army aircraft bombed Attu, destroying most of the buildings on the island. A study of photographs made during the raid revealed no trace of the enemy on Attu at that time. A similar situation has been observed at Agattu.

2. Attacks by our aircraft on Kiska continue. On October 5th, Army Liberator bombers, escorted by fighters, dropped many demolition and incendiary bombs on the camp area. Hits were made on the seaplane

hangar, and six enemy seaplane fighters were shot down. Only light antiaircraft opposition was encountered and all of our aircraft returned.

No. 144 October 8, 1942

South Pacific (all dates given are east longitude).

1. During recent weeks our long-range reconnaissance aircraft observed a large number of enemy ships concentrating in the Shortland Island area, south of the island of Bougainville.

2. On October 5th, Navy carrier-based aircraft from a task force under the operational control of Vice Admiral R. L. Ghormley, attacked the enemy ships while long-range bombers under the command of Gen. Douglas MacArthur coordinated in the attack plan with simultaneous raids on Japanese bases in nearby islands. These latter raids have been announced by General MacArthur.

3. Despite unfavorable weather, our carrier-based aircraft inflicted the following damage on enemy ships and installations.

(a) One heavy cruiser damaged by heavy bombs.

(b) One transport damaged by heavy bombs.

(d) Two cargo ships damaged by light bombs.

(e) One cruiser and one destroyer strafed in the harbor at Shortland Island.

(f) Four four-engined flying boats destroyed on the water at Faisi and six damaged by strafing.

(g) Two seaplanes and two bombers destroyed in the Shortland Island area.

(h) Airfield at Kieta damaged by bombs.

4. Our task force suffered no loss of personnel or planes and no damage to any ship.

5. The necessity of preserving radio silence, in order to avoid disclosure of our ships' positions, delayed receipt of the above report of the action.

No. 145 October 9, 1942

North Pacific.

1. On October 6th, Army "Liberator" bombers, escorted by "Airacobra" and "Lightning" fighters, dropped approximately 7 tons of bombs

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on the area surrounding the seaplane hangar at Kiska. Eight more tons of bombs were dropped on the camp area and fires were started.

2. Two cargo ships in the harbor were attacked and one was left on fire and sinking. The radio station was damaged by strafing. One seaplane was destroyed on the water and another was damaged.

3. Reconnaissance over Attu and Agattu on the same date failed to reveal any enemy activity on these islands.

Atlantic.

4. The U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Muskeget, formerly the S. S. Cornish of the Eastern Steamship Lines, has been overdue in the Atlantic for some time and must be presumed to be lost.

5. The next of kin of the personnel of the Muskeget have been notified.

No. 146 October 10, 1942

South Pacific (all dates cast longitude).

1. During the night of October 5-6, Navy and Marine Corps dive bombers and torpedo planes from Guadalcanal attacked six enemy destroyers which had been located by our search planes. These ships were attempting to assist enemy landing operations at the northwestern end of the island. One destroyer was sunk and another damaged.

2. During the night of October 7-8, the enemy continued to reinforce his troops on Guadalcanal.

3. During the evening of October 8th, Navy and Marine Corps dive bombers and torpedo planes, assisted by fighters, attacked an enemy surface force northwest of Guadalcanal. This force, containing one cruiser of the Kako class and five destroyers, was covering enemy landing operations on the northwestern tip of the island. The cruiser received one torpedo hit and was further damaged by bombs. For enemy seaplanes were shot down during the air battle which followed our attack and two of our planes were lost. Airplane observers reported the cruiser still burning on the afternoon of October 9th.

4. Additional details have been received of the coordinated attacks on enemy ship concentrations and Japanese bases in the northwestern Solomon Islands, which were announced in Navy Department Communiqué‚

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No. 144. These attacks, on October 5th, were executed simultaneously in three phases, namely:

(a) Carrier-based planes from a Pacific Task Force attacked enemy ships in the Shortland Island area and bombed the airfield at Kieta (previously reported).

(b) Army heavy bombers from the Southwest Pacific attacked Japanese bases in nearby islands (previously reported).

(c) Army, Navy, and Marine Corps land-based aircraft in the South Pacific attacked enemy positions at Buka Island, Gizo Island, and Rekata Bay.

At Buka the parking area was bombed and several planes were damaged. At Gizo results were not observed. At Rekata Bay beach installations were bombed and two seaplanes were shot down. One seaplane and a small launch were destroyed on the water.

No. 147. October 12, 1942

(All dates are east longitude).

1. Certain initial phases of the Solomon Islands campaign, not announced previously for military reasons, can now be reported.

2. Reconnaissance during last June and July revealed enemy activity of marked significance in the Japanese controlled Solomon Islands. An airfield was in process of construction on Guadalcanal Island and facilities of other nearby bases were being expanded rapidly. This expansion in the Solomons, together with increased activity in Eastern New Guinea, clearly indicated that the enemy was attempting to establish and maintain control of the air and sea in the Solomon Islands area. Establishment of such control would have put the Japanese in a position to launch a sea-bourne thrust at Port Darwin and Australia, and would have seriously threatened our supply lines to Australia and New Zealand as well as to our island bases in the New Hebrides, New Caledonia, and the Fiji Islands.

3. It was necessary, therefore, that these designs of the enemy be blocked by our capturing and utilizing his key positions in the southeastern Solomons. This was accomplished on August 7th, when U. S. forces surprised and captured Japanese positions in the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area, as described in Navy Department Communiqué‚s 107 and 115 and Admiral King's statement on August 10th.

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4. Vigorous opposition was offered to the consolidation of our positions. Throughout August 7th and August 8th, enemy planes carried out raids on our shore positions, transports and fleet units. These raids did not prevent U. S. Marines from seizing most of the key positions in the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area by the afternoon of August 8th. Meanwhile, additional troops, supplies and equipment were being unloaded from transports and supply ships, and it was imperative that these operations be successfully completed. To this end screening groups of allied cruisers and destroyers were placed on both sides of Savo Island to guard the western entrances to the transport area. An additional screening force was stationed near the transports to provide close coverage within the harbor.

5. At about 11:45 a. m. on the night of August 8-9, enemy aircraft dropped flares over our transports and supply ships. Simultaneously, a force of enemy cruisers and destroyers skirted the south coast of Savo Island at high speed, headed in the direction of the transports and supply ships which were silhouetted in the illuminated area. The rapidly moving enemy sighted our covering unit located southeast of Savo and opened fire immediately with guns and torpedoes, seriously damaging and setting fire to the Australian cruiser, H. M. A. S. Canberra. It later became necessary to abandon the Canberra and she sank the following morning, as already announced. Following a brief engagement with our southeastern screen the Japanese altered course to proceed through the passage northeast of Savo Island. Here the Japanese force encountered our northeast screen of cruisers and destroyers and a battle at dose range resulted. The action was fought with guns and torpedoes, with targets illuminated by searchlights and starshells. The enemy fire was heavy and accurate and the U. S. cruisers Quincy and Vincennes were hit repeatedly and sank during the night. A third cruiser, the U. S. S. Astoria, was badly damaged and burned throughout the night. She sank the following morning.

6. It was not possible to determine the extent of damage inflicted on the Japanese ships by our screening forces. The enemy withdrew to the northwest without attempting an attack on our transports and supply ships. Although a majority of the personnel was saved, there still were many casualties as a result of the sinking of the four Allied cruisers. The next of kin of those lost and wounded have been notified. The loss of these four cruisers has now been offset by the appropriate reallocation of ships which is made possible by new ship construction.

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No. 148 October 13, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On October 9th:

(a) During the morning Marine Corps aircraft attacked a Japanese force of two light cruisers and four destroyers in the area north of New Georgia Island. A direct hit damaged one of the cruisers and when last seen she was down by the bow. The second cruiser was also attacked and minor damage was reported. Three of the enemy seaplanes which attempted to fight off our attack were shot down.

(b) Navy and Marine Corps search planes bombed enemy antiaircraft installations at Rekata Bay and strafed seaplanes on the water. The results of this attack are not known.

2. On October 11th:

(a) Four waves of Japanese bombers with fighter escort totaling about 35 bombers and 30 fighters attempted to bomb our positions at Guadalcanal. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps fighters intercepted and forced the bombers to drop their loads in an open field. Eight enemy bombers and 4 Zero fighters were shot down. Two U. S. fighter planes were lost.

(b) United States Marines succeeded in extending our positions to the westward on the north shore of Guadalcanal Island after 2 days of offensive operations. Army fighters assisted by strafing enemy troops and installations and the enemy suffered many casualties.

No. 149 October 13, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On various occasions during recent weeks the Japanese were successful in increasing the number of their troops on Guadalcanal Island by night landings from cruisers, destroyers, and small transports. Navy and Marine Corps aircraft from Guadalcanal persistently attacked these landing parties but air attack alone did not stop the landings. For this reason a task group of United States cruisers and destroyers was ordered to intercept enemy ships attempting further landings.

2. At about midnight on the night of October 11-12, this task group engaged a force of enemy cruisers, destroyers and transports to the westward of Savo Island. After a 30-minute battle fought with guns and torpedoes, the enemy was forced to abandon his landing attempt and withdraw. Several of our ships received minor to moderate damage, and

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one U. S. destroyer was sunk. During the engagement our forces sank one heavy cruiser (Nati or Atago class), four destroyers and an enemy transport of about 5,000 tons.

3. During the morning of October 12th, Navy and Marine Corps torpedo planes and dive bombers left Guadalcanal to locate and attack the retreating enemy ships. At about 10 o'clock, two enemy cruisers were overtaken south of New Georgia Island. A torpedo hit was obtained on one cruiser, and several bombs exploded nearby. The cruiser was left dead in the water and burning.

4. During the afternoon of October 12th, an air group from Guadalcanal attacked an enemy cruiser and a destroyer, also in the area south of New Georgia Island. A direct bomb hit severely damaged and stopped the cruiser. When last seen her crew were abandoning ship. It is believed that this cruiser had been damaged during the previous engagements. A direct hit and several near misses set fire to the destroyer accompanying the cruiser, and she was left in a sinking condition.

5. Reports received to date indicate that as a result of the night action of October 11th-12th and the air attacks on October 12th, the enemy suffered the following minimum of damage:

(a) One heavy cruiser sunk.

(b) One cruiser badly damaged and out of action.

(d) One medium-sized transport sunk.

(e) One destroyer probably sunk.

6. The destroyer mentioned in paragraph 2 was the only U. S. ship lost in these actions.

No. 150. October 13, 1942

North Pacific.

1. On the 8th, 9th, and 10th of October, Army heavy bombers, escorted by fighters, continued to bomb enemy installations and ships in the harbor of Kiska. Both demolition and incendiary bombs were used. Targets for these bombings were chiefly the camp and hangar area and enemy ships in the harbor. Fires were observed ashore and damage was reported on the ships in the harbor.

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2. In these attacks only moderate antiaircraft opposition was experienced and no hostile planes were observed in the air. Although receiving minor damage all of our planes returned.

3. The various types of Army aircraft employed in these raids were:

Consolidated "Liberator" bombers.

Boeing "Flying Fortress" bombers.

Lockheed "Lightning" fighters.

Bell "Airacobra" fighters.

No. 151 October 14, 1942

Far East.

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

(a) One heavy cruiser sunk.

(b) One medium-sized cargo ship sunk.

(d) One small tanker sunk.

(e) One large tanker damaged.

(f) One medium-sized cargo ship damaged and probably sunk.

(g) One medium-sized tanker damaged.

(h) One small trawler sunk.

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

No. 152 October 14, 1942

The following communiqué‚ is based on reports received up to 7:30 p. m., October 14 (Washington time):

South Pacific (all dates below are east longitude).

1. On the night of October 13-14, Japanese surface vessels bombarded our airfield and shore installations on Guadalcanal.

2. Information has just been received that during the early morning of October 15th, troops from enemy transports covered by naval units were landing on the north coast of Guadalcanal to the westward of our positions.

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No. 153 October 15, 1942

South Pacific (all dates below are east longitude).

1. Dispatches from our forces in the South Pacific reveal the following chronological developments leading up to the current battle in the Guadalcanal area.

2. On October 12th:

(a) During the morning, Army Flying Fortresses bombed the airfield and shore establishments on the island of Buka. Fires were started and 10 wrecked or damaged bombers and fighters were observed on the ground.

(b) Army bombers hit and set fire to one cargo ship at Buin and damaged another. Six enemy fighters were shot down.

(c) Navy and Marine Corps aircraft attacked enemy ships south of New Georgia Island (reported in Navy Department Communiqué‚ No. 149)

3. On October 13th:

(a) During the afternoon the airfield at Guadalcanal was twice bombed by enemy aircraft. Three enemy planes were shot down and one U. S. fighter was lost.

(b) By nightfall U. S. auxiliaries had landed reinforcements for our troops at Guadalcanal. Although these ships were attacked by enemy bombers, no damage was suffered and our ships unloaded and withdrew.

(c) During the night of October 13-14, the airfield and shore installations at Guadalcanal were heavily bombarded by an enemy surface force believed to have contained battleships, cruisers and destroyers (reported in Navy Department Communiqué‚ No. 152). Shore batteries scored three hits on enemy destroyers during the bombardment.

4. On October 14th:

(a) During the afternoon Guadalcanal airfield was attacked by two separate groups of enemy bombers, each with fighter escort. Our fighters were unable to intercept the first flight, which contained about 25 bombers. During the second attack they shot down 9 of the 15 bombers in the group and destroyed 4 fighters. One U. S. fighter was lost.

5. On October 15th:

(a) During the early morning (reported in Navy Department Communiqué‚ No. 152) enemy transports, covered by destroyers, cruisers, and

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a battleship, were sighted off Savo Island. This force proceeded to land troops on the north coast of Guadalcanal Island to the westward of our airfield. An aircraft striking group attacked the enemy ships and reports indicate that three direct hits were made on one transport and that two other transports were left burning. The Japanese battleship was damaged and one enemy fighter was shot down.

6. Other enemy forces including heavy units have been sighted in the vicinity of Guadalcanal.

7. U. S. Army troops are participating in the defense of Guadalcanal.

No. 154 October 15, 1942

South Pacific (all dates below are east longitude)

1. During the night of October 14-15, our positions on Espiritu Santo Island in the New Hebrides group were shelled by an enemy ship, believed to have been a submarine.

2. Shortly after noon on October 15th, our shore positions on Guadalcanal were bombed by about 2-7 enemy bombers. No details were reported.

3. On the afternoon of October 15th, the three enemy transports which were reported damaged in Navy Department Communiqué‚ No. 153 were observed beached and still burning.

4. On the afternoon of October 15th, enemy surface forces, including two transports were still in the vicinity of Savo Island.

5. No report pertaining to land-fighting on Guadalcanal has been received.

No. 155 October 16, 1942

North Pacific.

1. On October 11th, Army long-range bombers dropped 6 tons of demolition bombs on the camp area at Kiska. Results were not observed.

2. On October 14th, Army "Liberator" bombers, accompanied by "Lightning" fighters, dropped incendiary bombs on the camp area at Kiska starting many large fires. No enemy aircraft opposition was encountered. Our fighters strafed and destroyed three enemy seaplanes on the water. One of our fighters was lost.

3. Three beached and two sunken ships, the result of previous bombings, were observed in the vicinity of the harbor at Kiska.

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No. 156 October 16, 1942

South Pacific (all dates below are east longitude).

1. A large number of enemy troops with equipment have been landed on Guadalcanal Island and our positions are now being shelled by enemy artillery on the island.

2. The following additional details of the action in the Solomon Islands in recent days have been received:

(a) During the morning of October 14th our search planes strafed and damaged nine enemy planes on the beach at Rekata Bay.

(b) During the same afternoon Navy and Marine Corps dive bombers, with fighter escort, left Guadalcanal and made two attacks on the enemy transports which were approaching the island. Minor damage was reported and one U. S. fighter was lost.

(c) During the night of October 14-15, our positions on Guadalcanal were shelled by enemy vessels to the northward of the island. U. S. motor torpedo boats attacked these ships and reported one probable torpedo hit on a cruiser.

3. A large group of enemy ships has been observed in the Buin-Faisi area near Shortland Island, in addition to the various units in the southeastern Solomons.

No. 157 October 17, 1942

North Pacific.

1. On October 15th:

(a) Army "Marauder" bomber (Martin B-26's) attacked and damaged an enemy cargo ship in Gertrude Cove on the south coast of Kiska Island. At least one direct hit set fire to the ship, which was seen still burning several hours later. One U. S. plane was shot down by antiaircraft fire.

(b) Army "Marauders" also attacked two Japanese destroyers to the northeastward of Kiska. Both destroyers were damaged, one by three hits and the other by one hit, resulting in probable sinking of the former.

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No. 158 October 17, 1942

South Pacific (all dates below are cast longitude).

1. Although large numbers of Japanese troops are known to be on Guadalcanal Island, there has been, as yet, no full-scale land fighting.

2. Our land, sea, and air forces of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps are engaged in meeting a serious enemy assault, the outcome of which is still undecided. Our losses in the current fighting, to date, have been minor, but in a battle of this nature losses must be expected.

3. The following additional details of the action in recent days have been received:

(a) During the air attack on Guadalcanal, shortly after noon on October 15 (reported in Navy Department Communiqué‚ No. 154), three enemy bombers and five fighters were shot down.

(b) During the night of October 15-16, enemy surface vessels bombarded our positions on Guadalcanal for about an hour. Naval aircraft made a night torpedo attack on a group of enemy vessels to the eastward of the Solomons. One torpedo hit on an enemy cruiser was reported.

(c) During the morning of October 16th, our aircraft from Guadalcanal attacked enemy troop positions along the northwest coast of the island. During the late afternoon Navy and Marine Corps dive bombers attacked two enemy transports and accompanying destroyers in the area west of New Georgia Island. Direct hits damaged and set fire to one transport and the second is believed to have been damaged by near misses.

All information on the fighting in the Solomons which is not of value to the enemy is being announced as soon as possible after being received.

No. 159 October 18, 1942

South Pacific (all dates below are east longitude).

1. The Japanese are continuing to bomb our airfield and shore positions on Guadalcanal Island and it is believed that enemy troops and equipment are being disposed for a strong assault against our airfield,

2. There have been no reports of enemy landings on Guadalcanal since October 15th, but heavy concentrations of enemy ships are still reported in the Buin-Shortland area.

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3. On October 16th, Army Flying Fortresses and Navy and Marine Corps aircraft repeatedly attacked the enemy troops and equipment which have been assembled in force on the northwest end of Guadalcanal.

4. On October 17th:

(a) During the early morning about 14 enemy bombers escorted by 3 fighters attacked our airfield and shore positions. U. S. fighters and antiaircraft batteries reported the destruction of all of the bombers and 2 of the fighters.

(b) During the early afternoon another group of about 15 enemy bombers and a number of fighters carried out a second raid on our positions. One enemy bomber was reported probably destroyed and 1 U. S. plane was lost during the morning and afternoon raids.

No. 160 October 18, 1942

North Pacific.

1. On October 16th Army "Marauder" bombers carried out low-altitude bombing attacks on two Japanese destroyers to the northwestward of Kiska. The attacks lasted about 45 minutes and resulted in five hits on one of the destroyers and four hits on the other. Heavy explosions and fires resulted and when last seen both ships were stopped and burning and the crews were abandoning ship. One "Marauder" was lost.

No. 161 October 19, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. No recent troop activity or enemy landings on Guadalcanal have been reported. The strong force of enemy warships, transports, and cargo ships which is assembled in the Shortland Island area has been bombed repeatedly by Allied heavy bombers, as announced by General MacArthur.

2. On October 16th:

(a) Our dive bombers attacked enemy installations at Rekata Bay. Several antiaircraft batteries were bombed, fuel stowages were set afire and 12 enemy seaplanes were strafed and burned. One twin-engine bomber was shot down by "Wildcats," and Army "Flying Fortresses" destroyed a large flying boat.

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(b) Four direct bomb hits completed the destruction of two of the three transports which had been previously damaged and beached on the northwest coast of Guadalcanal.

3. On October 17th:

(a) During the morning U. S. surface vessels bombarded enemy positions on northwestern Guadalcanal. Heavy explosions and fires followed hits on ammunition dumps.

(b) Throughout the day our aircraft on Guadalcanal continued to attack enemy shore positions.

(c) During the night of October 17-18, Japanese surface forces shelled our installations on the north coast of the island.

4. On October 18th:

(a) During the early afternoon about 20 enemy bombers, escorted by an equal number of "Zero" fighters, attacked our positions on Guadalcanal. Our Grumman "Wildcats" intercepted and shot down 8 enemy bombers and 11 Zeros. Two of our fighters were lost.

North Pacific.

5. On October 17 (Washington date), Army "Liberator" bombers attacked the camp area at Kiska and bombed the ships which are beached in the harbor. Fifteen tons of bombs were dropped, but an overcast prevented observation of results. Antiaircraft opposition was light and no enemy aircraft were seen.

No. 162 October 20, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. Large numbers of enemy warships and auxiliaries are still reported in the Solomons area, but there have been no further enemy landings on Guadalcanal Island.

2. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps aircraft bombed enemy troops and supply concentrations on Guadalcanal throughout October 18th and 19th. No report has been received of any offensive thrust against our positions by these enemy troops since their landing on October 15th.

3. On October 19th, Army "Flying Fortresses" bombed Rekata Bay and fires were started.

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North Pacific.

4. On October 18th (Washington date), Army "Liberator" bombers dropped 12 tons of bombs on enemy shore installations at Kiska and on a beached ship in the harbor. Fires were observed in the camp area.

No. 163 October 21, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

1. The U. S. S. Meredith (destroyer) and the U. S. S. O'Brien (destroyer) have been lost within the last few days as the result of enemy action in the Solomon Islands area. The report of casualties has not yet been received, but it is believed that all personnel of the O'Brien and many of the personnel of the Meredith were rescued. The Bureau of Naval Personnel will notify by telegram the next of kin of those lost as soon as information is received.

2. Large numbers of enemy ships continue to be sighted in the northern Solomons and small units have been located and attacked in the southern Solomons. There has been little recent troop activity on Guadalcanal and our aircraft are continuing to bomb the enemy positions.

3. On October 19th:

(a) During the early afternoon enemy aircraft attacked our Guadalcanal positions. Our Grumman "Wildcats" shot down two "Zeros" and one "Wildcat" was lost.

(b) During the late afternoon our Douglas "Dauntless" dive bombers attacked three enemy destroyers to the westward of Guadalcanal. One destroyer was damaged and an escorting enemy seaplane was destroyed.

(c) During the night of October 19-20, naval aircraft attacked an enemy cruiser to the westward of Guadalcanal. The cruiser was damaged and stopped by at least one bomb hit.

4. On October 20th:

(a) During the early morning naval aircraft bombed enemy supply dumps and positions on northwest Guadalcanal.

(b) During the late morning approximately 30 "Zero" fighters flew over our airfield. They were followed, about an hour later, by 16 enemy bombers with fighter escort. During these attacks 2 enemy bombers and 7 "Zeros" were shot down. Two U. S. fighters were lost.

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No. 164 October 22, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. No report of any material change in the military situation in the Solomon Islands has been received. On October 20th a minor enemy thrust against the western flank of our troop position on Guadalcanal was repulsed.

2. During the night of October 20-21, an enemy bomber was shot down over Guadalcanal. The bomber, which is believed to have been on a reconnaissance mission, was destroyed by antiaircraft fire.

3. Our aircraft continue active in seeking out and bombing enemy troop and supply concentrations on Guadalcanal Island.

No. 165 October 23, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On October 21st:

(a) U. S. troops repulsed a small enemy force which attacked the western flank of our positions on Guadalcanal Island.

(b) During the late morning, seven enemy bombers, escorted by fighters, attacked our Guadalcanal airfield. Antiaircraft batteries destroyed one bomber and damaged two others. Our Grumman "Wildcats" intercepted and shot down six enemy fighters. Two of our fighters were lost.

(c) Douglas "Dauntless" dive bombers attacked enemy positions on Russell Island, about 30 miles northwest of Guadalcanal.

2. On October 22d:

(a) In the early afternoon, several groups of enemy planes attacked our airfield during bad weather. Grumman "Wildcats" intercepted and shot down one of these groups consisting of five bombers.

(b) During the night of October 22-23, an enemy ship, believed to have been a submarine, shelled our positions on Espiritu Santo Island in the New Hebrides.

No. 166 October 24, 1942

Central and South Pacific.

1. U. S. naval forces have recently carried out operations in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands with the following results:

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(a) Two small enemy patrol vessels were sunk by gunfire near Tarawa Island.

(b) One enemy destroyer and one merchant ship were damaged by gunfire near the same island.

2. There has been no report of any new action in the Solomon Islands area.

No. 167 October 25, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of October 22-23, U. S. long-range aircraft attacked enemy ships in the Shortland Island area of the Solomon Islands. Bombs and torpedoes inflicted the following damage on enemy vessels:

(a) One light cruiser damaged by one direct and one probable torpedo hit.

(b) One destroyer damaged by a bomb hit.

All of our planes returned.

2. During the late morning of October 23d, our airfield at Guadalcanal was attacked by 16 enemy bombers escorted by 20 "Zero" fighters. Our Grumman "Wildcats" intercepted and shot down 1 bomber, damaged 3 others and destroyed the entire fighter escort.

3. During the night of October 23-24, enemy troops, using tanks and heavy artillery barrage, made four attempts to penetrate our western defense lines on Guadalcanal. Our Army and Marine Corps troops and artillery batteries repulsed each attack and destroyed five enemy tanks.

4. During the early morning of October 24th, an additional enemy attack against our western defense lines was broken up by our aircraft and artillery. One U. S. plane was lost.

5. During the night of October 24-25, U. S. aircraft attacked an enemy surface force of several cruisers and destroyers about 300 miles northeast (of Guadalcanal. One cruiser was reported probably damaged by a torpedo.

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6. On October 25th:

(a) During the morning troops from enemy transports were landed on the northwest end of Guadalcanal Island. No amplifying report on these operations has been received.

(b) During the day Douglas "Dauntless" dive bombers from Guadalcanal made three attacks on an enemy force of cruisers and destroyers immediately north of Florida Island. One enemy cruiser was damaged by bombs and the force withdrew.

No. 168 October 26, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. The U. S. S. Wasp (aircraft carrier) was sunk in the South Pacific on September 15th as the result of an enemy submarine attack. The Wasp remained afloat for 5 hours after being attacked and sank at a time when there were no enemy forces in the vicinity. For this reason the announcement of her loss was delayed as long as there remained a probability that the enemy was unaware of her sinking.

2. The Wasp, operating in company with a task force in the South Pacific area, was engaged in covering the movement of reinforcements and supplies into Guadalcanal when she was torpedoed at approximately 2:50 o'clock on the afternoon of September 15th. Three torpedoes struck the Wasp in the vicinity of her magazines and gasoline tanks, resulting in many explosions and serious fires throughout the ship.

3. About 15 minutes after the torpedo hits, a heavy explosion rocked the Wasp. Other explosions followed in the vicinity of the hangar deck. The fires could not be brought under control, and, about 3 hours after the attack, it became necessary to abandon ship.

4. At about 8 p. m., when all hopes of extinguishing the flames and saving the Wasp had been abandoned, a U. S. destroyer sank her with

torpedoes.

5. About 90 percent of the personnel of the Wasp were rescued. The next of kin of those lost and wounded have been notified.

No. 169 October 26, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On October 25th the Japanese launched a coordinated land, sea and air attack against our positions on Guadalcanal Island. Army and Marine

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Corps troops and aircraft on Guadalcanal opposed these attacks in heavy action throughout the day. On October 26th a U. S. carrier Task Force exchanged aerial thrusts with a strong enemy force northeast of Guadalcanal. An incomplete resume of these engagements with the enemy, based upon reports received to date, is given below.

2. On October 25th:

(a) During the early morning, enemy troops launched a determined attack against the southern flank of our positions on Guadalcanal. Army and Marine Corps troops held their positions.

(b) About the middle of the morning, a force of enemy cruisers and destroyers shelled our Guadalcanal positions from the northward.

(c) During the early afternoon, our Douglas "Dauntless" dive bombers from Guadalcanal attacked a force of enemy cruisers and destroyers north of Florida Island. A direct bomb hit damaged and stopped 1 enemy heavy cruiser. Shortly after this attack, about 16 enemy dive bombers attacked our airfield. Five of these bombers were shot down. Nine more enemy bombers attacked the airfield soon after this last action and inflicted minor damage.

(d) During the late afternoon, our dive bombers from Guadalcanal again struck at the force of enemy cruisers and destroyers north of Florida Island. One bomb hit was reported on a heavy cruiser. Army "Flying Fortresses" struck at this same force about 10 minutes later and scored two bomb hits on an enemy light cruiser which was left burning and dead in the water.

(e) Enemy fighters were active over our positions periodically throughout the day. Seventeen of these planes were reported to have been destroyed by our Grumman "Wildcats."

3. On October 26th, a Pacific Fleet carrier Task Force exchanged air attacks with strong enemy forces northeast of Guadalcanal. The U. S. S. Porter (destroyer) was sunk by enemy action and one of our aircraft carriers was severely damaged. Other U. S. vessels have reported lesser damage. Two enemy aircraft carriers were damaged in this action, the details of which are still incomplete.

4. The Bureau of Naval Personnel will notify, by telegram, the next of kin of those lost or wounded in the above actions as soon as information is received.

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No. 170 October 27, 1942

North Pacific.

1. On October 23d, Army "Liberator" bombers, accompanied by Lockheed "Lightning" fighters, dropped 18 tons of bombs on the camp area and submarine base at Kiska.

2. On October 24th, Army "Flying Fortresses" raided Kiska and dropped bombs in the vicinity of the submarine base.

3. During the above raids Japanese antiaircraft shore batteries were active, but no enemy planes were seen. A number of hits in the target areas were observed, but the extent of damage could not be determined.

No. 171 October 27, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. The following reports of action in the Solomon Islands area have been received:

2. On October 25th:

(a) During the morning, a Japanese destroyer sank the U. S. S. Seminole (fleet tug) and a small harbor patrol boat near the Island of Tulagi. Our shore batteries opened fire on the destroyer and scored three hits. Grumman "Wildcats" from Guadalcanal strafed and further damaged the destroyer.

(b) During the morning, an Army "Flying Fortress" on a search mission was attacked by six "Zero" fighters. One "Zero" was shot down and the "Fortress" returned safely.

(c) Two U. S. mine sweepers engaged three enemy destroyers near Guadalcanal. Navy and Marine Corps dive bombers joined in the action and sank two of the enemy destroyers.

(d) During the night of October 25-26, enemy troops were active on Guadalcanal and succeeded in piercing our lines on the south side of the airfield. Army troops threw back the attack and regained their positions. Marine troops were active on the western flank and reported small gains in heavy fighting.

3. On October 26th:

(a) During the morning, U. S. bombers and fighters from Guadalcanal again attacked the enemy cruisers and destroyers which were attacked twice on October 25th (as announced in communiqué‚ No. 169). One direct hit was scored on an enemy cruiser.

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(b) During the night of October 26-27, Navy Consolidated "Catalinas" attacked an enemy force 400 miles northeast of Guadalcanal. One enemy carrier was hit by a torpedo and an enemy cruiser received two bomb hits. Heavy antiaircraft fire was encountered and one of our planes was damaged.

4. Further reports on the naval air battle which was fought to the eastward of the Stewart Islands, on October 26th, reveal that:

(a) One enemy carrier was badly damaged.

(b) A second enemy carrier was damaged.

(d) One battleship was hit.

The above action was first reported in Navy Department communiqué‚ No. 169.

No. 172 October 28, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On the night of October 26-27 our troops on Guadalcanal repulsed several small-scale enemy thrusts against our positions.

2. Enemy losses in men and equipment in the troop actions on the island since October 23d have been very heavy as compared to our own.

3. No report of any other action in the Solomon Islands area has been received since the issuance of Navy Department Communiqué‚ No. 171.

No. 173 October 29, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

1. On October 27th:

(a) During the morning, our aircraft from Guadalcanal attacked enemy shore installations and aircraft moored in Rekata Bay. Fires were started and four seaplanes were destroyed on the water.

(b) During the day, aircraft from Guadalcanal bombed enemy gun positions to the westward of our airfield. An antiaircraft battery and an ammunition dump were destroyed.

(c) During the late afternoon, an enemy assault on our positions succeeded in piercing our lines. Army and Marine Corps successfully counterattacked and our original positions were regained. Two additional enemy thrusts were repulsed.

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2. No report of any recent action at sea or landing of enemy troop reinforcements has been received.

No. 174 October 30, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude)

1. During the day of October 28th, activity ashore Island was confined to small skirmishes between U. S. and enemy patrols. U. S. aircraft from Guadalcanal continued to bomb and strafe enemy positions to the westward of the airfield. In the late afternoon, U. S. fighters destroyed 2 enemy seaplanes at Rekata Bay. A total of 12 Japanese light tanks were destroyed in action during the past week.

2. During the early morning of October 29th, enemy bombers attacked our positions on Guadalcanal. All bombs dropped in the water and no damage was suffered.

3. During the night of October 29-30, U. S. motor torpedo boats attacked an enemy destroyer, believed to have been engaged in reinforcing or supplying enemy troops on Guadalcanal. One torpedo hit was scored on the destroyer which was stopped when last seen.

No. 175 October 31, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. The U. S. aircraft carrier announced in Navy Department Communiqué‚ No. 169 as severely damaged subsequently sank. She was twice attacked by enemy bombers and torpedo planes on October 26th near the Santa Cruz Islands in the South Pacific. The first attack which occurred during the forenoon caused heavy damage and the carrier was taken in tow in an attempt to salvage her. During the afternoon, a second attack caused further damage below the water line and she began to list. Personnel were removed at this time and the carrier later sank.

2. Reports to date indicate that there were few casualties. The next of kin of those lost will be notified by telegram immediately upon receipt of information.

3. This carrier and the U. S. destroyer Porter were the only U. S. vessels lost in the above engagement.

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No. 176 November 1, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On October 29th:

(a) U. S. aircraft continued attacks on enemy positions on Guadalcanal Island.

(b) During minor ground operations two enemy 75-millimeter guns were captured west of the Matanikau River.

(c) During the late evening a Douglas "Dauntless" dive bomber attacked two enemy destroyers near Tassafaronga. No hits were scored but the destroyers were driven westward toward the Russell Islands.

2. On October 30th:

(a) During the early morning our dive bombers attacked enemy destroyers in the vicinity of the Russell Islands. Results of the attack have not been reported. One dive bomber failed to return.

(b) During the morning seven Grumman "Wildcats" attacked the enemy at Rekata Bay. Three "Zero" float planes and two biplanes were shot down and buildings and a fuel dump were strafed and set on fire.

(c) During the morning U. S. surface ships bombarded enemy positions on Guadalcanal. The cannonading lasted more than 2 hours and some artillery and several buildings and boats were destroyed.

No. 177 November 1, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. The first detailed report of the naval air battle which was fought on October 26th, to the eastward of the Stewart Islands, was received by the Commander in Chief, United States Fleet, this afternoon from Vice Admiral Halsey, Commander of the South Pacific area. In this report the following damage to the enemy was detailed:

(a) Four to six heavy bomb hits on an aircraft carrier of the Zuikaku class.

(b) Two medium bomb hits on another aircraft carrier of the same class.

(d) One heavy bomb hit on a second battleship.

(e) Five medium bomb hits on a cruiser of the Tikuma class.

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(f) Torpedo and bomb hits on a heavy cruiser.

(g) Two torpedo hits on a heavy cruiser.

2. Reports indicate the definite destruction of more than 100 hundred enemy aircraft and the probable destruction of about 50 others.

3. The above action was first reported in Navy Department Communiqué No. 169 and subsequent reference was made thereto in Navy Department Communiqué No. 171.

No. 178 November 2, 1942

Far East.

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

(a) Two large tankers sunk.

(b) One large passenger cargo ship sunk.

(d) Two small cargo ships sunk.

(e) One converted carrier damaged and set on fire.

(f) One destroyer damaged.

(g) One medium-sized tanker damaged.

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

No. 179 November 2, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On October 30th:

(a) U. S. aircraft made three attacks on enemy positions on Guadalcanal Island.

(b) A formation of six "Zero" fighters was intercepted over Guadalcanal by five Grumman "Wildcats". Four of the enemy fighters were shot down without damage to our planes.

(d) During the night of October 30-3q, Douglas "Dauntless" divebombers attacked enemy positions on the island.

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2. On November 1st:

(a) Grumman "Wildcats" attacked enemy installations at Rekata Bay. Buildings were strafed and a fire was started. Five enemy planes were destroyed on the beach. Our planes suffered some damage from heavy antiaircraft fire, but all returned to their base.

(b) On Guadalcanal Island a small force of U. S. Marines, supported by Boeing "Flying Fortresses," crossed the Matanikau River and attacked the enemy to the westward. One wave of Marines made an advance of 2 miles with comparatively few casualties.

(c) U. S. fighters and dive bombers attacked enemy positions on Guadalcanal throughout the day. Enemy artillery fire was silenced and the Japanese were reported to be retreating slowly.

No. 180 November 3, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of November 1-2, U. S. dive bombers continued attacks on enemy positions on the northwestern end of Guadalcanal Island.

2. During the morning of November 2d, U. S. destroyers bombarded enemy positions on Guadalcanal, west of the Matanikau River, supporting our land attacks in that area.

3. During the night of November 2-3, the Japanese landed troop reinforcements to the eastward of our positions on the north coast of Guadalcanal Island.

4. Revised reports have been received containing the following corrections to the report of damage inflicted on the enemy during the naval air battle which was fought on October 26th, as announced in Navy Department Communiqué No. 177:

Subparagraph (d) of paragraph No. 1 should read "One heavy bomb hit on a light cruiser" (instead of a battleship).

Subparagraph (g) of paragraph No. 1 should read "Three torpedo hits on a heavy cruiser" (instead of two torpedo hits).

A subparagraph (h) should be added to paragraph No. 1 to read "Four heavy bomb hits on a heavy cruiser of the Mogami class."

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No. 181 November 4, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On November 2d, U. S. forces on Guadalcanal Island continued to attack the enemy to the westward of our positions and made some small gains. Army and Navy planes gave close support to our ground forces by bombing and strafing enemy troops and positions. About 20 enemy machine guns and 2 small artillery pieces were captured. The advance to the west continued during the morning of November 3d. No report of troop activity on the eastern flank of our positions has been received.

2. There is nothing to report from other areas.

No. 182 November 5, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On November 1st, Army aircraft bombed enemy supply dumps and troop concentrations on the north coast of Guadalcanal Island in the vicinity of Kokumbona. No opposition was encountered.

2. On November 3d:

(a) U. S. troops continued successful attacks against enemy positions west of the Matanikau River. Three field pieces, twelve 37-mm. light artillery guns and 30 machine guns were captured and 350 Japanese were killed.

(b) During the night of November U. S. naval forces shelled 3-4 enemy positions near Kokumbona.

(c) During the night of November 3-4, further enemy forces were landed on the north coast of Guadalcanal, east of Koli Point. After an initial repulse at dawn on November 4th, U. S. Marines are pressing their attack on these enemy troops.

No. 183 November 6, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of November 4-5:

(a) Japanese troops launched several strong counterattacks against U. S. forces in the area west of the Matanikau River on Guadalcanal Island. These attacks were repulsed with heavy losses to the enemy.

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(b) Our air forces strafed enemy troops during continuous air patrols which were maintained over the enemy lines.

2. There has been no change in our eastern positions in the vicinity of Koli Point.

No. 184 November 7, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On November 5th:

(a) A force Of 27 enemy aircraft, composed of bombers and escorting fighters, attacked our positions on Guadalcanal Island. Although clouds prevented air contact with the attacking enemy planes, our airfield and installations were not damaged.

(b) U. S. aircraft maintained a continuous patrol over enemy positions, bombing and strafing troop concentrations and supplies.

(c) During the night of November 5-6, U. S. Marines repulsed light attacks against our western flank in the vicinity of Point Cruz.

2. On November 6th:

(a) U. S. Army troops crossed the Malimbiu River, a few miles south of Koli Point, on the north coast of Guadalcanal. Only light enemy resistance was encountered.

No. 185 November 7, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. A minimum of 5,188 Japanese have been killed by U. S. forces in land-fighting in the Tulagi-Guadalcanal area of the Solomon Islands since our occupation of positions in this area on August 7, 1942. This figure is based on an actual count of enemy killed in actions ashore and does not include estimates of those killed in enemy-controlled areas where no count could be made.

2. These known casualties suffered by the enemy were the result of the following actions:

(a) 1,000 Japanese were killed during our occupation of positions on the Islands of Tulagi, Gavutu, Makambo, and Tanambogo on August 7th and 8th.

(b) 670 of a force of 700 Japanese were killed near the mouth of the Tenaru River on the morning of August 21st.

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(d) 2,000 Japanese were killed during operations extending from October 22d to October 27th.

(e) 1,018 Japanese were killed by bombs, hand grenades, surface force bombardment, aircraft strafing, artillery, machine gun and rifle fire and in hand-to-hand combat during minor skirmishes, snipings and small-scale engagements between Army-Marine Corps troops and the enemy from August 6th to November 7th.

3. During the month of October, 369 enemy planes were destroyed by U. S. forces in the South Pacific area.

4. No report of further action in the Guadalcanal area has been received since the issuance of Navy Department Communiqué No. 184.

No. 186 November 8, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On November 6th:

(a) U. S. forces advanced eastward to the Metapono River, 4 miles east of Koli Point on Guadalcanal Island. No contact with the enemy main body in this area was made. There was no other troop activity on Guadalcanal during the day.

(b) Army dive bombers made several attacks on enemy positions during the day. A large ammunition dump and a gasoline stowage were destroyed.

2. On November 7th:

(a) During the early morning our motor torpedo boats attacked two enemy destroyers off Lunga Point, north of our position on Guadalcanal. One of the destroyers is believed to have been sunk.

(b) During the forenoon a small U. S. auxiliary, engaged in transporting supplies to Guadalcanal was damaged by an enemy torpedo.

(d) During the afternoon of November 7th, U. S. aircraft attacked an enemy surface force about 150 miles north of Guadalcanal. Enemy planes attempted to protect the formation which consisted of 1 light cruiser and 10 destroyers. The enemy cruiser was badly damaged and

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possibly sunk and 1 destroyer was badly damaged. Five float-type "Zeros" and 7 float-type biplanes were destroyed. Four of our planes failed to return.

No. 187 November 9, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On November 7th:

(a) U. S. troops continued to advance from the area near the Metapona River to the eastward along the northern coast of Guadalcanal Island.

(b) There was no fighting in the area west of our positions on Guadalcanal.

2. On November 8th:

(a) U. S. planes attacked ground installations and destroyed six landing boats on the beaches to the westward of our positions on Guadalcanal.

(b) U. S. aircraft destroyed three float-type biplanes at Rekata Bay.

(d) Early on the night of November 8-9, U. S. motor torpedo boats attacked two enemy destroyers in Indispensable Strait and scored a torpedo hit on one of the destroyers.

3. The U. S. destroyer announced in Navy Department Communiqué No. 149 as having been sunk during the night action of October 11-12 was the U. S. S. Duncan. The next of kin of the 5 officers and 58 enlisted men who were killed or are missing have been notified.

No. 188 November 11, 1942

North Pacific.

1. On November 9th:

(a) U. S. Army planes destroyed seven float-type enemy "Zeros" in an attack on Holtz Bay, Attu Island. No opposition was encountered and all our planes returned.

(b) U. S. Army bombers attacked and damaged two enemy cargo vessels at Kiska. One of our planes was damaged by enemy antiaircraft fire, but all returned.

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South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On November 10th:

(a) During the morning, two Grumman "Wildcats" dived through a formation of 15 "Zeros" at an altitude of 27,000 feet near Guadalcanal. One "Zero" was shot down.

(b) U. S. troops, supported by Army planes, continued offensive operations against the enemy on the eastern and western flanks of our positions on Guadalcanal Island.

(c) During the late afternoon, U. S. planes attacked a force of five enemy destroyers to the eastward of New Georgia Island. Results were not observed.

3. Recent reports state that eight float-type "Zeros" and eight float-type biplanes (instead of five and seven respectively) were destroyed in the action announced in paragraph 2 (d) of Navy Department Communiqué No. 186.

No. 189 November 12, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the morning of November 11th, Grumman "Wildcat" fighters intercepted 2 enemy dive-bomber formations over Guadalcanal Island. The first attack was made by 10 enemy bombers and 12 fighters. Our fighters shot down 6 bombers and 5 fighters. The second attack was made by 25 bombers and 5 fighters. Our "Wildcats" shot down six of the enemy bombers. Three additional enemy bombers and 2 fighters were reported as probably destroyed during the encounters. Seven U. S. fighters were lost.

No. 190 November 12, 1942

Far East.

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

(a) One large transport sunk.

(b) One large tanker sunk.

(d) One medium-sized cargo ship sunk.

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(e) One medium-sized auxiliary ship sunk.

(f) One small cargo ship sunk.

(g) One small patrol vessel sunk.

(h) One destroyer damaged and believed sunk.

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

No. 191 November 13, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

1. On November 12th:

(a) At about dawn U. S. naval forces commenced bombardment of enemy positions to the westward of our positions on Guadalcanal Island. Shore batteries were silenced and large fires were started. Seventy-five Japanese landing boats, some of which had been previously damaged, were found at Tassafaronga. Thirty large landing boats were destroyed by ships' gunfire and several others were damaged.

(b) At 2:15 p. m., the bombardment was interrupted by an enemy air attack. Twenty-three Japanese torpedo bombers, escorted by 8 "Zero" fighters, attacked our surface ships in the vicinity of Guadalcanal. Twenty-eight Grumman "Wildcats" intercepted and shot down 16 enemy bombers and 5 "Zeros". Nine enemy planes were shot down by ships' antiaircraft fire.

(c) During the above attack a Japanese plane, disabled and burning, crashed into the U. S. S. San Francisco (heavy cruiser), killed 30 of her personnel, and damaged the ship slightly. A 5-inch shell from an enemy shore battery damaged the U. S. S. Buchanan and killed 5 of her crew. The San Francisco and the Buchanan were the only U. S. ships damaged in this action. The next of kin of those killed and wounded will be notified by telegram immediately upon receipt of information.

Caribbean area.

2. On November 12th (Washington, D. C., date) the U. S. S. Erie (gunboat) was damaged during an attack by an enemy submarine. The Erie was beached off the southern coast of Curacao. No report of casualties has been received but next of kin will be notified immediately upon receipt of information.

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No. 192 November 14, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. A series of naval engagements which commenced on the night of November 12-13 in the Solomon Islands area is still in progress. Both sides have suffered losses.

2. No details will be reported while the battle continued. To announce details of these actions while the battle is in progress would furnish the enemy with information of definite value to him.

No. 193 November 15, 1942

South Pacific.

1. Numerous enemy surface forces are active in the southeastern Solomons in an attempt to reinforce the enemy troops now on Guadalcanal and to disrupt our delivery of supplies to our forces which now occupy shore positions in this area.

2. The current land, sea, and air actions in the Solomon Islands are the result of a determined effort on the part of the Japanese to recapture positions in the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area.

3. The engagements are continuing.

No. 194 November 16, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude)

1. The following resume of recent events in the Solomon Islands area is based upon preliminary reports from the battle area and is necessarily incomplete.

2. Air reconnaissance during the early days of this month revealed a heavy concentration of Japanese transports, cargo ships, and combatant units of the enemy fleet in the New Britain-Northwestern Solomons region. An attempt by the enemy to recapture our positions in the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area of the southeastern Solomons was indicated and on November 10th it became evident that the expedition was being launched in force.

3. Japanese naval forces approached the southeastern Solomons from the north as other detachments, including many transports, moved southeastward toward Guadalcanal from Rabaul and Buin, where expeditionary forces had been assembling.

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4. General MacArthur's aircraft were of great assistance to our naval forces, both before and during the naval actions. Army bombers made repeated successful attacks on units of the Japanese invasion fleet at Rabaul and at Buin. (These attacks were announced by United Nations Headquarters in Australia.)

5. The spearhead of the Japanese attack was a force composed of two battleships of the Kongo class and a number of other vessels believed to have been 2 heavy cruisers, 4 light cruisers, and about 10 destroyers. This unit reached the Guadalcanal area shortly after midnight on the morning of November 11th, intending to bombard our shore positions prior to a large-scale landing from a large group of transports which had been observed in the Buin-Shortland area. This Japanese bombardment force was formed in 3 groups. As they approached the bombardment area they were engaged by units of our fleet and the ensuing battle was fought at close range. It was during this engagement that Rear Admiral Daniel J. Callaghan, U. S. N., was killed in action. During this furious night engagement the Japanese seemed confused and during the latter part of the battle 2 of the 3 Japanese groups were firing at each other. Shortly thereafter the enemy fire ceased and the Japanese withdrew from the battle and retired to the northward.

6. During the day of November 13th, U. S. aircraft made continuous attacks on damaged Japanese ships which remained in the area. During the late afternoon a large formation of at least 12 enemy transports, under heavy naval escort, headed toward Guadalcanal from the Bougainville area. As a preliminary to the proposed landing an enemy surface force bombarded our positions at Guadalcanal shortly after midnight on the morning of November 14th. Later in the morning, as the transport group drew near to Guadalcanal, it was struck heavily by our air forces and at least 8 of the transports were sunk. The remaining transports continued toward Guadalcanal.

7. During the night of November 14-15, U. S. naval surface forces again engaged Japanese surface units in the Guadalcanal area. Details of this engagement have not yet been received.

8. On the morning of November 15th, four enemy cargo transports were found beached at Tassafaronga, about 7 1/2 miles west of our positions on Guadalcanal. These transports were attacked by air, artillery and naval gun fire and were destroyed.

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9. On the morning of November 15th, our patrol aircraft reported the Japanese forces withdrawing to the northward, and no reports of any further action have been received.

10. During the engagements described above the Japanese suffered the following losses and damage:

(a) One battleship sunk.

(b) Three heavy cruisers sunk.

(d) Five destroyers sunk.

(e) Eight transports sunk.

(f) One battleship damaged.

(g) Six destroyers damaged.

(h) Four cargo transports destroyed.

11. Two light cruisers and six destroyers are the only U. S. naval vessels reported sunk in the actions which were fought on November 13, 14, and 15. The next of kin of casualties will be notified by telegram immediately upon receipt of information.

No. 195 November 19, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. Reports just received from the South Pacific reveal that U. S. battleships took part in the action between U. S. surface forces and Japanese surface forces in the Guadalcanal area during the night of November 14-15.

2. Rear Admiral W. A. Lee, Jr., U. S. N., who commanded a task force, which included battleships, has reported that his force engaged a Japanese surface force in the Guadalcanal area during the night of November 14-15 and inflicted the following damage on the enemy:

(a) One battleship (or heavy cruiser) sunk.

(b) Three large cruisers sunk.

(d) One battleship damaged.

(e) One cruiser damaged.

(f) One destroyer damaged.

3. It is possible that this report of damage may include some of the damage already reported in Navy Department Communiqué No. 194.

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Clarification on this point must await the receipt of a complete summary of the action from the commander of naval forces in that area.

No. 196 November 20, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On November 18th:

(a) A group of Army "Flying Fortresses" attacked Japanese cargo vessels in the Buin area at the southeastern end of Bougainville Island in the Solomon group. Two hits were scored and 10 "Zero" fighters and 2 float biplanes were shot down.

(b) A group of Army "Marauders" also attacked the cargo vessels in this same area. Two "Zeros" were shot down.

2. It is now estimated that about 1,500 Japanese troop reinforcements were landed near Tetere during the night of November 2-3 as announced in Navy Department Communiqué No. 180. About half of these enemy troops have since been killed and the remainder have been dispersed into the jungle.

No. 197 November 21, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On November 18th:

(a) Although enemy patrols were active, Army and Marine Corps forces advanced the western flank of our positions on Guadalcanal Island to the westward of Point Cruz.

(b) Army Lockheed "Lightning" fighters shot down three "Zeros" in the Buin area in addition to those previously reported in Navy Department Communiqué No. 196.

2. On November 19th:

(a) U. S. patrol activity on Guadalcanal resulted in the advance of our outpost line. About 35 Japanese were killed. U. S. forces suffered few casualties.

3. On November 21st:

(a) Eleven attack missions against enemy installations on Guadalcanal were carried out by our aircraft.

(b) Ground forces engaged in minor activities on Guadalcanal.

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4. A recent dispatch from Vice Admiral Halsey, whom the President nominated yesterday for temporary promotion to the grade of Admiral, has confirmed that the damage inflicted on the enemy, which was announced in Navy Department Communiqué No. 195 is in addition to that reported in Navy Department Communiqué No. 194.

No. 198 November 22, 1942

South Pacific (all dates below are east longitude).

1. Information has just been received that a U. S. destroyer which participated in the night action of November 14-15 during the Battle of Guadalcanal (November 13-15) was damaged by an enemy torpedo and sank the following evening as a result of this damage, while enroute to a U. S. base.

2. The officers and crew of the destroyer were rescued by another destroyer. No loss of life has been reported.

3. The loss of this destroyer was not included in previous reports of U. S. vessels lost during the Battle of Guadalcanal.

No. 199 November 23, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On November 22d:

(a) The advance of U. S. forces on the west flank of their positions on Guadalcanal Island is continuing slowly in the face of stubborn enemy resistance. No other ground activity on the island was reported.

(b) U. S. aircraft from the airfield on Guadalcanal carried out continuous attacks on enemy positions west of the Matanikau River.

No. 200 November 24, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of November 22-23, U. S. aircraft attacked enemy positions on Guadalcanal Island.

2. During November 23d, U. S. forces continued limited advance west of the Matanikau River. Japanese troops were active in the Mambulo and upper Matanikau River regions.

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No. 201 November 25, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On November 23d:

(a) A U. S. Marine patrol on Guadalcanal killed 70 Japanese and captured 5 machine guns in an enemy encampment on the north slope of Mambulo. Marine casualties were 2 wounded.

(b) Dive bombers and fighters from Guadalcanal attacked enemy installations at Munda on the western end of New Georgia Island. A direct hit was scored on a warehouse.

No. 202 November 26, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On November 25th:

(a) At 3 a. m., one enemy plane dropped bombs to the south of the airfield on Guadalcanal Island. Some personnel casualties were suffered.

(b) There was no ground activity of importance on Guadalcanal.

No. 203 November 27, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

1. On November 26th:

(a) At 4 a. m., two enemy bombers dropped bombs on U. S. positions on Guadalcanal Island. No damage was suffered. U. S. dive bombers maintained patrol over enemy positions throughout the night of November 26-27.

(b) U. S. Army and Marine Corps troops engaged in mopping up isolated enemy patrols. No major ground activity was reported.

No. 204 November 28, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On November 23d and 24th, U. S. aircraft from Guadalcanal bombed enemy installations in the Munda area of New Georgia Island. All buildings in the vicinity were destroyed.

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2. At midnight on the night of November 26-27, 7 Army "Flying Fortresses" attacked the Kahili airdrome near Buin on the island of Bougainville. Sixteen hits were scored on the runway and large fires were started. No enemy opposition was encountered.

3. On November 27th:

(a) U. S. patrols on Guadalcanal Island killed 50 Japanese and captured a number of machine guns in local operations west of Point Cruz.

(b) During the night two enemy bombers dropped bombs near the mouth of the Lunga River. No damage was suffered.

No. 205 November 29, 1942

North Pacific.

1. On November 26th Army "Flying Fortresses" attacked a small enemy cargo vessel off Attu Island. Three bomb hits set fire to the vessel which, when last seen, appeared to be sinking. Army fighters, which accompanied the "Fortresses," strafed enemy antiaircraft installations on the island. No U. S. planes were lost.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On November 28th.

(a) U. S. forces on Guadalcanal Island engaged in minor patrol activity incident to the consolidation of our positions.

(b) U. S. aircraft carried out a night attack on enemy shipping in the Munda Bay area in the New Georgia Islands.

3. Minor Japanese activity has been observed recently in the Munda Bay area. Japanese destroyers have shelled native villages in the western islands of the New Georgia Group.

No. 206 November 30, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On November 28th:

(a) U. S. patrols on Guadalcanal Island destroyed a considerable amount of enemy arms and ammunition in the upper Lunga River region. Other operations on the island were confined to minor ground activities.

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(b) Army "Flying Fortresses" attacked an enemy convoy west of the New Georgia Islands. The convoy consisted of 2 cargo ships escorted by 3 destroyers. Five bomb hits were scored on one of the cargo ships. Three of the 10 "Zero" fighters which intercepted were shot down. The "Fortresses" received no serious damage.

No. 207 December 1, 1942

Pacific and Far East.

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

(a) One destroyer sunk.

(b) One 9,000-ton tanker sunk.

(d) One 6,300-ton cargo ship sunk.

(e) One 2,000-ton cargo ship sunk.

(f) One 12,000-ton cargo ship damaged and believed sunk.

(g) One 6,000-ton cargo ship damaged.

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

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On November 30th routine patrol activity on Guadalcanal Island was supported by artillery fire and fighter planes.

No. 208 December 2, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On December 1st, Army and Marine Corps troops on Guadalcanal Island engaged in extensive patrols along the outskirts of our positions.

(a) An Army patrol killed 11 Japanese and captured a 70-mm. gun.

(b) A Marine Corps patrol killed 25 Japanese and captured one 75-mm. and one 30-mm. gun along the upper Lunga River.

(d) Army planes carried out four attacks on enemy positions.

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No. 209 December 3, 1942

Africa:

1. The following U. S. naval transports were lost during the early part of November as a result of enemy submarine torpedoes during the occupation of North Africa by U. S. forces.

(a) The Tasker H. Bliss, Hugh L. Scott, and the Edward Rutledge were sunk off Casablanca.

(b) The Joseph Hewes was sunk off Rabat.

2. Three other U. S. transports, one U. S. destroyer, and one U. S. tanker were damaged during the operation.

3. The next of kin of personnel killed, wounded, or missing are being notified by telegram as soon as information is received.

No. 21O December 3, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On December 1st:

(a) Army and Navy aircraft continued daylight attacks on enemy positions on Guadalcanal Island.

2. On December 2d:

(a) U. S. Marines attacked a patrol of 60 Japanese near the upper Lunga River. Thirty-five of the enemy were killed and a quantity of arms and ammunition was captured.

(b) In another encounter between U. S. and enemy patrols in the Matanikau area, 20 Japanese were killed.

No. 211 December 3, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On the night of November 30-December 1 a Japanese force of troop transports, escorted by combatant fleet units, was intercepted and engaged by a task force of U. S. naval vessels in the waters immediately north of Guadalcanal Island.

2. The enemy was interrupted in his attempt to reinforce and supply his troops on the island and no landing was effected.

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3. During the night action which followed our interception of the landing force one U. S. cruiser was sunk and other U. S. vessels were damaged.

4. The enemy suffered the following losses during the engagement:

(a) Two large destroyers (or cruisers) sunk.

(b) Four destroyers sunk.

(d) One cargo ship sunk.

5. Japanese sailors rescued from life rafts on the following day identified one of the enemy destroyers as the Takanami.

6. No list of casualties has, as yet, been received. The next of kin of personnel killed, wounded, or missing in the above action will be notified by telegram as soon as information is received.

No. 212 December 4, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On December 3d ground activity on Guadalcanal Island was confined to routine patrol operations during which 14 Japanese were killed. Army fighters supported ground forces on 5 attacks missions.

No. 213 December 5, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On December 3d an air striking group of dive bombers and torpedo planes from Guadalcanal attacked a small enemy force of light surface vessels about 150 miles northwest of Guadalcanal. Results of the attack are not known.

2. On December 4th:

(a) A Marine Corps "Raider" patrol on Guadalcanal killed 16 Japanese, captured a mortar, several machine guns, and some ammunition in the region of the upper Lunga River.

(b) Another U. S. patrol killed five Japanese and destroyed a machine gun position in the area west of Point Cruz.

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No. 214 December 6, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On December 4th on Guadalcanal Island:

(a) Army patrols killed seven Japanese in the vicinity of the Matanikau River.

(b) Army "Airacobra" fighters made a number of attacks against the enemy and strafed 15 landing barges and rafts near Tassafaronga.

(c) Marine Corps "Raiders" returned to their base from extended operations in the mountainous jungle. The "Raiders" destroyed 5 enemy bases and killed 400 Japanese during the operations with a loss to themselves of 17 dead.

Hold for release-a. m. paper-Sunday, December 6, 1942. Radio release 9 p. m., e. w. t.-December 5, 1942

THE JAPANESE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR, DECEMBER 7, 1941

On the morning of December 7, 1941, Japanese aircraft temporarily disabled every battleship and most of the aircraft in the Hawaiian area. Other naval vessels, both combatant and auxiliary, were put out of action, and certain shore facilities, especially at the naval air stations, Ford Island and Kaneohe Bay, were damaged. Most of these ships are now back with the fleet. The aircraft were all replaced within a few days, and interference with facilities was generally limited to a matter of hours.

When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, 2 surface ship task forces of the Pacific Fleet were carrying out assigned missions at sea, and 2 such task forces were at their main base following extensive operations at sea. Discounting small craft, 86 ships of the Pacific Fleet were moored at Pearl Harbor. Included in this force were 8 battleships, 7 cruisers, 28 destroyers and 5 submarines. No U. S. aircraft carriers were present.

As result of the Japanese attack five battleships, the Arizona, Oklahoma, California, Nevada, and West Virginia; three destroyers, the Shaw and Downes; the mine layer Oglala; the target ship Utah, and a large floating drydock were either sunk or damaged so severely that they would serve no military purposes for some time. In addition, three battles, the Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Tennessee, three cruisers, the Helena, Honolulu, and Raleigh, the seaplane tender Curtiss and the repair Vestal were damaged.

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Of the 19 naval vessels listed above as sunk or damaged, the 26-year-old battleship Arizona will be the only one permanently and totally lost. Preparations for the righting of the Oklahoma are now in process, although final decision as to the wisdom of accomplishing this work at this time has not been made. The main and auxiliary machinery, approximately 50 percent of the value, of the Cassin and Downes were saved. The other 15 vessels either have been or will be salvaged and repaired.

The eight vessels described in the second sentence of paragraph three returned to the fleet months ago. A number of the vessels described in the first sentence of paragraph three are now in full service, but certain others, which required extensive machinery and intricate electrical overhauling as well as refloating and hull repairing, are not yet ready for battle action. Naval repair yards are taking advantage of these inherent delays to install numerous modernization features and improvements. To designate these vessels by name now would give the enemy information vital to his war plans; similar information regarding enemy ships which our forces have subsequently damaged but not destroyed is denied to us.

On December 15, 1941, only 8 days after the Japanese attack and at a time when there was an immediate possibility of the enemy's coming back, the Secretary of the Navy announced that the Arizona, Shaw, Cassin, Downes, Utah, and Oglala had been lost, that the Oklahoma had capsized and that other vessels had been damaged. Fortunately, the salvage and repair accomplishments at Pearl Harbor have exceeded the most hopeful expectations.

Eighty naval aircraft of all types were destroyed by the enemy. In addition, the Army lost 97 planes on Hickam and Wheeler Fields. Of these 23 were bombers, 66 were fighters, and 8 were other types.

The most serious American losses were in personnel. As result of the raid on December 7, 1941, 2,117 officers and enlisted men of the Navy and Marine Corps were killed, 960 are still reported as missing and 876 were wounded but survived. The Army casualties were as follows: 226 officers and enlisted men were killed or later died of wounds; 396 were wounded, most of whom have now recovered and have returned to duty.

At 7:55 a. m. on December 7, 1941, Japanese dive bombers swarmed over the Army Air Base, Hickam Field, and the naval air station on Ford Island. A few minutes earlier the Japanese had struck the naval air station at Kaneohe Bay. Bare seconds later enemy torpedo planes and dive bombers swung in from various sectors to concentrate their attack on the

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heavy ships at Pearl Harbor. The enemy attack, aided by the element of surprise and based on exact information, was very successful.

Torpedo planes, assisted effectively by dive bombers, constituted the major threat of the first phase of the Japanese attack, lasting approximately a half-hour. Twenty-one torpedo planes made 4 attacks, and 30 dive bombers came in in 8 waves during this period. Fifteen horizontal bombers also participated in this phase of the raid.

Although the Japanese launched their initial attack as a surprise, battleship ready machine guns opened fire at once and were progressively augmented by the remaining antiaircraft batteries as all hands promptly were called to general quarters. Machine guns brought down two and damaged others of the first wave of torpedo planes. Practically all battleship antiaircraft batteries were firing within 5 minutes; cruisers, within an average time of 4 minutes, and destroyers, opening up machine guns almost immediately, average 7 minutes in bringing all antiaircraft guns into action.

From 8:25 to 8:40 a. m. there was a comparative lull in the raid, although air activity continued with sporadic attack by dive and horizontal bombers. This respite was terminated by the appearance of horizontal bombers which crossed and recrossed their targets from various directions and caused serious damage. While the horizontal bombers were continuing their raids, Japanese dive bombers reappeared, probably being the same ones that had participated in earlier attacks; this phase, lasting about a half-hour, was devoted largely to strafing. All enemy aircraft retired by 9:45 a. m.

Prior to the Japanese attack 202 U.S. naval aircraft of all types on the Island of Oahu were in flying condition, but 150 of these were permanently or temporarily disabled by the enemy's concentrated assault, most of them in the first few minutes of the raid. Of the 52 remaining naval aircraft, 38 took to the air on December 7, 1941, the other 14 being ready too late in the day or being blocked from take-off positions. Of necessity therefore, the Navy was compelled to depend on antiaircraft fire for its primary defensive weapon, and this condition exposed the fleet to continuous air attack. By coincidence, 18 scout bombing planes from a U. S. aircraft carrier en route arrived at Pearl Harbor during the raid. These are included in the foregoing figures. Four of these scout bombers were shot down, 13 of the remaining 14 taking off again in search of the enemy. Seven patrol planes were in the air when the attack started.

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It is difficult to determine the total number of enemy aircraft participating in the raid, but careful analysis of all reports makes it possible to estimate the number as 21 torpedo planes, 48 dive bombers, and 36 horizontal bombers, totaling 105 of all types. Undoubtedly certain fighter planes also were present, but these are not distinguished by types and are included in the above figures.

The enemy lost 28 aircraft due to Navy action. In addition, three submarines, of 45 tons each, were accounted for.

The damage suffered by the U. S. Pacific Fleet as result of the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, was most serious, but the repair job now is nearly completed, and thanks to the inspired and unceasing efforts of the naval and civilian personnel attached to the various repair yards, especially at Pearl Harbor itself, this initial handicap soon will be erased forever.

***

ADDITIONS TO NAVY DEPARTMENT PEARL HARBOR RELEASE

Insert in 2d sentence, 1st paragraph, page 1:

. . . facilities, especially at the Army Bases, Hickam and Wheeler Fields, and the naval air stations . . .

Insert after paragraph 3, page 3:

There were a total of 273 Army planes on the Island of Oahu on December 7, 1941. Very few of these were able to take off because of the damage to the runways at Hickam and Wheeler Fields.

Insert in 1st sentence, last paragraph, page 3:

. . . Navy action, and the few Army pursuit planes that were able to take off shot down more than 2O Japanese planes.

No. 215 December 9, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. The following report of action amplifies the report of the air attack on enemy surface forces which was announced in Navy Department Communiqué No. 213.

2. On December 3d an air striking group of dive bombers, torpedo planes and fighters from Guadalcanal attacked an enemy force of about 10 cruisers and destroyers approximately 150 miles northwest of and headed for Guadalcanal.

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3. The enemy suffered the following damage during the attack:

(a) Two 1,000-lb. hits on one cruiser.

(b) One 1,000-lb. hit on a second cruiser.

(d) Two possible torpedo hits on a second destroyer (or cruiser).

(e) Ten float-type planes shot down by U. S. fighters.

4. One of the above vessels was seen to sink on December 4th and three other enemy vessels were sighted in flames in the vicinity of the previous day's action.

5. One U. S. dive bomber one torpedo plane and one fighter were lost during the engagement.

6. On December 8th, U. S. patrols on Guadalcanal, supported by heavy artillery fire, maintained contact with the enemy to the westward of our positions.

No. 216 December 11, 1942

South Pacific.

1. An Army "Flying Fortress" on a reconnaissance flight over the island of New Georgia was attacked recently by 15 "Zero" fighters. The "Fortress" returned to its base after shooting down 5 of the enemy fighters.

2. The U. S. S. Alchiba, an auxiliary cargo ship, was lost recently as the result of enemy action. Reports indicate that total casualties amounted to three missing.

No. 217 December 12, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude.)

1. On December 9th:

(a) Eleven Army "Flying Fortresses" (Boeing B-17) and 8 "Lightning" fighters (Lockheed P-38) attacked enemy surface vessels in Faisi Harbor near Shortland Island. Three bomb hits were scored on an enemy tanker and 2 bomb straddles were observed on a second tanker. The Army "Lightnings" shot down 5 intercepting "Zeros" and the 9 "Fortresses" destroyed another. All Army planes returned undamaged.

(b) Army "Flying Fortresses" bombed the Japanese flying field at Munda on New Georgia Island.

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(c) Ground activity on Guadalcanal Island was limited to patrol contacts with small enemy groups. A Japanese artillery position containing mortars and machine guns was silenced.

December 12, 1942

S. S. PRESIDENT COOLIDGE LOST ON WAR MISSION; VERY FEW CASUALTIES

The former liner S. S. President Coolidge, owned by the American President Lines, San Francisco, Calif., chartered and operated by the War Shipping Administration for the U. S. Army, was lost in recent weeks in the South Pacific.

The vessel, operating as a transport, was fully loaded with troops and equipment when it struck a mine and sank.

Through prompt and efficient rescue efforts casualties were limited to four men.

Henry Nelon, 3714 Irving Street, San Francisco, Calif., who is a survivor, was master of the S. S. President Coolidge.

The S. S. President Coolidge, of 21,936 gross tons, was completed in 1931 at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., Newport News, Va. It was 615 feet 6 inches in length, had a beam of 81 feet 3 inches, and a draft of 28 feet 2 inches.

NO. 218 December 13, 1942

North Pacific.

1. On December 11th three Army "Marauders" (Martin B-26) scored two 500-pound bomb hits on a vessel formerly aground in Trout Lagoon on the island of Kiska and bombed and strafed shore installations.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On December 11th at 6 p. m. Douglas "Dauntless" dive bombers supported by Army "Airacobra" fighters (Bell P-39) from Guadalcanal attacked a formation of 11 Japanese destroyers which was headed for Guadalcanal, apparently for the purpose of reinforcing and supplying Japanese troops on the island. Bomb hits were scored on 5 of the destroyers.

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3. At 12:35 a. m. on December 12th enemy formation, which was continuing toward Guadalcanal, was attacked by U. S. surface forces guarding the island.

4. The enemy suffered the following damage as a result of this attack:

(a) One destroyer sunk.

(b) One destroyer set on fire and probably sunk.

5. One U. S. motor torpedo boat was lost during this action.

6. On the morning of December 11th Army "Flying Fortresses" (Boeing B-17) dropped 155 100-pound bombs on the Japanese airfield at Munda on New Georgia Island. Clouds prevented observation of results. All of our planes returned.

7. On the morning of December 12th 7 "Flying Fortresses" escorted by Grumman "Wildcat" fighters scored four 1,000-pound bomb hits on the landing strip at Munda and dropped eighty 100-pound bombs in the general area. All of our planes returned.

No. 219 December 14, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

1. On December 13th:

(a) Ground action on Guadalcanal Island was limited to routine patrol activity.

(b) A lone enemy plane dropped three bombs in the vicinity of our airfield.

No. 220 December 15, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude)

1. On December 14th, U. S. air forces continued to attack the Japanese installations and airfield which are being constructed in the Munda area Of New Georgia Island.

(a) Seven Army "Flying Fortresses" (Boeing B-17) attacked the area during the morning.

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(b) Later in the day a striking force of Douglas "Dauntless" dive bombers and Grumman "Wildcat" fighters attacked the same objectives.

No. 221 December 16, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On December 13th, U. S. patrols on Guadalcanal Island destroyed two Japanese machine gun positions and killed both gun crews.

2. On December 14th, U. S. bombers attacked the enemy airfield at Buin on the island of Bougainville. No enemy aircraft were encountered and no antiaircraft opposition was met. Results were not reported.

3. On December 15th, at noon, a striking force of Marine Corps dive bombers from Guadalcanal attacked Japanese installations at Munda, on New Georgia Island. No enemy resistance was encountered. Results were not observed.

No. 222 December 17, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On December 16th:

(a) A number of Navy dive bombers (Douglas "Dauntless") attacked Japanese ships and installations in the Munda area of New Georgia Island. An enemy destroyer (or cruiser) was hit and damaged. One "Dauntless" failed to return.

(b) A group of Army "Flying Fortresses" (Boeing B-17) was intercepted by 12 land-type enemy "Zeros" in the vicinity of New Georgia Island. The entire intercepting force of "Zeros" was shot down. One "Fortress" was lost but the crew was rescued.

No. 223 December 18, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On December 17th a force of Army "Flying Fortresses" (Boeing B-17), escorted by "Airacobra" fighters (Bell P-39) attacked the Munda area of New Georgia Island. Results were not reported.

2. Navy Department Communiqué No. 222 announced that 12 Japanese "Zero" fighters had been shot down in the vicinity of New Georgia

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Island on December 16th. A correction has been received from the South Pacific stating that the number shot down was 3 instead of 12.

No. 224 December 18, 1942

Pacific and Far East.

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

(a) One large tanker sunk.

(b) One large cargo ship sunk.

(d) Two medium-sized cargo ships sunk.

(e) One medium-sized transport sunk.

(f) One trawler sunk.

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

No. 225 December 20, 1942

North Pacific.

1. On December 17th a force of Army "Liberator" heavy bombers (Consolidated B-24) attacked Japanese shore installations on the island of Kiska. Heavy explosions and fires were observed.

South Pacific.

2. On December 18th Army "Flying Fortresses" (Boeing B-17), with fighter escort, carried out two bombing attacks against enemy installations in the Munda area of New Georgia Island. Results were not reported.

No. 226 December 20, 1942

South Pacific (all dates arc east longitude)

1. On December 19th:

(a) Navy dive bombers (Douglas "Dauntless") with Grumman "Wildcat" escort attacked Japanese installations in the Munda area of New Georgia Island. Several buildings were set on fire and destroyed.

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(b) Army "Flying Fortresses" with Lockheed "Lightning" escort also attacked the enemy positions at Munda and started several fires. Three of the 2o "Zeros" which intercepted were destroyed. No U. S. planes were lost.

No. 227 December 22, 1942

North Pacific.

1. On December 20th, U. S. bombers, escorted by fighters, executed a heavy, coordinated attack on Japanese shore installations on the island of Kiska. Hits were scored and heavy explosions were observed in the vicinity of the submarine base. Camp areas and buildings were bombed and strafed. All U. S. planes returned.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On December 20th, Army "Flying Fortresses" attacked enemy installations in the Munda area of New Georgia Island. Results were not reported.

3. On December 21st:

(a) Army "Flying Fortresses" again bombed Japanese shore facilities at Munda, but no report of the results has been received.

(b) Two Japanese cargo ships were attacked by "Flying Fortresses" near Kahili in the Buin area on Bougainville Island. One direct hit and several near hits were scored. One of the cargo vessels was last seen settling by the stern.

No. 228 December 24, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On December 22d, U. S. dive bombers from Guadalcanal bombed and strafed the Japanese airfield at Munda, on New Georgia Island. Results were not reported.

No. 229 December 25, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

1. On December 24th:

(a) U. S. aircraft from Guadalcanal bombed and strafed the Japanese airfield and shore installations at Munda on New Georgia Island. Enemy

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planes and weak antiaircraft fire resisted the attack. Strafing silenced the antiaircraft batteries and 14 of the intercepting planes were shot down. Ten additional planes were destroyed on the ground. All U. S. planes returned undamaged.

(b) Later in the day U. S. aircraft bombed a group of landing barges engaged in reinforcing and supplying enemy troops in the Munda area. Four barges reached shore. The airfield was bombed from low altitude in the absence of any enemy resistance.

No. 230 December 26, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On December 25th a flight of Army "Flying Fortresses" from the airfield at Guadalcanal bombed enemy shipping in the harbor of Rabaul on the island of New Britain. Three direct hits were scored on a large transport (or cargo ship) and several near hits fell close to three small cargo ships. A force of enemy fighters took off but did not attack our bombers.

No. 231 December 27, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On December 25th Douglas "Dauntless" dive bombers from Guadalcanal attacked a small group of enemy ships south of Vangunu Island in the New Georgia group of the Solomons. An enemy ship of 3,000 tons was sunk near Wickham Island during the attack.

No. 232 December 28, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. Additional reports have been received of the attack by dive bombers from Guadalcanal Island on a small group of enemy ships south of Vangunu Island in the New Georgia group of the Solomons (previously announced in Navy Department Communiqué No. 231). In addition to the enemy ship of 3,000 tons, which was announced as sunk near Wickham Island, a second enemy ship also was sunk during this attack. The date of the attack was December 26th, instead of December 25th, as previously reported.

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2. On December 26th, Douglas "Dauntless" dive bombers, escorted by fighters, bombed and strafed the airfield at Munda on New Georgia Island. Results were not reported.

3. On December 27th:

(a) At dawn aerial observers discovered about 30 cargo-laden parachutes on the beach at Tassafaronga on Guadalcanal Island. Army "Airacobra" fighters (Bell P-39) subsequently bombed and strafed the enemy supplies which had been flown in.

(b) "Dauntless" dive-bombers and "Airacobra" fighters bombed and strafed a Japanese bivouac area northwest of Kokumbona on Guadalcanal Island.

North Pacific.

4. On December 26th (Washington, D. C., date), Army "Lightning" fighters (Lockheed P-38), strafed Japanese shore installations on the island of Kiska. Two "Lightnings" were lost, but the pilot of one was rescued.

No. 233 December 30, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On December 27th:

(a) Army and Marine Corps troops on Guadalcanal Island killed 114 Japanese in patrol skirmishes with the enemy. U. S. casualties during these encounters were 2 killed.

(b) U. S. Marines, in an exchange of artillery and mortar fire destroyed an enemy mortar, a machine gun position, and killed between 30 and 40 Japanese. The Marines later ambushed and killed 11 more of the enemy. Marine casualties were 2 killed and 1 wounded.

2. On December 29th, U. S. planes made two attacks on enemy cargo vessels in Wickham Anchorage on the southeast coast of Vangunu Island in the New Georgia group of the Solomons. Bombing and strafing resulted in the sinking of two of the enemy vessels.

No. 234 December 31, 1942

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On December 29th and 30th, "Catalina" patrol bombers (Consolidated PBY) made several harassing attacks on enemy installations in the Munda area of New Georgia Island. Results were not reported.

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2. On December 30th:

(a) At 2 a. m., a force of "Airacobra" (Bell P-39) and "Wildcat" (Grumman F4-F4) fighters attacked and destroyed five enemy barges at Vangunu Island in the central Solomons.

(b) At dawn a "Dauntless" (Douglas SBD) dive bomber destroyed a large caliber enemy gun on Guadalcanal.

(c) At 6 a. m., "Dauntless" dive bombers, with "Wildcat" escort, attacked enemy installations in the Rekata Bay area of Santa Isabel Island. Buildings on the east side of the bay were bombed and strafed and three float-type planes were strafed on the water.

No. 235 January 1, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On December 30th, at 9:30 p. m., a force of "Mitchell" medium bombers (North American B-25), escorted by "Lightning" fighters (Lockheed P-38), was intercepted by four Japanese "Zero" float-planes while proceeding to attack two enemy cargo ships (or transports) in Kiska Harbor. Two "Lightnings" and one "Zero" were shot down during the fight. The "Mitchells" attacked the enemy ships with uncertain results. One of our bombers was shot down.

2. On December 31st, at 1:47 a. m., U. S. medium bombers again attacked the enemy ships in Kiska Harbor. Three hits were observed on one of the ships and two hits on the other. No U. S. planes were lost. South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

3. On December 31st:

(a) At 4:30 p. m., a force of "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26), escorted by "Lightning" (Lockheed P-38) and "Airacobra" (Bell P-39) fighters, bombed the airfield at Munda on New Georgia Island. Results were not reported.
(b) U. S. troops on Guadalcanal Island killed 20 Japanese in routine patrol activity.

No. 236 January 2, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On January 1st, a force of "Liberator" heavy bombers (Consolidated B-24), escorted by "Lightning" fighters (Lockheed P-38), attacked Japanese cargo ships in Kiska Harbor. Six enemy "Zeros" attempted to intercept the attack and one was shot down. A near hit was scored on one small ship. Clouds prevented complete observation of results. No U. S. planes were lost.

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South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On January 1st:

(a) "Dauntless" dive bombers (Douglas SBD) dropped bombs in the vicinity of Kokumbona, where Japanese headquarters on Guadalcanal Island are believed to be located. Dense jungle growth prevented observation of results.
(b) "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26), escorted by "Airacobra" (Bell P-39), "Lightning" (Lockheed P-38) and "Warhawk" (Curtiss P-40) fighters bombed the Munda area of New Georgia Island. All U. S. planes returned undamaged. Results of the raid were not reported.

No. 237 January 2, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

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

(a) Two large cargo ships sunk.

(b) One medium-sized passenger-cargo ship sunk.

(d) One medium-sized transport sunk.

(e) One medium-sized tanker sunk.

(f) One small cargo ship sunk.

(g) One destroyer damaged.

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

No. 238 January 3, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 2d:

(a) At 8:20 a. m. "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26) and "Dauntless" dive bombers (Douglas SBD), escorted by "Wildcat" (Grum-

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man F4F "Airacobra" (Bell P-39) and "Warhawk" (Curtiss P-40) fighters, bombed the Japanese airfield at Munda on New Georgia Island. Hits were scored on antiaircraft emplacements and other installations.

(b) At 2:26 p. m. "Flying Fortress" heavy bombers (Boeing B-17), escorted by "Lightning" fighters (Lockheed P-38) bombed a formation of enemy destroyers 3o miles south of Shortland Island. No hits were observed.

(c) At 6 p. m. "Dauntless" dive bombers escorted by "Wildcats" and "Lightnings" attacked a detachment of Japanese destroyers 30 miles northwest of Rendova Island in the New Georgia group. The destroyers were protected by 10 enemy fighters and 1 dive bomber. One of the enemy destroyers was left burning badly and another appeared to be sinking.

(d) Patrol activity on Guadalcanal Island resulted in killing between 30 and 35 Japanese.

(e) U. S. positions on Guadalcanal Island were shelled by enemy artillery.

2. On January 3d:

(a) At 7:25 a. m. "Dauntless" dive bombers with "Lightning" "Wildcat" and "Airacobra" escort attacked the enemy airport at Munda. No enemy planes were observed either in the air or on the field.

(b) Hits were scored on three enemy guns. No U. S. planes were lost although some suffered minor damage.

No. 239 January 4, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 2d:

(a) U. S. motor torpedo boats attacked eight Japanese destroyers in isolated engagements in the vicinity of the northwestern end of Guadalcanal Island. The attacks resulted in one torpedo hit on one of the destroyers and three possible hits on two others.

(b) Enemy aircraft bombed our PT boats and inflicted slight damage.

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No. 240 January 5, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 4th:

"Catalinas" (Consolidated PBY) and "Flying Fortresses" (Boeing B- 17) executed a series of air attacks on the Munda area in the New Georgia group. The same evening dive bombers, escorted by fighters, bombed antiaircraft positions, taxiways and runways in the same area. Results of the raids were not reported. All of our planes returned.

2. Our troops on Guadalcanal attacked and gained high ground positions in the vicinity of Mount Austen, capturing an enemy field piece. Six enemy counterattacks were repulsed with 150 Japanese killed. Patrols in other sectors killed 20 additional Japanese and captured howitzer mortars and light machine guns.

No. 241 January 6, 1943

South Pacific.

1. On January 5th:

(a) During the darkness of the early morning a U. S. task force of surface units successfully bombarded the Japanese airfield at Munda on New Georgia Island.

(b) As the task force retired it was attacked by Japanese dive bombers. Four "Wildcats" (Grumman F4F) intercepted and shot down four of the enemy dive bombers and probably destroyed two more. All "Wildcats" returned safely after the remaining enemy planes had withdrawn.

(d) During the afternoon "Flying Fortresses" (Boeing B-17), escorted by "Lightning" fighters (Lockheed P-38), attacked an enemy heavy cruiser at Buin on the island of Bougainville. Results were not observed. Our fighters were attacked by 25 "Zeros" and float-type biplanes. Three enemy planes were shot down and 2 others were probably destroyed. Two U. S. fighters were lost.

(e) "Flying Fortresses" attacked and scored a bomb hit on a Japanese transport in the Shortland Island area.

(f) During the day 84 Japanese were killed in mopping-up operations in the Mount Austen sector on Guadalcanal Island.

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No. 242 January 6, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On January 5th, "Mitchell" medium bombers (North American B-25) bombed an enemy cargo ship 110 miles northeast of Kiska. The ship was left burning and was later seen to sink.

2. On January 6th, a "Liberator" heavy bomber (Consolidated B-24) scored one direct and two near hits on an enemy ship 185 miles southwest of Kiska.

No. 243 January 7, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 6th:

(a) "Flying Fortresses" (Boeing B-17), with "Lightning" (Lockheed P-38) and "Warhawk" (Curtiss P-40) escort, attacked a Japanese transport in the Shortland Island area. A possible hit on the stern of the ship was reported.

(b) U. S. aircraft bombed the airfield at Kahili near Buin on Bougainville Island. Haze prevented observation of results.

No. 244 January 8, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On January 6th, a force of "Liberator" heavy bombers (Consolidated B-24) dropped bombs on shore installations at Kiska. Clouds prevented observation of results.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On January 7th, a force of "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26) attacked the airfield and installations at Munda on New Georgia Island. Results were not reported.

No. 245 January 9, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On January 7th a force of "Liberator" heavy bombers (Consolidated B-24) dropped bombs on enemy positions at Kiska. Results were not observed.

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South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On January 7th:

(a) During the morning a force of "Flying Fortress" heavy bombers (Boeing B-17) bombed enemy areas on the island of Bougainville. Twelve Japanese "Zero" fighters attacked the "Fortresses". Two "Zeros" were shot down. No U. S. planes were lost.

(b) A force of "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26) with "Airacobra" (Bell P-39) escort attacked enemy installations at Rekata Bay on Santa Isabel Island. Fires were started and two enemy float-type planes were damaged. Two U. S. planes were shot down by enemy antiaircraft fire.

No. 246 January 10, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 8th, during the forenoon, "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26) with "Airacobra" (Bell P-39) escort bombed the Japanese airfield at Munda on New Georgia Island. Results were not reported.

2. During the night of January 8th-9th, U. S. aircraft again bombed enemy positions in the Munda area. A probable hit on an antiaircraft battery on Munda Point was reported.

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

No. 247 January 11, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 10th:

(a) U. S. forces on Guadalcanal Island laid down an artillery barrage on Japanese positions.

(b) "Dauntless" dive bombers (Douglas SBD) and "Airacobra" fighters (Bell P-39) followed up the shelling by bombing and strafing the enemy areas.

(c) Following the shelling and bombing, U. S. ground forces made small advances into enemy territory. Enemy resistance to the advances was weak.

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No. 248 January 11, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. Navy Department communiqués have previously announced the loss of the following U. S. naval vessels in air and surface actions with Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area. One aircraft carrier (Navy Department Communiqué No. 175), two light cruisers and six destroyers (Navy Department Communiqué No. 194), one destroyer (Navy Department Communiqué No. 198) and one cruiser (Navy Department Communiqué No. 211.)

2. For reasons of military security and to avoid causing needless anxiety on the part of relatives and friends of the personnel who survived these actions, the original announcement of the losses did not state the names of the ships. Reports of casualties have since been received and the next of kin of all personnel killed, wounded, or missing in these actions have now been notified. The vessels lost are listed below.

(a) The U. S. S. Hornet (aircraft carrier) was sunk by U. S. ships after having been damaged beyond salvage in the Battle of The Santa Cruz Islands on October 26, 1942. (Navy Department Communiqué No. 175).

(b) The U. S. S. Juneau and U. S. S. Atlanta (light cruisers) and the U. S. S. Cushing, Preston, Benham, Walke, Monssen, Laffey and Barton (destroyers) were sunk by enemy action during the battle of Guadalcanal, November 13th-15th, 1942. (Navy Department Communiqué No 194 and No. 198).

(c) The U. S. S. Northampton (heavy cruiser) was sunk by enemy action during the engagement north of Guadalcanal on the night of November 30th-December 1st, 1942. (Navy Department Communiqué No. 211.)

No. 249 January 12, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 11th:

(a) A force of "Dauntless" dive bombers (Douglas SBD) escorted by "Wildcat" fighters (Grumman F4F) was attacked by 12 Japanese "Zeros" between Santa Isabel Island and New Georgia Island. Four "Zeros

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were shot down and 2 others were possibly destroyed. One "Wildcat" failed to return.

(b) A force of "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26) with "Airacobra" (Bell P-39) escort attacked Japanese positions at Munda. Clouds over the target areas prevented accurate bombing and made observation of results difficult.

No. 250 January 13, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 11th, during the morning, an enemy plane dropped five bombs on U. S. positions in the area southwest of the airfield on Guadalcanal Island. Casualties were one killed and several wounded.

2. On January 13th a force of "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26) with "Airacobra" (Bell P-39) and "Lightning" (Lockheed P-38) escort bombed the Japanese airfield at Munda on New Georgia Island. No air opposition was encountered but antiaircraft batteries were active. Results of the bombing were not reported. All U. S. planes returned.

3. Small scale offensive operations against enemy outposts on Guadalcanal are progressing satisfactorily and several small enemy positions have been isolated.

No. 251 January 14, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of January 10th-11th U. S. motor torpedo boats attacked a number of Japanese destroyers near Guadalcanal. Two torpedo hits were scored on one of the enemy destroyers and one hit on a second destroyer. Two possible hits were reported on a third destroyer. The enemy force retired to the northwest.

2. On January 13th a force of "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26), with "Airacobra" (Bell P-39) and "Lightning" (Lockheed P-38) escort, bombed enemy installations at Rekata Bay. Results were not reported.

3. U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal Island supported by air forces continued their advance.

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No. 252 January 16, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

1. During the night of January 13th-14th U. S. aircraft bombed Japanese positions at Munda on New Georgia Island. Results were not reported.

2. On January 14th:

(a) During the morning U. S. planes bombed Sorum village, 3 miles east of the Japanese airfield on the southern end of Buka Island.

(b) At 8:35 a. m. and 110:35 a. m. enemy planes bombed U. S. positions on Guadalcanal Island. No damage to installations resulted. U. S. forces suffered some casualties.

(c) U. S. troops on Guadalcanal continued to advance and gains of 3,000 to 4,000 yards were made against stiff enemy resistance.

3. On January 15th:

(a) During the early morning a "Catalina" reconnaissance plane (Consolidated PBY) attacked a group of five Japanese destroyer 16 miles northeast of the Russell Islands. One direct and two near hits damaged one of the destroyers, which was left burning.

(b) During the morning a force of "Dauntless" dive bombers (Douglas A-24) escorted by "Wildcat" (Grumman F4F) and "Airacobra" (Bell P-39) fighters attacked 9 Japanese destroyers 140 miles northwest of Lunga Point on Guadalcanal. Twelve enemy "Zeros" intercepted the attack and 8 were shot down. One of our dive bombers was forced down and 5 of our fighters failed to return. The dive bombers pressed home the attack and seriously damaged 2 of the enemy destroyers.

(d) During the afternoon "Flying Fortress" heavy bombers (Boeing B-17) with "Lightning" Lockheed P-38), "Airacobra" and "Warhawk" (Curtiss P-40) escort attacked 5 enemy destroyers 37 miles southeast of Faisi in the Shortland Island area. No hits on the enemy vessels were scored but 12 of the enemy float-type biplanes which intercepted the attack were shot down. No U. S. planes were lost.

(e) During the evening a force of dive bombers with "Wildcat" and "Airacobra" escort attacked an enemy cargo ship 37 miles north Munda. Two direct hits and 4 near hits were scored and the ship was left burning. Our "Wildcats" and "Airacobras" drove off 12

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"Zeros" which attempted to intercept and shot down 7 of them. One U. S. fighter failed to return.

No. 253 January 17, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

1. On January 15th:

(a) During the evening, enemy planes bombed U. S. positions on

Guadalcanal Island. Minor material damage was inflicted and

some casualties among our troops were suffered.

(b) U. S. ground forces continued to advance slowly against

determined enemy resistance.

2. On January 16th, during the early afternoon, a force of "Marauder" medium bombers (Martin B-26) with "Airacobra" (Bell P-39) and "Warhawk" (Curtiss P-40) escort bombed Japanese positions at Munda, on New Georgia Island. A number of hits were scored in the target area.

No. 254 January 18, 1943

South Pacific.

1. On January 15th:

(a) During the evening "Flying Fortress" heavy bombers (Boeing B-17) dropped bombs in the Japanese-held Kahili area on Bougainville Island. Two large fires were observed after the attack.

(b) Later the same night, "Catalina" patrol bombers (Consolidated PBY) followed up the attack on Kahili and additional fires were started.

(d) During this same night "Flying Fortresses" bombed Ballale Island in the Shortland area.

2. On January 16th:

(a) During the afternoon and evening Ballale Island was again attacked by "Flying Fortresses" and fires visible for 50 miles were started.

(b) U. S. ground troops on Guadalcanal Island continued mopping up pockets of enemy resistance. Approximately 150 Japanese were killed and a number taken prisoner. Their equipment was destroyed.

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No. 255 January 19, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

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

(a) One destroyer sunk.

(b) One large cargo ship sunk.

(d) One medium-sized cargo ship sunk.

(e) One small patrol vessel sunk.

(f) One large tanker damaged.

(g) One small cargo ship damaged.

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

No. 256 January 20, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 18th, during the afternoon a force of "Flying Fortress" heavy bombers (Boeing B-17), with fighter escort, bombed a Japanese cargo ship which was anchored in the Shortland Island area. Two hits were scored on the vessel which was left burning. Two enemy float-type "Zeros" were shot down and one of our fighters failed to return.

2. During the period from January 13th to January 17th, inclusive, 1,032 Japanese were killed in the various actions between U. S. and enemy forces on Guadalcanal Island.

No. 257 January 21, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 19th an air striking group of U. S. planes bombed Japanese positions at Munda on New Georgia Island. Results were not reported.

2. On January 20th:

(a) During the early morning "Flying Fortress" heavy bomber (Boeing B-17), scored one bomb hit on a Japanese destroyer off Cape Friendship at the easternmost tip of Bougainville Island.

(b) "Flying Fortresses" with fighter escort attacked two enemy ships and two destroyers in the Shortland Island area. A number of

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enemy "Zeros" and float-type biplanes intercepted the attack and eight of these planes were shot down. No hits on the enemy ships were observed. One U. S. fighter was lost and several "Fortresses" were damaged.

3. On January 21st, during the morning, Marauder medium bombers (Martin B-26), dropped bombs on Japanese positions at Munda. Results were not observed.

4. Maj. Gen. Alexander M. Patch, U. S. A., has recently assumed command of the U. S. forces stationed on Guadalcanal. Major General Patch relieved Maj. Gen. Alexander A. Vandegrift, U. S. Marine Corps, who had been in command since the initial occupation of positions on the island by U. S. Marines in early August 1942. The Marines have been operating jointly with Army troops in this area for several months during which period most of the Marines, who made the original landing on Guadalcanal, were replaced by Army personnel.

No. 258 January 22, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of January 20th-21st U. S. aircraft carried out several harassing attacks on enemy installations on Ballale Island off the northeast coast of Shortland Island. Results were not observed.

2. On January 21st:

(a) A Japanese plane dropped several bombs on Espiritu Santo Island in the New Hebrides group. There were no casualties to personnel and our installations were not damaged.

(b) During the night of January 21st-22d single enemy planes dropped bombs in the vicinity of the airfield at Guadalcanal. Minor damage to installations has been reported and three men were killed and one wounded. Antiaircraft fire shot down one enemy plane.

3. U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal continued mopping up pockets of enemy resistance and made small advances in some sectors.

No. 259 January 23, 1943

Atlantic.

1. The U. S. Coast Guard cutter Natsek has been overdue in the North Atlantic for several weeks and must be presumed to be lost. The next of kin of personnel in the Natsek have been notified.

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South Pacific.

2. U. S. forces on Guadalcanal Island continue mopping up and patrol operations.

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD CUTTER NATSEK

The U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Natsek was built by the Snow Shipbuilding Corporation, Rockland, Maine, in 1941 and was placed in commission in June 1942. The cutter, which bore the Eskimo name for Fjord Seal, was 116.9 feet in length with a beam of 23.16 feet, and a draft of 11.8 feet. Her gross tonnage was 225 tons, and her net tonnage was 134.

No. 260 January 24, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 22d:

(a) During the morning a Flying Fortress heavy bomber (Boeing B-17) bombed Japanese positions at Rekata Bay on Santa Isabel Island. Several fires were started.

(b) During the night of January 22d-23d U. S. positions on EspirituSanto Island were bombed. Details were not reported.

2. On January 23d, the following attack missions were accomplished against Japanese installations at Munda on New Georgia Island:

(a) During the early morning a Catalina patrol bomber (Consolidated PBY) bombed the enemy-held area. A large explosion resulted, indicating hits on an ammunition dump.

(b) At noon a force of Marauder medium bombers (Martin B-26) with Wildcat (Grumman F4F) and Airacobra (Bell P-39) escort attacked and silenced enemy antiaircraft batteries.

(c) During the early afternoon Flying Fortresses with Lightning (Lockheed P-38) escort attacked the enemy areas again and started a number of fires.

(d) During the evening Marauders with Airacobra escort carried out a fourth attack on enemy positions in this area.

3. On January 23d:

(a) A Flying Fortress bombed enemy positions at Kahili and Ballale Island in the Shortland Island area.

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(b) During the night of January 23d-24th U. S. positions on Guadalcanal Island were attacked by Japanese bombers. No details were reported.

4. U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal killed 145 Japanese during the period from January 20 to January 22.

No. 261 January 25, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 22d, during the morning, U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal Island attacked Japanese positions west of the airfield. In spite of strenuous enemy opposition, 6 important elevations were captured and 110 Japanese were killed.

2. On January 23d:

(a) Continued aggressive tactics enabled our forces to capture Kokumbona and seize quantities of stores and equipment.

(b) U. S. troops continued mopping up pockets of enemy resistance. Ninety-one Japanese were killed and 40 prisoners were taken.

(d) During the night of January 23d-24th, enemy planes raided U. S. positions on Guadalcanal.

3. On January 23d and January 24th, U. S. air and surface forces bombarded enemy positions on Kolombangara Island in the New Georgia group. The operations were successfully completed and fires from explosions of fuel and ammunition dumps indicated that the enemy-held area was completely burned out.

No. 262 January 26, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

1. On January 25th:

(a) A large force of Japanese dive bombers, twin-engine bombers, and fighters, which was headed for Guadalcanal, was intercepted and attacked by U. S. aircraft. The enemy planes were driven off and no

165

bombs were dropped on U. S. positions. Four Japanese "Zeros" were shot down. No U. S. planes were lost.

(b) Two units of U. S. ground forces joined at Kokumbona on Guadalcanal after one unit had entered the village from along the beach to the east and the other had encircled a strong enemy pocket and entered Kokumbona from the south. The maneuver resulted in giving U. S. forces unrestricted use of Kokumbona and the beach to the east. Two hundred ninety-three Japanese were killed and 5 prisoners were taken during the operation.

(c) Several supply dumps, three 6-inch artillery guns, seven 77-mm. guns, two 37-mm. guns, one tank, several trucks, three 40-mm. antiaircraft guns and various other field pieces and small arms were captured.

2. Offensive operations against enemy resistance continue.

No. 263 January 27, 1943

Pacific.

1. On January 25th, U. S. aircraft were attacked by eight Japanese Zeros during a reconnaissance mission over Wake Island. Two Zeros are believed to have been destroyed. All U. S. planes returned.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On January 26th:

At dusk a formation of Flying Fortress heavy bombers (Boeing B-17), heavily bombed the Japanese airfield on Ballale Island in the Shortland Island area and started fires in the revetments. Weak antiaircraft fire was encountered.

No. 264 January 28, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On January 28th, two Japanese float planes attacked U. S. ships operating to the westward of our positions in the Aleutian Islands. No damage was suffered.

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South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On January 26th, U. S. troops on Guadalcanal Island continued to advance to the west despite stiff enemy resistance. Forty Japanese were killed and 5 prisoners and some enemy equipment were captured.

No. 265 January 29, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 27th:

(a) Ground operations on Guadalcanal Island resulted in the capture of a large, well-established enemy command post. Thirty-six Japanese were killed and 3 prisoners and a large amount of enemy equipment were captured. In other sectors 2 pockets of enemy resistance were wiped out.

(b) During the morning, enemy dive bombers and high-level bombers, escorted by fighters, approached Guadalcanal. U. S. fighters engaged the enemy planes and incomplete reports indicate that nine Zeros were destroyed and six others probably destroyed. The enemy planes dropped no bombs. Four U. S. planes are missing.

(c) A force of Marauder (Martin B-26) medium bombers, with Airacobra (Bell P-39) escort, bombed enemy installations on Kolombangara Island in the New Georgia group. A large fire was started. All U. S. planes returned.

(d) During the evening, a force of Dauntless (Douglas) dive bombers and Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo planes with Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort attacked an enemy destroyer and a cargo ship in the Vella Gulf. Two direct hits were scored on the cargo ship which was left sinking. Bombs fell close to the destroyer which was left smoking.

2. On January 28th:

(a) During the afternoon, a force of Dauntless dive bombers and Avenger torpedo planes with Lightning (Lockheed P-38) escort attacked Japanese ships about 15 miles northeast of Kolombangara Island. A torpedo hit caused a large explosion on an enemy destroyer. One bomb hit and several near hits were scored on a cargo ship and near hits on a tanker were observed. The cargo ship and tanker were left dead in the water. The tanker was last seen smoking. One of the four enemy Zeros which intercepted was shot down. All U. S. Planes returned.

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No. 266 January 30, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

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

(a) One destroyer sunk.

(b) One large tanker sunk.

(d) One medium-sized cargo ship damaged.

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

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

2. On the evening of January 28, a force of Flying Fortress heavy bombers (Boeing B-17) bombed Kahili in the Shortland area. Results were not reported.

No. 267 February 1, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

1. On January 28th, U. S. troops on Guadalcanal Island killed 62 Japanese and took 22 prisoners.

2. On January 29th:

(a) During the early afternoon, a force of Marauder medium bomb (Martin B-26) attacked enemy positions on Kolombangara Island.

(b) During the evening, Marauders bombed the enemy-held area at Munda on New Georgia Island.

3. On January 30th, during the morning, a force of Marauder medium bombers, with Airacobra escort (Bell P-39), bombed enemy positions at Munda on New Georgia Island.

No. 268 February 2, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On January 26th:

U. S. Army planes bombed and scored near hits on a Japanese cargo ship at Tarawa Island in the Gilbert group.

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2. On January 30th:

(a) During the morning, Marauder medium bombers (Martin B-26) attacked enemy positions at Munda.

(b) During the afternoon, Marauders and Flying Fortress heavy bombers (Boeing B-I7) carried out a second attack on enemy installations at Munda. Fires were started as the result ofhits in the enemy areas.

3. On January 31st:

A U. S. destroyer shelled a number of enemy barges off Cape Esperance on Guadalcanal Island.

4. On February 1st:

(a) During the morning, a force of dive bombers and Avenger torpedo planes (Grumman TBF) with Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort, bombed the enemy-held area at Munda. Two dive bombers failed to return.

(b) During the morning, a force of Flying Fortresses, with Warhawk (Curtiss P-40) and Lightning (Lockheed P-38) escort bombed a large Japanese cargo ship off Shortland Island. Three direct hits were scored. All U. S. planes returned, although three of the fighters had suffered damage from antiaircraft fire.

(c) A second wave of Flying Fortresses, which had been dispatched to attack shipping in the Buin-Shortland area, was attacked by 20 enemy Zeros. Three of our planes are missing and a fourth returned badly damaged.

(d) U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal continued to advance slowly toward the west.

North Pacific (Washington, D. C. dates used).

5. On January 31st:

Two Japanese float-type Zeros bombed U. S. positions in the western Aleutians. No damage was suffered.

6. On February 1st:

Japanese planes attacked U. S. surface units and shore positions in the western Aleutians. No damage to ships or shore installations resulted.

No. 269 February 2, 1943

South Pacific.

1. During the last several days there have been a number of surface and air actions between U. S. and Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands.

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2. The increased activity on the part of the Japanese indicates a major effort to regain control of the entire Solomon area.

3. Both U. S. and Japanese forces have suffered some losses. To reveal, at this time, details of these engagements would endanger the success of our future operations in this area.

No. 270 February 3, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 1st, U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal continued their advance to the west and crossed the Bonegi River, one-half mile east of Tassafaronga. Stiff enemy resistance was encountered and 60 Japanese were killed.

2. Air and surface engagements between U. S. and enemy forces in the Guadalcanal area of the Solomon Islands are continuing. The military situation does not permit publication of further details at this time.

No. 271 February 4, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of February 1st-2d, Japanese planes, in groups of from one to four planes, bombed U. S. positions on Guadalcanal Island.

2. On February 2d:

(a) U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal Island continued the advance to the west and occupied elevated positions west of the Bonegi River. Considerable enemy equipment was captured and 39 Japanese were killed.

(b) A U. S. fighter strafed enemy barges near Aruligo Point about 4 miles southeast of Cape Esperance on Guadalcanal.

(c) During the evening, a force of Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas) and Avenger torpedo planes (Grumman TBF) attacked Munda causing explosions and starting several fires.

(d) During the night of February 2d-3d, Japanese planes again bombed U. S. positions on Guadalcanal.

3. Details concerning recurrent engagements between U. S. air and surface forces and those of the enemy will not be announced as long as such information might jeopardize the safety of our forces in the area of operations.

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No. 272 February 5, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the morning of February 4th, a force of Dauntless Dive bombers (Douglas) bombed Japanese positions at Munda, on New Georgia Island.

2. U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal Island advanced along the north coast to a position one-half mile northwest of Tassafaronga.

3. Sporadic encounters between U. S. and Japanese air and surface forces in the Solomon Islands area continue.

No. 273 February 6, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On February 4th:

(a) A U. S. plane destroyed a Japanese plane during a reconnaissance mission.

(b) During the afternoon, five enemy float-type planes bombed U. S. positions in the western Aleutians. No damage was suffered.

(c) During the night of February 4th-5th, Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B-24) and Mitchell medium bombers (North American B-25), with fighter escort, bombed Japanese positions at Kiska. Three of the five float-type Zeros which intercepted were shot down. All U. S. planes returned.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On February 3d:

(a) U. S. planes raided Japanese positions at Munda, on New Georgia Island, during the morning and again during the evening. Results were not reported.

(b) During the morning, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with fighter escort, bombed enemy positions on Kolombangara Island in the New Georgia group.

3. On February 4th:

(a) A Flying Fortress on a search mission was attacked by three Zeros. One Zero was shot down and the damaged Fortress returned to its base.

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(b) U. S. troops on Guadalcanal Island continued to advance along the northwest coast of the island. Enemy resistance was weak and some Of our patrols reached points one and one-half miles past Tassafaronga near the Umasani River.

No. 274 February 7, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 6th:

(a) During the morning, small groups of U. S. planes bombed enemy positions on Kolombangara Island in the New Georgia group.

(b) During the evening, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas) with Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort bombed Munda on New Georgia Island. All U. S. planes returned.

2. U. S. forces have established a strong position at Titi, one-half mile west of Marovovo on the northwest coast of Guadalcanal Island. Patrol operations are progressing satisfactorily.

No. 275 February 9, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 7th and 8th, U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal Island lengthened the forward line along the Umasani River. Consolidation of our recently established position at Titi was completed. Thirty-four Japanese were killed and 1 prisoner was taken during these operations.

2. On February 8th, U. S. air forces bombed Japanese positions at Munda on New Georgia Island.

No. 276 February 10, 1943

North Pacific.

1. on February 8th, Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B-24) and Mitchell medium bombers (North American B-25) dropped bombs on the enemy camp area at Kiska and on installations at North Head. Seven float-type Zeros were observed on the water but no attempt intercept was made. All U. S. planes returned.

172

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On February 9th:

(a) Airacobra fighters (Bell P-39) strafed and sank an enemy barge off Hooper Bay in the northern Russell Islands. A number of floating drums of fuel oil were destroyed in the same vicinity.

(b) During the evening, a force of Marauder medium bombers (Martin B-26), with Airacobra and Lightning (Lockheed P-38) escort, bombed Japanese positions on Kolombangara Island in the New Georgia group. Results were not reported.

(c) During the evening, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Lightning and Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort, attacked Japanese positions at Munda on New Georgia Island. A large fire was started.

(d) U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal Island advanced to positions one-half mile west of the Segilau River in the vicinity of Doma Cove. On the northwest coast of the island U. S. troops advanced to the northeast as far as Visale. No opposition was encountered. A large amount of enemy equipment was captured.

No. 277 February 11, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On February 10th:

(a) During the morning, U. S. heavy and medium bombers, with fighter escort, bombed Japanese positions at Kiska. Many hits on enemy installations were observed.

(b) A single enemy float-type plane attacked U. S. surface units in the western Aleutians. No damage was suffered.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. Japanese forces on Guadalcanal Island have ceased all organized resistance. Patrol operations against isolated enemy groups continue.

3. During the night of February 9th-10th, a Catalina patrol bomber (Consolidated PBY) attacked enemy positions at Munda.

4. On February 10th:

(a) U. S. planes attacked enemy positions at Munda. Results were not reported.

(b) A reconnaissance plane from Guadalcanal shot down a twin-engine Japanese bomber over Choiseul Island.

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No. 278 February 12, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 11th:

(a) During the morning, a force of Marauder medium bombers (Martin B-26), with Airacobra (Bell P-39) and Lightning (Lockheed P-38) escort, attacked Japanese positions at Munda. Bomb hits started fires in the target area.

(b) During the evening, Marauders, with Airacobra and Lightning escort, bombed enemy positions on Kolombangara Island. A large fire was started and one enemy plane was shot down.

No. 279 February 13, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 12th:

(a) During the early morning, a U. S. plane dropped bombs in the Japanese-occupied area at Munda on New Georgia Island.

(b) Later in the morning, a force of Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Wildcat (Grumman F4F) and Lightning (Lockheed P-38) escort, again attacked enemy installations at Munda. A gun position was destroyed and fires were started.

(c) During the afternoon, U. S. planes carried out a third attack against enemy positions in the Munda area. Marauder medium bombers (Martin B-26), with Airacobra (Bell P -39) escort, dropped bombs in the target area.

(d) During the early morning, U. S. planes attacked an enemy positions on Kolombangara Island. Results were not reported.

(e) All U. S. planes returned from the above attack missions

No. 280 February 14, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 13th U. S. planes attacked Japanese shore positions and shipping in the Shortland Island area of the Solomons. The attack was opposed by 45 enemy Zeros and heavy antiaircraft fire. U. S. planes shot down 8 Zeros and scored a bomb hit on an enemy cargo ship. Four U. S. Planes were shot down by enemy planes and 2 were destroyed by enemy antiaircraft fire.

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2. During the final offensive on Guadalcanal Island, which was begun on January 15th, U. S. troops killed 6,066 Japanese and took 127 prisoners.

No. 281 February 15, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On February 13th:

(a) During the night, a force of Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B-24) and Mitchell medium bombers (North American B-25), with Lightning (Lockheed P-38) escort, attacked Japanese positions at Kiska. Hits were scored in the target area and three of the five Zeros which intercepted were shot down.

(b) An enemy reconnaissance plane was shot down in the vicinity of U. S. positions in the western Aleutians.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On February 14th:

(a) During the morning, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas) and Avenger torpedo planes (Grumman TBF), with Airacobra (Bell P-39) and Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort, attacked Munda, on New Georgia island. A large fire was started. All U. S. planes returned.

(b) Later in the day, a force of Airacobras and Wildcats strafed enemy positions at Munda.

(c) At noon, a number of Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated PB4Y), with Corsair (Vought-Sikorsky F4U) and Lightning escort, attacked and scored 3 bomb hits on a large Japanese cargo ship near Buin in the Shortland Island area. About 25 or 30 enemy planes intercepted the attack and 11 of the enemy planes were shot down. Two U. S. bombers and 6 fighters failed to return.

(d) Ground activities on Guadalcanal Island were confined to patrolling and policing.

No. 282 February 16, 1943

The following is a summary of naval operations in the South Pacific from January 29 to February 4. (All dates are east longitude):

1. During the latter part of January, U. S. reconnaissance planes located heavy Japanese fleet units, including battleships and aircraft carriers, in the waters between Truk and the Solomon Islands. Simultaneously

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reports were received of large groups of enemy destroyers in the Solomon Islands and an unusually heavy concentration of enemy aircraft at all of the Japanese bases in the Solomon Islands-New Britain area.

2. It appeared possible that the Japanese Fleet might accept a decisive battle. Subsequent events indicate however that the enemy was solely concerned with evacuation of troops from Guadalcanal and interference with the movements of U. S. troop transports which were landing soldiers Guadalcanal shortly before the collapse of enemy resistance on the island. There were no actions between heavy forces. Active operations of enemy surface forces were confined mainly to movements of destroyer detachments under heavy air cover between Guadalcanal and enemy bases in the northern Solomons.

3. During the evening of January 29th, a force of U. S. cruisers and destroyers, which was covering transport movements and operating about 70 miles to the south of Guadalcanal in the vicinity of Rennell Island, was attacked by enemy torpedo planes. The U. S. S. Chicago was hit by torpedoes and severely damaged. The damaged cruiser was taken in tow by another cruiser and later was turned over to a tug for towing.

4. The following day, January 30th, in the afternoon, the Chicago was again attacked by 13 enemy torpedo planes and as a result of this attack was sunk. U. S. aircraft shot down 12 of the 13 enemy planes, but not in time to ward off the attack on the Chicago. Personnel casualties were not large and the next of kin of those killed, wounded, and missing, have been notified.

On January 31st, a force of U. S. bombers and fighters attacked an enemy formation of one destroyer, one corvette and one large cargo vessel in the Vella Gulf. The three enemy vessels were left dead in the water, burning and listing.

6. On February 1st, a force of U. S. dive bombers, torpedo planes and fighters attacked an enemy formation of four destroyers in the northern Solomons area. Two of the destroyers were believed sunk and a third was left burning.

7. U. S. aircraft were attacked by 10 Zeros, 2 of which were shot down. Two U. S. fighter planes were lost in the attack.

8. In air combat at least 20 planes were destroyed in the Guadalcanal area during the day. Ten U. S. planes were lost.

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9. During the afternoon of February 1st, a force of enemy dive bombers, escorted by Zeros, attacked and sank a U. S. destroyer between Cape Esperance and Savo Island. The next of kin of casualties will be notified by telegram as soon as information is received.

10. During the night of February 1st-2d, an enemy force of about 20 destroyers approached Guadalcanal. They were attacked by U. S. motor torpedo boats and at least 1 destroyer was sunk and 2 others are believed to have been sunk. Three U. S. motor torpedo boats were lost.

11. On the morning of February 2d, a force of Dauntless dive bombers and Avenger torpedo planes attacked 16 enemy destroyers northeast of Kolombangara in the New Georgia group. One bomb hit was scored on an enemy destroyer and a near hit on another. One Avenger was damaged by antiaircraft fire.

12. During the evening of February 2d, a force of Flying Fortresses, escorted by Lightnings and Warhawks, scored hits on a large enemy cargo ship off Shortland Island. The vessel was left burning and listing. Our planes were attacked by 20 enemy fighters. Nine or Possibly 10 enemy planes were shot down. All U. S. planes returned.

13. During the afternoon of February 4th, a force of U. S. torpedo planes, dive bombers, and fighters attacked an enemy formation of 20 destroyers about 200 miles northwest of Guadalcanal. One destroyer was sunk and another was badly damaged. An enemy destroyer was later observed burning. In this attack 7 Zeros were shot down and 5 others were probably destroyed. Four U. S. torpedo planes, one bomber and one fighter were lost. In a second attack, Dauntless dive bombers, escorted by Wildcats and Warhawks, attacked 18 enemy destroyers which were covered by 25 Zeros. Two hits were scored on 1 destroyer and 1 hit on another. Ten enemy Zeros were shot down and 2 others were probably destroyed. Three U. S. fighters and 1 dive bomber were lost.

14. The above account includes all known U. S. and Japanese losses.

15. Events subsequent to February 4th centered around the collapse of Japanese resistance on Guadalcanal as has been announced in previous communiqués.

NOTE: (1) Partial accounts of some of the above described actions have appeared in press dispatches originating in the South Pacific but have not been announced previously in any Navy Department communiqué.

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No. 283 February 16, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 7th, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort, attacked a Japanese surface force near Rendova Island in the New Georgia group. Bomb hits were scored on two enemy destroyers and two and possibly three of the Zeros, which were protecting the destroyers, were shot down.

2. On February 15th:

(a) During the morning, a force of Marauder medium bombers (Martin B-26), with Airacobra (Bell P-39) and Warhawk (Curtiss P-40) escort, bombed Japanese positions and started fires on Kolombangara Island in the New Georgia group.

(b) Later in the morning, Dauntless dive bombers and Avenger torpedo planes (Grumman TBF), with Wildcat escort, attacked enemy positions at Munda, on New Georgia Island.

(c) During the afternoon, Dauntless dive bombers and Avengers, with Wildcat and Corsair (Vought F4U) escort, carried out a second attack on Munda.

(d) No U. S. planes were lost during the above attack missions, although some damage was suffered as a result of enemy antiaircraft fire.

No. 284 February 17, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

1. On February 15th:

(a) During the evening, three U. S. planes were dispatched to attack Japanese positions in the Shortland Island area. One of the planes dropped bombs on enemy positions on Ballale Island. One U. S. plans failed to return.

(b) During the evening, a Liberator heavy bomber (Consolidated), with escort, attacked the Japanese airfield at Kahili on the coast of Bougainville Island. One of the escorting planes return.

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No. 285 February 17, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

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

(a) One medium-sized tanker sunk.

(b) One medium-sized transport sunk.

(d) One escort vessel sunk.

(e) One cruiser damaged and probably sunk.

(f) One medium-sized cargo ship damaged.

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

No. 286 February 18, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 17th:

(a) Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Airacobra (Bell P-39) and Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort, bombed and started fires in the Japanese-held area at Munda on New Georgia Island.

(b) During the night of February 17th-18th, U. S. aircraft bombed enemy positions on Kolombangara Island.

No. 287 February 20, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On February 18th:

(a) U. S. surface forces bombarded Japanese positions at Holtz Bay and at Chichagof Harbor on Attu Island. Results were not observed.

(b) U. S. aircraft shot down two Japanese float planes which attempted to attack U. S. positions in the western Aleutians. No damage or casualties were suffered.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On February 19th, U. S. aircraft bombed Japanese positions at Vila, on the southern coast of Kolombangara Island and at Munda, on New Georgia Island. All U. S. planes returned.

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No. 288 February 21, 1943

1. The U. S. submarine Argonaut has failed to return from patrol operations and must be presumed to be lost. The next of kin of personnel in the Argonaut have been so informed.

North Pacific.

2. On February. 20th a U. S. naval unit operating in the western Aleutians engaged and sank a Japanese supply ship.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

3. On February 19th and 20th U. S. aircraft executed a number of bombing attacks on Japanese airfields at Vila, on Kolombangara Island and at Munda on New Georgia Island. Large fires were started and hits were scored on antiaircraft installations. One U. S. plane failed to return from these attack missions.

4. The U. S. destroyer, which was announced in Navy Department Communiqué No. 282 as having been sunk on February 1st, 1943, by Japanese air attack, south of Savo Island, was the U. S. S. De Haven. The next of kin of those killed, wounded, and missing have been notified.

No. 289 February 22, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 21st, Avenger torpedo planes (Grumman TBF) and Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Warhawk (Curtiss P-40) and Corsair (Vought F4U) escort, bombed Japanese positions at Munda on New Georgia Island. Fires were started in the target area. One U. S. fighter failed to return.

No. 290 February 23, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On February 22d, during the morning, Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B-24) and Mitchell medium bombers (North American B-25), with Lightning (Lockheed P-38) escort, bombed Japanese positions at Kiska. All U. S. planes returned.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On February 22d, during the early morning, Liberator heavy bombers attacked Japanese positions at Vila, on Kolombangara Island and at Munda, on New Georgia Island. Results of the bombing at Vila were

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not observed but fires were started in the Munda area. All U. S. planes returned.

No. 291 February 24, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

1. On February 21st:

(a) During the morning Japanese planes carried out a light raid on U. S. positions on Espiritu Santo Island in the New Hebrides.

(b) During the afternoon, Avenger torpedo planes (Grumman TBF) and Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with fighter escort, attacked Japanese positions at Munda. Several fires were started in the target area.

(c) During the night of February 21st-22d, Japanese planes raided U. S. positions at Tulagi in the Nggela group of the Solomon Islands.

2. On February 22d:

(a) A U. S. search plane, operating near Choiseul Island, scored bomb hits on an enemy barge loaded with Japanese soldiers.

(b) During the late afternoon, Airacobras (Bell P-39), Corsairs (Vought F4U) and Lightnings (Lockheed P-38) strafed enemy positions at Rekata Bay on the northern shore of Santa Isabel Island.

3. On February 23d, during the early morning, an enemy plane dropped bombs on the airfield at Guadalcanal.

4. During the night of February 23d-24th, Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated PB4Y) bombed enemy positions at Vila and at Munda in the New Georgia group. All U. S. planes returned.

No. 292 February 26, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On February 23d, U. S. bombers, with fighter escort, attacked Japanese positions at Kiska. Clouds prevented observation of results.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On February 25th:

(a) Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Lightning (Lockheed P-38) and Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort, bombed Japanese positions at Vila, on Kolombangara Island. Fires were started in the target area.

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(b) Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated) attacked enemy positions at Kahili and at Faisi in the Shortland Island area.

No. 293 February 27, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On February 25th, U. S. bombers, with fighter escort, attacked Japanese positions at Kiska.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On February 26th, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort, attacked Japanese positions at Munda. Many fires were started and at least one plane was destroyed on the ground.

No. 294 February 28, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On February 27th:

(a) During the afternoon, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Wildcat escort (Grumman F4F), bombed Japanese positions at Munda, on New Georgia Island. One large and two small fires were started. All U. S. planes returned.

(b) During the afternoon, Dauntless dive bombers, with Corsair (Vought F4U), Lightning (Lockheed P-38), and Warhawk (Curtiss P-40) escort, attacked a Japanese transport, with an escort of two Corvettes, off Vella Lavella Island, the westernmost island of the New Georgia group. Several bomb hits were scored on the transport which was left burning. One of the Corvettes was hit and left burning and one float-type Zero was shot down. Two U. S. fighters failed to return.

No. 295 March 1, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On February 27th, during the afternoon, a force of heavy and medium bombers, with fighter escort, attacked Japanese positions at Kiska. Results were not observed. All U. S. planes returned.

2. On February 28th, during the afternoon, enemy positions at Kiska were again attacked by U. S. medium bombers. Hits were observed in the camp area. All U. S. planes returned.

182

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

3. On February 28th:

(a) A Hudson patrol bomber (Lockheed A-29) dropped bombs in the area at Munda, on New Georgia Island.

(b) A force of Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated PB4Y) and Avenger torpedo planes (Grumman TBF) attacked Japanese shipping off Buin and bombed the enemy airfields at Kahili and Ballale in the Shortland Island area. An enemy cargo ship was hit, blew up and sank. Large fires were started at Kahili and Ballale and an enemy plane was destroyed on the ground. One U. S. plane failed to return.

(c) Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Lightning (Lockheed P-38) and Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort, attacked and started fires at Vila, on Kolombangara Island. All U. S. planes returned.

No. 296 March 2, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are cast longitude).

1. On March 1st, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Wildcat (Grumman F4F) escort, bombed and started fires in the Japanese-held area at Munda on New Georgia Island. All U. S. planes returned.

No. 297 March 2, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

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

(a) Three medium-sized cargo ships sunk.

(b) One medium-sized tanker sunk.

(d) One medium-sized transport damaged.

(e) One medium-sized tanker damaged.

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

No. 298 March 3, 1943

North Pacific.

1. During the month of February 1943, U. S. aircraft, operating under adverse weather conditions, executed 9 bombing attacks on Japanese

183

positions at Kiska. During these raids, which have been previously announced, more than 1,000 bombs were dropped and 10 enemy planes were shot down. No U. S. planes were lost during these operations. South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On March 2d, a Hudson patrol bomber (Lockheed A-29), while returning from a mission, dropped bombs on Japanese positions at Munda, on New Georgia Island.

No. 299 March 4, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On March 3d:

(a) Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated PB4Y) dropped bombs in the Japanese-held areas at Kahili, Buin, Ballale and Vila in the northwestern Solomons. Results were not observed. All U. S. planes returned.

(b) Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Wildcat escort (Grumman F4F), attacked enemy positions and started a fire at Munda, on New Georgia Island. All U. S. planes returned.

No. 300

North Pacific.

1. On March 2d during the early morning, Warhawks (Curtiss P-40) attacked Japanese positions at Kiska. Hits were observed in the camp area.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. During the night of March 3d-4th, two Japanese planes dropped bombs on U. S. positions on Guadalcanal Island. No casualties resulted and no damage to installations was suffered.

3. On March 4th:

(a) During the morning, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Wildcat escort (Grumman F4F), bombed enemy positions at Munda and started four fires. Antiaircraft fire was encountered. All U. S. planes returned.

(b) During the morning, Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B-24) bombed Japanese installations at Buin, at Kahili and on Ballale Island in the Shortland Island area. Antiaircraft fire was encountered and results could not be observed. All U. S. planes returned.

184

INDEX A

Page

Acacia, U. S. S., CGC............................................... 45

Agattu (Aleutians)..................................... 63, 73, 99, 101

Agwiworld, S. S..................................................... 10

Alchiba, U. S. S., AK.............................................. 144

Alert, S. S......................................................... 2

Aleutian area.................................... 61-63, 71, 74, 76, 79

Alexander Hamilton, U. S. S., CGC................................... 30

Algiers (North Africa)............................................. 138

Allan Jackson, S. S................................................. 23

Amphibious Operations........................................... 78, 82

Andreanof Islands (western Aleutians)........................... 96, 97

Andrews, Adolphus RAD, U. S. N...................................... 41

Antisubmarine warfare.............................................. 46

Arizona, U. S. S., BB...................................... 3, 140, 141

Argonaut, U. S. S., SS............................................. 180

Army (ground forces)......... ..... 1, 43, 46, 49, 64, 71, 96, 115, 119,

125, 133, 135, l37, 140, 163

Aruligo Point (Guadalcanal)........................................ 170

Asheville, U. S. S., PG............................................. 43

Asiatic Fleet, U. S.................................. 1, 16, 22, 23, 44

Astoria, U. S. S., CA.............................................. 103

Atka (western Aleutians)............................................ 76

Atlanta, U. S. S., CL.............................................. 158

Atlantic area..................................... 2, 8, 10, 15, 21-24,

26, 30-33, 35, 45, 51, 61

Attu (western Aleutians)................. 72, 96, 99, 101, 127, 136, 179

Australia................................... 34, 41, 42, 46, 75, 77, 102

Australian ships............................................... 38, 103

Axis submarine action (Atlantic).................... 10, 16, 21-24, 26,

30, 32, 35, 55, 61, 129

Bali (N. E. I.)............................................. 29, 44, 50

Ballale Island (Shortland area)...... 161, 163, 164, 166, 178, 183, 184

Barton, U. S. S., DD............................................... 158

Bataan (Philippines)................................ 26, 29, 43, 49, 52

Battleships: Japan............... 1, 64, 80, 92 107, 108, 131, 132, 175

United States.................................................. 54, 132

Bawean Island (N. E. I.)............................................ 38

Bayler, Walter L. J., Maj., U. S. M. C.............................. 17

Benham, U. S. S., DD................................................ 158

Binanga Bay (Philippines)........................................... 22

Bismarck Archipelago................................................ 53

Bittern, U. S. S., AM............................................... 49

Black, H. D., Comdr., U. S. N....................................... 36

Blakeley, U. S. S., DD.............................................. 55

Blue, U. S. S., DD.............................................. 86, 87

Bonegi River (Guadalcanal)......................................... 170

Bougainville Island (Solomon area)............ 100, 133, 136, 147, 149,

155-157, 161, 162, 178

British: Admiralty.................................................. 38

Naval Forces........................................................ 34

Ships (H. M. S.)................................................. 38-41

Brown, Wilson VAD, U. S. N.......................................... 57

Browning, Miles R., Comdr., U. S. N................................. 29

Buchanan, U. S. S., DD.............................................. 129

Buin (Bougainville Island)........... 107, 109, 110, 130, 133, 136, 147,

149, 155, 156, 175, 183, 184

185

Buka Island (Solomons area).............................. 102, 107, 160

Buka Passage (Solomons area)........................................ 94

Bulkeley, J. D., Lt., U. S. N................................... 22, 24

California, USA..................................................... 11

California, U. S. S., BB........................................... 140

Callaghan, D. J., RAD, U. S. N..................................... 131

Canacao (Philippines)............................................... 15

Canberra, H. M. A. S., CA.......................................... 103

Canopus, U. S. S., AS............................................... 49

Cape Esperance (Guadalcanal Island)........................... 169, 177

Cape Friendship (Bougainville Island)............................... 164

Cape Hatteras (N. C., U. S. A.)..................................... 23

Cape May (N. J., U. S. A.).......................................... 35

Caribbean Sea.......................................... 45, 46, 55, 129

Caroline Islands (Pacific).......................................... 48

Casablanca (North Africa).......................................... 138

Cassin, U. S. S., DD....................................... 3, 140, 141

Cavite (Philippines)............................ 10, 15, 29, 42, 43, 47

Cebu (Philippines).................................................. 51

Celebes (N. E. I.).................................................. 49

Chapple, W. G., Lt., U. S........................................... 133

Chicago, U. S. S., CA............................................... 176

Chichagof Harbor (Attu)............................................. 179

China Sea....................................................... 29, 48

Choiseul Island (Solomons area)............................ 91, 173, 181

Christmas Island (Central Pacific)................................... 50

Coimbra, S. S....................................................... 23

Colhoun, U. S. S., APD........................................... 86, 87

Coral Sea....................................................... 53, 57

Corregidor (Philippines)............................. 30, 43, 49, 51, 52

Costa Rica (Central America)......................................... 2

Cox, George, Ens., U. S. N........................................... 24

Cristobal, Canal Zone............................................... 15

Curacao (off north coast of South America).......................... 129

Curtiss, U. S. S., AV............................................... 140

Cushing, U. S. S., DD............................................... 158

Cythera, U. S. S. Naval Patrol...................................... 57

Darwin (Australia)............................................. 47, 102

De Haven, U. S. S., DD............................................. 180

De Long, Edward G., Lt. (jg), U. S. N............................... 24

Dempsey, J. C., Lt., U. S. N........................................ 33

Deoorman, RAD, R. N. N.......................................... 38, 39

De Ruyter, R. N. N., CL......................................... 38, 40

Dewey Dry Dock, U. S. S............................................. 49

Devereux, J. P. S., Maj., U. S. M. C............................ 16, 17

Doma Cove (Guadalcanal)............................................ 173

Downes, U. S. S., DD....................................... 3, 140, 141

Duncan, U. S. S., DD............................................... 127

Dutch Harbor (Alaska)................................... 55, 56, 71, 73

Dutch: Naval forces........................................ 29, 34, 38;

Ships........................................................ 38

Eastern Sea Frontier................................................ 41

Edsall, U. S. S., DD................................................ 44

Edward Ruthledge, U. S. S., AP...................................... 138

Electra, H. M. S., DD............................................... 39

Ellice Islands (Pacific)............................................ 114

Emidio, S. S........................................................ 10

Emmons, Delos C., Lt. Gen., U. S. A................................. 70

Encounter, H. M. S., DD............................................. 40

186

Page

Erie, U. S. S., PG................................................. 29

Espiritu Santo Island (New Hebrides)........... 108, 114, 163, 164, 181

Exeter, H. M. S., CA............................................. 38-40

Evertsen, R. N. N., DD.............................................. 40

Faisi Island (Solomons area)................... 100, 109, 144, 160, 182

Fiji Islands....................................................... 102

Finch, U. S. S., AM................................................. 51

Fitch, A. W., RAD, U. S. N.......................................... 59

Fletcher, F. J., RAD, U. S. N........................... 29, 58, 70, 82

Florida Island (Nggela group)......................... 84, 94, 116, 117

Florida, U. S. A................................................ 24, 51

Fort Glenn (Alaska)................................................. 72

Fort Mears (Alaska).............................................. 71-73

Gannet, U. S. S., AVP............................................... 61

Gavutu Island (Solomons area).................................. 84, 125

Gay, G. H., Ens., U. S. N. R........................................ 66

George F. Elliott, U. S. S., AP..................................... 95

Gertrude Cove (Kiska).............................................. 109

Ghormley, R. L., VAD, U. S. N.............................. 82, 83, 100

Gilbert Islands (Pacific)...................... 25-29, 32, 36, 114, 168

Gizo Island (New Georgia group).................... 88, 89, 92, 93, 102

Glassford, W. A., VAD., U. S. N..................................... 26

Greenwich Island (Pacific).......................................... 98

Gregory, U. S. S., APD.............................................. 95

Grunion, U. S. S., SS............................................... 97

Guadalcanal Island (Solomons area). 78, 80-95, 97-99, 101-140, 143-147,

149-155, 157, 159-173, 175-177, 181, 184

Guam Island (Pacific)................................................ 2

Gulf of Nicoya (Costa Rica).......................................... 2

Halavo (Florida Island)............................................. 83

Hale, W. W., Maj. Gen., U. S. A..................................... 70

Halsey, W. F., Adm., U. S. N.................. 27, 29, 44, 45, 121, 134

Hamilton, W. J., Tech. Sgt., U. S. M. C............................. 20

Hammann, U. S. S., DD........................................... 69, 90

Hart, T. C., Adm., U. S. N....................... 1, 12, 15, 22, 25, 26

Hawaiian Islands........................... 2, 3, 8, 12, 13, 16, 20, 46

Helena, U. S. S., CL............................................... 140

Helfrich, VAD., R. N. N............................................. 38

Heron, U. S. S., AVP................................................ 15

Hoeffel, Kenneth, M., Capt., U. S. N............................ 49, 52

Holtz Bay (Attu).............................................. 127, 179

Honolulu, U. S. S., CL............................................. 140

Hooper Bay (Russell Islands)........................................ 73

Hornet, U. S. S., CV............................................... 158

Houston, U. S. S., CA............................................ 38-40

Howard, Samuel L., Col., U. S. M. C................................. 52

Hugh L. Scott, U. S. S., AP........................................ 138

Hurd, K. C., Lt. Comdr., U. S. N.................................... 33

Iceland............................................................. 30

Indian Ocean........................................................ 50

Indispensable Strait (Solomons area)............................... 127

Ingraham, U. S. S., DD.............................................. 81

Jacob Jones, U. S. S., DD....................................... 35, 36

Jaluit Island (Marshall group)............................... 25, 27-29

187

Page

Japan....................................................... 11, 31, 53

Jarvis, U. S. S., DD................................................... 93

Java, R. N. N., CL.............................................. 38, 40

Java: Island..................................... 34, 43, 46, 47 49, 50

Sea..................................................... 34, 38, 44, 49

Johnston Island (Central Pacific)............................ 8, 12, 14

Joseph Hewes, U. S. S., AP......................................... 138

Juneau, U. S. S., CL............................................... 158

Jupiter, H. M. S., DD............................................... 39

Kabler, W. L., Lt., U. S. N......................................... 15

Kahili (Bougainville Island). 149, 156, 161, 164, 168, 178, 182, 184

Kahului (Maui Island)............................................ 8, 11

Kane, U. S. S., DD.................................................. 76

Kapingamarangi (see Greenwich Island)............................... 98

Kawanishi (Jap type seaplane bomber)................................ 76

Kieta (Bougainville Island)................................... 100, 102

Kimes, I. L., Lt. Gen., U. S. M. C.................................. 70

Kimmel, H. E., RAD., U. S. N........................................ 34

Kincaid, T. C., RAD., U. S. N....................................... 70

King, E. J., ADM., U. S. N............................. 35, 45, 75, 102

Kinney, Lt., U. S. M. C............................................. 20

Kiska (Alaska).................. 61, 63, 64, 72-76, 91, 94, 96, 97, 99,

101, 109, 111-114, 118, 127, 145, 148,

149, 151-153, 156, 171-173, 175, 180-184

Kodiak (Alaska)..................................................... 14

Kokumbona (Guadalcanal)........................ 124, 151, 153, 165, 166

Koli Point (Guadalcanal)....................................... 124-127

Kolombangara Island ................ 165, 167, 68, 171-174,177-181, 183

Kortenaer, R. N. N., DD............................................. 39

Kwajalein Island (Marshall group)........................... 25, 27, 28

Lae (New Guinea)............................................... 41, 57

Laffey, U. S. S., DD............................................... 158

Lahaina, S. S....................................................... 11

Langley, U. S. S., AV........................................... 46, 47

Larry Doheny, S. S.................................................. 12

Leary, H. F., VAD., U. S. N......................................... 26

Lee, W. A., RAD., U. S. N.......................................... 132

Leedstown, U. S. S., AP............................................ 138

Lexington, U. S. S., CV......................................... 59, 60

Little, U. S. S., APD............................................... 93

Lombok (N. E. I.):

Island.............................................................. 50

Strait.............................................................. 44

Lunga (Guadalcanal).................................. 126, 136-139, 160

Luzon Island(Philippines)......................................... 1, 2

Luzon, U. S. S., PR................................................. 52

MacArthur, General, U. S. A.......... 26, 29, 43, 49, 83, 100, 111, 131

Makambo Island (Solomons area)................................. 84, 125

Makassar Strait (N. E. I.).................................. 23, 24, 44

Makin Island (Gilbert group)................................ 25, 27, 28

Malaita Island (Solomons area)...................................... 98

Malimbiu River (Guadalcanal)....................................... 125

Malta (Mediterranean)............................................... 62

Mambulo Region (Guadalcanal).................................. 134, 135

Manila (Philippines): City. 12, 15, 43 Bay. ................. 25, 43

Marconi, S. S....................................................... 15

Marcus Island (Pacific)......................................... 44, 45

188

Marine Corps (ground forces).2, 12, 16-20, 26, 29, 43, 51, 52, 62, 77-

104, 110, 116, 123-126, 133-140, 151, 163

Marquart, E. J., RAD., U. S. N...................................... 41

Marshall, George C., Gen., U. S. A.................................. 45

Marshall Islands (Pacific)........................... 25-28, 32, 44, 45

Maryland, U. S. S., BB............................................. 140

Matanikau River (Guadalcanal)............. 121, 123, 124, 134, 138, 140

Maui Island (Hawaiian group)................................. 8, 11, 14

McKinney, E. B., Lt. Comdr., U. S. N................................ 33

Melbourne (Australia)............................................... 43

Meredith, U. S. S., DD............................................. 113

Metapona River (Guadalcanal).................................. 126, 127

Mindanao, U. S. S., PR.............................................. 52

Midway Island (Pacific)................ 2, 8, 11, 14, 24, 38, 57, 64-71

Monssen, U. S. S., DD.............................................. 158

Montebello, S. S.................................................... 12

Mount Austen (Guadalcanal)......................................... 157

Mumma, M. C., Lt. Comdr., U. S. N................................... 33

Munda ................................. 135, 136, 144, 146-149, 151-157,

159-162, 164, 168, 170-175, 178-184

Muskeget, U. S. S., CGC............................................ 101

Napa, U. S. S., AT.................................................. 49

Natsek, U. S. S., CGC......................................... 163, 164

Naval Commands established (Pacific)................................ 26

Neches, U. S. S., AO................................................ 26

Neosho, U. S. S., AO............................................ 59, 60

Netherlands East Indies......................................... 20, 38

Nevada, U. S. S., BB............................................... 140

New Britain Island (Southwest Pacific).................... 83, 130, 150

New Caledonia (Southwest Pacific).................................. 102

New Georgia Island.. 104, 105, 107, 110, 128, 135, 136, 158 See Munda.

New Guinea Island (Southwest Pacific).................. 41, 57, 83, 102

New Hebrides (Island and group)................ 102, 108, 114, 163, 181

New Zealand........................................................ 102

Nggela group (Solomons area)....................................... 181

Nicoya, Gulf of (Costa Rica)......................................... 2

Nimitz, C. W., Admiral, U. S. N............................. 25, 70, 82

Norness, S. S....................................................... 23

North Africa....................................................... 138

Northampton, U. S. S., CA.......................................... 158

North Head (Aleutians)............................................. 172

Northwestern, S. S.............................................. 71, 72

Norwegian Motor Ship................................................. 8

Oahu, U. S. S., PR.................................................. 52

O'Brien, U. S. S., DD.............................................. 113

Oglala, U. S. S., CM....................................... 3, 140, 141

O'Hare, E. H., Lt. (j. g.), U. S. N................................. 37

Oklahoma, U. S. S., BB..................................... 4, 140, 141

Palmyra Island (Central Pacific)................................ 12, 14

Panama, Canal Zone.................................................. 46

Parachutes......................................................... 151

Patch, A. M., Maj. Gen., U. S. A................................... 163

Peale Island (Wake)................................................. 18

Pearl Harbor (Hawaii)........................................... 3, 140

Peary, U. S. S., DD............................................. 46, 47

Pecos, U. S. S., AO............................................. 46, 47

Pennsylvania, U. S. S., BB......................................... 140

Perch, U. S. S., SS................................................. 49

189

Page

Perth, H. M. A. S., CL........................................... 38-40

Preston, U. S. S., DD.............................................. 158

Philippine Islands.......................... 8, 22, 41, 42, 49, 51, 152

Pickett, H. K., Brig. Gen., U. S. M. C.............................. 70

Pigeon, U. S. S., ASR............................................... 52

Pillsbury, U. S. S., DD............................................. 44

Point Cruz (Guadalcanal)............................ 125, 133, 136, 139

Pollux, U. S. S., AKS............................................... 31

Pope, U. S. S., DD.................................................. 40

Port Darwin (Australia)........................................ 47, 102

Porter, U. S. S., DD.......................................... 117, 120

Port Moresby (New Guinea)........................................... 57

President Coolidge, U. S. S., AP................................... 145

President Harrison, S. S............................................ 11

Prisoners: Japanese.................................. 165-168, 172, 175

United States (Navy and Marine)..................................... 52

PT boats............. 22, 24, 25, 51, 109, 120, 126, 127, 154, 159, 177

Prusa, S. S......................................................... 14

Putnam, P. A., Maj., U. S. M. C.................................. 16-20

Quail, U. S. S., AM................................................. 52

Quincy, U. S. S., CA............................................... 103

Rabat (North Africa)............................................... 138

Rabaul (New Britain).......................................... 130, 150

Raleigh, U. S. S., CL.............................................. 140

Rekata Bay (Santa Isabel Island)......... 89, 91-94, 98, 102, 104, 109,

111, 112, 119, 120, 121, 123, 127, 152, 157, 159, 164, 181

Rembang (N. E. I.).................................................. 39

Rendova Island (New Georgia group)............................ 154, 178

Rennell Island (Solomons area)..................................... 176

Roberts Commission.................................................. 34

Rockwell, Francis W., RAD, U. S. N.............................. 30, 42

Roi Island (Marshall group)................................. 25, 27, 28

Royal Canadian Air Force............................................ 94

Russell Islands (Solomons area)..................... 114, 121, 160, 173

Ruth Alexander, S. S................................................ 20

Salamaua (New Guinea)........................................... 41, 57

Samoa, S. S......................................................... 11

San Francisco, U. S. S., CA........................................ 129

San Jorge Island (Solomons area).................................... 87

Santa Cruz Islands (Solomons area)................................. 120

Santa Isabel Island............. 82, 86, 89, 91, 152, 157-159, 164, 181

Savannah (Georgia, U. S. A.)........................................ 23

Savo Island (Solomons area)......................... 103, 104, 108, 177

Sealion, U. S. S., SS............................................... 42

Secretary of the Navy.................................... 3, 15, 31, 33

Segilau River (Guadalcanal)......................................... 73

Seminole, U. S. S., AT............................................. 118

Shannon, H. D., Col., U. S. M. C.................................... 70

Shark, U. S. S., SS................................................. 42

Shaw, U. S. S., DD......................................... 3, 140, 141

Sherman, F. C., Capt., U. S. N...................................... 60

Shortland Island (and area)........... 93, 95, 100, 102, 109, 110, 111,

115, 155, 156, 161, 162, 165, 166, 168, 169, 174, 175, 183, 184

Simard, C. T., Capt., U. S. N....................................... 70

Sims, U. S. S., DD.............................................. 59, 60

Smith, C. C., Lt. Comdr., U. S. N................................... 33

Smith, W. W., RAD., U. S. N......................................... 70

Solomons area................................................ 53, 74-85

190

Page

Sorum Village (Buka Island)........................................ 160

Sourabaya (Java Island)......................................... 38, 42

Spruance, R. A., RAD, U. S. N....................................... 70

Statements: King, Admiral....................................... 35, 75

Secretary of Navy........................................ 3, 15, 31, 33

Stewart Island (Solomons area)..................................... 121

Stewart, U. S. S., DD............................................... 42

St. Nicholas Point (Java-Sunda area)................................ 40

Stronghold, H. M. S., DD............................................ 41

Sturtevant, U. S. S., DD............................................ 51

Subic Bay (Philippines)......................................... 22, 24

Submarines: Axis submarine action in Atlantic ...... 10, 16, 21-24, 26,

30,32, 35, 45, 55, 61, 129

Japanese............................ 8, 10-14, 21, 24, 87, 94, 108, 114

Japanese submarine base at Kiska.............................. 118, 149

United States, Action in Pacific ............ 9, 10, 12-14, 16, 21, 22,

34, 37, 38, 41, 43, 47-50, 53-55, 63, 64, 73, 74, 79, 85, 92,

95, 106, 122, 128, 137, 141, 153, 162, 168, 179, 183.

Sunda Strait (N. E. I.)............................................. 40

Sweeney, W. C., Lt. Col., U. S. A................................... 70

Tanager, U. S. S., AM............................................... 52

Tanambogo Island (Solomons area)............................... 84, 125

Tanjong Priok (N. E. I.)............................................ 40

Tarawa Island (Gilbert group)................................. 115, 168

Taroa Island (Marshall group).................................... 25-28

Tasker H. Bliss, U. S. S., AP...................................... 138

Tassafaronga (Guadalcanal).......................... 121, 131, 140, 151

Tenaru River (Guadalcanal)..................................... 83, 125

Tennessee, U. S. S., BB............................................ 140

Tetere (Guadalcanal)............................................... 133

Tinker, C. L., Maj. Gen., U. S. A................................... 70

Titi (Guadalcanal)................................................. 172

Tokio (Japan)............................................... 22, 46, 54

Tonolei Harbor (Bougainville Island)................................ 94

Trout Lagoon (Kiska)............................................... 145

Truk Island (Pacific).............................................. 177

Truxtun, U. S. S., DD............................................... 31

Tulagi Island (Solomons area)............... 75, 77, 78, 80-88, 92, 93,

102, 118, 125, 130, 181

Turner, R. K., RAD, U. S. N......................................... 82

Umasani River (Guadalcanal)........................................ 172

Umnak Island (Aleutians)............................................ 72

Underwater explosions........................................... 39, 53

Unity of Commands............................................... 45, 46

Utah, U. S. S., AG......................................... 3, 140, 141

Vandegrift, A. A., Maj. Gen., U. S. M. C...................... 82, 163

Vangunu Island (New Georgia group)............................. 150-152

Vella Gulf (New Georgia group)..................................... 167

Vella Lavella Island (New Georgia group)........................... 182

Vestal, U. S. S., AR............................................... 140

Vila (Kolombangara Island)........................... 179-181, 183, 184

Vincennes, U. S. S., CA............................................ 103

Viru Harbor (New Georgia Island).................................... 98

Visale (Guadalcanal)............................................... 173

Wainwright, Lt. Gen., U. S. A...................................... 49

Wake Island (Pacific)............... 1, 2, 8-12, 16-20, 42, 44, 61, 166

191

Page

Wake Island (Pacific):

Presidential citation............................................ 16-20

Walke, U. S. S., DD................................................ 158

Wasp, U. S. S., CV............................................. 62, 116

Western Aleutians (U. S. positions)................ 169, 171, l75, 179

West Virginia, U. S. S., BB........................................ 140

Wickham Anchorage (New Georgia group)......................... 150, 151

Wright, W. L., Lt. Comdr., U. S. N.................................. 33

Wotje Island (Marshall group)............................... 25, 27, 28

Yarra, H. M. A. S., Sloop........................................... 41

Yorktown, U. S. S., CV...................................... 67, 68, 90

YP-389, U. S. S..................................................... 61

PRINCIPAL NAVAL BATTLES, ENGAGEMENTS AND RAIDS, COMMUNIQUÉS 1-300

Page

Coral Sea........................................................... 57

Dutch Harbor........................................................ 71

Gilbert and Ellice Raid............................................ 114

Java Sea............................................................ 38

Makassar Straits.................................................... 23

Marshall and Gilbert Raid....................................... 25, 26

Midway.............................................................. 64

Solomons Area:

Admiral King's Statement of August 10, 1942......................... 75

Battle of Savo Island.............................................. 102

Battle of Eastern Solomons.......................................... 82

Battle of Cape Esperance...................................... 104, 107

Battle of Santa Cruz Islands......................... 116-119, 121, 123

Battle of Guadalcanal.......................................... 130-133

Battle of Lunga Point.............................................. 138

Other air and surface actions.................................. 175-178

Wake................................................................ 61

Wake and Marcus Raid................................................ 44

192

U. S. NAVAL VESSELS LOST AND DAMAGED AS ANNOUNCED IN

NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUÉS No. 1-300 AND PERTINENT PRESS RELEASES

AIRCRAFT CARRIERS

U. S. S. Hornet U. S. S. Wasp

U. S. S. Lexington U. S. S. Yorktown

BATTLESHIPS

U. S. S. Arizona U. S. S. Oklahoma

U. S. S. California U. S. S. Pennsylvania

U. S. S. Maryland U. S. S. Tennessee

U. S. S. Nevada U. S. S. West Virginia

CRUISERS

U. S. S. Astoria U. S. S. Juneau

U. S. S. Atlanta U. S. S. Northampton

U. S. S. Chicago U. S. S. Quincy

U. S. S. Helena U. S. S. Raleigh

U. S. S. Honolulu U. S. S. San Francisco (Damaged)

U. S. S. Houston U. S. S. Vincennes

SUBMARINES

U. S. S. Argonaut U. S. S. Sealion

U. S. S. Grunion U. S. S. Shark

U. S. S. Perch

TRANSPORTS

U. S. S. Colhoun U. S. S. Joseph Hewes

U. S. S. Edward Ruthledge U. S. S. Leedstown

U. S. S. George F. Elliott U. S. S. Little

U. S. S. Gregory U. S. S. President Coolidge

U. S. S. Hugh L. Scott U. S. S. Tasker H. Bliss

DESTROYERS

U. S. S. Barton U. S. S. Laffey

U. S. S. Benham U. S. S. Meredith

U. S. S. Blakeley U. S. S. Monssen

U. S. S. Blue U. S. S. O'Brien

U. S. S. Buchanan U. S. S. Peary

U. S. S. Cassin U. S. S. Pillsbury

U. S. S. Cushing U. S. S. Pope

U. S. S. De Haven U. S. S. Porter

U. S. S. Downes U. S. S. Preston

U. S. S. Duncan U. S. S. Shaw

U. S. S. Edsall U. S. S. Sims

U. S. S. Hammann U. S. S. Stewart

U. S. S. Ingraham U. S. S. Sturtevant

U. S. S. Jacob Jones U. S. S. Truxtun

U. S. S. Jarvis U. S. S. Walke

U. S. S. Kane

193

OTHER NAVAL VESSELS MENTIONED IN

COMMUNIQUÉS 1-300 AND PERTINENT PRESS RELEASES

NAVAL VESSELS

Acacia, U. S. S., CGC Natsek, U. S. S., CGC

Alchiba, U. S. S., AK Neches, U. S. S., AO

Alexander Hamilton, U. S. S., CGC Neosho, U. S. S., AO

Asheville, U. S. S., PG Northwestern, U. S. S.,

(old station ship)

Bittern, U. S. S., AM Oahu, U. S. S., PR

Canopus, U. S. S., AS Oglala, U. S. S., CM

Curtiss, U. S. S., AV Pecos, U. S. S., AO

Cythera, U. S. S. (small patrol) Pigeon, U. S. S., ASR

Dewey Dry Dock, U. S. S. Pollux, U. S. S., AK

Erie, U. S. S., PG PT-34

Finch, U. S. S., AM PT-35

Gannet, U. S. S., AVP Quail, U. S. S., AM

Heron, U. S. S., AVP Seminole, U. S. S., AT

Langley, U. S. S., AV Tanager, U. S. S., AM

Luzon, U. S. S., PR Utah, U. S. S., AG

Mindanao, U. S. S., PR Vestal, U. S. S., AR

Muskeget, U. S. S., CGC YP-389

Napa, U. S. S., AT

MERCHANT SHIPS

S. S. Agwiworld S. S. Montebello

S. S. Alert S. S. Norness

S. S. Allan Jackson Norwegian Motor Ship

S. S. Coimbra S. S. President Harrison (Seized)

S. S. Emidio S. S. Prusa

S. S. Lahaina S. S. Ruth Alexander

S. S. Larry Doheny S. S. Samoa

S. S. Marconi

NAVY DEPARTMENT

Communiqués

301 to 600

and

Pacific Fleet Communiqués

March 6, 1943, to May 24, 1945

With Other Official Statements

and Pertinent Press Releases

OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION

UNITED STATES NAVY

For sale by the Superintendet of Doucments, U. S. Government Printing Office

Washington, D.C.—Price $1.00

FOREWORD

This publication, Volume II of Navy Department Communiqués, contains reprints of Navy Department Communiqués 301 to 600, which were issued during the period March 6, 1943 to May 24, 1945. With them in proper chronological sequence are communiqués issued by the Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, at Pearl Harbor, T. H. and other points in the Pacific. The first volume of this series, Navy Department Communiqués 1 to 300, December 7, 1941‑March 5, 1943, was published in March 1943.

Augmenting the communiqués, in chronological sequence, are official statements concerning important contemporary events relating to the Navy's prosecution of the war. These include the Proclamation by the President on the Surrender of Germany, the Joint Anglo‑American statements on submarine activities and anti‑submarine operations (the first made by President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill in July 1943), a statement regarding commands in the Pacific by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and pertinent press releases issued by the Navy at Washington and in the Pacific during the period covered by Communiqués 301‑600.

The original serial numbers of both the Navy Department Communiqués and those of the Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, have been retained in Volume II.

The serial numbers of press releases of the Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, are retained. Other releases carry only date of release.

With few exceptions, the statements contained in this volume were given to representatives of the press and radio for "immediate release."

HAROLD B. MILLER

Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy

Director of Public Information

June 15, 1945

CONTENTS

Page

COMMUNIQUÉS, NAVY DEPARTMENT NO. 301 TO NO. 600

(March 6, 1943 to May 24, 1945)

COMMUNIQUÉS, COMMANDER IN CHIEF, PACIFIC FLEET AND PACIFIC OCEAN

AREAS, No. 11 To No. 372

(September 8, 1943 to May 24, 1945)

PERTINENT PRESS RELEASES ISSUED BY NAVY AT WASHINGTON, D. C., AND IN THE PACIFIC

(March 6, 1943 to May 24, 1945)

JOINT STATEMENTS, PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT AND PRIME MINISTER CHURCHILL ON SUBMARINE WARFARE

PRESIDENT TRUMAN'S PROCLAMATION ON SURRENDER OF GERMANY

Arranged in Chronological Sequence........................................................................ 1‑431

APPENDIX

COMMUNIQUÉS, COMMANDER IN CHIEF, PACIFIC FLEET AND PACIFIC OCEAN AREAS, No. 1 To No. 10 431‑434

(June 4, 1942 to November 16, 1942)

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF U. S. NAVAL VESSELS ANNOUNCED SUNK, DESTROYED TO PREVENT CAPTURE, OR OVERDUE AND PRESUMED LOST . . . SINCE
DECEMBER 7, 1941 ................................................................................... 435‑439

(May 24, 1945 )

MAPS

1. North Pacific and Bering Sea....................................................................................... 440

2. Paramushiru................................................................................................................. 441

3. Central Pacific ............................................................................................................ 442

4. Marianas .................................................................................................................... 443

5. Bougainville Area‑Solomon Islands ............................................................................. 444

6. New Georgia Group ................................................................................................... 445

7. New Britain ................................................................................................................ 446

8. Far Pacific .................................................................................................................. 447

NOTE—Map with CINCPAC Press Release No. 707—The Allied Offensive in the Pacific. Page 319.

Index ............................................................................................................................. 448

ABBREVIATIONS

N. D.—Navy Department.

CINCPAC—Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas.

CINCPOA—Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, Advance Headquarters.

iii

[blank]

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 301, MARCH 6, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On March 5:

(a) U. S. aircraft bombed Japanese positions at Munda on the island of New Georgia and at Buin on the southeast coast of Bougainville Island.

(b) During the night of March 5‑6, a U. S. task force composed of light surface units bombarded Japanese installations at Vila and at Munda in the central Solomon Islands. Light Japanese surface forces attempted to drive off our bombardment group and two large enemy destroyers were sunk during the engagement. No U. S. vessels were lost.

2. The successful completion of the convoy mission of a U. S. task force in the South Pacific now makes possible the following announcement:

On February 17, a formation of seven Japanese torpedo planes located and launched an attack against the tack force. Five of the enemy planes were shot down and no damage to U. S. vessels was suffered.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 302, MARCH 7, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On March 5:

(a) U. S. aircraft bombed enemy installations at Viru Harbor on the southern coast of New Georgia Island.

(b) During the night of March 5‑6, Japanese planes raided U. S. positions on Tulagi Island, 20 miles north of Guadalcanal airfield. Two men were killed.

2. On March 6:

(a) During the early morning a large force of U. S. planes bombed and strafed Japanese positions at Munda on New Georgia Island. Results were not reported.

(b) During the morning, Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated) bombed and started fires in the enemy‑held areas at Kahili, Buin and Ballale in the Shortland Island area.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 303, MARCH 8, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On March 7, Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated PB4Y) attacked Japanese installations at Kahili and on Ballale Island in the Shortland Island area and bombed enemy positions at Vila on Kolombangara Island. An enemy cargo ship at Kieta on Bougainville Island was also attacked by a Liberator. Results of the above attacks were not observed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 304, MARCH 9, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On March 7, U. S. heavy and medium bombers attacked Japanese positions at Kiska. Antiaircraft fire was encountered but no enemy planes intercepted. All U. S. planes returned.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. During the night of March 7‑8, Liberator heavy bombers carried out minor bombing attacks on Japanese installations at Kahili and Ballale in the Shortland Island area, and at Vila and Rekata Bay in the central Solomons. Results were not observed. All U. S. planes returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 305, MARCH 10, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of March 7‑8, a Japanese plane dropped bombs on U. S. positions on Guadalcanal Island. No casualties resulted.

2. On March 9:

(a) During the morning, Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated) dropped bombs in the enemy areas at Kahili and Ballale in the Shortland Island area and at Munda and Vila in the central Solomons. Results were not observed. All U. S. planes returned.

(b) Later in the morning, a large force of Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas) and Avenger torpedo bombers (Grumman TBF), with Wildcat escort (Grumman F4F), attacked the airfield at Munda on New Georgia Island. Hits on supply dumps and antiaircraft positions started large fires. All U. S. planes returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 306, MARCH 11, 1943

North Pacific

1. On March 9, a force of Mitchell medium bombers (North American B‑25) and Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B‑24), with Lightning escort (Lockheed P‑38), bombed Japanese positions at Kiska. Hits were observed in the camp area. Antiaircraft lire was encountered but all U. S. planes returned.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On March 10:

(a) During the early morning, Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated PB4Y) carried out minor bombing attacks on Japanese positions at Kahili, on Bougainville Island, and at Munda and Vila in the central Solomons. Results were not observed.

(b) Later in the morning a large force of Avenger torpedo bombers (Grumman TBF), Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas SBD) and Wildcat fighters (Grumman F4F) attacked Vila, on the southern coast of Kolombangara Island. Several large fires were started.

(c) During the afternoon, U. S. aircraft intercepted 10 enemy dive bombers, with an escort of 12 Zeros, northwest of Guadalcanal. One enemy bomber and three Zeros were shot down.

(d) No U. S. planes were lost during these actions.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 307, MARCH 12, 1943

North. Pacific.

1. On March 10:

(a) During the morning, U. S. aircraft attacked Japanese positions at Kiska and scored bomb hits in the target area.

(b) Later in the morning, a force of Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B‑24), Mitchell medium bombers (North American B‑26) and Lightning fighters (Lockheed P‑38) again attacked enemy installations at Kiska. Antiaircraft batteries were bombed and strafed at low level and hits were scored. Three buildings in the camp area were damaged by heavy bomb hits. Antiaircraft fire was encountered but all U. S. planes returned.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On March 11, during the early morning, Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated PB4Y) carried out minor bombing attacks on Japanese positions at Kahili and Ballale in the Shortland Island area and at Vila in the central Solomons. Results were not observed. All U. S. planes returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 308, MARCH 13, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of March 11‑12, two Japanese planes dropped bombs on U. S. positions on Guadalcanal Island. No casualties or damage resulted.

2. On March 12:

(a) During the early morning, Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B‑24) carried out minor bombing attacks on Japanese positions at Ballale, in the Shortland Island area, and at Vila and Munda in the New Georgia Group.

(b) During the night of March 12‑13, a force of Avenger torpedo bombers (Grumman TBF) attacked Japanese positions at Munda on New Georgia Island. Fires were started in the enemy area.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 309, MARCH 14, 1943

North Pacific.

1. During the afternoons of March 12 and 13, Warhawk fighters (Curtiss P‑40) bombed and strafed Japanese positions at Kiska.

South. Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. During the night of March 12‑13, Liberator heavy bombers carried out minor bombing attacks against Japanese positions at Kahili and Ballale in the Shortland Island area, and at Vila and Munda in the central Solomons. Hits in the enemy area at Ballale started a large fire.

3. During the morning of March 13, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas) with Wildcat escort (Grumman F4F) attacked Japanese positions at Vila on Kolombangara Island. Bomb hits caused heavy explosions and smoke in the target area.

4. No U. S. planes were lost in any of the above actions.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 310, MARCH 15, 1943

North Pacific.

1. During the evening of March 13, Army Warhawks (Curtiss P‑40) and Lightnings (Lockheed P‑38) strafed Japanese installations at Kiska and damaged several grounded planes.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On March 13:

(a) Army Lightnings strafed and destroyed a small Japanese vessel near Rendova Island in the New Georgia Group.

(b) Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated) carried out minor at tacks on Japanese positions in the Shortland Island area and at Munda and Vila in the central Solomons. All U. S. planes returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 311, MARCH 16, 1943

1. A conference of American, British and Canadian officers has recently been held in Washington under the chairmanship of Admiral Ernest J. King. Commander‑in‑Chief, United States Fleet, at which the anti‑U‑boat warfare was discussed.

2. This conference was one of a series of Allied conferences which have been and will continue to be held in order that all phases of the anti‑U‑boat campaign can be kept constantly under review, that information and views can be exchanged, and that anti‑U‑boat measures can be adjusted to best advantage.

3. Complete agreement was reached on the policy to be pursued in the protection of Allied shipping in the Atlantic and in the best methods of employing the Allied escort vessels, antisubmarine craft and aircraft in defeating the U‑boat menace.

4. In addition to the U. S. Naval officers concerned, the following officers headed the various Allied missions who attended the conference:

Name Representing

Vice Admiral Sir Henry R. Moore, Admiralty

K.C.B., C.V.O., D.S.O.

Air Vice Marshal A. Durston, C.B., A.F.C. Coastal Command, Royal Air Force

Rear Admiral V. G. Brodeur Royal Canadian Navy

Air Vice Marshal N. R. Anderson Royal Canadian Air Force

There were also present:

Major General C. P. Gross United States Army

Brigadier General W. T. Larson United States Army Air Force

Mr. J. E. Cushing War Shipping Administration

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 312, MARCH 16, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the evening of March 15, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Wildcat escort (Grumman F4F), bombed Japanese positions at Vila and Munda in the central Solomons. Results were not reported. All U. S. planes returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 313, MARCH 16, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

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

(a) One destroyer sunk.

(b) One large cargo vessel sunk.

(d) One medium‑sized cargo vessel sunk.

(e) One medium‑sized cargo vessel damaged.

(f) One medium‑sized tanker damaged.

(g) One small cargo vessel damaged.

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 314, MARCH 17, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On March 15, heavy and medium Army bombers, with Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) support, carried out six heavy bombing attacks on Japanese installations at Kiska. Results were not reported.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. During the night of March 15‑16, light naval surface forces bombarded Japanese positions at Vila on the southeast coast of Kolombangara Island. Good results were reported and no casualties were suffered by our forces.

3. On March 16: .

(a) During the early morning Army Flying Fortresses (Boeing B‑17) harassed enemy positions at Kahili and Buka in the Bougainville area and at Munda on New Georgia Island.

(b) Later in the morning Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Wildcat escort (Grumman F4F), attacked enemy positions at Vila. Results were not reported.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 315, MARCH 17, 1943

North Atlantic.

1. During the latter part of February, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Campbell, while operating as a convoy escort in the North Atlantic, encountered and sank a German submarine. The Campbell sighted the submarine on the surface and a collision course was set to ram her. The Campbell bore down on the submarine and opened fire with her deck guns.

2. The submarine was hit a glancing blow by the Campbell and drifted clear of the cutter following the collision. Several rounds were fired into the submarine at point blank range and the submarine settled slowly by the stern and sank. The collision tore the side plating of the Campbell and she was left partially flooded and without power of electricity.

3. In order to lighten the Campbell as much as possible a number of her crew were transferred to the Polish destroyer Burza which had been standing by to assist. The crew members from the Campbell were provided quarters aboard the Burza until landed at an Atlantic port.

4. The Campbell has since been towed to an Atlantic port for repairs.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 316, MARCH 18, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On March 16, U. S. Army aircraft carried out the following attacks on Japanese installations and aircraft at Kiska:

(a) During the morning, Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B‑24) and Mitchell medium bombers (North American B‑25) supported by Lightning fighters (Lockheed P‑38) bombed the main camp area and the submarine base. Hits were observed in both target areas.

(b) During the early afternoon, eight Lightnings engaged eight enemy planes in the vicinity of Kiska. Two of the enemy planes were shot down and an additional two were probably destroyed.

(c) Later in the afternoon, Liberators, Mitchells, and Lightnings again attacked the enemy submarine base and other installations. A large fire was started in the camp area.

(d) Still later in the afternoon, a group of Mitchells again attacked and scored bomb hits on the submarine base.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. During the night of March 16‑17, Liberator heavy bombers carried out minor attacks on Japanese positions at Munda and Vila in the central Solomons and at Kahili and Ballale in the Shortland Island area. Results were not observed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 317, MARCH 19, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On March 18:

(a) U. S. Army Flying Fortresses (Boeing B‑17) carried out minor attacks against Japanese positions at Kahili and Ballale in the Shortland Island area and at Vila in the central Solomons. Results were not observed.

(b) In the afternoon, a force of Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), escorted by Wildcat fighters (Grumman F4F), bombed Vila in the central Solomons and started a fire.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 318, MARCH 20, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On March 18, Kiska was attacked twice by Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) and Mitchell (North American B‑25) bombers with Lightnings (Lockheed P‑38) as escorts. Results were not observed. All U. S. planes returned.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. A force of Wildcat fighters (Grumman F4F) strafed Japanese positions on Munda, New Georgia. All planes returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 319, MARCH 21, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On March 19:

Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas) and Wildcat fighters (Grumman F4F) attacked Vila in the Central Solomons. Fires were started.

2. On March 20:

(a) Dauntless dive bombers and Wildcat fighters again attacked Vila.

(b) Dauntless dive bombers and Wildcat fighters attacked Munda on New Georgia Island. A fire was started.

(c) On the evening of March 20 Flying Fortresses (Boeing B‑17) and Liberators (Consolidated) attacked Japanese positions on Kahili in the Shortland Island area.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 320, MARCH 22, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On March 21:

(a) During the afternoon, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), supported by Wildcat fighters (Grumman F4F), attacked Munda, on New Georgia Island, and Vila, in the Central Solomons. A supply area and an enemy gun position were hit.

(b) During the evening, a force of Army Flying Fortresses (Boeing B‑17) and Liberators (Consolidated B‑24) attacked Japanese positions at Kahili, in the Shortland Island area.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 321, MARCH 23, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On March 21, two groups of Army Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B‑24) and Mitchell medium bombers (North American B‑25) with fighter escort attacked Japanese positions at Kiska. Except for one large fire, results were not observed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 322, MARCH 24, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On March 23:

(a) A force of Army fighters (Lockheed P‑38) strafed the enemy seaplane base at Rekata Bay in the Central Solomons. Results were not reported. All U. S. planes returned.

(b) During the night of March 23‑24, a small number of Japanese planes attacked the airfield on Guadalcanal Island. There was some material damage but there were no casualties to personnel.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 323, MARCH 25, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On March 24:

(a) During the evening, Army Flying Fortresses (Boeing B‑17) and Navy Avenger torpedo bombers (Grumman TBF) attacked Japanese positions at Kahili in the Shortland Island area. A fire was started.

(b) A small enemy ship in the Shortland Island area was bombed with unobserved results.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 324, MARCH 26, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On March 24:

(a) During the afternoon and evening, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) and Mitchell (North American B‑25) bombers, escorted by fighters, carried out four attacks against Japanese positions at Kiska. Hits were scored in the target area.

(b) All U. S. planes returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 325, MARCH 27, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On March 25:

(a) Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) and Mitchell (North American B‑25) bombers, escorted by Lightning fighters (Lockheed P‑38), carried out three attacks against Japanese positions at Kiska. Bombs were dropped on the runway, hangar and camp area. Low flying fighters strafed Japanese personnel.

(b) A U. S. search plane bombed Abraham Harbor on the southwest coast of Attu Island.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On March 26:

(a) During the morning Liberator bombers attacked Japanese Installations on Nauru Island. Hits were scored on the wharf, runway, officers' quarters and barracks area. Four fires were started and several Japanese planes were damaged.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 326, MARCH 28, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On March 25:

(a) In the afternoon a force of Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters strafed a Japanese barge in Roviana Lagoon, Munda, on New Georgia Island.

(b) On the night of March 25‑26, Canton Island in the Phoenix Island group was bombed by two Japanese planes. Light damage was inflicted.

(c) Additional reports reveal that on the night of March 25‑26, U. S. planes carried out two bombing attacks against Japanese positions on Nauru Island, instead of one attack as previously reported in Navy Department Communiqué No. 325. In the first of these attacks, Navy Catalina patrol bombers (Consolidated PBY) started fires. In the second attack (previously reported) Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated) scored hits on enemy installations.

2. On March 27:

(a) On the early morning of March 27, a total of seven Japanese planes made five attempts to bomb Guadalcanal Island. In two of these attacks bombs were dropped, killing one, injuring 13 others, and causing slight material damage.

(b) Avenger (Grumman) bombers, escorted by Airacobra (Bell P‑39) and Wildcat fighters, attacked Japanese positions at Vila, in the Central Solomons. Six fires were started.

(c) In the early afternoon, Avenger bombers, escorted by Wildcat fighters, attacked Munda on New Georgia Island. A supply dump was blown up and a fire started.

(d) On the same afternoon, Dauntless (Douglas) dive bombers, escorted by Wildcat fighters, bombed and strafed Japanese positions in Ugali, on the northeast coast of Rendova Island in the New Georgia group. One building was destroyed and another was set on fire.

North Pacific.

3. On March 26, a force of Army Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers attacked Japanese positions at Kiska. Hits were scored on a hangar and in the camp area.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 327, MARCH 28, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On March 26, a detachment of our light forces patrolling to the westward of Attu Island, the westernmost end of the Aleutians, made contact with a Japanese force composed of two heavy cruisers, two light cruisers, four destroyers and two cargo ships. The enemy force was headed eastward toward the Aleutians.

2. Gunfire at long range was exchanged. When the engagement was broken oft, the Japanese forces were observed heading westward.

3. Announcement of further details will be made when such information will not be of value to the enemy.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 328, MARCH 29, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On March 28:

(a) During the morning, Army Flying Fortresses (Boeing B‑17) attacked Japanese positions at Buin and Kahili in the Shortland Island area. Hits were scored on revetments and a runway.

(b) All U. S. planes returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 329, MARCH 30, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On March 29:

(a) During the morning, a group of Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters attacked the Japanese seaplane base at Faisi in the Shortland Island area. Five to seven Japanese planes were set on fire.

(b) Following the attack on Faisi, this same group of fighters carried out a low level strafing attack on a Japanese destroyer off Alu Island (southeast of Shortland Island). The attack was carried out at such low altitude that three feet of the wing of one plane was sheared off by the destroyer's mast. The destroyer was left burning.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 330, MARCH 31, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On March 29:

(a) A force of Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) and Mitchell (North American B‑25) bombers, escorted by Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters, attacked Japanese positions at Kiska. The runway, camp area and gun installations were bombed and strafed. All U. S. planes returned.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On March 30:

(a) In the early morning, Flying Fortresses (Boeing B‑17) attacked Japanese positions at Vila in the Central Solomons and at Kahili in the Shortland Island area. All U. S. planes returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 331, APRIL 1, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On March 30:

(a) During the morning, Army Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters attacked Japanese positions at Kiska.

(b) During the early afternoon, Army Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B‑24) and Lightning fighters attacked Japanese positions at Holtz Bay, Attu Island. All U. S. planes returned.

(c) Later in the afternoon, Army Liberator bombers and Lightning fighters attacked the main Japanese camp area at Kiska. One U. S. bomber was shot down by antiaircraft fire in this attack.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On March 30:

(a) During the afternoon, a force of Dauntless (Douglas) dive bombers, escorted by Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters, attacked Japanese Installations at Munda, on New Georgia Island. Hits were scored and fires started. All U. S. planes returned.

APRIL 1, 1943

GERMAN SUBMARINE DAMAGED BY NAVY GUN CREW

Fire from the guns of a Navy Armed Guard Crew damaged a Nazi U‑boat which engaged the S. S. Columbian, 30‑year‑old United States merchant vessel, in a surface duel fought in the Atlantic.

The submarine's deck was swept clean by the Navy crew's machine guns shortly after the submarine engaged the merchantman. Then a direct hit made

at point blank range just below the U‑boat's conning tower caused a violent explosion. The submarine was dead in the water and in a seriously damaged condition when the merchantman steamed safely away.

The Columbian, built in 1913 at W. Cramp & Sons Shipbuilding Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was undamaged.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 332, APRIL 2, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On March 30:

In addition to the two attacks reported in Navy Department Communiqué No. 331, Kiska received two more attacks. During the afternoon, Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters attacked the Japanese main camp area with unobserved results.

Later in the day, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers bombed and strafed Japanese installations and personnel from an altitude below 50 feet. Heavy explosions and large fires were observed.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On April 1:

(a) During the night of March 31‑April 1, a Catalina (Consolidated) patrol bomber attacked a Japanese surface force of five destroyers and one cargo vessel southwest of Kolombangara Island. At the same time Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) bombers carried out a low altitude attack on the same force. Results were unobserved.

(b) During the morning, 30 to 40 Zero fighters were engaged by a force of Wildcat (Grumman F4F), Corsair (Vought F4U) and Lightning fighters northwest of Guadalcanal Island. Sixteen Japanese planes were shot down. Six U. S. planes were shot down but two U. S. pilots were rescued.

(c) A force of Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers, escorted by fighters, attacked Japanese positions at Suavanau Plantation (southeast coast of Rekata Bay). Results were not reported.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 333, APRIL 3, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On April 1, a force of Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) and Mitchell (North American B‑25) bombers, escorted by Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters, made four attacks against Japanese installations at Kiska. Hits were scored on the enemy main camp area.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On April 2, Lightning and Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters attacked and set on fire a small Japanese cargo vessel at anchor at Vella Lavella Island, New Georgia group.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 334, APRIL 3, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

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

(a) One destroyer sunk.

(b) One large transport sunk.

(d) One medium‑sized freighter damaged and probably sunk.

(e) One destroyer damaged.

(f) One medium‑sized freighter damaged.

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 335, APRIL 4, 1943

North Pacific.

1. (a) On April 2, formations of Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B‑24) and Mitchell medium bombers (North American B‑25) and Lightning fighters (Lockheed P‑38) made eight attacks against Japanese installations at Kiska. Hits in the target area were observed. All U. S. planes returned.

(b) On the same day a force of Liberator bombers attacked Japanese positions on Attu Island.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. (a) On April 2, a U. S. reconnaissance plane encountered a Japanese seaplane west of New Georgia Island and shot it down.

(b) In Navy Department Communiqué No. 332 it was reported that 16 Japanese Zero planes were shot down by U. S. fighters northwest of Guadalcanal. Further reports reveal that a total of 18 Japanese Zeros, instead of 16, were shot down by the U. S. pilots.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 132, APRIL 4, 1943

United States Navy and Marine Corps pilots at Guadalcanal flying Douglas Dauntless dive bombers and Grumman Avenger torpedo planes sank or damaged 85 Japanese ships in the period from August 25, 1942, to February 28, 1943.

In addition, the rear seat gunners aboard these planes shot down 14 Zero fighter planes and 11 floatplanes.

As of January 1 these totals included: Five destroyers, 8 transports and 3 cargo ships sunk; and 6 heavy cruisers, 8 light cruisers, 15 destroyers, 2 submarines and 12 transports damaged.

On November 14, 1942, these planes aided in the sinking of a Japanese battleship after she had been disabled by American surface forces in the night action of November 13‑14.

The dive bombers and torpedo planes scored hits on 25 enemy ships during January and February. Most of these ships were destroyers and light cruisers which maneuvered at high speed.

The above totals include only damages inflicted by the Dauntless and Avenger planes, and does not include damages by other aircraft operating in the Guadalcanal area.

The Douglas Dauntless is a two‑place, low‑winged monoplane, powered by a Wright Cyclone engine. Employed more extensively in the Pacific than any other dive bomber to date, it has figured prominently in all major naval air engagements.

The Grumman Avenger, also powered by a Wright engine, carries a torpedo completely enclosed in its fuselage. It first appeared in action in the Battle of Midway. Both types were developed by the Navy as standard carrier‑based airplanes.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 336, APRIL 7, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On April 5, forces of Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers and Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers, escorted by Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters, carried out five attacks against Japanese installations at Kiska and one attack against Attu. Hits were scored on enemy positions. South Pacific (all dates are east longitude). 2. On April 7, a group of Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas SBD) and Lightning fighters attacked Japanese positions at Vila, in the Central Solomons. Fires were started.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 337, APRIL 8, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 6:

(a) During the morning, a force of Dauntless .(Douglas SBD) and Avenger (Grumman TBF) dive bombers, escorted by Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters, attacked Japanese installations at Vila, in the Central Solomons. Hits were scored in the target area and a large fire was started. All U. S. planes returned.

(b) In the early evening, three Japanese planes bombed Guadalcanal Island. There were no casualties to personnel and only light damage was reported.

(c) During the night of April 6‑7, Catalina (Consolidated PBY) patrol bombers attacked Vila. At the same time Flying Fortresses (Boeing B‑17) attacked Japanese installations at Kahili, in the Shortland Island area, and also small enemy shipping between Choiseul Island and Santa Isabel Island.

2. On April 7:

(a) During the early morning, a force of Dauntless and Avenger dive bombers, escorted by fighters, attacked Vila. Hits were scored on Japanese antiaircraft positions and the camp area. A large fire was started.

(b) In the early afternoon, a force of Avenger and Dauntless dive bombers, escorted by fighters, attacked Rekata Bay, Santa Isabel Island. A Japanese four‑engine flying boat was destroyed. All U. S. planes returned.

(c) Fifty Japanese bombers, escorted by 48 Zero fighters, attacked U. S. shipping in the vicinity of Guadalcanal Island. U. S. fighters engaged the enemy and shot down 21 Zeros, 5 dive bombers, and 10 other enemy planes whose types were not reported. Another enemy plane was later observed to crash. U. S. planes lost were 1 Airacobra, and 6 Wildcat fighters. One U. S. pilot was rescued.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 338, APRIL 9, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 8:

Flying Fortresses (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers and Avenger (Grumman TBF) light bombers attacked Japanese positions at Kahili in the Shortland Island area. Due to bad weather, observation of results was not reported.

2. In Navy Department Communiqué No. 337 it was reported that a total of 37 Japanese planes were destroyed in an enemy attack on U. S. shipping in the vicinity of Guadalcanal Island. Later reports have been received revealing that a total of 34 Japanese planes, instead of 37, were destroyed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 339, APRIL 9, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. Further reports of the Japanese air attack on Allied shipping in the vicinity of Guadalcanal Island on April 7 (as reported by Navy Department Communiqué No. 337) reveal that the following damage was suffered:

(a) One destroyer damaged by bombs and later sunk while being towed.

(b) One tanker sunk as result of damage by bombs.

(d) One small fuel oil boat sunk.

2. Next of kin of all casualties will be notified by telegram as soon as possible.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 340, APRIL 11, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. More complete reports of the Japanese air attack on Allied shipping in the vicinity of Guadalcanal Island on April 7 have been received by the Navy Department, making necessary a revision of the table of losses previously announced in Communiqués Nos. 337, 338 and 339. The previous communiqués were based on preliminary reports which were announced as soon as possible after being received in the Navy Department.

2. Losses sustained by Allied forces from enemy air attack are revised to stand as follows:

(a) One destroyer sunk.

(b) One tanker sunk.

(d) One small fuel oil boat damaged.

(e) A total of seven planes lost.

3. Recapitulation and additional verification establish enemy plane losses as:

(a) 25 Zero fighters shot down.

(b) 12 dive bombers shot down.

4. Of the seven U. S. pilots downed with their planes, five have been rescued.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 341, APRIL 12, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of April 10‑11, Catalina patrol bombers (Consolidated PBY) bombed Japanese installations at Munda on New Georgia Island, starting a small fire.

2. On April 11:

(a) In the early morning, Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated

B‑24) attacked Kahili in the Shortland Island area. Hits were made on the airfield runway and adjacent antiaircraft positions.

(b) On the same morning, a force of Avenger torpedo bombers (Grumman TBF) carried out an attack on Munda. Fires and heavy explosions resulted.

North Pacific.

3. Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters twice attacked Kiska during the afternoon of April 10. Results were not observed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 342, APRIL 13, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 11:

(a) During the evening, Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters strafed Rekata Bay, Santa Isabel Island. A number of Japanese antiaircraft positions were silenced.

(b) During the night, Flying Fortress heavy bombers (Boeing B‑17) attacked Kahili in the Shortland Island area. Two Fortresses failed to return, apparently due to unfavorable weather. Results of the attack were unobserved.

2. On April 12:

A force of Avenger torpedo bombers (Grumman TBF) and Wildcat fighters (Grumman F4F) bombed and strafed Vila on Kolombangara Island. Fires were started in the camp area. In this same operation Avengers attacked Ringi Cove, three miles northwest of Vila, and started a fire. No U. S. planes were lost in these two attacks.

North Pacific.

3. On April 11, formations of U. S. army planes, composed of Mitchells (North American B‑25), Warhawks (Curtiss P‑40) and Lightnings (Lockheed P‑38), carried out four bombing attacks on Kiska. Hits were scored and fires were started in the enemy camp area.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 343, APRIL 14, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of April 12‑13, Army Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B‑24) bombed Munda, on New Georgia Island.

2. On April 13, during the morning, Avenger torpedo bombers (Grumman TBF), escorted by Corsair (Vought F4U) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters, bombed and strafed Munda. Bombs were dropped on the runway and dispersal areas, and fires were started from hits scored on an ammunition dump and in the camp area.

North Pacific.

3. On April 12, formations of Army Mitchell medium bombers (North American B‑25), with Corsair (Vought F4U) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters, carried out six attacks on Japanese installations at Kiska. Hits were scored on the runway, gun emplacements and the main camp area.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 344, APRIL 15, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On April 13, during the day, ten attacks were carried out against Japanese installations at Kiska by formations of Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) light bombers and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters. Beached enemy float planes were strafed. Many hits were scored and fires were started in the runway and main camp area.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On April 14, during the afternoon, Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers and Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters bombed and strafed Japanese barges and installations in Viru Harbor, New Georgia Island. Several fires were started.

ARMY BOMBER SINKS SUBMARINE IN CARIBBEAN

APRIL 15, 1943

A heavy bomber of the U. S. Army Air Forces caught a German submarine cruising on the surface in the Caribbean Sea several months ago, and destroyed the undersea raider with depth charges. A member of the submarine's crew, who survived the attack, later was picked up by a United States destroyer.

The plane, piloted by Capt. Howard Burhanna, Jr., U. S. Army Air Corps, of 1747 Maryland Street, Philadelphia, was on a patrol flight when the submarine was sighted on the surface, eight miles away. Changing his course Captain Burhanna made for the sub, and in a few minutes was over his target. The sub had not had time to submerge, and was still on the surface when the plane released its depth charges.

Immediately after the attack, air and oil bubbles began rising from the water with gradually increasing intensity. Thirty‑seven minutes later the men in the bomber spotted a large volume of oil and air bubbles surging to the surface. The oil slick spread out in a large circular area.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 345, APRIL 16, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 15:

(a) During the morning, Avenger torpedo bombers (Grumman TBF), escorted by Wildcat fighters (Grumman F4F), bombed Japanese installations at Munda, on New Georgia Island.

(b) During the afternoon, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Wildcat fighter escort, attacked Japanese installations at Vila on Kolombangara Island. A building, believed to a power generating station, was destroyed.

(c) Still later in the day, Avenger torpedo bombers, escorted by Corsair (Vought F4U) and Wildcat fighters, attacked and sank an 80‑foot Japanese vessel in Rekata Bay, on Santa Isabel Island.

North. Pacific.

2. On April 14, formations of Army Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B‑24) and Mitchell medium bombers (North American B‑25), supported

by Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters, carried out eight attacks on Kiska. Hits were scored in the Japanese camp area, damaging the runway and revetment area.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 346, APRIL 17, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On April 14, two additional attacks were made by Army Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters against Japanese installations at Kiska, raising to ten the total of attacks on that date.

2. On April 15, Japanese installations at Kiska were attacked thirteen times by formations of U. S. Army planes. Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B‑24), Mitchell medium bombers (North American B‑25), and Lightning and Warhawk fighters carried out these raids. Many hits were scored in the main camp and on the runway and hangar areas, causing numerous fires and explosions. One heavy bomber was shot down by enemy antiaircraft fire.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 347, APRIL 17, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

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

(a) One large supply ship sunk.

(b) Two medium‑sized cargo ships sunk.

(d) One small patrol ship sunk.

(e) One destroyer damaged.

(f) One medium‑sized transport damaged.

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 348, APRIL 18, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 18:

(a) During the night, Flying Fortresses (Boeing B‑17), Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers and Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers attacked Japanese installations at Kahili and shipping at Ballale, in the Shortland Island area. A tanker and a cargo ship were possibly damaged.

(b) During the night, two Japanese planes attacked Guadalcanal Island, resulting in light casualties to U. S. personnel and minor damage to material. It is believed that one of the Japanese planes was shot down by U. S. antiaircraft fire.

2. On April 18, a number of Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters engaged two Japanese bombers, escorted by sip Zero fighters, over Kahili in the Shortland Island area. The two bombers and three of the Zeros were shot down. Later, another Japanese bomber was encountered by the same group of Lightnings and destroyed. One U. S. fighter is missing.

North Pacific.

3. On April 16:

(a) A formation of Army Liberator heavy bombers bombed Japanese installations on Attu Island.

(b) On the same day, formations of Army Liberator heavy bombers and Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers, escorted by Lightning and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters, carried out ten attacks against Japanese positions at Kiska. Hits were scored in the vicinity of the runway and in the main camp area. All U. S. planes returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 349, APRIL 19, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 17

(a) In the afternoon, Dauntless (Douglas) light bombers and Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters bombed the Japanese dispersal and runway areas at Munda, in the Central Solomons.

(b) During the night, Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers attacked two Japanese cargo vessels in the Shortland Island area. Five hits were scored on a large ship of about 10,000 tons which was later seen in a sinking condition. Two other cargo vessels were encountered by Avengers and two hits were scored on one ship and a number of near hits on the other vessel.

(c) The same night, formations of Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) and Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers and Avengers attacked Kahili, in the Shortland Island area. Hits were scored on the runway and dispersal areas, resulting in fires visible for 30 miles.

North Pacific.

2. On April 17:

(a) During the afternoon, a formation of Army Liberators bombed Japanese installations on Attu Island.

(b) On the same day Army Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers, escorted by Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters, carried out nine attacks on Japanese positions at Kiska. Hits were observed in the camp and hangar area. One building was entirely destroyed, gun positions were silenced and three beached planes were strafed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 350, APRIL 20, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 18:

(a) During the night, Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers attacked Japanese installations at Munda, in the Central Solomons. Hits were scored on the runway and a large explosion resulted.

(b) The same night, Guadalcanal Island was bombed by Japanese planes, resulting in slight casualties to U. S. personnel and very slight damage to materiel. One of the Japanese bombers was shot down.

North Pacific.

2. On April 18, Japanese positions at Kiska were attacked nine times by formations of Army Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters. In these attacks a total of seventeen tons of bombs was dropped. Hits were scored in the North Head, Salmon Lagoon and main camp areas. Fires were started in the submarine base area.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 351, APRIL 21, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 19:

(a) Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers attacked Japanese positions at Kieta, on Bougainville Island.

(8) Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers attacked the Japanese airfield at Kahili, in the Shortland Island area.

(c) A second formation of Avengers attacked Japanese shipping at Tonolei Harbor, on Bougainville Island. A direct hit was scored on one freighter and several near hits were scored on a second freighter.

2. On April 20, a force of Avengers and Dauntless (Douglas) light bombers bombed Japanese installations at Munda, in the Central Solomons. Several antiaircraft positions were silenced and a large fire was started.

North Pacific.

3. On April 19, Japanese installations at Kiska were attacked fifteen times by formations of Army planes. Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers, and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters carried out these raids. The bombing and strafing attacks were made at varying altitudes and resulted in numerous hits on the main camp area, the runway and defensive positions. Fires were also started.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 352, APRIL 22, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 20:

During the night, Liberator (Consolidated) heavy bombers bombed Japanese installations in Numa Numa Harbor, Bougainville Island. Bad weather prevented observation of results.

2. On April 21:

A large force of Army bombers carried out a daylight bombing attack on Nauru Island, in the Gilbert Island Group.

In spite of heavy antiaircraft fire and defending fighter planes much damage was done to Japanese installations. U. S. pilots shot down five and possibly seven Zero fighters. All U. S. planes returned.

North Pacific.

3. On April 20:

Japanese installations at Kiska were attacked ten times by formations of Army planes. Liberator heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters carried out these raids. Strafing from various altitudes was carried out in conjunction with bombing. Hits were scored on the runway and camp area.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 353, APRIL 23, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are, east longitude). .

1. On April 21:

(a) A group of U. S. fighter planes strafed Japanese Positions in the Bougainville Strait area. Enemy installations near Cape Alexander, on Choiseul Island, were also bombed.

(b) During the night, Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) and Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, supported by Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers, attacked Poporang Island in the Shortland Island area. Two of the many fires which were started were visible for 40 miles.

(c) During the same night, Avenger torpedo bombers attacked an enemy cargo ship near Buin in the Shortland Island area. Enemy lighter interception prevented observation of results, but it is believed hits were scored on the ship. All U. S. planes returned.

2. On April 22:

During the early morning, a group of enemy bombers raided Funafuti, U. S. occupied position in the Ellice Island Group. Light casualties to personnel were suffered and minor damage was inflicted.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 354, APRIL 24, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 22:

(a) During the afternoon, Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers attacked Japanese installations at Munda in the Central Solomons. Bombs were dropped on the runway and antiaircraft positions were silenced.

(b) Later the same afternoon, Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters carried out a strafing attack on Munda and set fire to three grounded enemy planes.

(d) During the night, Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers bombed Kahili in the Shortland Island area.

(e) All U. S. Planes returned from the above attack missions.

2. On April 23: During the early morning, Dauntless (Douglas) dive bombers, escorted by Corsair fighters, bombed and strafed Japanese positions at Rekata Bay, on Santa Isabel Island. All U. S. planes returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 355, APRIL 25, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 24: During the morning Avenger torpedo bombers (Grumman TBF) and Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas) escorted by Wildcat fighters (Grumman F4F), attacked Munda on New Georgia Island. Buildings were destroyed, a large fire was started, and a heavy explosion was observed.

North Pacific.

2. On April 24th

Despite bad weather, Army Lightning fighters (Lockheed P‑38) bombed and strafed Kiska during the morning. Results were not observed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 356, APRIL 26, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 25, during the early morning, a group of four Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters strafed Japanese installations on Kolombangara Island, in the Central Solomons.

2. Later the same group of Corsairs sighted and attacked ten enemy bombers, escorted by twenty Zeros, 95 miles northwest of Lunga Point, on Guadalcanal Island. During the aerial combat which followed five Zeros were shot down. Two U. S. planes failed to return.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 357, APRIL 27, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 26, during the early morning, a group of Liberator (Consolidated B Z4) heavy bombers attacked Japanese positions at Kahili in the Shortland Island area.

North Pacific.

2. On April 25:

(a) During the day, Japanese installations at Kiska were attacked thirteen times by formations of Army planes. Liberator heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters participated in these raid. Although bomb hits were made on enemy positions, poor visibility prevented complete observation of results.

(b) On the same day, a group of Liberators attacked Attu Island and scored hits on the runway and other installations.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 358, APRIL 28, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 27:

(a) During the early morning, a group of Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers attacked Japanese installations at Kahili and Ballale in the Shortland Island area and at Vila in the Central Solomons. Fires were started at Ballale and at Vila.

(b) Later in the morning, five Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers carried out a second attack on Kahili. Poor visibility prevented observation of results.

North Pacific.

2. On April 26, formations of Army planes carried out eleven attacks against Japanese installations at Kiska. Liberator heavy bombers and Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers, Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters participated in these raids. Hits were scored in the enemy main camp area, on the runway and a number of buildings were destroyed. Damage was also inflicted on North Head. Canadian pilots, flying Warhawks, executed two other attacks.

APRIL 28, 1943

NAVY PATROL PLANE DESTROYS ENEMY SUBMARINE

Trapping an enemy submarine on the surface some months ago, a Navy Catalina patrol bomber dropped depth‑charges squarely on the undersea raider and sank her in a surprise attack.

Lt. Richard E. Schreder, USNR, 27, of 837 Wyle Avenue, Toledo, Ohio, was bringing his heavy patrol plane in from a routine flight over the Atlantic when his radioman reported that he had sighted a large enemy submarine cruising on the surface. Course was immediately changed, and preparations made for attack.

Carefully keeping the sun directly behind him to blind observers on the raider, Lt. Schreder nosed his heavy plane over in a steep dive, and reared down on the sub. As he leveled off at a low altitude, the submarine attempted to dive, but it was too late. A depth‑charge dropped by the bomber exploded just under the stern.

The sub again made an attempt to crash dive, but before she could submerge a second charge was released. It struck squarely on the deck and exploded in full view of the crew of the plane. Wreckage was strewn over the surface of the ocean.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 359, APRIL 29, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 23, a force of Army bombers attacked the Japanese air base at Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands. Extensive damage to enemy installations was indicated. Enemy fighter opposition and antiaircraft fire was encountered, but all U. S. planes returned.

2. On April 28, Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers attacked Japanese installations at Kahili in the Shortland Island area and at Vila in the Central Solomons. Results were unobserved.

North Pacific.

3. On April 24, during the morning, U. S. surface units bombarded Japanese positions at Holtz Bay and at Chichagof Harbor, Attu Island. Several fires were started by the bombardment. No enemy gun fire was encountered. No further details have been reported.

4. On April 27, despite bad weather, Army Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters carried out one attack against Japanese installations at Kiska. Results were not observed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 360, APRIL 30, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 28, during the morning, a Japanese patrol of one officer and eight men, attempting to escape from Guadalcanal, was intercepted and wiped out by U. S. troops in the vicinity of Beaufort Bay, on the western coast of Guadalcanal Island.

2. On April 29:

(a) During the early morning, Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers bombed the Japanese‑held area at Kahili in the Shortland Island area. Poor visibility prevented observation of results.

(b) Later in the morning, Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers and Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers, escorted by Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters, bombed Japanese installations at Gatere on the southwestern coast of Kolombangara Island in the Central Solomons. An antiaircraft position and a pier were destroyed.

(c) During the afternoon, a group of Avenger torpedo bombers and Dauntless dive bombers, with Lightning and Corsair escort, attacked Pelpeli, two miles northwest of Gatere on Kolombangara Island. A fire was started.

(d) A formation of Avenger torpedo bombers and Dauntless dive bombers, supported by Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters, attacked Japanese positions at Munda in the Central Solomons. Hits were scored on the runway, on the revetment area and on an antiaircraft position.

(e) All U. S. planes returned from the above attack missions.

APRIL 30, 1943

JAPANESE SUBMARINE SUNK BY PATROL BOMBER

Blasted by two depth charges dropped from a Consolidated Catalina patrol bomber, a Japanese submarine was sunk while prowling off the Aleutian Islands.

The attack upon the underseas craft occurred some time ago, but the submarine's destruction has not previously been reported.

Machinist Leland L. Davis, USN, 26, of Hattiesburg, Miss., pilot of the bomber, was awarded the Navy Cross. Machinist Davis is listed as missing following another patrol flight made later on the day the submarine was sunk.

The Navy bomber was on a patrol mission when the Japanese submarine was sighted running on the surface eight miles away. Machinist Davis flew into the clouds to escape detection, came out one mile from the submarine as it began to submerge, and plunged downward in a bombing run.

Two depth charges were released just ahead of the wake. Almost immediately the submarine blew its tanks and emerged, bow first, with a large oil slick spreading from either side of its hull.

Members of the Catalina's crew opened fire with their machine guns and raked the submarine from bow to stern, but the depth charges had dealt the underseas craft a fatal blow. Within a few minutes the Japanese vessel sank stern first in a death dive.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 361, MAY 1, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 29:

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

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

2. On April 30:

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

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

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

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

MAY 1, 1943

COAST GUARD CUTTER SINKS GERMAN U‑BOAT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 362, MAY 2, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 30:

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

North Pacific.

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 363, MAY 3, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

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

North Pacific.

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

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 364, MAY 4, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

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

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

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

North Pacific

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 365, MAY 4, 1943

North Pacific

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

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

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

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

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 366, MAY 4, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

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

(a) Two destroyers sunk.

(b) One medium‑sized tanker sunk.

(d) One medium‑sized supply ship sunk.

(e) One medium‑sized transport sunk.

(f) One large transport damaged and probably sunk.

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 367, MAY 5, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On May 4:

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

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

North Pacific.

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 368, MAY 6, 1943

North Pacific.

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 369, MAY 7, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

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

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

Pacific and Far East.

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

(a) One medium‑sized cargo ship sunk.

(b) One gunboat damaged and probably sunk.

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

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

Memorandum to the Press:

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 370, MAY 7, 1943

North Pacific.

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

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 137, MAY 7, 1943

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

OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN AREAS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 371, MAY 8, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

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

North Pacific.

2. On May 6:

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

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 372, MAY 9, 1943

South Pacific (all dates ale east longitude).

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

2. On May 8:

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

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

MAY 10, 1943

NAVY CATALINA FLYING BOAT SINKS GERMAN SUBMARINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On May 10:

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

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

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

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On May 11:

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

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

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

North Pacific.

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

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On May 12

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

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

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

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

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

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

North. Pacific.

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

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

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On May 13

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

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

North Pacific.

2. On May 13:

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

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

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

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On May 13:

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

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

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

2. On May 14:

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

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

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

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

Pacific and Far East.

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

(a) One destroyer sunk.

(b) One large cargo ship sunk.

(d) One medium‑sized transport sunk.

(e) One small passenger‑freighter sunk.

(f) One small escort vessel sunk.

(g) One large tanker damaged.

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

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

North Pacific.

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

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

North Pacific.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Central Pacific.

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

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

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

North Pacific.

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

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

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

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

North Pacific.

1. On May 18

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

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

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

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

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

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

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

North Pacific.

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

2. On May 19:

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

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

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

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

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

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

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

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

North Pacific.

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

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

North Pacific.

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

(a) Chichagof Harbor.

(b) Chichagof Valley.

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

3. On May 21:

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

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

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

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

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

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

North Pacific.

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

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

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

North. Pacific.

1. On May 23:

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

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

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

North, Pacific.

1. On May 23:

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

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

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

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

3. During the night of May 23‑24:

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

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

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

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

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

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

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

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

North Pacific.

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

MAY 26, 1943

NAVY PATROL PLANE SINKS ENEMY SUBMARINE

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

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

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

North Pacific.

1. On May 25:

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

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

2. On May 26:

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

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

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

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

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

North Pacific.

1. On May 26:

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

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

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

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

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

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

North Pacific.

1. On May 27, on Attu Island

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

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

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

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

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

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

North Pacific.

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

2. On May 28:

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

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

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

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

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

North Pacific (on Attu Island).

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

2. On May 29:

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

(b) Unfavorable weather conditions prevented air operations.

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

North Pacific.

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 397, JUNE 1, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On May 30, on Attu Island

(a) Three separate columns of U. S. Army troops coming in from the South, Southwest and West respectively, effected a junction on the shores of Chichagof Harbor.

(b) In the forward movement of the U. S. Army troops small Japanese groups offered weak resistance. Over 400 of the enemy were killed in the operations during the night of May 29‑30.

2. On May 30, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American 8‑25) medium bombers, and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters attacked Japanese installations at Kiska. Fires were started in Gertrude Cove, the camp area, on a beached ship and on the runway.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 398, JUNE 1, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

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

(a) One destroyer sunk.

(b) One large tanker sunk.

(d) Two medium‑sized cargo ships sunk.

(e) One small cargo ship sunk.

(f) One medium‑sized transport sunk.

(g) One large tanker damaged and probably sunk.

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 399, JUNE 2, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On May 31, on Attu Island, mopping up operations by U. S. Army troops against isolated Japanese groups continued.

2. As of midnight May 30, the Japanese casualties on Attu were estimated as follows

Killed, 1,500; captured, 4.

3. On May 31, formations of Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters bombed and strafed Japanese positions at Kiska. Hits were scored on the runway, North Head and Gertrude Cove.

JUNE 2, 1943

COAST GUARD CUTTER, SINKS GERMAN SUB

The United States Coast Guard cutter Spencer has chalked up a definite submarine sinking to her credit.

In an engagement in the Atlantic several weeks ago, the Spencer skillfully tracked down a U‑boat which tried to slip away under the roar of the propellers of a convoy, forced the raider to the surface with depth charges, and destroyed her in the gun battle which followed, taking many survivors prisoner.

Casualties aboard the Spencer were light, while the cutter suffered only slight damage.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 400, JUNE 3, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On June 1, on Attu Island, U. S. Army troops combed scattered areas and by noon had eliminated minor groups of Japanese troops encountered.

2. It is further reported that the known Japanese dead on Attu Island total 1,791. This figure does not include the unknown number killed by artillery fire and bombs. Such casualties were either cremated or buried by the Japanese.

3. On June 1, formations of Army Mitchell (North American B‑25) and

Ventura (Vega B‑34) medium bombers, Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters bombed and strafed Kiska. Hits were scored on the Japanese main camp area, runway and gun emplacements. A number of Canadians piloting Warhawks participated.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

4. During the evening of May 31, Liberator (Consolidated) heavy bombers attacked Japanese installations at Tinputs Harbor and Numa Numa Harbor on the northeast coast of Bougainville Island. Numerous large fires were started. In addition, two small Japanese vessels off Tinputs were bombed. One of these vessels was damaged and beached.

JUNE 3, 1943

ENEMY SUBMARINE BLOWN IN TWO BY NAVY PATROL PLANE

An enemy submarine was blown in two several months ago by depth bombs from a Navy Catalina patrol plane which surprised the undersea craft in South Atlantic waters as its crew members apparently were taking sun baths.

The submarine was blown out of the water. The plane's crew reported that as it rose it broke, and several objects which looked like long cylindrical tanks floated up among the spouting debris and wreckage. The stern of the submarine then rose vertically out of the water, to a height of 8 or 10 feet, bobbed up and down, and then plunged straight down in the rough seas.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 401, JUNE 4, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On June 1, on Attu Island, small bands of Japanese troops still roamed some areas of the island, although there was no further organized enemy resistance.

2. The U. S. Army casualties on Attu as of midnight, June 1, were as follows:

Killed, 342; wounded, 1,135; missing, 58.

3. In addition to the known Japanese dead of 1,791 on Attu Island (previously reported in Navy Department Communiqué No. 400) U. S. Army troops have captured 11 prisoners.

JUNE 4, 1943

COMMAND IN THE ALEUTIANS

The conclusion of planned, operations in the capture of Attu which has been signalized by the collapse of all organized enemy resistance makes timely a summary of the military organization involved in this and in similar operations. These combined operations emphasize the close integration of branches of the armed services which must be effected in present‑day warfare.

In the North Pacific area, joint military operations are under the command of Rear Admiral Thomas Cassin Kinkaid, U. S. Navy, who is operating directly under Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet. Admiral Nimitz's responsibilities extend to the entire Pacific Ocean areas except for the Australian area.

In the Pacific theater of war, operational problems involve the coordination of aircraft, surface ships (including troop transports) and ground operations. The operations against Attu served to illustrate the operational solution which has been devised to meet these problems. The area commander, in this case Admiral Kinkaid, has the over‑all responsibility for coordinating and implementing the various forces involved in such an operation. Under him, Rear Admiral Francis W. Rockwell, U. S. Navy, Commander Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet, had the immediate responsibility of transporting troops over water to the points of attack and providing for their expeditious landing on shore. Once ashore, ground operations were under the immediate command of the Army Commander, Major General Eugene M. Landrum, U. S. Army. Preliminary to the landing, during the landing, and subsequent thereto, air attack and support was provided by Army and Navy Air Forces. Army Air Forces were under the command of Major General William O. Butler. Canadian pilots also took part in the operations.

In all of the Aleutian operations from their inception, the closest cooperation has been maintained between the service commanders, including Lieutenant General John L. De Witt of the Western Defense Command, and Lieutenant General Simon B. Buckner of the Alaskan Defense Command, each commander functioning in his specialized field and all cooperating to a common end. It is notable that this operation, under conditions of weather in which fog and low visibility contributed to the difficulties of transport of the ground forces and the landing of a large force of men, was accomplished without the loss of a single ship or of a single man, and that casualties on share were surprisingly low. This fortunate outcome cannot always be anticipated in Amphibious operations which are well known to be the most difficult and dangerous in all modern military warfare.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 402, JUNE 6, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 5:

(a) In the early morning, a formation of Flying Fortresses (Boeing B‑17) bombed Japanese installations at Kahili, Buin area.

(b) At about noon of the same day a formation of Dauntless (Douglas) dive bombers and Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers, escorted by Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40), Corsair (Vought F4U) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters, attacked a Japanese destroyer, a corvette and a cargo vessel in the Bougainville area. Several large‑calibre bomb hits were scored on the destroyer which undoubtedly sank. The corvette and the cargo vessel were set on fire.

(c) In the above action the U. S. attacking planes were engaged by a large force of Japanese Zero fighters. U. S. pilots shown down 15 Zeros and damaged 3 others. Four U. S. planes are missing.

North Pacific.

2. On June 4, formations of Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Ventura (Vega B‑34) medium bombers and Lightning and Warhawk fighters carried out five attacks against Japanese installations at Kiska. Hits were scored on buildings and gun emplacements.

JUNE 6, 1943

NEW VENTURA BOMBER SINKS ENEMY SUBMARINE

One of the Navy's new patrol bombers, a Vega Ventura (PV‑1), depth-charged and sank an enemy submarine while protecting an Atlantic convoy. The sinking occurred in April, a short time after the Navy pressed the first of the new planes into service.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 403, JUNE 7, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 6:

(a) During the morning formations of Navy Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers and Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers, escorted by Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters, attacked Japanese installations at Munda, New Georgia Island in the Central Solomons. Results of this attack were not observed. All U. S. planes returned.

(b) Later in the same day, a formation of Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑410) fighters strafed Japanese positions on Choiseul Island. Enemy gun emplacements were silenced. All U. S. planes returned.

North Pacific.

2. On June 5, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers and Ventura (Vega B‑34) medium bombers attacked Japanese installations at Kiska. Due to a heavy overcast results of the attack could not be observed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 404, JUNE 8, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 7, during the morning approximately 40 or 50 Japanese Zeros and torpedo bombers were attacked by U. S. fighter planes in the vicinity of the Russell Islands. Nineteen Zeros were shot down and six damaged. U. S. losses were seven planes, but three of the pilots were saved.

North Pacific.

2. On June 7, an additional 8 Japanese were killed on Attu Island. Eleven more of the enemy killed themselves with grenades after being surrounded by U. S. Army troops in Chichagof Valley. The total known enemy dead as of June 7 is 1,826.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 405, JUNE 10, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 9, during the afternoon, Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers, escorted by Warhawk (Curtis P‑40) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters, bombed Japanese positions at Munda on New Georgia Island in the Central Solomons. No U. S. losses were sustained.

North Pacific.

2. On June 9, during the day, nineteen more of the enemy were killed on Attu Island. In addition, five prisoners were taken.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 406, JUNE 11, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 10:

(a) During the morning Marine Corsairs (Vought F4U) and Army Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters intercepted and shot down four Mitsubishi bombers over the north end of Malaita Island. Three of the enemy bombers were accounted for by Marine Corsair fighters and the other by an Army Lightning fighter.

(b) During the same, day enemy positions on Vila, Kolombangara Island, were attacked by Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) and Lightning fighters with unobserved results.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 407, JUNE 12, 1943

North Pacific.

1. During the night of June 8‑9, U. S. Army patrols on Attu Island killed sixty‑six Japanese and captured one in the area between Sarana Bay and Cape Khlebnikof. There is no enemy activity on other parts of the island.

2. On June 10, during the afternoon, Army Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers, Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters made four attacks on Japanese installations at Kiska. Hits were scored along the runway and on gun emplacements. Barges were strafed by the fighters.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 408, JUNE 12, 1943

1. The U. S. submarines Amberjack and Grampus have failed to return from patrol operations and must be presumed to be lost.

2. The next of kin of personnel in the Amberjack and Grampus have been so informed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 409, JUNE 13, 1943

North Pacific.

1. During the morning of June 11, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters carried out 'five attacks against Japanese installations at Kiska. Hits were scored in the main camp from and on the runway. Barges in the harbor were bombed and strafed.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On June 10, during the night, Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers and Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers bombed and started fires among Japanese positions in the Buin area.

3. On June 12:

(a) ‑During the. morning a force of Navy, Marine Corps and Army fighter planes intercepted about forty or fifty Japanese fighters in the vicinity of the Russell Islands. Twenty‑five Zeros were shot down and

eight more probably shot down. U: S. losses were six planes with all but two of the pilots being rescued.

(b) On the same morning Army Liberator bombers encountered two Mitsubishi bombers twenty miles west of Buka Island. One enemy bomber was destroyed.

4. In Navy Department Communiqué No. 408, it was reported that U. S. fighter planes intercepted and shot down four Mitsubishi bombers over the north end of Malaita Island. A later report now reveals that five enemy bombers were shot down instead of four as previously reported.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 410, JUNE 14, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 12, during the night, Army Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) and Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers attacked Japanese positions at Kahili, Buin area. Results were not observed. No. U. S. losses were sustained.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 411, JUNE 14, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

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

(a) 1 Destroyer sunk.

(b) 1 Large transport sunk.

(o) 5 Medium‑sized cargo vessels sunk.

(d) 1 Large trawler sunk.

(e) 1 Patrol vessel sunk.

(f) 1 Small supply vessel sunk.

(g) 2 Small cargo vessels sunk.

(h) 1 Large tanker damaged.

(i) 1 Destroyer damaged.

(j) 1 Medium‑sized transport damaged and probably sunk.

(k) 1 Medium‑sized transport badly damaged.

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 412, JUNE 15, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 13:

(a) During the day Navy fighter planes in the South Pacific damaged a Japanese reconnaissance bomber.

(b) During the night, Japanese bombers were over Guadalcanal Island. A small number of bombs were dropped. No personnel or material casualties occurred.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 413, JUNE 16, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the evenings of June 13 and 14, Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) and. Liberator (Consolidated) heavy bombers attacked Japanese installations at Kahili and on Shortland Island in the Buin area.

2. On the evening of June 14, Army Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers escorted by Navy Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters bombed the runway and antiaircraft positions of the airfield at Vila, Kolombangara Island.

3. On June 15, in the early morning, Japanese planes dropped bombs on Guadalcanal Island. No personnel or material damage has been reported.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 414, JUNE 17, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 15, during the morning, Navy Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers and Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers, escorted by Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters, attacked Japanese positions in western New Georgia Island. Fires were started and heavy explosions were observed.

2. On June 16, during the morning, Navy Avenger and Dauntless dive bombers, escorted by Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters, attacked Japanese positions on Choiseul Island. Fires were started.

North Pacific.

3. On June 15, during the afternoon, Navy Ventura (Vega PV) medium bombers attacked Kiska. Hits were scored in the main camp area, along the runway and among antiaircraft batteries.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 415, JUNE 17, 1943

South Pacific.

1. A brief report received from the South Pacific reveals that in an air battle over Guadalcanal Island on June 16, U. S. planes shot down thirty‑two Japanese bombers and forty‑five Zero fighters. Six U. S. planes are missing.

2. No further details have been received.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 416, JUNE 18, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 16, during the night, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers attacked Japanese positions on Ballale Island, Shortland Island Area. Results were not observed. One U. S. bomber is missing.

2. Further details of the air battle over Guadalcanal Island (previously mentioned in Navy Department Communiqué No. 415) reveal that the Japanese air forces engaged were estimated to have been sixty bombers and sixty fighters.

One U. S. merchant ship and one landing barge were damaged. U. S. personnel casualties were: Twenty‑five killed, twenty‑nine injured, and twenty-two missing afloat and ashore. The latest report confirms that six U. S. planes were lost, but the pilot of one plane was rescued.

North Pacific.

3. On June 16, three additional Japanese soldiers were captured in the Khlebnikof Area, Attu Island. The total number of enemy captured is 24.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 417, JUNE 17, 1943

The U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba, assigned to convoy duty in the North Atlantic, has been reported lost.

All hands except two enlisted men were lost with the ship. Next of kin have been notified.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 418, JUNE 19, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 16, a twin‑engine Japanese reconnaissance bomber was shot down southeast of San Cristobal Island.

2. On June 17:

(a) During the afternoon, Dauntless (Douglass SBD) dive bombers escorted by Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters attacked Japanese positions at Rekata Bay, Santa Isabel Island. Hits were scored on enemy antiaircraft positions.

(b) During the night an unknown number of Japanese planes approached Guadalcanal Island, and dropped several bombs harmlessly into the water off Tulagi. No damage or casualties were sustained.

3. Additional reports received indicate that in the air battle over Guadalcanal Island (previously reported in Navy Department Communiqués 415 and 416) 94 Japanese planes were destroyed instead of 77. Of the additional 17, 16 were shot down by ships in the harbor and one by shore‑based antiaircraft.

The Japanese planes were met by Army and Navy fighter planes, participating in approximately equal numbers. The Navy planes were manned by Navy and Marine Corps pilots. Eight of the Army planes were flown by New Zealand pilots. All U. S. planes were based on Henderson Field. Fighting plane types including Corsairs (Vought F4U), Wildcats (Grumman F4F), Lightnings (Lockheed P‑38), Airacobras (Bell P‑39), and Warhawks (Curtiss P‑40). This air victory was a striking example of coordinated battle action by the various units concerned.

The Japanese planes came in over Beaufort Bay (West coast of Guadalcanal Island) and were engaged by the U. S. planes. At about the same time, another group of Japanese planes approached from farther north and were immediately attacked. Approximately 30 enemy dive bombers maneuvered to attack U. S. cargo vessels escorted by destroyers. Subsequent contacts were made over Koli Point, Savo Island, Cape Esperance and Tulagi.

The dive bombing of U. S. surface units occurred at about 2:15 p. m. In this attack a cargo vessel and a landing craft were damaged. One other cargo vessel sustained minor damage.

In the air action, 30 Navy and Marine Corps planes shot down sixteen Zero fighters and seventeen bombers. Thirty‑six Army planes shot down twenty-nine Zeros and ten bombers. The eight New Zealand pilots shot down five bombers.

Of the six U. S. planes shot down, two of the pilots were rescued.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 419, JUNE 20, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 18:

(a) During the night, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers attacked Kahili, Buin Area. Large fires were started.

(b) On the same night, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers attacked Ballale Island, Shortland Area.

In Wilson Strait (south of Vella Lavella Island) six Japanese barges were strafed.

The Vila runway on Kolombangara Island was also bombed by a Mitchell bomber.

2. On the night of June 18‑18, Navy Catalinas (Consolidated PBY) patrol bombers and Army Liberators attacked Japanese positions on Nauru Island. Large oil fires were started and a considerable amount of damage was caused in the dispersal area and among the living quarters.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 420, JUNE 21, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 18‑19, during the night Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24 ) heavy bombers attacked Japanese installations at Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands. A number of hits were scored on the enemy positions. Although seven enemy Zero fighters were in the air over Tarawa, they did not press a determined attack against the U. S. bombers.

2. On June 19, during the night Army Liberators attacked Japanese positions at Kahili, Buin area. A number of fires were started.

3. On June 20, during the morning, Navy Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers and Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers escorted by Army Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) and Navy Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters attacked Vila, Kolombangara Island. A supply dump was hit and a fire started. Hits were also scored on the runway.

North Pacific.

4. On June 20, during the day, Navy Ventura (Vega PV) medium bombers attacked Japanese installations at Kiska. Results were not observed.

5. In all of the above operations all U. S. planes returned.

JUNE 21, 1943

MERCHANT VESSEL SURVIVES FIVE AIR ATTACKS;

SHOOTS DOWN FOUR PLANES, PROBABLY TWO MORE

The story of how an American merchant vessel last January, ran the gauntlet of five air attacks in the Eastern Atlantic. and Mediterranean, during which the Navy gun crew commanded by Lieutenant (junior grade) Robert H. McIlwaine, U. S. N. R., of 34 East 62 Street, New York City, shot down four enemy planes and accounted for two more "probables", was told when the ship arrived recently at a United States port.

Although damaged by near misses and by a bomb which penetrated to its highly inflammable cargo but failed to explode, the vessel was able to keep position in the convoy and to discharge its cargo on schedule. Temporary repairs were made, and the vessel continued to do her job for many weeks before coming to the United States for permanent repairs.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 421, JUNE 22, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 20:

(a) During the afternoon, three Navy Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters intercepted and shot down a Mitsubishi bomber north of Florida Island.

(b) During the evening, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers attacked Japanese positions at Kieta, Bougainville Island, and Kahili, Buin Area. Results were not observed.

2. On June 21:

During the afternoon, Navy Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers and Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers, escorted by Wildcat fighters, attacked Japanese installations at Munda, New Georgia Island. Hits were scored on the antiaircraft positions and several were silenced.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 422, JUNE 24, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 20, during the night, a U. S. light surface unit was unsuccessfully attacked by a Japanese plane in the vicinity of Savo Island.

2. On June 22‑23, during the night, two U. S. patrol craft were unsuccessfully strafed by a Japanese float plane in the vicinity of the Russell Islands.

JUNE 25, 1943

U. S. SUBMARINE R‑12 LOST

The U. S. Submarine R‑12, while engaged in training exercises, was lost recently off the East Coast of the United States.

A number of officers and men were unable to escape from the vessel before it sank. The depth of water makes it impossible to salvage the submarine, and hope has been abandoned for recovery of the bodies of the missing personnel. The next of kin have been informed.

Information obtained from survivors indicates that the loss was probably due to accident and not enemy action, and an investigation is now in progress to determine the available facts of the case.

Announcement of this incident was withheld until attempts to locate and raise the R‑12 were discontinued, in order that enemy submarines might not be given information that would enable them to attack the salvage vessels.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 423, JUNE 26, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 24, during the afternoon, a number of Navy Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters strafed a Japanese barge southeast of Vangunu Island, New Georgia Group.

2. On June 25, during the afternoon four Japanese twin‑engine bombers unsuccessfully attacked a U. S. light surface unit in the Solomon Islands.

North Pacific.

3. On June 24, during the afternoon, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) and Ventura (Vega B‑34) medium bombers carried out three attacks against Japanese installations at Kiska. Due to poor visibility results of the attack could not be observed.

4. U. S. Army patrols have killed 15 more Japanese soldiers on Attu Island.

Memorandum to the Press:

The following information has been released in the South Pacific:

On 25 June

(a) During the early morning an unknown number of enemy bombers bombed our positions on the Russell Islands. A few of the U. S. personnel suffered light wounds and some damage was caused to U. S. supply Installations.

(b) During the early morning a formation of Army Liberators bombed Kahili, Buin Area. A number of fires were started. At about the same time, other Army Liberators attacked Buka Island and started fires.

(c) Later in the morning, Navy Dauntless dive bombers and Avengers, escorted by Navy Wildcats, attacked Labeti Plantation, Munda Area, New Georgia. No U. S. losses were sustained.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 424, JUNE 27, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 26:

(a) During the early morning a formation of Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers attacked Japanese positions on Ballale Island, Shortland Island area. A number of fires were started.

(b) At about the same time another formation of Army Liberators attacked Japanese positions on Poporang (south Shortland Island). Results of this attack were unobserved.

(c) Later on the same morning, Navy Dauntless (Douglass SBD) dive bombers and Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers escorted by Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters attacked Munda, New Georgia Island in the Central Solomons. At the same time another formation of Navy Dauntless dive bombers and Avenger torpedo bombers escorted by Wildcat fighters attacked Vila, Kolombangara Island.

2. In the above operations, no U. S. planes were lost.

North Pacific.

3. On June 25, during the afternoon, Army Mitchell (North American B‑25) and Ventura (Vega B‑34) medium bombers escorted by Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters made six attacks against Kiska. Hits were scored in the main camp area and among the enemy antiaircraft positions.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 425, JUNE 28, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 27:

(a) During the early morning Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers bombed Kahili, Buin Area, and Munda, New Georgia, while Navy Liberator (Consolidated PB4Y) bombers carried out attacks against Ballale Island, Shortland Area. Results of these attacks were unobserved.

(b) Prior to dawn, Navy Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers bombed Rekata Bay, Santa Isabel Island.

(c) During the morning, Navy Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers and Avenger torpedo bombers attacked Munda, New Georgia. Hits were scored on the runway and revetment area.

(d) At about the same time Navy Dauntless dive bombers and Avenger torpedo bombers attacked Vila, Kolombangara Island. Hits were scored on the runway and in the camp area.

North Pacific.

2. On June 26 Army Liberator heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) and Ventura (Vega B‑34) medium bombers escorted by Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters bombed and strafed Kiska seven times. Hits were scored among antiaircraft emplacements and on the runway and eight fires were started in the camp area.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 426, JUNE 28, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

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

(a) 1 Minelayer sunk.

(b) 1 Destroyer sunk.

(d) 3 Medium‑sized cargo vessels sunk.

(e) 1 Small cargo vessel sunk.

(f) 1 Small schooner sunk.

(g) 1 Large transport damaged.

(h) 2 Medium‑sized cargo vessels damaged.

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 427, JUNE 29, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 28:

(a) Early in the evening a formation of Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers and Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers, escorted by Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters, attacked Japanese positions at Rekata Bay, Santa Isabel Island. The bombing created so much smoke and dust that observation of the results of the attack was difficult.

(b) During the evening, a formation of Dauntless dive bombers and Avenger torpedo bombers, escorted by Wildcat fighters, attacked Munda, New Georgia Island. A number of fires were started in the defensive position area, in ammunition dumps and in the camp section.

(c) During the night, U. S. planes bombed a small Japanese naval disposition in the Central Solomons Area. Results were not observed.

(d) All U. S. planes returned from these attacks.

North Pacific.

2. On June 27, during the day, Navy Ventura (Vega PV) medium bombers, Army Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers and Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers carried out six attacks against Japanese installations at Kiska. Hits were scored on the main camp and at the North Head area. All U. S. planes returned.

3. On June 28, Army Mitchell medium bombers and, Navy Ventura medium bombers attacked Japanese positions at Kiska and Little Kiska. Because of weather conditions, complete observation of the results of the attacks was not possible, but hits were reported on houses at Little Kiska. All U. S. planes returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 428, JUNE 30, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 30, during the early morning combined U. S. forces landed on Rendova Island, New Georgia Group. No details have been received.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 429, JULY 1, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On the night of June 29‑30, Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers and Dauntless (Douglas) dive bombers attacked the airfield, the stores and camp areas at Vila, Kolombangara Island.

2. On June 30:

(a) A formation of Mitchell (North American) medium bombers, Dauntless dive bombers and Avenger torpedo bombers attacked Japanese defensive positions and camp area at Munda, New Georgia Island. A large fire was started.

(b) Commencing in the early forenoon and continuing until late afternoon, an estimated total of 110 Japanese planes comprising Zero fighters, Mitsubishi medium bombers, Aichi dive bombers and various other types attacked at intervals U. S. Naval forces during the landing at Rendova Island, New Georgia Group. U. S. surface units and air forces destroyed

65 of the enemy planes according to an incomplete report. Seventeen U. S. planes are reported missing.

(c) The transport McCawley was attacked and disabled by Japanese torpedo planes after landing troops on Rendova. Subsequently the vessel was attacked and sunk by a Japanese submarine. Reports indicate that all personnel were removed before the vessel sank and that there was no loss of life.

3. On July 1, Viru Harbor on New Georgia Island, was taken by joint U. S. forces.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 430, JULY 2, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On July 1:

(a) Early in the afternoon, Dauntless (Douglas) dive bombers attacked Japanese defensive positions at Lambeti Plantation, Munda, New Georgia Island. Fires were started.

(b) During the same afternoon, a formation of Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers and Dauntless dive bombers attacked Japanese defensive positions and camp sections at Vila, Kolombangara Island.

2. Seven pilots of the 17 U. S. planes previously reported as missing in Navy Department Communiqué No. 429 have been rescued.

Memorandum to the Press:

(a) Lambeti Plantation is located several miles east of the airfield at Munda, New Georgia Island.

(b) Late reports on the Japanese air attack on U. S. forces during the landing at Rendova Island, New Georgia Group, on June 30, indicate that the number of Japanese planes were substantially larger than the total of 110 planes initially reported in Navy Department Communiqué No. 429. It is also reported that U. S. surface and air forces destroyed 101 Japanese planes in the action.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 431, JULY 3, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On July 2, in the afternoon Japanese bombers, escorted by Zero fighters, attacked U. S. positions on Rendova Island. Damage was negligible.

2. On July 3, during the night, a Japanese surface force consisting of three light cruisers and four destroyers attempted to shell U. S. positions on Rendova Island. U. S. surface craft replied to the bombardment and the enemy ships retired in short order. No further details have been received.

3. In Navy Department Communiqué No. 429 it was reported that no loss of life was sustained in the sinking of the transport McCawley. A later report now reveals that several of the crew were killed in the initial torpedo attack made by the Japanese planes. The next of kin have been notified.

Memorandum to the Press:

The following information has been announced in the South and Southwest Pacific

(a) On July 1, in an enemy air attack at Rendova Island, New Georgia Group, twenty‑two Japanese planes were shot down. Of the eight

U. S. planes lost in the engagement, five of the pilots have been rescued No damage occurred on the island.

(b) On July 2: Army Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bomber escorted by Navy Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters, bombed and strafed a Japanese vessel in Bairoko Anchorage, Kula Gulf, New Georgia Island. The vessel caught fire and sank.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 432, JULY 4, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On June 28, at dawn, Liberator (Consolidated) heavy bombers, attacked Japanese installations at Nauru Island. Fourteen defending Zero fighters were in the air but only four Zeros appeared willing to press home an attack. Two Zeros were damaged. Results of the attack were unobserved. All U. S. planes returned.

2. On July 3:

(a) Mitchell (North American) medium bombers, escorted by Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters, attacked Japanese antiaircraft positions at Munda, New Georgia Island.

(b) Later, in the afternoon, Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers and Dauntless (Douglas) dive bombers attacked the Japanese camp sector at Munda, New Georgia Island.

North Pacific.

3. On July 2, Ventura (Vega) and Mitchell medium bombers and Liberator heavy bombers carried out eight attacks on Japanese installations at Kiska. Hits were observed on antiaircraft positions in Gertrude Cove, the camp area and North Head sections. One direct hit as made on a house.

4. On July 3, Liberator heavy bombers attacked the central bivouac area it Kiska. Weather conditions prevented observation of the results.

Memorandum to the Press:

The following information has been announced in the South and Southwest Pacific:

(a) On July 2, in the early evening, just east of Rendova Island, New Georgia Group, seven U. S. Corsair fighters intercepted and engaged one formation of thirty Zeros and immediately following attacked another formation of 20 Zeros. Six Zeros were destroyed. Three Corsairs were lost, but one pilot was rescued.

(b) On July 3, shortly before 3 P. M., Lightning fighters attacked a formation of about fifty Japanese Zeros over Rendova Island, New Georgia Group. Five Zeros were destroyed. Three U. S. planes were lost.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 433, JULY 5, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On July 4‑5, during the night, a number of U. S. surface units bombarded Japanese installations at Vila, Kolombangara Island, and Bairoko in Kula Gulf, New Georgia Island. A number of fires were started.

2. On July 5, in the morning, a formation of Army Hudson (Lockheed A‑29) light bombers attacked Rekata Bay, Santa Isabel Island.

Memorandum to the Press:

The following information has been announced in the South and Southwest Pacific:

(a) On July 3, it is reported that Vura Village on Vangunu Island in the Wickham Anchorage area was captured by U. S. forces.

(b) On July 4, in the early afternoon, U. S. planes intercepted and attacked an enemy formation of 18 bombers and 20 Zero fighters over Rendova Island, New Georgia Group. Five enemy bombers and four Zeros were shot down. No U. S. losses were sustained.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 434, JULY 5, 1943

South Pacific.

1. Brief reports from the South Pacific indicate that a naval battle is in progress in Kula Gulf, north of New Georgia Island.

2. No details of the action have been received.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 435, JULY 6, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On the night of July 4‑5, the U. S. destroyer Strong was torpedoed and sunk while engaged in the bombardment of Japanese positions on New Georgia Island. The next of kin of the casualties aboard the Strong will be notified as soon as possible.

2. On the evening of July 5, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers attacked Japanese installations on Ballale Island, Shortland Island Area. Five fires were started. About 12 Zero fighters attempted to intercept but were driven off. No U. S. losses were sustained.

3. On July 6, in the early morning, a United States surface task force engaged Japanese surface units in Kula Gulf off New Georgia Island. (Previously reported in Navy Department Communiqué No. 434). Sufficient details have not been received to give the results of this engagement, but it is believed that, while some damage was suffered by the U. S. force, considerable damage was inflicted on the enemy.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 436, JULY 7, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On July 4, a formation of Army Flying Fortresses (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers bombed the Bairoko Harbor Area, west coast of New Georgia Island.

2. On the early afternoon of July 5, sixteen Army Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters intercepted about forty enemy Zero fighters over Rendova Island. Two Zeros were destroyed. One Warhawk was lost but the pilot was rescued.

3. During the early morning surface engagement of July 6, when six Japanese ships were probably sunk and several damaged, the light cruiser USS Helena was sunk. The next of kin of the casualties aboard the Helena will be notified as soon as possible.

4. During the evening of July 6:

(a) A formation of Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers attacked Kahili and started several fires.

(b) During the same evening, a formation of Army Liberators bombed Buka Island. A number of fires as a result of the bombing were observed.

North Pacific.

5. On the evening of July 6, a U. S. surface task force bombarded Kiska, Enemy shore batteries did not return the fire.

Memorandum to the Press:

The following information has been announced in the Southwest Pacific:

(a) On the morning of July 6, a Navy Liberator (Consolidated PB4Y) heavy bomber was attacked by five Zero fighters northeast of Kolombangara Island, New Georgia. Group. Two Zeros were shot down and another was probably destroyed.

(b) On the afternoon of July 6, Army Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers bombed a beached Japanese destroyer in Bambari Harbor (Southeast coast of Kolombangara Island). Three hits were scored and a number of fires accompanied by violent explosions were observed.

(c) During the evening of July 6, Army Flying Fortress heavy bombers attacked Ballale Island, New Georgia Group, and started large fires.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 437, JULY 8, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

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

(a) 1 large transport sunk.

(b) 1 medium‑sized transport sunk.

(d) 1 large tanker sunk.

(e) 1 medium‑sized tanker sunk.

(f) 1 large cargo vessel sunk.

(g) 1 medium‑sized passenger‑cargo vessel sunk.

(h) 1 small cargo vessel sunk.

(i) 1 small schooner sunk.

(j) 4 medium‑sized cargo vessels damaged.

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

JULY 9, 1943

JOINT STATEMENT

The following statement of antisubmarine operations for the month of June is issued jointly by the British and United States governments:

1. In June the losses of Allied and neutral merchant ships from submarine attacks were the lowest since the U. S. A. entered the war. The losses from all forms of enemy action were the second lowest recorded since the war between Britain and Germany began.

2. The number of targets offered to the antisubmarine vessels an aircraft of the United Nations was not as great in June as previously, but the sinkings of Axis submarines were substantial and satisfactory.

3. The heavy toll taken of the U‑boats in May showed its effect June in that the main trans‑Atlantic convoys were practically unmolested and the U‑boat attacks on our shipping were in widely separated area However, every opportunity was taken of attacking U‑boats leaving an returning to their bases on the west coast of France.

4. The merchant shipping tonnage of the United Nations has shown a large net increase every month this year. Antisubmarine vessels and aircraft are coming into service in considerable numbers.

JULY 11, 1943

GERMAN SUBMARINE SUNK IN AIR‑SURFACE ATTACK

In a coordinated air and surface attack which took place in the South Atlantic some time ago, two U. S. Navy patrol bombers crippled a German submarine with bombs and machine guns, and two U. S. destroyers then completed the attack by sinking the enemy underwater raider by gunfire. Many German prisoners were captured.

The airplanes were two Mariner patrol bombers (Martin PBM-3C's) commanded by Lieutenant Howland S. Davis, USNR., of 215 Wendover Road Baltimore, Md., and Lieutenant (junior grade) Harold C. Carey, USN, 220 East Randall Avenue, Ocean View, Norfolk, Va.

The destroyers were the USS Jouett, commanded by Commander Jesse Sowell, USN, of Barr Street, Lancaster, S. C., and the USS Moffet, commanded by Commander Fondville L. Tedder, USN, of 503 North Washington Street, Shelby, N. C.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 438, JULY 10, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On July 9, during the early morning, a U. S. light surface unit boy barded the Gertrude Cove Area in Kiska for several hours. The Japanese shore batteries returned the fire but caused no damage.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 439, JULY 12, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On July 10, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers and Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers with Navy Catalina (Consolidated PBY) patrol bombers attacked four Japanese cargo vessels 280 miles southwest of Holtz Bay, Attu Island. One vessel was sunk, another was left in a sinking condition and the remaining two were damaged.

2. On July 11, a U. S. light surface unit bombarded Japanese positions at Gertrude Cove, Kiska, and Little Kiska Island during the morning. The enemy did not return the fire.

3. On July 11, an additional four Japanese soldiers were captured Attu Island.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 440, JULY 13, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On July 12, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers and Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers, escorted by Ventura (Vega B‑34) medium bombers, carried out three attacks on Japanese installations at North Head and the main camp areas at Kiska. Poor weather conditions precluded observation of the results of the bombing.

JULY 14, 1943

USS ALCHIBA, ONCE ANNOUNCED AS LOST, NOW SALVAGED AND BEING REPAIRED

The USS Alchiba, announced in Navy Department Communiqué No. 218 as lost as result of enemy action in the South Pacific, has been salvaged and has returned to a United States port for final repairs.

The USS Alchiba, of 8,858 deadweight tons, participated in the initial landing operations in the Solomons Island area from August 7 to 9, 1942, and despite attacks by high altitude bombers and torpedo planes in enemy infested waters, successfully landed supplies and equipment for the U. S. Marine forces of occupation.

On its fourth trip into the Solomons area, on November 28, 1942, just after dropping anchor off Guadalcanal, the USS Alchiba was torpedoed. Through the superior seamanship of Captain (then Commander) James S. Freeman, U. S. Navy, of 1905 Florida Avenue, Jasper, Ala., the vessel's commanding officer, and Commander Howard R. Shaw, U. S. Navy, of Sandown, N. H., the executive officer, the vessel was beached despite numerous gasoline and ammunition explosions.

On December 7, 1942, after most of the cargo had been removed and the fires had been put under control, the USS Alchiba was hit by another torpedo. Her loss was announced by the Navy Department on December 11, 1942.

Within a month, however, the vessel was able to be moved from Guadalcanal to a more sheltered harbor, and subsequently it returned to the continent under its own power.

Captain Freeman has been awarded the Navy Cross and Commander Shaw the Silver Star Medal for their leadership in the saving of this vessel.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 441, JULY 15, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On July 14, during the early morning, a U. S. light surface unit bombarded Japanese positions in Gertrude Cove on Kiska. Enemy guns did not reply.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 442, JULY 16, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On July 15, during the early morning, a U. S. light surface unit bombarded Japanese positions in Gertrude Cove on Kiska. The enemy did not return the fire.

Memorandum to the Press:

The following information has been announced in the Southwest Pacific:

(a) The USS Gwin, a 1630‑ton destroyer, which was damaged in the second battle of the Kula Gulf early in the morning of July 13th, sank later while being towed to an Allied base.

(b) During the afternoon of July 15, 27 Mitsubishi bombers, escorted by about 40 or 50 Zeros and other fighters, were intercepted over Rendova by 44 U. S. fighter planes. 15 Japanese bombers and 30 Zeros were shot down. 3 U. S. pilots did not return to their base.

JULY 16, 1943

U. S. ESCORT CARRIER "B" ATTACKS 11 SUBMARINES: 2 SURE KILLS; 4 VERY PROBABLES; 4 PROBABLES

A U. S. "baby flat‑top" escort carrier, designated Escort Carrier "B" for the purpose of this report, recently returned to port bringing with it a thrilling story of continuous and aggressive action against Nazi submarines.

Planes of "Carrier B," by the speed and teamwork of their attacks, working in close harmony with U. S. destroyers and anti-subsurface craft, chalked up the remarkable record, according to preliminary estimates, of two "certain kills" (prisoners were taken), four "very probably kills," and four "probable kills" in attacks on a total of 11 submarines. All ships in the convoys protected by Escort Carrier "B" reached their destinations undamaged. It is believed that this record of defense and attack over a similar period of time has not been equaled by any other vessel in the history of antisubmarine warfare.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 443, JULY 17, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On July 15, a force of Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters carried out four attacks against Japanese installations at Kiska. Several fires were observed in the vicinity of the enemy antiaircraft batteries.

Memorandum to the Press:

The following information has been announced in the Southwest Pacific

On July 15:

(a) During the morning a formation of Army Mitchell medium bombers, escorted by Navy Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters, bombed and sank a small Japanese cargo vessel off the west tip of Baga Island (West of Vella Lavella). Later on the same morning another small enemy cargo vessel was attacked by the same planes and left burning on a reef at the north tip of Baga Island. On their return flight the Mitchell bombers strafed enemy positions on Vori Point (Northwest point of Ganongga Island).

(b) During the afternoon, a strong formation of Navy Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers and Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo planes bombed Vila, Kolombangara Island. Fires were still burning one and one‑half hours after the attack.

(c) During the same afternoon another formation of Navy Dauntless dive bombers bombed and strafed Bairoko, New Georgia Island.

(d) Later in the afternoon Army Mitchell medium bombers, escorted by Lightning and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters, strafed and probably sank two Japanese barges on the northeast coast of Ganongga Island.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 444, JULY 18, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of July 16, Navy Catalina (Consolidated PBY) patrol bombers bombed enemy positions on Nauru Island. Numerous fires were started. All U. S. planes returned from this mission undamaged.

2. During the night of July 16‑17, a number of enemy bombers dropped bombs on Guadalcanal Island, causing some casualties to personnel and light damage to installations. Bombs also were dropped on Savo Island with no damage.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 445, JULY 20, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On July 18, during the afternoon, a formation of Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) and Ventura (Vega B‑34) medium bombers attacked the Japanese main camp area and Gertrude Cove on Kiska. Due to overcast, results were unobserved.

2. On July 19, during the morning, a formation of Army Liberator heavy bombers attacked Paramushiru, Kurile Islands. A number of fires were observed. In addition, Japanese ships in Paramushiru Straits were bombed, and a number of near hits observed.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

3. On July 18, several Japanese planes harmlessly bombed Canton Island. No personnel casualties or material damage was sustained.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 446, JULY 21, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On July 20, during the early morning, three Japanese bombers dropped several bombs on Funafuti, Ellice Islands. No damage was reported and no personnel injuries were sustained.

North Pacific.

2. On July 20, two U. S. light surface units bombarded the Japanese main camp and the Gertrude Cove Area on Kiska. The enemy did not return the fire.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 447, JULY 22, 1943

The U. S. Submarine Triton has failed to return from patrol operations and must be presumed to be lost. The next of kin of personnel in the Triton have been so informed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 448, JULY 23, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On July 22, during the early morning, Japanese bombers attacked Funafuti, Ellice Islands. Two of the bombers were shot down. Material damage has not been reported, but some personnel casualties were sustained.

North Pacific.

2. On July 21, during the afternoon, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers bombed the Japanese runway and the main camp area on Kiska. Numerous hits were scored and several fires were started.

3. On July 22, during the afternoon, United States heavy and light surface units bombarded Japanese positions on Kiska. Although the enemy returned the fire, United States ships were not damaged.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 449, JULY 24, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On July 22, prior to and after the surface bombardment of Kiska (Previously reported in Navy Department Communiqué No. 449) Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers, with Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters, heavily bombed and strafed enemy coastal batteries, antiaircraft positions and building areas. Numerous fires were started and a large explosion observed. A number of the Warhawks participating in the attacks were piloted by pilots of the Royal Canadian Air Force. One U. S. plane was shot down by antiaircraft fire, but the crew was rescued.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 450, JULY 26, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On July 24, formations of Army Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters carried out ten bombing and strafing attacks against Japanese positions on Kiska. Numerous hits were scored on the runway and among gun emplacements. One U. S. plane failed to return.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 451, JULY 27, 1943

Central Pacific.

1. On July 24, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers attacked Wake Island. Thirty Zero fighters intercepted, of which nine were destroyed, four were probably destroyed, and five others were damaged.

2. The U. S. planes on closer approach to the island were met by additional fighters and heavy antiaircraft fire. In spite of this opposition, the U. 8. bombers scored many hits and caused a large explosion on the runway. One U. S. plane is missing.

North Pacific.

3. On July 25, Army Warhawks (Curtiss P‑40) fighters carried out ten bombing attacks on Japanese installations at Kiska. At North Head hits were scored on the runway and antiaircraft positions. The main camp, North Head

and Little Kiska were also strafed. Fires were started at Little Kiska and a large explosion was observed on North Head.

4. On July 26, shortly after midnight, a U. S. Catalina (Consolidated PBY) patrol bomber attacked Gertrude Cove and the main camp section of Kiska. Fires were started in Gertrude Cove.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 452, JULY 28, 1943

Central Pacific.

1. On July 27, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers again attacked Japanese positions on Wake Island. Approximately 25 Zero fighters intercepted the Liberators. Seven Zeros were destroyed, five were probably destroyed and three others were damaged. In spite of heavy antiaircraft fire, bombs were placed on designated targets. All U. S. planes returned safely There were no casualties to U. S. personnel.

North Pacific.

2. On July 26, fights of Army Liberators, Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters, carried out thirteen bombing attacks against Japanese installations on Kiska. As a result of these bombings, fires were started and explosions were observed on North and South Heads, the runway, the bivouac and submarine base sections, Gertrude Cove and Little Kiska. Individual targets in these areas were also subjected to strafing. One U. S. Warhawk fighter was forced into the sea but its pilot was rescued by a Navy Catalina (Consolidated PBY) patrol bomber.

3. On July 27, various formations of Army Liberators, Warhawks and Lightnings carried out six bombing attacks on Kiska. Hits were made in the bivouac area. Spotty weather conditions precluded full observation of the results of the attack.

JULY 28, 1943

MORE THAN 1,500 UNITED STATES NAVAL VESSELS CARRIED INVASION FORCE TO SICILY

More than 1,500 vessels of the United States Navy, ranging in size from cruisers to small landing craft and manned by well over 40,000 officers and men, effected the landing of United States invasion forces on Sicily.

In addition to larger combat units, the fleet included a number of antisubmarine patrol craft and a swarm of motor torpedo boats.

Under the immediate command of Vice Admiral H. K. Hewitt, U. S. Navy, Commander of U. S. Naval Forces in North African Waters, the vast invasion fleet successfully carried out, in conjunction with British Amphibious Forces, the largest amphibious operation in the history of warfare, landing and supplying U. S. Army troops on a hostile shore with minor loss of life and equipment. The U. S. forces were under the general operational control of Admiral Sir Andrew Browne Cunningham, Bart., G.C.B., D.S.O., who commands all Naval forces under General Eisenhower.

Naval units engaged in the landing operation were part of the United States Atlantic Fleet which, under the command of Admiral Royal E. Ingersoll, U. S. Navy, has since the opening of the North African campaign eight months

ago, transported several hundred thousand American troops and vast quantities of supplies across the Atlantic.

The actual landing on the Sicilian shore was only the culmination of long months of extensive preparation, of intensive training in the complex maneuvers of amphibious warfare, of working out logistical problems, and of meticulous planning on a vast scale to insure that every vessel would be at the proper spot at the proper moment. The training of personnel was continued in North Africa until the last moment before shoving off.

Naval landing forces Included men specially trained in the unloading of supplies under conditions made hazardous by surf and enemy action. In beach landing operations, Naval forces are responsible not only for the transportation of men and supplies across open water, but also for the safe disembarking of the troops and the unloading of supplies to points on shore.

Directing the operations under Vice Admiral Hewitt were Rear Admiral Alan G. Kirk, U. S. Navy, Rear Admiral John L. Hall, U. S. Navy, and Rear Admiral Richard L. Conolly, U. S. Navy.

The story of the invasion is, from the Naval standpoint, the story of the success of the many types of specialized landing craft, large and small, which have been developed to break down the coastal walls of the Axis' European fortress.

Operating in numbers which dotted the surface of the Mediterranean black, the vessels of every size and shape, each with a specialized job to do and making up the largest amphibious operation in history, constituted by far the greatest number of craft in the invasion fleet,

One of the initial waves of invading U. S. troops was transported across the Mediterranean entirely by landing vessels. One group of hundreds proceeded to the first rendezvous accompanied only by small escorts. Against a 25‑knot wind the fleet of odd‑looking craft plunged and reared steadily and doggedly ahead. PC's and SC's escorting the group sometimes showed half their bottoms as they leaped, spray flying, over the seas. Experienced officers marveled at the seamanship of the crews‑many of whom had never seen the ocean a year before‑who drove their rearing, blunt‑nosed craft ahead at a steady pace.

As mechanical difficulties developed, special repair crews went into action until, once underway again, an additional knot or two was forced from protesting engines until the lost time was made up. The fleet arrived at the rendezvous on time and intact.

Part of the U. S. forces engaged in the landing had been transported across the Atlantic specifically for the job. Huge convoys took over the men and supplies, and so securely were they ringed by Naval escort vessels, including cruisers, that neither convoy was once attacked.

The actual landing of American forces on Sicily began in the early morning. Since surprise was to be one of the elements of the attack, split‑second timing was demanded. Off every possible landing beach the enemy had sown mines. But due to the skillful work of Naval minesweepers, not a single contact with an enemy mine was reported during the entire landing operation.

Apart from the actual landing of troops and supplies, Naval combat units had three major duties: protection of landing forces from enemy surface and undersea forces; maintenance of antiaircraft barrages; and gunfire support of advancing troops on shore. Every landing group had offshore a supporting force of destroyers or cruisers or both.

Naval gunfire continued during the next few days to play an important

role in the movement of troops inland, blasting enemy positions even in the hills.

With the lessons of the invasion of North Africa eight months before well learned, operational losses of landing craft were extremely low. Special salvage and repair units had been set up afloat and ashore in the opening stages of the invasion, and damaged craft were speedily repaired and returned to service.

Within 48 hours, the entire fleet of landing vessels had made another round trip to Africa and returned loaded to the gunwales with men and supplies.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 453, JULY 29, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

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

(a) 2 large transports sunk.

(b) 2 large cargo vessels sunk.

(d) 2 medium‑sized tankers sunk.

(e) 1 small cargo vessel sunk.

(f) 1 large cargo vessel damaged.

(g) 3 medium‑sized cargo vessels damaged.

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 454, JULY 30, 1943

Atlantic.

1. The U. S. non‑rigid airship K‑74 was lost at sea recently as the result of a gunfire attack by a surfaced enemy submarine.

2. The K‑74 was fired on while attacking the submarine, and, as the result of a hit, was forced to make a landing on the sea.

3. All except one member of the crew of the K‑74 were rescued. Next of kin of the one casualty has been notified that he is missing in action.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 455, JULY 31, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On July 29, a U. S. Army Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) heavy bomber attacked Japanese positions on Kiska. Due to overcast weather, results were unobserved.

2. On July 30, during the morning, U. S. light surface units bombarded Gertrude Cove and the main camp areas on Kiska. Enemy batteries did not reply.

AUGUST 10, 1943

JAPANESE SUBMARINE, SCANNING U. S. CONVOY, SUNK BY PATROL CHASER

Viciously attacking a Japanese submarine by ramming, depth charges and gun fire, a U. S. Navy submarine chaser sank the underseas raider with all hands in the Pacific 15 minutes after lookouts detected her periscopes scanning the convoy which the 'chaser was protecting.

The attack, carried out by the USS PC‑487 under the command of Lieutenant W. Gordon Cornell, USNR., Port Richmond, Staten Island, N. Y., occurred recently as the 'chaser and other escort vessels guarded a convoy headed for a United States base.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 456, AUGUST 12, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On August 12, at about 8:11 A. M. east longitude time, a formation of nine Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers attacked Japanese installations in the Kurile Islands. Numerous hits were scored in the designated target areas. About forty enemy fighters intercepted of which five were shot dawn and others probably destroyed or damaged. Two of the U. S. bombers are missing.

JOINT STATEMENT, AUGUST 14, 1943

The President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Great Britain, after consultation with the British Admiralty, the United States Navy Department and the Canadian Department of National Defence for Naval Services, have issued the following monthly statement on the progress of the anti‑U‑Boat war:

During the month of July very poor results were obtained by the U‑Boats from their widespread effort against the shipping of the Allies. The steady flow of trans‑Atlantic supplies on the greatest scale has continued unmolested, and such sinking as have taken place in distant areas have had but an insignificant effect on the conduct of the war by the Allies. In fact, July is probably our most successful month, because the imports have been high, shipping losses moderate and U‑boat sinkings heavy.

Before the descent upon Sicily an armada of warships, troop transports, supply ships and landing craft proceeded through Atlantic and Mediterranean waters with scarcely any interference from U‑boats. Large reinforcements have also been landed in that Island. Over 2,500 vessels were involved in these operations and the losses are only about 80,000 tons. On the other hand the U‑boats which attempted to interfere with these operations suffered severe losses.

Our offensive operations against Axis submarines continue to progress most favourably in all areas, and during May, June and July we have sunk at sea a total of over 90 U‑boats, which represents an average loss of nearly one U‑boat a day over the period.

The decline in the effectiveness of the U‑boats is illustrated by the following figures:

In the first six months of 1943, the number of ships sunk per U‑boat operating was only half that in the last six months of 1942 and only a quarter that in the first half of 1942.

The tonnage of shipping in the service of the United Nations continues to show a considerable net increase. During 1943 new ships completed by the Allies exceed all sinkings from all causes by upwards of three million tons.

In spite of this very favourable progress in the battle against the U‑boat, it must be remembered that the enemy still has large U‑boat reserves, completed and under construction. It is necessary, therefore, to prepare for intensification of the battle both at sea and in the shipyards and to use our shipping with utmost economy to strengthen and speed the general offensive of the United Nations. But we can expect continued success only if we do not relax our efforts in any way.

ROOSEVELT

CHURCHILL.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 457, AUGUST 14, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of seven enemy vessels and the damaging of five others in operations against the enemy in the waters of x these areas, as follows:

Sunk:

1 large transport

1 medium‑sized passenger freighter

2 small freighters

1 small schooner

1 medium‑sized supply ship

1 medium‑sized cargo vessel

Damaged:

1 medium‑sized freighter

1 medium‑sized tanker

1 medium‑sized cargo vessel

1 small freighter

1 small cargo vessel

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 458, AUGUST 15, 1943

1. The U. S. Submarine Pickerel has failed to return from patrol operations and must be presumed to be lost. The next of kin of personnel in the Pickerel have been so informed.

Mediterranean.

2. The following U. S. Naval vessels have been lost in action against the enemy in operations in this area:

(a) USS PG 496 (Submarine Chaser) sunk 4 June, 1943, as result of underwater explosion.

(b) USS Redwing (Submarine Rescue. Vessel) sunk 29 June, 1943, as result of underwater explosion.

(d) USS Maddox (Destroyer) sunk 10 July, 1943, by aircraft off Sicily.

Atlantic.

3. The USS Plymouth (Gunboat) was sunk a short distance off the North Carolina coast on 5 August, 1943, as result of underwater explosion.

4. The next of kin of all casualties aboard the above named vessels have been notified.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 459, AUGUST 21, 1943

North Pacific.

1. A Task Force of the Pacific Fleet has landed a force of United States and Canadian troops on Kiska, beginning on August 15th.

2. No Japanese have been found. There were indications of recent hasty evacuation of the Japanese garrison. Presumably, the heavy bombardments by our ships and planes that have been carried on for some time and the danger to their supply lines by our capture of Attu made the enemy positions on Kiska untenable. It is not known how the Japanese got away, but it is possible that enemy surface ships were able to reach Kiska under cover of the heavy fogs that have been prevalent.

3. Since the air and surface bombardments in the latter part of July had apparently destroyed Japanese radio equipment on Kiska, the assumption was that they were not in communication with the homeland. Consequently, no release of Allied operations against Kiska has been made since July 31, as it would have conveyed information to the enemy which he otherwise would not have had. This particularly applied to the period during which the transports were in areas exposed to enemy submarine attacks and while they were unloading.

AUGUST 21, 1943

CHRONOLOGY OF ALEUTIAN ISLANDS CAMPAIGN

1942

On June 3:

Dutch Harbor is attacked by four Japanese bombers and about 15 fighters at 6 A.M., Dutch Harbor time. The attack lasts 15 minutes. (Communiqué No. 83. )

There are few casualties as a result of the Japanese raid. Several warehouses are set on fire, but no serious damage is suffered. (Communiqué No. 84).

At noon, Dutch Harbor time, a second wave of enemy planes files over Dutch Harbor on a reconnaissance mission. No bombs are dropped. (Communiqués Nos. 85‑86).

On June 4:

At about 5 P.M., 18 carrier‑based bombers and 16 fighters attack U. S. installations at Dutch Harbor, Fort Mears and Fort Glenn. No damage is

inflicted at Fort Glenn, minor damage is inflicted at Fort Mears, and at Dutch Harbor a warehouse and a few fuel oil tanks are set afire, and the station ship Northwestern, is sunk. (Communiqué No. 98).

On June 12:

Small scale landings by the Japanese on Attu Island are reported. Enemy ships are sighted in Kiska harbor (Navy Department Press Release, June 12, 1942) . Later reports reveal Japanese also occupy Agattu Island (Communiqué No. 98).

June 15‑July 3:

U. S. Army bombers and Navy patrol planes carry out reconnaissance and attack missions against enemy installations on Kiska and enemy shipping in adjacent waters. One transport is reported sunk and 4 cruisers, 1 destroyer, 1 gunboat and 1 transport are damaged. (Communiqués Nos. 89‑90‑94).

July 4:

U. S. submarines sink two destroyers and damage another off Kiska, and sink a third destroyer off Agattu. (Communiqué No. 95).

July 5:

A U. S. submarine torpedoes and heavily damages an enemy destroyer in the vicinity of Kiska. (Communiqué No. 96).

July 6‑August 4:

U. S. Army and Navy aircraft continue long range bombing of Japanese installations on Kiska.

U. S. submarines sink three more destroyers in the vicinity of Kiska. (Communiqués Nos. 99-103).

August 8:

A U. S. cruiser and destroyer task force heavily bombards Kiska and enemy ships in the harbor. Severe damage is inflicted on the camp area. (Communiqué No. 103).

August 19:

Sinking of a cruiser, or destroyer by a U. S. submarine is reported. (Communiqué No. 108).

August 22:

Sinking of a large enemy merchant ship by a U. S. submarine is reported. (Communiqué No. 110) .

August 30:

Adak Island occupied. (See October 3. )

September 14:

U. S. Army bombers and fighters bomb and strafe enemy ships, aircraft and shore installations at Kiska. Two minesweepers are sunk, three cargo ships are damaged, three submarines are damaged, six planes are destroyed, and 500 enemy troops are killed or wounded. (Communiqué No. 127).

September 24‑25‑27‑28

U. S. Army bombers and fighters attack enemy shore positions on Kiska and ships off Kiska and Attu. Attacks of September 25‑28 are carried out by strong forces. (Communiqués Nos. 133‑137).

October 3:

Announcement is made that U. S. forces have occupied positions in the Andreanof group of the Aleutian Islands, without opposition. (Communiqué No. 138). Adak is the island occupied (Communiqué No. 370), and the establishment of adequate airfields enables U. S. heavy bombers and fighters to operate from there in almost daily missions against the Japanese positions in the Western Aleutians. Throughout October, U. S. planes bomb and strafe the enemy ashore, and attack his shipping supply lines. (Communiqués Nos. 140‑143‑145‑150‑155‑157‑160‑161‑162‑170) Date of Adak occupation was August 30.

November 9:

First Japanese activity on Attu Island in more than a month is noted as U. S. Army planes discover and destroy seven float‑type "Zeros" in Holtz Bay, Attu. (Communiqué No. 188) Earlier reconnaissance had detected no signs of continued enemy activity on Attu and Agattu (Communiqués Nos. 143‑145).

November‑December

Routine missions are carried out by U. S. planes against shore positions on Kiska and Attu and enemy shipping off both islands. (Communiqués Nos. 205‑218‑225‑227‑232‑235).

1943

January 12:

U. S. forces occupy Amchitka Island, only 63 nautical miles from Kiska, without opposition from the enemy. (Occupation of Amchitka announced in Communiqué No. 370, on May 7, 1943.) Following the occupation, an airfield is established on Amchitka with enemy opposition consisting of a few ineffectual raids by small numbers of planes (Communiqués Nos. 268‑273‑281287). Date of Amchitka occupation was January 12.

February:

With completion of a close‑up base on Amchitka, U. S. planes execute nine attacks on Kiska during the month, dropping more than 1,000 bombs, No U. S. planes are lost in these operations. (Communiqué No. 298) .

March:

Intensification of the campaign against the Japanese in the Western Aleutians Increases. On March 15, U. S. Army heavy and medium bombers, escorted by fighters, carry out six missions against Kiska in the largest-scale attack thus far. (Communiqué No. 314). Raids on the enemy average better than one a day during the month.

On March 26, U. S. light forces patrolling to the westward of Attu Island engage a Japanese force composed of two heavy cruisers, two light cruisers, four destroyers and two cargo ships. Shell hits are scored on both of the Japanese heavy cruisers and one of the light cruisers. At least one torpedo hit is scored on an enemy heavy cruiser. U. S. vessels receive minor hits. (Communiqués Nos. 327‑365).

April:

The month sees Kiska subjected to air attacks on a mass basis with occasional raids on Attu. The peak day is April 19, when 15 attacks are carried out against Kiska (Communiqué No. 351). Kiska twice is bombed 13 times in a day, on April 15 and April 25. (Communiqués Nos. 346 and 357). The month's average is slightly under five missions a day.

May:

Air attacks on Kiska and Attu continue during the early days of the month, and then, on May 11, U. S. forces land on Attu. (Communiqué No. 376). Supported by bombardment of enemy positions by U. S. Naval surface forces, U. S. Army troops advance inland on Attu from the main landing points on the northeast and southeast ends of the island. In three weeks of fighting made difficult by Attu's rugged terrain and unfavorable weather, U. S. troops complete conquest of Attu. By June 1, all organized enemy resistance has ceased. (Communiqué No. 401).

June:

U. S. forces, now in possession of key positions in the Western Aleutians, concentrate attention on Kiska, and carry out bombing and strafing missions whenever the weather will permit. (Communiqués Nos. 400‑402‑403‑407‑409-414‑420‑423‑424‑425‑427) .

July:

U. S. Naval surface forces Join in the assault on Kiska, bombarding enemy shore positions on July 6‑9‑11‑14‑15‑20‑22‑30. (Communiqués Nos. 436‑438-439‑441‑442-446‑448‑455) .

Meanwhile, U. S. Army bombers and fighters continue heavy attacks on all enemy positions on the island.

August 1‑14:

Kiska undergoes concentrated assaults by U. S. forces both from the air and sea. (Communiqué No. 460).

On August 15, U. S. and Canadian forces landed on Kiska. (Communiqué No. 459) .

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 460, AUGUST 21, 1943

North Pacific.

1. In the period from August 1 to August 14, inclusive, U. S. Army and Navy aircraft and heavy and light U. S. Naval surface units carried out the following previously unannounced attacks on Kiska Island and Little Kiska

On August 1:

Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B‑24) dropped bombs through solid overcast on the Kiska main camp area.

On August 2:

(a) In the afternoon Liberators attacked North Head on Kiska, and scored hits in the area.

(b) Immediately following the above air attack, heavy and light U. S. Naval surface units heavily bombarded the main camp, submarine base, North Head, South Head and Gertrude Cove on Kiska Island, as well as enemy positions on Little Kiska. More than 2,300 rounds of large and medium caliber shells were fired at the targets, with no return fire from the enemy.

(c) Early the same evening Mitchell medium bombers (North American B‑25) and Lightning fighters (Lockheed P‑38) bombed and strafed Little Kiska.

On August 3:

(a) In the early morning, light Naval surface units shelled Gertrude Cove and the main camp area on Kiska. Return fire by the enemy was light and brief.

(b) Four bombing and strafing attacks were carried out by Mitchell medium bombers and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) and Lightning fighters on North Head, South Head, the runway, seaplane hangar area and the main camp on Kiska. Little Kiska was strafed. Hits were observed in all target areas.

On August 4:

(a) Shortly after midnight, a Navy Catalina patrol bomber (Consolidated PBY) dropped explosive and incendiary bombs on the Kiska main camp and submarine base. Large fires resulted from the attack.

(b) During a 12‑hour period from morning to evening, 18 attack missions were carried out against North Head, South Head, the runway, main camp and submarine base on Kiska and Little Kiska. Large forces of Liberator heavy bombers, Mitchell medium bombers, Army Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas A‑24), and Lightning and Warhawk fighters participated in these attacks. In addition to the bombings, cannon‑firing‑ Mitchells successfully attacked shore installations, while the fighter planes strafed at low altitudes. Many explosions resulted and numerous fires were started. The enemy's opposition consisted of sporadic antiaircraft fire.

On August 5:

In the early morning light Naval surface units shelled Gertrude Cove and the main camp on Kiska. No return fire was encountered.

On August 6:

Light Naval surface units again bombarded Kiska, scoring hits in the target area. There was no return fire.

On August 8:

The Kiska main camp and the Gertrude Cove area were the targets in a further bombardment by light Naval surface units, with no return fire.

On August 9:

Light Naval surface units shelled Gertrude Cove, the main camp and enemy positions on a hill North of Reynard Cove.

On August 10:

(a) Before dawn, Gertrude Cove and the main camp again were bombarded by light Naval surface units.

(b) Large forces of Liberator heavy bombers, Mitchell medium bombers, Army Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas A‑24), and Lightning and Warhawk fighters carried out 24 bombing and strafing missions on Kiska. Only light antiaircraft fire was encountered. Many fires were started.

On August 11:

(a) In the early morning, light Naval surface units shelled South Head and Gertrude Cove, starting fires.

(b) Gertrude Cove, Reynard Cove, North Head and Little Kiska were the targets of 21 bombing and strafing missions carried out during the day by Liberator heavy bombers, Mitchell medium bombers, Army Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas A‑24) and Lightning and Warhawk fighters. Fires were started in all areas and considerable debris was observed in enemy emplacements on Little Kiska.

On August 12:

(a) Shortly after midnight, a light Naval surface unit shelled Kiska.

(b) In the morning, heavy and light Naval surface units bombarded the south coast of Kiska. Gertrude Cove and Bukhti Point were the main targets. There was no return fire.

(c) The Kiska area was heavily bombed and thoroughly strafed during the day in 20 attacks by forces of Liberator heavy bombers, Mitchell medium bombers, Army Dauntless dive bombers, and Warhawk and Lightning fighters. Many fires were started.

On August 13:

(a) Light U. S. Naval surface units bombarded Kiska early in the morning, drawing no return fire.

(b) During the afternoon nine bombing and strafing missions were carried out against Kiska by U. S. Army Liberator, Mitchell and Dauntless bombers and Lightning fighters. Buildings at Gertrude Cove and North Head were destroyed by direct hits, and fires resulted at Gertrude Cove, North Head, the main camp and north of Reynard Cove. Light antiaircraft fire was encountered.

On August 14:

(a) In the early morning hours a Navy Catalina three times bombed installations on Kiska, with unreported results.

(b) At hourly intervals, light U. S. Naval surface units bombarded Kiska four times. No return fire was encountered.

(c) In the late afternoon U. S. Army Liberators, Mitchells and Lightnings bombed and strafed enemy positions on Kiska. Results were not reported.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 461, AUGUST 23, 1943

North. Pacific.

1. U. S. and Canadian Troops are continuing the occupation of positions on Kiska and in the adjacent area. A landing has been made on Segula Island, about 20 miles east of Kiska, with no Japanese being found.

2. Three Japanese midget submarines, apparently damaged by demolition bombs, were found on the marine railway at the submarine base on Kiska.

SEPTEMBER 1, 1943

COMMENDED FOR RESCUE OF ENTIRE SHIP'S COMPANY OF STRICKEN MINESWEEPER

Commander Alfred J. Homann, USN, 620 Menchino Avenue, Santa Rosa, Calif., has been commended for outstanding seamanship which made possible the rescue of all aboard the minesweeper, USS Wasmuth, when that vessel was so badly battered by storm and exploding depth charges that it was abandoned in the Aleutian area on December 27, 1942.

Loss of the Wasmuth, converted from a 1,190‑ton destroyer and commanded by Lieutenant Commander Joseph Leverton, Jr., 1712 16th Street, N. W., Washington, D. C., has not been previously announced.

The Wasmuth was escorting a convoy in a raging gale 30 miles of the Aleutians when two depth charges were wrenched from their racks by the waves. The depth charges exploded under the Wasmuth's fantail and carried away a portion of the ship's after section.

With the damaged Wasmuth slowly, but surely sinking, Commander Homann skillfully brought the Ramapo, a tanker, alongside after a three and a half hour battle with the raging sea and took off everyone aboard the minesweeper.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 155, SEPTEMBER 5, 1943

Admiral Ernest J. King, Commander in Chief, United States Fleet and Chief of Naval Operations, and Admiral William F. Halsey, Commander, South Pacific Force and South Pacific Area, have returned to their headquarters after conferences at Pearl Harbor, T. H., with Admiral C. W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas.

Principal members of the staffs of Admiral King, Nimitz and Halsey also participated in the conversations, which concerned plans for the Pacific campaign.

SEPTEMBER 7, 1943

U‑BOAT SUNK BY U. S. PATROL CHASER

Shattered by the depth charges of USS Patrol Chaser‑565, a German submarine was sunk in the Atlantic, not long ago, as it stood in to attack a convoy which the tiny patrol boat was protecting.

The underseas raider was destroyed so swiftly that she had no opportunity to fight back, plunging under in less than 10 minutes with water pouring through the open hatch of her conning tower.

Trapped below deck as the submarine sank was all of the ship's company except her commanding officer, who swam clear and was taken prisoner.

SEPTEMBER 8, 1943

NAVY CARRIER‑BASED AIRCRAFT AND ESCORT SURFACE SHIP EACH DESTROYS U‑BOAT IN SINGLE DAY'S ACTIONS

Coordinated participation of both air and surface Naval units in protecting vital convoys to the Mediterranean theatre was exemplified a few weeks ago when two U‑boats were blasted to the bottom of the Atlantic and another severely damaged in one day's action.

Screening against suspected enemy submarines, miles ahead of a large convoy carrying tanks, ammunition, food and other supplies, was famed Escort Carrier "B", the "baby flat‑top" which had scored two certain kills, four very probables and four probables out of 11 attacks on a previous mission, as announced by the Navy Department on July 16, 1943, and Carrier "B's" own small group of escort vessels. One of these escort ships was the USS George B. Badger, an old four‑stacker destroyer, since modernized, which was completed at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company 25 years ago. Carrier "B" and the Badger each scored a kill this day; Carrier "B" was credited with "severely damaging" another.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 11, SEPTEMBER 8, 1943

A task force commanded by Rear Admiral Charles A. Pownall, U. S. Navy, attacked Marcus Island at dawn on 1 September, 1943, East Longitude Time. The first wave of the attack apparently caught the enemy completely by surprise. It is estimated that the attack, made in several waves throughout the day, destroyed 80 per cent of military installations on the island. Our losses totaled two fighters and one torpedo plane.

Some antiaircraft fire was encountered by the initial wave, but was eliminated by succeeding attacks. Fires started throughout the island were still burning the day following the attack.

No enemy planes left the ground. Seven twin‑motored bombers which were parked on the runway were destroyed by our fighters. Installations destroyed included hangars, fuel and ammunition storage, shops, and living quarters. The two landing strips were severely damaged by heavy bombs. A small tanker caught near the island was sunk by our bombers.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 462, SEPTEMBER 9, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of six enemy vessels and the damaging of four others in operations against the enemy in waters of these areas, as follows

Sunk:

2 large freighters.

1 large cargo.

1 medium tanker.

1 small freighter.

1 medium cargo.

Damaged:

1 large cargo.

2 small cargo.

1 medium freighter.

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

JOINT STATEMENT, SEPTEMBER 10, 1943

The following statement is issued by the Office of War Information and the British Ministry of Information after consultation with the British Admiralty, United States Navy Department, and Canadian Department of National Defense for Naval Services

1. August has been another successful month in U‑boat warfare. Owing perhaps to rearmament and other causes, there appear to have been fewer U‑boats at sea than in recent months, and shipping losses have continued to decrease.

2. It is significant that the enemy made virtually no attempt to attack North Atlantic shipping, and opportunities for attacking the U-boats have been relatively few. Nevertheless, U‑boats have been hunted relentlessly on all stations wherever they have appeared and a heavy toll has been taken of the enemy. In fact more U‑boats have been sunk than merchant ships.

3. Surface and Air forces have both contributed to this satisfactory month's work by the efficiency of their escorts, patrols and offensive operations. Shore‑based aircraft have often had to face powerful enemy. Air opposition, and carrier‑borne aircraft have played a most important part.

4. We are ready to attack the enemy with utmost vigor should be provide the opportunity by resuming a general attack on our shipping with the very large number of U‑boats at his disposal.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 463, SEPTEMBER 13, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On September 13, (Paramushiru time) a formation of Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers and Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers successfully attacked enemy shipping and ground installations in the Paramushiru Island area.

2. In spite of spirited enemy opposition, in the form of heavy antiaircraft fire and fighter interception, the U. S. bombers scored numerous hits on ground installations, set on fire a transport, which was left in a sinking condition, damaged another transport, scored hits on three cargo vessels, one of which exploded, and strafed numerous small craft, setting many on fire.

3. Upwards of twenty‑five enemy fighters attacked the U. S. planes, and in a running engagement, which lasted for fifty minutes, the U. S. bombers shot down ten enemy fighters and probably three more. Four U. S. planes are known to have been lost due to enemy action, and six others failed to return.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 464, SEPTEMBER 14, 1943

1. The U. S. Submarine Grenadier has failed to return from patrol operations and must be presumed to be lost. The next of kin of personnel in the Grenadier have been so informed.

Mediterranean Area.

2. On August 23, the USS Submarine Chaser 694 and the USS Submarine Chaser 696 were sunk as a result of enemy bombing. The next of kin of all casualties have been notified.

Pacific Area (All dates are East Longitude).

3. On September 13, during the night, fifteen Japanese planes attacked Funafuti, Ellice Island. One enemy plane was shot down by antiaircraft fire. Material damage sustained was slight.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 465, SEPTEMBER 16, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On September 13‑14, during the night Japanese planes bombed the Lunga Point Area on Guadalcanal Island. Some minor damage was sustained.

2. On the same night a Japanese bomber attacked U. S. positions on Russell Island, but caused no damage.

3. No personnel casualties resulted from either of the above raids.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 466, SEPTEMBER 17, 1943

1. The destroyer USS Rowan was sunk as the result of an under water explosion in Italian waters on September 11, 1943.

2. The tug USS Navajo was sunk as the result of an under water explosion in the South Pacific area on September 12, 1943.

3. The tug USS Nauset was sunk as a result of enemy action in the Mediterranean on September 9, 1943.

4. Next of kin of all casualties aboard the Nauset have been notified. The next of kin of casualties aboard the Rowan and the Navajo will be notified as soon as possible.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 12, SEPTEMBER 18, 1943

Strong Pacific Ocean Area forces today conducted heavy raids on the Japanese bases at Tarawa Island, in the northern Gilbert group, and on Nauru Island, west of the Gilbert group.

These operations were carried out according to plan during the night preceding and for a good portion of the day of September 19, east longitude date.

Details of the operations are not immediately available.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 467, SEPTEMBER 19, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of September 15, a Japanese plane bombed Guadalcanal Island. Some minor damage was sustained and one man was injured.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 468, SEPTEMBER 21, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On September 19, in the early morning, several enemy planes bombed Guadalcanal Island. Slight material and personnel casualties were sustained.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 13, SEPTEMBER 22, 1943

Supplementing Pacific Ocean Areas Communiqué No. 12, the following information concerning our operations against enemy installations in the Gilbert Islands region during the night preceding and throughout the day of 19 September, east longitude date, is available:

Attacks were made by carrier‑based aircraft and by land‑based Army and Navy aircraft from various bases in the Central and South Pacific areas.

More than 200 sorties were carried out by our planes against Tarawa, Makin and Apamama Islands, in the Northern Gilberts, and Nauru Island, west of the Gilbert group.

Damage to the enemy included: At Tarawa: Airdrome facilities heavily damaged, eight bombers destroyed on the runway, one small vessel sunk; At Makin: Air base damaged, three four‑engine seaplanes and one patrol plane destroyed; At Apamama : Enemy camp installations heavily hit; At Nauru: Damage to installations.

In addition to destroying aircraft on the ground, our forces shot down six Zeros, probably destroyed four others and damaged eight more fighters, and shot down two medium bombers.

Despite attempted interception by day and night fighters and intense antiaircraft fire encountered, our losses totaled only four planes.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 469, SEPTEMBER 23, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On September 20, during the early morning, six Japanese planes bombed the vicinity of the air strip on Guadalcanal. Light damage to material and installations was sustained. No casualties were suffered.

2. On September 21, in the morning, about 12 or 16 enemy bombers were over Guadalcanal. Light damage and some casualties were sustained. Two of the enemy planes were shot down by one of our fighters.

SEPTEMBER 28, 1943

NAVY PILOT SINKS THREE U‑BOATS

Lieutenant Robert Pershing Williams, USNR, 26‑year‑old Naval pilot of Snoqualmie, Wash., during a period of six weeks destroyed two U‑boats, bombed another into such helplessness that it was readily sent to the bottom by another plane, and possibly damaged a fourth underseas raider.

Lieutenant Williams, pilot of a Grumman Avenger bomber, is attached to one of the Navy's new escort aircraft carriers assigned to antisubmarine patrol and escort duty in the Atlantic.

SEPTEMBER 29, 1943

MARINE SERGEANT TELLS OF THE SINKING OF THE JOHN PENN

Guadalcanal—(Delayed)—Although knocked across the deck and injured by a falling 12‑ton beam, Marine Captain William C. Roberts, of 501 Twenty-second Avenue, San Francisco, Calif., the son of a banker, probably saved the lives of several badly wounded men last night by tying life jackets on them and lowering them over the side of the torpedoed and sinking USS John Penn.

(The 9,000‑ton John Penn, a transport cargo ship, was formerly the Excambion of the American Export Lines. Her loss was revealed September 23, 1943, in a communiqué issued at the headquarters of General Douglas A. MacArthur, U.S.A. Next of kin of casualties have been notified by the Navy Department.)

The action was described this morning by Marine Sergeant William F. Stoddard, Jr., of 138 Quincy Road, Riverside, Ill., while Stoddard was lined up on the beach with the other survivors.

These torpedoed survivors, clothed in pajamas and cover‑alls given them by Navy Hospital Corpsmen, were answering a roll call to check the missing.

"A Jap plane put her fish right in our engine room," related Stoddard. "The bow began going under almost immediately, and the entire ship was out of sight in less than 20 minutes.

"Captain Roberts was injured when the explosion occurred. He was injured by a 12‑ton beam that instantly killed two men standing right next to him. He picked himself up, bleeding, and right away began to help the other wounded lying around the deck.

"He tied life jackets around the unconscious and lowered them to the water, hoping the rescue boats would pick them up. The bow was the last to go under, and when I left the ship he was still up there helping men to get aft before the whole thing went down."

"We still don't know how many men we lost," explained Stoddard.

Even while he was relating the story another alarm sounded and our interview had to be finished in a foxhole.

"It was an all‑Navy crew," he continued, "except Captain Roberts and myself, the only Marines permanently attached to the ship.

"Ever since I got ashore I've been looking for him. I was afraid he went down with the ship, but I finally located him just a little while ago. He's at one of the hospitals with a bad right shoulder and a couple of burns, but he says he's okay and should be out within a week."

The torpedoing last night was not Sergeant Stoddard's first contact with the Japs. He is a Guadalcanal veteran who landed with the first invasion troops August 7, 1942. After two months under fire he was transferred to ship duty, and since then has been serving in and out of Solomon waters.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 470, OCTOBER 1, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the morning of September 27, a U. S. reconnaissance plane engaged five Zero fighters in the vicinity of Nauru Island. One Zero was destroyed and one other was probably shot down.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 471, OCTOBER 1, 1943

Mediterranean Area.

1. The mine layer, USS Skill, was sunk on the morning of September 25, 1943, as the result of an underwater explosion in the Gulf of Salerno. The next of kin of all casualties in the Skill have been notified.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 472, OCTOBER 3, 1943

1. On the night of September 30, a U. S. reconnaissance plane engaged nine Zero fighters fifteen miles north of Nauru Island. One enemy plane was shot down.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 473, OCTOBER 6, 1943

1. The U. S. Coast Guard patrol craft Wilcox, formerly a fishing vessel, foundered in a storm off the Atlantic coast on September 30, 1943, and was lost. One crew, member is missing and his next of kin has been notified.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 14, OCTOBER 6, 1943

A strong Pacific Fleet task force, commanded by Rear Admiral Alfred E. Montgomery, USN, heavily attacked enemy held positions on Wake Island with carrier aircraft and ship bombardment commencing at dawn on October 5, 1943, west longitude date. Further details are not now available.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 15, OCTOBER 10, 1943

Supplementing Pacific Ocean Areas Communiqué No. 14, the following information is available concerning our operations against Wake Island:

The initial heavy and protracted attack made by carrier aircraft and ship bombardment, beginning at dawn on 5 October, west longitude date, was followed late the same afternoon by an attack by a group of Navy Liberator Bombers led by Commander John T. Hayward, U. S. Navy, and on the morning of 6 October by a further carrier aircraft bombing by the force commanded by Rear Admiral Alfred E. Montgomery, U. S. Navy.

In the extended attacks our planes dropped 320 tons of bombs. An intensive bombardment by the ships combined to inflict considerable damage to enemy installations on Wake, Peale and Wilkes Islands. Enemy defenses were so neutralized in the initial bombardment that the heavy bombers encountered only weak and ineffective antiaircraft fire and no air opposition in their low altitude bombing attack in the late afternoon of 5 October.

Our forces destroyed 30 or more enemy planes in the air and 31 on the ground. Many fires were started in the plane dispersal areas, shops, barracks, and storage areas throughout the three Islands. Two small vessels, one loaded with gasoline, were destroyed.

Damage by enemy action to our ships and ships' personnel was negligible. We lost 13 planes in combat.

JOINT STATEMENT, OCTOBER 10, 1943

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

1. Until the third week in September no Allied ship was lost by German U‑boat attack. Then, on the 19th of September, the U‑boats ended the four months' lull in the North Atlantic, and a pack of at least fifteen U‑boats concentrated on a west‑bound convoy. The combat lasted four and a half days. The loss of three escort vessels has already been announced. A small number of merchant ships were sunk, but as a result of vigorous counterattacks by the surface and air escorts a larger number of U‑boats were sunk or damaged.

2. In spite of the increase in U‑boat activity at the end of the month, the average merchant‑ship losses from all causes in September and August together are the best record of the war.

3. Nevertheless, this resumption of pack tactics is evidence of the enemy's intention to spare no efforts to turn the tide of the U‑boat war, and the utmost exertion and vigilance will be required before its menace is finally removed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 474, OCTOBER 14, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On October 13, ten Japanese bombers flew over Massacre Bay, Attu Island, at great height and dropped bombs without causing damage. There was no damage to the U. S. intercepting fighters or to enemy planes.

Mediterranean Area.

2. The USS Buck, destroyer, was sunk off Salerno on October 9, as the result of an underwater explosion.

3. The USS Bristol, destroyer, was sunk in the Mediterranean on October 13, as the result of an underwater explosion.

4. The next of kin of all casualties aboard the USS Buck and the USS Bristol will be notified by telegram immediately upon receipt of casualty reports.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 157, OCTOBER 15, 1943

Navy Liberator bombers carried out a light bombing attack on Makin Island on 13 October, West Longitude Date. No damage was suffered by our forces.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 158, OCTOBER 18, 1943

Shortly after midnight Sunday morning an unidentified airplane approaching from seaward was illuminated by searchlights at the Naval Air Station, Barber's Point, Oahu.

The plane, which appeared to be a small, float‑type monoplane, immediately dived in an attempt to elude the lights, reversed its course, and sped out to sea, at low altitude.

The circumstances of the plane's approach would appear to indicate it was an enemy craft on a reconnaissance mission. It is considered that the mission was unsuccessful. The probability exists that the plane was launched from a submarine.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 475, OCTOBER 19, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

1. According to the latest available information, U. S. submarines; operating over wide areas and carrying the war to the enemy's closest home waters, have sunk a total of 319 Japanese ships, have probably sunk and have damaged 105 others since December 7, 1941.

2. In previous Navy Department communiqués, the sinking of 221, the probable sinking of 31, and the damaging of 60 enemy vessels were announced. To bring the score of damage inflicted on Japanese shipping by U. S. submarines up to date, the following additional details of results are reported for the first time by types:

Sunk:

6 large tankers

17 large cargo‑supply ships

45 medium‑sized cargo‑supply ships

3 large transports

2 medium‑sized tankers

5 small cargo‑supply ships

20 miscellaneous vessels

98 Total

Probably Sunk:

5 medium‑sized cargo vessels

Damaged:

4 large tankers

2 transports

2 large cargo‑supply vessels

31 medium‑sized cargo‑supply vessels

5 miscellaneous vessels

1 small cargo‑supply vessel

45 Total

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 161, OCTOBER 21, 1943

A small force of Navy Liberator bombers attacked Japanese held Tarawa Island, in the Gilbert Group, on 19 October, West Longitude Date. Considerable antiaircraft opposition was encountered, but no enemy aircraft were sighted. Our forces suffered no damage.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 476, OCTOBER 24, 1943

1. The U. S. Submarine Dorado is overdue and must be presumed to be lost. The next of kin of personnel in the Dorado have been so informed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 477, OCTOBER 27, 1943

1. The U. S. Submarine Runner is overdue and must be presumed to be lost. The next of kin of personnel in the Runner have been so informed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 478, OCTOBER 29, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of ten enemy vessels and the damaging of four others in operations against the enemy in waters of these areas, as follows:

Sunk:

1 large freighter

1 large tanker

1 large transport

5 medium freighters

2 small freighters

Damaged:

1 large freighter

2 medium freighters

1 small freighter

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 479, OCTOBER 30, 1943

South Pacific (east longitude date).

1. A number of enemy planes ineffectively dropped bombs on Guadalcanal luring the night of October 28, 1943.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 480, NOVEMBER 4, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of ten enemy vessels and the damaging of three others in operations against the enemy in waters of these areas, as follows:

Sunk:

1 large tanker

1 medium tanker

1 patrol craft

4 medium freighters

1 large freighter

1 small freighter

1 large cargo transport

Damaged:

1 medium tanker

1 small freighter

1 large freighter

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

South Pacific.

3. On the early afternoon of November 2, 1943, (East Longitude Date) a reconnaissance plane, operating under the command of Admiral Halsey, attacked and sank a 1,000‑ton enemy freighter 30 miles southwest of Ocean island. The plane was damaged, apparently by antiaircraft fire, and a number if her personnel were wounded.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 481, NOVEMBER 10, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. The U. S. destroyer Henley was sunk during October as the result of a torpedo explosion. The sinking took place in the early evening. The next of kin of the casualties aboard the Henley have been notified.

2. During the night engagement on October 6, off Vella LaVella, the U. S. destroyer Chevalier was severely damaged by the enemy and collided with mother destroyer in the formation. The Chevalier subsequently brake in two and sank. The next of kin of the casualties aboard the Chevalier have been notified.

3. Because of the nature of pending operations at the time, the losses of he USS Henley and USS Chevalier were not given earlier announcement.

Atlantic.

4. The destroyer USS Borie was lost in the Atlantic recently as the result of damage received by herself in ramming and sinking an enemy submarine.

5. The Borie, while engaged in patrol, encountered a submarine, which she sank with depth bombs. Encountering a second submarine a short time later, the Borie rammed and sank this enemy vessel also. The force of the ramming, however, opened holes in the Borie's hull below the water line. Although the Borie managed to rejoin the task force to which she was assigned, the extent of her damage was so great that it was necessary for her personnel to abandon ship; after which the U. S. destroyer was sunk by bombs from her own group's planes.

6. The next of kin of casualties aboard the Borie will be notified by telegram as soon as possible.

Memorandum to the Press:

The night engagement referred to in paragraph 2 (loss of the USS Chevalier) was previously announced in Southwest Pacific Communiqué No. 546, on October 9, 1943, as follows

"Vella LaVella; The enemy was frustrated in an apparent attempt to evacuate the remnants of his defeated ground force. Our Naval units at night intercepted and engaged an enemy force consisting of one light cruiser and four destroyers. The cruiser and one destroyer exploded and sank as a result of our gunfire, one destroyer was sunk by torpedo action and the remaining two destroyers were damaged and fled. Two other groups of ships to the rear reversed course and retired at high speed. Our losses were moderate."

ARMY AND NAVY JOINT STATEMENT, NOVEMBER 10, 1943

The Army Air Forces has withdrawn from anti‑submarine operations and the United States Navy was assumed full responsibility, it was announced today by the War Department.

An outgrowth of the First Bomber Command, which since December 8, 1941, has been engaged in anti‑submarine activities, the Army Air Forces Antisubmarine Command was activated in October, 1942, under Brigadier General Westside T. Larson. Wings and Squadrons were organized for combat patrol work, assignments were made to theaters of operations, depth charges were dropped in a number of oceans and seas, with much success directed against enemy submarines.

It also was announced that the Navy has now acquired sufficient planes and trained sufficient crews to take over complete responsibility against the submarine menace.

Units which operated for the Army Air Forces will be absorbed for other combat duty by various air forces, some in theaters of operations, but an exchange of aircraft between the Army and Navy will be effected.

The Army planes were land‑based and operated in connection with several theaters of operations.

The Anti‑submarine Command discloses that millions of miles have been flown in combat operations by planes of its various wings and squadrons, constituting a substantial portion of the total number of miles flown since Pearl Harbor by all Allied Aircraft engaged in anti‑submarine warfare.

Operating world‑wide with a mission to seek out and destroy hostile submarines wherever at sea, the Anti‑submarine Command had spread out to four continents, fighting the U‑boat in three different theaters of operations.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 482, NOVEMBER 12, 1943

Mediterranean.

1. The destroyer USS Beatty was sunk in the Mediterranean on November 6, 1943, as a result of enemy aircraft action. The next of kin of the casualties aboard the Beatty have been notified.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 483, NOVEMBER 13, 1943

South. Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of November 11, about 12 Japanese bombers dropped bombs on Nanomea, Ellice Islands. Reports indicate one killed and two wounded. Minor material damage was sustained. One enemy plane was shot down by antiaircraft fire.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 168, NOVEMBER 13, 1943

Early this morning (13 November west Longitude date), six Japanese bombers raided our installations on Funafuti, Ellice Islands, dropping about thirty bombs in two high‑altitude runs, causing minor material damage. Personnel casualties were two wounded.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 484, NOVEMBER 14, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of seven enemy vessels and the damaging of two others in operations against the enemy in waters, of these areas, as follows:

Sunk:

1 plane transport

1 large freighter

1 medium cargo transport

4 medium freighters

Damaged:

1 large freighter

1 medium freighter

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 169, NOVEMBER 15, 1943

Army Seventh Air Force Liberators raided enemy installations on Betio Island, Tarawa atoll, Gilbert Islands, during the night of 13 November, West Longitude date.

Several large fires were started near the runways. No enemy interception was attempted. Our planes encountered intense antiaircraft fire over the target without damage or personnel casualties.

On 14 November Army Liberators from this force made further raids on Betio and on Mille atoll, Marshall Islands. No air opposition was encountered in either raid. Our planes and personnel suffered no damage from antiaircraft fire.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 16, NOVEMBER 18, 1943

1. Late afternoon raids were made on enemy positions on Jaluit and Mille Atolls in the Marshall Islands and on Makin Island in the Gilberts on November 15 (West Longitude Date) by Liberator bombers of the Army's Seventh Air Force.

2. At Jaluit many fires were started by our bombs in the hangars, shops, and dump areas at the seaplane bases on Imieji and Jabor Islands. Of the five ships anchored in the lagoon one was left burning. Three others were possibly damaged. Several fires resulted from the Mille attack but cloud conditions prevented accurate observance of damage at Makin.

3. No air interception was encountered in any instance. Antiaircraft fire was intense at Mille, weak at Makin and at Jaluit. No damage was suffered by our planes or personnel.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 170, NOVEMBER 18, 1943

Bombs were dropped on the airdrome area, Jaluit, Marshall Islands, on 16 November, West longitude date, by Liberators from the Seventh Air Force. Large fires were started.

One of several enemy float planes which attacked our formation was probably shot down. No damage was suffered by our planes or personnel.

At noon on 17 November, West Longitude Date, Liberators from the same force made low‑altitude bombing and strafing runs on the enemy airfield at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands. No enemy aircraft was sighted. No damage was suffered by weak antiaircraft fire from Betio Island.

About 10 enemy bombers made a medium altitude raid on our installations at Funafuti, Ellice Islands, before dawn on 17 November, West Longitude Date. Our losses were two killed and several planes damaged.

NOVEMBER 19, 1943

THE TENTH FLEET

When deliveries of ships and aircraft reached sufficient proportions to warrant such a move, about six months ago, the Tenth Fleet was organized to exercise unity of control over the U. S. Navy's war against the U‑boat in the Atlantic.

In addition to his other duties, Admiral Ernest J. King, U. S. Navy, Commander in Chief, U. S. Fleet and Chief of Naval Operations, retained the immediate direction of anti‑submarine operations and is the Commander, Tenth Fleet.

Rear Admiral Francis S. Low, U. S. Navy, Assistant Chief of Staff (Anti-Submarine), U. S. Fleet, is Chief of Staff, Tenth Fleet.

The Tenth Fleet was assigned the following tasks:

(a) Destruction of U‑boats.

(b) Protection of Allied shipping in the Sea Frontiers concerned.

Areas.

(d) Control of convoys and shipping that are U. S. responsibilities.

(e) Correlation of U. S. anti‑submarine research and personnel instruction.

To accomplish its assigned mission, the Tenth Fleet was organized into four principal divisions: Operations; Anti‑Submarine Measures (materiel, training, analysis and statistics and operational research); Convoy and Routing; and a Scientific Counsel (composed of civilian scientists).

Through this organization Tenth Fleet Headquarters makes available the latest information regarding anti‑submarine developments and intelligence and training and operating procedures to Admiral Royal E. Ingersoll, U. S. Navy, Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet, and the several other Fleet and Sea Frontier Commanders who direct the actual operations in that part of the Atlantic Ocean under U. S. strategic control.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 171, NOVEMBER 19, 1943

Carrier aircraft raided Betio Island, Tarawa atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 18 November, (all dates herein West Longitude), starting large oil fires.

The following raids were made against enemy installations in the Marshall end Gilbert Islands by Liberators of the Army's Seventh Air Force:

(a) Before dawn on 17 November, barracks, runways and oil dumps on Mille were bombed. No enemy planes were encountered. No damage was suffered by our planes or personnel from intense antiaircraft fire.

(b) At sunset on 17 November, bombs were dropped on Maloelap. Two of our planes were damaged by intercepting Zeros. There were no personnel casualties. One Zero was shot down, one was probably shot down and several were damaged.

(c) At noon on 18 November, raids were made against the Mille and Tarawa installations. There was no enemy air interception, although five Zeros were sighted over Tarawa.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 172, NOVEMBER 19, 1943

Enemy installations on Nauru Island were heavily‑hit by carrier aircraft on 18 November, West longitude date.

Our planes dropped ninety tons of bombs in the airdrome and shop areas, starting fires and destroying several aircraft on the ground. One small ship vas set afire. Of the seven Zeros which appeared during later stages of the attack, two were shot down. Accurate antiaircraft fire was encountered. All four planes returned. One pilot was wounded.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 485, NOVEMBER 20, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. The small vessel reported lost in the communiqué dated November 18, 1943, issued from Allied Headquarters Southwest Pacific, was the USS McKean, destroyer transport. This vessel sank November 17, 1943, as a result of attack by enemy aircraft off the southwest coast of Bougainville Island.

2. The next of kin of the casualties will be notified as soon as possible.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 17, NOVEMBER 21, 1943

Marine Corps and Army forces covered by powerful units of all types of the Pacific Fleet have established beachheads on Makin and Tarawa Atolls, Gilbert Islands, meeting moderate resistance at Makin and strong resistance at Tarawa. Fighting continues during these operations. Army Liberators made diversionary attacks in the Marshalls.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 18, NOVEMBER 22, 1943

Our troops have improved their positions on Tarawa and Makin Atolls, but are still encountering considerable enemy ground resistance. We have landed on Apamama Atoll. Liberators heavily bombed the airdromes area at Nauru Island on November 20 (West Longitude Date) and on November 21 Army Liberators continued diversionary attacks in the Marshalls. The Central Pacific operations are being directed by Vice Admiral Raymond A. Spruance, U. S. Navy. The amphibious forces are under command of Rear Admiral Richmond Turner, U. S. Navy. Landings were made on Tarawa by the Second Marine Division in command of Major General Julian C. Smith, USMC; those on Makin by troops of the 27th Infantry Division, commanded by Major General Ralph Smith, U.S.A. Major General Holland McT. Smith, USMC, is in command of the landing forces.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 19, NOVEMBER 23, 1943

Central Pacific.

1. Our forces have captured Makin. On Tarawa, the Marines have consolidated their positions and are making good progress against enemy concentrations on eastern end of Betio Island with capture assured. The situation on Abemama is well in hand.

2 Raids are being continued against the Marshalls by carrier aircraft and Army Seventh Air Force Liberators.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 20, NOVEMBER 24, 1943

Central Pacific.

1. Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, was captured shortly after noon, November 23 (West Longitude Date), following a desperate enemy counterattack which was crushed by troops of the Second Marine Division.

2. Remnants of the enemy are being hunted down on Abemama, Tarawa and Makin Atolls.

3. Seventh Army Air Force Liberators continued diversionary attacks in the Marshalls.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 173, NOVEMBER 25, 1943

One of our carrier divisions covering the Gilberts operations to 24 November (West Longitude Date) shot down 34 enemy fighters, nine bombers and three four‑engine patrol seaplanes. Its losses in these operations total three fighters and one torpedo bomber. Seventh Air Force Liberators which raided Imieji, Jaluit atoll, on 23 November, observed three float‑fighters, airborne,

which did not attempt interception. One of our planes was damaged by antiaircraft fire.

Mopping up operations on Tarawa, Makin and Apamama are virtually complete. Few live Japanese remain in the Gilberts.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 486, NOVEMBER 26, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

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

Sunk:

1 medium tanker

1 medium plane transport

7 medium freighters

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 177, NOVEMBER 29, 1943

Islands in the Gilberts are being developed according to plan.

A few enemy stragglers remain in the northern end of Tarawa Atoll.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators continue their raids against Nauru and the Marshalls.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 178, NOVEMBER 30, 1943

Admiral C. W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, has returned to his headquarters following an inspection of the Gilbert Islands area, including Tarawa atoll. Admiral Nimitz was accompanied by Lieutenant General Robert C. Richardson, Jr., Commanding General, U. S. Army Forces, Central Pacific, and members of their staffs.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 21, DECEMBER 1, 1943

Preliminary reports of the Gilbert operations indicate that our landing forces suffered the following approximate casualties:

(a) At Tarawa—killed in action, 1026; wounded in action, 2557.

(b) At Makin—killed in action, 65 ; wounded in action, 121.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 487, DECEMBER 2, 1943

Central Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. The USS Liscome Bay (an escort carrier) was sunk as the result of being torpedoed by a submarine on November 24, 1943, in the Gilbert Islands area. This is the only ship lost in the Gilbert Islands operation.

2. The next of kin of casualties aboard the Liscome Bay will be notified as soon as possible.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 488, DECEMBER 2, 1943

1. The U. S. Submarine Wahoo is overdue and must be presumed to be lost.

2. The next of kin of personnel in the Wahoo have been so informed.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 181, DECEMBER 2, 1943

Our aircraft continue raid and search operations in the Marshalls.

On the morning of 30 November, (West Longitude Date), Seventh AAF Liberators which bombed the Taroa airdrome were intercepted by 35 Zeros. Seven or more Zeros were shot down, at least four others were damaged. All of our planes returned, but several were damaged. Two men were injured.

A Navy Liberator of Fleet Air Wing Two which was attacked by six Zeros near Mille on 30 November while on a search mission shot down one Zero, probably destroyed another and probably damaged two others.

On the evening of 29 November two of our destroyers in the Gilberts area repelled a prolonged attack by enemy torpedo planes. Three enemy planes were destroyed, two others were probably shot down. Neither destroyer was damaged.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 184, DECEMBER 5, 1943

Nine enemy planes bombed the Tarawa Airdrome on the night of December 3 (West Longitude Date), causing minor damage. Three men were slightly wounded. On the morning of December 4 an enemy plane dropped four small bombs at Makin, causing no damage.

A Navy search Liberator, of Fleet Air Wing 2, was attacked near Mille on December 3 by seven Zeros. Our plane destroyed one Zero, damaged two others.

On December 2 a South Pacific search Liberator bombed installations on Kapingamarangi Island, starting several fires.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 186, DECEMBER 5, 1943

A force of Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Mille Atoll on December 4 (West Longitude Date). 50 tons of bombs were dropped, starting several fires and destroying one medium bomber on the ground. No enemy air interception was encountered. All of our planes returned, though five were slightly damaged by antiaircraft fire. Three men were slightly wounded.

Another group of Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force raided Nauru on December 4. An oil dump was set afire. There was no air interception, although three enemy planes departed the area as our planes arrived. All of our aircraft returned. One was slightly damaged by antiaircraft fire.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 489, DECEMBER 6, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of eleven enemy vessels in operations against the enemy in waters of these areas, as follows:

Sunk:

1 large tanker

9 medium freighters

1 small freighter

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

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 22, DECEMBER 6, 1943

1. Strong carrier task forces attacked the Marshall Islands on December 4 (West Longitude Date).

2. Due to the necessity for radio silence, details are not yet available.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 23, DECEMBER 8, 1943

1. Our carrier task forces which attacked enemy installations on Kwajalein and Wotje Atolls on December 4, 1943, (West Longitude Date) destroyed 72 planes in the air, strafed and burned an undetermined number of medium bombers on the ground, and destroyed or damaged various ground installations on Kwajalein, Ebeye, Roi and Wotje Islands.

2. At Kwajalein they sank two light cruisers, one oiler and three cargo transports and damaged one troop transport and two cargo transports.

3. At Wotje one cargo transport was damaged.

4. Our forces, under command of Rear Admiral Charles A. Pownall, USN, successfully fought off vigorous prolonged aerial and torpedo and bombing attacks. Of one group of seven torpedo planes, six were destroyed by antiaircraft fire.

5. One of our ships suffered minor damage. Our aircraft losses were light.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 188, DECEMBER 8, 1943

1. The enemy continues nuisance air raids against our installations in the Gilberts. On the night of December 6 (West Longitude Date) a plane dropped four bombs at Makin, which landed harmlessly in the lagoon. On the night of December 5, enemy planes dropped eight bombs near Betio Island. Only one bomb landed near our installations, causing minor injuries to personnel.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 24, DECEMBER 9, 1943

1. Strong forces of the Pacific Fleet attacked Nauru Island with carrier aircraft and ship bombardment on December 8 (West Longitude Date)Further details are not now available.

2. Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force, which raided the Taroa airdrome installations on the morning of December 7, were intercepted over Maloelap by eight enemy fighters. One fighter was shot down. Our planes suffered only slight damage. A Liberator of this force also bombed Mille during the same sortie.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 189, DECEMBER 9, 1943

Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two made the following raids in the southern Marshalls on 8 December 1943 (West Longitude Date). A Ventura bomber strafed installations at Mille in the face of heavy automatic weapon fire without damage to our plane. Three Zeros attacked one of our Liberators near Mille, with no damage; another Liberator raided and strafed base facilities at Jaluit, sinking a patrol boat and probably sinking a medium freighter and two small vessels.

JOINT STATEMENT, DECEMBER 9, 1943

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

Anti U‑Boat operations in November have been notable, for the enemy has achieved little for the great effort he has exerted. The number of merchant vessels sunk by U‑Boats in November is less than in any other month since May, 1940.

By means of aircraft operating from Azores we have been able to improve protection to our convoys and to diminish area in which enemy U‑Boats were free from attack by our forces.

The enemy has used long range aircraft to assist in concentrating U‑Boats on our convoy routes but in spite of this our escort and counterattack has been effective.

The caution of the enemy U‑Boats has lessened the number of opportunities presented to our forces for striking at them. Nevertheless, the number of U‑Boats sunk in November has again exceeded the number of their victims.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 190, DECEMBER 10, 1943

1. Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force made late afternoon raids on enemy installations at Jaluit and Mille on December 8 (West Longitude Date). More than 40 tons of bombs were dropped in the target area at Jaluit. There was no enemy interception and none of our aircraft was damaged by antiaircraft fire. At Mille our planes were intercepted by 10 Zeros, two of which were probably shot down. Several of our planes received minor damage. One man was wounded.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 191

Liberator bombers of the Army 7th Air Force which dropped more than 15 tons of bombs on Mille on 9 December (West Longitude Date) were attacked by approximately 20 Zeros. Four Zeros were shot down, three were

probably shot down, and one was damaged. We suffered only slight material damage with a few men wounded. Two Zeros dropped six aerial bombs at our planes without results.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 192, DECEMBER 12, 1943

Our battleships and carriers which bombarded Nauru Island on December 8 (West Longitude Date) started large fires throughout the target area and destroyed nine planes on the ground and one in the air. We lost two aircraft. One of our destroyers received one hit from enemy shore batteries suffering minor damage. A Navy search Liberator of Fleet Air Wing Two strafed a medium cargo transport and its escorting patrol vessel near Jaluit on December 10.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 193, DECEMBER 12, 1943

Two Navy dive bombers collided on 7 December while engaged in training exercises near Keilii Point, Maui. Pilots of both planes parachuted safely, but their radiomen were killed.

A bomb from one of the two planes in collision fell and detonated among a force of Marines participating in field maneuvers nearby. Twenty Marines were killed and twenty‑nine were injured. A court of inquiry is investigating circumstances of the casualty.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 194, DECEMBER 14, 1943

Army heavy bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Imeiji Island, Jaluit Atoll, on December 12 (West Longitude Date), dropping approximately 50 tons of bombs on shore installations and on a cargo transport in the lagoon.

Damage to our planes from antiaircraft fire was negligible. None of our personnel was wounded.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 195, DECEMBER 14, 1943

Army heavy bombers of the 7th Army Air Force raided enemy installations on Wotje atoll on 13 December (West Longitude Date). One of our planes was damaged by antiaircraft fire. There were no personnel casualties.

Two Navy search Liberators of Fleet Air Wing Two made a low altitude attack on Jaluit at dusk on 12 December. One pilot was wounded and both planes suffered some damage from machine gun fire.

The enemy made small night raids at Tarawa on 11 and 12 December. There were no casualties nor damage to our installations.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 196, DECEMBER 16, 1943

Army heavy bombers of the Army 7th Air Force which bombed the enemy airdrome on Taroa Island on 14 December (West Longitude Date) started fires in the hangar area. They were intercepted by 15 fighters. One fighter was shot down, four were probably shot down and five were damaged.

Three of our planes were slightly damaged. Enemy bombers made nuisance raids at Tarawa on 12 and 13 December, and at Makin on 13 and 14 December. No damage resulted from the Tarawa attacks. Four men were wounded at Makin by a bomb dropped in the raid on 13 December.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 197, DECEMBER 16, 1943

Heavy bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force struck Taroa and Wotje, in the Marshalls, on December 15 (West Longitude Date) dropping more than 40 tons of bombs, damaging installations on both islands.

At Taroa, where damage was inflicted on buildings and storage spaces our bombers were attacked by 30 enemy fighters. Two Zeros were shot down, eight were probably shot down, and eight others were damaged. One of our planes was lost and several others suffered damage. One crew member of another of our planes was killed.

At Wotje, where fires were observed as result of the bombings, none of our planes was damaged.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 490, DECEMBER 17, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

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

Sunk:

2 large transports

2 large tankers

3 medium freighters

1 small freighter

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 198, DECEMBER 17, 1943

Army Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force raided Wotje at dusk on December 15 (West Longitude Date) scoring numerous hits on airdrome installations.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 200, DECEMBER 18, 1943

The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet, has received the following message from Sir Philip Mitchell, Governor of Fiji and British High Commissioner for the Western Pacific:

"May I express to you the warmest congratulations and most sincere gratitude of myself and people of Fiji and High Commission territories and especially of the Gilbert Islands for brilliantly planned and heroically executed operation for capture of Gilbert Islands. After personal visit to Betio I can understand the grimness of the task, the masterly way your bold blow was struck and the incomparable courage of the men who struck it. We Join you in mourning for the brave men who died. We salute a great feat of arms."

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 202, DECEMBER 19, 1943

Army fighters and light bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force which attacked Mille during the morning of December 18 (West Longitude Date) destroyed six Zeroes on the ground and damaged three others.

Our planes encountered no air opposition. Two of our planes suffered minor damage from antiaircraft fire.

On December 16, Navy search Liberators of Fleet Air Wing Two strafed a small vessel southeast of Kwajalein and attacked a ship and shore installations at Ebon Atoll. On December 17, a Navy Liberator while on a search mission bombed three small transports near Jaluit, two of which were possibly sunk.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 203, DECEMBER 20, 1943

On the afternoon of December 18 (West Longitude Date) Army planes of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked airdrome installations at Mine Atoll and were intercepted by four Jap fighters. One Jap fighter was shot down, another was possibly destroyed. Several of our planes were damaged.

During the morning of December 19, Army fighters bombed and strafed Mille and destroyed one medium bomber and two Zeros on the ground. Eight Zeros attacked our formation. One was shot down. Heavy machine gun fire was encountered. We lost two planes. Army heavy bombers again raided Mille at noon on December 19, dropping about 30 tons of bombs. An intercepting fighter slightly damaged one of our aircraft.

During the night of December 18, a Catalina search plane of Fleet Wing Two bombed and set afire large transport at Kwajalein. Enemy planes dropped three bombs at Tarawa before dawn on December 18, causing no damage.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 204, DECEMBER 21, 1943

Army heavy bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, which attacked enemy installations on Maloelap Atoll on December 19 (West Longitude Date), were intercepted by 25 Japanese fighters. Seven of the enemy fighters were probably destroyed and five others were damaged. Two of our planes were damaged. Three men were wounded.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 205, DECEMBER 21, 1943

Heavy bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Taroa on December 20 (West Longitude Date) with about 25 tons of bombs, causing many fires and explosions in hangar and storage areas. Our aircraft were attacked by 30 Zeros. Four enemy fighters were shot down; five others were probably destroyed. Three of our planes were shot down, others received minor damage from antiaircraft fire and intercepting fighters.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 207, DECEMBER 23, 1943

A force of Navy Hellcat fighters and Army and Navy Dauntless light bombers bombed and strafed enemy installations on Imieji Island, Jaluit Atoll, at noon on December 20 (West Longitude Date). A medium cargo ship and one small vessel in the lagoon were damaged. Heavy antiaircraft fire was encountered; we lost one plane.

A group of Liberators from the Seventh Army Air Force and Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Kwajalein and Roi Islands, Kwajalein Atoll, on the afternoon of December 21. Our planes were intercepted by nine Japanese fighters, but sustained no damage. More than 20 enemy ships were seen in the lagoon.

On the early morning of December 20, two enemy planes dropped bombs on Tarawa from high altitude. One of our planes on the ground was slightly damaged.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 491, DECEMBER 24, 1943

1. The U. S. Submarine Grayling is overdue and must be presumed to be lost.

2. The next of kin of personnel in the Grayling have been so informed.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 209, DECEMBER 24, 1943

Heavy bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Kwajalein Island on the morning of December 23 (West Longitude Date). Island Installations were damaged and two cargo vessels anchored offshore were bombed. No enemy fighters were encountered. Anti‑aircraft fire did not damage our aircraft. On the afternoon of December 21 Army light bombers escorted by Army and Navy fighters struck shipping and shore installations at Mille. Several enemy fighters were encountered, one of which was shot down, another possibly destroyed and a third damaged. Three of our planes were slightly damaged. On the morning of December 23, Seventh Army Air Force fighters and light bombers attacked Mille. Five Zeros attacked our aircraft. Two were shot down. All of our planes returned.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 210, DECEMBER 25, 1943

Navy medium bombers of Fleet Air Wing Two made a low altitude attack on Nauru at dusk on Christmas Eve (East Longitude Date) setting Installations on fire. One of our planes is missing.

Army Liberators of the Seventh AAF bombed Wotje on the evening of December 22 (West Longitude Date). Our planes were attacked by 35 enemy fighters, three of which were destroyed, one was probably shot down and six were damaged. Our casualties were one killed and two wounded.

Enemy bombers made five raids on Tarawa during the night of December 22 and 23, causing minor damage.

Enemy light bombers made three nuisance raids at Makin, two at night one during the day, wounding eight men. Two enemy planes were shot down by an intercepting Army fighter.

On the morning of December 24, 15 enemy fighters dropped bombs from high altitude on Makin, causing no damage.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 211, DECEMBER 26, 1943

Army heavy bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Wotje on December 24 (West Longitude Date). Several fires started.

Army light bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, escorted by Army Airacobras, raided Mille on December 25. Two of our bombers were slightly damaged.

A Navy search Liberator of Fleet Air Wing Two made a low altitude attack on two small transports near Kwajalein on December 24, probably sinking one transport. Another Navy Liberator, while on a search mission near Taroa on December 24, beat off twelve intercepting Zeros, without receiving damage.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 492, DECEMBER 28, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

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

Sunk:

1 destroyer.

2 large tankers.

1 large freighter.

2 medium transports.

6 medium freighters.

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 213, DECEMBER 28, 1943

Army Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force which dropped more than 50 tons of bombs on Wotje on December 26 (West Longitude Date) were attacked by six Zeros. One Zero was destroyed. We lost two planes.

A low altitude attack was made against Jaluit and shipping there on December 26 by Ventura bombers and Hellcat fighters of Fleet Air Wing Two. All of our planes returned.

CINCPAC RELEASE NO. 214, DECEMBER 29, 1943

Navy medium bombers of Fleet Air Wing Two which raided Nauru on the morning of December 29 (West Longitude Date) destroyed an ammunition dump and started several fires. Several of our planes suffered minor damage. One Navy Liberator while on a search mission in the Marshalls on December 27 damaged a tanker.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 215, DECEMBER 30, 1943

Army heavy bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Maloelap on December 28 (West Longitude Date). Our planes encountered heavy opposition by Zeros. Two Zeros were destroyed, 10 were probably destroyed. Two of our planes were shot down.

Army light bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force escorted by Army Airacobras made low altitude attacks on Mille on December 28. Several of our planes received minor damage. Navy search Liberators of Fleet Air Wing Two were intercepted near Kwajalein on December 28 by 10 enemy fighters. Three planes were destroyed. We lost one plane.

Enemy bombers made high altitude evening nuisance raids at Tarawa on December 27 and again on December 28, causing no damage.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 493, JANUARY 1, 1944

1. In the early morning of November 29, 1943, the U. S. Destroyer Perkins was sunk as the result of a collision, off the southeast coast of New Guinea.

2. During the morning of December 17, 1943, the Coastal Transport APC-21 was sunk by enemy aircraft, oft the southern coast of New Britain Island.

3. The next of kin of the casualties in the Perkins have been notified. The next of kin of the casualties in the APC‑21 will be notified as soon as possible.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 216, JANUARY 1, 1944

Army heavy bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force raided Kwajalein on December 30 (West Longitude Date). No enemy interception was encountered.

Army light bombers, escorted by Airacobra fighters, made an attack on Mille on the afternoon of December 30. There was no fighter interception. All our planes returned.

Army medium bombers raided Jabor, in the Jaluit Atoll, on December 30, bombing and strafing ground installations. None of our planes was damaged.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 494, JANUARY 3, 1944

Atlantic.

1. A U. S. Destroyer was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic on December 24, 1943. The next of kin of the casualties aboard the destroyer will be notified by telegram as soon as casualty reports are received.

North Pacific.

2. On December 31, 1943, a group of Army bombers bombed Paramushiru. Results were not observed. All of our planes returned safely.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 218, JANUARY 4, 1944

Heavy bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Wotje and Taroa on January 2 (West Longitude Date). Approximately 30 enemy fighters were encountered in each strike. Our bombers shot down eight Zeros at Wotje and probably destroyed five more. At Taroa two Zeros were shot down and two more probably destroyed.

Medium bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force raided Jaluit Atoll on January 2. Damage and losses to our planes for the day were slight. Ten enemy planes bombed our installations on Abemama on the night of January 2 with slight damage. Two men were killed.

JANUARY 4, 1944

REVEAL NAMES OF TWO DESTROYERS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED AS LOST

Two U. S. destroyers which were announced yesterday as lost now may be identified as the USS Leary and the USS Turner.

The USS Leary, a 1,090‑ton destroyer completed in 1919, was announced in Navy Department Communiqué Number 494 as having been torpedoed and sunk in the North Atlantic on December 24, 1943.

The USS Turner, a 1,700‑ton destroyer commissioned April 15, 1943, exploded and sank six miles off Sandy Hook, New Jersey, yesterday morning. Its loss was announced by Third Naval District Headquarters, New York City.

Commander James Ellsworth Keyes, U. S. Navy, 37, of 11621 16th Avenue, South, Seattle, Washington, was the Commanding Officer of the USS Leary.

Commander Henry Sollett Wygant, Jr., U. S. Navy, 37, of Twenty‑Sixth and Lincoln Street, Camp Hill, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, commanded the USS Turner.

Both Commanding Officers are listed as missing in action.

Notifications have been sent by the Navy Department to the next of kin of all casualties aboard the USS Leary and the USS Turner.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 495, JANUARY 5, 1944

1. The U. S. Submarine Pompano is overdue from patrol and must be presumed to be lost.

2. The next of kin of personnel in the Pompano have been so informed.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 219, JANUARY 5, 1944

Army Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Jaluit on January 4 (West Longitude Date). All of our planes returned.

Army medium bombers scored two hits on a cargo transport at Jaluit on January 3. Army dive bombers escorted by Airacobras raided Mille on January 3. One of our fighters was shot down by antiaircraft fire.

Enemy planes dropped bombs at Tarawa, Makin and Abemama on the, night of January 3 and at Tarawa on January 4 without damage to our installations.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 496, JANUARY 8, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of ten enemy vessels in operations against the enemy in waters of these areas, as follows:

Sunk:

1 large tanker

1 large freighter

1 medium‑sized transport

5 medium‑sized freighters

2 small freighters

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 221, JANUARY 8, 1944

Army heavy bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force struck Taroa and Wotje Islands in the Marshalls on January 6 (West Longitude Date). No fighter opposition was encountered in either attack. All of our planes returned without damage.

On January 6 a Navy search Liberator of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed a small merchant ship near Jabor in Jaluit Atoll.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 222, JANUARY 9, 1944

Dive bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force accompanied by Navy fighters attacked Mille Atoll in the Marshall Islands on January 7 (West Longitude Date). No fighter interception was encountered. On the evening of January 7 enemy planes dropped bombs at Tarawa without damage to our installations.

JOINT STATEMENT, JANUARY 10, 1944

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

1. Total merchant shipping tonnage lost by U‑boat action in December was again low despite an extension of operating areas. Fewer U‑boats were destroyed during the month by our air and sea forces owing to several factors, including increased caution by enemy. Our supply routes were, however, well secured against U‑boat attack.

2. In 1943 U‑boats sank but 40% of the merchant ship tonnage that they sank in 1942. On the other hand, United Nations merchant ship tonnage construction in 1943 approximately doubled the tonnage delivered in 1942. Nearly half of our tonnage lost for the year 1943 was during the first three months; 27% was lost during the second quarter of 1943, and only 26% was lost during the last six months.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 223, JANUARY 10, 1944

Navy search Liberators of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Kwajalein Island on January 9 (West Longitude Date). No enemy fighters were encountered and antiaircraft fire inflicted no damage.

In the evening of January 9 heavy bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Wotje. In a separate operation carried out the same night Navy search Liberators also attacked Wotje from low altitude sinking an auxiliary oiler and another small vessel offshore, wrecking two planes on the airfield and damaging shore installations. All of our planes returned safely.

In the morning of January 8 medium bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Emeiji Island in the Jaluit Atoll. One of our planes was damaged by antiaircraft fire and one crew member was wounded.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 224, JANUARY 12, 1944

Navy search Liberators of Fleet Air Wing Two made a low altitude daylight attack on shipping and shore installations at Kwajalein Island on January 11 (West Longitude Date). Six small cargo ships were bombed; two of these were sunk and the remainder damaged. Several buildings and other installations were set afire on shore, and two planes were damaged on the airfield. No fighter interception was encountered.

Army heavy bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Taroa Island in the Maloelap Atoll on the night of January 10, setting a number of

fires and wrecking two planes on the ground. Another group of Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Mille Atoll in the evening of January 10.

All of our planes returned without damage.

Enemy bombers carried out nuisance raids at Tarawa in the evening of January 9, and at Makin and Abemama the night of January 10, causing no damage.

JANUARY 13, 1944

TWO GERMAN SUBMARINES SUNK IN SOUTH ATLANTIC

Two more German U‑boats were sunk recently by U. S. Naval flyers operating in the South Atlantic area. U. S. Army flyers aided in one of the sinkings.

The first U‑boat was sunk in a five‑and‑a‑half hour battle, participated in by six planes, while the other submarine went down, some time later, after near disaster to the United States Naval personnel, which alone participated.

In the first sinking, seven attacks were made by Consolidated Liberators, which dropped a total of 33 depth bombs and strafed the submarine several times. In addition, two U. S. Army planes dropped a total of 10 demolition bombs.

The pilot credited with the "kill" had previously flown for more than 1,500 hours without sighting a U‑boat.

The triumphant Navy plane which actually sank the Nazi submarine exhausted its ammunition and was running low on its gas supply; returned to its base, refueled and rearmed, and moved again into combat to give the U‑boat its final death blow. The Navy plane which originally sighted the U‑boat attacked and so damaged it that it was unable to submerge, making a floating target for the flyers. Then, with its ammunition exhausted after summoning serial assistance by radio and repeatedly attacking the undersea craft, this plane hovered in the area to keep the victim in sight and to direct to the spot the U. S. Navy and Army planes that joined in the fray.

Soon after the death struggle reached its climax, an Army plane arrived and stood by for further assistance. Two medium altitude attacks were made by Army flyers during the course of the lengthy engagement.

There were no casualties to American personnel, but the Germans suffered heavily.

JANUARY 13, 1944

SUNKEN DESTROYER IDENTIFIED AS USS BROWNSON; NEXT OF KIN OF ST. AUGUSTINE CASUALTIES NOTIFIED

The United States Naval vessel reported lost in the communiqué of December 27, 1943, issued by Allied Headquarters for the Southwest Pacific, was the USS Brownson, destroyer.

The Brownson was sunk as a result of attack by enemy aircraft during the landings of United States troops at Cape Gloucester.

Survivors from the Brownson totaled 208. The next of kin of the casualties have been notified.

100

The Navy Department also has notified the next of kin of casualties of the USS St. Augustine, gunboat, which was sunk January 6, 1944, in a collision with a merchant vessel off Cape May, New Jersey. Thirty members of the ship's company survived.

Loss of the St. Augustine was announced by the Commandant, Fourth Naval District, on January 7, 1944.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 225, JANUARY 13, 1944

Bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force struck Maloelap Atoll in the Marshalls in the evening of January 11, (West Longitude Date). A small auxiliary vessel was sunk, a medium cargo ship was heavily bombed and may have been sunk, and a large destroyer was damaged. Installations on several of the Atoll's Islands were bombed. Two of six enemy fighters which attacked our planes were believed damaged. All of our planes returned safely.

Planes of the Seventh Army Air Force carried out two attacks on Mille Atoll on January 10 and 11. One of our planes was lost but the crew was saved.

In the early morning of January 12 enemy bombers attacked Tarawa, causing minor damage to installations. Our casualties were minor.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 226, JANUARY 14, 1944

Aircraft of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked installations on Mille Atoll in the Marshall Islands on January 12 (West Longitude Date). There was no enemy fighter opposition. All of our planes returned safely.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 227, JANUARY 15, 1944

Seventh Army Air Force planes attacked Mille Atoll in the Marshall islands in daylight January 13 (West Longitude Date). Buildings in the cantonment were set afire and planes on the ground were damaged by machinegun fire.

Wotje Atoll was raided by Seventh Army Air Force bombers in the evening of January 13. Hits were made on shore facilities and several small craft were damaged.

In the early morning of January 14, our bombers attacked Namur and Roi Islands in the Kwajalein Atoll, setting fire to several installations ashore.

Later in the morning of January 14, Army bombers made a low altitude attack on shipping at Wotje, sinking one medium cargo ship.

No enemy fighter opposition was encountered in these strikes and all of our planes returned safely.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 229, JANUARY 17, 1944

Seventh Army Air Force planes made two daylight raids on Mille Atoll in the Marshall Islands on January 18 (West Longitude Date). In the first attack, two enemy bombers were shot down over the airfield. In the second, carried out in considerable force, ground Installations were heavily machine-gunned. One of our planes was shot down.

On the afternoon of January 15, Seventh Army Air Force bombers made a low altitude attack on Maloelap Atoll. Airfield and fuel storage installa‑

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tions were damaged and several planes were hit on the ground. Two cargo ships were bombed and may have been sunk. Approximately 45 enemy fighters were encountered. Two of these were believed shot down. One of our bombers was lost.

Navy search planes sank a small cargo ship at Likiep Atoll and probably sank another small cargo ship at Jaluit Atoll on January 15.

Enemy bombers made three raids on Makin and two at Tarawa the night of January 15. There was no appreciable damage to our installations. Casualties were light. One enemy plane was shot down at Makin.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 231, JANUARY 19, 1944

Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two attacked Kusaie Island, a Japanese air base southwest of the Marshall Islands, in daylight on January 17 (West Longitude Date), bombing shore facilities.

In the afternoon of January 17 bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Mille Atoll scoring hits on storage facilities and airdrome Installations.

All of our planes returned safely from both operations.

Enemy bombers made a nuisance raid at Tarawa at dusk on January 17 causing no damage.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 232, JANUARY 20, 1944

Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers made daylight low altitude raids on Mille Atoll in the Marshalls on January 18 and 19 (West Longitude Date).

In the first attack hits were made on gun emplacements, buildings and airdrome installations. One enemy lighter was damaged on the ground.

In the second attack five grounded planes and airdrome installations were hit. Two of our planes were lost.

Seventh Army Air Force fighters attacked shipping at Jaluit Atoll on January 19 damaging two small vessels.

On January 18 Jabor Island was attacked by Dauntless dive bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force.

Fires were started in fuel storage areas. Two of our planes were shot down.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 497, JANUARY 21, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of twelve enemy vessels In operations against the enemy in these areas, as follows

Sunk:

1 Large Tanker

1 Medium Cargo Transport

1 Small Transport

7 Medium Freighters

2 Small Freighters

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

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 233, JANUARY 21, 1944

Wotje was raided on the afternoon of January 20 (West Longitude Date) by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force. We lost one plane.

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two made a low altitude attack on Imieji and Tmiet Islands during the morning of January 20. One of our planes was shot down by antiaircraft fire.

A Navy search Liberator of Fleet Air Wing Two damaged an enemy cargo transport near Maloelap on January 19.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 234, JANUARY 22, 1944

Seventh Army Air Force planes struck three atolls in the Marshall Islands on January 21 (West Longitude Date).

In the early morning heavy bombers attacked shore installations of Roi and Kwajalein Island in the Kwajalein Atoll.

At midday Mille was attacked by low flying Mitchell bombers which bombed and strafed airfield installation gun emplacements and living spaces and damaged one plane on the ground.

Tmiet and Imieji Island in the Jaluit Atoll were raided in the forenoon by Dauntless dive bombers. Shore facilities were bombed and strafed and three small vessels were damaged.

No fighter opposition was encountered on any of the missions and all of our planes returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 498, JANUARY 22, 1944

North Pacific.

1. On January 21, 1944 (East Longitude Date) two groups of Navy bombers based in the Aleutians bombed Paramushiru Island.

(a) The first group attacked enemy installations on the southern coast of the island at midnight. Antiaircraft fire was encountered and one enemy fighter ineffectively engaged one of our planes. All planes of this group returned without damage.

(b) The second group, three hours later, bombed enemy installations in the northern part of Paramushiru. No enemy planes were encountered by this group and all U. S. aircraft returned safely.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 499, JANUARY 23, 1944

North Pacific.

1. On the early morning of January 23 (East Longitude Date) two groups of Navy bombers bombed enemy installations on the south and west coasts of Paramushiru Island. Antiaircraft fire was encountered, but no enemy planes were met. All U. S. planes returned without damage.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 235, JANUARY 24, 1944

Planes of the Seventh Army Air Force and Fleet Air Wing Two carried out attacks on six atolls in the Marshall Islands during January 22 and 23 (West Longitude Date).

Army medium bombers at midday on January 22 raided Wotje Atoll and

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Kaven Island in the Maloelap Atoll: At Wotje, a cargo ship and a small oiler were damaged, and airdrome installations were bombed and strafed. There was no fighter opposition, and all of our planes returned safely. At Kaven, bombing and strafing attacks were made on ground installations. Of 25 enemy fighters which intercepted our bombers, two were shot down and a third was crippled. Our losses were small.

In the afternoon of January 22, Imieji Island in the Jaluit Atoll was attacked by Liberators and Navy search Venturas. Bomb hits were scored on installations at the seaplane base, and in the cantonment. No enemy fighter planes were encountered, and all our planes returned safely.

In the evening of January 22 Army heavy bombers struck Mille Atoll and Roi Island in the Kwajalein Atoll. At Roi, airfield facilities were bombed and several grounded bombers were damaged. More than a dozen fighters attacked our planes. Our gunners shot down one and possibly destroyed four others. In addition, three enemy planes were damaged. We suffered no losses.

At Mille, bombs were dropped in the cantonment area. No fighter or antiaircraft opposition was encountered.

Navy search planes attacking Ailinglapalap Atoll on January 22 bombed two small vessels, one of which had apparently been beached, and returned to their base without loss.

On January 23, Navy search planes attacked a small convoy near Kwajalein, bombing and severely damaging a large cargo ship. We suffered no losses.

At midday on January 23, two groups of Army Mitchell bombers raided Taroa, in the Maloelap Atoll, bombing and machine gunning airdrome facilities and strafing a numbers of small craft. Approximately 25 enemy fighters attacked each group of bombers. Three fighters were shot down, two more were believed shot down, and four were damaged. Damage to our planes was slight. All planes returned to their bases.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 238, JANUARY 25, 1944

Heavy bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Wotje Atoll in the Marshall Islands at dusk on January 23 (West Longitude Date). Approximately 50 tons of bombs were dropped. No fighter opposition was met, and all of our planes returned without damage.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 239, JANUARY 26, 1944

Seventh Army Air Force and Fleet Air Wing Two aircraft attacked four Marshall Island atolls on January 24 (West Longitude Date). Three of the atolls were raided twice during the day.

Army fighters and dive-bombers made a low altitude morning attack on Mille, striking shore installations with bombs and machine gun fire. No enemy fighters were encountered, and we lost no aircraft. A small scale attack was made on Mille in the evening by heavy bombers. We suffered no losses.

Wotje was attacked by Army Mitchell bombers in the afternoon, with bomb hits on gun emplacements, airfield facilities, and living areas. All planes returned to their base. There was no enemy fighter opposition. A

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small scale heavy bomber attack was also made on Wotje in the evening, with no fighter opposition and no losses to our forces.

Army medium bombers attacked Taroa, in the Maloelap Atoll, bombing airdrome facilities and destroying one fighter on the ground. A total of thirty enemy fighters were encountered, of which at least one was shot down. All of our planes escaped. Army heavy bombers raided Taroa in the evening, dropping over 20 tons of bombs on shore installations. This time there was no fighter opposition, and none of our planes was lost.

A Navy search Liberator encountered three small enemy warships with air cover of five fighters near Ailinglapalap, and shot down three of the fighters.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 240, JANUARY 27, 1944

Seventh Army Air Force aircraft attacked Kwajalein, Maloelap and Mille Atolls in the Marshall Island on January 25 (West Longitude Date). Heavy bombers dropped more than 35 tons of bombs on Kwajalein in a late afternoon raid starting fires among ground installations. No enemy fighters were encountered and we lost no planes.

Medium bombers attacking Taroa in the Maloelap Atoll in mid-afternoon struck airdrome facilities and wrecked one enemy bomber on the ground. Approximately 30 fighters attacked our planes. One of these was shot down, three were possibly shot down and several more damaged. Damage to our planes was moderate and all returned. Mille was attacked by dive bombers and fighters in a mid‑morning raid which caused several fires among ground facilities. There was no fighter opposition and none of our planes was lost.

Navy search planes attacked an oiler escorted by two small ships southeast of Eniwetok Atoll. The oiler was severely damaged and may have been sunk. One of the escorting ships was sunk.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 241, JANUARY 28, 1944

A force of nine medium bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Taroa Island in the Maloelap Atoll in the afternoon of January 26 (West Longitude Date). Storage buildings and airdrome facilities were bombed. Eleven of the 20 enemy fighters which attempted to intercept our planes were destroyed, a twelfth was probably shot down.

On retirement our forces were pursued by enemy planes which engaged in a running fight for fifty miles or more. During that period our bombers and fighters shot down five additional planes, including one torpedo plane, and probably destroyed five others of the enemy force. All our planes returned.

Medium bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force made a bombing and strafing attack on Imieji Island in the Jaluit Atoll in the afternoon of January 26. We suffered no losses.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 243, JANUARY 28, 1944

Aircraft of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Nauru Island, west of the Gilbert group, and Wotje, Mille, and Maloelap Atolls in the Marshall islands on January 27 (West Longitude Date).

Medium bombers attacked Nauru in a daylight morning raid, bombing ground installations. We suffered no loss.

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Wotje was attacked in the afternoon by medium bombers. Fires were started among ground facilities. Our losses were light.

Dive bombers and fighters made a late afternoon attack on Mille, bombing and strafing airdrome installations and gun emplacements. One of our bombers was shot down.

Heavy bombers dropped more than 20 tons of bombs on Taroa, in the Maloelap Atoll, at dusk, causing damage in the cantonment area. All of our planes returned. No fighter opposition was encountered by our forces in these attacks.

JANUARY 28, 1944

GERMAN U‑BOAT SUNK IN ATLANTIC AFTER 27‑HOUR CARRIER‑PLANE‑DESTROYER BATTLE

A German U‑boat has been sunk in the Atlantic Ocean, after a 27‑hour battle, in which planes from an escort carrier and destroyers of its Task Force played vital roles.

The undersea craft was sighted by two of the carrier's planes, and the submarine fought back vigorously during the course of the lengthy battle which ensued. More than 200 depth charges were dropped during the fight.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 25, JANUARY 29, 1944

Pacific Fleet carrier task forces have made attacks on Marshall Island bases today, including Taroa, Wotje, and Kwajalein.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 500, JANUARY 31, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

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

Sunk:

2 large transports

1 medium transport

1 medium tanker

1 medium naval auxiliary

1 small freighter

1 medium cargo transport

7 medium freighters

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

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 26, JANUARY 31, 1944

Our carrier task forces today continued their attacks on Kwajalein, Roi, Maloelap and Wotje.

During the day surface forces bombarded the same objectives while carriers extended their operations to include bombing of Eniwetok.

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 244, JANUARY 31, 1944

During the night of January 28 and 29 (West Longitude Date) Liberators and Mitchells of the Seventh Army Air Force and search Liberators and Mariners of Fleet Air Wing Two carried out operations against Wotje, Kwajalein, Jaluit, and Maloelap Atolls.

Army heavy bombers dropped more than 27 tons on Wotje, a total of 17 tons on Roi and Kwajalein Islands and 3 tons on Jaluit.

No fighter or antiaircraft opposition was encountered.

A Navy Mariner Patrol Plane bombed Taroa during the night without opposition. A flight of Navy search planes over Taroa in the afternoon of January 28 was attacked by nearly a dozen fighters of which at least two were shot down and three others damaged. We suffered no losses.

Army medium bombers attacking Taroa the same afternoon bombed airdrome and cantonment structures, damaged 11 planes on the ground and set fire to a small craft. Six fighters attacked our planes and one fighter was damaged. Our losses were light.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 245, JANUARY 31, 1944

Aircraft of the Seventh Army Air Force and search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two made attacks on principal Marshall Island bases during the night of January 29‑30 (West Longitude Dates). These raids were coordinated with the attacks of carrier‑based squadrons of the past two days.

In the evening of January 29, Army Mitchell bombers struck shore installations and small craft at Maloelap and Wotje, while Army Dauntless dive bombers and Warhawk fighters struck Imieji Island in the Jaluit Atoll. No enemy fighters were encountered, and antiaircraft was ineffectual.

During the night Army Liberators dropped 45 tons of bombs on Kwajalein Atoll, and nearly 10 tons on Wotje. Liberators and Navy Catalina and Ventura search planes struck Mille and Taroa with a total of 21 tons of bombs, and a single Liberator hit Jaluit with an additional three tons.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 246, JANUARY 31, 1944

Two squadrons of Coronado seaplanes of Fleet Air Wing Two made a strong attack on Wake Island during the night of January 30‑31 (West Longitude Date). All bombs hit in or near the target area and no planes were lost.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 27, FEBRUARY 1, 1944

Powerful forces of all types, commanded by Vice Admiral R. A. Spruance, U. S. Navy, have begun operations the objective of which is the capture of the Marshall Islands.

Following intensive preparatory bombardment of enemy installations by carrier‑based aircraft and by battleships and light surface units, Army and Marine assault forces have initially established beachheads on islands in the vicinity of Roi and Kwajalein Islands, in Kwajalein Atoll. Installations on Wotje and Maloelap Atolls were heavily bombarded by carrier aircraft and by surface forces.

All amphibious operations are commanded by Rear Admiral R. K. Turner,

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U. S. Navy. The assault troops are directed by Major General H. M. Smith, USMC. The landing attacks in the Roi Island area are being made by troops of the Fourth Marine Division, commanded by Major General Harry Schmidt, USMC. The landings are being effected in the Kwajalein Island area by troops of the Seventh Infantry Division, commanded by Major General Charles H. Corlett, U. S. Army.

Strong opposition is being encountered in both assault areas. Initial information indicates that our casualties are moderate.

Supporting air attacks are being made at Kwajalein, Maloelap, Wotje, Mille, Jaluit, Eniwetok and Wake by carrier task forces commanded by Rear Admiral M. H. Mitscher, U. S. Navy, by units of the Seventh Army Air Force, commanded by Major General Willis H. Hale, U. S. Army, and by Units of Fleet Air Wing Two commanded by Rear Admiral John D. Price, J. S. Navy. All shore‑based aircraft in the Gilberts are operating under the direction of Commander Aircraft, Central Pacific Force, Rear Admiral John H. Hoover, U. S. Navy.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 247, FEBRUARY 1, 1944

The following information supplementing that contained in Communiqués Number 25 and Number 26 is available concerning Naval air strikes in the Marshall Islands and at Wake Island on January 29 and 30 (West Longitude Date):

In the attack on Taroa Island on January 29 our carrier‑based aircraft shot down four enemy planes and destroyed or damaged 39 others on the ground. In the attack on Wotje, one enemy plane was shot down and fuel and ammunition storage leas were set on fire. Large explosions were observed in the ammunition dump. Our reported losses in the Taroa and Wotje strikes were comparatively minor. Several pilots were rescued.

On January 30 our carrier planes attacking Roi Island, shot down 18 enemy planes and machine‑gunned and bombed 51 others on the ground airdrome facilities, gasoline storage tanks, magazines, and gun positions were heavily hit. Here also our losses were minor.

Our Coronados which raided Wake on the night of January 30‑31 dropped more than 20 tons of bombs on runway and ground installations, starting large fires. Antiaircraft was light and no fighter opposition was encountered.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 248, FEBRUARY 1, 1944

Twenty‑two planes of a squadron of 23 Marine Corsair fighters failed to reach their destination in a routine flight from Gilbert Islands to a base in the Ellice Islands on January 25 (West Longitude Date), when they ran into a severe local weather disturbance.

One plane reached base safely, one made a crash landing on another island in the Ellice group, and the remainder, as far as is known, landed at sea.

Search operations were started immediately, and all but six of the pilots are safe. One body has been recovered and five of the pilots are missing. their next of kin have been notified.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 28, FEBRUARY 2, 1944

Our forces have captured Roi Island.

Landings have been made on Kwajalein and Namur Islands and the action is progressing favorably. On Namur the enemy has been contained in the extreme northern portion of the island, and at Kwajalein our troops are firmly established and are pushing the enemy back.

Continuous bombardments of beaches by our warships, planes, and land-based artillery enabled our forces to make landings on the three principal objectives with little resistance.

We have suffered no Naval losses and casualties are very moderate. It is now apparent that the attack took the enemy completely by surprise.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 29, FEBRUARY 3, 1944

Our forces have captured Namur and several adjacent islands.

Resistance continues on Kwajalein Island, but we have landed troops and mechanized equipment in force and are proceeding with the annihilation of the enemy.

FEBRUARY 3, 1944

BRITISH AND AMERICAN DESTROYERS ACCOUNT FOR ANOTHER U‑BOAT

Close cooperation between the British destroyer HMS Calpe and the United States destroyer USS Wainwright resulted in the destruction of a German U‑boat recently, in the Mediterranean.

Earlier, Allied aircraft had conducted a search for 36 hours which was credited with materially hampering the submarine's activities.

There was relative calm, after the tumult of gun battle, for at the actual sinking not a shot was fired—and the Commanding Officer of the Wainwright abandoned his plan to ram the U‑boat, when he saw that it was in its death throes.

A white sea serpent was painted on either side of the German craft's conning tower, but beyond that, there was no identification mark visible.

Commander Walter W. Strohbehn, United States Navy, 36, 904 West Sixth Street, Davenport, Iowa, Commanding Officer of the Wainwright, reported to Admiral Ernest J. King, United States Navy; Commander in Chief, United States Fleet, that 36 hours of harassing the U‑boat received from the constant air search accounted for the submarine's slow speed and sluggish evasive maneuvers. Commander Strohbehn complimented the United States Army Air Forces for its part in keeping the submarine hampered.

The Calpe made a sound contact with the submarine at 8:16 a.m. From then on the surface hunt went forward persistently, as eyes and ears were alert for the German craft.

About 2:47 p.m., the submarine surfaced, under the unremitting depth charge attacks by the British and American destroyers. The U‑boat was engaged by gunfire, but the battle waned when it was observed that the undersea craft was about to sink. The Commanding Officer of the American destroyer planned to ram the submarine, but abandoned this, when it was observed that the U‑boat was doomed.

The submarine sank at 3 :08 p.m.

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Commander Strohbehn wrote in his official report that it was "a pleasure to work with" the British warship. He declared:

"She turned in a polished performance, always being in the proper place, always being ready and she was quick to grasp the intentions of this ship."

The Commander of the American Destroyer Squadron to which the attacking United States vessel was attached—Captain James P. Clay, United States Navy, 43, 3060 Porter Street, Northwest, Washington, D. C.—attributed the victory over the German craft to the fine teamwork between the British and American warships—despite the fact that no prior joint drills had been held.

The British Admiralty officially extended its congratulations for the sinking of the enemy craft. The Commanding Officer of the Calpe was Lieutenant Commander H. Kirkwood, Royal Navy.

Vice Admiral Henry K. Hewitt, United States Navy, Commander of the United States Naval Forces in Northwest African Waters, likewise complimented those who took part in the destruction of the U‑boat.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 501, FEBRUARY 4, 1944

North Pacific.

On the night of February 2‑3, two Navy Catalinas from the Aleutian Islands bombed enemy installations on the southeast coast of Paramushiru. Results of the bombing were not observed. No enemy planes were encountered. Both of our planes returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 502, FEBRUARY 4, 1944

South Atlantic.

1. Within the space of 48 hours early in January, three German blockade runners, heavily laden with vital war materials, were sent to the bottom of the South Atlantic by surface forces of the United States Navy operating under the command of Vice Admiral Jonas Ingram, USN.

2. The enemy ships sunk were the Burgenland, Rio Grande and Weserland, en route from Far Eastern Japanese‑held ports. Their holds were filled with thousands of tons of rubber, tin, fats and strategic ores.

3. The blockade runners were sunk by the USS Somers, destroyer, and the light cruiser Omaha and the destroyer Jouett. A large number of prisoners were picked up following the sinkings. In two of the sinkings, Navy search planes found the enemy ships and called for the surface force to complete their destruction. The Weserland fell to the Somers alone while the other two were scuttled by their crews and their sinking hastened by gunfire from the Omaha and the Jouett.

4. Summoned by planes, the Somers found her target in the darkness of early morning and, on identifying the vessel as hostile, opened fire with her main battery of five‑inch guns. The first salvo hit the Weserland, forcing the crew to abandon ship. The destroyer then sank the vessel after internal explosions were set of by the crew as they left. Survivors were picked up at daylight.

5. A scouting plane from the Omaha and a lookout in the ship's foretop were the first to sight the Rio Grande. As the Omaha and the Jouett closed to investigate the stranger she burst into smoke and flame, the result of

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demolition charges placed by the crew. The two American warships fired six-inch and five‑inch shells into the blockade runner and she soon sank.

6. On the following day the Omaha and Jouett found the Burgenland. As the U. S. warships approached, a similar scene to that enacted by the Rio Grande took place. However, destruction was completed as in the former case by shell fire.

7. Hundreds of tons of baled rubber found floating amid the debris after the sinkings were recovered and are now on their way to the United States

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 30, FEBRUARY 4, 1944

Operations at the Kwajalein Atoll continue satisfactorily.

Our forces have landed on Ebeye, north of Kwajalein Island. The landing was unopposed but resistance was encountered a short distance inland from the beach. We have now occupied half the island.

Two small islands between Kwajalein and Ebeye have been occupied following neutralization of moderate opposition. Gugegwe and Loi Islands, north of Ebeye, have been taken under attack by bombing and Naval gunfire, and the enemy is answering our fire.

Resistance on Kwajalein Island continues, but progress is being made. Our casualties continue to be moderate.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 31, FEBRUARY 5, 1944

Kwajalein, Ebeye, and Loi Islands have been captured by our forces.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 253, FEBRUARY 5, 1944

Carrier‑based aircraft attacked Eniwetok Atoll on February 3 (West Longitude Date), dropping many tons of bombs on the airfield and nearby tanks. Two enemy planes were destroyed on the ground.

Warhawk fighters of the Seventh Army Air Force machine‑gunned and bombed Mille Atoll on February 3. On the same day Army Ventura medium bombers sank a small freighter and dumped bombs on Imieji Island in the Jaluit Atoll. We suffered no casualties in either raid.

Wake Island was bombed on the night of February 4‑5 by two squadrons of Coronados of Fleet Air Wing Two. None of our planes was lost.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 32, FEBRUARY 6, 1944

Occupation of the Kwajalein Atoll is nearly complete.

Gugegwe, Bigej, and Ebler Islands have been captured after moderate resistance, and several additional undefended islands occupied.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 254, FEBRUARY 6, 1944

Carrier‑based aircraft struck Eniwetok on February 5 (West Longitude Date). No further information is presently available.

On the same day Warhawk fighters of the Seventh Army Air Force hit Jaluit, bombing and strafing ground installations.

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On February 4 Seventh Army Air Force Liberators and Mitchell bombers dropped bombs on Wotje, starting large fires among ground facilities. Mitchells and Liberators hit airdrome installations and gun emplacements at Maloelap, and Liberators and Warhawks struck Mille.

No fighter opposition was encountered in these raids, and all of our planes returned to their bases.

On February 3, Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed radio facilities and ground installations at Wotje, Ujelang and Taroa Island. None of our planes was lost.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 503, FEBRUARY 7, 1944

North Pacific.

1. At 10:00 p.m. February 4 (Tokyo Time) U. S. Naval surface units bombarded enemy installations on the south and east coast of Paramushiru. A number of fires were started, and one unidentified enemy ship was hit and beached. Enemy coastal guns returned fire, but U. S. units sustained no damage.

2. During the same night a flight of our aircraft bombed Paramushiru and Shimushu. All U. S. planes returned.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 255, FEBRUARY 7, 1944

The following details regarding casualties in the assault on Kwajalein Atoll have been compiled on the basis of reports received as of the evening of February 6 (West Longitude Date)

In the Southern Attack Force, which captured Kwajalein Island and adjacent objectives, our dead number 157, our wounded 712, our missing 17. In the same area the enemy dead number 4,650, enemy prisoners 173.

In the Northern Attack Force, which captured Roi and Namu Islands and adjacent objectives, our dead number 129, our wounded 436, our missing 65. In the same area the enemy dead number 3,472, enemy prisoners 91.

It is expected final figures will vary only slightly from the above.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 504, FEBRUARY 8, 1944

1. The U. S. Submarine Cisco and the U. S. Submarine S-44, are overdue from patrol and must be presumed to be lost.

2. The next of kin of personnel in the Cisco and the S‑44 have been so informed.

FEBRUARY 8, 1944

NAVY CONSOLIDATED CATALINA SINKS GERMAN U‑BOAT.

Struck by heavy flak from the antiaircraft guns of a Nazi submarine, while still a considerable distance from her target, a United States Navy Consolidated Catalina kept straight on her course to make a definite "kill" of the U‑boat, in the South Atlantic some months ago.

Survivors of the U‑boat sinking were subsequently rescued by the USS Siren, a converted yacht acting as a patrol vessel, after they had been adrift

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in the ocean for some 16 days in life rafts dropped by the Naval flyers at the time of the submarine's sinking. The USS Siren is commanded by Lieutenant Commander Charles K. Post, USNR, 47, of Bayport, Long Island, New York.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 33, FEBRUARY 8, 1944

1. Organized resistance on Kwajalein Atoll has ceased and its capture and occupation have been completed.

JOINT STATEMENT, FEBRUARY 9, 1944

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

"The year 1944 has opened with a very satisfactory first month for the Allies in their continued campaign against the U‑boat.

"In spite of the limited opportunities to attack U‑boats owing to the extreme caution now exercised by them, more were destroyed in January than in December. This has been accomplished by unrelenting offensive action of our surface and air forces.

"The amount of merchant ship tonnage sunk by U‑boats during January 1944 is amongst the lowest monthly figures for the whole war.

"The German claims should, as usual, be ignored as they are grossly exaggerated and issued purely for propaganda purposes."

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 258, FEBRUARY 9, 1944

Aircraft of the Seventh Army Air Force, search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two and warships of the Pacific Fleet continued attacks on enemy‑held atolls in the Marshall Islands on February 6 and 7 (West Longitude Date).

Several small enemy boats were sunk at Jaluit Atoll on February 6, by search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two and fighters of the Seventh Army Air Force.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 261, FEBRUARY 9, 1944

The USS Burns, a destroyer commanded by Lieutenant Commander Donald T. Eller, sank an entire convoy of four enemy ships in the Marshall Islands area on January 31 (West Longitude Date).

The Burns was attached to a carrier task force and was sent to rescue Navy fliers forced down at sea. Returning toward the task force, she encountered a tanker, a medium cargo vessel, and two smaller craft, and sank all with gunfire.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 263, FEBRUARY 10, 1944

Air attacks on enemy‑held islands in the Central Pacific continued during February 7, 8, and 9 (West Longitude Date).

On the night of February 8‑9, Coronado bombers of Fleet Air Wing Two

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raided Wake, with bomb hits on the airdrome and barracks areas. All of our planes returned safely.

During February 7, Seventh Army Air Force Warhawk fighters and Mitchell medium bombers dropped 33 tons of bombs on enemy bases in the Marshall Islands without loss or casualties to our forces.

On February 8, Seventh Army Air Force Warhawk fighters, Dauntless dive bombers and Liberators dropped 24 tons of bombs on Marshall Islands targets.

On February 9 Army Liberators dropped a total of 57 tons of bombs on Marshall Atolls.

During the same period covered by these raids, units of the Pacific Fleet shelled two enemy‑held atolls in the Marshalls while Navy search planes carried out individual bombing and strafing missions.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 505, FEBRUARY 11, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

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

Sunk:

1 large auxiliary.

2 medium transports.

1 medium cargo transport.

2 large tankers.

5 medium freighters.

1 small freighter.

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 266, FEBRUARY 11, 1944

Wake Island was attacked by Coronado bombers of Fleet Air Wing Two on February 10 (West Longitude Date). This was the second attack on Wake within two days. We suffered no loss.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators, Mitchells, Dauntless dive-bombers and Warhawk fighters continued raids against enemy‑held Marshall Islands atolls during February 10. The Liberators dropped 72 tons of bombs in the target areas, the Mitchells 13 tons and the dive‑bombers and fighters more than 15 tons, in addition to their heavy strafing. No fighter opposition was encountered in any of these raids.

Our warships bombarded an important enemy‑held atoll in the Marshalls group without drawing return fire.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 270, FEBRUARY 14, 1944

Pacific Fleet carrier‑based aircraft attacked Eniwetok Atoll on February 10, 11, and 12 (West Longitude Date). Airdrome and other ground Installations were heavily bombed. There was no fighter opposition, and no antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Carrier planes attacked Ujae Atoll before dawn on February 12, damaging ground facilities.

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On the same day, Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers, Dauntless dive bombers and Airacobra fighters attacked three enemy‑held atolls in the Marshall Islands dropping bombs and strafing with machine guns and cannon. Navy search planes made small scale bombing attacks on Ujelang and Utirik Atolls.

Small force of enemy bombers raided Roi Island in the Kwajalein Atoll during the night of February 11 and 12. Our damage and casualties were moderate.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 271, FEBRUARY 16, 1944

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Ponape in considerable force at noon February 14 (West Longitude Date). More than 55 tons of bombs were dropped, principally on shore installations. A small cargo ship was sunk in the harbor. There was no fighter opposition and all of our planes returned to base.

Liberators, Mitchells, Dauntless dive bombers and Warhawk fighters of the Seventh Army Air Force and search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two continued attacks on enemy‑held bases in the Marshall Islands during February 14‑15, bombing installations on five atolls.

Gjit Island, in the eastern Marshall Islands, was attacked by a Navy search plane on February 14.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 34, FEBRUARY 17, 1944

At daylight yesterday morning, February 16, (West Longitude Date), powerful Naval task forces of the U. S. Pacific Fleet commenced an attack on the Japanese Naval base at Truk with several hundred of our planes participating. No further details available.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 35, FEBRUARY 18, 1944

The capture of Eniwetok Atoll has been undertaken by forces of the Pacific Ocean Areas. Army and Marine assault troops have landed and established beachheads.

The initial landings took place after strong preliminary attacks by carrier‑based aircraft and by heavy ships of the Pacific Fleet.

The troops went ashore under the cover of battleship gunfire and with the close support of low flying Naval aircraft.

All forces participating are under the immediate command of Rear Admiral R. K. Turner. The amphibious forces are commanded by Rear Admiral H. W. Hill. The assault troops comprising the Twenty‑second Marines and elements of the One Hundred and Sixth Army Infantry are commanded by Brigadier General T. E. Watson, USMC.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 506, FEBRUARY 19, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. Two U. S. submarines recently returned from patrols deep in Japanese Empire waters report sinking 13 enemy merchant ships totaling 68,200 tons.

2. These sinkings have not been reported in any previous Navy Department Communiqué.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 36, FEBRUARY 19, 1944

Our forces have captured the enemy air base at Engebi and several other Islands in the northern portion of the Eniwetok Atoll. Preliminary reports Indicate our casualties have been light.

Assaults on other portions of the atoll are proceeding according to schedule.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 273, FEBRUARY 19, 1944

Supplementing the major attacks on Truk and Eniwetok, our forces have continued to neutralize other enemy bases in the Central Pacific Area.

On February 16 (West Longitude Date) Liberators, Dauntless dive bombers, and Warhawk fighters of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked four atolls in the Eastern Marshall Islands. At one base Warhawks blew up a fuel dump, damaged a small cargo ship, and sank three small craft. On the same day search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed ground installations at two other atolls.

On February 17, Army Liberators bombed warehouses and docks at Ponape, and harbor installations at Kusaie. Army Liberators and Warhawks attacked an Eastern Marshalls base, and Navy search planes bombed and strafed installations at two other atolls.

Between February 14‑18 our warships repeatedly shelled important enemy positions in the Eastern Marshalls.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 37, FEBRUARY 20, 1944

The Pacific Fleet has returned at Truk the visit made by the Japanese Fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and effected a partial settlement of the debt. Initial approach was undetected.

During attacks on February 16 and 17 (West Longitude Date) our carrier planes destroyed at least 201 enemy aircraft, 127 of which were shot down in combat. More than fifty additional enemy aircraft were damaged on the ground. There was no enemy air opposition on the second day of the attack.

Enemy surface ships sunk included two light cruisers, three destroyers, one ammunition ship, one seaplane tender, two oilers, two gunboats, and eight cargo ships. Additional enemy ships probably sunk included one cruiser or large destroyer, two oilers, and four cargo ships.

Shore facilities on the principal islands, including airdrome runways and installations, were thoroughly bombed and strafed.

Our losses were 17 planes. None of our ships was lost, but one sustained moderate damage.

Admiral R. A. Spruance, U. S. Navy, was in over‑all command of the operation and Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, U. S. Navy, former commanding officer of the Hornet, directed the carrier air attack.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 274, FEBRUARY 20, 1944

Aircraft of the Seventh Army Air Force and Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two continued bombing attacks on enemy positions in the Marshall and Caroline Islands during February 18 (West Longitude Date).

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Army Liberators bombed docks and shipping at Kusaie, sinking a small ship.

Army Warhawks and Navy Ventura and Liberator search planes attacked four Marshall atolls, scoring hits on ground installations, an airfield and a radio station.

None of our planes was lost.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 38, FEBRUARY 21, 1944

Our forces have landed on Eniwetok Island. Have possession of the western half of the island. The attack is being carried out by elements of the 106th Infantry supplemented by a unit of the 22nd Marines.

Except for Parry Island, the remainder of the Atoll is in our hands.

Our casualties continue to be light.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 39, FEBRUARY 21, 1944

Our forces have captured Eniwetok Island. Enemy resistance has been stubborn, and small pockets of troops are yet to be overcome. Parry Island is being heavily attacked by our air and surface forces.

Preliminary reports indicate that our over‑all casualties in the capture of the Eniwetok Atoll as of last night are approximately 150 dead and 350 wounded.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 275, FEBRUARY 21, 1944

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four attacked Paramushiru and Shimushu Islands in the Kuriles during the night of February 19 and 20, (West Longitude Date). More than five tons of bombs were dropped. Antiaircraft fire was encountered at all targets, but all of our planes returned safely to base.

Army Warhawk fighters and Mitchell bombers and Navy Ventura search planes on February 19 dropped twenty‑four tons of bombs on three Marshall Atolls, damaging airfields, strafing shipping and hitting ground installations.

Ships of the Pacific Fleet bombarded enemy‑held positions in the Marshall Islands on February 19.

FEBRUARY 20, 1941

U. S. NAVAL COMMANDS NAMED

Rear Admiral Alan Goodrich Kirk, USN, has been named Commander of the United States Task Force, operating as part of the Combined Naval Force in England.

In addition, Rear Admiral John Lesslie Hall, Jr., USN, and Rear Admiral John Wilkes, USN, have been placed in command of units of Rear Admiral Kirk's Task Force.

Admiral Harold R. Stark, USN, is the Commander of all United States Naval Forces in the United Kingdom Area.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 40, FEBRUARY 23, 1944

1. The conquest of Eniwetok Atoll was completed on the evening of February 22 (West Longitude Date) with the capture of Parry Island.

The enemy garrison which defended the atoll is estimated at 3,000.

2. A strong Pacific Fleet Task Force, including several hundred carrier-based aircraft, struck Saipan and Tinian Islands in the Mariana Group, on February 22 (West Longitude Date). Further details are not now available.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 281, FEBRUARY 25, 1944

1. The following information has been received supplementing Communiqué No. 40:

Our task force commanded by Rear Admiral Marc A. Mitscher was detected approaching Tinian and Saipan in the afternoon of February 21 (West Longitude Date).

Attacks on our ships were carried out continuously during the night and the morning of February 22 by enemy land‑based torpedo planes and bombers. Fourteen of the attacking planes were shot down by our antiaircraft fire and five more were shot down by our air patrols.

In spite of the persistent and continuing attacks, our carriers launched their planes according to schedule.

Two attacks were carried out in force against the principal targets, and a smaller raid was made at Guam. A total of 29 enemy planes were shot down over the targets, and an additional 87 planes were wrecked on the ground. A total of 135 enemy aircraft was destroyed.

Few enemy ships were found; one cargo ship was sunk, another was severely damaged and apparently beached, and another was set afire. One patrol craft was blown up and seven other small ships were damaged. Small boats in the harbor areas were strafed.

Runways, seaplane aprons, and other airdrome facilities, fuel dumps and buildings were heavily bombed and strafed.

Our losses were six planes. None of our ships was sunk or damaged.

2. On February 23 (West Longitude Date) Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed wharves, radio facilities, and the cantonment area at Kusaie. On the same day Navy search Liberators of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Kusaie dock areas, sinking one ship and damaging another. In addition a hit was made on an ammunition dump, which exploded.

Army Mitchell bombers, Warhawk fighters, and Navy search Venturas bombed and strafed ground installations on four enemy‑held atolls in the Western Marshall Islands. Although several planes were damaged, all returned to their base.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 276, FEBRUARY 23, 1944

Enemy‑held positions in the Caroline and Marshall Islands were attacked by aircraft of the Seventh Army Air Force and search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two during February 21 and 22 (West Longitude Date).

On February 21, Army Liberators dropped 30 tons of bombs on Ponape and bombed Kusaie twice with a total of 6 tons of bombs. Fires were started in the harbor areas of both targets. Nauru Island was also bombed by a Navy search Ventura.

On the same date, Army Mitchell bombers, Warhawk fighters and Navy

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search planes struck five enemy‑held Marshall Atolls, hitting ground installations, airfields and shipping.

On February 22, Army Warhawk fighters twice attacked a single enemy-held atoll in the Marshall Group, strafing small vessels in the harbor and bombing the airfield.

None of our planes was lost.

On February 21 an atoll in the Eastern Marshalls, which is still occupied by the enemy was bombarded by ships of the Pacific Fleet.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 277, FEBRUARY 24, 1944

Carrier based planes of the Pacific Fleet twice attacked an enemy‑held atoll in the Marshall Islands on February 20 (West Longitude Date).

More than thirty tons of bombs were dropped on three islands of the atoll. On the first island, fires were started in two hangars, a radio station was demolished, barracks and ammunition storage areas were hit. On the second, ground installations were bombed and strafed. On the third, dock areas, radio facilities and a power station were hit.

Although several of our planes were damaged by antiaircraft fire, none was shot down. There was no fighter interception.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 286, FEBRUARY 27, 1944

1. A study of reconnaissance photographs of Truk has revealed total damage to shipping greater than was originally announced.

The photographs disclose that 23 ships were sunk, six probably sunk, and eleven damaged; earlier reports had indicated 19 sunk, seven probably sunk and none damaged.

2. On February 25 and 26 (West Longitude Date) enemy bases in the Central Pacific area were attacked by aircraft of the Seventh Army Air Force and Fleet Air Wing Two.

On the 25th, Army Liberators dropped 30 tons of bombs on Ponape, scoring hits on docks, airdrome installations, a gasoline dump, and a cargo ship.

On the same day Army Mitchells and Warhawks and Navy Venturas attacked four enemy‑held Marshall Island bases. An Army Liberator bombed Kusaie and a Navy search plane bombed Nauru.

On the 26th Army Mitchells and Warhawks, and Navy Venturas attacked three enemy‑held atolls in the Marshalls.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 507, FEBRUARY 29, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 14 enemy vessels in operations in these waters, as follows:

1 large tanker

1 medium cargo transport

1 small cargo vessel

11 medium cargo vessels

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

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 287, FEBRUARY 29, 1944

Aircraft of the Seventh Army Air Force and search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two on February 26 and 27 (West Longitude Date) bombed and machine-gunned Japanese‑held positions in the Caroline and Marshall Islands.

Army Liberator bombers hit Ponape with 30 tons of bombs on February 27, causing fires and explosions. Navy search planes strafed dock areas and a small ship at Kusaie on February 26.

Nearly 50 tons of bombs were dropped on seven enemy‑held atolls in the Marshall Islands on February 27 by Army Liberator and Mitchell bombers, Army Warhawk fighters, Army Dauntless dive‑bombers and Navy search Venturas.

Several of our planes were damaged by antiaircraft fire, but all returned to their base.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 290, MARCH 1, 1944

Liberators of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and strafed installations on Wake Island on the afternoon of February 28 (West Longitude Date).

The attack was made at extremely low altitude. Airdrome installations were bombed, and six planes on the ground were destroyed or severely damaged. All of our planes returned safely to base.

A single Navy search plane bombed Nauru on February 28.

On the same day Mitchell bombers and Warhawk fighters of the Seventh Army Air Force and Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two attacked three enemy-held bases in the Eastern Marshall Islands.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 291, MARCH 2, 1944

Aircraft of the Seventh Army Air Force continued to bomb enemy‑held positions in the Marshall Islands on February 29 (West Longitude Date).

Army Liberator and Mitchell bombers dropped nearly 80 tons of bombs on four airfields, while Army Warhawk fighters hit warehouses on one of the Islands.

Antiaircraft fire was negligible and none of our planes was damaged.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 292, MARCH 3, 1944

1. A small force of Ventura bombers of Fleet Air Wing Four attacked Paramushiru and Shimushu in the Kurile Islands on the morning of March 2 West Longitude Date). Five tons of bombs were dropped. There was no interception, and no damage was suffered from the sporadic antiaircraft fire encountered. All planes returned to their bases.

2. Mitchell bombers, Dauntless dive bombers and Warhawk fighters of he Seventh Army Air Force and Ventura bombers of Fleet Air Wing Two attacked three enemy‑held bases in the Eastern Marshall Islands on March 1 West Longitude Date), dropping a total of 28 tons of bombs. On the same lay, Navy search planes attacked Ponape with bombs and machine‑gun fire. Our planes returned safely from all of these operations.

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 293, MARCH 4, 1944

Army Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force on March 2 (West Longitude Date) dropped approximately 8 tons of bombs on runways and buildings at Ponape, and attacked shipping and dock areas at Kusaie.

Army Mitchell bombers and Navy search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two on the same date attacked two enemy‑held positions in the Eastern Marshall Islands with 17 tons of bombs, hitting airfields and starting fires.

Although some antiaircraft fire was encountered, all of our planes returned safely.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 294, MARCH 5, 1944

Liberator bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force and Search Liberators of Fleet Air Wing Two attacked Ponape and Kusaie in the Carolines on March 3 (West Longitude Date). Harbor and ground installations at Ponape were hit with 23 tons of bombs, while warehouses at Kusaie were set afire.

Navy search Venturas, Army Liberator and Mitchell bombers dropped approximately 23 tons of bombs on four enemy‑held atolls in the Eastern Marshalls on the same date.

Several of our planes suffered minor damage from antiaircraft fire, but all returned to their bases.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 295, MARCH 6, 1944

Aircraft of the Seventh Army Air Force and Fleet Air Wing Two attacked three enemy‑held positions in the Marshall Islands on March 4 (West Longitude Date).

Army Mitchell bombers and Dauntless dive bombers, Navy Hellcat fighters and Ventura search bombers dropped approximately 35 tons of bombs and strafed ground installations. Fires were started and explosions were observed. Antiaircraft fire was encountered, but all of our planes returned safely.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 297, MARCH 7, 1944

Seven enemy‑held positions in the Central Pacific were attacked by aircraft of the Seventh Army Air Force and Fleet Air Wing Two on March 5 (West Longitude Date).

Army Liberator bombers dropped approximately 30 tons of bombs on Ponape and Kusaie, damaging ground installations, aviation facilities and harbor areas. Heavy explosions were seen near the airfield at Ponape. Navy search Liberators also bombed Nauru.

Army Mitchell bombers, Dauntless dive‑bombers, Warhawk fighters, Navy Hellcats and search Venturas bombed and strafed four enemy‑held atolls in the Eastern Marshalls with approximately 35 tons of bombs.

Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. Two Hellcats failed to return to their base.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 299, MARCH 8, 1944

1. Navy search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four on the evening of March 5‑6 (West Longitude Date) bombed Paramushiru. Heavy antiaircraft fire was encountered in some areas. All of our planes returned.

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2. Army Liberator and Mitchell bombers, Dauntless dive bombers and Warhawk fighters of the Seventh Army Air Force, and Navy search Venturas and Hellcat fighters of Fleet Air Wing Two on March 6, (West Longitude Date) dropped 31 tons of bombs on four enemy‑held positions in the eastern Marshall Islands. Airfields were hit and fires were started. Several of our planes were damaged by antiaircraft fire, but all returned to their bases.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 508, MARCH 9, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported sinking sixteen vessels in operations against the enemy in these waters, as follows:

1 small cargo vessel

9 medium cargo vessels

2 medium transports

2 medium cargo transports

1 large tanker

1 large cargo transport

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 301, MARCH 9, 1944

1. On March 8, 1944, (West Longitude Date) enemy planes raided our positions in Eniwetok Atoll, causing small damage.

2. Army Liberator and Mitchell bombers, Dauntless dive bombers and Warhawk fighters of the Seventh Army Air Force and Navy search Venturas and Hellcat fighters of Fleet Air Wing Two on March 7, 1944 (West Longitude Date) dropped 37 tons of bombs on five enemy‑held positions in the Marshall Islands. Barracks and runways were hit and fires started. A coastal vessel was bombed and five wooden barges strafed. Several of our planes were damaged by antiaircraft fire but all returned to their bases.

3. A Navy search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two shot down a Japanese naval medium bomber between Eniwetok and Truk.

JOINT STATEMENT, MARCH 9, 1944

ALLIED SHIP LOSSES AT A RECORD LOW

The joint Anglo‑American statement, issued under the authority of the President and Prime Minister, follows:

"Despite the increasing traffic of United Nations shipping in the Atlantic, February, 1944, was the lowest month as to tonnage of Allied merchant ship losses to enemy U‑boat action since the United States entered the war, and February was the second lowest month of the entire war.

"Again there were more U‑boats destroyed than merchant vessels sunk, so the exchange rate remains favorable to the United Nations. In actual numbers a few more U‑boats were sunk in February than in January."

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 302, MARCH 10, 1944

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators attacked Ponape and Kusaie in the Caroline Islands on March 8 (West Longitude Date). Airdrome and dock facilities at Ponape were bombed, and ground installations were hit at Kusaie.

On the same day four enemy bases in the Eastern Marshall Islands were attacked by Army and Marine aircraft including Mitchell bombers, Dauntless dive bombers and Warhawk fighters, and by Ventura bombers of Fleet Air Wing Two. Airfields and gun emplacements were principal targets.

There was no fighter interception on any of these raids, and damage from antiaircraft was slight.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 304, MARCH 11, 1944

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Ponape and Kusaie Islands on March 9 (West Longitude Date). Explosions and fires were observed among ground installations at Ponape, and waterfront facilities were hit at Kusaie.

Two enemy bases in the Eastern Marshall Islands were attacked by Army and Marine aircraft, including Mitchells and Dauntless dive bombers, and another was bombed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two.

No fighter interception was encountered in any of these attacks, and only slight damage was suffered from antiaircraft fire. All of our planes returned to base.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 305, MARCH 12, 1944

Three enemy bases in the Eastern Marshall Islands were attacked on March 10 (West Longitude Date) by Marine and Seventh Army Air Force aircraft, including Mitchell bombers, Dauntless dive bombers, and Warhawk fighters. On the same day Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two attacked another Eastern Marshall base. There was no fighter interception on any of these raids and despite moderate antiaircraft fire all planes returned safely to base.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 306, MARCH 12, 1944

A small amphibious unit of the Pacific Fleet, including a detachment of the 22nd Marine Regiment, has occupied Wotho Atoll without resistance.

The occupation force, commanded by Major C. B. Lawton, USMC, was received by the native population with ceremony, including gifts of food. A proclamation was posted, establishing military government.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 307, MARCH 13, 1944

1. Seventh Army Air Force Liberator bombers and search Liberators of Fleet Air Wing Two attacked Wake Island on the afternoon of March 11 (West Longitude Date). Approximately 50 tons of bombs were dropped.

2. A small force of Army Liberators attacked Nauru on March 11, and Army Mitchell bombers and Navy search Venturas bombed three enemy bases in the Eastern Marshall Islands.

3. No fighter interception was encountered on any of these attacks and all of our planes returned to base.

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N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 509, MARCH 14, 1944

1. The U. S. submarine Corvina is overdue from patrol and must be presumed to be lost.

2. The next of kin of personnel in the Corvina have been so informed.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 308, MARCH 14, 1944

Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells bombed Kusaie on March 12 (West Longitude Date), starting several fires.

On the same day Army Liberators and Marine Dauntless dive bombers attacked four bases in the Eastern Marshall Islands. At one base bombs hit the cantonment area and the radio station; at another, an ammunition dump was blown up and gun emplacements damaged.

Search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed two enemy‑held Marshall Island bases, and damaged two enemy fighters in the air near Ponape.

Our planes returned safely from all of these operations.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 311, MARCH 15, 1944

Our air forces in the Central Pacific area attacked seven enemy‑held bases on March 13 (West Longitude Date).

Liberators of the Seventh and Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed airdrome installations and mining facilities at Ponape.

Kusaie was bombed by Army Liberators and a beached cargo ship was hit by Navy search planes with bombs and machine gun fire.

Shore facilities and a small beached ship at Oroluk Atoll were attacked by Navy search planes.

Army Liberators and Mitchells, Marine Dauntless dive bombers and Hellcats, and Navy search Venturas attacked four bases in the Eastern Marshalls, starting fires at all bases.

A Navy search plane shot down an enemy medium bomber 250 miles north of Truk.

We lost no planes in any of these operations.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 313, MARCH 16, 1944

1. Seventh Army Air Force Liberators attacked Truk before dawn on March 15 (West Longitude Date). Airdrome installations, fuel dumps, and ammunition storage areas on Eten and Dublon Islands were bombed, with explosions and fires resulting. Heavy antiaircraft fire was encountered, but only one of our planes was hit, and all returned to base.

On the same day Army Liberators attacked ground installations at Ponape and Oroluk without damage to our planes.

2. Army Mitchells and Marine Dauntless dive bombers attacked two enemy bases in the Eastern Marshall Islands on March 14. The Mitchells hit the cantonment and ammunition storage areas and bombed the radio Station at one base, and the dive bombers started fires at another. One Dauntless was slightly damaged, but all planes returned to base.

3. A search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Pingelap Atoll.

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 314, MARCH 17, 1944

Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing. Two, and Dauntless dive bombers and Hellcats of the Fourth Marine Air Wing attacked three enemy‑held bases in the Eastern Marshall Islands on March 15 (West Longitude Date).

An ammunition dump was blown up by the Mitchells. The Venturas scored hits among ground installations. The dive bombers and fighters strafed and bombed small craft and shore facilities.

Navy search planes bombed Pingelap and Oroluk Atolls.

All of our planes returned safely.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 510, MARCH 18, 1944

1. The submarines USS Capelin and USS Sculpin are overdue from patrol and must be presumed to be lost.

2. The next of kin of personnel in the Capelin and the Sculpin have been so notified.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 316, MARCH 18, 1944

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Paramushiru and Shimushu in the Kurile Islands on March 16 and again on March 17 (West Longitude Dates). No fighter opposition was encountered and antiaircraft fire was light.

On March 16 a Liberator bomber of the 11th Army Air Force bombed Matsuwa Island in the Kuriles, without opposition. Liberators bombed Shimushu on March 17.

Four enemy‑held atolls in the Eastern Marshall Islands were bombed by Mitchell medium bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Air Wing, and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two on March 16. A large explosion was caused on one of the atolls, and fires were started on another. One of our planes was damaged by antiaircraft fire.

On the same day search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Kusaie and Oroluk in the Caroline Islands.

We lost no planes in these operations.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 317, MARCH 19, 1944

Paramushiru Island in the Kuriles was bombed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four on March 13 (West Longitude Date). Several fires were started. Light antiaircraft fire was encountered. None of our planes was damaged.

Liberator bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Ponape and Kusaie in the Caroline Islands on March 17 causing explosions and fires. Three enemy bases in the Eastern Marshalls were bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberator and Mitchell bombers, Fourth Marine Air Wing, Dauntless dive bombers, and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two. A dive bomber was lost in these operations.

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N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 511, MARCH 20, 1944

Atlantic.

1. The USS Leopold (Destroyer Escort #319), manned by Coast Guard officers and men, was sunk on March 10th as a result of an underwater explosion, while on escort duty in the Atlantic.

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

MARCH 20, 1944

USS MACAW LOST IN PACIFIC

The USS Macaw, an auxiliary submarine rescue vessel, after having gone aground on a coral reef in the Pacific, slid off and sank on February 13, 1944.

Next of kin of all casualties have been notified.

Lieutenant Commander Paul W. Burton, USN, was commanding officer of the Macaw. He is listed as missing. Lieutenant Commander Burton was born in Berkeley, California, on September 29, 1911, the son of Colonel Norman G. Burton, USMC, and Mrs. Burton. He was graduated from the Naval Academy in 1933. Next of kin is his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth W. Burton, 1320 Locust Drive, Asbury Park, New Jersey.

The Macaw was launched on July 12, 1942, at the Moore Dry Dock Company, Oakland, California, and was commissioned on July 12, 1943.

(Memorandum to the Press: Jane's Fighting Ships lists standard displacement of the Macaw was 2,000 tons.)

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 319, MARCH 20, 1944

Mille in the Eastern Marshalls was heavily shelled by battleships and bombed by carrier‑based aircraft on March 18 (West Longitude Date).

On the same day Mitchell medium bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Ponape, sinking a small cargo transport and starting large fires.

Five enemy‑held atolls in the Eastern Marshalls were bombed on March 18 by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Liberator and Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force. In these attacks gun emplacements, barracks, and magazines were hit. All of our planes returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 512, MARCH 21, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

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

1 large transport.

1 medium transport 1 large tanker.

9 medium freighters.

2 small freighters.

1 medium tanker.

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

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 320, MARCH 21, 1944

Four enemy positions in the Marshall Islands were bombed by Liberators and Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two on, March 19 (West Longitude Date). Thirty tons of bombs were dropped in these operations. On one atoll an ammunition dump exploded, and on another heavy explosions and fires were observed. All of our planes returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 513, MARCH 22, 1944

1. The submarine USS Scorpion is overdue from patrol and must be presumed to be lost.

2. The next of kin of casualties of the Scorpion, have been so notified.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 322, MARCH 22, 1944

Mitchell medium bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Hellcat and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed four enemy positions in the Marshall Islands on March 20, 1944 (West Longitude Date).

Heavy explosion was observed on one of the objectives, and several smaller explosions and fires observed on another. Antiaircraft fire ranged from moderate to meager. All of our planes returned.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 323, MARCH 23, 1944

Liberator bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force and Liberator search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Ponape and Kusaie on March 21 (West Longitude Date). Large fires were started among warehouses and barracks.

Ventura search planes and Hellcat fighters of Fleet Air Wing Two, Liberator and Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, and Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed four enemy‑held atolls in the, Marshalls. An ammunition dump was observed to explode on one atoll and fires and explosions were seen on others.

Seventy tons of bombs were dropped in all these operations. All of our planes returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 514, MARCH 24, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

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

1 converted mine layer.

2 small freighters.

3 medium sized transports.

1 medium sized tanker.

3 medium sized freighters.

1 large tanker.

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

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 324, MARCH 24, 1944

Thirty‑three tons of bombs were dropped on four enemy positions in the Marshalls by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two and Navy Hellcat fighters and Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on March 22 (West Longitude Date).

A large fire was set on one of the atolls and ground installations were hit on another. All of our planes returned.

On March 21 a search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed facilities on it Ant Island.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 325, MARCH 25, 1944

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Wake Island on March 23 West Longitude Date). Petroleum storage tanks and barracks were hit. Antiaircraft fire was intense.

In the Marshalls, four enemy‑held atolls were bombed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Liberator and Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, and Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.

In the Carolines, Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Ponape on March 22 and 23 (West Longitude Dates). Ant Island was bombed on March 23.

Approximately 115 tons of bombs were dropped in these operations. All of our planes returned.

MARCH 25, 1944

TWO UNITED STATES DESTROYERS IN MEDITERRANEAN SINK GERMAN SUBMARINE

A German submarine was sunk, stern first, in the Mediterranean recently, after a ceaseless pounding by gunfire and depth charges from two United States destroyers. Several aircraft took part in the search for the U‑boat, with three U. S. destroyers, but the destruction was accomplished by two of the destroyers in the darkness of early night.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 326, MARCH 26, 1944

Before dawn on March 25 (West Longitude Date) Liberator bombers of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Paramushiru and Onekotan Islands in the Kuriles, and a Ventura search plane of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Shimushu Island. One of our planes was lost.

On March 24 (West Longitude Date) a Coronado search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and sank two small cargo vessels near Ponape, and Mitchell medium bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed the Ponape air strip and adjacent buildings. On the same day Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and strafed three enemy positions in the Marshall Islands. All of our planes returned from these operations.

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 327, MARCH 27, 1944

Ponape Island was bombed on March 25 (West Longitude Date) by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force accompanied by Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. The attacking planes were intercepted by 15 Zeros. Four Zeros were shot down and one was probably shot down. Corsair fighters strafed the runways. Intense antiaircraft fire was encountered. Ujelang Atoll was also strafed by these planes.

On the same day Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, and Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed four enemy‑held atolls in the Marshalls. Fires were started and heavy explosions observed.

All of our planes returned from all of these operations.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 328, MARCH 27, 1944

Mitchell medium bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, accompanied by Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, bombed Ponape on March 26 (West Longitude Date). Nine of 15 intercepting Zeros were shot down by our fighters, and three were probably shot down. The town of Ponape and military installations were bombed and strafed. Antiaircraft fire was intense.

Coronado search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two strafed a small vessel near Ujelang, and bombed Kusaie Island and Pingelap Atoll.

On the same day, Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers, Fleet Air Wing Two Ventura search planes and Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing Dauntless bombers and Corsair fighters raided three enemy positions in the Marshall Islands.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 329, MARCH 29, 1944

Four enemy positions in the Marshalls were bombed and strafed on March 27 (West Longitude Date) by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two and Navy Hellcat fighters. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered. None of our planes was shot down.

On the same day a Coronado search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two dropped bombs on Pakin Island.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 330, MARCH 30, 1944

Liberator bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Eten and Moen Islands in the Truk Atoll on the night of March 29 (West Longitude Date). Fires were started. Intense antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Ponape Island was bombed by a search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two, starting fires in a hangar area, and gun positions and buildings on Ujelang Island were strafed by Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.

Forty‑five tons of bombs were dropped on four enemy positions in the Marshalls by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers, and Marine Dauntless bombers and Corsair fighters. Oil storage tanks were set afire on one objective, and runways damaged on another.

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 331, MARCH 31, 1944

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Dublon, Param, Uman, Fefan, and Moen in the Truk Atoll at night on March 29 (West Longitude Date). On Dublon Island heavy explosions and fires were observed and on Uman and Moen Islands fires were started. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

A single Seventh Army Air Force Liberator bombed Ponape.

On the same day four enemy positions in the Marshalls were bombed and strafed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Navy Hellcat fighters. Antiaircraft batteries, coast defense guns, and ammunition dumps were hit. At one atoll fires were started in a warehouse area and at another several barges were severely strafed by our fighters.

All of our planes returned from all of these operations.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 41, MARCH 30, 1944

Strong fleet forces at dawn Wednesday, March 29 (West Longitude Date) initiated heavy attacks on the Japanese‑held Palau Islands. After discovery of approach of our forces by enemy planes searching from their bases in the Carolines and New Guinea their ships were observed fleeing the area before our units could reach attack positions. Our attacks continue. No further details are as yet available.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 515, MARCH 31, 1944

Mediterranean.

1. As the result of operations in the Mediterranean theater during the period January 22, 1944 to this date the following ship losses were sustained due to a variety of causes

1 motor minesweeper (YMS‑30).

1 large minesweeper (AM‑106).

8 landing craft.

1 harbor tug (YT‑198).

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 332, APRIL 1, 1944

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

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

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 334, APRIL 2, 1944

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 335, APRIL 2, 1944

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

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

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

All of our planes returned.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 337, APRIL 3, 1944

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

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

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

All of our planes returned from all of these operations.

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 338, APRIL 3, 1944

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

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

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

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

Pacific and Far East.

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

2 medium tankers.

11 medium cargo vessels.

1 small cargo vessel.

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 339, APRIL 4, 1944

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

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

All of our planes returned from all of these operations.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 340, APRIL 5, 1944

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

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

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

All of our planes returned from these operations.

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 341, APRIL 6, 1944

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 42, APRIL 7, 1944

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

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

Damaged: One destroyer.

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

Burning: Two small cargo vessels.

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

Beached: One small cargo vessel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 342, APRIL 7, 1944

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 343, APRIL 8, 1944

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

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

All of our planes returned.

JOINT STATEMENT, APRIL 9, 1944

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

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 344, APRIL 9, 1944

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 345, APRIL 10, 1944

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

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

All of our planes returned.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 347, APRIL 11, 1944

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

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

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

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 349, APRIL 12, 1944

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

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 350, APRIL 12, 1944

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

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

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

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

All of our planes returned.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 352, APRIL 13, 1944

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

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

All of our planes returned.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 353, APRIL 14, 1944

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 354, APRIL 14, 1944

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

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 355, APRIL 15, 1944

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 357, APRIL 15, 1944

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

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Shimushu and

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 359, APRIL 16, 1944

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 360, APRIL 17, 1944

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

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

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

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

Pacific and Far East.

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

1 large tanker

2 medium tankers

1 medium naval auxiliary (repair ship)

7 medium cargo vessels

2 medium cargo passenger vessels

1 small cargo passenger vessel

1 small cargo vessel

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

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 361, APRIL 18, 1944

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 363, APRIL 19, 1944

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 364, APRIL 20, 1944

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

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

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

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

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

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 365, APRIL 21, 1944

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 366, APRIL 22, 1944

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

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

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 367, APRIL 22, 1944

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 368, APRIL 22, 1944

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 369, APRIL 23, 1944

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 370, APRIL 24, 1944

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 43, APRIL 23, 1944

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 372, APRIL 24, 1944

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

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

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

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

APRIL 25, 1944

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 373, APRIL 25, 1944

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 374, APRIL 25, 1944

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

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

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 375, APRIL 26, 1944

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 376, APRIL 26, 1944

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 379, APRIL 27, 1944

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

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

APRIL 28, 1944

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY FRANK KNOX DIES.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

APRIL 28, 1944

A STATEMENT BY ACTING SECRETARY OF THE NAVY JAMES FORRESTAL

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 380, APRIL 29, 1944

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

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 381, APRIL 29, 1944

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 382, APRIL 30, 1944

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 384, MAY 1, 1944

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

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

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

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 518, MAY 2, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

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

1 large tanker

1 large naval auxiliary

2 medium cargo transports

5 medium cargo vessels

1 light cruiser

2 destroyers

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

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 44, MAY 2, 1944

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 385, MAY 2, 1944

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

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

Remaining enemy positions in the Marshalls were attacked on April 30 by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, and Navy Hellcat fighters.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 386, MAY 4, 1944

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

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

Remaining enemy positions in the Marshalls were bombed on May 1 and on May 2 by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two and Navy Hellcat fighters. Gun positions, shore installations, buildings and a power station were bombed and strafed.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 387, MAY 5, 1944

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

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

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

Remaining enemy positions in the Marshall Islands were attacked on May 3 by Liberator and Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, and Navy Hellcat fighters. Hits were obtained in a magazine area and on gun positions.

CINCPAC RELEASE NO. 388, MAY 6, 1944

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 389, MAY 7, 1944

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

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

Sixty‑two tons of bombs were dropped on remaining positions in the Marshalls on May 5 by Liberator and Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters. Coastal guns, magazine areas and storage facilities were hit.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 391, MAY 8, 1944

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 392, MAY 8, 1944

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

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

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

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

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JOINT STATEMENT, MAY 9, 1944

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 393, MAY 9, 1944

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

Remaining enemy positions in the Marshalls were bombed and strafed on May 7 by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters. Coastal guns, antiaircraft batteries, and a power station were hit.

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

Mediterranean.

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 394, MAY 10, 1944

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 395, MAY 11, 1944

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

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

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

Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells bombed Ponape on May 9.

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Remaining enemy positions in the Marshall Islands were bombed and strafed on May 9 by Mitchells of the Seventh Army Air Force, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters.

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

Pacific and Far East.

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

1 destroyer

1 large tanker

1 medium tanker

1 medium transport

1 medium cargo transport

7 medium cargo vessels

1 small cargo transport

1 small cargo vessel

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 397, MAY 12, 1944

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 398, MAY 12, 1944

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 399, MAY 12, 1944

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 400, MAY 13, 1944

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 401, MAY 14, 1944

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

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

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 402, MAY 15, 1944

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 404, MAY 16, 1944

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 406, MAY 17, 1944

Ventura and Coronado search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Navy Hellcat fighters bombed and strafed remaining enemy objectives in the Marshall Islands during the day and night of May 15 (West Longitude Date). Fuel storage facilities, runways, and buildings were hit,

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 407, MAY 18, 1944

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

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 408, MAY 19, 1944

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

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

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

MAY 19, 1944

JAMES FORRESTAL TAKES OATH AS SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

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

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

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 409, MAY 20, 1944

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 410, MAY 21, 1944

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

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

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

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

Remaining enemy positions in the Marshall Islands were bombed on the night of May 18‑19 and during daylight on May 19 by Catalina and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 411, MAY 22, 1944

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 412, MAY 23, 1944

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 413, MAY 24, 1944

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

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

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

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

Pacific and Far East.

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

1 destroyer

1 large cargo transport

1 large tanker

2 medium cargo transports

7 medium cargo vessels

1 small transport

1 medium tanker

1 small tanker

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

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 45, MAY 25, 1944

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 415, MAY 25, 1944

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

Enemy positions in the Marshall Islands were attacked on May 23 by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters. Defense installations were bombed and severely strafed.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 417, MAY 26, 1944

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 419, MAY 26, 1944

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 421, MAY 27, 1944

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 423, MAY 29, 1944

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 424, MAY 29, 1944

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 425, MAY 30, 1944

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

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

On May 28 enemy positions in the Marshalls were bombed by Mitchells of the Seventh Army Air Force, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat. fighters. Runways, barracks, antiaircraft batteries and other defense installations were hit.

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 426, MAY 30, 1944

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

In presenting the medal awards Admiral Nimitz said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 427, MAY 31, 1944

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

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 428, JUNE 1, 1944

Shimushu Island in the Kuriles was bombed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four before dawn on May 30 (West Longitude Date). Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters bombed and strafed enemy positions in the Marshalls on May 29. Runways, piers, and antiaircraft batteries were hit. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 429, JUNE 1, 1944

Guam Island was bombed by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force during daylight on May 28 (West Longitude Date). Approximately ten enemy fighters attempted to intercept our formation. One fighter was probably shot down. Antiaircraft fire ranged from moderate to intense.

Truk Atoll was attacked by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators at night on May 30. The airstrips were hit, and a fire started which was visible one hundred fifty miles. One enemy plane was in the air over the target. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

Wake Island was bombed on May 30 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators, which obtained hits on Peacock and Wilkes Islands and Heel Point. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Ponape Island was raided by Seventh Army Air Force Mite‑hells during daylight on May 30. Gun positions, runways, and defense installations were hit. Antiaircraft fire was meager and no interception was attempted.

Enemy positions in the Marshall Islands were bombed and severely strafed on May 30 by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Navy Hellcat fighters. Blockhouses, barracks and coastal guns were hit. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 430, JUNE 2, 1944

Shimushu in the Kurile Islands was bombed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four before dawn on May 31 (West Longitude Date). Several large and small fires were started in the vicinity of the airfield. Antiaircraft fire was moderate. All of our planes returned.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 431, JUNE 3, 1944

A single search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and strafed shipping and shore installations at Truk Atoll at night on June 1 (West Longitude Date). Four one‑thousand‑pound bombs were dropped over a medium cargo vessel, two of them scoring direct hits and two straddling the vessel, which was believed sunk. The search plane then strafed a number of small

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cargo vessels, the seaplane base at Dublon and the airstrips at Eten Island. Two of the small vessels were set on fire, fires were started at Dublon Island and Eten Island, and an ammunition dump exploded. In retiring the search plane was pursued by a single enemy plane which did not make an attack. Over the target antiaircraft fire was moderate.

Two Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Shimushiru Island in the Kuriles before dawn on June 1. No opposition was encountered.

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Paramushiru and Shimushu Island before dawn on June 1. Fires were started. Antiaircraft fire was light and inaccurate.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 432, JUNE 4, 1944

Shimushu and Paramushiru Islands in the Kuriles were bombed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four before dawn on June 2 (West Longitude Date). Two large fires were started on Shimushu. Antiaircraft fire was moderate. Matsuwa Island was bombed by Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force before dawn on June 2. No opposition was encountered. All of our planes returned.

Truk Atoll was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators before dawn on June 3. Forty‑one tons of bombs were dropped on storage areas and on runways. Several fires and explosions were observed. Antiaircraft fire was meager. Two enemy fighters attempted to attack our force but did no damage.

Nauru Island was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers and search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two on June 2. Antiaircraft batteries were hit and fires Started. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

Ponape Island was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells on June 1. An airfield, hangars, and adjacent buildings were hit. No antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Remaining enemy objectives in the Marshalls were attacked by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters on May 31 and on June 1 and 2. In these raids antiaircraft batteries, coastal defense guns, runways and barracks were strafed and bombed. Antiaircraft fire was generally meager.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 522, JUNE 5, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

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

1 large transport

1 large cargo vessel

7 medium cargo vessels

2 small cargo vessels

4 medium cargo transports

1 small cargo transport

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

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N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 523, JUNE 5, 1944

Atlantic.

1. The Escort Carrier USS Block Island was sunk in the Atlantic during May, 1944 as the result of enemy action.

2. The next of kin of casualties, which were light, have been notified.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 433, JUNE 5, 1944

Several enemy patrol‑type vessels were sighted west of Truk Atoll on June 2 (West Longitude Date) and attacked by a single search plane. One was probably sunk and all were heavily strafed. On June 3 another search plane sighted the disposition and made an attack which resulted in the sinking of one of the auxiliaries and severe damage to another.

Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Ketoi Island in the Kuriles before dawn on June 4. No opposition was encountered. A single search plane of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Paramushiru Island before dawn on June 4. All of our planes returned from these operations.

JUNE 6, 1944

MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESS

The following was given to the press by Admiral Royal E. Ingersoll, USN, Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet, at the press conference of Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal today:

"Recently on a brilliant moonlight night one of our destroyer escorts sighted a submarine, fully surfaced, silhouetted against the moon. The destroyer escort immediately rang up full speed and headed for the submarine, opening fire with all her guns. The submarine elected to fight it out and opened fire with her deck guns and machine guns, tracers passing high over the bridge of the destroyer escort. The submarine maneuvered at high speed and fired a torpedo. The destroyer escort closed the range rapidly, following the sub's evasive maneuvers and burying the sub under a withering fire at point blank range, machine guns and three inch forecastle guns. The range finally closed until the submarine was only 20 yards away. All fire on the submarine having ceased at this point the destroyer escort rode up on the forecastle of the submarine where she stuck. Men began swarming out of the submarine and up onto the destroyer escort's forecastle. The destroyer escort opened up on them with machine guns, tommy guns and rifle fire. Ammunition expended at this time included several general mess coffee cups which happened to be at the gun stations. Two of the enemy were hit on the head with these. Empty cartridge cases also proved effective for repelling the boarders. During this heated encounter the destroyer escort suffered her only casualty of the engagement, when a husky seaman bruised his fist knocking one of the enemy over the side.

"At this stage of the battle the boatswain's mate in charge forward with a 45 Colt revolver and a Chief Firecontrolman with a tommy gun accounted for a number of those attempting to board. The destroyer escort then decided to back off to stop any more enemy trying to board her. Again the running battle was resumed, hits falling like rain on the sub's topside. Even shallow depth charges were used against the submarine. The destroyer escort rammed a second time and then the submarine rolled slowly over.

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Personnel on the escort's deck had a clear view into the conning tower which was ablaze. A torpedoman threw a hand grenade which dropped through the sub's conning tower before exploding. The submarine finally sank with her diesel engines still running, and the conning tower hatch open, fire blazing from It.

"The commanding officer of the destroyer escort was a young Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserve, who came on active duty in 1941."

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 434, JUNE 6, 1944

Truk Atoll was bombed during the night of June 3‑4 (West Longitude Date) by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force. The airfields at Moen and Param Islands were hit. Four enemy fighters were airborne but did not attack our force. Antiaircraft fire was meager and inaccurate.

Ponape Island was attacked on the night of June 3 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators and on June 4 by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells. Installations on Langar Island and antiaircraft batteries were hit.

Lauru Island was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells during daylight on June 3, and by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two on June 5. Gun positions were the principal targets. Antiaircraft fire was intense.

Enemy positions in the Marshalls were bombed and strafed on June 3‑4

search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two, Corsair fighters and Dauntless live bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters. Gun positions and runways were hit. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 435, JUNE 7, 1944

Guam Island was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators and Liberator search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two during daylight on June 5 (West Longitude Date). Antiaircraft fire ranged from moderate to intense. Our force was not attacked by enemy aircraft. All of our planes returned.

Nauru Island was bombed on June 5 by Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two. The barracks area, phosphate plant, and gun positions were principal targets.

Ponape Island was attacked by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells on June 5. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

On June 4 Mille Atoll in the Marshalls was attacked by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. Runways were principal targets. Light caliber antiaircraft fire was intense.

A search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two sighted a group of small enemy cargo ships proceeding northwest of Truk on June 5, and attacked and damaged one of the vessels. Another search plane shot down an enemy torpedo bomber west of Truk on June 5.

JOINT STATEMENT, JUNE 9, 1944

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

"During May our shipping losses have been by far the lowest for

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any month of the war, and they have in fact been a fraction of the losses inflicted on enemy shipping by our warships and aircraft, although their merchant shipping is petty compared to that of the Allies.

"There has been a lull in the operations of the U‑boats which perhaps indicates preparation for a renewed offensive. The change which had come over the scene is illustrated by the fact that in spite of the few U‑boats at sea, several are now sent to the bottom for each merchant ship sunk whereas formerly each U‑boat accounted for a considerable number of merchant ships before being destroyed.

"This is to be ascribed to the vigilance and to the relentless attacks of our Anglo‑American‑Canadian and other anti‑U‑boat forces, including the scientists who support them in a brilliant manner."

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 438, JUNE 9, 1944

Truk Atoll was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on the night of June 7‑8 (West Longitude Date). Airfields were the principal targets. Antiaircraft fire was meager and inaccurate.

Ponape Island was attacked by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force on the evening of June 6 and at night on June 8. Airfields, plantation areas, and Ponape Town were bombed. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Pakin and Nauru Islands on June 6. Antiaircraft batteries were hit at Pakin Island.

Enemy positions in the Marshalls were bombed and strafed by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Navy Hellcat fighters on June 6 and 7. Runways, coastal gun emplacements, and antiaircraft batteries were principal targets. A Corsair fighter was downed near Mille Atoll on June 7 and its pilot rescued by a destroyer.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 439, JUNE 10, 1944

Truk Atoll was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on June 8 (West Longitude Date). No opposition was encountered.

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Nauru Island on June 7 and 8 and Ocean Island on June 7. Barracks and gun emplacements were hit. Antiaircraft fire ranged from moderate to intense. Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells bombed Nauru Island on June 8, hitting coastal defense guns and antiaircraft emplacements. Antiaircraft fire was intense.

A single search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed gun positions at Puluwat Island on June 9.

Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Ponape Island on June 7. Hangars near the seaplane base and shops were hit. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered. On June 8 a single Seventh Army Air Force Liberator bombed Ponape.

Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, and Navy Hellcat fighters bombed and strafed remaining enemy positions in the Marshalls on June 7 and 8. Piers and antiaircraft batteries were bombed. At one objective a large explosion was caused near an antiaircraft emplacement. On June 8

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two Corsair fighters were downed by antiaircraft fire near Maloelap. One of the pilots was rescued by a destroyer. A Dauntless dive bomber was shot down near Mille the same day and its pilot rescued by a destroyer.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 46, JUNE 11, 1944

A powerful Pacific Fleet Task Force struck enemy positions on Saipan, Tinian, and Guam, in the Mariana Islands, with carrier aircraft on June 10 (West Longitude Date). Further details are not now available.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 524, JUNE 12, 1944

Mediterranean.

1. PC‑558 was sunk as a result of enemy action in the Mediterranean on May 9, 1944.

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 525, JUNE 12, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

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

1 large tanker

1 medium transport

6 medium cargo transports 6 medium cargo vessels

4 small cargo vessels

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 441, JUNE 12, 1944

Carrier aircraft again struck Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan on‑ June 11 (West Longitude Date).

Truk Atoll was attacked by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force at night on June 9 and 10. Airfields at Param, Eten, Dublon and Moen Islands were principal targets. Several fires were started.

Ponape Island was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on the night of June 9. Ponape Town and gun positions were hit.

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Ocean Island during daylight on June 9, encountering moderate antiaircraft fire. Two of the planes continued to Nauru Island to strafe small craft there.

On June 10 Mitchells of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Nauru, and started fires visible twenty miles. Heavy antiaircraft fire downed one Mitchell bomber. A Catalina search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two rescued the crew.

Enemy Positions in the Marshalls were bombed and strafed on June 9, during the night of June 9‑10, and on June 10. Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Catalina search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two and Navy Hellcat fighters participated in these attacks. Coastal defense guns and antiaircraft batteries were hit.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 47, JUNE 13, 1944

Supplementing Pacific Ocean Areas communiqué Number 46, the following information is now available concerning operations of Pacific Fleet Forces against enemy installations at Guam, Saipan, Tinian, and Rota Islands in the Marianas. These objectives were attacked by carrier aircraft on June 10 and 11 (West Longitude Dates).

On June 10 our fighter planes swept the objectives in force and destroyed 124 enemy aircraft. A large majority of these were destroyed in the sir. Our losses were 11 Hellcat fighters and eight pilots.

On June 11 our attacks were continued, resulting in the destruction of 16 enemy aircraft, two small cargo ships at Saipan, and a small oiler northwest of Saipan.

A formation of enemy ships apparently attempting to escape from Saipan was brought under attack on June 11. One large oiler, one destroyer, three corvettes, one large cargo ship, one medium cargo ship, and three small cargo ships were sunk; five medium cargo ships and five escort vessels were damaged.

A second formation of enemy ships several hundred miles away was attacked and heavily damaged by our aircraft on June 12. These were: three destroyers, one destroyer escort, and two cargo ships.

In the operations on June 11 our losses were four aircraft and seven flight personnel.

On the night of June 10 several enemy planes approached our force, but failed to drive home an attack, and one of them was shot down by antiaircraft fire.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 442, JUNE 13, 1944

Truk Atoll was bombed by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force before dawn on June 12 (West Longitude Date). Thirty‑eight tons of bombs were dropped on airfields and the seaplane base. Three enemy fighters Intercepted our force, and damaged one Liberator. Antiaircraft fire was meager. All of our planes returned.

Ventura search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, bombed Nauru and Ocean Islands on June 11. Gun positions and barracks were attacked. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Ponape Island was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells on June 11, meeting light antiaircraft fire.

In the Marshalls Navy and Marine fighters and dive bombers attacked Maloelap and Wotje Atolls on June 11.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 48, JUNE 14, 1944

Attacks directed against enemy positions in the Southern Marianas continued on June 13 (West Longitude Date).

Battleships, cruisers, and destroyers of the Pacific Fleet bombarded Tinian and Saipan Islands on June 12. Large fires were started at Tanapag Harbor, and in the towns of Garapan and Charan Kanoa. Our ships suffered no damage.

Further air attacks were coordinated with the Naval shelling of Tinian and Saipan.

Pagan island was attacked by carrier aircraft on June 12. Enemy Installations were well worked over and three enemy aircraft were destroyed and one probably destroyed.

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In operations on June 11 our forces have reported the following additional losses: Three fighter planes, one dive bomber, and four flight personnel.

More than 60 survivors of an enemy ship bombed and sunk northwest of Saipan on June 11 have been rescued and made prisoners of war.

On June 12 and 13 ships and aircraft of the Pacific Fleet attacked enemy installations in the Kuriles. A fleet task force bombarded Matsuwa Island and aircraft bombed Shimushu and Paramushiru Islands with airfields as their principal targets.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 443, JUNE 14, 1944

The Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet, has received a preliminary report from Rear Admiral J. F. Shafroth, U. S. Navy, president of a board of inquiry convened to investigate an explosion and fire which occurred on May 21, 1944, among a group of landing craft moored in Pearl Harbor.

The following casualties were caused by the explosion of ammunition being unloaded and the subsequent fire: Dead; Army 8, Navy 9, Marine Corps 10. Missing; Army 53, Navy 21, Coast Guard 26. Injured; Army 56, Navy 143, Coast Guard 3, Marine Corps 159, civilian 19.

This accident was originally announced in Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas Press Release Number 414.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 444, JUNE 14, 1944

On June 11 an explosion occurred near a magazine maintained by the Naval Ammunition Depot on Oahu Island. Several torpedo warheads being transferred from a truck to a platform were detonated in the explosion. Some damage was caused in the magazine area and minor damage was done to power lines and railroad tracks.

Three men were killed and seven are missing as a result of the accident. The names of casualties are being withheld pending notification to the next of kin. A court of inquiry of which Rear Admiral T. S. Wilkinson, U. S. Navy, is senior member, has been convened to investigate the accident.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 445, JUNE 14, 1944

Liberator bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force and Liberator search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Group One, bombed Truk Atoll during daylight on June 12 (West Longitude Date). Airfields were hit and several fires started. Approximately 15 enemy fighters attempted to attack our force. One of their planes was shot down, two probably shot down, and four damaged. Two additional fighters were probably destroyed on the ground. All of our planes returned.

Ponape Island was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on June 12.

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Group One, attacked Ocean and Nauru Islands on June 12. Barracks and antiaircraft positions were hit.

Enemy positions in the Marshalls were attacked by Ventura and Catalina search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters on June 12 and during the night of June 12‑13.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 49, JUNE 15, 1944

Operations for the seizure of Saipan Island in the Mariana Group have been initiated by strong Pacific Ocean Areas forces.

Assault troops have effected landings on Saipan Island, following intensive preparatory bombardment of Saipan, Tinian, Pagan, Guam and Rota Islands by carrier‑based aircraft and by a portion of the battleships, cruisers and destroyers of the Pacific Fleet.

Landings are being continued against strong opposition under cover of supporting bombardment by our air and surface forces. Initial reports indicate that our casualties are moderate.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 50, JUNE 15, 1944

Assault troops have secured beachheads on Saipan Island and are advancing inland against artillery, mortar, and machine gun fire. Virtually all heavy coastal and antiaircraft batteries on the island were knocked out by Naval gunfire and bombing. Our troops have captured Agingan Point. In the town of Charan Kanoa, brisk fighting is continuing.

The enemy has attempted several counterattacks with tanks. These attacks have been broken up by our troops with the support of ships and aircraft.

In general, fighting is heavy but good progress is being made against well organized defenses.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 51, JUNE 16, 1944

Chichi Jima, and Haha Jima in the Bonin Islands and Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands were attacked by carrier aircraft on June 14 (West Longitude Date). Thirty‑three enemy fighters which attempted to intercept our forces at Chichi Jima were shot down. Four multi‑engined seaplanes were damaged at Chichi Jima. At Iwo Jima two airborne enemy aircraft were probably destroyed and 14 were destroyed on the ground.

One medium cargo ship was sunk by bombing at Chichi Jima, and four small cargo ships and six small craft were damaged. A medium transport, discovered underway near the Bonins, was heavily damaged by aircraft and later sunk by one of our destroyers. One hundred and twelve survivors were rescued and made prisoners of war.

Ground installations, including barracks, airfields, and fuel tanks were bombed by our aircraft.

Our losses were four aircraft and five flight personnel.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 52, JUNE 16, 1944

United States assault troops are engaged in bitter fighting against defending forces on Saipan Island.

On June 14 (West Longitude Date) and during the night of June 14‑15 our troops were withdrawn a short distance toward the beach in some sectors in the face of intense mortar and artillery fire. Positions were consolidated and during the night our Naval forces carried out a heavy bombardment of enemy strong points.

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On the morning of June 15 enemy resistance in the strongly held sector north of Charan Kanoa was broken. At midday a major element of our forces commenced an attack which advanced our line nearly one half mile in the southern sector of the island. Lesser advances were made in other sectors.

Our assumption that Saipan Island would be strongly held because of its strategic location in the Japanese defensive system has been proven correct. Preliminary estimates indicate there are upwards of two divisions of enemy troops defending Saipan.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 53, JUNE 17, 1944

United States Marines supported by elements of an Army Infantry division have improved their positions on Saipan Island, and are driving forward toward Aslito airdrome. Harassment of our beachheads by enemy mortar fire has been considerably reduced.

On the night of June 14 (West Longitude Date) enemy torpedo planes launched an attack against our carrier force, but were repulsed without damage to our ships.

Our heavy surface units bombarded Guam Island on June 15.

Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Matsuwa, Paramushiru and Shimushiru on June 14. Five enemy aircraft were airborne near Matsuwa but only one attempted to attack our force, and did no damage. Fourteen enemy fighters appeared over Paramushiru and several made attacks causing damage to one of our planes. One enemy fighter was probably shot down and an enemy medium bomber was damaged. Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four also bombed Paramushiru and Shimushu on June 14. Fifteen enemy fighters attacked our force, causing minor damage to several of our aircraft. Shimushiru was again attacked by Eleventh Army Air Force Liberators on June 15.

Army, Navy and Marine aircraft of Central Pacific Air Forces bombed objectives in the Marshall Islands and Eastern Caroline Islands on June 13 and 15 (West Longitude Date.)

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 54, JUNE 17, 1944

United States Marines and Army troops advancing east across the southern portion of Saipan Island, made gains averaging 1500 yards during the night of June 15‑16 and on June 16 (West Longitude Date). The area now held by our forces extends from a point just south of Garapan for a distance of approximately five and one half miles to Agingan and extends inland two miles at the point of deepest penetration. Our forces have captured Hinashisu due east of Lake Susupe.

Our positions were under sustained enemy fire during the night of June 15‑16, and before dawn on June 16 the enemy launched a determined counterattack. This attack, which was broken up, cost the enemy heavily in lives and destroyed more than 25 enemy tanks.

Early in the morning of June 16 our troops launched the offensive which resulted in general advances. Some of our forward echelons penetrated the Naval air base at Aslito Airdrome but were later withdrawn under severe enemy fire.

During the action on June 16 our aircraft bombed and strafed enemy posi‑

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tions, and during the night of June 15‑16 enemy strong points were shelled by our ships.

On June 15 one of our destroyer transports encountered five enemy coastal cargo ships and sank them. Twenty‑nine survivors were rescued and made prisoners of war.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 448, JUNE 17, 1944

As the South Pacific has become relatively quiet, Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., U. S. Navy, has been relieved of command of the South Pacific Area and the South Pacific Force. He will henceforth command the Third Fleet which will operate in the Pacific Ocean in the same way that the Fifth Fleet is operating under command of Admiral Raymond A. Spruance, USN

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 55, JUNE 18, 1944

In the early morning of June 17 (West Longitude date) the enemy launched an amphibious counterattack against our forces on Saipan. A group of troop‑carrying barges attempted a landing south of Garapan, but were repulsed by our armed landing craft. Thirteen enemy barges were sunk.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 56, JUNE 19, 1944

Our assault troops on Saipan Island have captured Aslito Airdrome and have driven eastward across the island to Magicienne Bay, where we hold the western shore. Two pockets of enemy resistance remain east of Lake Susupe. The enemy continues to counterattack, but all attacks have been successfully repulsed.

Seabees are at work on the airstrips at Aslito Airdrome.

On June 18 (West Longitude Date) our carrier task force providing cover and support for our amphibious force was subjected to a severe aerial attack which continued for several hours.

The attack was successfully repulsed by our carrier aircraft and antiaircraft fire. Information presently available indicates that only one of our surface units was damaged, and this damage was minor.

It is believed a portion of the enemy planes were carrier‑based, and used nearby shore bases as shuttle points. However the effectiveness of this procedure was sharply limited by our systematic bombing and strafing of the airfields at Guam and Rota.

It is estimated that more than 300 enemy aircraft were destroyed by our forces during this engagement. No estimate is yet available of our own aircraft losses.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 526, JUNE 20, 1944

1. The submarine, USS Grayback, is overdue from patrol and must be presumed to be lost.

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

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 57, JUNE 20, 1944

United States Marines and Army infantrymen are continuing to advance on Saipan Island closely supported by aircraft bombing by Army and Marine artillery and Naval gunfire against severe enemy artillery fire. Our troops now hold the entire southern portion of the island from the southern outskirts of Garapan across to the center of the western shore of Magicienne Bay. Several strong pockets of enemy resistance within this area are being heavily attacked by our forces.

During June 19 (West Longitude Date) the airfields on Tinian Island were bombed by our aircraft and shelled by our surface units.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 450, JUNE 20, 1944

Truk Atoll was bombed by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force on June 18 (West Longitude Date). Airfields on Moen Island were principal targets. No fighter interference was encountered and antiaircraft fire was meager.

A single Seventh Army Air Force Liberator bombed Ponape on June 18.

Nauru Island was attacked on June 18 by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers which shelled and bombed antiaircraft emplacements and buildings. Antiaircraft fire was intense but inaccurate.

Enemy positions in the Marshalls were attacked during the day and night of June 18 by Catalina search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and Navy Hellcat fighters. Antiaircraft fire did sufficient damage to a Dauntless dive bomber to force it down on the water before reaching its base. The crew was rescued by a Catalina search plane of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 58, JUNE 21, 1944

In the afternoon of June 19 (West Longitude Date) carrier‑based reconnaissance planes of the Fifth Fleet sighted a Japanese fleet, which included carriers and battleships, approximately midway between the Mariana Islands and Luzon. Aircraft of our fast carrier task force were immediately ordered to attack and made contact with the enemy fleet before dusk. Enemy losses and our own losses have not yet been assessed. Additional details will be made known as they become available.

In the ground fighting on Saipan Island, our assault troops made advances in a northly direction along the western shore of Magicienne Bay and made progress against an enemy strong point at Nafutan Point. Severe fighting continues.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 452, JUNE 21, 1944

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Shimushu in the Kuriles before dawn on June 17 (West Longitude Date). Fires were started near the airfield. No opposition was encountered. Paramushiru Island was bombed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four and Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force before dawn on June 19. Antiaircraft fire was meager and no attempt was made, to intercept our force.

Truk Atoll was attacked by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators during

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daylight on June 19. Intense antiaircraft fire was encountered but there was no fighter opposition. Ponape Island was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators and Mitchells on June 19.

Mille, Maloelap and Wotje Atolls were bombed on June 19 by Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Ventura and Catalina search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Group One, and Navy Hellcat fighters.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 59, JUNE 22, 1944

1. During the attack by enemy carrier‑type aircraft on our ships on June 18 (West Longitude Date), 353 enemy aircraft were shot down of which 335 were destroyed by our carrier aircraft and 18 by our own antiaircraft fire. This is a revision of the estimate contained in communiqué No. 56.

Two of our carriers and one of our battleships received superficial damage. We lost 21 aircraft in combat.

2. The following information is now available concerning the attack of our carrier aircraft upon units of the Japanese fleet in the late afternoon of June 19 (West Longitude Date).

The enemy forces attacked consisted of: Four or more battleships, five or six carriers, five fleet tankers, and attached cruisers and destroyers.

On the basis of information presently available, our planes inflicted the following damage

One carrier, believed to be the Zuikaku, received three 1,000‑pound bomb hits.

One Hayataka Class carrier was sunk.

One Hayataka Class carrier was severely damaged and left burning furiously.

One light carrier of the Zuiho or Taiho Class received at least one bomb hit.

One Kongo Class battleship was damaged.

One cruiser was damaged.

Three destroyers were damaged, one of which is believed to have sunk.

Three tankers were sunk.

Two tankers were severely damaged and left burning.

Fifteen to 20 defending aircraft were shot down.

Our losses were 49 aircraft, including many which landed in the water at night and from which an as yet undetermined number of pilots and aircrewmen have been rescued. Search for others is continuing.

3. The engagement was broken off by the Japanese fleet which fled during the night toward the channel between Formosa and Luzon.

The Pacific Fleet units in these two actions were commanded by Admiral R. A: Spruance. The carrier task force was under the immediate tactical command of Vice Admiral M. A. Mitscher.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 60, JUNE 22, 1944

Our troops on Saipan Island have made further advances of more than a mile along the shoreline of Magicienne Bay to the town of Laulau and have advanced about a mile up Mount Tapotchau. The pocket of enemy resistance tat Nafutan Point has been reduced by one half, and our forces have gained

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the heights of Mount Nafutan on the east coast. Heavy pressure is being maintained night and day against enemy troop concentrations and defense works by our aircraft, Army and Marine artillery, and Naval gunfire.

At night on June 20 (West Longitude Date) several enemy aircraft dropped bombs near our transports and along shore but did no damage. Sporadic fire has been directed against our ships by shore batteries but the enemy emplacements have been quickly knocked out.

JUNE 22, 1944

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF THE NAVY JAMES FORRESTAL

"Under the circumstances our Fleet did a magnificent job, but the Navy is not going to be satisfied until the Japanese Fleet is wiped out.

"The Japanese were extremely cautious and never came very far to the eastward so that the bulk of our forces could engage them. As a result, we were able to send home but one air attack at very long range from our carriers just before dark.

"Some of the Japanese vessels which were damaged may be able to make port and eventually return to the fight. This is especially true of the warships, only one of which is reported as definitely sunk."

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 527, JUNE 23, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 16 vessels, including one Naval auxiliary, as a result A operations in these waters, as follows

11 medium cargo vessels

4 small cargo vessels

1 medium Naval auxiliary

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

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 61, JUNE 23, 1944

A Pacific Fleet submarine torpedoed a Shokaku Class carrier on June 18 (West Longitude Date). Three torpedo hits were obtained and the Japanese carrier is regarded as probably sunk.

Supplementing Pacific Ocean Areas communiqué No. 59, the following more detailed information is now available concerning the strike by carriers of the Fifth. Fleet against units of the Japanese fleet on June 19:

One small carrier of unidentified class previously reported damaged received two aerial torpedo hits.

One destroyer previously reported damaged sank.

Two additional Japanese navy twin‑engined bombers were shot down by carrier aircraft returning to our carriers after attacking the Japanese force.

Ponape Island was bombed on June 20 by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers, and on June 21 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. Gun positions were principal targets.

Seventy tons of bombs were dropped on Truk Atoll by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force on June 20 and 21. On June 20 five enemy aircraft

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attempted to intercept our force. Two enemy fighters were damaged, and one Liberator was damaged. On June 21 nine enemy aircraft attempted to Intercept our force. One Liberator was damaged and one enemy fighter. All of our planes returned.

Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Catalina search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, and Navy Hellcat fighters carried out attacks in the Marshalls on June 20 and 21, bombing and strafing gun positions and targets of opportunity.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 62, JUNE 24, 1944

1. Carrier aircraft of the fast carrier task force swept Iwo Jima in the Bonin Islands on June 23 (West Longitude Date). Sixty or more enemy aircraft of a force which attempted to intercept our fighters were shot down. Twelve of the enemy planes found our carriers and all of these were shot down by our combat air patrols. We lost four fighters. There was no damage to our surface ships.

2. Pagan Island in the northern Marianas was attacked by carrier aircraft on June 22. The following damage was inflicted on the enemy

Four small cargo ships and one sampan, sunk.

Two small cargo ships and 12 sampans, damaged.

Four enemy aircraft destroyed and two probably destroyed on the ground.

A flight consisting of one twin‑engine bomber and five Zero fighters Intercepted some distance from our carrier force was shot down.

A wharf and fuel dumps at Pagan were destroyed and buildings and runways were damaged.

We lost one Hellcat fighter and one pilot.

3. United States Marines and Army troops are pushing ahead on Saipan Island and have made new gains along the northern shore of Magicienne Bay. Booby traps and land mines are being extensively employed by the enemy. Two enemy aircraft detected in the Saipan area were shot down by carrier aircraft of the fighter screen on June 21. Coastal guns on Tinian Island have intermittently shelled our ships at anchor of Saipan, but have done little damage. On June 23 the airfields on Tinian Island were heavily bombed and shelled.

4. The airstrip and buildings at Rota Island were attacked by carrier aircraft on June 22. A medium cargo ship at Rota was sunk by an aerial torpedo. Our planes received no damage.

5. Shimushu Island in the Kuriles was attacked by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four before dawn on June 23. In the Central Pacific, Army, Navy, and Marine aircraft continued neutralization raids on June 23 against enemy positions in the Marshall and Caroline Islands.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 63, JUNE 25, 1944

On the basis of latest reports received tabulating damage inflicted upon the enemy during operations in the Mariana Islands, the following revisions are necessary.

A) During the attack by enemy carrier aircraft on our ships on June 18 (West Longitude Date), 402 enemy aircraft were destroyed, of which 369 were shot down by our carrier‑based fighters, 18 by antiaircraft fire; and 15 were

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destroyed on the ground. We lost 18 pilots and 6 aircrewmen from 27 aircraft shot down by the enemy.

B) In the attack by our carrier aircraft upon units of the Japanese Fleet in the late afternoon of June 19, one heavy cruiser and one light cruiser, neither of which was previously reported, were damaged. One light carrier, not previously reported, received seven 500‑pound bomb hits. One of the three tankers previously reported sunk has been. transferred to the severely damaged category. 26 enemy aircraft were shot down, instead of the previously reported 17 to 22. We lost 22 pilots and 27 aircrewmen from 95 aircraft either shot down by the enemy or forced to land in the water.

C) In the fighter sweep over Iwo Jima in the Volcano Island on June 23, 116 enemy aircraft were shot down, and 11 were probably shot down. We lost five fighters instead of four.

On June 24, United States Marines and Army troops on Saipan launched an attack, preceded by intense artillery and Naval gunfire preparation, which resulted in advances on our Western flank around Mount Tapotchau, ranging from 500 to 800 yards. Strong enemy opposition continues. Enemy aircraft dropped bombs among our transports off Saipan on June 23, doing minor damage to several landing craft. During the evening of June 23 a small fight of enemy planes dropped several bombs in the area occupied by our forces on Saipan. Casualties were very light.

. On June 23, Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Truk Atoll, and Army, Navy and Marine aircraft continued their reduction of enemy defenses in the Marshall and Caroline Islands.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 528, JUNE 26, 1944

Mediterranean Area.

1. The U. S. Destroyer Escort Fechteler was sunk in the Mediterranean during the month of May as the result of enemy action.

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

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 64, JUNE 26, 1944

United States Marines scaled Mount Topatchau on June 24 (West Longitude Date) and have established positions near its summit. Further ground was gained along the western shore, and more of the southern portion of Garapan fell to our forces. Simultaneously, substantial gains were made along the eastern shore, and the gagman Peninsula is now entirely in our hands. In the center of our lines progress was slowed by enemy troops occupying caves in cliffs overlooking our positions. Our troops have advanced beyond and surrounded this pocket of resistance, and it is being subjected to artillery fire at close range. In the south, small gains were made against enemy troops cornered on Nafutan Peninsula. In these operations three coastal defense guns were captured on Kagman Peninsula. To date our forces have destroyed 36 enemy tanks and captured 40 more.

Guam and Rota Islands in the Marianas were attacked by aircraft of our fast carrier task force on June 24 (West Longitude Date). At Guam, six enemy aircraft were destroyed on the Orote Peninsula airfield, and two were probably destroyed: Runway revetments were bombed. A large cargo vessel in Apra Harbor, damaged in a previous strike, was attacked again. Several

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tons of bombs were dropped on the airstrip near Agana Town, and one enemy plane was destroyed on the ground and eight to ten were damaged. At Rota Island, revetments and buildings were bombed, and fires started. Two enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground.

Paramushiru and Shimushu in the Kurile Islands were bombed by Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four before dawn on June 24, starting large fires. Intense antiaircraft fire was encountered. All of our planes returned.

Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Navy Hellcat fighters continued neutralization raids in the Marshalls on June 24.

JUNE 28, 1944

NAVAL ADVANCE TO THE WESTWARD

The advance of our Naval forces to the westward began with the reoccupation of Attu and Kiska in the far north, and the capture of the most important islands in the Solomons group in the far south.

From our far northern bases we began attacking the Japanese Kuriles from the air. We have also made several surface vessel bombardments against the enemy's shore installations in the Kurile chain.

In the south, the successful termination of the Solomons campaign made possible air and surface raids against Japanese garrisons in the Bismarck Archipelago and along the northern New Guinea Coast.

With our positions in the far north and in the south firmly established the next step was the squeeze made in the middle of the enemy's perimeter. This resulted in the capture of the Gilbert Islands. Following that, the Marshall campaign then gave us Kwajalein, Majuro; and Eniwetok. .Farther to the south we took the Admiralty Islands and also important positions on New Britain. Then strategic areas along the northern New Guinea coast fell to us with the. result that we were then able to launch air and. surface attacks against Truk, Ponape, Kusaie and other islands in the Caroline group, from several directions. We also were able to strike from Australia in the far south against Japanese positions in Java. But it was the capture of certain of the Marshalls group that permitted us to launch our surface and air attacks as far west‑as Palau, Guam, Saipan, Rota and the Bonin Islands.

Our last offensive blow, aimed in the ultimate capture of Saipan, already has permitted our air and surface fleets to strike still farther westward. The final occupation of Saipan will enable us to project surface and air operations that will include the mainland of Japan, the Philippines and a greater part of the Dutch East Indies.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 65, JUNE 28, 1944

1. United States Marine and Army troops have made further gains on Saipan Island, pushing north nearly two miles along the east coast, passing the villages of Donnay and Hashigoru: On the west coast, further penetrations have been made into Garapan Town. Enemy troops broke through our lines containing them on Nafutan Point on the night of June 26 (West Longitude Date), and attempted to drive northward. Two hundred enemy troops were killed in this counterattack. The next day further attacks were launched

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by our forces against Nafutan Point and the enemy now holds only the extreme tip of the point.

Close support is now being given our troops by shore‑based aircraft operating from Aslito Airdrome. Tinian Island has been subjected to protracted daily bombardment to neutralize enemy positions there.

On the night of June 25 several enemy torpedo planes attacked a carrier group screening our transports. Several torpedoes were launched, but no hits were obtained. One enemy plane was shot down, and another probably shot down. During the night of June 26‑27 enemy aircraft again attacked our transports, but all bombs landed in the water. One near miss on a transport injured a member of the crew.

2. Surface units of the Pacific Fleet bombarded Kurabu Zaki at the southern tip of Paramushiru in the Kuriles on the night of June 25‑26.

Paramushiru and Shimushu Islands were bombed by Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four before dawn on June 25 and 26. Several fires were started in these raids. Antiaircraft fire was intense. Eleven enemy fighters attacked a single Ventura of Fleet Air Wing Four near the airfield at Paramushiru before dawn on June 26. Two of the attacking planes were damaged, and one disappeared into a fog bank trailing smoke. The Ventura returned with superficial damage.

3. Carrier aircraft swept Guam and Rota Islands in the Marianas on June 26. Fuel reservoirs and coastal defense gun positions were bombed. three small craft in Apra Harbor at Guam were destroyed. The cargo vessel damaged in previous strikes was observed to have sunk. At Rota the airstrip was strafed and buildings were set afire. There was no enemy air opposition during these attacks.

4. Truk Atoll was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on June 25. One of five enemy fighters which intercepted our force was shot down. We suffered no damage. Army and Marine aircraft attacked enemy objectives in the Marshalls on June 25.

5. An enemy twin‑engine bomber was shot down south of the Hall Islands by a search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two, Group One, on June 26. The same day an enemy torpedo plane was damaged by another search plane northwest A Truk.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 66, JUNE 29, 1944

Organized resistance at Nafutan Point on Saipan Island ceased on June 27 (West Longitude Date). The entire point has been occupied by our forces. Small gains were made along the western shore into Garapan Town, and in the center of the island. Our advance northward is being made against severe enemy resistance. On the night of June 27 enemy aircraft dropped bombs in the area occupied by our forces. Two of the attacking planes were shot down by antiaircraft batteries.

Carrier aircraft attacked Pagan Island on June 27. Barracks and a water reservoir were hit. Only one plane was seen on the ground, and it appeared unserviceable. Several small craft badly damaged in previous strikes were hit by rocket fire.

Truk Atoll was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on June 27, and neutralization raids were made against objectives in the Marshall and Caroline Islands on June 26 and 27.

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JUNE 29, 1944

NAVAL AVIATORS HAVE DESTROYED MORE THAN 6,259 JAPANESE AIRPLANES

Naval Aviators have shot 5,521 Japanese warplanes out of the air since Pearl Harbor, while losing 1,260 planes in aerial combat. At least 65 per cent of the U. S. Navy airmen shot down have been rescued.

In addition to the 5,521 Jap aircraft destroyed in the air, Naval Aviators have, in 1944 alone, destroyed at least 738 Jap planes on the ground. Only 17 Navy planes were lost in this way during the same period.

This 43 to 1 ratio in ground destruction partially explains the drop in ratio of U. S. air victories In the last three months from 4.7 to 1 to 4.4 to 1, according to Rear Admiral A. W. Radford, USN, Acting Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air). He explained that the accumulation of Naval strength in the Pacific, plus increasing effectiveness of Navy aerial reconnaissance, has made it possible for carrier task forces to surprise the Japanese and destroy their aircraft before they can become airborne to fight.

"As a result," Admiral Radford said, "fewer Jap planes are available for us to shoot down. In addition, the Jap pilot is becoming less and less anxious to close with our pilots. So the air ratio of victories has dropped slightly. This is more than compensated, however, by the 43 to 1 ground ratio. We don't care where they are when we destroy them"

Compilation of statistics in ground destruction of planes for 1942 and 1943 is being completed, but that phase of the aerial war during that period was relatively unimportant.

Combining the available figures not including ground losses of 1942 and 1943, the Navy enjoys a 4.8 to 1 advantage over Japan in the air war, having shot out of the air and destroyed on the ground a total of 6,259 planes, as against 1,277 planes lost. These figures for destruction of Jap planes do not include losses inflicted by antiaircraft fire. They cover the period from December 7, 1941, through June 23, 1944. The figures for the period May 1 through June 23, 1944, are not final.

One reason for the increased air losses of Navy planes in 1944 over 1942 and 1943 is the loss of planes in the incessant Bombing raids on Jap holdings, such as the Kuriles, Truk and the Marshalls, where aerial opposition is rarely encountered any more, but where heavy antiaircraft exacts a toll‑a very small toll in relation to the frequency and intensity of the bombing raids carried out.

The record of air losses by years follows:

Year	Japs	Navy	Ratio
1942 (including December 1941)	1134	384	3‑1
1943	2212	351	6.3‑1
1944	2175	525	4‑1
Total	5521	1260	4.4‑1
1944 (ground)	738	17	43‑1
Grand total	6259	1277	4.8‑1

All of the Navy's planes have played a part in amassing the victory record. Naturally, it was the fighters‑Grumman Hellcat and Wildcat and Vought Corsair‑which scored the large majority of the victories, either while escorting the torpedo and dive bombers, or while defending American sea and land

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forces. The bombers‑Grumman Avenger, Douglas Dauntless and Curtiss Helldiver, Consolidated Catalinas and Liberators, Lockheed Venturas‑drove hone the heavy blows while the fighters fended off the enemy's air forces.

The Wildcat and Avenger are also built by General Motors' Eastern Aircraft Division, the Corsair by Goodyear. The Helldiver is also built by Canadian Car and Fairchild of Canada, the Liberator by Ford and Douglas.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 464, JUNE 29, 1944

Aslito Airfield on Saipan Island today was renamed Isely Field in honor of Commander Robert Henry Isely, USN, Commander of Torpedo Squadron Sixteen, who was shot down June 12 by Japanese antiaircraft fire as he was leading a bombing attack on the field.

The change in name was recommended by Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, Commander, Fast Carrier Task Force, Pacific Fleet, and was made by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas. Aslito Airdrome was first attacked by carrier aircraft of Admiral Mitscher's task force in February of this year.

A Naval aviator since 1937, Commander Isely had taken part in attacks at Tarawa and other Gilbert Islands, at Kwajalein, Palau, Woleai and Truk. He flew aerial cover for General MacArthur's troops when they landed in Hollandia in New Guinea. Admiral Mitscher's recommendation was based on Commander Isely's gallant performance of duty during all of these Pacific actions. '

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 67, JUNE 30, 1944

Our troops on Saipan Island have made new gains both in the center and on the right flank of our lines, pushing ahead through difficult terrain and intensified enemy resistance. High ground occupied near the town of Charan Danshii places our forces in a commanding position over the area held by the enemy. Strong points in the Tanapag area are being subjected to aircraft bombing and shelling by Naval surface vessels. Air attacks and Naval gunfire continue against enemy defenses on Tinian Island.

Our casualties in the ground fighting on Saipan Island through June 28 (West Longitude Date) are as follows: Killed in action: Marines, 1,289, Army, 185, total 1,474. Wounded in action: Marines, 6,377, Army 1,023, total 7,400. Missing in action: Marines, 827, Army, 51, total 878.

No accurate estimate of enemy casualties is possible. A great many Japanese dead and wounded have been carried back by the retreating enemy troops. However, our troops have buried 4,951 enemy dead.

Rota Island was attacked by carrier aircraft on June 28 (West Longitude Date). Fires were started, and revetments and runways were bombed and strafed. No enemy aircraft attempted to intercept our forces.

Army, Navy, and Marine aircraft continued neutralization raids against enemy objectives in the Marshall and Caroline Islands on June 28.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 68, JULY 1, 1944

Our troops are consolidating their positions on Saipan Island and have wiped out several pockets of resistance by‑passed in previous advances. Small

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gains were made during June 29 (West Longitude Date) in the central sector of our lines. During the night of June 29‑30 several enemy planes dropped bombs in the area occupied by our forces. One enemy plane was shot down. Aircraft bombing and Naval shelling intended to neutralize enemy gun positions on Tinian Island continues.

Buildings and runways on Rota Island were bombed by carrier aircraft on June 29. No enemy aircraft attempted to intercept our force.

Paramushiru and Shimushu in the Kurile Islands were bombed before dawn on June 29 by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four. No attempt was made to intercept our force and antiaircraft fire was meager. All of our aircraft returned.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 69, JULY 2, 1944

Marine and Army troops on Saipan Island have made small gains in the central sector, and on the right side of our lines advance patrols have forged ahead distances up to a mile. To June 30 (West Longitude Date) eighty enemy tanks have been destroyed or captured. Our troops have buried 6015 enemy dead and have taken more than 200 prisoners of war.

Seventy tons of bombs were dropped on Truk Atoll by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force on June 29. Several airborne enemy fighters made ineffective attempts to intercept our force. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered. On the same day Army, Navy, and Marine aircraft bombed Ponape and Nauru Islands and remaining enemy objectives in the Marshall Islands.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 70, JULY 2, 1944

The Second and Fourth Marine Divisions and the Twenty‑seventh Infantry Division have made gains ranging from 500 yards to a mile along their entire front on Saipan Island. The advance was made during July 1 (West Longitude Date) with the close support of aircraft, artillery, and Naval gunfire. On the right flank our troops are within 5 1/2 miles of the northern tip of the island. On the left flank our forces have penetrated further into Garapan, and have seized the heights overlooking the town and Tanapag Harbor. In the center we have occupied the mountain village of Charan Tabute. Large quantities of enemy equipment, including food and ammunition, have fallen into our hands.

Before dawn on July 1 several enemy aircraft attempted to attack our transports and screening vessels. These attacks did no damage. Two enemy aircraft were shot down.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Truk Atoll on the night of June 30‑July 1. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. Several enemy fighters made an ineffective attempt to attack our force. Army, Navy and Marine aircraft continued attacks against enemy positions in the Marshall islands on June 30. A Dauntless dive bomber of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing was forced to land in the water near Maloelap Atoll, and the pilot VMS rescued by a Catalina search plane of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two.

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 465, JULY 2, 1944

The principal components of the expeditionary troops now fighting on Saipan consist of the Second Marine Division, the Fourth Marine Division and the Twenty‑seventh Infantry Division, U.S.A.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 71, JULY 4, 1944

Garapan and Tanapag Towns on Saipan Island have been captured by our forces in a general advance along the entire front. Our line now extends inland from Tanapag on the west coast of the island, skirts the mountain village of Atchugau in the center, and is anchored on the east coast at a point within four miles of Inagsa Point at the northeast tip of Saipan. During the night of July 2‑3 (West Longitude Date) a small force of Japanese attacked our lines from the rear. Twenty‑five enemy troops were killed. We suffered no losses. Our troops have buried 7,312 enemy dead.

Carrier aircraft of a fast carrier task group attacked Iwo Jima Island on July‑2 (West Longitude Date). Thirty‑nine enemy fighters which attempted to intercept our force were shot down, and 16 were probably shot down. Incomplete reports indicate 24 enemy aircraft were destroyed or damaged on the ground. Two small vessels were strafed, and bomb hits were obtained on a fuel dump.

Rota Island was bombed by carrier aircraft and shelled by light Naval surface units on July 2. Runways and revetments were hit. A huge explosion was caused by a hit apparently in an ammunition dump.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Truk Atoll during daylight on July 1 and at night on July 2. In the attack on July 1 seven enemy fighters intercepted our force. Four enemy aircraft and two Liberators were damaged. All our planes returned. No effective opposition was encountered on July 2. Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked enemy positions in the Marshall Islands on July 1 and 2.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 72, JULY 4, 1944

Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands and Haha Jima in the Bonin Islands were heavily attacked by carrier aircraft of a fast carrier task group on July 3 (West Longitude Date). Iwo Jima, in addition to being severely bombed and strafed, was shelled by cruisers and destroyers. Rocket fire from carrier aircraft was extensively employed at both objectives.

Preliminary reports indicate the following damage to the enemy

Three destroyers sunk or beached.

One large cargo ship sunk.

One medium oiler sunk.

One destroyer, dead in the water and burning.

Several small cargo ships damaged.

Harbor installations and warehouses at Haha Jima were set afire by bombs, rockets, and machine gun fire.

Twenty‑five enemy planes were shot down by our aircraft, and an undetermined number damaged on‑‑the ground. We lost six planes.

There was no damage to any of our surface craft.

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JULY 5, 1944

REMARKS BY SECRETARY OF THE NAVY AT PRESS CONFERENCE

You have the news review for this week. I would like to make these further observations:

The Navy's desire is to present the news of the war so far as Naval action is concerned as realistically as is humanly possible. It is desired that news be angled neither optimistically nor pessimistically; any such attempt carries the implication that the people of the country are not able to place proper evaluation upon events of the war. The Navy does not believe that to be the case.

At the conclusion of a recital of news such as has been related today, I am always struck by the fact that the net impression left is a distinctly favorable one; the cumulative effect of such impressions cannot but lead subconsciously to the conclusion that the war is relatively close to being over.

That is not the case. I am saying that as much to myself as to you. What is happening now is that, logistically speaking, we are getting close to the place where we can force the enemy in the Pacific to stand up and fight; but I have no illusions but that the fighting which the enemy will do when he is cornered will be bitter and costly. In battering down the outer rim of Japanese defenses we have been successful, and that work has gone at a somewhat faster pace than had been hoped for. The main battles, however, which will be necessary before Japanese power can be destroyed are still to come. It is likely that these final battles will occur on land, and that means the application of infantry power with all of the accompanying elements of assault over vast areas.

The war in the Pacific goes well, but it is a long war.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 529, JULY 5, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 17 vessels, including two combatant ships, as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters, as follows

1 light cruiser

1 destroyer

2 medium tankers

5 medium cargo transports

3 small cargo vessels

1 large cargo transport

3 medium cargo vessels

1 small cargo transport

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

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 73, JULY 6, 1944

Reports from a fast carrier task group which attacked Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands on July 3 (West Longitude Date) and participated in the attack on Haha Jima the same day indicate the following additional damage to the enemy

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A group of several enemy ships located eighty miles northwest of Chichi Jima was attacked, resulting in the sinking of two destroyer escort type vessels and damage to a medium cargo ship. At Chichi Jima the following results were obtained:

One small oiler, one medium ammunition ship and one medium cargo ship, sunk. One minelayer, one trawler and four luggers probably sunk. One large cargo ship, three medium cargo ships, one small cargo ship, two small oilers, one minelayer and one destroyer damaged. Several were beached.

At Haha Jima two small cargo ships and nine luggers were damaged. Buildings and defense installations were bombed at both objectives. Nine enemy aircraft were shot down, and three were damaged on the ground. In these strikes we lost five pilots and four aircrewmen from seven of our aircraft which failed to return.

Pagan Island in the Marianas was attacked by carrier aircraft on July 4 (West Longitude Date). The runway at the airfield and adjacent buildings were bombed and strafed.

Barracks and supply facilities at Guam Island were bombed by carrier aircraft on July 4, starting large fires. We lost one plane from intense antiaircraft fire.

Search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, Group One, bombed gun positions at Marpi Point on Saipan Island on July 4, strafed the airfields at Tinian Island and bombed defense installations.

Forty tons of bombs were dropped on Truk Atoll by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on July 4, hitting antiaircraft positions and objectives near the airfield. Five enemy aircraft were in the air but did not attempt to intercept our force. Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers on the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued to neutralize enemy positions in the Marshalls on July 4.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 74, JULY 7, 1944

Our ground forces on Saipan have continued advancing against strong opposition. On the eastern side of the island our line has reached a point less than two miles from Inagsa Point on the northeast tip of Saipan, and extends laterally across the island to a western anchor slightly more than four miles from Marpi Point on the northwest tip. A force of approximately 200 of the enemy attempted to evacuate from the northwest coast of Saipan in barges on the night of July 4‑5 (West Longitude Date). The formation was broken up by artillery fire. Our troops have buried 8,914 enemy dead.

Aircraft of our fast carrier task force attacked Guam and Rota on July 5 and 6 (West Longitude Date). Airstrips and other ground installations were worked over with bombs, rockets, and machine gun fire. At Rota one enemy plane was destroyed on the ground, and two were damaged. There was no enemy interception at either objective. We lost two fighters. The pilot of one was rescued.

During July 5, Seventh Army Air Force Liberators attacked Moen, in the Truk group, with 30 tons of bombs. On the same day Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of Group One, Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Wotje, Jaluit, and Taroa in the Marshall Islands. We lost no planes.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 75, JULY 8, 1944

Before dawn on July 6 (West Longitude Date) several thousand Japanese troops launched a desperate counterattack directed against the left flank of our line on Saipan Island. In this attack our lines along the western shore were penetrated up to 2,000 yards, and the enemy reached the outskirts of Tanapag Town. The counterattack was halted before noon, and our troops began to push the enemy back. In this assault the fighting was very severe and numerous casualties were incurred. It is estimated 1,500 Japanese troops were killed. Meantime on the right flank our forces continued their advance and are now a little more than a mile from the airfield at Marpi Point.

Small groups of enemy planes raided our positions on Saipan before dawn on July 6 and on the night of July 6‑7. Bombs were also dropped near some of our ships but did no damage. One enemy plane was shot down. Isely Field on Saipan was shelled by shore batteries on Tinian Island before dawn on July 6 but the enemy batteries were quickly silenced by destroyer and artillery fire.

Supplementing Communiqué Number 72, it has been determined that 32 enemy aircraft were destroyed and 96 damaged on the ground by our carrier aircraft in attacks on Chichi Jima and Haha Jima on July 3.

Nineteen of the aircraft destroyed and 34 of those damaged were two-engine bombers.

Some of this total may have been damaged in previous strikes by our aircraft.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force dropped 43 tons of bombs at the Dublon Island naval base in Truk Atoll on July 6. Five of approximately 12 enemy fighters which attempted to intercept our force were shot down. Three of our aircraft received minor damage.

Nauru Island was bombed by Liberator and Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force on July 6. Incendiary bombs started fires visible for 30 miles.

Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Wotje and Maloelap Atolls on July 6, bombing and strafing remaining enemy defense installations.

JOINT STATEMENT, JULY 9, 1944

The following statement on submarine warfare has been approved by the President and the Prime Minister.

"Hitler's submarine fleet failed on all counts in June 1944. Not only were the U‑boats unable to halt the United Nations' invasion of the continent, but their efforts to prevent the necessary supplying of our constantly growing Allied Army in Europe were made completely ineffective by our counter‑measures.

"The U‑boats apparently concentrated to the west of the invasion during the month, relatively few of them being disposed over the Atlantic. Their sinking of United Nations' merchant vessels reached almost the lowest figure of the entire war. For every United Nations' merchant vessel sunk by German submarines, several times as many U‑boats were sent to the bottom."

The President has also approved the recommendation of the Prime Minis‑

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ter that the following additional special communiqué be released with the U‑boat statement:

"Thousands of Allied ships have been moved across the Channel to Normandy and coastwise to build up the Military Forces engaged in the liberation of Europe. No merchant vessel of this vast concourse has been sunk by U‑boat with the possible exception of one ship. In this case doubt exists as to her destruction by U‑boat or mine.

"This is despite attempts by a substantial force of U‑boats to pass up‑channel from their bases In Norway and France. Such attempts were of course expected and U. S. and British Air Squadrons of coastal command, working in cooperation with the surface forces of the Allied Navies, were ready.

"From the moment that the U‑boats sailed from their bases they were attacked by aircraft of coastal command. Both aircraft and surface forces followed up sighting reports, hunting and attacking the U‑boats with relentless determination.

"The enemy were thus frustrated by the brilliant and unceasing work of coastal command and the tireless patrols of the surface forces and have suffered heavy casualties.

"Operations continue."

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 76, JULY 9, 1944

Our forces have completed the conquest of Saipan. Organized resistance ended on the afternoon of July 8 (West Longitude Date) and the elimination of scattered, disorganized remnants of the enemy force is proceeding rapidly.

Aircraft of our fast carrier task force attacked Guam and Rota on July 7‑8 (West Longitude Date). Runways, antiaircraft batteries, coastal defense guns and barracks were subjected to rocket fire and bombing. On July 7 nine enemy fighters apparently attempting to fly from Guam to Yap Island were shot down by our combat air patrol. Six twin‑engine enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground and two were probably destroyed near Agana Town at Guam. We lost one fighter and one torpedo bomber in these raids.

Twenty‑two tons of bombs were dropped on Truk Atoll on the night of July 7‑8 by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force. There was no Interception, and all of our planes returned safely.

During July 7 Mille, Jaluit, Taroa, and Wotje were harassed by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, and a search Catalina of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, attacked Taroa before dawn on July 7. We lost no planes.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 77, JULY 10, 1944

Guam Island was shelled by light surface units of the Pacific Fleet on July 8 (West Longitude Date). Defense positions And buildings were damaged, and several small craft along the beaches were hit.

Carrier aircraft of a fast carrier task group attacked Guam and Rota island on July 9. At Guam military objectives at Piti Town were hit, and antiaircraft batteries and coastal guns bombed. Antiaircraft fire ranged from moderate to intense. One of our aircraft made a water landing and a destroyer rescued the crew. At Rota Island rockets and bombs were used

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against objectives in Rota Town and the airstrip, and gun emplacements were strafed.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Truk Atoll on July 8. Several enemy aircraft were in the air but did not press home an attack. One Liberator received minor damage from moderate antiaircraft fire. Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Jaluit, Maloelap and Wotje in the Marshalls on July 9.

JULY 11, 1944

SUBMARINE LOST IN PACIFIC DURING TRAINING EXERCISES

The U. S. submarine S‑28 recently was accidentally lost in the Pacific while engaged in training exercises.

The depth of water makes it impossible to salvage the submarine and hope has been abandoned for the recovery of the missing personnel.

An investigation is now in progress to determine the available facts in the case.

There were no survivors. The next of kin of casualties have been notified.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 78, JULY 11, 1944

Mopping up operations continued on Saipan on July 9 (West Longitude Date). Small segments of enemy troops continued to make futile attacks against our forces and were killed or driven into temporary refuge to be hunted down later. Many of the enemy survivors who had been driven into the sea on the night of July 8 were found in the hulks of ships wrecked offshore and killed or captured. A number of the enemy found swimming in the sea were made prisoners.

Light surface units of the Pacific Fleet shelled Guam Island on July 9.

Our shore‑based fighters attacked Pagan Island in the Marianas on July 7. Antiaircraft fire was intense. The enemy made no attempt to intercept our force.

Paramushiru and Shimushu Islands in the Kuriles were bombed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four before dawn on July 10. Several fires were started. Antiaircraft fire was light, and all of our planes returned without damage.

Truk Atoll was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators before dawn on July 10. Antiaircraft positions on Moen Island were bombed. Antiaircraft fire was meager and no interception was attempted. Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force, Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, conducted further neutralization raids against enemy positions in the Marshall Islands on July 9.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 79, JULY 12, 1944

Mopping up operations and elimination of snipers continued on Saipan Island during July 10 and 11 (West Longitude Dates). One Marine regiment killed 711 enemy troops on July 10. Our forces have now captured more than 1,000 enemy troops who have been made prisoners of war, and have interned more than 8,000 civilians.

Guam and Rota Islands were attacked by carrier aircraft of a fast car‑

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rier task group on July 10. Military installations at Agana, Umatac, and Agat Towns on the western shore of Guam Island were bombed and subjected to rocket fire. Buildings near Orote Point were also hit. At Rota Island runways and defense installations were bombed. One twin‑engine enemy bomber was shot down. There was no attempt at fighter interception. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

Fifty tons of bombs were dropped by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on July 10 at the Dublon Island Naval Base in Truk Atoll. No interception was attempted and antiaircraft fire was meager. Neutralization raids against enemy positions In the Marshalls were carried out by the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Fleet Air Wing Two on July 10.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 530, JULY 13, 1944

European Theater.

1. In Allied operations for Europe's Liberation the following U. S. Naval ships were lost due to enemy action:

USS Tide (minesweeper)

USS Partridge (fleet tug)

USS Susan B. Anthony (transport)

USS Meredith (destroyer)

USS Glennon (destroyer)

USS Corry (destroyer)

USS Rich (destroyer escort)

2. Notification has been made to next of kin of all casualties.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 80, JULY 13, 1944

Guam Island was shelled by cruisers and destroyers of the Pacific Fleet on July 10 and 11 (West Longitude Dates). Gun emplacements, blockhouses, and warehouses were hit. Five barges were sunk. There was no damage to our surface ships.

Guam and Rota Islands were attacked by carrier aircraft of a fast carrier task group on July 11 and 12. Rockets and bombs were employed against defense installations and runways at Rota Island on July 11. Many fires were started. At Guam military objectives near Piti were hit, and gun emplacements were strafed. Antiaircraft fire was moderate. We lost one plane.

Truk Atoll was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators at night on July 11. Antiaircraft positions were principal targets. Several enemy planes were in the air but did not attempt to intercept our force.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 81, JULY 13, 1944

Elements of the Second Marine Division landed on Maniagassa Island approximately two miles north of Mutcho Point on Saipan Island on July 12 (West Longitude Date). Light resistance encountered was quickly overcome. Elimination of the remnants of Japanese resistance continues on Saipan island, and additional prisoners have been taken. Enemy dead which have been buried, by our troops now number nearly 16,000 with a good many yet to be buried. Artillery bombardment and Naval gunfire intended to neutralize enemy defenses is being directed against Tinian Island.

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It was learned on Saipan that July 7 (West Longitude Date) Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, Commander in Chief of the Central Pacific Area for the Imperial Japanese Navy, was among those who met their deaths on Saipan Island. On the same day one Rear Admiral Yano lost his life. Vice Admiral Nagumo was in command of the Japanese forces which attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941; and was in command of the Japanese carrier task force that was destroyed in the Battle of Midway. Prior to his present duty he was commandant of the Sasebo naval base.

It is now clear that Saipan Island was built up by the Japanese as the principal fortress guarding the southern approaches to Japan and as a major supply base for Japan's temporary holdings in the South Seas area. Saipan was long the seat of the Japanese government for the mandated Marianas, and Garapan Town was the headquarters of the Commander in Chief, Central Pacific Area. The topography of the island lent itself well to defense, and elaborate fortifications manned by picked Japanese troops testify to the importance which the enemy attached to the island. The seizure of Saipan constitutes a major breach in the Japanese line of inner defenses, and it is our intention to capitalize upon this breach with all means available.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 474, JULY 15, 1944

Guam and Rota Islands were attacked by carrier aircraft of a fast carrier task group on July 13 (West Longitude Date). Bombs and rockets set fire to buildings and ammunition dumps, and damaged storage facilities, gun positions, and other defense installations. We lost no aircraft. One of our destroyers sank a small enemy coastal transport near Guam during the night of July 10‑11.

Liberator bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Truk Atoll on July 12. Defense installations at Eten and Dublon Islands were the principal targets. Sixteen to 19 enemy fighters attempted to intercept our force. Four fighters were shot down, four were probably shot down, and five were damaged. Four of our aircraft received minor damage. Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed enemy positions in the Marshall Islands on July 11 and 12.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 475, JULY 15, 1944

Guam Island was shelled by units of the Pacific Fleet and bombed by carrier aircraft on July 14 (West Longitude Date). Gun emplacements and the airfield at Orote were principal targets. Four enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Mitchell medium bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force and Liberator search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, bombed Nauru Island on July 13. Orro Town was hit and several fires started. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. Truk Atoll was bombed on July 13 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. Antiaircraft positions on Dublon and Moen Islands were hit. Several enemy fighters were in the air but failed to press home their attacks. On the same day Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Ponape Island, and remaining enemy positions in the Marshalls were attacked by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 476, JULY 16, 1944

Guam Island was attacked on July 15 (West Longitude Date) by aircraft of a fast carrier task group. Bombs and rockets destroyed or damaged buildings and caused fires among bivouac areas. A dive bomber was shot down but landed in the water two miles off Guam where the crew was picked up by one of our destroyers.

On July 15 rocket‑firing carrier planes attacked ground installations on Rota Island. Fires were started and a direct hit scored on a concentration of automotive and railroad equipment.

Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was attacked July 13 by low flying Liberators of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two. A Japanese destroyer was hit squarely by a 500‑pound bomb. Explosions and fires resulted after one 6,000‑ton and one 3,000‑ton cargo ship were strafed. A destroyer escort, a coastal ship and 12 smaller craft were heavily strafed. An oil dump was set afire and five other fires were started. Three Japanese airplanes on the ground at the time of the attack on the south field were believed destroyed and 10 damaged by strafing. There was no enemy airborne interception. Intense antiaircraft fire slightly damaged one of our planes.

Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers bombed Japanese antiaircraft and coastal gun positions in the Marshall Islands on July 14. Gun emplacements were strafed. Meager antiaircraft fire damaged one of our planes.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 477, JULY 17, 1944

Gun emplacements and other defense installations on Guam Island were heavily shelled by battleships, cruisers, and destroyers of the Pacific Fleet on July 15 (West Longitude Date). Enemy shore batteries returned sporadic fire but did no damage to our surface ships.

On July 16 aircraft of a fast carrier task group obtained direct hits on an airfield at Rota Island, bombed barracks, and destroyed a bridge. On the same day Guam was subjected to further carrier aircraft attacks, resulting in damage to antiaircraft positions, barracks, and a radio station. Several fires were started by incendiary bombs and rockets. We lost one dive bomber in these operations.

Param Island in Truk Atoll was attacked by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on July 15. Hits were obtained on antiaircraft positions. Approximately 10 enemy fighters attempted interception, dropping bombs from above our formation. These bombs were ineffective, but one Liberator received minor damage from machine gun fire. One Zero fighter was probably shot down, and three were damaged. Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Wotje and Mille Atolls on July 15. Enemy antiaircraft positions were hit.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 478, JULY 18, 1944

Guam Island was shelled at close range by battleships, cruisers, and destroyers of the Pacific Fleet on July 16 (West Longitude Date). Spotting aircraft directing the fire of our heavy units encountered some antiaircraft fire, and these antiaircraft positions were in turn neutralized by our light units.

On Saipan Island a few remaining snipers are being hunted down. As of July 16 our forces had captured 1,620 enemy troops who have been made

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prisoners of war, and have interned 13,800 civilian residents of Saipan, the majority being Japanese. Neutralization of enemy defenses on Tinian Island by Saipan‑based aircraft and field artillery continues. Our destroyers shelled selected targets on Tinian during July 16 and during the night of July 15‑16.

Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Ventura search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, attacked enemy positions in the Marshalls on July 16.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 531, JULY 19, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

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

1 destroyer

2 small cargo vessels

8 medium cargo vessels

1 medium naval auxiliary

1 small cargo transport

1 escort vessel

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 479, JULY 19, 1944

More than 320 tons of bombs were dropped on Guam Island by carrier aircraft of the fast carrier task force on July 17 (West Longitude Date). Pillboxes, gun emplacements, and other defense installations were knocked out. More than 650 sorties were flown over the target area. On the same day our battleships, cruisers, and destroyers laid down an intense barrage against defensive positions on the island.

On July 18 bombardment of Guam by surface ships continued, and carrier aircraft dropped 148 tons of bombs on antiaircraft guns, search lights, supply areas, and defense works. Several enemy positions were strafed.

Rota Island was attacked with rocket fire and bombing from carrier aircraft on July 17. Nearly 80 tons of bombs were dropped, resulting in large fires among buildings and fuel storage facilities. Aerial reconnaissance indicates that Rota Town is virtually destroyed. In this operation we lost one scout bomber.

Army, Navy, and Marine aircraft continued neutralization raids against enemy positions in the Marshall and Caroline Islands on July 17.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 480, JULY 20, 1944

More complete reports of the carrier aircraft attack on Guam Island on July 18 (West Longitude Date) raise the tonnage of bombs dropped to 401 from the previous total of 148 announced in Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas Press Release No. 479. Widespread and heavy damage has been done to military objectives on Guam as a result of coordinated aerial bombing and shelling by surface ships.

Pagan Island in the Northern Marianas was bombed twice on July 17.

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Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonin Islands were attacked by Liberator search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, on July 18. The attacks were made from low level. Eleven seaplanes were damaged and four coastal vessels were set afire by strafing. At Haha Jima a small cargo ship was sunk. Several fires were started among buildings on the seaplane base. Antiaircraft fire was moderate. All of our aircraft returned.

On Saipan Island shore‑based artillery and aircraft are being used to neutralize enemy defenses on Tinian Island. Selected targets are being shelled from the sea by our light surface units. As of July 17 our forces have buried 19,793 enemy dead.

The Naval base at Dublon Island in Truk Atoll was bombed on July 18 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. Two of eight airborne enemy fighters were damaged by our planes. Seven of our planes received some damage, but all returned. Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force, Catalina search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, and Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued neutralization raids against enemy positions in the Marshalls on July 18.

Amphibious operations for the assault and capture of Saipan Island were directed by Vice Admiral Richmond K. Turner, U. S. Navy Commander Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet. All assault troops engaged in the seizure of Saipan were under command of Lieutenant General Holland McT. Smith, USMC, Commanding General Fleet Marine Forces, Pacific. Major General Sanderford Jarman, U.S.A., has resumed command of Saipan as Island Commander.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 82, JULY 21, 1944

United States Marines and Army assault troops established beachheads on Guam Island on July 20 (West Longitude Date) with the support of carrier aircraft and surface combat units of the Fifth Fleet. Enemy defenses are being heavily bombed and shelled at close range.

Amphibious operations against Guam Island are being directed by Rear Admiral Richard L. Conolly, U. S. Navy.

Expeditionary troops are commanded by Major General Roy S. Geiger, USMC, Commanding General, Third Amphibious Corps.

The landings on Guam are continuing against moderate ground opposition.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 83, JULY 21, 1944

1. Good beachheads have been secured on Guam Island by Marines and Army troops. Additional troops are being landed against light initial enemy resistance. The troops advancing inland are meeting increasing resistance in some sectors.

On July 19 (West Longitude Date) six hundred and twenty seven tons of bombs and 147 rockets were expended in attacks on Guam by carrier aircraft. Naval gunfire and aerial bombing were employed in support of the assault troops up to the moment of landing, and remaining enemy artillery batteries are being neutralized by shelling and bombing. Preliminary estimates indicate that our casualties are moderate.

2. Liberator search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, bombed Haha Jima and Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands and Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on July 19 (West Longitude Date). At Iwo Jima the airfield and

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adjacent installations were hit. At Chichi Jima an enemy destroyer was bombed. Anti‑aircraft fire ranged from moderate to intense. One of our planes was damaged but all returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 532, JULY 22, 1944

2. The submarines USS Trout and USS Tullibee are overdue from patrol and must be presumed to be lost.

2. The next of kin of casualties of the Trout and Tullibee have been so notified.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 84, JULY 22, 1944

Our troops are making satisfactory progress in both sectors on Guam. We have captured Mount Alifan in the southern area. In the north the roads from Agana to Piti Town are in our hands.

Our northern beach extending from Asan Point to Adelup Point, was under mortar fire during the night of July 20‑21 (West Longitude Date). Before daylight on July 21 the enemy launched a counter attack on the eastern side of our lines in the northern sector which was thrown back after daylight by our troops supported by air, naval, and artillery bombardment. Cabras Island is under our control and about half of it has been occupied.

At the southern beachhead, extending from Agat Town south to Bangi Point, the enemy attempted a counter attack in the early morning of July 21, which was thrown back. In retreating the enemy left behind five tanks and approximately 270 dead.

Initial beachheads on Guam Island were established immediately above and immediately below Orote Peninsula. Troops of the Third Marine Division landed on the northern beach. The First Provisional Marine Brigade landed in the south. Following the Initial assault landings, elements of the Seventy Seventh Infantry Division, U. S. Army, were landed in support of the Marines.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 85, JULY 23, 1944

Substantial gains were made by our forces on Guam during the night of July 21 and during the day of July 22 (West Longitude Dates). In the northern area all of Cabras Island and Piti Town were captured. Attempts made by the enemy during the night of July 21‑22 to infiltrate our lines were repulsed. In the southern area Orote Peninsula has been nearly cut off by our forces. Aircraft and Naval gunfire are closely supporting our troops. Our estimated casualties through July 22 are as follows: Killed in action 348; wounded in action 1500; missing in action 110.

Intense artillery and Naval gunfire was directed against Tinian Island on July 21. Enemy gun positions and troop concentrations were principal targets. On the same day Thunderbolt fighters of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Tinian and Pagan Islands. At Tinian gun emplacements and pillboxes were bombed. At Pagan the airstrip was bombed and strafed. Intense antiaircraft fire over Pagan damaged two of our aircraft.

Seventy‑five tons of bombs were dropped on airfields and dock areas at Truk Atoll on July 21 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. Fires and explosions were observed. Two airborne enemy fighters did not attempt to intercept our force. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 86, JULY 24, 1944

Assault troops of the Second and Fourth Marine Divisions established beachheads on Tinian Island on July 23 (West Longitude Date) supported by carrier and land‑based aircraft and by artillery and Naval gunfire.

Amphibious operations against Tinian Island are being directed by Rear Admiral Harry W. Hill, U. S. Navy, Commander Group Two Amphibious Forces Pacific Fleet.

Expeditionary troops are commanded by Major General Harry Schmidt, USMC, Commanding General Fifth Amphibious Corps.

The landings are being continued against light ground opposition.

JULY 24, 1944

GROWTH OF THE NAVY

The United States Navy on August 18, 1944, will triple the number of combatant ships it had in the fleet on July 1, 1940, with the completion of the destroyer escort USS Grady.

When the Navy began its intensive building program in July, 1940, it had in the fleet 383 combatant ships. Completion of the Grady, barring any additional combat losses and failure to complete any of the ships listed for completion before August 18, will triple this total.

Total vessels of all types in the Navy have increased much more rapidly due principally to the addition of numerous amphibious vessels. On June 30, 1944, the Navy had more than ten times the number of craft of all classes, exclusive of small landing craft and small yard and district craft, than it had in commission on July 1, 1940. During the fiscal year which closed June 30, 1944, the number of Naval craft of all types approximately doubled.

The number of Navy planes on hand at the close of the last fiscal year was almost 20 times the number on hand on July 1, 1940. The number of planes on hand more than doubled during the 1943‑44 fiscal year.

The Navy had no advance base program actively under way on July 1, 1940. From a modest beginning late in 1940, the advance base program has now grown to one of the Navy's major activities. The value of work in place at Navy advance bases more than doubled during the fiscal year just closed.

While the ship, plane and advance base programs doubled during the 1943‑44 fiscal year, the enlisted personnel of the Navy increased by only 73 per cent. Allowing for the increase in personnel which the President has authorized and which was announced July 23, the enlisted strength of the Navy as of June 30, 1943, will not double until June 30, 1945‑almost a year hence.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 87, JULY 24, 1944

Enemy forces on Orote Peninsula, on Guam Island, have been completely cut of by troops of the First Provisional Marine Brigade, and the Seventy-Seventh Infantry Division which advanced during July 23 (West Longitude Date) across the base of the peninsula. In the northern sector, the Third Marine Division has made additional gains against strong enemy opposition which continues despite heavy casualties inflicted by our ground troops and intense air and Naval bombardment.

In the North our lines as of 6:00 P.M., July 23, extend northeast from the mouth of the Sasa River to Adelup Point and extend inland approximately

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2900 yards at the point of deepest penetration. In the south our lines extend from the inner reaches of Apra Harbor to a point opposite Anae Island. The greatest depth of advance is approximately 5000 yards.

Rota Island was attacked by carrier aircraft on July 23. Runways and adjacent installations were principal targets. Ponape in the Caroline Islands was bombed on July 22, by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells. Gun positions were bombed and harbor installations strafed.

Shimushu Island in the northern Kuriles was attacked on July 22, by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four. A large fire was started near the airfield. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. Eight enemy fighters intercepted our force and caused some damage to a Ventura.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 88, JULY 24, 1944

A firm beachhead had been secured on the northwest shore of Tinian Island by troops of the Second and Fourth Marine Divisions. Our forces control approximately two and one half miles of coastline, extending from a point twenty five hundred yards south of Ushi Point to a point twelve hundred yards north of Faibus San Hilo Point. During July 23 (West Longitude Date) enemy resistance was confined largely to machine gun and rifle fire. Our casualties through July 23 were light. The situation is considered well in band.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 89, JULY 25, 1944

1. On July 24 (West Longitude Date) contact was established between patrols from the northern and southern assault forces on Guam Island, along the eastern shore of Apra Harbor. In the northern sector good progress has been made and pockets of resistance near Adelup Point have been wiped out. In the north our lines now extend from Adelup Point in a general southwesterly direction to the mouth of the Aguada River. In the southern sector our lines extend across the base of the Orote peninsula to a point opposite Anae Island. Carrier aircraft and naval surface units continue to bomb and shell selected targets and are interfering with troop movements in the rear of the enemy lines. Our casualties through July 24 were 443 killed in action, 2366 wounded in action, and 209 missing in action. Our forces have counted 2400 enemy dead.

2. The Tinian beachhead was broadened and deepened during July 24. An enemy counter attack before dawn on July 24 was broken up by our troops, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and destroying five tanks. At midmorning our forces began an attack, preceded by heavy artillery and Naval fire support, which advanced our lines half way across the northern end of the island and widened the coastal area under our control to a distance of 3 1/2 miles. Our casualties through July 24 were 15 killed in action and 225 wounded. Our troops have counted 1324 enemy dead.

3. Paramushiru in the Kurile Islands was attacked by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four on July 23. An airfield was bombed and fires started. Several fishing vessels offshore were strafed. Enemy fighters intercepted our force and damaged one of our planes. One enemy fighter was probably shot down and another damaged.

4. Sixty seven tons of bombs were dropped on Truk Atoll by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on July 23. Waterfront installations, warehouses,

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anti‑aircraft batteries and airfields were bombed. Several enemy fighters Intercepted our force. One fighter was probably shot down and three damaged. Anti‑aircraft fire was meager.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 90, JULY 26, 1944

An attack launched by our forces on Tinian Island in the early morning of July 25 (West Longitude Date) resulted in rapid advances and the entire northern quarter of the island is now in our hands. Our line is anchored below Faibus San Hilo Point on the west coast and extends to Asiga Point on the east coast. During the day one of our battleships located and knocked out several camouflaged blockhouses. Selected targets continue to be bombed and strafed by our aircraft. Our troops have counted 1,958 enemy dead.

Saipan‑based Thunderbolt fighters of the Seventh Army Air Force, supporting ground operations, dropped fire bombs and strafed troop areas, a railroad junction, coastal guns and barracks on Tinian Island on July 24. Other Thunderbolts attacked Pagan Island, in the Northern Marianas, scoring bomb hits on the airfield and taxiways.

Carrier aircraft continued support bombing of Guam, attacking Japanese ground installations on July 25, and also bombed enemy positions on Rota Island.

Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells attacked Jokaj Island in the Ponape group on July 23. On July 24 a single Liberator bombed Truk, starting fires visible for 30 miles. On the same day, fighter‑bombers and light‑bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and medium bombers of Fleet Air Wing Two raided bivouac areas, antiaircraft and coastal gun positions on the Japanese‑held islands in the Marshalls. A Navy Ventura bombed Nauru Island on July 24.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 91, JULY 26, 1944

Enemy forces cut off on Orate Peninsula on Guam Island made desperate attempts to escape during the night of July 24‑25 (West Longitude Date) but did not succeed in penetrating our lines. On the morning of July 25, our forces counterattacked, supported by intense artillery and Naval gunfire and bombing, and drove about 3,000 yards up the peninsula. We now control the southern half of the peninsula, with the remainder of the defenders trapped on the northern portion.

Our northern and southern forces have joined their lines and now dominate the area on the west coast between Adelup Point on the north and to a point opposite Anae Island on the south.

Our counterattack on Orate Peninsula destroyed at least 12 enemy tanks. The Japanese lost 400 dead in their attempt to break out of their trap on the peninsula.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 92, JULY 27, 1944

United States Marines continued their advance on Tinian Island on July 26 (West Longitude Date), and now control the northern one third of the island, including Mount Lasso, the island's commanding height. Our lines extend diagonally southeast across the island from a point south of Faibus San Hilo Point on the west coast to a point several thousand yards north of Masalog Point on the east coast. Light surface units and Seventh Army Air

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Force Thunderbolt fighters from Isely Field on Saipan are supporting our ground forces. On July 24 the fighters flew 124 bombing and strafing sorties, scoring hits on enemy troop areas, ammunition dumps, gun positions and motorized equipment.

Our casualties on Tinian as of July 25 were 159 killed in action, 441 wounded in action, and 32 missing in action. We have counted 2089 enemy dead and have captured 62 Japanese troops who have been made prisoners of war. Eighty civilians have been interned.

Seabees and Army aviation engineers are enlarging and clearing the Uhushi Point Airfield which was taken July 25.

On July 25 Seventh Army Air Force Liberators dropped more than 70 tons of bombs on the Japanese Naval base at Truk. Large explosions were observed. One of at least eight intercepting enemy planes was damaged. Five of our bombers were damaged.

Aircraft of a fast carrier task group on July 24 and 25 attacked enemy installations on Arakabesan, Peleliu, Angaur, Malakal and Koror, in the Palau group, and Yap and Ulithi, all in the western Caroline Islands. Five enemy airborne aircraft were shot down, 21 were destroyed on the ground and others damaged the first day. No airborne enemy fighters were seen the second day. Our planes sank an enemy destroyer, an oiler, a destroyer escort or minelayer, seven small cargo ships and many smaller craft. We lost five planes in combat but recovered four pilots.

Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers and Catalinas of Fleet Air Wing Two continued on July 25 to harass enemy positions in the Marshall Islands. Nauru was attacked the same day by a Navy Ventura bomber.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 93, JULY 28, 1944

There were no material changes on our lines on Guam Island during July 26 (West Longitude Date). On the Orate Peninsula our forces are continuing their attack against more than 2,000 enemy troops entrenched in dugouts and pillboxes. The defenders are employing artillery, automatic weapons, and mortars in considerable quantities. In the southern sector our lines are unchanged. Delayed reports indicate that severe fighting took place before dawn on July 25 in the northern beach area. In places enemy infiltration tactics succeeded, but by early morning the attack was repulsed with an estimated loss of 2,000 enemy troops.

During July 26 carrier aircraft bombed the airfields near Agana Town on Guam and at Rota Island. Gunboats are being used in close support of our troops on Guam.

On the night of July 26 a single Liberator search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two made a low level attack over Truk Lagoon, obtaining two direct hits on a cargo ship and bombing a group of small craft.

Ponape and Nauru Islands in the Carolines and remaining enemy positions in the Marshalls were attacked by aircraft of the Central Pacific shore‑based air force on July 26.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 94, JULY 28, 1944

Our forces on Guam Island made substantial gains in all sectors on July 27 (West Longitude Date).

Northern forces extended their beachhead east to a point near the out‑

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skirts of Agana Town and advanced several hundred yards along the entire northern front.

In the central sector Marines drove inland more than two miles from Apra Harbor and occupied Mounts Tenjo, Alutam, and Chachao. In the south our troops advanced more than a mile in an easterly direction. The southern terminus of our beachhead remains at a point on the west coast opposite Anne Island.

Marines driving northwest on Orote Peninsula against stubborn enemy resistance secured an estimated 500 additional yards.

Conservative estimates indicate that our forces have killed 4,700 enemy troops on Guam.

On Tinian Island Marines, pivoting on our eastern anchor above Masalog Point, advanced more than three and one half miles along the west coast, capturing the airfield above Gurguan Point. Coastal batteries on Tinian were shelled by battleships on July 27.

On Saipan Island our troops have now buried 21,036 enemy dead. Of our own troops previously listed as casualties, 5,434 have now returned to duty.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 487, JULY 28, 1944

The American flag was formally raised on Guam Island on the morning of July 26 (West Longitude Date) at the headquarters of Major General Roy S. Geiger, USMC, Commanding General, Third Amphibious Corps.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 533, JULY 29, 1944

Mediterranean Theater.

1. The USS Swerve, Minesweeper, was sunk in the Mediterranean recently as the result of enemy action.

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 534, JULY 29, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 17 vessels, including one combatant ship, as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters, as follows:

1 escort vessel

1 large cargo transport

1 medium tanker

1 medium transport

3 medium cargo transports

6 medium cargo vessels

4 small cargo vessels

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

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 95, JULY 29, 1944

Marine forces, continuing their advance throughout July 28 (West Longitude Date), are compressing the enemy into the southern area of Tinian Island. In the west coast of the island our troops are nearing Tinian Town. In the center we have made additional gains of nearly two miles. On the east coast progress has been slowed due to the difficulty of operations in the high ground near Masalog Point, but our eastern line was advanced about a half mile.

On July 27 Saipan based Thunderbolt fighters flew 130 sorties over Tinian, strafing and bombing enemy troop concentrations, gun positions, and supply areas. Fires and explosions were observed. One of our fighters was lost.

Carrier aircraft continued attacking enemy defenses, troop concentrations and gun positions on July 28 in close support of our ground operations on Guam.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Truk Atoll with more than 60 tons of bombs on July 27. An estimated eight Japanese interceptors attacked our bombers, and one bomber was shot down. Two crewmen bailed out and were strafed by enemy fighters. Our other bombers shot down two enemy fighters, probably shot down one, and damaged two.

Japanese positions and installations on Jaluit, Wotje, and Mille in the Marshall Islands were attacked on July 27 by Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, and Mitchell medium bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force. A single Ventura search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Nauru Island on the same day.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 96, JULY 29, 1944

Orote Peninsula on Guam Island has been captured by the First Provisional Marine Brigade. Organized resistance ceased late in the afternoon of July 28 (West Longitude Date). Apra Harbor is being patrolled by light fleet units to prevent the few remaining Japanese from swimming to the mainland. No material change took place in our 10 mile front extending from near Adelup Point to a point on the west coast opposite Anae Island, but our patrols ranged out ahead of our lines nearly a mile in some places. A large quantity of enemy equipment and munitions has been captured or destroyed, including 30 enemy tanks, 72 field pieces and coast defense guns of various calibers up to eight inch and many motor vehicles.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 97, JULY 30, 1944

Tinian Town on Tinian Island was captured by U. S. Marines during the afternoon of July 29 (West Longitude Date). Substantial gains were made along the entire front during the day, and the enemy is now contained in an area of approximately five square miles at the southern tip of the island. Enemy resistance increased progressively throughout July 29 as the Marines advanced.

Activity on Guam on July 29 (West Longitude Date) was limited to clearing local pockets of resistance and to patrolling. Some of our patrols crossed the island to Ylig and Togcha Bay without meeting resistance. Our troops to date have counted 4,543 enemy dead and have captured 44 prisoners of war. At least 28 Japanese tanks have been destroyed.

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Our own casualties on Guam as of July 29 including both soldiers and Marines total 958 killed in action, 4,739 wounded in action and 290 missing in action.

Our ships now are using Apra Harbor on the west coast of Guam, site of the former American Naval base. Several of our aircraft have landed and taken off from the Orote Peninsula airfield.

Two Liberators of Fleet Air Wing Two on July 28 strafed Japanese small craft in the Truk Atoll Lagoon. Five enemy fighters attempted to intercept our force and two fighters were damaged. The bombers proceeded to Ponape where Japanese gun positions and buildings were bombed. One of our planes was damaged by antiaircraft fire but both returned to base.

Attacks on remaining Japanese positions in the Marshall Islands were continued on July 28. Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers and Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, Venturas and Catalinas bombed coastal and antiaircraft gun emplacements. A Navy Ventura search plane bombed Nauru. Antiaircraft fire ranged from moderate to meager. Two of our aircraft were damaged but all returned.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 98, JULY 31, 1944

Marine and Army troops on Guam swept completely across the island during July 30 (West Longitude Date) and established a line from Agana Bay on the west coast to Pago Point on the east coast. Patrols sent out to reconnoiter the southern half of the island have encountered only sporadic resistance. Through July 30 our troops have counted 6205 enemy dead and have interned 775 civilians. Close support is being given our advance troops by surface ships which are now firing from both sides of the island.

Troops of the Second and Fourth Marine Divisions continued their advance on Tinian Island during July 30 (West Longitude Date) and have forced the enemy into a small pocket near Lalo Point at the southern tip of the island. Difficult terrain in this area impeded progress during the day. Our attack on the last enemy defenses began in the early morning, and was preceded by more than two hours of bombing and Naval gunfire.

July 29 Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force dropped nearly 75 tons of bombs on Japanese installations and an airfield at Truk. Several enemy fighters attempted to intercept our bombers. One enemy fighter was destroyed, another probably destroyed and two more damaged. Four of our planes were damaged but all returned.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 99, AUGUST 1, 1944

During July 31 (West Longitude Date) troops of the Second and Fourth Marine Divisions moved ahead against moderate enemy resistance and through difficult terrain and occupied the cliffs overlooking the beaches at the extreme southern tip of Tinian Island. During the night of July 30‑31 the Japanese attempted several small scale counterattacks which were beaten back at a cost to the enemy of 300 dead. Our attack was launched in the morning of July 31 and carried to the southern beaches by late afternoon. The enemy on Tinian now has little means of resistance and no means of escape.

During the night of July 29‑30 Seventh Army Air Force Liberators

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bombed Truk Atoll, and neutralization raids against enemy positions in the Marshall and Caroline Islands were carried out by aircraft of the Central Pacific shore‑based air force before dawn and during the day on July 30.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 100, AUGUST 1, 1944

U. S. forces continued to advance rapidly in Guam Island during July 31 (West Longitude Date), driving northward from two and one half to three miles in the center and on the right flank, and advancing about a half mile on the left flank. In the advance the towns of Utana, Pado, Pulan, and Matte were occupied. On the west coast our line is anchored about a mile and a half south of Saupon Point, and on the east coast we are less than a mile from Fadian Point. On Orote Peninsula mopping up operations have been completed and in the southern half of Guam these operations are continuing. Carrier aircraft of a fast carrier task group directed bombs and rocket fire against enemy troop concentrations in northern Guam during July 31.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 101, AUGUST 1, 1944

Organized Japanese resistance on Tinian Island ceased during the night of July 31 (West Longitude Date). The Second and Fourth Marine Divisions are continuing mopping up operations.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 102, AUGUST 2, 1944

Marine and Army troops on Guam, fighting through dense underbrush and against mounting enemy resistance, advanced more than a mile to the north during August 1 (West Longitude Date). The towns of Saucio, Toto, and Timoneng and the airfield at Tyan were occupied in the advance. On the west coast our line is anchored on the southern shore of Tumon Bay, and on the east coast it is anchored approximately three miles south of Sassayan Point. Our casualties through August 1 were 1022 killed in action, 4,946 wounded in action and 305 missing in action. Our troops have counted 7,419 enemy dead.

Carrier aircraft from a fast carrier task group attacked enemy Installations on Guam on August 1 with bombs and rockets. Additional bombs and strafing attacks were delivered against troop concentrations.

Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith, USMC, Commanding General, Fleet Marine Forces, Pacific, has sent the following despatch to Major General A. D. Bruce, U.S.A., Commanding General, Seventy‑Seventh Infantry Division

"The Seventy‑Seventh Infantry Division has shown commendable ability of high order in operation against the enemy on Guam. Its complete cooperation with other fighting elements has been noted with much pleasure. It has shown marked tactical ability in moving its forces into position over unfavorable terrain and in the face of great difficulties."

Late reports indicate that during the ground action on July 27, Mount Tenjo was occupied by the Seventy‑Seventh Infantry Division.

On Tinian Island mopping up operations are in progress. Ravines and caves at the southern tip of the island were partially cleaned out during

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August 1. Our troops have buried 2,075 enemy dead, and have interned many civilians. Large numbers of the enemy have yet to be buried. Our casualties as of August 1 were 208 killed in action, 1,121 wounded in action and 32 missing in action.

On July 30 and 31 Seventh Army Air Force Liberators dropped 60 tons of bombs on an airfield and installations at Truk. Six to eight Japanese fighters attempted to intercept. Three of the fighters were shot down and three more damaged. Five of our Liberators were damaged but all returned to base.

Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Nauru Island on July 30 with more than 12 tons of bombs, scoring hits on the airfield and on gun positions.

On July 30 and 31 aircraft of the Central Pacific shore‑based air force harassed enemy positions in the Marshall Islands.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 103, AUGUST 3, 1944

Additional gains averaging nearly two miles were made by Marine and Army forces driving northward on Guam during August 2 (West Longitude Date). On the West Coast our line was advanced further along the shore of Tumon Bay and on the East Coast we are about one and a half miles from Sassayan Point. As a result of the day's advances an important road junction near the town of Finegayan was brought under our control. Stiffened enemy resistance is being encountered. As of August 2, our troops had counted 7,893 enemy dead. A large number of civilians have sought protection behind our lines and currently 7,000 are being cared for.

Carrier aircraft, attacking from an altitude of 100 feet, directed bombs and rocket fire against enemy fortifications and storage areas in Northern Guam during August 2.

The American flag was formally raised over Tinian Island on August 2. Scattered remnants of the enemy, hiding in caves and dugouts, are being dealt with by Marines. Approximately 4,000 civilians have been interned. The number of enemy troops killed is now estimated at more than 5,000.

Ponape Island was attacked by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers on August 1, and on the same day further neutralization raids against enemy positions in the Marshall Islands were carried out by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.

AUGUST 3, 1944

GERMAN SUBMARINE SUNK BY TWO COAST GUARD AND ONE NAVY DESTROYER ESCORTS

The sinking of a German submarine by ramming and gunfire off the Atlantic coast recently through a coordinated attack by three destroyer escorts, two of them manned by Coast Guard personnel and one by the Navy, was described today by Lieutenant (junior grade) William D. Draper, USCGR, of 1408 Owen Street, Saginaw, Michigan, an officer aboard one of the Coast Guard vessels.

The underseas raider was tracked down as a convoy maneuvered into zig‑zag formation upon an alarm that a U‑Boat was attacking.

Contact was made by one of the Coast Guard ships and depth charges

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forced the enemy craft to the surface, where it was rammed by the Navy vessel, Lieutenant (junior grade) Draper said.

Submarine crewmen poured from the conning tower, rushing for their deck gun, but were swept back by concentrated gunfire from the second Coast Guard escort, which had moved in from the opposite direction.

As the Nazi raider started sinking, the crew leaped into the water. The Coast Guard officer said a dozen survivors, including the U‑Boat commander, were taken aboard his vessel. The entire action required but one hour and 30 minutes.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 104, AUGUST 4, 1944

Our forces on Guam made slight gains on the right flank and in the center during August 3 (West Longitude Date). On the east coast our line is anchored about one mile south of Sassayan Point. There was no appreciable advance along the west coast and our anchor there remains on the shore of Tumon Bay. All road junctions in the vicinity of Finegayan were brought under our control.

Enemy resistance on Mount Barrigada has been eliminated and we now control the 674‑foot height.

In close support of ground troops, aircraft from a fast carrier task group on August 3 dropped bombs, fire rockets and strafed Japanese‑held positions, roads, storehouses and troop areas on Guam.

Mopping up operations on Tinian Island continued during August 3, and additional numbers of civilians were interned. Scattered Japanese troops are still being hunted down on Saipan Island, and an average of 50 a day are being eliminated or taken prisoner.

Ventura search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, attacked Nauru Island on August 2. Antiaircraft fire was moderate. Catalina patrol bombers of the same air wing bombed Japanese positions in the Marshall Islands on the night of August 1‑2.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 105, AUGUST 5, 1944

Troops of the Army's Seventy‑Seventh Division advanced approximately three miles northward along the eastern shore of Guam to Lumuna Point on August 4 (West Longitude Date). On the western coast Marines pushed more than one and one‑half miles northward to Amantes Point.

During the night of August 3‑4 a small enemy force identified as Navy troops were repulsed in an attempt to counterattack. Eleven of the enemy were killed, bringing the total counted Japanese dead to 8,129.

As of August 4 approximately 22,000 civilians on Guam had found refuge within our lines.

More than 25 tons of bombs were dropped on Wotje in the Marshall Islands on August 3 by Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.

More than 60 tons of bombs were dropped on Truk Atoll by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force at dusk on August 3. One ship near Dublon Island was left burning. Other hits were observed at the Dublon Naval Base, and on gun emplacements and barracks. There was no interception and only moderate antiaircraft fire. All of our planes returned.

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AUGUST 5, 1944

COAST GUARD‑MANNED DESTROYER ESCORT SINKS GERMAN SUBMARINE

A Coast Guard‑manned Destroyer Escort won a stirring battle with a German U‑boat in the Atlantic recently when it blasted the undersea raider to the bottom. Location of the action was undisclosed.

The duel between the Coast Guard ship and its elusive quarry brought pitted Coast Guard Commander Ralph R. Curry, against a 26‑year‑old Nazi skipper in a game of wits.

The Destroyer Escort made contact with the German submarine when coming to the assistance of another American ship. It immediately laid depth charges around the sub.

A Navy DE and a French DE joined the Coast Guard vessel in the final stages of the battle.

Finally, the submarine surfaced and the Coast Guardsmen got in their lethal, finishing blow. As the submersible, badly blasted, was about to make its final plunge, its crew took to the sea and were picked up by the Coast Guard ship as prisoners of war.

Several were wounded and given medical care. The Nazis were taken to an Allied port and removed from the DE for transfer to an internment camp.

Commander Curry, holder of the Legion of Merit award, lives at 1648 Preston Road, Alexandria, Virginia. He is married and has two small daughters.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 106, AUGUST 6, 1944

Air and surface units of a fast carrier task force on August 3 and 4 (West Longitude Dates) virtually wiped out a Japanese convoy and raided airfields, towns, and ground installations in the Bonin and Volcano Islands groups. On August 3 our planes sank four cargo ships of approximately 4,000 tons each, three escorting destroyers or destroyer escorts, and four barges. One cargo vessel and the balance of the escorting warships were damaged. On the same day our surface vessels sank one large destroyer, one cargo ship, one small oiler and several barges. One damaged escort vessel escaped. On August 4 our forces continued the sweep. Carrier‑based planes sank one escort vessel and two other small craft. Damage was inflicted on five barges, two of which were carry troops, one landing craft and three smaller vessels. One light cruiser and five smaller vessels were possibly sunk. All six of these ships were left burning. Also damaged were one destroyer escort and 10 small craft. Two landing ships were grounded and a large cargo vessel damaged in the preceding attack was hit again. In the attack on ground installations our surface craft shelled shipping and shore facilities at Chichi lima. Omura Town on Chichi Jima was destroyed. Ground installations on Muko Jima, Ant Jima, Haha Jima and Iwo Jima were hit. At Iwo Jima six airborne enemy planes were shot down and six others were destroyed and five damaged on the ground. One plane was destroyed on the ground at Chichi Jima. We lost from enemy antiaircraft fire 16 planes and 19 flight personnel.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 107, AUGUST 6, 1944

Further gains were made during August 5 (West Longitude Date) by U. S. troops driving northward on Guam Island. On the left flank our troops moved ahead more than two miles almost to Haputo Point. There was no

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substantial change in our line on the right flank and our positions there remain near Lumuna Point. In the day's gains the towns of Ukudu and Liguan were occupied. Strong defensive positions along roads paralleling the western shore were wiped out by our advancing ground forces, and nine field guns and two tanks were destroyed. Artillery destroyed several trucks laden with enemy troops.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing are now operating from the airfield on Orote Peninsula.

Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Catalina search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, bombed remaining enemy positions in the Marshall Islands on August 4. Mitchells of the Seventh Army Air Force hit Ponape and a Navy Liberator attacked Wake Island on the same day. In these attacks moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered but all of our aircraft returned.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 108, AUGUST 7, 1944

One‑third of the remaining enemy‑held area at the northern end of Guam was brought within our lines on August 6 (West Longitude Date). In the central sector we advanced north nearly three miles, occupying the village of Yigo. Near Yigo we captured several strong positions and a considerable amount of supplies and equipment.

In the area occupied on August 6 our troops found a large cemetery in which there was evidence of mass burial of enemy dead.

Supporting our ground forces, carrier aircraft on August 6 bombed and strafed enemy positions and troop concentrations near Mount Santa Rosa.

On the western coast our line is anchored near Haputo Point and on the east coast at Lumuna Point.

Navy Liberators of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, and Army Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Truk on August 5 with about 30 tons of bombs. Two of eight to 12 enemy interceptors probably were damaged. Navy search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, bombed Param in the Truk Atoll and raided Ponape on August 4. Nauru was attacked on August 4 and 5. All of our planes returned from these missions.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 109, AUGUST 8, 1944

Rapid advances during August 7 (West Longitude Date) drove Japanese forces on Guam Island into the northeast corner of the island. On the west coast our troops advanced nearly six and one half miles to Ritidian Point at the northern tip of the island. On the east coast we advanced more than three miles almost to Anao Point. The center of our line running in a generally southeasterly direction from Ritidian Point to Anao Point curves sharply inward and is less than a mile from the shoreline at the point of deepest penetration. The Japanese defenders are thus threatened with being cut into two groups. Mount Santa Rosa, the highest elevation in Northern Guam, was occupied by our forces in the day's advances. Our troops have counted more than 10,000 enemy dead.

Navy carrier aircraft of a fast carrier task group on August 7 supported ground operations on Guam by bombing, strafing and firing rockets into enemy troop concentrations and installations.

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Central Pacific land‑based aircraft on August 5, 6, and 7 attacked enemy fields and installations from Nauru Island to Wake Island.

On August 5 Navy Liberators of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Wake Island, scoring bits on the runways. Several small craft were strafed and one left sinking.

On the same day and also on August 6 Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two attacked Nauru Island, bombing airfields and the phosphate plant.

Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells and Navy Liberators of Fleet Air Wing Two hit Ponape on August 6, encountering medium antiaircraft fire.

Remaining Japanese positions in the Marshall Islands were attacked on August 6 and 7 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators, Catalinas of Fleet Air Wing Two, and by Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.

All our planes returned from these missions.

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four attacked enemy objectives in the Northern Kuriles during daylight of August 4 (West Longitude Date). Airfields and adjacent installations were bombed. Antiaircraft fire was moderate. Small craft near Paramushiru were bombed and strafed. Several of our aircraft were damaged by antiaircraft fire from the vessels but all returned safely.

JOINT STATEMENT, AUGUST 9, 1944

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

The number of German U‑boats sunk during the war now exceeds 500. It is therefore understandable that the U‑boats still operating are extremely cautious. Their efforts have been ineffective during July, a month which has been so important for the success of continental operations.

The number of U‑boats destroyed has been substantially greater than the number of merchant ships sunk. Seventeen U‑boats have been sunk while attempting to interfere with our cross‑channel traffic since the first landing of the Army of Liberation.

The U‑boat fleet is still of impressive size, nevertheless the U‑boat remain the hunted rather than the hunters. They have been attacked from the Arctic to the Indian Ocean, aircraft playing a great part with the surface forces. This pressure will be maintained until all chances of revival of the U‑boat campaign are killed, whatever may be the new devices and methods developed by the enemy.

The Nazi claims of sinkings continue to be grossly exaggerated. For instance, their claim for June, the latest month for which complete figures are available, was an exaggeration of a 1,000 per cent.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 110, AUGUST 9, 1944

All of Guam Island with the exception of a small area inland from Pati Point on the east coast was occupied by U. S. forces on August 8 (West Longitude Date). The remaining pocket of enemy resistance is surrounded and is under heavy pressure. A Naval patrol maintained off the northern

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coasts of Guam since our troops began their northward drive is believed to have prevented virtually all enemy attempts at escape.

Nauru Island was attacked several times from the afternoon of August 6 to the early morning of August 7 by Ventura search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two. Runways were the principal targets. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. A Liberator search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two strafed buildings and antiaircraft guns at Wake Island, another Navy Liberator bombed Truk, and two search Liberators bombed the airfield at Ponape on August 7. Wotje, Jaluit, and Maloelap Atolls in the Marshalls were attacked by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on August 7. We lost no planes in these operations.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 535, AUGUST 10, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported sinking 16 vessels, including one combatant ship, as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters, as follows:

1 large cargo transport

7 medium cargo vessels

4 medium cargo transports

2 small cargo vessels

1 medium tanker

1 escort vessel

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 536, AUGUST 10, 1944

European Theater.

1. The following vessels participating in the Allied operations for Europe's liberation were lost due to enemy action:

USS Osprey (Minesweeper)

USS PC 1261

2. The next of kin of all casualties of the Osprey and PC 1261 have been notified.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 111, AUGUST 10, 1944

Organized Japanese resistance on Guam Island ceased during the afternoon of August 9 (West Longitude Date). The First Provisional Marine Brigade, Third Marine Division, and Seventy‑Seventh Infantry Division are engaged in mopping up operations.

Nearly 60 tons of bombs were dropped on Truk Atoll during daylight on August 8 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. Approximately 10 enemy fighters intercepted our force, damaging two Liberators. One enemy fighter was shot down and two damaged. Antiaircraft fire was meager. Ventura search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, attacked Nauru Island before dawn on August 8, striking at gun emplacements. Nauru was also hit by Venturas during daylight on August 8. Mitchell bombers of the Seventh

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Army Air Force bombed Ponape Island on the same day, and neutralization raids against Maloelap Atoll were carried out by Liberator and Catalina search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two. All of our planes returned from these operations.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 112, AUGUST 10, 1944

Casualties suffered by American forces on Guam Island through August 9 (West Longitude Date), the day on which organized Japanese resistance ended, were 1,214 killed in action, 5,704 wounded in action, and 329 missing in action. Our troops have counted 10,971 enemy dead. Elimination of scattered remnants of the enemy continues.

Final figures covering our casualties on Tinian Island indicate 190 killed in action, 1,515 wounded in action, and 24 missing in action. On Tinian our troops have buried 5,544 enemy dead to date, and have taken more than 400 prisoners of war.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 506, AUGUST 11, 1944

1. Iwo Jima in the Volcano group was bombed by Liberators of the 7th AAF on 9 August (West Longitude Date). Forty‑seven tons of bombs were dropped on the airfield and adjacent installations, and fires were started. Several enemy fighters attempted to intercept our force but did no damage, although anti‑aircraft fire caused minor damage to three Liberators.

2. On the same day more than a hundred Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Mille atoll, dive bombing and strafing defense installations. Antiaircraft fire was meager. Catalina search planes during the night of 8‑9 August conducted harassing raids against other enemy positions in the Marshalls.

3. Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Nauru Island on 9 August.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 537, AUGUST 12, 1944

Atlantic Ocean.

1. The USS Fiske (DE 143) was sunk recently in the Atlantic by a submarine torpedo.

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 507, AUGUST 13, 1944

1. Extensive bombing raids were carried out by the Central Pacific and North Pacific shore based air forces on 10 and 11 August (West Longitude Dates).

2. One enemy patrol vessel was sunk and another damaged near Paramushiro Island by two Liberators of the 11th AAF during daylight on 10 August.

3. Chichi Jima in the Bonins was attacked by Liberators of the 7th AAF on 11 August, which bombed the airfield and a cargo ship in the harbor. The enemy made no attempt at interception and antiaircraft fire was meager.

4. Pagan Island in the northern Marianas was hit by Mitchell medium bombers of the 7th AAF on 11 August, damaging gun positions and runways.

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During the day a single 7th AAF Liberator also bombed the Island. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

5. Gun positions on Rota Island were bombed and strafed by 7th AAF Thunderbolt fighters on 11 August. More than 50 tons of bombs were dropped.

6. A single Navy Liberator bombed Truk atoll, and 7th AAF Mitchells bombed Ponape in the Caroline Islands on 11 August.

7. In the Marshall Islands, more than eighty tons of bombs were dropped on remaining enemy positions by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on 10 August, hitting coastal defense guns and other defense installations. On the same day Wotje in the Marshalls was attacked by 7th AAF Liberators. In the foregoing operations one Dauntless dive bomber and one Liberator were damaged but all of our planes returned.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 508, AUGUST 15, 1944

1. Paramushiro Island was attacked by 11th AAF Liberators on 11 August (west longitude date). Shipping near the island and the airstrip at Suribachi were bombed. Of 15 to 20 enemy fighters which attempted interception, three were shot down, five were probably shot down, and two were damaged. On 12 August Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed defense installations at Araido Island, and sunk a nearby patrol vessel by strafing. On the same day a single Ventura bombed Shimushu. Several enemy fighters attempted to intercept our force but did not press home their attacks, although damaging three Venturas. One enemy fighter was damaged.

2. Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was attacked by 7th AAF Liberators on 13 August. More than 35 tons were dropped on the airfield and adjacent installations. Antiaircraft fire was meager but an aggressive group of enemy fighters intercepted our force and one Liberator was lost.

3. Pagan Island in the northern Marianas was hit by Mitchell bombers of the 7th AAF on 13 August, hitting gun positions and runways. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

4. Rota Island was bombed and strafed on the same day.

5. Nauru Island was bombed by Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two, on 13 August, and Marine Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters hit remaining enemy positions in the Marshalls on the same day.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 510, AUGUST 16, 1944

1. Fifty‑seven tons of bombs were dropped on defense installations at Eten and Moen Islands in Truk atoll by 7th AAF Liberators on 13 August (west longitude date). Seven to nine enemy fighters intercepted and one of these was destroyed and 3 damaged. All of our planes returned although several suffered damage. There were no casualties.

2. Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed the airstrips at Nauru on 13 and 14 August, and on 13 August a Catalina harassed bivouac areas at Wotje and Maloelap. On 14 August Mitchell bombers of the 7th AAF attacked the airfield and gun positions at Ponape, and on the same day Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters hit coastal defense positions r at Mille atoll. All of our planes returned from these operations.

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 511, AUGUST 17, 1944

1. Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands was attacked by Liberators of the 7th AAF on 15 August (West Longitude Date). The seaplane base and adjacent installations were bombed. Antiaircraft fire ranged from moderate to intense.

2. Maug Island in the northern Marianas was bombed on 15 August. Pagan Island was also bombed and strafed the same day.

3. Before daylight on 13 August Liberators of the 11th AAF bombed enemy supply facilities at Paramushiru Island. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

4. Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed the runways at Nauru Island, and Corsair fighters of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Maloelap atoll on 15 August.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 515, AUGUST 18, 1944

1. Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was attacked by 7th AAF Liberators on 16 August (West Longitude Date). Buildings, storage facilities, and installations near the airfield were bombed. Several enemy fighters were airborne but did not succeed in intercepting our force. Antiaircraft fire was meager. All of our aircraft returned. On the night of 15‑16 August a single Liberator bombed Iwo.

2. Fighter planes attacked Rota and Pagan Islands on 16 August, bombing and strafing gun positions and the airstrips. Antiaircraft fire was light at Rota and moderate at Pagan.

3. Warehouse areas on Dublon Island in Truk atoll were bombed by 7th AAF Liberators the same day, causing large explosions and fires. One of six intercepting fighters was shot down, and 3 were damaged. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

4. Nauru Island was attacked by Navy Venturas on 16 August, while Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing hit defense installations at Mille atoll in the Marshalls on the same day.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 517, AUGUST 20, 1944

1. Nauru Island was attacked on 17 August (West Longitude Date) by Mitchell medium bombers of the 7th AAF and Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two. Venturas again hit Nauru on 18 August. The airfield and gun emplacements were bombed. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

2. Rota and Pagan Islands in the Marianas were bombed and strafed by fighters on 17 and 18 August. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

3. Mille and Wotje in the Marshall Islands were bombed on 17 and 18 August by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing.

4. All of our planes returned from these operations.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 538, AUGUST 21, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. Submarines have reported sinking nineteen vessels, including two combatant ships, as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters, as follows:

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1 light cruiser

1 escort vessel

1 large tanker

3 medium cargo transports

11 medium cargo vessels

2 small cargo vessels

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 519, AUGUST 21, 1944

1. Yap Island in the western Carolines was bombed by Liberators of the 7th AAF on 19 August (West Longitude Date). The airfield and adjacent installations were bombed. No attempt was made to intercept our force, and antiaircraft fire was meager.

2. On the same day our aircraft obtained direct hits on gun emplacements and the dock at Pagan Island, and bombed Alamagan Island in the Marianas. Intense antiaircraft fire was encountered at Pagan Island.

3. Nauru Island was attacked on 18 and 19 August by Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two, hitting runways and gun positions. In the Marshall Islands on 19 August, Wotje and Mille atolls were bombed and strafed by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing against light opposition.

4. All of our aircraft returned from these operations.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 520, AUGUST 21, 1944

1. Paramushiru Island in the Northern Kuriles was attacked by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four on 19 August (West Longitude Date). The airfields were bombed and strafed. Three enemy fighters were airborne but did not attempt to intercept our force. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

2. Mopping up operations have continued in the Marianas since 9 August (west longitude date). During the period 11‑17 August an additional 593 Japanese were killed on Guam Island. We lost 12 killed and 61 wounded in action during this period. With these additional losses inflicted on the enemy, plus the number buried and not previously announced, 14,067 of the enemy have been killed in the Guam campaign through 17 August, and more than a hundred made prisoner. During the same period an additional 187 Japanese were killed on Saipan Island, and 15 prisoners of war were taken, at a cost to us of 5 wounded and 1 missing. A total of 25,144 of the enemy had been buried through 16 August on Saipan. On Tinian Island 201 Japanese were killed during the period 11‑17 August, and 15 prisoners taken. We lost 5 killed in action and 11 wounded in action. Enemy dead on Tinian now number 5,745.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 521, AUGUST 22, 1944

1. On 20 August (West Longitude Date) two Navy Liberator search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two, found two enemy ships proceeding toward Marcus Island and carried out attacks at mast head level which resulted in setting fire to a medium cargo ship, left dead in the water and burning, and a small cargo ship, which was noticeably slowed and left

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heavily smoking. One Liberator suffered minor damage from antiaircraft fire.

2. On the same day Liberators of the 7th AAF bombed Yap Island, causing large fires and explosions among bivouac areas and buildings near the airfield. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

3. Truk atoll was attacked on 20 August, Liberators of the 7th AAF bombing warehouses and antiaircraft batteries at Dublon Island and other buildings on Moen Island. Seven to 8 enemy fighters intercepted. Two enemy fighters were damaged and two of our bombers were damaged. All of our planes returned.

4. Pagan and Rota Islands in the Marianas were bombed and strafed by our aircraft on 20 August.

5. Search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Wake Island and the airstrip at Ponape on 20 August. On the same day Mitchell medium bombers of the 7th AAF dropped twelve tons of bombs on the Ponape airstrip.

6. Nauru Island was attacked by Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two, hitting runways on 20 August.

7. Catalina search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two and Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing continued neutralization raids against enemy positions in the Marshalls on 20 August, hitting Maloelap, Wotje and Mille atolls.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 527, AUGUST 23, 1944

A Japanese convoy consisting of three cargo ships escorted by two destroyers was attacked by two Navy search Liberators of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, on August 22 (West Longitude Date) near Chichi Jima in the Bonins. A bombing attack conducted at low level resulted in sinking two of the enemy cargo ships, and the third was left on fire. One Liberator was lost in this action.

Liberator bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Yap Island during daylight on August 21, bombing bivouac areas and airfield installations. Antiaircraft fire was meager. A single Seventh Army Air Force Liberator bombed Asor in the Ulithi Islands on the same day, encountering no opposition. All of our aircraft returned.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 528, AUGUST 24, 1944

1. Paramushiru Island in the northern Kuriles was bombed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four on 20 August (West Longitude Date). Direct hits were obtained in storage areas, a small vessel offshore was sunk aped another damaged. One of 7 intercepting enemy fighters was shot down. Antiaircraft fire was meager, and all of our aircraft returned.

2. Yap Island in the western Carolines was attacked by 7th AAF Liberators on 22 August. Bivouac areas and facilities near the airfield were bombed through meager antiaircraft fire.

3. Pagan and Rota Islands in the Marianas were attacked by our aircraft on 21 and 22 August, and Aguijan Island was hit on 22 August.

4. Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Nauru island on 21 and 22 August, concentrating on the airstrips.

5. Neutralization raids against enemy positions in the Marshalls con‑

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tinued, with Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing striking at Wotje on 21 and 22 August and at Mille atoll on 21 August.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 530 AUGUST 25, 1944

1. Iwo Jima in the Bonin Islands was bombed by Liberators of the 7th AAF during the night of 23‑24 August (West Longitude Dates). Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered and there was no interception.

2. Pagan and Aguijan Islands in the Marianas were attacked on 23 August. Gun positions, storage facilities and buildings were bombed. Several fires were started.

3. Ponape Island was bombed on 23 August by Mitchell medium bombers of the 7th AAF, and on 22 and 23 August Navy Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two, attacked enemy installations at Nauru Island. A Search Liberator of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Ponape on 22 August.

4. Wake Island was bombed on 22 August by a Fleet Air Wing Two search plane, and further neutralization raids were carried out against enemy objectives in the Marshalls by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, and by 7th AAF Liberators.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 531, AUGUST 26, 1944

1. Forty‑seven tons of bombs were dropped on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands by Liberators of the 7th AAF during daylight on 24 August (West Longitude Date). Three of approximately ten intercepting enemy fighters were destroyed, and one was damaged. Two Liberators were damaged. Antiaircraft fire ranged from moderate to intense.

2. In the Marianas, Rota Island was attacked by our aircraft on 23 August, and Pagan and Aguijan Islands were bombed on 24 August. Gun positions and other defense installations were the targets.

3. A single 7th AAF Liberator bombed barracks on Yap Island in the western Carolines on 24 August, encountering meager anti‑aircraft fire.

4. Nauru Island was attacked by Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two on 23 August, and on 24 August Venturas and 7th AAF Mitchells again heavily bombed the runways, gun positions, and the town.

5. In the Marshalls, Corsair fighters of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed barracks and gun emplacements at Mille atoll on 23 August.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 533, AUGUST 27, 1944

1. Liberators of the 7th AAF bombed the airfield and defense Installations at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on 25 August (West Longitude Date). More than 42 tons of bombs were dropped while the Liberators fought off 8 to 10 enemy fighters. Two fighters were destroyed and two damaged, and several Liberators were damaged. Antiaircraft fire was intense.

2. A single 7th AAF Liberator bombed Yap and Woleai Islands on 25 August. There was no opposition at Woleai, and only light antiaircraft fire at Yap.

3. Truk atoll was bombed by Liberators of the 7th AAF on 24 August.

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Sixty‑four tons of bombs were dropped on defense installations. Eight enemy fighters intercepted, and one fighter was damaged. All of our planes returned.

4. In the Marshall Islands, Wotje and Mille were attacked on 24 August by Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. Harassing raids were carried out during the night of 24 25 August against Wotje, Maloelap, Jaluit, and Mile. On 25 August Corsairs again bomber and strafed Mille and Maloelap.

5. Aguijan Island in the Marianas was bombed and strafed by our aircraft on 25 August, starting several fires.

6. Ponape and Nauru Islands were attacked on 25 August, Ponape by Mitchell medium bombers of the 7th AAF and Nauru by Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 535, AUGUST 28, 1944

1. Liberators of the 11th AAF and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Onekotan Island in the Kuriles in separate strikes on 26 August (West Longitude Date). In the first raid by Navy Venturas buildings on the island and several small craft offshore were bombed. Several enemy planes were airborne but did not attempt interception. Antiaircraft fire was meager. In the second raid by 11th AAF Liberators, warehouse facilities and piers were bombed. Several fires were started. All of our planes returned. On 25 August an enemy patrol vessel was sunk near Paramushiru Island by two Mitchell bombers of the 11th AAF. Two enemy fighters attacked the Mitchells, which probably destroyed one fighter. Both of our planes returned safely.

2. Pagan and Alamagan Islands in the Marianas were attacked by our aircraft on 26 August.

3. Yap and Woleai in the western Carolines were attacked by Navy Liberators of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two on 26 August. Fires were started in a supply area at Woleai. On the same day a single 7th AAF Liberator bombed Yap.

4. Runways and gun emplacements at Nauru Island were attacked by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two on 25 and 26 August. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

5. In the Marshalls, Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the 6th Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Mille atoll on 25 and 26 August. On 26 august Mille was bombed by Navy Catalina search planes, and a small motor launch near the atoll was sunk. Jaluit atoll was harassed by bombing during :he night of 25‑26 August.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 536, AUGUST 29, 1944

1. The airfield at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was bombed on 27 August (West Longitude Date) by 7th AAF Liberators. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. During the night of 26‑27 August a single Liberator of the 7th AAF bombed Iwo Jima, encountering no opposition.

2. Pagan Island in the Marianas was attacked on 27 August by 7th AAF Liberators and in a separate strike on the same day was bombed and strafed fighter planes. Buildings and gun emplacements were the principal targets. Alamagan Island was also bombed on 27 August.

3. Yap Island in the western Carolines was attacked on 27 August by a single 7th AAF Liberator. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.

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4. Further neutralization raids against enemy positions in the Marshalls were conducted by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing on 27 August.

5. On 26 August Liberators of the 11th AAF bombed Paramushiru in the Kurile Islands, starting several fires.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 539, AUGUST 30, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 17 vessels, including two combatant ships, as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters, as follows:

2 destroyers

3 small cargo transports

3 medium cargo transports

1 medium tanker

6 medium cargo vessels

1 small cargo vessel

1 small tanker

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

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE 537, AUGUST 30, 1944

1. Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four attacked Paramushiru Island in the Kuriles and several enemy vessels discovered near the island on 27 August (West Longitude Date). One of the Venturas obtained a direct hit on a medium tanker, setting it afire. Another Ventura bombed a large cargo ship at Suribachi, causing a heavy explosion, while a third attacked an enemy patrol vessel. One Ventura was damaged in an engagement with three enemy fighters. On the same day two 11th AAF Liberators sank an enemy patrol vessel and badly damaged another near Paramushiro. Neither Liberator was damaged.

2. During the night of 27‑28 August Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was attacked by 7th AAF Liberators which bombed the airfield. Two enemy fighters were airborne but did not attempt interception. In a second strike on 27 August 7th AAF Liberators attacked Pagan Island, causing fires. Fighter planes bombed and strafed Pagan on 28 August.

3. Nauru Island was attacked on 27 August by Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two.

4. The airfields at Moen Island in Truk atoll were bombed by 7th AAF Liberators on 28 August. Seven enemy fighters intercepted our force and damaged one Liberator, but all of our planes returned.

5. Mitchells of the 7th AAF attacked Ponape Island on 28 August, while Corsair fighters and Dauntless diva bombers conducted further neutralization raids against Mille and Maloelap in the Marshalls on the same day.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 538, AUGUST 31, 1944

Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four attacked installations at Paramushiru Island in the Kuriles on the night of August 27 (West Longitude Date). Antiaircraft fire was meager and all of our aircraft returned.

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Yap and Woleai Islands in the Western Carolines were bombed by a single Seventh Army Air Force Liberator on August 28 and 29. On both days antiaircraft fire was meager.

During the night of August 28‑29 Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands.

Pagan Island in the Marianas was bombed on the night of August 28‑29 and on August 29. Gun positions and storage facilities were hit and several fires started.

Mitchells of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed the airfield at Nauru Island on August 29. During the preceding night Nauru was attacked by a Catalina search plane of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two.

Mille Atoll in the Marshalls was attacked on August 29 by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.

CINCPAC RELEASE NO. 539, AUGUST 31, 1944

Lieutenant General Millard F. Harmon, USA, has assumed command of all Army Air Force units operating in the Pacific Ocean Areas.

His jurisdiction extends throughout the theater commanded by Admiral C. W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 543, SEPTEMBER 2, 1944

1. On 31 August (West Longitude Date) a Navy search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two while on routine patrol near Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands sighted and attacked an enemy convoy, consisting of two small cargo vessels and three sampans. One cargo vessel was sunk and the other damaged by strafing. Another Navy search plane on the same day strafed and sank a sampan near Jaluit Atoll.

2. Pagan Island in the Marianas was attacked on 30 and 31 August. In these attacks heavy damage was done to gun emplacements and other defense Installations by rocket fire, bombing, and strafing. On both days antiaircraft fire was meager.

3. A single Liberator bomber of the 7th AAF bombed Yap Island in the western Carolines on 30 and 31 August, encountering moderate antiaircraft fire.

4. Mille atoll in the Marshalls was bombed on 30 August by Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, plus two 7th AAF Liberators. Gun positions and buildings were hit. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

5. On 30 August a lone Navy search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Nauru, encountering no enemy anti‑aircraft fire.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 113, SEPTEMBER 4, 1944

Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonin Islands and Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands were bombed and strafed by aircraft of a carrier task force on August 3 and 31 and on September 1 (West Longitude Dates). On August 30 and September 1 Chichi Jima and Iwo Jima were bombarded by cruisers and destroyers of the Pacific Fleet. Our aircraft dropped 196 tons of bombs in

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these operations and fired 490 rockets. The following damage was inflicted on the enemy:

Ships sunk: Three small cargo ships and a landing barge at Iwo Jima. One small cargo ship southwest of Haha Jima, damaged by bombing and later sunk by a destroyer. One small tanker and six barges at Chichi Jima. One small cargo ship northwest of Chichi Jima.

Ships probably sunk: One small cargo ship and one sub chaser northwest of Iwo Jima. One sub chaser southwest of Chichi Jima. One sub chaser at Haha Jima.

Ships damaged: Two sub chasers at Iwo Jima. One sub chaser and a sampan near Chichi Jima.

Aircraft destroyed or damaged: 10 enemy aircraft shot down near Iwo Jima. One twin‑engine bomber shot down over our task force. 33 enemy aircraft destroyed on the ground, 29 probably destroyed, and 10 damaged at Iwo Jima. Two seaplanes destroyed at Chichi Jima.

Damage to ground Installations: Extensive damage was done to hangars, shops, warehouses, fuel dumps, and antiaircraft positions by bombing and shelling during these attacks. Several antiaircraft positions were destroyed at Iwo Jima, a large warehouse was destroyed at Haha Jima, and at Chichi Jima the seaplane base was demolished.

Own damage: In these operations we lost five aircraft in combat. Our personnel casualties were one pilot and three flight personnel. There was no damage to our ships.

Cruisers and destroyers bombarded Wake Island on September 3, and aircraft of a carrier task group bombed the island. Several coast defense guns and antiaircraft emplacements were knocked out. Extensive damage was done to other gun positions and buildings. Three small craft in the lagoon were heavily damaged. There was no opposition from enemy aircraft, and return fire from shore batteries was ineffective. We lost no aircraft and there was no damage to our ships.

Iwo Jima was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on September 2. More than 95 tons of bombs were dropped on air facilities. A single enemy fighter attempted to use phosphorous bombs against our formation without effect. Intense to moderate antiaircraft damaged three of our planes.

Pagan Island was the target of our planes in two attacks on September 1 and one attack on September 2. Rockets and strafing were employed in the later two attacks and little opposition was met.

Rota Island gun emplacements, bivouac areas and air installations were bombed on August 31, September 1 and September 2. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

Maug Island was attacked by our fighters using rockets on September 2.

A single Liberator of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Paramushiru in the Kuriles on August 31. No interception was encountered. A lone Mitchell bomber attacked southern Paramushiru later in the day, sinking a small cargo vessel at anchor and scoring a direct hit on docking facilities. The bomber returned undamaged.

Truk was hit with approximately 55 tons of bombs on September 1 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. Antiaircraft fire was meager and only one intercepting Zero was encountered.

Runways on Nauru airfields were bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells on September 2 and three of our attacking planes were damaged by meager but accurate antiaircraft fire.

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Ponape Airfield was hit on September 1 by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

In the Marshall Islands on September 1, gun positions, ammunition dumps, a radio station and personnel areas on Mille, Wotje and Maloelap Atolls were bombed and strafed by Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. Sixty‑three tons of bombs were dropped. Antiaircraft fire ranged from meager to moderate.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 540, SEPTEMBER 6, 1944

1. The submarine USS Robalo is overdue from patrol and must be presumed to be lost.

2. The next of kin of personnel in the Robalo have been so notified.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 545, SEPTEMBER 6, 1944

1. The airfield at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was bombed by Liberators of the 7th AAF on 4 September (West Longitude Date). Two enemy fighters were in the air but made no attempt at interception. Antiaircraft fire was moderate. A single Liberator bombed Iwo Jima during the night of 3‑4 September.

2. Pagan Island was attacked by our aircraft on 2, 3 and 4 September. Gun positions were strafed and subjected to rocket fire. Antiaircraft fire was meager. The airstrip at Rota Island was bombed on 3 September.

3. Marcus Island was attacked by 7th AAF Liberators on 3 and 4 September. On 3 September a building apparently used for ammunition storage was hit and destroyed. Antiaircraft fire was intense.

4. A Liberator search plane of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two, intercepted and shot down an enemy transport plane near Iwo Jima on 4 September. A medium bomber escorting the transport managed to escape.

5. Yap Island was the target of attacks on 2, 3 and 4 September by a single 7th AAF Liberator. Airfield installations and bivouac areas were bombed. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

6. Further neutralization raids against enemy positions in the Marshalls were conducted on 4 September by 7th AAF Liberators and Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 547, SEPTEMBER 7, 1944

1. The Palau Islands were swept in force by fighter planes of a Carrier Task Group on 5 September (West Longitude Date). There were no enemy planes in the air. Several aircraft on the ground were set afire by strafing. Defense installations, including antiaircraft emplacements and warehouses, were heavily strafed. An ammunition or fuel dump on Babelthuap Island was destroyed. Seventeen small craft near the islands were left burning as a result of strafing.

2. Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Paramushiru and Onekotan in the Kuriles on 5 September. Landing barges and patrol craft were strafed.

3. On 6 September the airfield at Iwo Jima was bombed by Liberators of the 7th AAF, encountering moderate to intense antiaircraft fire. 7th AAF Liberators bombed Marcus Island on 6 September. Moderate antiaircraft fire damaged one bomber.

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4. Nauru Island was attacked by 7th AAF Mitchells on 5 September. Airfields and gun positions were hit. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

5. Antiaircraft positions on Pagan Island were subjected to rocket fire and strafing on 6 September.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 551, SEPTEMBER 8, 1944

1. Carrier aircraft bombed and strafed Yap and Ulithi in the western Caroline Islands on 5‑6 and 7 September (West Longitude Dates). Our aircraft dropped 110 tons of bombs and fired numerous rockets, destroying the radio cable station, antiaircraft positions, buildings and storage dumps. No airborne enemy aircraft were encountered and antiaircraft fire was meager. Our personnel casualties were three pilots and one aircrewman. There was no damage to any of our ships.

2. Pagan and Aguijan in the Marianas were attacked by our aircraft on 6 September. Both islands were strafed. Rockets were launched against gun emplacements and other installations at Pagan, where moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

3. Liberators of the 7th AAF bombed Marcus Island on 6 September experiencing moderate antiaircraft fire. Explosions were observed and several fires were started.

4. On the same day further neutralization raids were carried out against enemy bases in the Marshalls. Corsair and Dauntless planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed radio facilities and gun positions at Mille. No antiaircraft fire was encountered. Corsairs also bombed Wotje. Numerous fires were started. There was no antiaircraft fire.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 552, SEPTEMBER 9, 1944

1. Cruisers and destroyers of the Pacific Fleet shelled the Palau Islands on 6 September (west longitude date). The naval bombardment destroyed and damaged numerous buildings and defense installations. Many large fires were started on Angaur, the southernmost island in the group, and carrier based planes scored direct hits on supply facilities. There was meager antiaircraft fire. Bomb hits were made on communication facilities at Peleliu Island.

Numerous large fires were started at Koror, and a radio station and fuel dump were hit on Arakabesan Island. There was no damage to our surface ships.

2. Liberators of the 7th AAF bombed airfields and installations at Iwo

Jima in the Volcano Islands on 6 and 7 September. Several fires were started. Antiaircraft fire was moderate. Of four enemy fighters airborne on 7 September, one was probably destroyed.

3. On 7 September, Liberators of the 7th AAF attacked Chichi Jima in the

Bonin Islands, damaging an enemy cargo ship in the harbor. On the same day Pagan Island in the Marianas was attacked with rocket and machine gun fire. 4. Army Liberators bombed Moen airfields in the Truk atoll on 6 September. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

5. Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued their attacks on remaining positions in the Marshalls on 7 September. A single Navy search plane bombed Nauru Island on the same day.

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JOINT STATEMENT, SEPTEMBER 9, 1944

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

Last month, due to the effectiveness of the Allied Operations in France, the principal U‑boat operating bases in the Bay of Biscay were neutralized. As a consequence the Germans have been forced to operate their underseas craft from Norwegian and Baltic bases, thereby stretching even thinner their difficult lines of operation. The exchange rate between merchant ships sunk and U‑boats destroyed continues to be profitable to the United Nations' cause. While U‑boat operations continue, they are sporadic and relatively ineffectual.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 541, SEPTEMBER 11, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 9 vessels, including three combatant ships, as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters, as follows

1 destroyer

1 escort vessels

1 gunboat

2 medium cargo vessels

1 small cargo vessel

1 medium cargo transport

2 small tankers

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

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 114, SEPTEMBER 11, 1944

Carrier‑based aircraft of the Pacific Fleet struck at enemy airfields and other military objectives at Mindanao Island in the Philippines on September 8 (West Longitude Date). The airfields at Del Monte, Valencia, Cagayan, Buayan, and Davao were bombed and strafed. In these attacks two enemy aircraft were encountered near our carriers, five were encountered over Cagayan, and one over Davao. All were shot down. Approximately 60 enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground. Barracks, warehouses, and hangars were hit at the several airdromes attacked. Enemy waterfront installations at Matins, Cagayan, and Surigao were also bombed.

A convoy was discovered off Hinatuan Bay consisting of 32 loaded coastal cargo ships and 20 sampans. This convoy was brought under attack by Pacific Fleet cruisers, destroyers, and carrier aircraft, and all of the enemy ships were destroyed. In addition, enemy shipping found in Sarangani Bay and Davao Gulf, and near Cagayan and Surigao was attacked, resulting in the sinking or probable sinking of 16 small cargo ships, one medium cargo ship, one patrol craft, and many sampans, and setting fire to two small cargo ships, and at least 17 sampans. Our aircraft losses in the operations were very light. There was no damage to our surface ships.

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More than 80 tons of bombs were dropped and numerous rockets fired by carrier aircraft in attacking the Palau Islands on September 9. Antiaircraft emplacements and other defense installations were attacked on Angaur, Peleliu, and Koror Islands. Numerous fires were started at Koror. A destroyer and a cargo ship, believed to have been heavily damaged in previous raids, were attacked again. We lost seven fight personnel in these attacks.

Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Paramushiru Island in the Kuriles on September 9, and Liberator search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four attacked the island again before dawn on September 10. In the first attack several enemy fighters unsuccessfully attempted to intercept our force, and one fighter was damaged. A convoy discovered underway near Paramushiru was bombed by Eleventh Army Air Force Mitchells on September 9.

Runways and air facilities at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands were hit with 37 tons of bombs by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on September 9. Antiaircraft was moderate to intense. Seven to ten enemy fighters intercepted. Of this group five or six were destroyed, one probably destroyed and one damaged. Three Liberators were damaged. On September 8 a single Liberator bombed the airfield at Iwo Jima while a Navy search plane bombed and strafed a small tanker west of Iwo Jima, leaving it aflame and probably sinking.

A single plane bombed Pagan on September 8 while fighter planes attacked Rota on September 9. There was no interception at either place.

Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells bombed the airfield and defense installations at Ponape on September 8. Antiaircraft ranged from intense to meager. Seventh Army Air Force Liberators hit the airstrip and antiaircraft gun positions on Nauru the following day.

Further neutralization raids were carried out against enemy‑held positions in the Marshalls on September 8 and 9. Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force and Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing hit gun positions, ammunition dumps and bivouac areas on Wotje, Mille and Jaluit.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 542, SEPTEMBER 12, 1944

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

2. Next of kin of casualties have been informed.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 554, SEPTEMBER 12, 1944

1. Carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet attacked enemy defenses in the Palau Islands on 10 and 11 September (West Longitude Date). On 11 September the islands were shelled by battleships and cruisers. One hundred and twenty tons of bombs were dropped by aircraft on buildings, gun positions, and coastal defenses at Babelthuap, Peleliu, and Angaur Islands. On 10 September a small cargo ship near the islands was sunk by bombing and strafing, and another was damaged. More than 150 rockets were fired at defensive positions during the two days, and numerous ground installations were strafed.

2. A single plane bombed the airfield at Iwo Jima on the night of 10 September.

3. Pagan Island was a target for our aircraft on 10 September. Rockets were launched at buildings and gun emplacements. Antiaircraft fire ranged from meager to intense.

4. Seventy‑two tons of bombs were dropped on Truk by Liberators of the

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7th AAF on 10 September. Five or six enemy aircraft attempted interception. One enemy aircraft was destroyed and one was damaged. Antiaircraft fire varied from meager to intense. Minor damage was inflicted on three Liberators.

5. On the same day enemy held positions in the Marshalls were subjected to further neutralization raids. Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed bivouac areas on Jaluit and Maloelap atolls. Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers attacked Mille, encountering moderate antiaircraft fire.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 115, SEPTEMBER 13, 1944

Carrier based aircraft of the Pacific Fleet shot down more than fifty enemy aircraft and destroyed more than 150 on the ground in a day long attack against Cebu, Negros, and Panay Islands in the Philippines on September 11 (West Longitude Date). Preliminary reports are fragmentary, but it is indicated that air operations are continuing against strong enemy opposition. Several cargo ships and numerous smaller craft were sunk in the initial attacks.

Paramushiru in the Kurile Islands was bombed and strafed by search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four on September 10. Waterfront installations along the Southeast Coast were the principal targets and several fires were started. Each of two medium cargo ships discovered near Paramushiru suffered a direct bomb hit and both were strafed. Strafing attacks were also delivered to a number of small craft offshore. On the same day a Navy search plane bombed Shimushu Island, and another search plane shot down an enemy fighter East of Onekotan Island.

On September 11, Eleventh Army Air Force Mitchells bombed and strafed a number of vessels in the harbor at Shimushu, sinking one medium cargo vessel and four small cargo vessels. Two other small cargo vessels were damaged. Seven enemy fighters intercepted our planes and inflicted minor damage on one Mitchell but all returned safely. On the same day, Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed and strafed Paramushiru, Araido and Onekotan, setting fires to docks and warehouses.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force dropped 26 tons of bombs on airfields at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on September 10. Large fires were started. One of four intercepting enemy fighters was destroyed. Antiaircraft fire damaged two Liberators. On September 11, a lone Navy Catalina bombed an ammunition dump at Nauru Island, and Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing hit the storage and magazine areas at Jaluit.

Pagan Island in the Marianas was attacked on September 11, by Seventh Army Air Force Thunderbolts using bombs and rockets. Gun positions and buildings were hit.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 116, SEPTEMBER 14, 1944

Carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet swept over the Central Philippines and inflicted crippling damage on enemy air forces shipping and ground installations during a three day strike, September 11 to 13 (West Longitude Date). More complete information shows that the following damage was done to the enemy on Panay, Cebu, Negros and Leyte Islands.

Aircraft destroyed: 156 shot down in combat and 277 destroyed on the ground. This is a revision of planes previously announced lost by the enemy

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in the Central Philippines. As of sundown on September 13, 501 enemy aircraft had been destroyed in the Philippines by our carrier aircraft.

Ships sunk: Two large cargo vessels, one medium transport, two destroyer escorts, 35 small ships.

Ships damaged: Five cargo vessels, one medium oiler, 36 small ships, two motor torpedo boats, many sampans. These ship losses are in addition to those previously reported.

Damage to ground installations: Several airfields were bombed and strafed by our planes. Oil storage facilities, ammunition dumps, warehouses, barracks and buildings were set afire.

Enemy air opposition the first day was considerable and was reinforced during the first night so that its strength on the second day was also formidable. Enemy planes rose to intercept our aircraft, but no attempts were made to attack our surface ships. On the third day, enemy air power was nonexistent and antiaircraft fire was meager. Our losses in planes and flight personnel were relatively light.

Carrier aircraft hit enemy positions at Angaur, Peleliu and Ngesebus Islands in the Palau Group on September 12 with 90 tons of bombs and 165 rockets. Damage was inflicted on coastal gun positions, warehouses and a lighthouse at Angaur.

On September 12, Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, attacked and damaged a large sampan and two large troop laden landing craft near Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands.

Pagan Island was bombed twice on September 12, one attack being made by a Thunderbolt of the Seventh Army Air Force, the other by a Liberator. Buildings and gun positions were hit. There was no antiaircraft fire.

A single Liberator of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed buildings on Marcus Island on September 11. The plane which returned was damaged by antiaircraft fire. Other Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Marcus Island on September 12.

Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force flew through meager antiaircraft fire to bomb Nauru on September 12.

The Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing sent Corsair and Dauntless dive bombers over Wotje on September 11 and again on September 12 to bomb gun positions and communications facilities. Dauntless dive bombers struck at Mille on September 11, hitting bivouac areas. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered at both targets.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 117, SEPTEMBER 15, 1944

United States Army and Marine assault troops established beachheads in the Palau Islands on September 14 (West Longitude Date) with the support of carrier aircraft and surface combat ships of the Third Fleet under the command of Admiral Halsey. Enemy defenses are being heavily bombed and shelled at close range.

Amphibious operations against the Palau Islands are being directed by Vice Admiral T. S. Wilkinson, U. S. Navy, Commander Third Amphibious Force.

Expeditionary troops are commanded by Major General Julian C. Smith. USMC.

The landings are continuing against stiff ground opposition.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 118, SEPTEMBER 15, 1944

United States Marines are developing a beachhead in the southern portion of Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, and are closing in upon the principal airport in the island group. The beachhead extends for approximately one and one‑half miles along the southwestern shore of Peleliu. Several enemy counterattacks, employing tanks, were thrown back during September 14 (West Longitude Date) by our ground forces assisted by strong air support and Naval gunfire. Our casualties during the first day of the assault were light, although the landing beaches have been under sporadic mortar and artillery fire.

The landings on Peleliu Island were supported by carrier‑based aircraft which bombed, strafed, and launched rockets against enemy installations immediately behind the landing beaches on September 14. Gun emplacements and other defense installations on the northern end of the island were also heavily bombed. We lost one plane and four flight personnel in these attacks.

The fast carrier task force covering and supporting the landings by far ranging operations throughout the Western Pacific are commanded by Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, U. S. Navy.

The amphibious assault troops engaged are under the command of Major General Roy S. Geiger, USMC, Commander, Third Amphibious Corps.

The initial landings were made by the First Marine Division, commanded by Major General William H. Rupertus, USMC The ships in direct support are commanded by Rear Admiral George H. Fort, U. S. Navy.

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Shimushu Island on September 12, setting buildings afire. Antiaircraft fire was ineffective. Seven enemy fighters rose to intercept our force but did not press home the attack. During the night of September 13‑14 Eleventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed installations at Paramushiru. All returned undamaged to their base.

Three Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Iwo Jima on September 13, dropping 52 tons of bombs on the airfield and adjacent installations. Large explosions visible for many miles were observed. Enemy aircraft made no attempt at interception. All planes returned safely.

Pagan Island installations were bombed by Thunderbolts of the Seventh Army Air Force on September 13. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. On the same day fighter planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing hit gun positions on Rota, encountering meager antiaircraft fire.

Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing made further neutralization raids on the Marshall Island Atolls of Mille, Jaluit, and Wotje on September 12 and 13.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force flew through moderate antiaircraft fire to bomb Marcus Island on September 13.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 119, SEPTEMBER 16, 1944

During September 15 (West Longitude Date) United States Marines made some additional gains against strong opposition on Peleliu Island and captured the airfield at the southern end. The enemy has launched several strong counterattacks against our positions but has been thrown back each time.

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An attack begun by our forces on the early morning of September 15, preceded by aerial bombing and Naval gunfire, resulted in steady advances through well organized defenses in depth. This attack was supported by artillery, tanks, Naval gunfire, and bombing. Several enemy tanks were reported destroyed. Our troops had counted more than 1400 enemy dead by nightfall on September 15. Severe fighting continues.

Carrier aircraft continued to give close support to our ground forces throughout September 15. Enemy troop concentrations, gun positions, and supplies were bombed. Carrier planes also bombed airfield installations at Babelthuap, the northernmost island in the Palau Group. Several fires were started by strafing.

Seventy‑two tons of bombs were dropped on Dublon and Moen in the Truk Atoll by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force on September 14. Five enemy planes intercepted our force and one Liberator was damaged. The enemy planes were driven off with probable damage to one. Antiaircraft fire was meager. On the same day Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Ponape Island in the Carolines.

Paramushiru in the Kuriles was bombed by Eleventh Army Air Force Liberators at night on September 12. Antiaircraft fire was meager and all of our planes returned. Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four attacked Paramushiru on September 14, setting fire to several buildings. Intercepting enemy aircraft damaged one Ventura. Two of the interceptors were probably damaged. All of our planes returned.

Pagan Island was attacked on September 14 by Thunderbolts of the Seventh Army Air Force. Gun emplacements were hit with rockets and strafed. One plane was damaged by antiaircraft fire.

Gun emplacements at Wotje Atoll were bombed on September 14 by Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.

A single search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two strafed and damaged two enemy sailboats at Lemotrek Island, east of Woleai, on September 14. Another search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two on routine patrol near Iwo Jima on September 14 sighted two large landing craft escorted by a fighter plane: Both landing craft were strafed and the enemy plane was shot down.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 120, SEPTEMBER 17, 1944

United States Army assault troops established beachheads on Angaur Island, the southernmost of the Palau Islands, on September 16 (West Longitude Date). Carrier‑based aircraft of the Pacific Fleet heavily bombed the island prior to the landings, and cruisers and destroyers took enemy defensive positions under deliberate fire.

The initial landings were made by troops of the 81st Infantry Division, commanded by Major General Paul J. Mueller, U.S.A. The ships in direct support are commanded by Rear Admiral W. H. P. Blandy, U. S. Navy.

All initial objectives have been gained against resistance which so far has been relatively light.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 121, SEPTEMBER 17, 1944

The First Marine Division continued to encounter heavy opposition on Peleliu Island during September 16 (West Longitude Date), but extended the area under their control in the southwestern peninsula and moved ahead in a northerly direction approximately a third of a mile. Our attack was preceded by bombing and Naval gunfire. The enemy is using artillery and mortars in considerable numbers against our positions although many have been destroyed by bombing and counter‑battery fire. On Angaur Island, troops of the 81st Infantry Division have joined the beachheads established on the north and northeast sectors of the island, and have pushed inland more than a thousand yards against light opposition. The northeast third of Angaur is now in our hands.

Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was bombed on September 14 (West Longitude Date) by a single Liberator of the Seventh Army Air Force and by Liberators in greater number on September 15. In the latter attack the airstrips and surrounding areas were bombed causing large explosions and starting fires. Four enemy planes attempted interception without success. There was moderate antiaircraft fire, which did no damage.

Pagan Island in the Marianas was attacked twice on September 15 by the Seventh Army Air Force. Liberators attacked early in the day followed by Thunderbolts which launched rockets and strafed gun positions and the runway. There was meager antiaircraft fire. There were two attacks against Rota on September 14. In the afternoon Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing strafed gun positions and Navy Hellcat fighter planes strafed the airfield at night. Rota was again visited by Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on September 15. The runway and gun emplacements were bombed and strafed.

Gun positions and the airfield at Ponape were bombed on September 14 by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells.

On September 15 a single Seventh Army Air Force Liberator bombed Marcus Island.

The same day Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing dropped six tons of bombs on Wotje. One of our planes was shot down. The crew was rescued. Corsairs again bombed Wotje on September 16.

A lone Catalina search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two attacked Nauru on the night of September 16.

SEPTEMBER 18, 1944

COAST GUARD LIGHTSHIP BELIEVED LOST IN HURRICANE

The 123‑foot Coast Guard lightship Vineyard Sound is missing from her position off the tip of Cuttyhunk Island in Vineyard Sound, Massachusetts, and is presumed to have been lost with 11 officers and men in Thursday's hurricane. All next of kin have been notified.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 122, SEPTEMBER 18, 1944

During the night of September 16‑17 (West Longitude Date) the enemy counterattacked the western flank of our forward lines on Peleliu Island, but was thrown back. An attack launched by the First Marine Division in the

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early morning of September 17 resulted in further gains to the north, and the occupation of Asias Town. Meantime mopping up operations in the southern sector progressed and Ngarmoked Island off the southern tip of Peleliu was captured. Two enemy aircraft bombed our positions on September 17, but caused no casualties. Seabees are at work rebuilding the Peleliu Airfield. Heavy fighting continues.

On Angaur Island several enemy counterattacks have been repulsed and good progress has been made by the 81st Infantry Division. The northern half of the island excepting some strong-points along the western shore is under our control. Through September 17 our forces had wiped out 5,495 enemy troops on Peleliu and 48 on Angaur.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 559, SEPTEMBER 18, 1944

Major General Francis P. Mulcahy, USMC, has been designated Commanding General of Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force, succeeding Major General Ross E. Rowell, USMC, it was announced today by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas.

The change in designation for Marine aviation in the Pacific from Marine Aircraft Wings Pacific to Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force, was announced simultaneously.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 543, SEPTEMBER 19, 1944

Central Pacific.

1. The USS Perry (DMS‑17) was sunk as the result of enemy action during the present operation in the Palau Islands.

2. The next of kin of casualties (which were small) have been informed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 544, SEPTEMBER 19, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 29 vessels, including three combatant ships, as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters as follows

2 destroyers

1 large cargo transport

11 medium cargo vessels

9 small cargo vessels

2 medium cargo transports

1 escort vessel

3 medium tankers

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

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N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 545, SEPTEMBER 19, 1944

1. The submarine USS Flier was lost in recent operations against the enemy.

2. The next of kin of officers and crew have been informed.

SEPTEMBER 19, 1944

USS NOA LOST IN PACIFIC

The USS Noa recently was sunk in the Pacific as the result of a collision with a U. S. destroyer. There were no casualties to personnel.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 123, SEPTEMBER 19, 1944

First Marine Division troops on Peleliu Island scored further gains in a northeasterly direction during September 18 (West Longitude Date), securing Ngardololok Town and bringing most of the eastern coastal area under control. There was no significant change in our positions in the center and along the west coast. The enemy, fighting from pillboxes, trenches and other prepared fortifications, supported by mortars and artillery, continues to offer stubborn resistance. Found in badly damaged condition on the Peleliu Airfield were 77 single‑engine fighter aircraft, 28 medium bombers, eight light bombers, and four transport plane

On Angaur Island further southward advances have been made and two thirds of the island is in the hands of the 81st Infantry Division. The enemy now occupies only two isolated pockets of the island. During September 1 Saipan Town and Middle Village were occupied.

A landing craft equipped as a gunboat (LCI‑459) struck a mine while firing rockets in close support of our troops on Peleliu on September 17, and sank in about 20 minutes. Two of the crew were wounded, but all are safe.

Shimushu Island in the Kuriles was bombed by Eleventh Army Air Force Liberators during the night of September 16. Antiaircraft fire was inaccurate and all our planes returned to their base. Shimushu and Paramushiru were attacked on September 17 by search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four. Buildings were set afire. A small boat, loaded with enemy personnel, and a warship, thought to be a destroyer, were strafed off the east coast of Paramushiru. Several enemy fighter planes intercepted and one was shot down. One of our planes was damaged.

Iwo Jima was attacked on the night of September 16 (West Longitude Date) by a single plane. There was no antiaircraft fire.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Marcus Island on September 17. Antiaircraft fire varied from meager to intense. On the same day Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells flew through moderate antiaircraft fire to bomb runways, bivouac areas, and gun emplacements on Nauru Island.

Further neutralization raids were carried out against Wotje in the Marshalls on September 16 and 17. Both attacks were directed at storage areas and encountered meager antiaircraft fire. On September 16 Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Jaluit.

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SEPTEMBER 20, 1944

USS YMS‑409 PRESUMED LOST IN HURRICANE

The minesweeper USS YMS‑409, which was at sea during the hurricane last week, has not been heard from and is presumed to be lost. The area through which this vessel was passing has been under constant search since the day of the storm, and the search is still continuing. The next of kin of those aboard are being notified.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 124, SEPTEMBER 20, 1944

During the afternoon of September 19 (West Longitude Date) organized enemy resistance ceased on Angaur Island. The 81st Infantry Division is proceeding with mopping‑up operations.

Shore installations and bivouac areas at Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands were bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on September 18. A direct hit and two near misses were obtained in attacking a medium cargo vessel at anchor in Futami Harbor, and numerous barges were bombed. The cargo ship was left burning and eight to 10 barges were destroyed. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

Pagan Island in the Marianas was bombed and strafed by Thunderbolts of the Seventh Army Air Force on September 18. Antiaircraft emplacements and storage facilities were the principal targets, and several fires were started.

Marcus Island was attacked by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on the same day, and Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells bombed Ponape Island, hitting gun positions and the airstrip in the latter attack.

Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Wotje Atoll in the Marshalls on September 18, dropping 27 tons on barracks areas.

All of our aircraft returned from the foregoing missions.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 125, SEPTEMBER 20, 1944

During September 19 (West Longitude Date) the First Marine Division continued to apply heavy pressure on the left flank of our front on Peleliu Island, seeking to dislodge the enemy from strong defensive positions in the rough terrain which parallels the western shore. The enemy resistance is bitter, but slow progress is being made, and in one sector 11 field guns, 70 machine guns, and 23 mortars have been captured by our forces. Small local advances were made on the left during September 19, but there was no appreciable change in our line. On the right flank, along the eastern shore, additional gains were scored and virtually all enemy resistance has been mopped up. The small unnamed island below Ngabad Island was occupied by our forces during the day.

Mopping up on Angaur Island by troops of the 81st Infantry Division continues. Our forces have killed an estimated 7045 enemy troops on Peleliu and 600 on Angaur. Enemy aircraft dropped two bombs near positions occupied by our forces during the night of September 18‑19, but caused no damage.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 126, SEPTEMBER 21, 1944

The First Marine Division made minor gains in a northerly direction along the western ridge of Peleliu Island on September 24 (West Longitude Date) facing stiff opposition from the enemy troops well entrenched in precipitous terrain. Our attack was preceded by gunfire from cruisers and destroyers and by bombing.

Meantime, our forces occupied the entire east coast of Peleliu, including the island of Ngabad.

More enemy equipment has been captured consisting of six trench mortars and 31 machine guns. An additional 10 enemy aircraft have been found destroyed on the airfield.

The 81st Division is continuing mopping‑up operations on Angaur.

Enemy troops killed on Peleliu number 8,792. Enemy troops killed on Angaur number 850.

The airfield and installations on Babelthuap and the seaplane base at Arakabesan were bombed on September 20.

Seventh Army Air Force Thunderbolts strafed and bombed gun emplacements on Pagan in the Marianas on September 19.

Aircraft of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed storage areas at Rota Island on September 18 and attacked it again on September 19, causing several explosions and starting fires.

A single plane bombed Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on September 18. There was no antiaircraft fire.

Truk Atoll was the target of Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on September 18. Sixty‑nine tons of bombs were dropped on the airfield at Moen. Four enemy aircraft attempted interception. Antiaircraft fire was meager. Three Liberators were slightly damaged but all returned.

Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Paramushiru in the Kuriles on September 19. Direct hits were scored on communication facilities. Later the same day a single Eleventh Army Air Force Mitchell bomber attacked Paramushiru, encountering meager antiaircraft fire. All planes returned safely.

Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Wotje, in the Marshalls, on September 19. Bivouac areas, storage areas, and communication facilities were bombed. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 127, SEPTEMBER 21, 1944

Carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet swept the island of Luzon in the heart of the Philippines on September 20 (West Longitude Date) striking in great force at shipping in Manila Bay and in Subic Bay, at enemy Installations at Clark Field and Nichols Field near Manila, and at the Cavite Naval Base.

One hundred and ten enemy aircraft were shot down in the air and 95 were destroyed on the ground. The following additional damage was inflicted on the enemy

Enemy ships sunk:	Enemy ships damaged,
One large destroyer leader	including those probably sunk
Four large oil tankers	One destroyer
One small oil tanker	Two large oil tankers
Two large cargo ships	One large transport
One medium cargo ship	Ten large cargo ships
Two small cargo ships	Twelve medium cargo ships
	One floating dry dock
	Two barges

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In addition to the heavy shipping and aircraft losses inflicted upon the enemy, much damage was done to military objectives on and adjacent to Clark Field and Nichols Field, and to the fields themselves. Our losses in this superlatively successful attack which apparently caught the enemy completely by surprise, were 15 aircraft from which several of the flight personnel were recovered. There was no damage to our surface ships.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 128, SEPTEMBER 22, 1944

On Peleliu Island the enemy continued to resist bitterly from heavily fortified defense positions on Umurbrogol Mountain during September 21 (West Longitude Date). Troops of the First Marine Division were unable to make any appreciable progress along the western arm of the island. Five heavy caliber enemy guns were captured by our forces during the day. Our front line remains virtually unchanged except for slight northward progress along the west coast. On Angaur the 81st Infantry Division continues to dig remnants of the enemy from caves in the northwestern section of the island. During the day a heavy cruiser shelled enemy defense installations on Koror Island, and scored several direct hits.

Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Rota in the Marianas on September 20. On the same day installations at Pagan were bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. No antiaircraft fire was encountered in either attack.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators attacked Marcus Island on September 19 and again on September 20. Gun emplacements were bombed in the latter attack. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered. The runway and gun emplacements on Nauru Island were bombed on September 20 by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

Jaluit Atoll in the Marshalls was attacked on September 20 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 546, SEPTEMBER 23, 1944

Mediterranean Area.

1. During recent operations in the Mediterranean the following U. S. vessels were lost as the result of enemy action:

PT's‑202, 218, 555

LST‑282

YMS‑21

YMS‑24

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 129, SEPTEMBER 23, 1944

Carrier‑based planes bombed Yap Island on September 21, finding new worthwhile targets, no airborne opposition and only moderate antiaircraft fire.

Enemy forces on Peleliu Island were slowly but steadily being pushed toward the northern end of the island during September 22. Garekoru Village and a small, unnamed island along the east coast were occupied by United States Marines. Approximately three‑fourths of the island is now in our hands.

On the same day seven barges were sighted in the narrow channel between Peleliu and Ngesebus Islands. One was sunk by our patrol vessels and

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the remainder dispersed. These were destroyed by bombing, strafing and ships' gunfire after being beached on Peleliu. In the action a small supply dump was also set afire.

At sundown on September 22, 7,020 enemy troops had been killed on Peleliu while 950 had been killed on Angaur.

Pagan and Anatahan in the Marianas were attacked by Seventh Army Air Force Thunderbolts on September 21. On the same day Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing strafed the phosphate plant and storage facilities on Rota Island.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators attacked shipping in the harbor at Chichi Jima in the Bonins on September 21. One barge was sunk and near misses were scored on a freighter. Large explosions in the harbor area were caused. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Marcus Island on September 21 and gun positions and areas surrounding the airfield at Ponape were bombed on September 21 by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells.

On the same day Jaluit Atoll was attacked by Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 130, SEPTEMBER 24, 1944

Carrier‑based aircraft of the Pacific Fleet, continuing the smashing attack against the Northern Philippines begun on September 20 (West Longitude Date), took an additional heavy toll of enemy planes, ships and ground Installations on September 21. Total destruction in the two day strike was extensive and the enemy suffered heavily.

The following damage, part of which has been previously reported, was inflicted at and near Clark and Nichols Fields, in the Manila Harbor area and at the Cavite Naval Base during the two day operations in Southern Luzon:

Ships sunk:

40 classified as ships; six small craft.

Ships probably sunk:

11 classified as ships.

Ships damaged:

35 classified as ships; 11 small craft; two floating drydocks.

Aircraft destroyed:

169 planes shot down in combat; 188 planes destroyed on the ground.

Aircraft damaged:

45 planes probably damaged on the ground; three planes damaged by ship's gunfire.

Ground installations damaged and destroyed:

Extensive and widespread damage was done to buildings, warehouses, railroad equipment, oil storage tanks, harbor installations, hangars, shops and stored supplies and equipment.

Our own losses in this daring and highly successful strike were 11 planes in combat, 10 pilots and five aircrewmen. There was no loss or damage to any of our surface ships.

The total revised box score for the Third Fleet, under the command of Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., USN, since it began operating in the far

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western Pacific now stands at: 122 ships and 61 small craft sunk, 137 ships and 109 small craft damaged, 380 planes shot down in the air, 598 destroyed on the ground, total aircraft destroyed 978, crippling damage to air fields and Naval establishments. In addition ships and carrier‑based aircraft of the Third Fleet have supported the assaults on Palau. Our own combat losses have been 51 planes, 37 pilots and 20 crewmen.

The operations of the Third Fleet have forced the enemy to withdraw its Naval forces from their former anchorages in the Philippines and to seek new refuges in the same general area, have disrupted inter‑island communications, and have broken his air force in the Philippines just as operations of the Fifth Fleet broke the enemy carrier‑based air force in the Battle of the Philippine Sea.

Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonin Islands were bombed on September 22 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was attacked twice on September 22 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered in all attacks.

A single Seventh Army Air Force Liberator bombed Pagan on September 22.

On the same day Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers attacked Nauru. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing carried our further neutralization raids against enemy held atolls in the Marshalls, striking at Mille on September 21‑22 and at Jaluit and Wotje on September 22. Dauntless dive bombers attacked Maloelap on September 21 and 22.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 564, SEPTEMBER 24, 1944

1. An attempt by the enemy to reinforce his beleaguered troops in the northern end of Peleliu Island was broken up on 23 September (West Longitude Date). A convoy of 13 barges and one motor sampan, carrying men and equipment, was sighted northeast of Peleliu. It was immediately brought under fire by United States warships, some of which ,pushed through mined waters to close range. A number of the barges were seen to explode. Later ten wrecked barges were counted on the reef northeast of Peleliu and the remainder were thought to have sunk. A few of the enemy probably were able to swim ashore without their equipment.

On the same day in Malakal harbor, two camouflaged ships previously damaged by our aircraft, were bombarded by a United States cruiser which scored at least one direct hit.

Marine forces on Peleliu made small gains on both the right and left flanks during 23 September. On Angaur mopping up operations continue.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 131, SEPTEMBER 25, 1944

Units of the First Marine Division maneuvered so as to by‑pass enemy strong-points on Peleliu Island and made substantial progress in a northerly direction along the western arm of the island during September 24 (West Longitude Date). At one point on the western shore they are less than a mile from the northern tip of the island. During the night of September 23 24 an enemy barge was destroyed by Naval gunfire. Certain elements of the 81st Infantry Division have reinforced the First Marine Division, while other ele‑

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ments are continuing to mop up on Angaur Island. Through September 24 our troops had counted 8288 enemy dead, of which 7313 were killed on Peleliu and the remainder of 975 killed on Angaur. Heavy fighting continues.

Harbor facilities and shipping at Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands were bombed on September 23 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Marcus Island on September 22 and again on September 23.

On September 23 Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing strafed

gun emplacements at Rota Island in the Marianas. There was meager antiaircraft fire.

Bivouac areas at Jaluit Atoll were attacked twice on September 23 by Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. Other Corsairs struck at defensive positions at Wotje Atoll and Mille Atoll on the same day.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 132, SEPTEMBER 26, 1944

Elements of the First Marine Division drove almost to Akarakoro Point at the northern extremity of Peleliu Island during September 25 (West Longitude Date) while other elements of the First Division maneuvered to encircle bitterly resisting remnants of the enemy entrenched on Umurbrogol Hill. Units of the 81st Infantry Division took additional high ground in the center of the western arm of the island. Communication between the northern and southern pockets of Japanese resistance has thus been severed. Our advance to the north included the capture of Amiangal Hill and the hills adjacent to it, and was made in the fate of heavy resistance from automatic weapon and artillery fire.

Our casualties in the fighting to seize the Palau Islands through September 25 are as follows

First Marine Division, Killed in Action, 580; Wounded in Action, 3,639; Missing in Action, 401.

81st Infantry Division, Killed in Action, 106; Wounded in Action, 769; Missing in Action, 5.

No figures are now available as to the number of wounded who have been returned to duty.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 133, SEPTEMBER 27, 1944

Further gains made during September 26 (West Longitude Date) by the First Marine Division and elements of the 81st Infantry Division on Peleliu Island brought the entire Island under our control with the exception of Umurbrogol Mountain and a small pocket at the Northeastern tip. Rapid progress was made by the First Marine Division attacking in the Northern sector and by Army troops in the center of the Western arm during the day. Two enemy aircraft dropped bombs in the water East of Angaur during the night of September 25‑26, causing no damage. During the same night remaining enemy troops on Angaur failed in an attempt to infiltrate through our lines. Through September 26, our troops had counted 7,517 enemy dead on Peleliu and 1,020 on Angaur. The Northwestern area of Babelthuap Island was strafed by Corsair fighters during September 26.

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On September 24, a single Ventura of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed installations at Paramushiru in the Kuriles. Antiaircraft fire was intense and several enemy planes attempted Interception; the Ventura was slightly damaged, but returned safely.

Eleventh Air Force Liberators attacked Paramushiru in the same day. Direct hits were scored on the runway; several fires were started. Twelve enemy fighter planes attempted interception. One of the interceptors was destroyed and seven were damaged. Antiaircraft fire was moderate. All of our planes returned safely.

The airfield at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was bombed on September 24, by Liberators of the Seventh Air Force. Antiaircraft fire was intense. One of four enemy planes attempting interception was shot down. Three Liberators were damaged, but all returned safely. On September 25, a search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two strafed a small coastal cargo ship near Iwo Jima. The crew was observed abandoning the vessel which was left dead in the water.

A lone Seventh Air Force Liberator bombed Wake on the night of September 24‑25, and several bombed the runway at Marcus Island on September 25. Gun emplacements at Pagan in the Marianas were bombed by Seventh Air Force Thunderbolts on September 25. Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Rota on the night of September 24‑25, scoring direct hits on the runway. Other Corsairs returned to Rota on September 25, and strafed installations. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered in the latter attack.

Ponape Island in the Carolines was attacked on the night of September 24‑25, by Seventh Air Force Liberators. The airfield and gun emplacements were hit. Other Liberators attacking Truk Atoll on the night of September 24‑25, dropped 55 tons of bombs on the airfield at Eten Island and scored several near misses on shipping found in the Lagoon. There was moderate antiaircraft fire and several enemy planes attempted interception without success.

Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Jaluit in the Marshalls on the same night, scoring direct hits on communication facilities. Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two and Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed installations at Wotje Atoll on September 25. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered. On the night of September 25, Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing flew through meager antiaircraft fire to bomb installations at Mille Atoll.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 134, SEPTEMBER 28, 1944

Carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet struck hard at enemy shipping and defense installations in the Visayas Group of the Philippine Islands on September 23 (West Longitude Date) attacking airfields on the Islands of Cebu, Leyte, Negros, Luzon and Mactan and all shipping found in adjacent waters.

A particularly heavy strike was delivered at Coron Bay between Busuanga Island and Culion Island in the Western Philippines, where a number of the enemy's ships including two of his valuable fleet tankers were sunk.

Only seven enemy aircraft were shot down. Twenty‑nine enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground at the several fields which were thoroughly bombed and strafed.

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The following damage was inflicted upon enemy shipping (including the two tankers at Coron Bay):,

Ships sunk:	Damaged
One destroyer	(including more than one probably sunk):
One troop transport	Two large oil tankers
Three large cargo ships	One large cargo ship
Three large oil tankers	One medium oil tanker
Six medium cargo ships	Fifteen medium cargo ships
Five small cargo ships	One small transport
Three destroyer‑escort type vessels	Twenty‑one small cargo ships
	Two destroyer‑escort type vessels

In addition, between 20 and 30 small craft were sunk or damaged.

The following damage was inflicted upon enemy shore installations

At Iloilo in Southern Panay, a warehouse and a Marine railway were set afire.

At Bacolod in the Northern part of Negros Island piers and barracks were bombed and strafed.

At Cebu Island warehouses and piers were heavily damaged.

At Mactan Island, East of Cebu Island, oil refining facilities and the airfield were bombed.

At Saravis in the Northern part of Negros Island, buildings and the airfield were hit.

At Legaspi in Southern Luzon a number of partially concealed aircraft were bombed and strafed on the airfield, but the number destroyed and damaged was not observed.

Near Ormoc on Leyte Island, oil storage facilities and barracks were set afire.

Our losses in these operations were 10 aircraft but only five pilots and three flight personnel are missing.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 135, SEPTEMBER 29, 1944

Elements of the First Marine Division landed on Ngesebus and Kongauru Islands, north of Peleliu, on the morning of September 27 (West Longitude Date). The assault was preceded by heavy shelling from cruisers and destroyers and bombing from carrier‑based aircraft. Light enemy opposition was speedily overcome. Ngesebus Island is completely secure and our troops are mopping up scattered enemy forces occupying only a small portion of Kongauru Island.

The First Marine Division and elements of the 81st Infantry Division continued to drive the enemy from remaining positions on Peleliu Island. Our forces drove south on Umurbrogol Hill and all the northern arm of the island has been secured with the exception of the pinnacle of an unnamed hill and a small area on the eastern coast. The 81st Division is cleaning out caves and pillboxes on the northwest tip of Angaur Island where a few enemy troops remain.

Naval installations at Chichi Jima in the Bonins were bombed on September 27 by Seventh Air Force Liberators. Fires were started and two explosions were observed. Antiaircraft fire which varied from moderate to intense did no damage to our planes. A Navy search plane while on routine patrol near Iwo Jima on September 27 damaged an enemy medium bomber.

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The enemy plane had one engine shot out and was forced to land, nearly missing two fighter planes about to take off from the airfield at Iwo Jima. On September 27 another Navy search plane downed an enemy bomber north of the Palau Islands. On September 26 a single Seventh Air Force Liberator bombed the airfield at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands.

Enemy‑held islands in the Marianas were subjected to further neutralization raids on September 26 and 27. Seventh Air Force Thunderbolts bombed and strafed installations on Pagan on September 27, and Seventh Air Force Liberators were over Pagan Island twice on September 26. Areas of possible use as airfields were bombed and the Island was strafed. Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Rota, doing further damage to the airfield.

Liberators of the Seventh Air Force bombed Wake Island on the night of September 25. Nauru was bombed on September 26 by Seventh Air Force Mitchells. The airfield and gun emplacements were hit. There was meager antiaircraft fire.

Liberators of the Seventh Air Force flew over Truk Atoll on September 26 in search for possible enemy shipping attempting to supply the isolated garrison. No shipping was found and bomb loads were dropped on installations still remaining on the key islands. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Defense installations at Jaluit Atoll in the Marshalls were bombed on September 26 by Venturas of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, and Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. On the same day Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing further neutralized Wotje, Maloelap, and Mille Atolls.

Eleventh Air Force Liberators bombed Southern Paramushiru September 26. There was no enemy opposition.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 136, SEPTEMBER 29, 1944

Kongauru Island and an unnamed Island near it, both in the Palau Group Northeast of Peleliu Island, were secured on September 28 (West Longitude Date) by United States Marines. On Peleliu enemy troops cornered in eaves on Umurbrogol Hill are still offering bitter resistance. Mopping up operations are proceeding in the Northern sector of Peleliu and on Angaur Island. Through September 28, our troops had counted 8,717 enemy dead on Peleliu and 1,055 on Angaur, and had captured more than 150 enemy troops who have been made prisoners of war.

The airfield at Babelthuap Island was attacked on September 28, by Corsair fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing, which scored numerous direct hits on the landing strips.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 137, OCTOBER 1, 1944

Isolated enemy forces resisting bitterly from caves situated on Bloody Nose Ridge at Peleliu Island were bombed by aircraft of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on September 23 (West Longitude Date). Numerous 1,000 pound bombs were dropped to demolish remaining enemy fortifications on the ridge. With the exception of the resistance at Bloody Nose Ridge (Umurbrogol Hill) and in a small pocket on Angaur Island, the islands of Peleliu, Ngesebus, Kongauru, and Angaur are secured. Elimination of the remnants of the

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Japanese defenders continues. More than 10,000 enemy troops have been wiped out in the Southern Palau area since the invasion began.

On September 29 Liberators of the Eleventh Air Force bombed Shimushu Island in the Kuriles. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. All of our planes returned.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 138, OCTOBER 2, 1944

Military government was proclaimed on Angaur Island on September 30 (West Longitude Date), as mopping up operations proceeded on Angaur and Peleliu. A few fanatical enemy troops, holed up in caves, continued to resist with small arms fire. On the same day, Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed the airfield on Babelthuap Island. Antiaircraft fire was intense.

On September 30, 9,076 enemy troops had been killed on Peleliu and 1,075 on Angaur, while a total of 187 prisoners have been captured on the two islands.

Seventh Army Air Liberators on September 20, dropped approximately 37 tons of bombs on Moen and Eten Islands in Truk Atoll. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

Another formation of Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed runways and airdrome facilities at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on September 30. Antiaircraft fire was moderate but eight aggressive enemy fighters intercepted our planes. One of the Liberators was shot down while several of the others were damaged.

Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked gun positions on Jaluit Atoll in the Marshalls with 33 tons of bombs on September 30. In the attack a small raft was sunk after strafing. Heavy antiaircraft fire damaged one of the Corsairs.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 139, OCTOBER 3, 1944

During October 1 and 2 (West Longitude Date) continued progress was made toward eliminating the last enemy resistance at Bloody Nose Ridge on Peleliu Island, and mopping‑up operations proceeded on Angaur Island. The difficult work of rooting out enemy troops from nearly inaccessible caves continues. On the night of October 1 a single enemy plane dropped two bombs in a swamp near the airfield at Peleliu, which did no damage.

On October 1 Seventh Air Force Liberators dropped 31 tons of bombs on the airfield at Dublon Island in the Truk Atoll. Two enemy planes attempted unsuccessful interception. Two Liberators were damaged by moderate antiaircraft fire.

The SS Elihu Thompson, a Liberty ship operated by the War Shipping Administration and chartered by the Navy, struck a mine while entering a South Pacific port on September 25. Eleven Army personnel on board the vessel were killed by the resultant explosion and 22 are missing. No casualties were suffered by Naval or Merchant Marine personnel. Survivors were removed from the Thompson by patrol craft and the ship's own boats, and a Navy salvage unit took the vessel in tow and beached her. The ship can be restored to service. All next of kin of casualties have been notified.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 140, OCTOBER 4, 1944

Further reducing the remnants of enemy troops still resisting on Peleliu and Angaur Islands, Marine and Army troops destroyed the occupants of a number of enemy‑held caves on October 3 (West Longitude Date). Mopping up operations on Angaur continued. The bodies of more dead Japanese soldiers have been counted, a total of 9,878 on Peleliu and 1,109 on Angaur.

Search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Paramushiru in the Kuriles on October 2. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered. All our planes returned.

Seventh Air Force Liberators on October 1, scored a direct hit on an enemy cargo vessel near Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands. Two enemy planes were in the air, but did not attempt interception. Shipping in Chichi Jima Harbor was attacked by Seventh Air Force Liberators on October 2. Antiaircraft fire varied from moderate to meager.

Buildings, gun emplacements, and docking facilities at Pagan Island were bombed and rocketed on October 2 by Thunderbolts of the Seventh Air Force. No antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Seventh Air Force Liberators bombed the runway and installations on Marcus Island on October 2. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

Corsairs and Venturas of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed communications facilities and gun positions at Jaluit Atoll on October 2. Antiaircraft fire, which was moderate, damaged one Ventura. All our planes returned safely. Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing flew through meager antiaircraft fire to bomb installations at Taroa Island in the Maloelap Atoll.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 141, OCTOBER 5, 1944

United States forces on Peleliu Island continued to apply heavy pressure to the remaining pocket of enemy resistance at Bloody Nose Ridge on October 4 (West Longitude Date). Several defensive positions and caves were cleaned out during the day. Mopping up operations on Angaur Island are being continued.

During the operations in the Southern Palau Islands from September 25 to October 5 the following casualties were incurred

First Marine Division: 81st Infantry Division

Killed, 191 Killed, 145

Wounded, 1,011 Wounded, 696

Missing, 0 Missing, 8

The total in the missing category for the First Marine Division has been revised downward from 401 to 267 for the entire campaign.

During the same period an additional 2,618 enemy troops were eliminated on Peleliu and 137 were eliminated on Angaur.

Corsair fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing, operating from the airfield at Peleliu, bombed Babelthuap Island on October 4, hitting the airstrips and strafing a concentration of motor vehicles. Warehouses at Koror were also bombed during the day.

Eleventh Air Force Liberators strafed a small cargo vessel near Onekotan in the Kuriles on October 3. On returning to their base the bombers were Intercepted by two enemy fighters near Paramushiru but were not damaged.

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Seventh Air Force Liberators on October 3 bombed a large cargo ship and a destroyer northwest of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands. Antiaircraft fire from the destroyer was meager. On the same day, Marcus Island was bombed by Seventh Air Force Liberators.

Thunderbolt fighters of the Seventh Air Force dropped bombs and rockets on gun positions and shore installations at Pagan Island on October 3. Other planes bombed barracks and communications facilities the same night.

Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing dive‑bombed airfields and installations at Ponape Island on October 4. Antiaircraft fire was inaccurate.

Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed enemy positions on Jaluit Atoll on October 4. One Corsair suffered minor damage from antiaircraft fire.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 547, OCTOBER 5, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 11 vessels, including three combatant ships, as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters as follows

1 escort vessel

4 small cargo vessels

1 destroyer,

1 cable ship

1 medium cargo transport

1 converted seaplane tender

1 medium cargo vessel

1 large tanker

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

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 142, OCTOBER 7, 1944

Employing tanks and artillery, United States forces made some progress against stubbornly held enemy positions on Umurbrogol Mountain on Peleliu Island during October 6 (West Longitude Date). Total enemy killed at date total 11,083 on Peleliu Island and 1,128 on Angaur Island. Our forces have captured 214 prisoners on Peleliu and 10 on Angaur.

On the same day, Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing attacked several small villages on Babelthuap Island, damaging nine fuel dumps, five supply dumps, two ammunition dumps, two buildings and 28 trucks. Three boats and seven barges in the vicinity of Komeball Lagoon were strafed also.

Liberators of the Eleventh Air Force, flying through weak antiaircraft fire, bombed Paramushiru on October 4. On the same date, Eleventh Air Force Mitchells struck at enemy shipping at Paramushiru and Shimushu, probably sinking a cargo ship and damaging a barge. Returning from the raid, the Mitchells were challenged by 15 to 20 fighters. Two enemy planes were probably destroyed and two damaged. Some of our planes suffered slight damage.

A Navy search plane bombed the airfield and gun positions on Yap on October 4. Antiaircraft fire was meager and ineffective.

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Seventh Air Force Liberators dropped 33 tons of bombs on the airstrip and hangars on Moen Island in the Truk Group on October 5. Antiaircraft fire was meager and the three or four enemy fighters that rose to intercept did no damage to our planes.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 143, OCTOBER 8, 1944

Supported by Corsair fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing, which dropped 1000‑pound bombs, U. S. Forces on Peleliu Island made further advances against enemy‑held positions on Umurbrogol Mountain on October 7 (West Longitude Date). On Angaur Island, mopping up operations continued. Enemy dead number 11,083 and Peleliu and 1,150 on Angaur. On Peleliu 214 prisoners have been captured, and on Angaur 11 have been taken. A fuel dump and two small buildings were destroyed by our planes in an attack on the villages of Ngatpang and Gamilangel on Babelthuap Island.

Military government was set up on Peleliu Island on September 16 and on Kongauru and Ngesebus Islands on September 30. As previously announced, military government was established on Angaur Island on September 30.

Two Liberators of the Seventh Air Force bombed Wake Island on the night of October 6 without encountering antiaircraft fire.

Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was bombed on October 6. There was no antiaircraft fire.

The airfield and gun positions on Nauru Island were bombed by Seventh Air Force Mitchells on October 5. Antiaircraft fire was ineffective.

Neutralization raids against enemy‑held positions in the Marshall Islands continued.

OCTOBER 9, 1944

JOINT STATEMENT

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

"During September there has been a lull in U‑boat activity, which is possibly seasonal. This year, as last, the enemy may hope to renew his offensive in the autumn and may rely on new types of U‑boats to counter our present ascendancy. Shipping losses have been almost as low as in May, 1944, the best month of the war. The rate of destruction of U‑boats in proportion to shipping losses remains satisfactory.

"The U‑boat war, however, demands unceasing attention. Only the zeal and vigor of the Allied air and surface forces have procured the comparative safety of our shipping and the enemy's scant success."

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 144, OCTOBER 9, 1944

Units of the Pacific Fleet attacked Marcus Island on October 8 (West Longitude Date) and throughout the day subjected enemy installations and shore defenses to deliberate and destructive gunfire in good visibility. Considerable damage was inflicted and the greater part of the coast defense batteries were silenced. Buildings were hit and fires were started.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 145, OCTOBER 9, 1944

Elements of the 81st Infantry Division landed on Garakayo Island in the Southern Palau Islands on October 8 (West Longitude Date). A beachhead has been secured and patrols are advancing inland against light opposition. On Peleliu Island Marines continued mopping up operations in the vicinity of Bloody Nose Ridge. Elements of the 81st Infantry Division are continuing to clean up on Angaur. Corsair fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Umurbrogol Mountain on October 8, strafed small craft in Ngatpang Bay and bombed fuel dumps and warehouses on Babelthuap Island. All of our aircraft returned.

Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was attacked on October 8 by Seventh Air Force Liberators which bombed the airfield and adjacent installations. Six to eight enemy fighters intercepted our force and two of the fighters were shot down and two were damaged. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

On October 8 a single Navy search plane of Fleet Air Wing One shot down an enemy bomber while on routine patrol. On the same day another Navy search plane bombed and damaged an enemy picket boat.

A lone Catalina search plane of Fleet Air Wing One sighted four small enemy ships near Iwo Jima on October 8. The largest of the four was bombed and strafed. A direct hit was scored seriously damaging the vessel.

During October 6 Seventh Air Force Liberators bombed two small enemy cargo vessels northeast of Marcus Island and attacked targets on the enemy-held island on both October 6 and 7. The Liberators encountered meager antiaircraft fire. Other Liberators raided Wake Island on the night of October 6 and on October 8.

On October 7 the air strip, radio station, buildings, beach defenses and other military installations on Pagan Island in the Marianas were bombed and rocketed. No antiaircraft fire was met. One of our planes was shot down by antiaircraft fire over Rota Island on the same date.

Enemy‑held positions in the Marshall Islands were bombed on October 7.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 146, OCTOBER 10, 1944

Carrier‑based aircraft of the Pacific Fleet swept over the Ryukyu Islands in great force on October 9 (West Longitude Date). All naval and merchant ships that could be found were attacked and severe damage was done to shore installations. Preliminary reports indicate that the following damage was Inflicted on the enemy:

Sunk:

1 destroyer

1 minesweeper

1 submarine tender

2 medium cargo ships

2 small cargo ships

5 coastal cargo ships

Probably sunk

2 medium cargo ships

4 small cargo ships

1 medium oil tanker

7 coastal cargo ships

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Damaged:

3 medium cargo ships

6 small cargo ships

1 destroyer

2 small oil tankers

In addition to the foregoing, more than 20 luggers and other small craft were sunk or damaged.

Complete surprise was achieved in the attack. More than 75 enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground. Fourteen enemy aircraft were shot down. Buildings and defense installations on the islands were severely bombed and strafed, and many were left burning. There was no damage to our surface ships, and our plane losses were light.

The carrier task forces which conducted the attack are part of Admiral Halsey's Third Fleet, and the carriers are under the immediate command of Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 147, OCTOBER 10, 1944

Garakayo Island in the Southern Palau Group which was occupied by elements of the 81st Division on October 8 (West Longitude Date) was completely secured by October 9. On Peleliu Island several hillside and ravine caves were cleared of enemy troops and a small hill was occupied as Marines made some progress in reducing the last stubborn pocket of enemy resistance. On Angaur sniper demolition teams of the 81st Division continued mopping up operations. Corsair fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing strafed four small boats and nine barges in a sweep over the east and northwest coasts of Babelthuap Island.

A single Navy search plane on the night of October 8‑9 bombed Nauru Island. There was no antiaircraft fire.

Neutralization raids by our aircraft in the Marshall Islands continued on October 8 and 9.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 148, OCTOBER 11, 1944

Troops of the 81st Infantry Division landed on Bairakaseru Island in the Palau Islands on October 10 (West Longitude Date). No opposition was encountered. Meantime troops of the First Marine Division continued to make slow but steady progress against the remaining pocket of enemy resistance on Bloody Nose Ridge. During the day a sizeable ammunition dump was exploded within one of the largest enemy‑held caves. On Angaur mopping up operations by the 81st Infantry Division proceeded. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas communiqué Number 143 stated in error that enemy dead on Peleliu number 11,08'3. This figure should have read 10,083. Enemy dead counted on Peleliu through October 10 were 10,305 and on Angaur 1,165. On Peleliu 284 enemy troops have been made prisoners of war and on Angaur 11 have been taken. In addition 184 civilians have been interned on Angaur. On October 10, the airstrip at Babelthuap was bombed by Corsair fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing and several small craft were damaged by strafing in Gamilangel Bay.

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The airfield and shipping in the harbor at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands were bombed on October 9. Eight enemy fighters rose to Intercept; two were shot down, one was probably shot down and one was damaged. One of our planes suffered minor damage.

Supply dumps, personnel areas and a radio station on Pagan Island in the Marianas were bombed and strafed on October 9. One of our planes was shot down by antiaircraft fire but the pilot was rescued.

On October 9, Liberators of the Seventh Air Force bombed Wake Island.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 149, OCTOBER 12, 1944

A large force of carrier aircraft from a task force of the Pacific Fleet struck enemy air bases and installations on Luzon during the afternoon of October 10 (West Longitude Date). Detailed reports of the damage inflicted are not yet available.

During October 11 elements of the First Marine Division continued to root out enemy troops from caves on Bloody Nose Ridge at Peleliu Island.

A commanding height was seized during the day which overlooks the small area held by the beleaguered defenders. On Angaur enemy troops have been confined to an area 150 yards square by the mopping up of troops of the 81^st Infantry Division. A single enemy plane bombed Angaur during the night of October 10‑11 but did no damage and was later shot down by one of our night fighters. Elements Of the 81st Infantry Division reconnoitered Arimasuku Island during the day and found it unoccupied.

Three of our planes while on patrol near Iwo Jima on October 10 were attacked by eight enemy fighter planes. Six of the eight enemy planes were shot down. No damage was inflicted on our planes. Seventh Air Force Liberators sank a small enemy cargo ship south of Haha Jima in the Bonins on October 11 while other Liberators bombed shipping and installations at Chichi Jima. Antiaircraft fire on these attacks were moderate.

Thunderbolts of the Seventh Air Force bombed and rocketed Pagan in the Marianas once on October 10 while Liberators and Thunderbolts struck twice on October 11. Liberators of the Seventh Air Force attacked Marcus Island on October 11 experiencing meager antiaircraft fire. Liberators attacked Wake Island on October 10.

On the same day Seventh Air Force Mitchells bombed gun emplacements and the runways at Nauru Island. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. On the night of October 10 Nauru was attacked by a single Navy search plane of Fleet Air Wing One.

Liberators of the Seventh Air Force dropped 55 tons of bombs on the airfield and other installations at Moen Island in the Truk Atoll on October 9. Antiaircraft fire was meager. Three enemy fighter planes attempted interception without success.

The Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing conducted further neutralization raids against enemy‑held islands in the Marshalls on October 10.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 150, OCTOBER 13, 1944

Carrier aircraft of the pacific Fleet fast carrier task force striking Formosa on October 11 (West Longitude Date) shot 124 enemy aircraft out of the air and did heavy damage to enemy shipping and shore defense works. Preliminary pilot reports and photographs show that 97 enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground. Initial reports indicate the following damage to enemy shipping

Ships sunk:

Large cargo ships‑2

Medium cargo ships‑2

Small cargo ships‑12

Ships damaged

Large cargo ships‑2

Medium cargo ships‑7

Small cargo ships‑10

In addition to the foregoing, extensive damage was done to hangars, buildings, oil dumps, warehouses, docks and industrial establishments at Einansho, Okayama, Tamsui, Heito, Reigaryo and Taichu. Our losses were 22 aircraft. There was no damage to our surface ships.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 151, OCTOBER 13, 1944

During the late evening of October 11 and night of October 11‑12 following the first day of its attack on Formosa, small groups of enemy aircraft attacked one of our fast carrier task forces operating in the approaches to the Japanese positions in Formosa and the Ryukyus, and repeatedly attempted to torpedo or bomb the carriers or supporting ships in the force. Night fighters sent up by our carriers shot down three fighters in the early evening, and later eight enemy aircraft were sent down in flames by ships' antiaircraft fire.

During the day of October 12 Formosa and the Pescadores were again brought under attack by fast carrier task forces, and heavy damage was done to the enemy air force and its bases, to shipping, port facilities, and shore installations.

A preliminary resume of damage inflicted upon the Japanese in the two-day strike which began before dawn on October 11, shows the following totals:

Enemy aircraft shot down, 221.

Enemy aircraft destroyed on the ground, 175.

Ships sunk

2 large cargo ships

4 medium cargo ships

9 small cargo ships

12 coastal cargo ships

Probably sunk:

1 large cargo ship

3 medium cargo ships

3 small cargo ships

1 oil tanker

5 coastal cargo ships

1 minesweeper

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Damaged

6 medium cargo ships

15 small cargo ships

1 large troop transport

In addition to the foregoing 37 small craft were sunk or damaged. We lost 45 planes in the two‑day attack. Reports are not yet available as to flight personnel rescued.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 152, OCTOBER 13, 1944

More complete reports of the strike made by carrier‑based aircraft of the United States Pacific Fleet on October 9 (West Longitude Date) against the Okinawa Islands in the Ryukyu Archipelago indicate that the following damage was inflicted upon the enemy (the following figures are a revision of those previously announced in United States Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas communiqué No. 146, and do not represent figures on the recent Luzon and Formosa strikes).

Sunk:

1 destroyer escort

4 small submarines

14 cargo ships

1 submarine tender

1 oiler

25 small ships

41 barges and small craft

Probably sunk:

10 small ships

1 minesweeper

9 small craft

Damaged

8 cargo ships

1 medium landing ship

1 light minelayer

10 small ships

Numerous sampans, luggers and barges

Aircraft destroyed:

23 shot down in the air

59 destroyed on the ground

Aircraft damaged

37 damaged on the ground

Installations destroyed or damaged

1 ammunition dump

3 fuel dumps

3 hangars

2 lighthouses

1 factory

Many barracks, buildings, warehouses, etc.

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In addition on Yama Island in the Harbor of Naha on the Island of Okinawa and also the North shore of the Harbor of Naha were devastated by explosions and fire.

United States losses:

Our own losses were relatively light: 8 planes in combat, 5 pilots and 3 aircrewmen.

In the attack on Luzon Island on October 10, more complete reports indicate that numerous buildings were set afire in the region of Aparri, on the Northern Coast, and that 10 to 15 enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground. There was no enemy airborne opposition.

Organized resistance in the Southern Palau Islands ceased on October 12, with mopping up operations continuing on Peleliu and Angaur Islands. Small pockets of enemy resistance on both of these islands have been further reduced by United States troops.

Corsair fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing continued attacks against shipping and enemy installations on Babelthuap Island, sinking or damaging 11 barges in the Ngatpang River; and sinking or damaging 17 barges, 2 small boats and 8 motor launches off the west and east coasts of the Island. In addition boathouses at Arumonogui Point and Gamilangel Bay were damaged and a locomotive near the villages of Ngardmau was strafed and bombed. One of the Corsair pilots was forced to bail out of his plane but wits rescued later.

Liberators of the Seventh Air Force bombed enemy installations on Yap Island on October 12, encountering no antiaircraft fire.

Truk was also bombed on the night of October 11, by another group of Seventh Air Force Liberators.

Enemy‑held positions in the Marshall Islands were bombed on October 11.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 153, OCTOBER 15, 1944

During the night of October 12‑13 (West Longitude Date) strong counterattacks were delivered against task forces of the Pacific Fleet operating in the area of Formosa by aircraft of the Japanese Imperial Air Force. During these attacks on one of our task groups 13 enemy aircraft were shot out of the air by our own fighters and 7 by antiaircraft fire.

Beginning at dawn on October 13 carrier aircraft of the Third Fleet continued their destructive attacks against enemy forces and defense installations on Formosa Island and Luzon. Little air opposition was encountered over the targets. Preliminary reports indicate 11 enemy aircraft were shot down and 30 were destroyed on the ground.

In the mid‑afternoon of October 13 our forces were attacked by numerous single and twin‑engine enemy aircraft. A combat air patrol of one of our task groups shot down 28 of these aircraft and two were destroyed by antiaircraft fire. Complete reports are not yet at hand regarding known attacks on other units of our force, but it is known that many additional enemy aircraft have been shot down. Our plane losses so far have been light.

This fight is continuing. Further details will be released as they become available.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 154, OCTOBER 15, 1944

Troops of the First Marine Division on Peleliu Island sealed off several ire caves occupied by the enemy during October 13 (West Longitude Date). Angaur, the few remaining Japanese were kept under continual pressure.

Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing One bombed and strafed two small coastal vessels and five barges off the coast of Iwo Jima on October 13. Other search planes damaged a small cargo ship and shot down an enemy torpedo bomber in the same area.

On October 12 Eleventh Air Force Liberators attacked nine small cargo vessels near Matsuwa Island in the Kuriles. The Liberators suffered slight damage from antiaircraft fire, but all returned safely. Mitchell bombers of

Eleventh Air Force on October 12 bombed buildings and installations on Shimushu and Paramushiru Islands. A single Navy search plane of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Paramushiru Island on October 12. Two enemy aircraft made unsuccessful attempts to intercept, and antiaircraft fire was light. The Eleventh Air Force attacked Paramushiru again on October 13. Installations on the Eastern Coast were hit by Mitchell bombers. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. Other Mitchells strafed a two‑thousand ton cargo ship and seven small cargo ships at Suribachi Bay. Liberators started several fires in the North, while other Liberators scored direct hits on docking facilities on the Southern tip of the Island. All planes returned safely.

Pagan Island was strafed and bombed by Seventh Air Force Thunderbolts on October 13. A Navy search plane of Fleet Air Wing One bombed the airfield and supply dumps at Rota Island on October 13.

Nauru Island was bombed by a single Catalina search plane of Fleet Air Wing One on the night of October 12. The airfield and other aviation installations at Nauru were also hit by Mitchells of the Seventh Air Force on October 13. Antiaircraft fire was meager. Seventh Air Force Liberators met moderate aircraft fire in bombing the airfield at Marcus Island on October 13. Other Liberators in a night raid dropped explosives on Wake Island.

Neutralization of enemy‑held positions in the Marshall Islands by air attacks was continued on October 13 and 14, by the Fourth Marine Air Wing.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 584, OCTOBER 15, 1944

The United States naval forces which have been operating in the sea approaches to Formosa are units of the Third Fleet, commanded by Admiral F. Halsey, Jr., USN, with Vice Admiral W. A. Lee, Jr., USN, as second in command.

In command of the entire Fast Carrier Task Force Is Vice Admiral M. A. Mitscher, USN. Carrier units included are under the command of Vice Admiral J. S. McCain, USN; Rear Admiral Frederick C. Sherman, USN; Rear Admiral R. E. Davison, USN; Rear Admiral G. F. Bogan, USN, and Rear Admiral H. B. Sallada, USN.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 155, OCTOBER 16, 1944

Aparri on the north coast of Luzon Island in the Philippines was swept by fighter aircraft of the Pacific Fleet on October 13 (West Longitude Date). Only two twin‑engine and three single engine aircraft were observed on the

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ground, and all were destroyed by strafing. No airborne enemy opposition was encountered. Ground installations in the area were severely strafed

On October 15 a large force of carrier aircraft was launched against airfields in the vicinity of Manila Bay. This force was intercepted by an estimated 50 Japanese fighter aircraft. From 30 to 40 of the intercepting enemy planes were shot down. An additional 15 to 20 enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground at Nichols, Nielson, and Mariveles Airfields. Meantime the ships in one carrier task group underwent persistent aerial attack during the day, and 30 Japanese aircraft were shot down in the vicinity of the group. Only superficial damage was done to our surface ships in this attack.

Nine enemy aircraft were shot down in the vicinity of another fleet unit. Complete reports from all units are not yet available.

Mitchell bombers of the Eleventh Air Force on October 14 bombed installations on the south coast of Paramushiru. Later, two Liberators of the Eleventh Air Force attacked wharves and shipping installations on the northeast coast of Paramushiru. Antiaircraft fire was meager and all our aircraft returned.

Seventh Air Force Liberators on October 14 dropped approximately 48 tons of bombs on the air strip, supply dumps and gun positions at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands. Antiaircraft fire was moderate but eight aggressive enemy fighters, using phosphorous bombs, attacked our planes. One of the enemy fighters was probably shot down while three others were damaged. We suffered no losses.

The airfield runway on Moen Island in Truk Atoll was bombed by Liberators of the Seventh Air Force on October 13. Three enemy fighters were air, borne but did not press home their attack. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 156, OCTOBER 17, 1944

Carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet are continuing to attack targets on Luzon Island in the Philippines.

Further details now available concerning the results of some of the carrier aircraft attacks on Formosa on October 11, 12 and 13 show that at Tainan the airfield was hard hit and seven hangars were completely destroyed and five heavily damaged. Several buildings in the barracks area were also destroyed.

At Takao the harbor area received severe damage. Thirty large ware houses along the dock area were completely destroyed; ships were dunk it the harbor; heavy damage was inflicted in the industrial area. The airfield at Takao was heavily hit and several adjacent buildings were damaged.

The Okayama Airfield and assembly plants, many shops, administrative buildings and hangars were destroyed or damaged.

At Heito, approximately 15 miles inland from Takao, 14 buildings near the airfield were completely destroyed and eight were heavily damaged. At another airfield near Heito, five barracks were destroyed.

Most of the airstrips at the fields which were attacked have been heavily pitted by bomb blasts.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 157, OCTOBER 17, 1944

During the fighting between our carrier task forces and the enemy air forces based on shore in the Ryukyus, Formosa and Luzon Island in the Philippines from October 10 (West Longitude Date) until the time of this

247

communiqué, there has been no damage of consequence to our battleships or carriers. However, two medium‑size ships were hit by aircraft torpedoes and are retiring from the area. Fortunately, the personnel casualties in these two ships were small.

Japanese Fleet units were sighted approaching the area in which U. S. Pacific Fleet Forces have been operating in the Western part of the Philippine Sea, but on discovering our fighting strength unimpaired have avoided action and have withdrawn toward their bases.

During October 13, 14 and 15, 191 enemy planes attacked one of our Task Groups off Formosa by day and night. Ninety‑five enemy planes were shot down by our fighters and antiaircraft fire, while we lost five planes. On October 15, fighters from two of our carriers shot down 50 more enemy aircraft out of approximately sixty planes which attempted to attack our damaged ships. On the same day an additional fifteen enemy planes were destroyed by search and patrol flights from our carriers.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 158, OCTOBER 17, 1944

Elements of the 81st Infantry Division covered by ships of the Pacific Fleet occupied Ulithi Atoll in the Western Carolines on September 20 and 21 (West Longitude Date). On September 20, advance patrols landed on Fassaran and Mangejang Islands on either side of the main entrance into Ulithi Lagoon, and on September 21, our troops occupied Mogmog, Asor, Patangeras, and Sorlan Islands. The landings were not opposed. The possibility that the enemy may not have been immediately aware of these landings led to the withholding of this information until this time.

Pagan Island in the Marianas was bombed by our aircraft on October 14 and 15. Runways and storage areas were hit.

During the night of October 14‑15, and during daylight on October 15, Wake Island was bombed by Seventh Air Force Liberators.

On October 16, Eten Island in Truk Atoll was attacked by Seventh Air Force Liberators, and on the same day Haha Jima in the Bonin Islands was raided. In the latter attack Okdoura Town was hit, and several small ships in the harbor were bombed.

Carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet are continuing to attack objectives in the Philippines.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 548, OCTOBER 18, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 32 vessels, including ;even combatant ships and one naval auxiliary, as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters, as follows:

3 destroyers

1 minelayer

3 escort vessels

1 large cargo transport

3 medium cargo transports

1 medium tanker

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1 medium naval auxiliary

12 medium cargo vessels

3 small cargo transports

4 small cargo vessels

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

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 159, OCTOBER 18, 1944

Carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet again swept over Northern Luzon Island in the Philippines on October 17 (West Longitude Date). Preliminary reports indicate that the following damage was inflicted upon enemy shipping

At Camiguin Island, North of Luzon, two medium transports were sunk, one large transport and a small oil tanker were set afire, and two medium transports were left beached and burning; at Aparri one coastal cargo ship and fuel storage areas along the waterfront were set ablaze. One airborne enemy plane over San Vicente was shot down while 18 were destroyed on the ground, 15 of them at Laoag. Action is continuing and further details will be released as they become available.

A re‑assessment of plane losses inflicted upon the enemy, but based upon still incomplete reports, shows that during the seven‑day period, October 9 to 15, carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet destroyed approximately 915 Japanese airplanes of which 350 enemy planes were destroyed on the ground and 565 planes were destroyed in the air in the Ryukyu‑Formosa‑Luzon area. Of those shot down 269 were over the targets, 256 were in the vicinity of our fleet and 40 were knocked down by antiaircraft fire.

Based upon more complete information, the following damage was Inflicted upon enemy shipping at Formosa by our carrier aircraft on October 11: (These losses are in addition to those reported in United States Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas communiqués Number 150 and 151)

Sunk:

3 medium cargo ships

2 coastal cargo ships

34 small craft

Probably sunk:

1 large cargo ship

1 oil tanker

3 medium cargo ships

5 coastal cargo ships

1 minelayer

2 escort vessels

Damaged:

7 small cargo ships

11 coastal cargo ships

1 oil tanker

34 small craft

United States Losses

21 planes

31 pilots

21 aircrewmen

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Ngulu Atoll in the western Caroline Islands was occupied by United States forces on October 15. Only slight resistance was encountered. Seven of the enemy were killed and one taken prisoner.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 160, OCTOBER 19, 1944

Carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet on October 16, 17 and 18 (West Longitude Date) continued to attack whatever enemy aircraft and shipping could still be found in the Manila area, Luzon Island, in the Philippines.

On October 16 aircraft from one group of carriers encountered up to 40 aggressive enemy planes over Clark Field, destroying 20 of them in the air. Another 30 or 40 planes on the ground were probably destroyed or damaged.

Incomplete reports show that on October 17 over Manila our fighters shot down 17 enemy planes which, although airborne, did not prove aggressive. An additional 13 enemy planes were shot down in the air and 15 were destroyed on the ground at Clark and Nichols Fields. Barracks, fuel dumps, hangars and ground installations at the two airfields were also heavily bombed.

On the same day in the south harbor of Manila Bay, an oil tanker, four medium cargo ships and a floating drydock were destroyed. In addition six large or medium cargo ships were damaged in Manila Bay while a large oiler was damaged in Mariveles Harbor.

Preliminary reports show that our own losses for the action on October 17 were four planes, two pilots and two aircrewmen.

On October 18 carrier‑based planes in a strike against enemy shipping in the south harbor of Manila Bay sank an oil tanker and damaged two large cargo ships, two large transports, six medium cargo ships, four small cargo ships and two medium oil tankers. Four enemy aircraft were destroyed over the target while one was probably shot down and one was damaged on the ground.

Seventh Air Force Mitchells bombed runways and installations on Nauru Island on October 17. One Mitchell sustained minor damage. Heavy to moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on the same day bombed and strafed runways and storage areas at Ponape Island. Fires were started. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers continued bombing and strafing attacks on enemy‑held positions in the Marshall Islands on October 17 and 18. Two planes were slightly damaged by antiaircraft fire at Jaluit on October 17, while one plane was shot down and another damaged at Jaluit on October 18. There were no personnel losses.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 591, OCTOBER 19, 1944

Admiral C. W. Nimitz, U. S. Navy, Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, has received from Admiral W. F. Halsey, Jr., U. S. Navy, Commander, Third Fleet, the comforting assurance that he is now retiring toward the enemy following the salvage of all the Third Fleet ships recently reported sunk by Radio Tokyo.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 161, OCTOBER 20, 1944

Hellcat and Corsair fighters, Avenger torpedo planes and Helldiver bombers of the fast carrier task force, in support of the invasion of the Philippine Islands, attacked targets at Leyte, Cebu, and Negros Islands on October 19 (West Longitude Date). Ground installations were bombed and rocketed. The San Pablo and Dulag Airfields on Leyte were attacked, and direct hits were obtained on revetments and other installations. The town of Dagami was heavily pounded, and a bridge was knocked out. At Cebu Airfield five enemy aircraft on the ground were strafed. An afternoon fighter sweep over airfields at Negros Island found little enemy activity. There was no airborne enemy opposition during these raids. One of our fighters was shot down by antiaircraft fire. A single engine enemy torpedo plane was shot down in the vicinity of our surface ships.

Additional reports have been received regarding strikes by carrier aircraft which occurred on October 17 and 18 in the vicinity of Manila and in the northern part of Luzon. On October 17 a large cargo ship and a patrol vessel were sunk at Laoag Bay on Luzon's northwest coast. A landing ship, a coastal cargo ship, and two luggers were probably sunk at Aparri. An escort vessel, two medium cargo ships, three small cargo ships, 16 coastal cargo ships, and 28 small craft found along the Luzon coasts were damaged by bombing, strafing, and rocket fire. Three enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground, and extensive damage was done to ground installations. At Laoag several barracks and fuel dumps were destroyed.

On the same day, in the vicinity of Manila, Clark, Tarlac and Mabalacat Airfields were attacked. Several intercepting fighters were shot down, 19 twin‑engine enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground at Mabalacat, 10 twin‑engine aircraft were destroyed on the ground at Tarlac, and one at Legaspi. Aviation installations at Clark and Mabalacat Fields were bombed and rocketed. We lost two fighters in this attack.

On October 18 our attacks in the Manila area continued, and Clark, Nielson, Pasig, and Nichols Airfields were further reduced. Seven enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground at Nielson Field, 10 at Clark Field, four at Pasig Field, and one at Angeles. An additional 26 enemy aircraft were damaged on the ground at the several fields. Only slight airborne enemy opposition was encountered in these attacks. During the day a medium cargo ship found at San Fernando, a seaport on Lingayen Gulf, was attacked and damaged. Two barracks were destroyed at Clark Field, three hangars were blown up at Nielson Field, and two fuel dumps at Nielson Field were hit and destroyed. Extensive damage was done to dispersal areas and airport facilities in these strikes. Four of our aircraft were lost in these attacks, but the crew of one plane was rescued.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Yap Island on October 17, and left two enemy planes on the ground afire. Gun positions south of Yap Town were bombed by a single Navy Ventura search plane the same day. Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force on the following day dropped bombs on bridges and in the town area of Yap.

On October 18, in a night attack, the Second Marine Aircraft Wing's Hellcats shot up runways on Rota Island.

On October 19 Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued neutralization raids in the Marshall Islands.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 162, OCTOBER 21, 1944

Carrier aircraft of the, Pacific Fleet on October 20 (West Longitude Date) continued to attack enemy aircraft and shipping targets 3n the Philippines. At Coron Bay, southwest of Mindoro Strait, a cargo ship, previously damaged, a small coastal cargo ship and a small escort vessel were sunk. Four enemy PT boats, three at Batangas Bay and one at Cebu Harbor, were also sunk. Several ammunition barges were destroyed in Masbate Harbor, while two medium cargo ships and two luggers were damaged. At Bulan, ground installations and a hangar near the airfield were bombed.

During the day, 13 enemy planes were shot down and 37 destroyed on the ground, some of which previously had been reported damaged. Our losses were three planes, one pilot and one aircrewman.

In the month‑long operations against the Philippines, Ryukyus and Formosa which commenced on September 21, and have continued until the present, the carrier aircraft employed have consisted of Hellcat fighters, Avenger torpedo planes and Helldiver dive bombers.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 549, OCTOBER 23, 1944

1. The submarines USS Herring and USS Golet are overdue from patrol and presumed lost.

2. Next of kin of casualties have been notified.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 163, OCTOBER 23, 1944

Mopping up operations on Angaur and Peleliu Islands in the Palau group continued on October d and 21 (West Longitude Date). Corsair fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing, in support of ground operations, dropped incendiary bombs on the holed‑up enemy. Corsairs also bombed a lighthouse and gun emplacements on Babelthuap Island on October 20.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Yap Island on October 20 and 21. A single Navy Ventura search plane attacked the island also on October 21. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

Liberators of the Seventh Air Force loosed 49 tons of bombs on the airfield and installations at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on October 20. Eight intercepting enemy planes were encountered; three were shot down, one was probably destroyed and one damaged. One of our Liberators was lost.

A Navy search Liberator on October 21 bombed and strafed a small cargo ship west of Iwo Jima.

Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued neutralization raids in the Marshall Islands on October 20 and 21. One of the Corsairs was shot down but the pilot was rescued.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 164, OCTOBER 24, 1944

On October 23 (West Longitude Date) enemy forces including battleships and cruisers were sighted moving eastward through the Sibuyan Sea and Sulu Sea in the Philippines and were attacked by carrier aircraft of the Third Fleet. Further details are not yet available.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 165, OCTOBER 25, 1944

October 23 (West Longitude Date) searches from carriers of the Third Fleet located two enemy forces headed eastward through the Philippine Archipelago. The first force which consisted of three or four battleships, ten cruisers and about 13 destroyers was sighted south of Mindoro and later moved eastward through the Sibuyan Sea. It was attacked repeatedly by carrier aircraft and incomplete reports indicate that all battleships were damaged by bombs, at least one was hit by a torpedo, and one cruiser was torpedoed too. A second enemy force was sighted in the Sulu Sea southwest of Negros Island which consisted of two battleships, one cruiser and four destroyers. Both battleships were damaged by bombs and the light units were severely strafed.

In the late afternoon of October 23, a third enemy force was located southeast of Formosa approaching from Japanese home waters.

During the action an October 23, a strong force of shore based aircraft attacked one of our Task Groups and succeeded in seriously damaging the USS Princeton, a light carrier. Subsequently the Princeton's magazines exploded and the ship, badly crippled, was sunk.

Her Captain and 133 other officers and 1,227 enlisted men were saved.

Casualties among her personnel were light. Approximately 150 enemy aircraft were shot down during this attack.

On October 24, the enemy forces were brought to action. Reports which are as yet incomplete indicate that severe damage has been inflicted on the enemy, that at least one of his large carriers has been sunk and that two others have been severely damaged. General action is continuing.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 550, OCTOBER 26, 1944

European Theater.

1. During the Allied operations for the liberation of Northern France the following U. S. Naval vessels were lost as the result of enemy action or the perils of the sea.

USS Miantonomah (Mine Vessel)

LST's‑314, 376, 496, 499, 528 and 921

LCI (L)'s‑85, 91, 92, 98, 219 and 232

YMS's‑301, 850 and 878

PT‑509

2. In addition to the above, a number of smaller landing craft were lost.

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

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 166, OCTOBER 26, 1944

On October 24 (West Longitude Date), the enemy carrier task force which had been sighted in the Philippine Sea on the previous afternoon approaching from Japanese home waters was attacked by a concentration of aircraft, surface ships and submarines of the Pacific Fleet during the day and the following night. Despite their support by enemy aircraft from Luzon, the following damage was inflicted with no damage to our ships involved in this action:

One large carrier exploded and sunk; one large carrier was severely damaged by bombs and torpedoes and is believed to have sunk; one light

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carrier was definitely sunk; two battleships were probably sunk; two light cruisers were definitely sunk; and two battleships, three cruisers and a number of destroyers withdrew to the northward in a damaged condition.

On October 24, a carrier task group of the Third Fleet assisted units of the Seventh Fleet in striking a force of enemy battleships, cruisers and destroyers which had sortied through San Bernardino Strait and was attacking escort carriers of the Seventh Fleet off the Leyte Gulf. Fragmentary reports available indicate that in cooperation with the aircraft from the escort carriers the following damage was inflicted on this enemy force

One heavy cruiser was seen to sink; four battleships were heavily damaged by bombs and left the scene at low speed trailing oil; one destroyer was left dead in the water.

About midnight October 24‑25, this enemy force withdrew through the San Bernardino Strait in a badly damaged condition. During the night, surface ships of the Pacific Fleet sank a cruiser of this enemy force. Pacific Fleet carrier aircraft on October 25 were continuing to attack this force during its retirement through the Sibuyan Sea.

This incomplete report will be amplified as further details become available.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ N0. 167, OCTOBER 26, 1944

Two groups of Eleventh Air Force Liberators hit gun positions and Installations on Onekotan Islands and Paramushiru Island in the Northern Kuriles on October 23 (West Longitude Date). Another group of Eleventh Air Force Mitchells bombed buildings on Paramushiru the same day and was intercepted by five enemy fighters. No damage was done to our aircraft. On October 24, Eleventh Air Force Mitchells bombed and left burning a 6,000 ton cargo ship south of Paramushiru. Navy search Liberators and Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four on the same day bombed Paramushiru, Matsuwa, and Shimushu. All our planes returned.

Four grounded enemy planes were destroyed by Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing which bombed and strafed the airfield at Yap Island on October 21. On October 22, 23, and 24 similar attacks were repeated. One of our planes was shot down on October 23 by intense antiaircraft fire. Liberators of the Seventh Air Force also bombed Yap on October 21, 22, 23 and 24, setting fires near the airfield and in Yap Town.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed enemy-held positions in the Northern Palau Islands on October 22, 23, and 24, destroying trucks and barges and setting fuel tanks and storage areas ablaze.

Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was bombed by a single Liberator of the Seventh Air Force on October 22. On October 24, Seventh Air Force Liberators hit Iwo Jima again with approximately 58 tons of bombs. Three enemy fighters intercepted our planes but no damage was done.

Pagan Island was bombed by Seventh Air Force Liberators on October 22 and strafed by Thunderbolts on October 23 and 24. Rota Island was strafed by Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on October 22, 23, and 24.

Antiaircraft gun positions at Nauru were bombed by Mitchells of the Seventh Air Force on October 22.

Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing dropped 36 tons of bombs on Jaluit on October 22. Other enemy-held positions in the Marshall Islands were hit by neutralization raids.

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N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 551, OCTOBER 27, 1944

1. According to latest information received, the following U. S. Naval vessels, in addition to the USS Princeton (light carrier), have been sunk during the recent operations in the Philippines:

2 escort carriers

2 destroyers

1 destroyer escort

2. No details have been received.

3. Next of kin of casualties aboard the above vessels will be notified as soon as possible.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 168, OCTOBER 29, 1944

Amplifying reports on the second battle of the Philippine Sea, although still subject to revision as more information is received, indicate an overwhelming victory for the Third and Seventh United States Fleets. The Japanese fleet has been decisively defeated and routed. The second battle of the Philippine Sea ranks as one of the major sea battles of World War II in the Pacific‑together with the Battle of the Coral Sea, May 4‑8, 1942; the Battle of Midway, June 3‑6, 1942 ; the Battle of Guadalcanal, November 12‑15, 1942 ; and the first battle of the Philippine Sea, June 19, 1944.

Movements of major Japanese fleet units northward from the Singapore area were detected on October 21 and 22 (West Longitude Date). Submarine scouts sighted the enemy force, sank two Atago Class heavy cruisers and severely damaged a third. Ships of the Third Fleet were moved into position to the eastward of the Philippines off Surigao Strait, San Bernardino Strait, and the Poillo Islands. On October 23 carrier searches discovered two strong enemy naval forces moving eastward, one through the Sibuyan Sea and the other through the Sulu Sea.

Photographs by carrier aircraft showed that the force moving eastward through the Sibuyan Sea included five battleships, thought to be the Yamato, Musashi, Nagato, Kongo and Haruna; eight cruisers, two Mogami, two Tone, two Nachi, one Atago, one Noshiro; and 13 destroyers. The force moving eastward through the Sulu Sea consisted of two battleships of the Yamashiro Class, two heavy cruisers, two light cruisers, and seven or eight destroyers.

AS soon as the presence of the two enemy fleet forces in the Philippine Islands was discovered on October 23, Hellcat fighters, Avenger torpedo planes and Helldiver dive bombers from the Third Fleet carriers were launched to attack both forces. In the Sibuyan Sea, one battleship and one cruiser were severely damaged and set afire and may have sunk. Three other battleships received bombs and torpedoes; three other heavy cruisers received bombs and torpedoes; and one light cruiser was torpedoed, capsized and sank. In the Sulu Sea bomb hits were made on both battleships. Cruisers and destroyers were strafed with rockets and machine guns.

Meanwhile, to the eastward of the Philippines, enemy shore‑based aircraft were attacking our carriers. In the aerial battle that ensued, more than 150 enemy aircraft were shot down. Our losses, on which exact figures are not yet available, were light. In this attack, the carrier Princeton was hit by a bomb which caused a bad fire. Later the Princeton's magazine blew up and the ship was so badly damaged that she had to be sunk by our own forces.

Also on the afternoon of October 23, a land‑based Navy search plane dis‑

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covered the presence of an enemy carrier force approximately 200 miles off Cape Engano of Northern Luzon, heading south. This force consisted of 17 warships including a large carrier, believed to be of the Zuikaku Class; three light carriers of the Chitose and Zuiho Classes; two battleships of the Ise Class with fight decks aft; a heavy cruiser of the Mogami Class; a light cruiser of the Noshiro Class; three cruisers of the Kiso Class; and six destroyers.

To meet this serious threat the Commander, Third Fleet, concentrated several of his carrier task groups and started northward at high speed for a dawn attack.

These units of the Third Fleet steamed north at full speed through the night and caught the enemy so completely by surprise on the morning of October 24 that there was no effective air opposition. Later in the forenoon enemy carrier aircraft which had been refueled ashore in the Philippines flew out to join their ships which had already met disaster. The enemy planes arrived too late to get into the fight and 21 were shot down by our combat patrols. In this action, the following destruction was inflicted upon the enemy:

Sunk:

One carrier of the Zuikaku Class, sunk by carrier aircraft. One light carrier of the Zuiho Class, crippled by carrier aircraft and later sunk by the gunfire of cruisers and destroyers. Two light carriers of the Chitose Class, sunk by carrier aircraft. One light cruiser or large destroyer sunk by gunfire. One destroyer sunk by carrier aircraft. One cruiser was severely damaged by carrier aircraft and was sunk during the night by a submarine.

Damaged:

One battleship hit by 2‑4 torpedoes and many bombs. One battleship hit by bombs. Three cruisers damaged by bombs and gunfire. Four destroyers bombed, strafed or hit by gunfire.

None of the Third Fleet ships engaged with the enemy carrier force were damaged. The Third Fleet in this phase of the action lost 10 planes, eight pilots and 10 aircrewmen, all shot down by antiaircraft fire. Before all the damaged enemy ships could be tracked down and destroyed the engagement was broken off to proceed to the assistance of Seventh Fleet carrier escort groups then under attack off Samar Island.

The enemy force of battleships, cruisers and destroyers which had been attacked in the Sibuyan Sea had sortied through the San Bernardino Strait in spite of damage inflicted by our carrier aircraft, and had attacked units of the Seventh Fleet off Samar Island during the morning of October 24. In the ensuing battle, most of the enemy's heavy ships were badly damaged by Seventh Fleet units assisted by carrier aircraft from the Third Fleet. One cruiser of the Mogami Class was seen to sink and one destroyer was left dead in the water. The enemy force ran northwest from the scene of the action and during the early hours of darkness passed westward through the San Bernardino Strait. About 2 a.m. a straggling cruiser was sunk by gunfire of the Third Fleet.

Meanwhile the southern enemy force had crossed the Sulu Sea, the Mindanao Sea, had attempted to pass through the Surigao Strait, and met the Seventh Fleet in a night action October 24‑25. As announced by the Commander in Chief, Southwest Pacific Area, all units of this enemy force were sunk or decisively defeated.

On October 25, carrier aircraft of the Third Fleet were launched against

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the crippled and damaged enemy fleeing westward through the Sibuyan Sea. Damage done to the enemy during the retirement of the enemy forces from San Bernardino Strait by the combined efforts of the Third and Seventh Fleets and shore‑based aircraft of the Southwest Pacific Area included one Mogami Class cruiser sunk off Mindoro Island, one Noshiro Class cruiser sunk south of Mindoro Island, one battleship possibly sunk, and three other battleships and three other cruisers further damaged.

The total damage inflicted on the Japanese fleet during the period October 22‑27, 1844, included:

Sunk:

Two battleships

Four carriers

Six heavy cruisers

Three light cruisers

Three small cruisers or large destroyers

Six destroyers

Severely damaged and may have sunk:

One battleship

Three heavy cruisers

Two light cruisers

Seven destroyers

Escaped in a damaged condition:

Six battleships

Four heavy cruisers

One light cruiser

Ten destroyers

During the same actions the losses sustained by United States Naval forces were one light carrier (Princeton), two escort carriers, two destroyers, one destroyer escort and a few lesser craft.

The following battleships seriously damaged at Pearl Harbor took part in these actions: West Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, California, and Pennsylvania. The new carriers Lexington, Wasp and Hornet also participated.

In all these actions, United States submarines played a highly important part and are credited with sinking and damaging several enemy warships‑both before and after the air and sea battles on October 23, 24 and 25.

Much of the credit for the destruction inflicted on the Japanese fleet goes to the Naval airmen who gallantly and relentlessly pressed their attacks home with telling effect.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 169, OCTOBER 30, 1944

Carrier aircraft of the Third Fleet continued to attack targets in Southern Luzon on October 28. In Manila Harbor a heavy cruiser, previously damaged was probably sunk while another cruiser was damaged. A third cruiser off Cavite was hit by two 1,000 pound bombs and severely damaged. An oil tanker was also damaged when it received a hit from a 1,000 pound bomb. Airfields in the vicinity of Manila were attacked. Twelve or more planes were destroyed on the ground and several large fires were started. Our aircraft were intercepted by a number of enemy fighters over Southern Luzon, 46 of which were shot down. One of our carrier groups was attacked

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by enemy fighters and dive bombers, of which 12 were shot down. Two more enemy planes were shot down the next day over our carriers.

In the Central Philippines, search and patrol flights by carrier‑based aircraft of the Third Fleet on October 28 and 29 shot down 19 enemy fighters and destroyed three coastal cargo vessels near Cebu.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed the airfield on Yap Island on October 25. Seventh Air Force Liberators attacked the same airstrip on October 26, 27 and 28. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Enemy barges were strafed off Babelthuap Island in the Palau Group and a radio station was hit by Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on October 25. Our fighters met meager antiaircraft fire.

Seventh Air Force Thunderbolts attacked targets on Pagan Island on October 25. Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed gun emplacements near the Rota Airstrip on October 25 and 27.

Five enemy barges were damaged by a single Navy search plane at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on October 26. Navy search Liberators bombed the airfield on October 27. Another Navy search plane destroyed a radio and weather station and left fires on Muko Jima in the Bonin Islands on October 27. Seventh Air Force Liberators started fires and bombed shipping in the Haha Jima Harbor on October 27. The next day another group of Seventh Air Force Liberators bombed the same harbor installation and shipping again.

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed objectives on Wake Island on October 24. Two sampans were strafed. Enemy antiaircraft fire was inaccurate.

Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Air Force bombed the airfield and defense installations on Nauru Island on October 26, causing large fires. Antiaircraft fire was meager. Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing hit the airfield on Ponape during October 24. One of our planes was slightly damaged by antiaircraft fire.

Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two continued neutralization raids in the Marshall Islands during October 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 610, OCTOBER 30, 1944

Reflecting the growing importance of minecraft in the Pacific war, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN, Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, today announced the establishment of the command of Commander, Minecraft, Pacific Fleet.

Rear Admiral Alexander Sharp, USN, of Welcome, Charles County, Md., has been appointed to the new post.

Before coming to the Pacific area, Rear Admiral Sharp was Commander, Service Force, Atlantic Fleet. Prior to that, he commanded all battleships in the Atlantic, which included active direction of various task forces.

As commander, Minecraft, Pacific Fleet, Rear Admiral Sharp will be concerned with the establishment of policies relating to the organization, maintenance and employment of all ships in the Pacific Fleet primarily employed In mine laying, mine sweeping, net laying, net tending and degaussing.

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N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 552, OCTOBER 31, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 18 vessels, including one combatant ship, as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters, as follows:

3 medium cargo transports

1 large transport

2 small cargo transports

1 destroyer

4 small cargo vessels

5 medium cargo vessels

1 medium tanker

1 small auxiliary

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

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 170, OCTOBER 31, 1944

A conservative recapitulation of enemy aircraft losses during the past two months from August 30 to the present, reported by the Third and Seventh Fleets (the latter operating under General MacArthur) shows that 1,462 planes were shot down in the air and 1,132 destroyed on the ground, making a grand total of 2,594 destroyed by Pacific Fleet carrier aircraft. In addition, 252 planes were probably destroyed or damaged. Our own losses during this period were approximately 300 carrier planes, with pilot and aircrew losses considerably less because of rescue operations which saved many lives.

The enemy suffered its greatest losses during the following periods: September 9‑24 in Philippines by Third Fleet, shot down, 362; destroyed on ground, 584.

October 10‑16 in Nansei Shoto Islands, Philippines, and Formosa by Third Fleet, shot down, 528; destroyed on ground, 304; damaged, 59.

October 17‑18 in Philippines by Third Fleet, shot down, 55; destroyed on ground, 31; damaged, 55.

October 22‑27 in second battle Philippine Sea, by Third and Seventh Fleets, shot down, 392; destroyed on ground, 31; damaged, 20.

Liberators of the Seventh Air Force bombed shipping in Chichi Jima Harbor in the Bonins on October 28 (West Longitude Date). Other Liberators bombed barges at Haha Jima on the same day.

Search planes of Fleet Air Wing One carried out strafing and bombing attacks on five small cargo ships at Kita Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands. One of the ships was sunk, one was badly damaged and one was set ablaze.

On October 28 Corsair fighters of Marine Air Wing Two strafed Installations at Rota Island. Antiaircraft fire was intense. The next day Corsairs again bombed Rota, hitting the airfield; while Thunderbolts of the Seventh Air Force bombed Pagan Island.

Seventh Air Force Liberators bombed the airfield and gun positions on Yap Island on October 27 and 28. Corsair fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing strafed barges at Yap on October 28. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 171, NOVEMBER 1, 1944

In the second Battle of the Philippine Sea, October 22‑27 (West Longitude Date), several United States ships of the Third and Seventh Fleets (the latter operating under the command of General MacArthur) were damaged. The names of these ships will not be made public, nor will the extent and amount of damage be announced at the present time. Such information would be of value to the enemy in estimating accurately the size of our Naval forces operating in Philippine waters and what ships are available for immediate action.

Mitchell bombers of the Eleventh Air Force bombed Paramushiru in the Northern Kuriles on October 30, setting buildings afire and damaging several small craft. Antiaircraft fire was inaccurate and all planes returned.

A single Navy search plane bombed the airfield at Iwo Jima on October 29. Antiaircraft fire was not encountered.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing strafed personnel areas on Rota Island on October 30. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

Seventh Air Force Liberators on October 29 dropped bombs on the airfield at Yap Island, causing fires and explosions. Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing also bombed the airstrip and set a fuel dump ablaze.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on October 29 strafed targets on Babelthuap Island in the Northern Palau Islands and sank two barges.

Seventh Air Force Mitchells bombed the airstrip and gun installations on Nauru Island on October 30.

Enemy‑held positions in the Marshall Islands were bombed in neutralization raids on October 29 and 30.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 172, NOVEMBER 2, 1944

A single enemy PT boat on the night of October 26 (west Longitude Date) attempted to attack one of our beaches on Peleliu Island in the Southern Palaus where cargo unloading was in process. A torpedo is thought to have been launched but it did no damage. There were a few personnel casualties, however, from enemy machine gun fire from the vessel. The PT boat was sunk as it tried to escape northward.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed shipping installations and oil storage areas on Koror Island in the Northern Palaus on October 30. A second group of Corsairs hit trucks and barges at Babelthuap Island on the same day.

The airfield at Yap Island was bombed and strafed by Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on October 30.

A single Navy search Liberator bombed targets on Iwo Jima through meager antiaircraft fire on October 30.

Seventh Air Force Thunderbolts strafed installations and gun positions on Pagan Island on October 31.

Neutralization raids against enemy‑held positions in the Marshall Islands continued on October 30.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 173, NOVEMBER 3, 1944

During the night of November 1‑2 (West Longitude Date) nine enemy twin‑engine bombers, presumably from bases in the Bonins, bombed and strafed Isely Airfield on Saipan and the northern airfield in Tinian. Three of the enemy raiders were shot down, one by night fighter aircraft and two

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by antiaircraft guns. Our personnel casualties were four killed and one seriously injured when one of the enemy planes was shot down and crashed on the field. Minor damage was suffered at both airfields.

An enemy reconnaissance sea plane attacked Peleliu Island on October 31 but was shot down by one of our Hellcat night fighters.

One of the Third Fleet carrier groups was attacked by enemy fighters and dive bombers on November 1, inflicting some damage to several ships and light personnel casualties. Six enemy planes were destroyed by antiaircraft fire and four others were shot down by our aircraft.

Eleventh Air Force Mitchell bombers dropped fragmentation and incendiary bombs on Paramushiru on October 31. One of our planes was attacked by five enemy fighters but is reported to have landed safely.

Seventh Air Force Army Liberators and Navy search Liberators of Fleet Air Wing One teamed up to hit enemy positions in the Volcano Islands and the Bonins on October 31. Airfields at Chichi Jima and Iwo Jima were bombed, shipping at Iwo Jima was attacked, and buildings at Haha Jima were hit. Antiaircraft fire was intense. Seventh Air Force Liberators bombed four cargo ships at Chichi Jima on November 1, scoring several direct hits. One ship was sunk, one was left burning while the other two were damaged. Seventh Air Force Liberators also bombed shipping in the harbor at Haha Jima on the same day.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing set barges afire at Babelthuap Island in the Northern Palaus on October 31. Corsairs also bombed the airfield at Yap Island.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing strafed enemy targets on Rota Island on October 31. On November 1 targets on Rota were again strafed by Corsairs while Seventh Air Force Thunderbolts launched rockets against supply dumps on Pagan Island.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 617, NOVEMBER 3, 1944

Rear Admiral Walden L. Ainsworth, USN. of Wonalancet, N. H., has assumed command as Commander Cruisers and Commander Destroyers, Pacific Fleet, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN, Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, announced today.

Rear Admiral Ainsworth succeeds Rear Admiral James L. Kauffman, USN, of Miami Beach, Fla., who has been assigned another sea command. Before taking over his new post, Rear Admiral Ainsworth was commander of a cruiser division.

A veteran campaigner, the flag officer has commanded numerous task forces in the Pacific since the outbreak of war. With one exception, he participated in every major naval action in the South Pacific area since December, 1942. Units under his command have engaged in most of the recent combat in the Western Pacific.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 174, NOVEMBER 4, 1944

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed targets on Yap Island and in the Northern Palaus on November 1 (West Longitude Date). Two small cargo ships were heavily damaged near Babelthuap, while barges and trucks were destroyed at both Babelthuap and Yap.

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Seventh Air Force Thunderbolts bombed Pagan Island on November 2, destroying a twin‑engine bomber as it neared the airfield. Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing strafed gun emplacements at Rota Island on the same day.

Seventh Air Force Liberators bombed the airstrip and installations at Marcus Island on November 1, repeating the attack the next day.

A single PBY of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Nauru Island on the night of November 1‑2. Antiaircraft fire was inaccurate.

Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued to neutralize enemy‑held positions in the Marshall Islands on November 2.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 175, NOVEMBER 5, 1944

Liberators of the Seventh Air Force attacked enemy shipping in Chichi Jima Harbor in the Bonin Islands on November 2 (West Longitude Date). Targets included two destroyers, one large transport, four medium transports and four small transports. Other Seventh Air Force Liberators bombed a large enemy transport at Haha Jima on November 2. Land objectives at Haha Jima were attacked by Liberators the next day.

A Navy search Liberator attacked Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on November 2. Seventh Air Force Liberators bombed the airstrip on Iwo Jima on November 3. Two grounded enemy planes were destroyed and one probably destroyed. Six to eight Japanese fighters were seen in the air but did not attack our planes. Five Liberators were damaged by intense antiaircraft fire.

Koror Island in the Northern Palaus was heavily attacked by Seventh Air Force Liberators on November 2. Large fires were started and explosions were observed.

Thunderbolts and Liberators of the Seventh Air Force damaged the airfield on Pagan Island in the Marianas on November 2 and 3. Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing strafed enemy installations on Rota Island on November 3.

Yap was hit by Seventh Air Force Liberators on November 2.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 176, NOVEMBER 6, 1944

Catching the enemy apparently by surprise, carrier‑based Hellcat fighters, Avenger torpedo planes and Helldiver dive bombers of the Third Fleet bombed airfields, shipping and ground installations in Southern Luzon on November 4 (West Longitude Date). Preliminary reports show that much damage was done in Manila Harbor, and at five airfields in the vicinity.

Over Clark Field our fighters were intercepted by 80 enemy planes, of which 58 were shot down. Enemy air opposition became less effective during the remainder of the day, but an additional 25 enemy interceptors were shot down over other targets. Five more enemy planes were shot down in the vicinity of Third Fleet carriers and three more were destroyed by our night fighters over Clark Field. More than 100 planes on the ground were also destroyed during the operation. Our losses have not yet been reported.

Over Manila there was only light opposition. Shipping in the Harbor was heavily bombed, with preliminary reports showing the following results one heavy cruiser burning and left in a sinking condition from several bomb

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and torpedo hits. One light cruiser damaged. Three destroyers damaged. Several cargo ships damaged. One subchaser sunk (off Lubang Island).

At Clark Field, oil storage areas, shops, and hangars were bombed and set afire. At Batangas Field, Lipa Field, Lagaspi Field, and Lubang Field, ground installations were heavily damaged.

Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four strafed targets at Tori Shima, an island east of Paramushiru in the Kuriles on November 4. Eleven aggressive enemy fighters intercepted our planes and shot one of them down. Eleventh Air Force Liberators bombed installations at Kurabu Zaki on the southern tip of Paramushiru and started several fires. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed two 180 foot enemy transports at Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands on November 4. Results were not observed. Other Liberators hit Haha Jima on the same day. Our planes were intercepted by two enemy fighters, one of which was damaged.

Catalinas of Fleet Air Wing One attacked targets on Koror Island in the Northern Palau Islands on November 3. On November 4, Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed airfields on Babelthuap Island and started fires in the Northern Palau Islands. Other Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing strafed the airstrip on Yap Island.

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Wake Island on November 1. Enemy defense installations and airstrips were attacked. Antiaircraft fire damaged two Venturas, but none of our pilots or crewmen was injured. There was no enemy air opposition.

Seventh Air Force Liberators attacked air defenses and enemy shipping at Marcus Island on November 3 and 4. Two Liberators were damaged by antiaircraft fire.

Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Nauru on November 4. One small explosion was observed. Enemy antiaircraft fire was intense but inaccurate. A single Catalina of Fleet Air Wing Two attacked Nauru the night of November 4.

Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued neutralization raids on the Marshall Islands on November 4.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 177, NOVEMBER 7, 1944

Hellcat fighters, Avenger torpedo planes and Helldiver dive bombers of the Third Fleet on November 5, (West Longitude Date) continued attacks on Southern Luzon which had been begun the previous day. Preliminary reports show that additional heavy damage was inflicted upon the enemy's air strength, shipping and ground installations by our airmen on the second day of the operation.

In addition to the 191 planes destroyed on November 4 (as previously announced in communiqué No. 176), an additional 249 enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground and in the air on November 5. Many others were damaged on the ground by strafing. A recapitulation of the number of enemy aircraft destroyed in the two day strike totals 440; with 113 of these having been shot down in the air and 327 destroyed on the ground. The largest concentrations of enemy planes were found at Nichols Field, Clark Field and Nielson Field, Lipa Field, Tarlac Field, Bamban Field and Mabalacat Field. Figures on our own losses are not yet available.

Heavy damage was inflicted upon enemy ground installations during the attack on November 5. Three oil storage areas were set ablaze at the North

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Clark Field; fire resulted from a tremendous explosion at the Northeast Clark Field; a railway engine and five tank cars were destroyed north of Malvar.

Shipping in Manila Harbor was again brought under aerial attack on November 5, and the following damage was inflicted on this day:

Three cargo ships sunk

One oil tanker sunk

One destroyer probably sunk

Two destroyers damaged

Two destroyer escorts damaged

One trawler damaged

Several cargo ships damaged (making a total of 14 cargo ships damaged for the two day strike)

A single Liberator of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed three small transports off the northeast coast of Onekotan Island on November 5. Other Eleventh Air Force Liberators also bombed the island the same day. In a running battle with seven enemy fighters the Liberators shot down one plane and probably destroyed another. Two Liberators were damaged. A single Liberator also bombed Otomari, south of Onekotan. Results were unobserved. Tori Shima, a small island east of Paramushiru, was bombed and strafed by Eleventh Air Force Mitchells on the same day. All planes returned.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed three cargo ships and a tanker at Haha Jima in the Bonins on November 5, but results were not observed. On the same day other Liberators bombed Ant Jima in the Bonins.

Corsairs and Avengers of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on November 5 strafed and bombed Rota Island, the phosphate plant being the principal target.

Neutralization raids by Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing were continued in the Marshall Islands on November 5.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 178, NOVEMBER 8, 1944

Eleven enemy aircraft raided Saipan and Tinian Islands shortly after midnight on November 6 (West Longitude Date), causing no damage or personnel casualties. Three planes were shot down by antiaircraft fire while a fourth was probably destroyed.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators dropped bombs on an airfield and revetments at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on November 6. A large fire resulted and two twin‑engine bombers on the ground were probably destroyed. A Navy search Liberator also bombed Iwo Jima on November 5.

Thunderbolts of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Pagan Island twice on November 6, rocketing and strafing installations.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing attacked enemy barges and small craft in the Northern Palau Islands on November 6.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed antiaircraft gun positions and a radio station on Marcus Island on November 6.

Navy search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and strafed gun positions, airstrips and ground installations on Wake Island on November 6. Large fires were started.

Neutralization raids were made over the Marshalls on November 6 by Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.

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JOINT STATEMENT, NOVEMBER 10, 1944

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

"The scope of the German U‑boats' activities in October 1944 was materially below that of any other month of the war; in consequence of which the number of United Nations' merchant vessels sunk by German submarines during the month was also the lowest of any month of the entire war.

"Although the number of German U‑boats destroyed was less than what has come to be considered a good monthly 'bag', it compares very favorably with the number of Allied merchant vessels sunk by U‑boats.

"The Allies continue to supply on schedule their ever‑growing armies in Europe."

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 553, NOVEMBER 10, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

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

1 light cruiser

1 medium converted seaplane tender

3 medium cargo vessels

1 medium tanker

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

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 179, NOVEMBER 10, 1944

On November 6 (West Longitude Date) Mitchells of the Eleventh Army Air Force and Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed and strafed Tori Shima Island in the Northern Kuriles, and attacked nine self‑propelled wooden barges off the east coast of Paramushiru, two of which were seen to blow up and sink. Our aircraft were intercepted by 15 to 29 enemy fighters, three of which were shot down, one probably shot down, and one damaged. One of the Mitchells was lost. On November 8, Eleventh Army Air Force Liberators attacked Paramushiru, Matsuwa and Onekotan Islands, but results were not reported.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force on November 7 bombed two barges at Haha Jima in the Bonin Islands with unobserved results. At Chichi Jima, a direct hit was scored on a medium cargo ship. A Navy search Liberator bombed Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on November 8.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing strafed the phosphate works and air strip at Rota Island on November 7, while Corsairs and Avengers destroyed a sugar mill on November 8. Thunderbolts of the Seventh Army Air Force strafed supply dumps and installations on Pagan Island on November 8.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Marcus Island on November 8.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 180, NOVEMBER 11, 1944

Carrier‑based Hellcat fighters, Avenger torpedo planes and Helldiver dive bombers of the Third Fleet attacked a 10‑ship enemy convoy just outside Ormoc Bay on November 10 (West Longitude Date), destroying or probably destroying nine ships. The convoy consisting of three large transports, one medium transport, five destroyers, and one destroyer escort, was apparently attempting to reinforce enemy positions on Leyte Island. The damage inflicted upon the enemy consisted of the following

Transport seen to explode and sink.

The three other transports seen to sink.

Two destroyers seen to sink

One destroyer escort seen to sink

One destroyer left awash, thought to have sunk.

One destroyer with bow blown off, thought to have sunk

One destroyer damaged

(These ships destroyed and damaged are in addition to the ones destroyed the previous day in the same general area by General MacArthur's land‑based aircraft and reported previously by him.)

Approximately 20 aggressive enemy fighters furnished aerial cover for the convoy attacked by the carrier‑based planes. Of these 13 were shot down and five were probably destroyed. In addition, a two‑engined reconnaissance plane and a dive bomber were shot down near our carriers. Our losses were nine planes but it is believed that most of the pilots and aircrewmen were rescued.

Catalinas of Fleet Air Wing One on the night of November 8 bombed ground installations at Koror Island in the Northern Palau Islands. Hellcats of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing harassed the Arakabesan Area on Babelthuap in night sorties. Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Yap Island, hitting the airstrip, hangars and small craft.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force on November 8 bombed antiaircraft gun positions and harbor shipping at Haha Jima in the Bonins. Other Liberators bombed Okimura Town on Haha Jima, causing two large explosions near antiaircraft gun positions. A Navy search Liberator bombed Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands while Army Liberators strafed Kita Iwo Jima. On November 9 Seventh Army Air Force Liberators again bombed Iwo Jima, hitting the airfield. Our planes were intercepted by from three to five enemy fighters, of which one was shot down and two damaged.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing strafed enemy targets on Rota Island on November 9.

A single Navy search plane on November 9 dropped bombs on the airfield and barracks at Nauru Island while Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued to neutralize enemy‑held positions in the Marshall Islands.

NOVEMBER 13, 1944

U. S. SUBMARINE DESTROYED TO PREVENT CAPTURE

The submarine, USS Darter, was destroyed by her own crew in order to prevent capture by the enemy after the vessel had run aground in an area under enemy control. All officers and men were rescued unharmed and are now at an advance Naval base.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 181, NOVEMBER 13, 1944

Under cover of a storm during the night of November 7‑8, an enemy force of approximately 200 troops, equipped with knee mortars and machine guns, went ashore on Ngeregong island northeast of Peleliu in the Palau Group. This island had previously been occupied by a small patrol of United States Marines. Several LCI's took off our patrol without casualties. Two of our gunboats and a destroyer blocked Denges Passage to the north from which the enemy troops had apparently come, and bombarded the island. On November 9 our planes bombed and strafed the island, sinking a barge.

On November 9 Corsairs and Avengers of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Ngesang on Babelthuap Island in the Northern Palaus, sinking one barge and setting fire to a fuel tank. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. Hellcat fighters bombed Koror and Babelthuap. Corsairs sank a barge at Babelthuap and scored a direct bit on a radio station. Yap Island was bombed by Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on November 10 sank a Japanese destroyer previously damaged near Golou in the Palau Islands. Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force on November 10 bombed Koror Island starting large fires. Several small islands in the Northern Palaus were hit by Catalinas of Fleet Air Wing One and Corsairs and Avengers of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing in night operations, and two fuel dumps were set afire.

Airfields on Peleliu Island and Angaur Island are now being used by United States land‑based aircraft of the Seventh Army Air Force and the Second Marine Aircraft Wing.

On November 10 Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed airstrips on Iwo Jima causing large fires in storage areas. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered. Another force of Liberators bombed the Iwo Jima airfields the next day. Three enemy fighters were seen in the air but did not attack our planes.

Thunderbolts of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Pagan Island In the Marianas without encountering resistance on November 10 and 11. Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing also attacked installations on Rota on November 10 and 11.

On November 10 enemy‑held positions. in the Marshall Islands were further neutralized by Navy search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two and Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 182, NOVEMBER 14, 1944

Hellcat fighters, Avenger torpedo planes and Helldiver bombers from carrier task groups of the Pacific Fleet attacked enemy shipping and installations in and around Manila Bay on November 12 (West Longitude Date). The following damage was done to enemy shipping:

One light cruiser badly damaged.

Two destroyers exploded.

An estimated 11 cargo vessels and oilers sunk or blazing.

One floating dock hit by torpedoes.

Many docks in Manila Bay and at Cavite Navy Yard were struck.

In the attack, 18 of 20 intercepting enemy aircraft were shot down over Luzon and 10 others were shot down near the task groups.

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An estimated 130 to 140 single and twin‑engined enemy planes on Legaspi, Manila and Clark Airstrips were strafed.

One of our surface ships was damaged.

The carrier task groups engaged in this operation were under the tactical command of Rear Admiral Frederick C. Sherman, United States Navy.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing strafed and bombed the Northern Palau Area on November 11. One small enemy vessel was sunk. Hellcats bombed Koror , Malakal and Arakabesan in the Palaus on the same day. Avengers and Corsairs loosed bombs on the Yap Airstrip the same day. Liberators of the Seventh Air Force bombed a power station at Koror on November 11, but results were not observed.

A Navy search Liberator of Fleet Air Wing One dropped bombs on Iwo Jima in the Bonins on November 11. Results were unobserved.

Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One bombed islands in the Bonins on November 13. A near miss was scored on a medium cargo vessel, and two near misses on an escort surface craft at Chichi Jima. A few airborne enemy planes which were over Iwo Jima did not attack our planes.

NOVEMBER 15, 1944

ADMIRAL INGRAM SUCCESS ADMIRAL INGERSOLL AS COMMANDER IN CHIEF, ATLANTIC FLEET

Admiral Jonas H. Ingram, USN, former Commander of the Fourth Fleet, assumed his new duties as Commander in Chief, U. S. Atlantic Fleet, today at a brief ceremony on board his flagship at the Washington Navy Yard.

Earlier in the morning Admiral Royal E. Ingersoll, USN, relinquished his command as Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet, and departed to assume his new duties as Commander, Western Sea Frontier, in which he will have the status of a Deputy Commander in Chief, U. S. Fleet, and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations.

Both ceremonies were held on the quarterdeck of the flagship, with the ship's company and staff at attention. The Admirals read their respective orders and the flag of the former Commander in Chief was hauled down and the flag of the new Commander in Chief was hoisted to the mainmast.

Visitors during the ceremonies included Vice Admiral Richard S. Edwards, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations; Vice Admiral Patrick N. L. Bellinger, U. S. N., Commander Air Force, Atlantic Fleet; and Rear Admiral F. L. Reichmuth, U. S. N., Commandant, Washington Navy Yard.

NOVEMBER 15, 1944

DETAILS OF SURFACE BOMBARDMENT OF MARCUS ISLAND

An advanced base in the Western Pacific, October 9‑(Delayed)‑In a surprise dawn assault against another of Japan's inner island defenses, U. S. Navy surface units today heavily bombarded enemy shore installations on strategic Marcus Island.

It was the first American surface ship bombardment of the island, which lies 989 miles southeast of the Japanese mainland and 727 miles northeast of the U. S.‑held Mariana Group.

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Units of the Third Fleet, cruisers and destroyers commanded by Rear Admiral Allan E. Smith, U. S. N., of Fairfax, Virginia, lobbed heavy caliber shells into the enemy positions intermittently during the 15‑hour attack period. Shore battery fire directed against the American warships was moderate. Most of the island defense batteries were silenced during the engagement.

There was no damage to the American ships.

In a continuous procession, the warships steamed past the island and hammered defense positions with accurate 8‑inch and 5‑inch rifle fire. Several fires were started and hits were scored on the enemy radio station, operations and administration buildings, and other shore installations.

The attack was conducted in three phases and was concluded with a night operation during which the American warships used smoke screens and night emergency pyrotechnics.

Air spotting revealed that the enemy garrison sustained considerable damage in the battering assault by the big Navy guns.

There was unrestricted visibility and an unlimited ceiling, but no Jap aircraft was encountered.

Rear Admiral Smith's flagship during the engagement, a veteran of numerous Pacific bombardments, is commanded by Captain Henry Hartley, USN, of Bladensburg, Maryland. Other cruisers and destroyers supported the assault with sustained gun fire.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 183, NOVEMBER 16, 1944

A revision based on evidence gathered after the carrier task group attacks in the Manila Bay Area on November 12 (West Longitude Date) raises the damage figures (given in communiqué Number 182) on Jap ship losses. It is now known that:

A light cruiser was sunk, it had been reported as badly damaged.

Four destroyers were sunk; two had been reported as exploded.

Eleven cargo vessels and oilers were sunk; this number had been reported as sunk or blazing.

There are no other revisions of any information contained in communiqué Number 182.

On the night of November 10‑11 (West Longitude Date) search Liberators of Fleet Air Wing One bombed airplane storage areas on Iwo Jima in the Bonin Islands. Weak fighter opposition was encountered. On November 12 Navy search Liberators again bombed installations on Iwo Jima and scored near misses on a medium cargo vessel at Chichi Jima. The following day a Navy search Liberator was credited with probable hits on a small cargo ship near Iwo Jima. On November 13 a Mitchell of tile Second Marine Aircraft Wing made possible hits on a medium cargo vessel near Haha Jima.

Search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing One bombed installations on the Yap Airstrip on the night of November 10‑11, meeting meager antiaircraft fire. On November 12 Corsairs and Hellcats of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing with Navy search Liberators of Fleet Air Wing One bombed and destroyed warehouses and vehicles on Japanese bases in the Northern Palau Islands. Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing struck the airstrip on Yap on the same day.

Strafing Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing sank several barges and small craft on November 13 in the Northern Palaus and Yap areas and

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struck the airstrip on Yap, and Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force pounded docks and a radio station on Arakabesan. Hellcats of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing made harassing attacks on Japanese bases in the Palaus on the night of November 13.

On November 13 bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force and Navy search Liberators struck the airstrip and installations on Woleai in the Western Carolines.

Avengers and Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Rota in the Marianas on November 12‑13. Thunderbolts of the Seventh Army Air Force hit Pagan on November 13.

Continuing neutralization raids were made in the Marshalls on November 11. Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and a Navy search Ventura of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Jaluit on the same day. Nine fires were seen. Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked installations at Mille on November 11.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 554, NOVEMBER 17, 1944

Based on reports‑necessarily incomplete due to the necessity of radio silence for certain fleet units and the impossibility of having some officers in attendance at evaluation conferences because of continuing operations of fleet units‑the following information is now available on the second Battle of the Philippines:

A series of naval engagements and, in terms of victory, ones which may turn out to be among the decisive battles of modern times, were won by our forces against a three‑pronged attack by the Japanese in an attempt to prevent our landings in the Philippine Islands.

The fact is known. Progress of the three‑day battle which began October 23 was promptly reported to the American public as far as military security permitted. It is now, possible to give a chronological and diagrammatic review of the second Battle of the Philippines, which left the United States Fleet in command of the eastern approaches to the Philippines, providing support for General MacArthur's invading forces and maintaining without interruption the sea‑borne supply lines pouring men and munitions into the combat area.

The Japanese are still wondering what hit them. It is impossible, therefore, to identify the composition of our naval forces or to describe the damage-other than losses‑suffered by us in the three‑day fight. All damage, however, was remediable and some of the United States ships hurt in the fight are already back on duty.

We lost one light carrier, the USS Princeton, two escort carriers, the USS Saint Lo and USS Gambler Bay, two destroyers, the USS Johnston and USS Hoel, and one destroyer escort, the USS Samuel B. Roberts and a few lesser craft.

Against this, the Japanese definitely lost two battleships, four carriers, six heavy cruisers, two light cruisers, and an undetermined number of destroyers. These ships were seen to go down. So severely damaged that they may have sunk before reaching port, and in any event removed from action for from one to perhaps six months, were one Japanese battleship, three heavy cruisers, two light cruisers and seven destroyers. In addition, damaging hits

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were noted on six battleships, four heavy cruisers, one light cruiser and 10 destroyers.

The victory not only made possible the continuing supply of men and munitions to General Douglas A. MacArthur's successful invasion forces, but by its magnitude can conservatively be said to have greatly reduced future casualties in both men and water‑borne equipment.

Like all battles, this one did not just happen. The engagements, in one of which surface ships slugged it out against each other, and in which the far‑ranging carrier‑borne United States aircraft both intercepted and pursued enemy ships with conspicuous success, were preceded by a series of other actions which fall into a definite, strategic pattern when reviewed in order.

II.

Preliminaries to the show‑down battle can be said to have opened with the landings on Peleliu and Morotai, southwest of the Philippines, on September 16. These landings in themselves were preceded by a two‑weeks' series of feints and thrusts, by Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher's carrier task force of the Third Fleet, which kept the Japanese forces off balance while whittling down their aerial strength by some 900 planes.

These successes indicated the feasibility of advancing the date for the Invasion of the Philippines, and the date of October 20 was set by General MacArthur in consultation with Admiral Nimitz and approved by the high command.

However, a great deal of hard, tough work had to be accomplished first, As much damage as possible had to be inflicted upon the enemy over the widest available area guarding the Philippines. Additionally, by hitting the Japanese hard, and again and again, the enemy was to be confused, and kept confused, as to the ultimate objective of our far‑ranging forces.

On October 9, surface forces bombarded Marcus Island, and on the following day a carrier task force struck at Okinawa, in the Nansei Shoto group, about 1,500 miles to the westward. The Japanese defenders were caught off base each time, losing 82 planes at Okinawa and 46 ships, not counting 11 probably destroyed.

On October 11, while the enemy was still trying to figure out what had hit him to the northward, the airplanes of one carrier group swept over the northern part of Luzon, main island of the Philippine Commonwealth, while the other carrier forces were refueling. That strike cost the Japanese 10 to 15 airplanes destroyed on the ground. Enemy opposition was inconsequential.

Three times, in as many days, the United States forces had struck at three different and widely separated strongholds of the enemy. On the fourth day, October 12, a fleet appeared in the enemy's own backyard, off the island of Formosa, from which the aerial attack against the Philippines had been launched by the Japanese nearly three years before. Our objectives were the 26 to 30 first‑class military airfields on Formosa, the airplanes based there, and, of course, any other military establishments on shore and the enemy shipping in the harbors.

Our fleet maneuvered in the vicinity of Formosa for three days, October 12, 13 and 14. Fifty‑five enemy vessels of all kinds were certainly destroyed, and 32 were probably sunk, while approximately 396 airplanes were destroyed in the air or on the ground. On the last day, and on October 16, Formosa was additionally the target of U.S. Army B‑29s, flying from China.

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The effrontery of the attack on Formosa from the sea provoked the Japanese into immediate counter‑action. Strong units of bomber and torpedo planes swept down from the islands of the Empire, to be met and broken up by fighters from our carriers. Two Japanese planes which forced, their way through found targets in a couple of United States medium‑size ships, which were damaged by torpedoes but which successfully retired to the eastward.

Now comes one of the most fantastic chapters of the war. The Japanese aviators who managed to reach home reported an amazing victory, and Tokyo was quick to claim‑for the fifth or sixth time‑that the Naval strength of the United States had been rendered puny. But, this time the Japanese believed their own propaganda, that at least 15 carriers had been sunk and varying quantities of other warships.

A task force of the Japanese navy was sighted leaving the Empire to give the American fleet its coup de grace, but when the astonished pilots of the enemy scouting force saw the size of the healthy opposition deploying to receive them, the Japanese expedition wheeled and ran back to the safer waters of the Empire. Admiral Halsey ironically observed that his ships sunk by Jap radio announcement had been salvaged, and were "retiring at high speed toward the Japanese fleet."

On October 14, our carrier planes began working over the Philippine Island of Luzon, and the lesser islands of the archipelago to the south and east, in order to come into immediate support of the amphibious forces approaching for the invasion. Only about 85 enemy planes were bagged in the sweeps over approximately 100 airfields up to the time our carriers, both the large and fast ones and the smaller escort ships, converged in support of the landings of the United States amphibious forces on Leyte. The strategy had succeeded, and the landings were effected by General MacArthur's forces in complete surprise.

III.

The invasion of the Philippines employed a grand‑scale use of all arms of modern warfare: land and amphibious forces, surface and sub‑surface ships, and, of course, a tremendous air coverage.

A look at the chart will show the confusion of islands upon whose Perimeter the initial assault was made. They form a maze of channels, of which the two providing the best egress to the Pacific are San Bernardino Strait in the north, between Luzon and Samar Islands, and Surigao Strait in the south, between Leyte and Mindanao.

One of the precautions our forces took against a Japanese incursion from the westward was to post submarines on the opposite side of the archipelago. Early on the morning of October 23, before daylight, two of our submarines flashed the word to the invasion forces that a strong Japanese fleet was headed north‑eastward from the South China Sea into Philippine waters‑and characteristically reported, also, that they were moving in to attack. They sent four torpedoes in each of three heavy cruisers, two of which were reported to have been left sinking and the third heavily damaged. The enemy forces scattered, and in the pursuit one of our submarines ran on a reef in the middle of the restricted channel and had to be destroyed, after all of the crew was removed to safety.

Later that day other contacts with the enemy were reported, in Mindoro Strait, south of Luzon, and oft the mouth of Manila Bay where the reporting

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submarine badly damaged another heavy cruiser, which managed, however, to limp into the bay.

Thus alerted, the carrier air forces immediately extended their patrol searches westward over the Visayan Sea and the Sulu Sea. On Tuesday, October 24, two large enemy fleets were seen making their way eastward. One, in the Sulu Sea, was obviously headed for the Mindanao Sea and its exit into the Pacific, Surigao Strait. It consisted of two battleships, Fuso and Yamashiro, two heavy cruisers, two light cruisers, and eight or 10 destroyers. Our carrier planes attacked and inflicted some damage on the battleships, one of the cruisers and two of the destroyers, but the enemy continued doggedly on the way to the strait, at whose mouth, where it debouched into Leyte Gulf, a surprise reception committee was being assembled.

The larger enemy force of the central prong of attack was initially composed of five battleships, the modern Yamato and Musashi, and the Nagato, Kongo and Haruna. In support were seven heavy cruisers, one light cruiser and from 13 to 15 destroyers. This task force was also engaged as it steamed through the Sibuyan Sea by the carrier force of the Third Fleet. One of the

Japanese battleships and two of the cruisers were heavily damaged and most of the other vessels in the group received hits. After engaging in a running battle, the Japanese turned back upon their course as if decided not to attempt to force San Bernardino Strait.

While these carrier strikes were being made against the two enemy fleets, our own ships and landing forces were being subjected to a very heavy air attack by hundreds of land‑based planes darting out from the Philippines' 100 or more air fields. During these attacks the Princeton was hit and set on fire, and so damaged that the carrier had to be destroyed.

Among the attacking Japanese planes was one group of carrier‑based aircraft which flew in from the north, so search groups were dispatched from the Third Fleet to track them down. At 3:40 in the afternoon of that same Tuesday, October 24, two enemy forces were detected coming down from the northern tip of Luzon to join battle. They included two battleships, the Ise and Hyuga, four carriers, including one large ship of the Zuikaku class, a heavy cruiser, three light cruisers and six destroyers. The Third Fleet, upon receipt of this information, turned to meet the oncoming enemy.

IV.

The United States forces aiding and protecting the landing on Leyte were now the target for three converging Japanese groups totaling, without estimating submarines, nine battleships, four carriers, 13 heavy cruisers and seven light cruisers, and 30‑odd destroyers. The stage was set.

Shortly after midnight, our PT boats off the southern approaches to Surigao Strait detected and reported the approach of the enemy's southern force, the one that had been battered but not deterred. The PTs reported that two of their torpedoes had probably struck as many ships, but still the enemy came on. Three hours later, United States destroyers on picket duty in the Strait discovered the Japanese coming through in two columns, making about 20 knots. The destroyers attacked, and almost simultaneously the battle ships and cruisers stationed at the mouth of the Strait opened fire. The enemy was caught in narrow waters, and caught in the fire, too, of five battleships, he had accounted as lost in the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor

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the West Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, California and Pennsylvania all modernized and more powerful than ever.

The Japanese columns slowed indecisively to 12 knots, and then, as shell after shell from the American vessels found their marks, the enemy tried to reverse course and escape. Of the two battleships, two heavy cruisers and two light, and 10 destroyers, all were sunk except one battleship, one or two cruisers, and perhaps half the destroyers. The next day our aviators discovered the battleship and a fugitive cruiser, badly crippled, and finished them off.

Our losses in the entire action were one PT boat sunk and one destroyer damaged.

While the southern prong of the Japanese attack was being obliterated by surface action, the northernmost had been located from the air during the night‑and it promptly swung from a south‑easterly course to a northerly one. Hot pursuit resulted in a new contact early in the morning of the 25th. The Japanese carriers had few planes on their decks‑they had sent their aircraft out against our ships the day before, and the planes apparently had to refuel on Luzon before returning to their mother ships. Indeed, the Japanese airplanes came in to rejoin their carriers while the United States bombers and torpedo planes were sending three of the four ships to the bottom and making the deck of the fourth no fit landing place for anything. Twenty‑one of the homing Japanese airplanes were intercepted and destroyed by the fighter‑cover of the United States forces.

Not only did the aerial assault sink three of the four carriers and damage the fourth, but two of the Japanese destroyers were sent down. The enemy force turned and made their way toward Japan, with some of our ships crowding on all steam to catch them‑the remainder of the Third Fleet units turned south at full speed for a reason about to be made clear. Our cruisers and destroyers quickly overtook the surviving but crippled Japanese carrier and sent it down without effort. During the night, one of our submarines intercepted a damaged cruiser, and finished it off with torpedoes.

What had caused Admiral Halsey to divert part of his force southward was the report that a group of our escort carriers operating in support of the landings on Leyte was being threatened by superior enemy forces. The antisubmarine patrol of this group of six escort carriers and seven destroyers and destroyer escorts had detected in Wednesday's dawn an approaching Japanese force of four battleships, seven cruisers and nine destroyers. These were apparently the surviving elements of the enemy task force which had been attacked from the air in the Sibuyan Sea and forced to flee westward. During the night the group had traversed San Bernardino Strait.

The escort carriers, silhouetted against the dawn, came under heavy fire from the Japanese force which, in the western gloom and with the Philippine hills providing further concealment, possessed every advantage of position and firing power. The carriers, converted merchantmen, headed off to the eastward into the east wind at the top of their limited speed, launching aircraft to attack the enemy. But the enemy's superior speed and gun power swiftly told. The Japanese continued to close in, hauling around to the northward and forcing this carrier group to head southward, under continuous fire from the enemy's 16", 14" and 8" shells. Japanese marksmanship was poor, and American seamanship excellent, however, and although frequently straddled, our ships were not heavily hit during the first part of the engagement. By 9 o'clock, though, despite a sustained air attack on the enemy and the best

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efforts of the destroyer support with smoke screens and forays against the Japanese, the carriers began to take considerable punishment. One of them was sunk. Two destroyers and a destroyer‑escort which courageously charged the Japanese battleships went down under the enemy's heavy shells. Nevertheless, the Japanese paid an exorbitant price for their success, such as it was. Two of their heavy cruisers were sunk, and one‑perhaps two‑of their destroyers went down under the concentrated counter‑attack from surface and air.

Still the enemy pressed his advantage, and by 9:20 the carrier group had been jockeyed into a situation with the Japanese, only 12,000 yards distant, and in position for the kill.

Then, suddenly, the enemy ships hauled away, gradually widening the distance, and to the astonishment of the battered American forces, broke off the battle with a final and harmless spread of torpedoes before steaming over the northern horizon at high speed, trailing oil from pierced hulls as they fled.

What had happened can be reconstructed from the events already reviewed. The Japanese admiral, with a costly local victory in sight, received word of the destruction of the southern force in Surigao Strait and the utter rout of the northern force with the destruction of its carriers. He had to get back through San Bernardino Strait, or face annihilation.

Further, though the Jap may not have known it, we had a battleship and cruiser force‑a part of the 7th Fleet‑in Leyte Gulf for the purpose of protecting the transports and landing craft from any enemy force attempting to destroy them. This was the force which so completely defeated the Japanese Southern Force before daylight in the southern part of Leyte Gulf, almost annihilating it‑and which was still available‑almost unscathed‑to prevent the entrance of the Central Force.

The vanguard of the returning Third Fleet units caught one straggling enemy destroyer before it reached the Strait and sank it. Early the next day air groups from our carriers ranged over the Sibuyan Sea and continued attacks on the fugitives, probably sinking one heavy cruiser and a light cruiser.

Back at the scene of the attack on the carriers, the Japanese continued to harass the American ships with land‑based planes, resulting in the sinking of a second of the CVE's, but the Second Battle of the Philippines was over and decisively won. The enemy fleet had sustained losses and damage which materially weakened their over‑all Naval and air strength against the final drive of the United States forces against the Empire.

We must not, however, allow ourselves to feel that this victory effectively prevented any reinforcement of the Jap forces on Leyte and Samar, because he can still, by the very nature of the geography of the islands which afford protection and hiding places for short, fast transportation runs, continued his reinforcements at an increasingly diminishing rate. He cannot, however, prevent our own reinforcement and supply of General MacArthur and his gallant troops. Our Naval and air forces will continue to insure the control of these sea approaches to the Philippines and the effective support and supply of our troops.

The Third Fleet was under command of Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., USN, during the operations, and the Seventh Fleet was under command of Vice Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid, USN

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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.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 184, NOVEMBER 19, 1944

Before dawn on November 10 (West Longitude Date) ships of the Pacific Fleet bombarded installations on Iwo Jima in the Bonins. Several explosions were observed after the first salvos. Large fires ashore were started, which could be seen by ships 35 miles away. The enemy apparently was surprised, and his shore batteries replied ineffectively to our fire, causing no damage or casualties to our forces. Only one enemy plane was in the air.

On November 14 units of the 81st Army Division reoccupied Ngeregong Island in the Palaus without resistance. The island had been occupied by an enemy force of approximately 200 men on the night of November 7‑8 (reported in communiqué Number 181) which meanwhile had been heavily attacked with bombs and gunfire. Corsairs and Hellcats of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing with Navy search Liberators of Fleet Air Wing One bombed enemy‑held islands in the Northern Palaus on November 14, destroyed vehicles and barges and starting fires in ammunition dumps. Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing pounded the airfield on Yap the same day.

Navy search Liberators of Fleet Air Wing One attacked Haha Jima and Iwo Jima in the Bonins on November 14. On the next day Navy search Liberators hit Chichi Jima and Haha Jima. One coastal cargo ship was hit at Chichi Jima. Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force on November 16 sank one medium cargo ship at Haha Jima in the Bonins and caused explosions and fires in two other cargo ships. Other Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force the same day struck at shipping in Chichi Jima, and Navy search Liberators of Fleet Air Wing One bombed Okimura Town on Haha Jima. Results were not observed.

From November 14 to 16 Marine units on Saipan killed 248 and captured 47 Japanese in a drive to clear the island of remnants of the enemy garrison. A number of machine guns were captured. Our losses were nine killed and 40 wounded.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing blasted airfields at Yap on November 16. Fires were started in fuel storage spaces and storage buildings In the Northern Palaus.

Avengers and Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing hit Rota on November 17.

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Eleventh Army Air Force Liberators on November 16 bombed Suribachi in the Northern Kuriles. Meager antiaircraft fire was met.

Fighters of the Seventh Army Air Force made strafing attacks on Pagan in the Marianas on November 15.

The Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued neutralizing attacks in the Marshalls on November 16.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 555, NOVEMBER 20, 1944

Pacific Theater.

1. The following vessels of the Southwest Pacific Force have been lost as the result of enemy action or the perils of the sea in the Philippine Area, but not in the battles of October 24‑25:

The Destroyer USS Abner Read

The Destroyer Escort USS Eversole

YMS‑70

PT's 320 and 821

Fleet Tug Sonoma

LCI‑1085

2. The following vessels of the Southwest Pacific Force have been lost in the New Guinea Area as the result of enemy action or the perils of the sea :

The Destroyer Escort USS Shelton

PT's‑368 and 371

3. The nest of kin of casualties have been informed.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 185, NOVEMBER 20, 1944

Aircraft from a carrier task force under the tactical command of Vice Admiral J. S. McCain struck at shipping and airfields in and around Manila on November 18 (West Longitude Date). Incomplete reports show that two large cargo ships and one large oiler were burned in Manila Harbor and about 100 enemy planes were destroyed on the ground. Light fighter opposition was met over the targets and 10 Japanese aircraft were shot down. Our fighters destroyed eight additional attacking planes near our carriers.

Fighter planes of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing hit a fuel dump and other storage areas on Babelthuap in the Palaus and sank two enemy barges in waters around this island on November 17. On the same day Catalinas of Fleet Air Wing One bombed the town on Koror in the Palaus. Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing pounded the runways on Yap Airfield.

On November 18 strafing and bombing attacks were made by planes of Fleet Air Wing One on barges near Kits. Iwo Jima in the Bonins. Unaggressive attacks were made on our planes by five enemy fighters.

Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force on November 18 bombed targets in Suribachi in the Northern Kuriles. Intense antiaircraft fire was encountered.

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Second Marine Aircraft Wing fighters attacked the phosphate plant on Rota in the Marianas on November 18.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing encountered intense antiaircraft fire in bombing attacks on the power plant and other installations on Nauru on November 18. An explosion was observed near the power station.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 186, NOVEMBER 21, 1944

Army and Marine Infantry units in the Marianas and Palaus continued to clear captured islands of remnants of Japanese garrisons. Total enemy casualties given below are through November 13 (West Longitude Date)

Saipan, killed, 26,277; captured, 2,068

Guam, killed, 17,238; captured, 463

Tinian, killed, 6,893; captured, 316

Angaur and Peleliu, killed, 12,980; captured, 420

On November 18, aircraft of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing made a strafing attack on installations on Haha Jima and shipping at Chichi Jima.

Additional reports on aircraft strikes by carrier‑based planes over Manila on November 18 now show that a total of 26 Japanese planes were shot out of the air. Four of these were destroyed by ships' antiaircraft fire. (A total of 18 planes had been reported shot down in communiqué No. 185. )

Japanese bases in the Palaus were hit by planes of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing and Fleet Air Wing One on November 18. Several large fires were started. On the same day fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing carried out bombing attacks on the airfield at Yap.

Air attacks were made on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on November 19 and 20 as the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and search planes of Meet. Air Wing Two continued neutralizing raids on those islands. The enemy sent up meager antiaircraft fire.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 187, NOVEMBER 22, 1944

Further reports of the air strikes in and around Manila on November 18 (West Longitude Date) reveal the following total damage to shipping and Installations by planes of the Third Fleet:

One medium cargo ship and one small coastal cargo ship set afire in Subic Bay.

Two medium cargo ships burning and one small coastal cargo ship sunk near San Fernando.

One cargo ship burned and another burning in Manila Bay.

An oiler in flames and one medium cargo ship and two other oilers hit in Manila Bay.

Five luggers burning off Batangas and another sunk at Laoag.

Locomotive destroyed at Lucena.

Our planes strafed a heavy cruiser which appeared to be beached or in shallow water near Santa Cruz.

Ten fires were started in fuel dumps at San Fernando, Del Carmen Field and Clark Field while buildings and other installations were destroyed at West Lipa, Nichols, Malvar and Del Carmen Fields.

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Liberators and Lightnings of the Seventh Army Air Force on November 21 strafed and bombed airfields on Truk. Five enemy fighters were seen of which four were destroyed.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on November 19 hit Babelthuap in the Palaus, setting fuel dumps afire, and pounded the airfield on Yap.

Defenses on Rota in the Marianas were pounded by fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on November 19.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 188, NOVEMBER 23, 1944

Matsuwa in Kuriles was bombarded by a Naval task force on November 21 (West Longitude Date). Large fires and explosions were observed. Enemy guns did not reply. None of our ships was damaged.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing destroyed an ammunition dump and set fire to trucks and a barge at Babelthuap in the Northern Palau Islands on November 20. One of our planes was lost, but the pilot was rescued.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed the airstrip on Yap on November 20.

Aircraft of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed and strafed shipping and harbor installations at Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonin Islands on November 20. One enemy plane was seen over Chichi Jima. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and strafed the barracks area and power plant on Wake Island on November 22. A large explosion was observed north of the power plant. Antiaircraft fire was meager and Inaccurate.

Search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two and fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued neutralization raids in the Marshall Islands on November 21 and 22.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 556, NOVEMBER 25, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 27 vessels, including two combatant vessels, as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters, as follows:

1 destroyer

1 converted gunboat

1 large transport

1 large tanker

1 large cargo transport

2 medium tankers

2 medium cargo transports

11 medium cargo vessels

1 small tanker

6 small cargo vessels

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

3. A Netherlands submarine, while operating under U. S. control, has sunk 4,500 tons of enemy shipping in Netherlands East Indian waters. This submarine was built in England.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 189, NOVEMBER 25, 1944

Seventh Army Air Force planes bombed shipping and dock installations at Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonins on November 22 (West Longitude Date). Hits were scored on docking facilities on Haha Jima. On November 24, Chichi Jima was again struck by Seventh Air Force planes.

On November 22, Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing destroyed a number of barges and struck at installations in the Northern Palaus. The airfield at Yap was hit on the same date by Marine Corsairs.

Three barges were sunk and fires were started in enemy‑held bases in the Northern Palaus which were attacked by Second Marine Aircraft Wing fighters on November 24. On the same date Seventh Army Air Force planes bombed Arakabesan, leaving large fires.

Installations on Marcus Island were bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on November 24.

Second Marine Aircraft Wing Corsairs encountered moderate antiaircraft fire in attacks on Yap airfield on November 21. On the same date, Marine night fighters hit enemy‑held bases in the Northern Palaus and Seventh Army Air Force bombers pounded Arakabesan and Yap.

Thunderbolts of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked the airfield on Pagan in the Marianas on November 21. A Japanese reconnaissance plane was shot down by an Army fighter over Saipan on November 24.

Ponape in the Carolines was bombed on November 21 and 23 by fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. Targets were hit in the area of the airfield, the seaplane ramp and fuel dumps.

Planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on November 21 and 23, carried out neutralization raids in the Marshalls.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 190, NOVEMBER 26, 1944

Carrier based planes of the Third Fleet on November 24 (West Longitude Date) attacked shipping and airfields in and around Luzon in the Philippines. Incomplete preliminary reports indicate the following damage done to enemy forces:

Sunk:

One heavy cruiser of the Kumano class, previously reported damaged, near Santa Cruz. (communiqué No. 187.)

One destroyer.

Four ships tentatively identified as small fast transports, at Marinduque.

Nine cargo ships.

One small oiler.

Two luggers.

Damaged:

Four cargo ships.

One oiler.

Our planes shot 29 enemy aircraft out of the air and ships' antiaircraft fire accounted for eight more and an additional 35 were destroyed on the ground.

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Near Nichols Field seven tank cars were strafed and burned.

A strafing attack was made on a convoy of 150 trucks south of Manila.

Radio installations on Chichi Jima were bombed by Navy search planes on November 24. Despite moderate antiaircraft fire a hit was scored and a large fire started. Other targets on Haha Jima and Muko Jima in the Bonins were also bombed by Navy search planes on the same date.

Mitchells of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing attacked harbors and shipping in the Bonins on the night of November 24. Hits were scored on a ship at Chichi Jima.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed installations on Rota in the Marianas on November 24.

Neutralizing raids on Japanese‑held atolls in the Marshalls were continued on November 24 by Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 191, NOVEMBER 27, 1944

Revised estimates of damage done by carrier‑based aircraft of the Third Fleet in strikes on enemy shipping around Luzon in the Philippines on November 24 (West Longitude Date) are as follows:

(This is primarily a revision as to types rather than an appreciable increase in number of ships sunk. The number of ships damaged is increased.)

Sunk:

One heavy cruiser at Santa Cruz, on the West coast of Luzon. (communiqué No. 190.)

One destroyer at Santa Cruz.

Two old destroyers at Marinduque Island.

Three medium landing ships, 10 miles west of Santa Cruz.

One destroyer escort 10 miles west of Santa Cruz.

One cargo ship north of San Fernando.

One small cargo ship off Subic Bay.

Four oilers near Lubang Islands.

Four small coastal cargo ships at Banton Island.

Two luggers west of Bataan.

Damaged:

Two cargo ships, hit in previous raids, near San Fernando, torpedoed, beached and wrecked.

One cargo ship, previously damaged, bombed and set ablaze, 30 miles south of San Fernando.

Three landing craft beached near Santa Cruz.

Two medium cargo ships bombed and believed sunk off Hermana Mayor Island.

One small oiler bombed and wrecked on beach near Del Monte northwest Mindoro.

Two destroyers or small transports, bombed at Marinduque.

One oiler, three large cargo ships, two medium cargo ships, one small coastal cargo ship and one small cargo ship, hit in Manila Harbor.

Three luggers hit near the South shore entrance to Manila Bay. Six luggers hit on West coast of Bataan.

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A total of 58 enemy planes were shot down by our fighters and ships' antiaircraft fire and 29 more were destroyed on the ground with probable damage to an additional 32 on the ground.

Six enemy fighters were shot down by our fighter planes over Saipan and Pagan in the Marianas on November 26 and seven more were destroyed by antiaircraft fire.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force on November 24, bombed shore installations at Chichi Jima in the Bonins and Iwo Jima in the Volcanos. An enemy radio station was hit at Chichi Jima and bombs were dropped on installations at an airfield on Iwo Jima.

Mitchell bombers of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing struck harbor installations and shipping at Chichi Jima on November 25.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on November 24, strafed and set afire an ammunition dump, power installations and a lumber mill and struck other targets on Babelthuap in the Palaus. Enemy‑held bases throughout the Northern Palaus were attacked by Marine Hellcat fighters. On the same date Marine Avengers and Corsairs bombed the airstrips on Yap.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing scored a direct hit on radio installations on Rota in the Marianas on November 25.

On November 25, planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued attacks neutralizing enemy‑held islands in the Marshalls.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 192, NOVEMBER 29, 1944

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force, escorted by Lightning fighters, dropped 112 tons of bombs on two air strips on Iwo Jima in the Volcano islands on November 26 (West Longitude Date). Our fighters shot down two of five to seven intercepting enemy planes. On November 27, Liberators dropped another 53 tons on one of the air strips at Iwo Jima, causing fires and explosions. One enemy fighter was seen. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered, causing damage to one Liberator. On the night of November 27, a single Army Liberator attacked objectives on Iwo Jima.

Mitchells of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing attacked shore installations at Haha Jima in the Bonin Islands on November 26.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing and Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed enemy held bases in the Palau Group on November 25. Buildings were set afire on Babelthuap and fires were started on Arakabesan. Marine Corsairs bombed the airstrip on Yap on the same date. Hellcats of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Palau Island on the night of November 25.

Thunderbolts of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed and strafed the airfield on Pagan Island in the Marianas on November 25 and 26. Two enemy planes were shot down over Pagan on November 26. On November 27, Marine Corsairs again struck the airstrip.

The Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed the airstrip and radio station on Rota on November 26.

The Seventh Army Air Force hit installations on Marcus Island on November 27. One Liberator was damaged by antiaircraft fire.

Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed fuel storage tanks and a power plant on Nauru on Novem‑

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ber 27. A large fire was started and an explosion was observed. Intense antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Fleet Air Wing Two also hit enemy held bases in the Marshalls on November 25, and the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued neutralization raids in the Marshalls on November 26 and 27.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 193, NOVEMBER 30, 1944

Between October 20 and November 26 (West Longitude Date) 81st Army Division Units killed 1,300 Japanese and captured 142 prisoners on the Island of Peleliu in the Palaus. Main points of resistance offered by these remnants of the enemy garrison were the caves on the island. Our forces lost 92 killed, 622 wounded and 5 missing.

Bombers and fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing attacked enemy-held bases in the Palaus on November 27, setting fire to buildings on Babelthuap and sinking one barge.

Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and strafed installations on Wake Island on November 28. One plane was damaged by antiaircraft fire but returned safely.

Installations on Haha Jima in the Bonins were hit by a Mitchell of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on November 28.

Before dawn on November 28, a small force of Japanese bombers attacked Saipan and Tinian in the Marianas. A few bombs were dropped, causing no damage. One enemy plane was destroyed and another probably destroyed.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed installations on Rota in the Marianas on November 28. On the same date, Seventh Army Air Force and Marine fighters bombed and strafed the airstrip on Pagan. One Japanese plane was destroyed on the ground.

Planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Fleet Air Wing Two made bombing and strafing attacks on Ponape in the Carolines on November 28, encountering moderate antiaircraft fire.

Neutralizing attacks were continued on November 28 on Japanese‑held bases in the Marshalls by planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Fleet Air Wing Two.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 194, DECEMBER 1, 1944

Fires were started on two airstrips on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos by bombs dropped from a force of Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on November 28 (West Longitude Date).

On the following day, the same targets were again bombed by Seventh Air Force aircraft. Our bombers were intercepted by three to four Japanese aircraft of which one was destroyed and another probably destroyed. Five of our airplanes suffered minor damage but all returned safely.

On the same date, Mitchells of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing and Army bombers struck at other targets in the Bonins and Volcanos.

Army bombers and Second Marine Aircraft Wing fighters attacked Japanese bases in the Palaus on November 28. Hits were scored on a radio station on Arakabesan.

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A supply dump was set afire by fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing in an attack on Babelthuap in the Palaus on November 29. A torpedo dump on the airstrip on Yap was also hit.

Gun positions on Rota 3n the Marianas were bombed on November 29, by fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 195, DECEMBER 2, 1944

Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed installations on Paramushiru in the Northern Kuriles on November 29, (West Longitude Date). There was no enemy resistance.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force dropped 571/2 tons of bombs on the airstrip and other installations at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on November 30. Five enemy fighters offered slight resistance. Some of our planes were damaged by antiaircraft fire.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed the airstrip and set fire to ammunition dumps on Babelthuap in the Palau Group on November 30.

The Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed the airstrip on Pagan and the barracks area on Rota in the Marianas on November 30.

A Catalina of Fleet Air Wing Two scored bomb hits on defense Installations on Wake Island on November 29, meeting meager antiaircraft fire.

Neutralizing raids on enemy bases in the Marshalls were continued by aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two and the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on November 29 and 30.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 557, DECEMBER 4, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 20 vessels, including two combatant vessels‑a light cruiser and a destroyer‑as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters, as follows

1 light cruiser

1 destroyer

10 medium cargo vessels

1 medium tanker

4 medium cargo transports

3 small cargo vessels

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

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 196, DECEMBER 4, 1944

Seventh Army Air Force bombers struck at airstrips on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 1 (West Longitude Date).

On the following day Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing One joined with Seventh Air Force bombers to attack installations on Haha Jima and Iwo Jima. On the same date a force of Army Liberators bombed the airstrip on Iwo Jima. Light fighter opposition was encountered but we suffered no losses.

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Attacking through intense antiaircraft fire, fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing hit and destroyed an ammunition dump on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 1. One Corsair plane was destroyed but the pilot was rescued.

On December 2, bivouac and storage areas were bombed by Marine aircraft in the Palaus and buildings were destroyed on Babelthuap. The airstrip on Yap was bombed by Marine fighters on the same day.

Second Marine Aircraft Wing fighters bombed installations on Rota in the Marianas and hit the airstrip on Pagan on December 2.

Strafing and bombing attacks were made by Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two on Wake Island on December 1. The enemy sent up moderate antiaircraft fire.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 558, DECEMBER 5, 1944

Pacific Area.

1. The following vessels of the Central Pacific Force have been lost as the result of enemy action

YMS‑19

YMS‑385

LCI‑ (G) ‑459

2. In addition to the above losses, the USS Mount Hood, ammunition ship, accidentally blew up and was lost at an advanced base in the Central Pacific.

3. The PT‑368 was lost as the result of enemy action in the Philippine area.

4. The next of kin of all casualties have been informed.

DECEMBER 6, 1944

DISCUSSION OF JAPANESE AVIATION

In the battle for the Philippines, U. S. carrier planes and carriers engaged major forces of land‑based planes for the first time in history. We have suffered some damage and encountered the stiffest air opposition we have run into in some time. The Japanese network of airfields throughout the islands enabled them to throw larger numbers of planes into the air over a given spot at one time than was possible in the limited areas we have overcome during our attacks on the island fringes of the Empire.

This action set a precedent for actions still to come as we approach closer to the heart of the Japanese Empire. We can expect still more opposition as we go along. The nearer we get, the more the Jap can constrict his air defense, as well as his ground and sea defenses. Our choices of strategy will be reduced. He will not have to guess so much as to what we will do next. As Knute Rockne once said: "It is harder to score a touch‑down from the 5 yard line than from the 40 yard line, because the defense is packed more tightly."

Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, USN, recently pointed out that we have dealt Japanese naval aviation a body blow. Fighting Jap carriers and their Navy planes was one thing. Taking on the enemy land air force is another. Although we will continue to encounter strong Naval air opposition,

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we will run into the Jap army planes in increasing numbers from now on. Consequently, as we approach closer to the heart of the Japanese Empire, the job of Naval Aviation will become more difficult for these reasons.:

1. We will meet Jap planes, particularly army planes, in larger numbers than heretofore. The network of airfields they have constructed during recent years will greatly assist their flexibility of action and permit large combat forces to be assembled very quickly. This certainly was true in the Philippines. This greatly complicates our problem and means that a long bitter battle must ensue before the effectiveness and striking power of the Jap air force can be neutralized.

2. The Japs have been bending every effort to increase aircraft production. Although very recently we have been destroying their planes faster than they can build them, this has not been true since the beginning of the war. Like ours, the Jap air force is now larger than it ever has been. Their production is increasing.

3. Japanese airplanes are getting better. Whereas a year ago we had a big technical advantage, now it is very slender. The Japs now have vastly improved types, particularly in their army air force, as compared with the planes we have been meeting in the approaches to the Empire. We have met very few of these new ones in combat. There is good reason to believe that they are holding a large stock of these new army planes in reserve on the Jap mainland.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 197, DECEMBER 6, 1944

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing destroyed a building on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 4 (West Longitude Date).

Gun positions on Rota in the Marianas were bombed by Marine fighters on December 3. On the following day, Marine fighters and bombers struck at defense installations and at the airstrip on Rota.

Supply areas on Pagan in the Marianas were attacked by Seventh Army Air Force fighters and the airstrip was bombed by Marine fighters on December 4.

An enemy bomber was shot down by fighters over Saipan on December 4. No bombs were dropped.

On December 3, a single Army Liberator bombed one of the airstrips on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos.

Seventh Army Air Force bombers attacked installations on Marcus Island airstrip on the same date.

Bombers and fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed defenses on Ponape Island in the Carolines on December 3. One of our fighters was lost but the pilot was rescued.

Neutralization of enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls was continued by aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two and the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on December 3 and 4.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 198, DECEMBER 7, 1944

About ten enemy twin‑engine Betty bombers attacked installations on Saipan in the Marianas in the early morning of December 6 (West Longitude Date). A few bombs were dropped on the island and strafing attacks were made. One Army Superfortress bomber was destroyed and two others were

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damaged. Casualties to personnel were one killed, one seriously wounded, and a number of others slightly wounded. Island and ship antiaircraft guns shot down six of the attacking Japanese aircraft.

Enemy‑held islands in the Marshalls were bombed by airplanes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on December 5 as neutralization of those bases was continued.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 199, DECEMBER 8, 1944

A heavy force of Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force and Fleet Air Wing One, escorted by Lightning‑fighters of the Seventh Air Force, struck at Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 7 (West Longitude Date).

Surface units of the Pacific Fleet bombarded shore installations on the island in a coordinated attack on the same date.

These operations were carried out in cooperation with a heavy attack by the Twenty‑First Bomber Command.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 200, DECEMBER 8, 1944

The air attack on Iwo Jima, reported by communiqué No. 199, was conducted by a large force of aircraft, including a sizeable force of B‑29s, 108 Liberators, and 30 Lightnings. The B‑29s encountered no antiaircraft or fighter opposition and none were lost. The Lightnings encountered six Zeros, destroyed five and damaged one.

All the aircraft concerned were under the command of Lieutenant General Millard F. Harmon, who has recently been assigned to command the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas. His force will include the shore‑based aircraft of the Pacific Ocean Areas normally employed in the offensive operations. He is also Deputy Commander of the Twentieth Air Force.

The Naval surface units which bombarded Iwo Jima on December 7, were under the command of Rear Admiral Allan E. Smith, U. S. Navy.

Bombers of the Eleventh Army Air Force scored hits on installations at Suribachi in Paramushiru in the Kuriles on December 6 (West Longitude Date).

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing strafed installations on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 5 and 6.

Marine aircraft on the same dates bombed the airstrip on Pagan in the Marianas.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 663, DECEMBER 8, 1944

Behind the brilliant story of the victory of Vice‑Admiral Marc A. Mitscher's carrier task force over the Japanese fleet in the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea lies another story no less dramatic in its implications-that of the workmanlike job performed by oilers of the Service Force of the Pacific, under the command of Vice‑Admiral William L. Calhoun, in feeding the fighting ships and planes their lifeblood: gasoline and fuel oil.

Today Admiral William F. Halsey, Commander, Third Fleet, announced that during September and October these oilers had supplied the carrier task force considerably more than one hundred million gallons of fuel. This fuel was for the carriers and the planes in Mitscher's forces. It was enough gasoline, based on present rations, to keep all the "A" card auto owners of

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a major United States city supplied with gasoline for an entire year; and the fuel oil supplied Admiral Mitscher's fleet would keep the oil burning furnaces in 76,000 average American homes under normal conditions, going the year 'round.

Nor was this merely a story of a routine fueling job, performed in a quiet harbor under ideal conditions. After the oiler has made its long trip to an advance base, through waters where the danger of air and submarine attack is always present, its most dangerous job may still lie ahead. Once the battle is joined, much of the fueling of the fighting ships must of necessity be done at sea, and fueling at sea is one of the most difficult and dangerous jobs. In rough weather, it requires the utmost skill in seamanship to accomplish the job at all. Fuel and mooring lines may snap; men may be killed or maimed for life; the two ships may even collide with damage to both.

So difficult, so intricate and important is this task that Admiral Halsey has already commended the oilers for their "magnificent job" in supplying the fleet with gasoline and oil prior to and during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea.

Not many an oiler will ever be able to paint a Jap flag, for planes downed or ships sunk, upon her bridge‑but every man in the task force is aware of, the importance of the contribution of these service ships.

JOINT STATEMENT, DECEMBER 9, 1944

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

"Shipping losses from U‑boat action have again been very small and the number of U‑boats sunk in proportion has again been satisfactory.

"The enemy has by no means abandoned the struggle and has introduced new devices, such as the extensible air intake and exhaust which enable U‑boats to remain submerged for long periods and so penetrate into areas denied to them for the past three years.

"Reports that U‑boat construction has been abandoned are probably German‑inspired and are untrue. On the contrary, improved types of U‑boats may at any time be thrown into the battle and retention of our present command of the sea will undoubtedly call for unremitting vigilance and hard fighting."

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 201, DECEMBER 9, 1944

Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing One, on December 7 (West Longitude Date), bombed airstrip installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos, from low altitudes encountering intense antiaircraft fire. One of our planes was damaged but returned safely.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft bombed the airstrip on Pagan and strafed and bombed installations on Rota in the Marianas on December 7.

On December 6, Marine fighters strafed and bombed installations on Babelthuap in the Palaus.

Aircraft of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Fleet Air Wing Two strafed and bombed enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on December 7.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 202, DECEMBER 11, 1944

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed airstrip installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 8 and 9, (West Longitude Date).

A Navy search plane of Fleet Air Wing One attacked targets on Haha Jima in the Bonins on December 8.

Corsairs and Avengers of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed installations on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 8. On the following day Marine fighters again attacked targets on Babelthuap.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Pagan airstrip in the Marianas on December 8 and 9.

Planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Fleet Air Wing Two continued neutralization raids on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on December 9 and 10.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 203, DECEMBER 12, 1944

One bomber of the strategic air force attacked the airstrip on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 9 (West Longitude Date).

On the following day a flight of Army Liberators from the same force made bombing attacks on the same target. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered and two unaggressive enemy fighters were observed in the air. Eight of our planes were damaged by antiaircraft fire but all returned safely.

On December 10, Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing One bombed harbor installations in Chichi Jima in the Bonins.

Marine fighters bombed and strafed air installations and other targets on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 10.

Targets on the airstrip on Pagan in the Marianas were bombed by a Navy search plane of Fleet Air Wing One and fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on December 10.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 204, DECEMBER 14, 1944

Carrier‑based aircraft of the Pacific fleet on December 13 (West Longitude Date) struck at harbor and airfield installations in and around Luzon in the Philippines. Preliminary and incomplete reports show that 14 Japanese airplanes were shot down and 77 were destroyed on the ground.

Bombers of the strategic air force, Pacific Ocean Areas, attacked airstrip facilities on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 10 and 11. On December 12 Liberators and Lightnings of the strategic air force again attacked Iwo Jima, encountering intense antiaircraft fire. Three to four unaggressive enemy fighters were airborne but all our planes returned safely.

Mitchells of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on December 10 struck at shipping around Haha Jima in the Bonins.

Bombers of the strategic air force attacked the airfield on Marcus Island on December 11.

Enemy installations on Pagan and Rota in the Marianas were bombed by fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on December 12.

Marine fighters strafed supply areas and barges on Babelthuap in the Palaus and bombed an airfield on Yap on December 11.

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Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two encountered moderate antiaircraft fire in a bombing attack on Wake Island on December 12.

Planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Fleet Air Wing Two bombed power installations and fuel dumps on Nauru on December 12.

Fighters and Dive Bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued neutralization of enemy bases in the Marshalls on December 11 and 12.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 685, DECEMBER 14, 1944

ADMIRAL NIMITZ TO ESTABLISH AN ADVANCED HEADQUARTERS

The capture of the Gilberts, Marshalls, Marianas, Ulithi and Palau has permitted moving the center of gravity of the operations of the ground, sea and air forces of the Pacific Ocean Areas far to the westward.

To improve the effectiveness of the control of these forces as their operations converge on Japan, the Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, will soon establish an advanced headquarters in the forward area.

Main headquarters will remain at Pearl Harbor.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 205, DECEMBER 15, 1944

Aircraft from carriers of the United States Pacific Fleet destroyed 133 Japanese airplanes on and over Luzon in strikes against air installations on that island on December V and 14 (West Longitude Date). These planes are in addition to those reported in communiqué 204. In addition 90 more enemy aircraft were strafed and bombed on the ground.

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed installations on the airstrips of Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 12. This attack is in addition to the attack reported in communiqué 204.

On the following day Strategic Air Force bombers struck at the same targets. A single enemy fighter attacked our aircraft and was shot down.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 206, DECEMBER 16, 1944

Carrier‑based aircraft of the Pacific Fleet on December 13 (West Longitude Date) struck at enemy shipping and installations in and around Luzon in the Philippines.

The following damage was caused:

One medium oiler sunk at Lingayen.

One medium cargo ship exploded and burning off Cape Bolinao.

One small cargo ship destroyed west of Iba.

Three small cargo ships burned at Olongapo.

Two small cargo ships burning off Calatagan.

Three small cargo ships burning at San Miguel Bay.

One large transport beached and burning at Subic Bay.

One medium oiler, beached near Iba, set ablaze.

One destroyer or one destroyer escort damaged off Vigan.

One destroyer and one destroyer escort damaged near Subic Bay.

One destroyer in Manila. Harbor damaged.

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A large cargo ship, a small cargo ship, a destroyer and another escort vessel were attacked in convoy.

Other damage to installations on Luzon included:

Four locomotives and six cars destroyed at San Fernando.

Buildings, fuel and ammunition dumps destroyed at Angeles and Clark Fields.

Fifteen railroad cars, truck convoy and a sugar mill damaged in and near San Fernando.

In an attack on Luzon on December 15 carrier‑based aircraft of the Pacific Fleet destroyed 11 Japanese airplanes and damaged 48 more. The total of enemy aircraft destroyed during December 13, 14, and 15 in the Luzon area is 235 and the total damaged 138. Meager air resistance was offered by the enemy. An attack was attempted on our surface units on December 15 but all eight planes in the enemy force were intercepted and shot down. Repeated night attacks were launched from our carriers on December 13, 14 and 15.

On December 14 Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed airstrip installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos. Enemy antiaircraft fire caused slight damage to some of our planes but all returned safely. One of four attacking Japanese fighters was shot down.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed supply facilities on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 14.

Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two and the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing made neutralizing attacks on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on the same date.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 207, DECEMBER 18, 1944

Carrier‑based aircraft of the Pacific Fleet continued attacks on enemy shipping, installations and rolling stock in and around Luzon in the Philippines on December 15 (West Longitude Date). Complete reports for December 13 and 14 and a preliminary report for December 15 reveal the following damage inflicted by the three days of operations:

Ships sunk:

One large transport

Three medium oilers

Ten cargo ships

Two landing vessels

Twelve small vessels

Ships damaged:

Four destroyers

Two destroyer escorts

Ten cargo vessels

Twenty‑five small cargo vessels

Twenty‑five landing barges

Rolling stock damaged

Eight railroad trains and locomotives strafed and burned.

At least twenty‑five military vehicles destroyed and an undetermined number of other vehicles damaged in a severe attack on a two‑hundred truck troop convoy near San Jose northeast of Manila.

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Military installations damaged:

Numerous military buildings, bridges, piers, warehouses, barracks, gas and oil storages, antiaircraft and aviation facilities.

Complete reports for December 13 and 14 and a preliminary report for December 15 disclose that sixty‑one enemy planes were shot down over Luzon. An additional two hundred eight enemy planes were destroyed on the ground and one hundred ninety‑two were damaged. Fires were started in dispersal areas. Incomplete figures for December 13 and 14 reveal that we lost twenty planes due to enemy action.

On December 15 Liberators of the Strategic Air Force attacked air targets on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos. On the following day a force of Liberators returned to drop one hundred twelve tons of bombs on airstrip installations. They were intercepted by three enemy fighters. One of our planes was damaged by antiaircraft fire. Other Liberators bombed the airstrip again during the day.

Mitchells of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing attacked a small enemy transport between the Bonins and Volcanos with rockets on December 1.6. Two explosions were seen.

Avengers bombed the airstrip on Yap on December 16. Liberators of the Strategic Air Force struck Woleai in the western Carolines on the same day.

The Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed shipping and other targets at Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 15 and 16. An enemy launch was sunk.

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing One bombed airstrip installations on Pagan in the Marianas on December 15. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Fleet Air Wing Two continued neutralization raids on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on December 15 and 16.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 559, DECEMBER 18, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 33 vessels, including 12 combatant vessels‑a light cruiser, 3 destroyers, 6 escort vessels, a minesweeper and a mine layer,‑as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters

1 light cruiser

3 destroyers

6 escort vessels

1 mine sweeper

1 mine layer

1 large tanker

1 medium tanker

14 medium cargo vessels

2 medium cargo transports

3 small cargo vessels

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

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N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 560, DECEMBER 19, 1944

Pacific Area.

1. The USS Mississinewa, an auxiliary oiler, was recently lost in the Central Pacific as a result of enemy action.

2. next of kin of all casualties have been notified.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 208, DECEMBER 19, 1944

Further reports on carrier‑based strikes against shipping in and around Luzon on December 13, 14 and 15 (West Longitude Dates) reveal the following additional damage to the enemy

Sunk: Damaged:

One large oiler One large transport

One minelayer One medium oiler

Seven small craft One small oiler

Five small vessels One coastal defense vessel

Revised information shows that cargo ships sunk were nine, cargo vessels damaged were nine, and small cargo vessels damaged were seventeen. These totals were previously reported as ten cargo ships sunk, ten cargo vessels damaged, and twenty‑five small vessels damaged, (communiqué No. 207). Our forces lost 27 planes in combat in the three‑day action.

On December 17, Marine torpedo planes bombed defense installations on Rota 7n the Marianas.

On the same date Navy search aircraft bombed airstrips on Truk in the Carolines, encountering moderate antiaircraft fire. Four enemy fighters attacked our planes, but all returned safely.

Marine aircraft bombed and strafed targets on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 17, setting two aircraft ablaze and destroying a barge, a motor launch and four trucks.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 692, DECEMBER 19, 1944

COMMANDER IN CHIEF BRITISH PACIFIC FLEET CONFERS WITH ADMIRAL NIMITZ

A series of conferences is in progress at Pearl Harbor between Fleet Admiral C. W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, and Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, GCB, KBE, Commander in Chief, British Pacific Fleet, and their respective staffs.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 693, DECEMBER 19, 1944

ADMIRAL NIMITZ ASSUMES RANK

Admiral C. W. Nimitz, USN, Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, has assumed the rank of a Fleet Admiral of the United States Navy, from 19 December 1944.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 209, DECEMBER 20, 1944

On December 17 (West Longitude Date) Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed airstrip installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos, starting fires.

On the following day Liberators of the same force returned to the attack, dropping more than one hundred tons of bombs on Iwo Jima Lightning fighters shot down one enemy aircraft and strafed targets on the ground.

Marcus Island airstrip facilities were bombed by Liberators of the Strategic Air Force on December 18. The enemy sent up moderate antiaircraft fire but all our planes returned safely:

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed storage areas on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 18.

More than one hundred fifty fighters and bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and strafed Maloelap Atoll on December 18 as neutralizing attacks on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls were continued.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 210, DECEMBER 21, 1944

Airstrip Installations in Iwo Jima in the Volcanos were bombed by Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, on December 1 (West Longitude Date).

On the same date Avenger torpedo planes of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Yap In the Western Carolines.

Storage areas on Babelthuap in the Palaus were bombed and strafed by fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on December 19. A number of boats were destroyed by Marine fighters attacking the Sonsoral Islands, southwest of the Palaus on the same date.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing strafed targets on Rota In the Marianas on December 19.

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 561, DECEMBER 22, 1944

1. The USS Ward, a destroyer transport, and the USS Mahan, a destroyer, were recently lost off Leyte, Philippine Islands, having been hard hit by enemy aerial torpedoes and later sunk by our own forces.

2. This action was reported in Commander in Chief, Southwest Pacific Area communiqué No. 975.

3. There was no loss of life of personnel on the USS Ward.

4. The next of kin of the casualties sustained in the USS Mahan have been informed.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 211, DECEMBER 23, 1944

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed airstrip installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanoes on December 20 and 21 (West Longitude Dates).

Marine Mitchell Bombers on December 21 carried out rocket attacks on shipping around the Bonins and Volcanoes.

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Eleventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed and strafed targets on Onekotan in the Kuriles on December 20. Our aircraft encountered meager antiaircraft fire. All returned safely.

Supply and ammunition dumps on Babelthuap in the Palaus were strafed and bombed by fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on December 20. Similar attacks were carried out on the following day.

Marine torpedo planes bombed installations on Yap on December 21.

Seventh Army Air Force Thunderbolts made strafing attacks on Pagan in the Marianas on December 20.

An enemy plane was strafed and burned on the ground at Oroluk in the Carolines by Navy Search Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two on December 20.

Neutralization attacks against enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls were continued by planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on December 21.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 212, DECEMBER 24, 1944

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force bombed the airstrip and plane dispersal areas on Iwo Jima in the Volcanoes on December 22 (West Longitude Date). Two enemy planes offered slight resistance.

Other Strategic Air Force Liberators struck Woleai In the Western Carolines on December 22.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed targets at Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 22, sinking three enemy barges, damaging three others and two boats and damaging other installations.

Fighters and Dive Bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued to strike at enemy held bases in the Marshalls on December 22.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 213, DECEMBER 25, 1944

Ships of the United States Pacific Fleet bombarded the enemy base of Iwo Jima in the Volcanoes on December 23 (West Longitude Date).

The attack was a joint operation with bombers and fighters of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, and bombers of the Twenty‑First Bomber Command and Fleet Air Wing One.

Coastal defenses were shelled by our surface units, which encountered some enemy gunfire but suffered no damage. Our ships sank an enemy destroyer escort, a patrol craft and a medium size landing ship.

Forces of Liberator Bombers and Lightning Fighters bombed and strafed airstrip installations and shore defenses. Our aircraft destroyed one enemy plane on the ground and damaged six others. Two enemy fighters attacked our planes and meager antiaircraft fire was encountered. All our planes returned safely.

Bombers of the Strategic Air Force on the same day bombed airstrip facilities on Chichi Jima in the Bonins.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing attacked installations on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 23, setting several buildings afire.

Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two and the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued attacks on enemy bases in the Marshalls on December 23.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 214, DECEMBER 26, 1944

Between 16 and 25 enemy planes attacked an airstrip on Saipan on the night of December 24 (West Longitude Date). Our Fighters shot down three planes. Antiaircraft fire destroyed a fourth. One of our planes was destroyed on the ground and several others were damaged. Six men were injured.

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force bombed the airstrip and plane dispersal areas on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 24. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Rota in the Marianas on December 24.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing sank an enemy barge at Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 24.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 562, DECEMBER 27, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. United States submarines operating in Far Eastern waters have reported the sinking of one large Japanese aircraft carrier and 26 other Japanese vessels, including one converted light cruiser, one destroyer, two escort vessels and two destroyer transports‑seven combatant vessels. The vessels sunk were:

1 large aircraft carrier

1 converted light cruiser

1 destroyer

2 escort vessels

2 destroyer transports

2 large transports

10 medium cargo vessels

3 small cargo vessels

1 small transport

2 medium cargo transports

2 medium tankers

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 563, DECEMBER 27, 1944

1. The destroyer USS Cooper was recently lost off Ormoc, Leyte, Philippine Islands, as the result of a night action against the enemy. This action was reported in Commander in Chief, Southwest Pacific Area communiqué No. 872.

2. The LSM‑20 was also recently lost off Leyte, Philippine Islands, as the result of enemy action.

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

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DECEMBER 27, 1944

DATA ON JAPANESE LOSSES INFLICTED BY U. S. SUBMARINES

1. Navy Department communiqués and Press Releases to date have reported the following losses inflicted on Japanese shipping by United States submarines:

COMBATANT SHIPS

	Sunk	Probably Sunk	Damaged	Totals
Battleships	0	0	1	1
Aircraft Carriers	1	2	2	5
Cruisers	14	2	6	22
Destroyers	44	5	6	55
Submarines	0	0	0	0
Tenders	3	1	1	5
Others	37	1	0	38
Totals	99	11	16	126

NON‑COMBATANT SHIPS

Fleet Tankers	89	1	18	108
Transports	133	5	8	146
Cargo & Supply	575	17	71	663
Miscellaneous	38	3	6	47
Totals	835	26	103	964
Total Ships of all Types.	934	37	119	1090

2. The above announcements cover the sinking of more than 3,500,000 tons of Japanese shipping by United States submarines.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 215, DECEMBER 27, 1944

Surface units of the United States Pacific Fleet bombarded Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 26 (West Longitude Date).

Targets included coastal defenses and airstrip installations. An enemy landing ship was set afire and an enemy gunboat was blown up by gunfire. Two of our ships suffered slight damage from enemy coastal guns.

The attack was a joint operation with the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas.

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed Iwo Jima airstrips on December 25. Two enemy fighters were seen in the air. Several of our aircraft suffered minor damage due to antiaircraft fire but all returned safely.

Neutralization attacks were continued on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on December 25 by planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. Fleet Air Wing Two made similar attacks on December 25 and 26.

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N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 564, DECEMBER 28, 1944

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

2. Next of kin of casualties have been informed.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 216, DECEMBER 28, 1944

Enemy aircraft attacked United States air installations on Saipan and Tinian in the Marianas on December 26 (West Longitude Date) in two separate raids of five and two planes respectively and inflicted minor damage. Our fighters shot down two enemy aircraft.

Liberators and Lightning Fighters of the Strategic Air Force made bombing and strafing attacks on air installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 26. An enemy fighter was destroyed in the air. Two other enemy aircraft were destroyed and two were damaged on the ground. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

A Navy search plane shot down an enemy bomber near the Bonins on the same date.

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force bombed air installations and shipping on and around Chichi Jima in the Bonins on December 26. A direct hit was scored on a coastal cargo ship.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed enemy installations on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 26.

Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing Fighters continued neutralizing attacks on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on December 27.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 217, DECEMBER 29, 1944

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed airstrip installations in Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 27 (West Longitude Date). Our planes encountered intense antiaircraft fire but all returned safely.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing strafed docking facilities on Babelthuap in the Palaus on the same date.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed enemy-held bases in the Marshalls on December 28 as neutralizing attacks continued in that area.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 706, DECEMBER 29, 1944

Following is the teat of a recording by Fleet Admiral C. W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, broadcast December 26, 1944 over an Office of War Information program originating in Saipan, and beamed to the Japanese homeland

"As Commander in Chief of the United States Pacific Fleet, it is my privilege to reveal to you certain facts from the records of the war in the western Pacific.

"In the past year the United States has advanced over 2,000 miles westward from the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, and 1,500 miles northwestward from New Guinea, to the Philippines.

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"Guam, Saipan, Tinian, the Solomons, the Admiralties, New Guinea and Halmahera have fallen to the combined efforts of the Allied forces of all services. Peleliu, Angaur and nearby islands of the Palau group have been occupied. Former major Japanese bases at Yap, Truk, Palau, Rabaul and Kavieng have been neutralized. Remaining units in these ports have been isolated. Enemy survivors are bombed and shelled daily by our planes and ships with no hope of getting support or supplies from the harassed Japanese Navy.

"United States task forces have made repeated attacks on the Kuriles, the Bonins, Mindanao and Luzon in the Philippines. Ships and fleet air units have shelled and bombed Celebes, Borneo, Java and Sumatra in the East Indies. Our surface ships are making more frequent attacks on Formosa, the Ryukyus, the Kuriles and the Philippines.

"The United States Fleet is now the strongest in the world. The largest and fastest battleships and aircraft carriers ever built are being added to our naval units. United States industrial technique is building even larger and faster ships and planes in quantities the Japanese cannot hope to match with their present industrial limitations.

"Every day the war draws closer to the Japanese homeland. From bases captured and established by Marine, Army and Naval Units, airfleets of B‑29 Superfortresses are bombing industrial targets in Tokyo and other sections of Japan and Manchuria, just as Allied aerial warfare reduced the productive capacity of Germany.

"Important Japan supply lines from her Empire outposts are being severed. Intensified U. S. submarine operations are continuing to sink more Japanese merchant ships loaded with supplies and materials desperately needed either at the front or in the home islands. Carrier based planes are adding to this] shipping toll.

"Our progress in the Pacific campaigning has been so successful and uninterrupted that even high Japanese officials have indicated concern. The preponderance of U. S. ships, war materials and manpower portends Increased casualties and hardships for Japan's military, increased destruction and suffering for her industrial sectors.

"As the blockade of Japan tightens, as the bombing of Japan is stepped-up, as United States productive capacity is enlarged‑it is inevitable that Japan will be defeated.

"Until the day that Allied victory is complete, the United States Navy is determined to carry the fighting to the very vitals of Japan."

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 218, DECEMBER 31, 1944

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed the airstrips and other installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 28 and 29 (West Longitude Date). Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Marine Mitchell bombers made rocket attacks on enemy shipping between the Bonins and Volcanos on December 27 and 28.

Mitchells of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed targets in the Kuriles on December 29.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed supply dumps and other objectives on Babelthuap and other areas in the Palaus on December 29. A bridge was destroyed on Babelthuap.

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Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing and Seventh Army Air Force strafed enemy barges at Woleai in the Western Carolines on December 29.

Search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and strafed bivouac and supply areas on Wake Island on December 29. They were met by meager antiaircraft fire.

Neutralization raids on enemy held bases in the Marshalls were continued by aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two on the same date.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 707

THE NAVAL WAR IN THE PACIFIC DURING 1944

(Distances are in nautical miles)

The year 1944 saw a great amphibious offensive unfold in the Pacific. The forces of the United Nations, spearheaded and sustained by the United States Pacific Fleet, drove in massive lunges through Japan's ill-gotten conquests, moving 1830 miles westward from Tarawa and Makin to anchor their armed night securely in the Marianas. From there systematic bombarding of Tokyo and other Japanese industrial centers has begun.

From the jungles of New Britain the front was pushed 1600 miles north and west to the Philippines. As of today, the enemy's defensive arc from Paramushiru in the northern Kuriles to Manila, 2780 miles in extent, is within effective range of our fleet and shore based aircraft. To U. S. offensive forces in the Marianas and Philippines, as elsewhere in the Pacific, a constant procession of cargo vessels is carrying thousands of tons of supplies. These two points are 4938 miles and 6056 miles, respectively, from San Francisco. No military operation has ever embraced such dimensions.

There is evidence that the enemy counted on slow and painful forward steps by our forces, instead of swift advances. Radio Tokyo told its listeners recently that speed is an "outstanding trait" of the American people. "The enemy has come pressing upon us," Tokyo explained, "skipping three or four steps in one jump, for the step‑by‑step method was not speedy enough for him."

In seizing positions in the pivotal Philippines, a strategic victory has been consummated. A string of island bases along the southern perimeter of Japan's inner sea has been established. From them can be launched drives against the home Empire. At the same time Japan is being cut off from the rich military resources of the Indies‑the empire she coveted, won and planned to exploit without hindrance.

Japan's leaders are well aware of the strategic import of the battle of the Philippines. It is a battle which, according to their own propaganda, they know they must not lose. This was indicated when the Japanese Imperial Fleet, long in hiding, steamed forth in a supreme effort to destroy the forces covering the beachhead won on Leyte. The U. S. Navy then came to grips with, and thoroughly defeated, a major force of the Japanese Navy in the three actions of Surigao Straits, Samar and of Cape Engano.

These three actions constituted the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea, the culminating sea engagement of the year, which was symbolic of the destruction wrought upon the Japanese military machine throughout the Pacific.

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During the year U. S. surface ships and aircraft sank two of the enemy's battleships, five of his aircraft carriers, seven of his heavy cruisers, well over 300 cargo ships and transports, and about 200 other vessels, with the grand total reaching 550 ships, according to tentative figures now available. These figures do not include any ships probably sunk or damaged, or any ships destroyed by our submarines. They do not include any of the hundreds of barges, luggers and other small cargo craft sunk. And they refer only to activity in the Pacific Ocean Areas exclusive of the Southwest Pacific command.

U. S. submarines sank 468 Japanese ships during the first 11 months of 1944, according to Navy Department communiqués. This total includes four light cruisers and 17 destroyers. Forty‑three tankers, 377 cargo ships and transports were sent to the bottom. In December an enemy aircraft carrier was sunk by a submarine. The tonnage of Japanese ships sunk during 1944 by U. S. submarines alone is in excess of 2,500,000 tons. The number of ships damaged by submarines has not been announced.

During 1944, 6,650 enemy aircraft were destroyed in the Pacific Ocean Areas. Of these approximately 5,450 were destroyed by carrier aircraft, and 1,200 by land‑based airplanes. Of the year's total, approximately 3,975 enemy aircraft were destroyed in the air, and 2,675 on the ground. These figures also do not include reports from the Southwest Pacific command.

No review of the year would be complete without mention of our land-based air forces. As we have moved the battlefront steadily across the Pacific, we have drawn after us a net of air and surface blockade, entangling, pinning down, choking the by‑passed Japanese holdings. An estimated 225,000 enemy troops, and strong enemy bastions such as Truk, Kavieng and Rabaul, have been reduced to impotence or to ashes.

In addition to ceaseless patrolling by surface units, many hundreds of land‑based air strikes have been necessary to enforce this blockade. Many of these strikes were in force, with heavy bomb loads dropped on important targets. Others were small. When practicable they were closely coordinated with carrier‑based attacks and amphibious landings. Together with our surface patrolling, these air strikes destroyed enemy strength in by‑passed zones and made possible our rapid advance.

The year 1944 has brought success and added momentum to our advancing forces. But the Pacific is an ocean of fantastic distances. The road to Tokyo is rough and long. The enemy has just begun to defend his Home Empire. We have just begun to meet the tremendous problems of logistics, of supplying our forces‑problems that grow greater with every forward step.

The vast quantity of material required to prepare the way for our advancing troops can be measured in terms of ammunition. Our naval forces alone used 36,260 tons of it in the Marianas campaign for air and surface bombardment. This does not include any ammunition used by troops ashore. At Peleliu surface and air bombardment consumed 9,000 tons. A myriad of other commodities are required to supply and sustain our advancing forces.

The decisive battles, the greatest battles, the hardest battles of the war in the Pacific are still to come. They must be fought with supreme effort on the part of all of us; in factories throughout our country, across the long sea lanes, and in the forward areas where the men of all our armed services, and those of our Allies, are fighting‑for the enemy, like ourselves, has just begun to fight.

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CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAS IN THE PACIFIC FOR THE YEAR 1944

Explanatory Notes

All dates are West Longitude.

For the months January to July, inclusive, revised figures are used in showing our own and enemy losses. By "revised" is meant the figures arrived at as result of assembling, analyzing and tabulating all the final returns‑a process which takes many weeks after the action concerned. These revised figures often differ, to a minor degree, from the figures originally announced in communiqués.

For the months August to December, inclusive, revised figures are not available; that is, the figures used in this portion of the chronology are drawn entirely and only from communiqués issued in that period.

The purpose of this chronology is primarily to list events occurring in the Pacific Ocean areas. However, the campaigns of the Southwest Pacific Area are strategically speaking, an inseparable part of the Pacific offensive, and repeatedly during the year the activities of the two commands had a direct and important tactical relationship. For these reasons the major events occurring in the Southwest Pacific Area are included in this chronology.

January 194/4

All dates are West

Longitude

31 December 1943 and 3 January 1944	A carrier force commanded by Rear Admiral F. C. Sherman, USN, made bombing, strafing and torpedo attacks on enemy cruisers, destroyers and other shipping near Kavieng, New Ireland.
1 January	Under cover of heavy air and naval bombardment, elements of the 6th Army under General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander, Allied Forces, Southwest Pacific Area, landed at Saidor on the north coast of New Guinea. The landings were unopposed and control of the Saidor area and airstrip was soon gained.
3‑25 January	Enemy troop and supply concentrations and staging points in the northern Solomons were subjected to six surface bombardments. Four were in broad daylight. There was no air or surface opposition, and negligible reply from shore batteries. Two strikes on Southern Empress Augusta Bay, two on northeastern Bougainville and one on Choiseul Bay were conducted by destroyers. One on the Shortland area was by cruisers and destroyers.
29‑30 January	During the night the USS Burns, a destroyer operating with our naval forces in the Marshall Islands, encountered and sank an enemy convoy of four vessels including a 6000‑ton oiler, a 4500‑ton cargo ship and two smaller vessels. U. S. carrier and heavy surface forces heavily attacked Jap bases in the Marshall Islands. Airfields and

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	other installations on Wotje, Maloelap and Kwajalein atolls, previously softened up by our land‑based air power, were bombed and strafed by our carrier aircraft and bombarded by our battleships, cruisers and destroyers. The enemy's air strength in the Marshalls was paralyzed. On the 30th our carrier forces began air attacks on Eniwetok atoll which continued daily until 6 February.
31 January	U. S. landings began in the Marshall Islands with unopposed occupation of Majuro atoll by Amphibious Reconnaissance Company of 5th Amphibious Corps (now Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific). Majuro was the first pre‑war Japanese territory to be taken by United States forces.
	In preparation for main assault on Roi and Namur Islands in Kwajalein atoll, Marines landed on five smaller islets flanking Roi, meeting with little opposition. In preparation for assault on Kwajalein Island at the southern tip of the atoll, by the Seventh Infantry Division, U. S. Army troops landed on islands flanking Kwajalein Island. Opposition was slight.
	February 1944
1 February	Fourth Marine division landed on Roi and Namur Islands, about 45 miles north of Kwajalein Island, in Kwajalein atoll. Seventh Infantry Division landed on Kwajalein Island.
1‑6 February	Powerful force of battleships, cruisers, destroyers, carriers and land‑based aircraft supported Kwajalein landings. Fleet air attacks were carried out also on other atolls of the Marshalls and on Wake Island. Roi. Namur, Kwajalein, Ebeye, Lot, Gugegwe, Bigej and Eller Islands, all in Kwajalein atoll, were captured. (Kwajalein is the world's largest atoll, 66 miles long, 18 miles wide and including more than 30 islets.)
4 February	Cruisers and destroyers commanded by Rear Admiral W. D. Baker, USN, bombarded Japanese installations on Paramushiru in the Kurile Islands‑the first surface bombardment of this Japanese base by our forces.
8 February	Organized resistance ceased on Kwajalein atoll. Japanese killed 8112, prisoners 437. Our casualties: 286 killed, 1148 wounded, 82 missing.
10‑12 February	Eniwetok bombarded by our carrier aircraft.
12 February	Arno atoll, Marshall Islands occupied. No opposition.
14 February	First heavy land‑based air attack on Ponape, base in the Carolines. U. S. and New Zealand troops under General Mac Arthur landed on Green Islands off southern New Ire land. Naval attack force was commanded by Rear Admiral T. S. Wilkinson, USN. Resistance was light. This thrust flanked Rabaul.

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16‑17 February	Enemy positions and installations on Eniwetok atoll were bombed and strafed by carrier aircraft and shelled by heavy surface units.
	Covering the Eniwetok landings, a U. S. carrier and battleship force struck a heavy surprise blow at Truk. On the 16th our aircraft strafed and bombed airfields and enemy aircraft; and strafed, bombed and torpedoed shipping in Truk lagoon. Enemy air power was paralyzed: 129 enemy aircraft were shot down, 82 were destroyed on the ground, 70 were damaged on the ground according to photographic evidence. (No Jap aircraft were airborne the second day of the attack.) Meantime, a force including battleships and cruisers made sweep around the atoll attacking Japanese merchant and Naval vessels in the vicinity of Truk. There were few targets left by the 17th, and on that day our force retired. Sunk by our air and surface action were 2 light cruisers, 3 destroyers, 2 patrol craft, 1 Ammunition Ship, 8 Freighters, 7 Oilers, 2 Barges. Damaged were 16 other vessels (only 14 out of a total of 55 vessels at Truk escaped undamaged). This anti‑shipping assault was the heaviest yet delivered by our fleet air arm in terms of bomb tonnage, sorties flown, and targets available. . Our losses: 25 aircraft lost, 1 ship moderately damaged.
17 February	Eniwetok landings began with establishment of artillery positions on islands flanking Engebi Island.
18 February	22nd Marines and 106th Infantry seized Engebi Island. Opposition was light.
19‑21 February	Eniwetok Island was invaded and seized by the 106th Infantry Regiment and the 104th Artillery Battalion.
22‑‑23 February	Parry Island, Eniwetok atoll, was invaded and seized by the 22nd Marines and the 4th Tank Battalion. This completed our control of Eniwetok atoll. Japanese killed, 2665 ; prisoners, 66. Our casualties: 169 killed, 521 wounded, 26 missing.
17‑29 February	U. S. Destroyers bombarded Kavieng, New Ireland and Rabaul, New Britain and conducted anti‑shipping sweeps in the Bismarck area. These were our first surface bombardment of these enemy bases. There was no air nor surface opposition and only slight resistance from shore batteries.
19 February	On or about this date the Japs evacuated their air force from Rabaul and virtually stopped defending the Bismarck with aircraft. Interception of our aircraft over Rabaul virtually ceased after 19 February.
20 February	Aircraft from our carriers strafed and bombed enemy installations on Jaluit atoll, Marshall Islands.
21‑22 February	A carrier force under command of Rear (now Vice) Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, USN, bombed and strafed enemy installations on Saipan, Tinian, Rota and Guam in the Marianas. Air battles were fought with enemy

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	aircraft. Virtually all of the enemy's aircraft in the Marianas were destroyed or damaged (total about 135). Of the few enemy ships located, 2 were destroyed and 9 damaged. Our losses were 6 aircraft.
28 February	Troops under General MacArthur landed at Los Negros, in the. Admiralty Islands, from a Naval force commanded by Rear Admiral W. M. Fechteler, USN. This advance into the Admiralties was the first step toward development of strategic airfields and a major fleet anchorage in these islands. It further flanked Rabaul. Resistance was light and the Momote Airstrip was quickly seized.
	March 1944
4 March	Mindiri, 30 miles west of Saidor on New Guinea coast, was invaded by troops under General MacArthur.
7 March	Jap ground forces attacked our positions in Tororina area on Bougainville. Fighting continued until 2:i March when the Japs abandoned their effort and retired.
	Troops under the Supreme Commander, Allied Forces, Southwest Pacific Area, landed on Willaumez Peninsula, near Talasea, on northern coast of New Britain, 160 miles from Rabaul. Opposition was quickly overcome.
9 March	Wotho atoll, Marshall Islands, was secured.
11 March	Ujae atoll and Lib Island, in the Marshall Islands were secured.
13 March	Lae atoll, Marshall Islands, was secured.
14 March	Manus Island, Admiralty group, invaded by troops under General MacArthur. Ships of the 7th Fleet sup ported with shore bombardment; aircraft of the Southwest Pacific air forces ,gave air cover. Lorengao Airbase was captured in 72 hours. (Occupation of the Admiralty Islands was virtually completed by the end of April).
15 March	B‑24's of the Central Pacific air force made first land based air attack on Truk. The island was not blacked out. Installations were bombed; fires were started.
16 March	Gasmata, on the south shore of New Britain, opposite Willaumez Peninsula, was invaded by troops under General MacArthur. No opposition was encountered.
17‑18 March	U. S. destroyers bombarded Wewak, New Guinea. (This base and shipping in that area were subjected to heavy, continued shore‑based attacks from 11‑27 March.)
18 March	Mille Island, Mille atoll, Marshall Islands, was bombed by carrier aircraft and shelled by heavy surface units.
19 March	Fourth Marines landed unopposed on Emirau Islands, St. Matthias group (75 miles northwest of Kavieng), thus completing the encirclement of Rabaul, Kavieng, and other enemy positions in the Bismarck Archipelago

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	and Solomon Islands. Diversionary bombardment of Kavieng was conducted by heavy surface ships, which poured in more than 1,000 tons of shells. Operation was under general direction of Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., USN, Commander, South Pacific Area and South Pacific Force of the U. S. Fleet.
22 March	U. S. Pacific Fleet destroyers bombarded Mussau island, largest of St. Matthias Group, 15 miles northwest of Emirau. Ailinglapalap atoll, Marshall Islands, was secured.
23 March	Namu atoll, Marshall Islands, was secured.
24 March	Ebon atoll, Marshall Islands, was secured.
26 March	Namorik atoll, Marshall Islands, was secured.
27 March	Kill Island, Marshall Islands, was secured. U. S. Pacific Fleet destroyers bombarded Kapingamarangi (Greenwich) atoll, north of New Ireland.
29‑31 March	In the deepest penetration yet made of enemy defenses, carrier forces under tactical command of Admiral Raymond A. Spruance, USN, heavily attacked the Palau Islands with additional strikes at Yap, MIMI and Woleai in the western Carolines. The approaching force was detected, and many enemy ships, including heavy units, fled from Palau anchorages. However, on 20‑30 March, 29 Japanese ships were sunk at Palau: 3 destroyers; 2 large, 6 medium and 9 small freighters: 3 large, 1 medium and 1 small tanker; and 4 smaller vessels. 4 18 other vessels were severely damaged, some of them fired or beached, 114 Jap aircraft were shot down; 46 destroyed on the ground. Yap and Ulithi were hit on the 30th. At Yap, 1 small craft was sunk; at Ulithi, 1 sunk, 1 damaged. At Woleai on the 31st, 7 aircraft were destroyed on the ground, 3 barges destroyed. Installations at all four locations suffered heavy damage. Our losses were 25 aircraft lost in combat.
30 March	Bikini atoll, Marshall Islands, was secured.
	April 1944
1 April	Ailuk atoll, Marshall Islands, was secured.
2 April	Mejit atoll and Jemo Island (uninhabited), Marshall Islands, was secured.
3 April	Rongelap, Likiep, Ailinginae and Rongerik atolls (latter two uninhabited), Marshall Islands, were secured.
5 April	U. S. troops land on Ram Buyto in the Admiralty Islands, without opposition. Utirik, Bikar and Taka atolls (latter uninhabited), Marshall Islands, secured.
11 April	"Major portion" of New Britain is ours, according to announcement from General MacArthur's headquarters. Formerly strong enemy positions at Cape Hoskins and Gasmata have been abandoned and the Japanese have fled for a last stand at Rabaul.

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15 April	Alaska and Aleutians separated from 13th Naval District and made the 17th Naval District.
	Rear (now Vice) Admiral John H. Hoover, USN, was designated Commander Forward Area, Central Pacific, by Admiral C. W. Nimitz, USN, with command over all forces assigned to the Forward Area, including land-based air forces.
18 April	Saipan, Tinian and Aguijan Islands in the Marianas were bombed in daylight by PB4Ys of Fleet Air Wing 2 and B‑24's of 7th AAF.
19 April	Sabang, enemy base off the northern tip of Sumatra, was bombarded by an Allied task force of carriers, battleships, cruisers, destroyers and submarines. Among the capital ships was the USS Saratoga. Admiral Sir James Somerville, Royal Navy, commanded the force. This was the first time in World War II that ships of the Pacific Fleet had operated with British units on an offensive mission in the Indian Ocean.
20‑23 April	Forces of the 5th Fleet provided air and surface support for landings of Southwest Pacific forces at Aitape and Hollandia on the northern coast of New Guinea. 5th Fleet carrier aircraft bombed and strafed Japanese airfields at Wakde, Sawar and in the Hollandia area, 5th Fleet cruisers and destroyers bombarded Japanese airfields at Wakde and Sawar at night. Ground Installations, fuel and ammunition dumps were destroyed in these strikes. It is estimated that 5th Fleet aircraft whose operations were coordinated with those of the Southwest Pacific Air Forces‑destroyed 88 Japanese aircraft on the ground, 34 in the air; and 1 small cargo vessel and 6 small craft. 5th Fleet losses: 10 aircraft in combat.
21 April	Under cover furnished by ships of the 5th and 7th Fleets, and shore‑based aircraft of the Southwest Pacific forces, troops under command of General MacArthur went ashore at Humboldt Bay and Tanahmerah Bay to secure Hollandia, and also at Aitape. Opposition was light. Beachheads were quickly secured and by the 28th, all airfields and airdromes at both areas were in hand.
	This move effectively isolated at least 60,000 Japs of the Japanese 18th Army between Aitape and Madang, and made it possible to blockade them as enemy troops in the Solomons, the Bismarck Archipelago and the Marshalls were being blockaded.
	In this operation the 5th Fleet units were under tactical command of Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, USN, and the 7th Fleet units were under Rear Admiral D. E. Barbey, USN.
	Erikub and Aur atolls, Marshall Islands, were secured.
23 April	Ujelang atoll, Marshall Islands, was secured without opposition. This completed the Marshalls Operation. In

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	period of about 12 weeks, our forces had captured about 90% of the enemy possessions in the Marshalls, and completely dominated the 330,000 square miles of sea and air in their environs. So effective had been our air and surface covering operations that of the 24 atolls and 3 islands taken, only Kwajalein and Eniwetok had been heavily defended. Enemy casualties: 10,902 killed and 523 prisoners of war. Our casualties: 566 killed and missing, 1683 wounded. Japanese bases on the following four atolls, completely bypassed, blockaded and pounded by daily air attacks, were left to "wither on the vine": Jaluit, Mille, Wotje, Maloelap.
24 April	Madang on the coast of Northeast New Guinea occupied by Australian and United States troops. On the 26th these troops occupied Alexishafen in the same area. This seizure gave Allied forces control of Vitiaz Strait off Northeast New Guinea, and major base and port facilities.
29‑30 April	Returning from the Hollandia operation, 5th Fleet units under Vice Admiral Mitscher attacked Truk. Carrier aircraft heavily bombed and strafed ground installations, doing extensive damage. Other enemy losses 63 aircraft shot down, 60 destroyed on the ground; 4 small craft sunk. We lost 27 aircraft.
30 April	Pacific Fleet cruisers and destroyers bombarded Satawan, in the Nomoi Group, Caroline Islands. The target area, which the Japanese had been developing as an air base, was thoroughly covered with heavy projectiles. Rear Admiral J. B. Oldendorf, USN, commanded the forces.
	May 1944
1 May	Battleships of the 5th Fleet, supported by carrier aircraft, bombarded Ponape in the Carolines. Numerous buildings in Ponape town, the seaplane base, and the wharf area were destroyed. (Ponape and other Japanese bases in the Carolines had suffered increasingly heavy shore‑based air attacks during the months of March and April. Such attacks were further stepped up during May).
13‑14 May	Land‑based bombers heavily attack Jaluit, Marshall Islands.
16‑19 May	Wakde Islands, 115 miles west of Hollandia along the New Guinea coast, seized by U. S. Army units under the Supreme Commander, Allied Forces, Southwest Pacific area.
17 May	Soerabaja, Java attacked by carrier aircraft of the Allied naval force which had attacked Sabang on 19 April. This raid coincided with landings at Wakde. Damage inflicted: At least 10 enemy ships damaged, some heavily. 26 aircraft destroyed. Ground installations damaged. Our losses: 1 aircraft. Destroyers bombarded Maloelap.

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19‑20 May	Pacific Fleet carriers bombed and strafed enemy installations on Marcus Island in two‑day air attack.
20 May	Cruisers and destroyers bombarded enemy positions in the Shortland Islands, just south of Bougainville.
21 May	Land‑based aircraft heavily bombed Wotje, Marshall Islands.
22 May	Destroyers bombarded Wotje.
23 May	Carrier aircraft bombed Wake Island.
26 May	Destroyers bombarded Mille, Marshall Islands.
27 May	Biak Island, 180 miles west of Wakde off New Guinea coast, was invaded by U. S. Army units under command of General MacArthur. They were supported by bombing and naval bombardment by ships of the 7th Fleet. From Biak, Davao, in the Philippines is less than 80 miles and the Palau Islands are slightly over 500 miles.
29 May	Medina, on northern coast of New Ireland, was bombarded by Pacific Fleet destroyers.
	June 1944
9 June	Japanese base at Fangelawa Bay, New Ireland, was bombarded by Pacific Fleet destroyers.
10 June	Aircraft of a fast carrier task force struck at enemy airpower on Saipan, Tinian, Rota, Pagan and Guam in the Marianas. Installations, positions and parked aircraft were bombed and strafed. Approximately 150 enemy aircraft were destroyed, about three‑fourths of them in the air. Our losses: 11 aircraft.
11 June	Japanese convoy of about 20 vessels fleeing the Marianas was attacked by our carrier aircraft west of Pagan. Most of the ships were sunk or heavily damaged. Another enemy convoy consisting of 6 vessels was similarly attacked west of Guam, and damaged. Other shipping in the Marianas area was attacked by our aircraft. Ground installations on Saipan, Tinian, Rota, Pagan and Guam were bombed and strafed.
12 June	Attacks by carrier aircraft on the Marianas were continued. Battleships conducted a day‑long bombardment of Saipan. Night of 12‑‑13 June: Destroyers bombarded Saipan and Tinian.
13 June	Carrier air strikes on the Marianas were continued. Battleships bombarded Saipan and Tinian. Pacific Fleet cruisers, destroyers and aircraft attacked enemy installations on Matsuwa Island in the Kuriles.
14 June	Covered by heavy air and surface bombardment, our troops went ashore at Saipan, main Japanese base in the Marianas and headquarters of the Japanese Commander in Chief, Central Pacific Area. Vigorous opposition had developed. Fighting on Saipan ranked with the severest in the Pacific war, but its seizure constituted a major breach in the Japanese line of

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	inner defenses. The expeditionary force included the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions and the 27th Infantry Division, United States Army. The Saipan operation, like the other invasions in the Marianas, was under the general direction of Admiral Raymond A. Spruance, USN, Commander, Fifth Fleet, with Vice Admiral Richmond K. Turner, USN, in charge of the expeditionary forces. (Saipan is 3300 miles from Pearl Harbor, 1000 miles from Eniwetok and 1260 miles from Tokyo.)
	During the evening, Japanese aircraft attacked our ships in the Saipan Area. 15 aircraft were shot down.
	Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands and Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonins were attacked by our carrier aircraft. Installations were bombed and strafed. Jap losses: 39 aircraft shot down, 25 destroyed on the ground. Two freighters were sunk, several heavily damaged. Our losses: 8 aircraft. This was our first carrier strike on the Volcanos and Bonins.
15 June	Installations on Iwo Jima were bombed and strafed by our carrier aircraft. There was no airborne opposition but antiaircraft fire was heavy. We lost 3 aircraft. Carrier strikes continued on the Marianas area. China‑based B‑29's bombed Yawata, steel center on northern Kyushu, in Japan. This was the first attack by land‑based aircraft on the main Japanese Islands, and the first time B‑29 bombers were used in an offensive invasion. Vice Admiral J. H. Newton, USN, relieved Admiral William F. Halsey, USN, as Commander South Pacific Area and South Pacific Force. Admiral Halsey remained Commander 3rd Fleet.
16 June	Carrier aircraft continued to bomb enemy Installations in the Marianas in support of our expanding beachhead.
17 June	U. S. forces on Saipan captured Aslito (later Iseley) air field.
18 June	Aircraft from Japanese carrier striking force attacked our sea forces covering the Saipan operation in the first stage of the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The enemy attack continued for several hours. The Japanese aircraft were intercepted and a high percentage of them shot down. Enemy losses for the day: 402 aircraft, all but 17 of which were destroyed in the air; two carriers damaged. Our losses: 17 aircraft and superficial damage to two carriers and a battleship.
19 June	Aircraft from our carriers attacked the Japanese carrier striking force, in the second stage of the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Jap losses: 1 aircraft carrier, 1 light aircraft carrier, 2 destroyers, 1 tanker sunk; 1 aircraft carrier, 1 destroyer and 1 tanker possibly sunk; 1 aircraft carrier, 1 or 2 light aircraft carriers, 1 battle ship, 2 heavy cruisers, 1 light cruiser, 1 destroyer and

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	3 tankers damaged. 26 Japanese aircraft were shot down. Our losses: 93 aircraft (many of the personnel were rescued from these planes, a large percentage of which had been forced to land on the water in the darkness that night).
	From this date until 7 July Guam and Rota were attacked each day by at least one strike from our carrier forces. On that day continued heavy surface bombardment‑coordinated with the air strikes‑began.
20 June	Our fleet attempted to pursue and to contact the enemy fleet, which was in a full speed retreat. The enemy eluded our search.
22‑23 June	Installations on Pagan were bombed and strafed b our carrier aircraft.
23 June	Our carrier aircraft struck at Iwo Jima. Japanese losses: 68 aircraft near Iwo Jima, 46 in unsuccessful thrusts at our carriers‑total 114 aircraft lost in the air. Our losses: 5 aircraft.
25‑26 June	Kurabu Zaki, an important enemy base on Paramushiru in the Kuriles, was bombarded at night by our cruisers and destroyers. Guam was bombarded by surface units.
30 June‑1 July	Guam again bombarded by surface units.
	July 1944
1 July	Under cover of Naval and air bombardment troops under command of General MacArthur landed at Kamiri on Noemfoor Island, 100 miles west of Biak Island off Dutch New Guinea. Key Kamiri airfield was captured without much opposition 1 hour and 51 minutes aft the landing.
2‑3 July	Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands and Haha Jima the Bonins were heavily attacked by carrier aircraft. Bombs, machine guns and rockets were used. On the 3rd Iwo Jima was shelled by surface units. Meanwhile Iwo Jima was attacked by a fast carrier task group. In these strikes 9 ships were sunk, 8 damaged, together with a larger number of small craft. 26 Japanese aircraft were shot down and 128 were left inoperable on the ground. We lost 22 aircraft.
6 July	Several thousand Japanese troops launched a desperate counterattack on our forces at Saipan. Our casualties were severe, but the charge was thrown back with more than 1500 enemy troops killed.
7 July	Guam was bombarded by surface units. From this time until the landing on the 20th, Guam was and constant surface bombardment, with coordinated strikes by our carrier aircraft. Continued attacks were also made on Rota.
8 July	Organized resistance ended on Saipan. This was one of the most significant victories won by U. S. forces

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	in the Pacific. It led directly to the fall of the Tojo cabinet in Tokyo. Mopping up continued. Through 9 December, 26,571 Japanese had been killed and 2,099 captured on Saipan.
	B‑29's based on the continent of Asia bombarded the Japanese naval base at Sasebo and the steel center of Yawata in Japan. This was the second B‑29 raid on the Japanese homeland, the first having occurred on 15 June.
12 July	Second Marine Division landed on Maniagassa Island, 2 miles off the northwestern coast of Saipan.
13 July	Iwo Jima was bombed by aircraft of the Central Pacific shore‑based air forces. This was the first raid on the Nanpo Shoto by land‑based aircraft of the Pacific Ocean Areas.
15‑17 July	Guam was shelled at close range by battleships, cruisers and destroyers, in the heightening campaign to obliterate gun emplacements and other installations. Tinian was shelled during the night of the 15‑16th by destroyers.
20 July	Supported by carrier aircraft and heavy surface bombardment, our troops invaded Guam, largest and southernmost of the Marianas, establishing beachheads on both sides of Apra Harbor. The landing forces included the 3rd Marine Division, the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade and the 77th Infantry Division. There was little opposition to the landings themselves, but determined opposition developed inland. From this date until 7 August, our battleships, cruisers and destroyers furnished fire support to the troops ashore on Guam. Carrier aircraft also provided continued support.
21 July	Artillery and naval gunfire were directed against Tinian.
23 July	Second and 4th Marine Divisions landed on Tinian supported by carrier and land based aircraft and artillery and naval gunfire. Casualties in the landing forces were light. As at Guam, naval gunfire and carrier aircraft support was provided our troops on Tinian in the days following the assault.
24‑27 July	Carrier aircraft of a fast carrier task group attacked enemy installations in the Palau Islands. Also attacked were Yap, Ulithi, Fais, Ngulu and Soror in the western Carolines.
29 July	Tinian town was captured. Apra Harbor, site of former U. S. Naval Base on Guam, was again put into use by our ships.
29‑30 July	Supported by Allied naval and air forces, troops under General MacArthur landed on the 29th on the islands of Amsterdam and Middleburg and at Cape Opmari,

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	near Sansapor in northwestern Vogelkop, near the western tip of Netherlands New Guinea. These islands are nearly 200 miles beyond our base on Noemfoor Island and slightly more than 600 miles southeast of the Philippines. On the 30th, we landed at Cape Sansapor. There was little opposition to these landings. This move by‑passed Manokwari, pivotal enemy base in the Vogelkop Peninsula, and effectively neutralized New Guinea as an enemy base of operations.
31 July	Organized resistance ceased on Tinian. Mopping up continued. Through 9 December, 6,932 Japanese had been killed, 321 taken prisoner on Tinian.
	August 1944
2 August	American flag was formally raised on Tinian.
3 August	Air and surface units of a fast carrier task force virtually wiped out a Japanese convoy and raided airfields and installations in the Bonin and Volcano Islands (Muko Jima, Chichi Jima, Haha Jima, Ane Jima, Iwo Jima). Japanese losses were 11 ships sunk, 8 ships damaged; 6 aircraft shot down, 7 destroyed on the ground. We lost 16 planes.
9 August	Organized Japanese resistance ended on Guam. Mopping up continued. Through 9 December, 17,436 Japanese had been killed, and 512 captured on Guam.
30‑‑31 August & 1 September	Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonins, and Iwo Jima in the Volcanos were bombed and strafed by aircraft of a fast carrier task force on 30th and the 1st, Chichi Jima and Haha Jima were bombarded by cruisers and destroyers. Japanese losses were: 6 ships sunk, 4 ships probably sunk, 3 ships damaged; 11 aircraft shot down, 35 destroyed on ground. Installations, airfields and supply dumps were damaged. We lost 5 aircraft.
31 August	Admiral Nimitz announced that Lt. General Millard F. Harmon had assumed command of all Army Air Force units operating in the Pacific Ocean Areas.
	September 1944
3 September	Cruisers and destroyers did extensive damage to enemy installations on Wake Island by surface bombardment. There was no air opposition.
5 September	Aircraft of a fast carrier task force group bombed Palau Islands. Installations were damaged. 17 small craft were left burning.
5‑7 September	Carrier aircraft bombed and strafed Yap and Ulithi in the western Carolines.
6 September	Enemy installations in the Palau Islands were shelled by cruisers and destroyers of the Pacific Fleet.
8 September	Carrier aircraft attacked Mindanao Island in the Philippines. 68 enemy aircraft were shot down, 32 loaded freighters in convoy were sunk by combined air

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	and surface attack; 20 ships in Davao Gulf were dam aged ; 20 small craft were sunk, 17 damaged.
9 September	Carrier aircraft attacked Angaur, Peleliu and Koror Islands in the Palau Group, and bombed installations and shipping.
10‑11	September Babelthuap, Peleliu and Angaur were attacked by carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet. On the 11th these islands were bombarded by battleships.
11‑13	September Carrier aircraft shot down 156 enemy aircraft and destroyed 277 on the ground in strikes at Leyte, Cebu, Negros and Panay Islands in the Visayas group, Philippines. 40 enemy ships were sunk, 44 damaged. Ground installations were damaged.
12 September	Carrier aircraft hit Angaur, Peleliu and Ngesebus in the Palau Islands.
14 September	Supported by fleet air and surface units the 1st Marine Division landed on Peleliu in the Palau Islands. The amphibious operations were commanded by Vice Admiral T. S. Wilkinson, USN, Commander, Third Amphibious Force. Expeditionary troops were commanded by Major General Julian C. Smith, USMC Ground opposition was fairly stiff. The fast carrier task force supporting the operation was commanded by Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, USN At almost the same hour, our troops under command of General MacArthur landed on Morotai in the Halmaheras. Opposition was negligible and an airfield was captured the first day.
15 September	Carrier aircraft bombed enemy positions and installations on Babelthuap and Peleliu in the Palau Islands.
16 September	The 81st Infantry Division, U. S. Army, invaded Angaur, southernmost of the Palau Islands, under cover of air and surface bombardment. Opposition was light. Military government was set up on Peleliu Island.
19 September	Organized resistance ceased on Angaur Island.
20‑21	September Elements of the 81st Infantry Division, covered by ships of the Pacific Fleet, occupied Ulithi atoll in the western Carolines. They were unopposed. The Pacific war came back, after 2 1/2 years, to the Island of Luzon, with a smashing two‑day attack by carrier‑based aircraft of the Pacific Fleet. Japanese losses:
	40 ships sunk.
	11 ships probably sunk.
	6 small craft sunk.
	11 small craft damaged.
	2 floating drydocks damaged.
	169 aircraft shot down.
	188 aircraft destroyed on the ground.
	45 aircraft damaged on the ground.
	3 aircraft damaged by ships gunfire.
	Extensive, widespread damage to military targets.
	Our losses: 11 aircraft.

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8 September	Carrier planes of the Pacific Fleet struck at Cebu, Leyte, Negros, Luzon, and Nactan, in the Visayas Group of the Philippine Islands. Japanese losses were 22 ships sunk, 43 ships damaged, 20 to 30 small craft sunk or damaged; 7 aircraft shot down, 29 destroyed on the ground.
27 September	First Marine Division landed on Ngesebus and Kongauru in the Palaus Islands, with the usual air and surface bombardment cover. Both islands were quickly secured.
30 September	Military government was proclaimed on Angaur. Military government was set up on Kongauru and Ngesebus Islands.
	October 1944
8 October	Marcus Island was bombarded by surface units of the Pacific Fleet. Elements of the 81st Infantry Division landed on Garakayo in the southern Palau Islands. The island was secured the following day.
9 October	For the first time of the war, carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet attacked the Ryukyu Archipelago. The strikes were in great force. 46 enemy ships and 41 small craft were sunk. 20 ships were probably sunk; 20 ships damaged. 23 enemy aircraft were shot down, 59 destroyed on the ground; 37 were damaged on the ground. Ground installations were heavily damaged. Our losses: 8 aircraft.
10 October	Troops of the 81st Infantry Division landed on Bairakaseru Island, Palau. There was no opposition. Our carrier planes attacked Luzon Island in force.
12 October	Organized resistance on Peleliu ceased. Mopping up continued. Through 9 December, total Japanese casualties on Peleliu and Angaur were 13,354 killed, 433 taken prisoner.
11‑15 October	Aircraft of a fast carrier task force struck Formosa in force 11‑13 October. Air battles ensued which lasted until the 15th. Enemy losses were: 416 aircraft destroyed; 32 ships sunk, 13 probably sunk, 55 damaged. We lost 66 aircraft. Ground installations were extensively damaged. (Following our carrier attacks on Formosa and Luzon, Tokyo announced a great Japanese victory, claiming 11 U. S. carriers were sunk, 6 damaged; 2 battleships sunk, 1 damaged; 3 cruisers sunk, 4 damaged etc. These figures were raised in a broadcast of 25 November to the following: 50 carriers, 20 battleships, 2 battleships or cruisers, 30 cruisers, 16 cruisers or destroyers, 7 destroyers and 22 unidentified craft sunk or damaged. See entry for October 17 below).
13 October	Luzon was attacked by carrier aircraft. No airborne opposition.

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15 October	Carrier aircraft struck again at Manila Bay area. Ngulu Atoll, in the western Carolines, was occupied. Resistance was slight.
16 October	Carrier aircraft attacked Manila area. Japanese losses were: 20 aircraft shot down, 30‑40 destroyed on the ground.
17‑18 October	Carrier aircraft attacked northern Luzon and the Manila area. 56 enemy aircraft were destroyed; four ships were sunk, 23 damaged. Our losses were: 7 aircraft.
17 October	The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, announced that no U. S. battleship or aircraft carrier had been damaged in the Formosa and Luzon battles. Two medium sized ships had been damaged.
19 October	Carrier aircraft of a fast carrier task force bombed, rocketed and strafed targets in the Visayas Group, Philippine Islands. U. S. 6th Army, under command of General MacArthur began landings on Leyte supported by the largest concentration of Allied forces yet assembled in the Pacific. This goaded the Japanese Navy to action. Three powerful enemy task forces converged on the landing beaches from the South China Sea and the Japanese home islands. Thus the stage was set for the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea.
20 October	Carrier aircraft strafed and bombed enemy aircraft and shipping targets in the Philippine Islands.
22‑27 October	Second Battle of the Philippine Sea. This was one of the decisive victories of the war in the Pacific. Enemy losses: 2 battleships, 4 carriers, 6 heavy cruisers, 3 light cruisers, 3 small cruisers or large destroyers, 6 destroyers. Severely damaged, may have sunk: 1 battleship, 5 cruisers, 7 destroyers. Damaged: 6 battleships, 4 heavy cruisers, 1 light cruiser, 10 destroyers. U. S. losses: Sunk: the light carrier Princeton; 2 escort carriers, the Saint 'Lo and the Gambier Bay; 2 destroyers, the Johnston and the Hoel; 1 destroyer escort, the Samuel B. Roberts; and a few lesser craft. Our units involved were from the 3rd and 7th Fleets. In this battle the Japanese fleet was divided into three forces: Force "A": 5 battleships, 10 heavy cruisers, 1 light cruiser, 13‑15 destroyers. Two heavy cruisers were sunk west of Palawan on the 22nd as Force "A" proceeded north. A third, damaged, turned back. On the 23rd, Force "A" was attacked by our carrier aircraft in the Mindoro Straits. 1 light cruiser was sunk. 1 battleship and 1 light cruiser were heavily damaged and turned back. Several other ships were hit. This force continued through the San Bernardino Straits on the 24th, however, and on that date was met by escort carriers and other light units of the 7th Fleet east of Samar. Aircraft of the 3rd Fleet entered the engage‑

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	ment about noon. At least one enemy heavy cruiser was sunk, 1 destroyer left dead in the water. The entire Japanese force turned back. Later in the day the force again was attacked by our aircraft, and a damaged cruiser was sunk by our surface units. On the 25th this fleeing force again was attacked by carrier aircraft and 1 heavy cruiser and 1 light cruiser were sunk and other vessels damaged. Force "B" : 2 battleships, 2 heavy cruisers, 7 destroyers and possibly 2 light cruisers. This force was attacked in the Sulu Sea on the 23rd by our carrier aircraft, and damaged. As it passed through Surigao Straits (night of October 24‑‑25) it was attacked by our force and all units sunk or decisively defeated.
	Force "C" : 1 carrier, 3 light carriers, 2 battleships with flight deck aft, 5 cruisers, 10 destroyers.‑ This force, proceeding southward off the east coast of Luzon, was surprised by our 3rd Fleet carrier planes early on the 24th. All carriers were sunk. 1 battleship with a flight deck aft was damaged, 2 cruisers or destroyers sunk. 1 damaged cruiser was sunk during the next night by a U. S. submarine.
28 October	Carrier aircraft attacked southern Luzon and the Central Philippines. Enemy losses: 3 cargo vessels sunk, 1 cruiser probably sunk, 2 cruisers and 1 tanker damaged; 78 aircraft shot down, 12 destroyed on the ground.
	November 1944
1 November	A carrier group of the 3rd Fleet was attacked in the western Pacific by enemy aircraft. Damage was inflicted on several ships. Ten of the attacking aircraft were destroyed.
4 November	Carrier aircraft of the 3rd Fleet attacked Manila Harbor and five nearby airfields, 191 enemy aircraft were destroyed. Two enemy cruisers, 3 destroyers and several cargo ships were damaged.
5 November	Carrier aircraft of the 3rd Fleet continued attacks on Luzon. In addition to the enemy's aircraft losses of 4 November, 249 aircraft were destroyed. 3 cargo vessels and an oiler were sunk. 6 other vessels were damaged. Ground installations were heavily damaged.
7‑8 November	Approximately 200 Japanese landed on Ngeregong Island northeast of Peleliu where a small Marine patrol had previously landed. The Marines were evacuated without loss.
10 November	Iwo Jima was bombarded by ships of the Pacific Fleet. Carrier aircraft of the 3rd Fleet attacked a 10‑ship enemy convoy just outside Ormoc Bay, destroying 7 ships, probably sinking 2 others, and damaging the other ship. 15 enemy aircraft were downed. We lost 9 aircraft.

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12 November	Carrier aircraft attacked shipping in Manila Bay. 1 light cruiser, 4 destroyers, 11 cargo ships and oilers were sunk. 28 enemy aircraft were downed, 130‑140 strafed on the ground.
14 November	Troops of the 81st Infantry Division reoccupied Ngeregong in the Palau Islands, which had been heavily attacked with bombs and gunfire. There was no resistance.
18 November	Aircraft from a carrier task force struck shipping and airfields in and around Manila. 10 ships were damaged, 1 sunk; 100 enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground.
21 November	Matsuwa in the Kuriles was bombarded by a Naval task force. Shore batteries did not reply.
24 November	Carrier based aircraft of the 3rd Fleet attacked Luzon. 18 vessels were sunk; 16 were damaged. 87 enemy aircraft were destroyed. In the first B‑29 raid on Japan from our newly established super‑bomber base on Saipan, high explosives and incendiaries were poured on the Tokyo water front area and on the Musashina aircraft plant. (Prior to this raid, B‑29's based in the India‑China theater had attacked Japan six times, beginning with the first of such raids on 15 June 1944; and Major General James H. Doolittle's filers had struck Japan once with B‑26's taking off from the US$ Hornet, on 18 April 1942.
	December 1944
6 December	Japanese aircraft raided B‑29 base at Saipan. 6 enemy aircraft shot down. 1 B‑29 was destroyed, 2 damaged.
7 December	A very heavy attack on Iwo Jima was carried out by a large force of B‑29's, together with 108 Liberators and 30 Lightnings. On the same day Naval surface units bombarded the island.
8 December	CinCPac communiqué announced that Lt. General Millard F. Harmon had been assigned to command the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, including all shore‑based aircraft of the Pacific Ocean Areas normally employed on offensive missions.
11 December	Great Britain announced that a British Pacific Fleet would be sent to the Pacific theater, under command of Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, GCB, KBE. On the 19th it was announced that Fleet Admiral Nimitz and Admiral Fraser and their respective staffs were engaged in a series of conferences at Fleet Admiral Nimitz' head quarters.
13‑15 December	Carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet bombed and strafed harbor and airfield installations on Luzon. Enemy losses: 34 ships sunk, 36 damaged; 61 aircraft destroyed in the air, 208 destroyed on the ground. We lost 27 aircraft. 318

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15 December	Army troops under General MacArthur Invaded Mindoro Island, South of Luzon, in the Philippines.
19 December	Admiral C. W. Nimitz, CinCPac and CinCPoa, assumed the rank of a Fleet Admiral of the United States Navy.
20 December	Organized resistance on Leyte has ended, according to announcement from General MacArthur's headquarters on Leyte.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 708, JANUARY 1, 1945

FLEET ADMIRAL NIMITZ VISITS FORWARD AREAS

Fleet Admiral C. W. Nimitz, USN, Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, has within the last few days visited Eniwetok, Guam and Saipan, accompanied by Rear Admiral F. P. Sherman, USN, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Lieutenant Commander H. A. Lamar, USNR, aide to Fleet Admiral Nimitz.

Fleet Admiral Nimitz spent Christmas Day with the Fleet, dining with Admiral William F. Halsey, USN, Commander Third Fleet. The occasion was the first time the five‑star flag of a fleet admiral ever was broken aboard a battleship.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 219, JANUARY 1, 1945

Airstrip installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos were bombed by Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas on December 30 (West Longitude Date).

Marine Mitchell bombers scored rocket hits on a small coastal cargo ship which was left dead in the water near the Bonins on the same date.

Ammunition dumps and supply areas on Babelthuap in the Palaus were strafed and bombed by Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on December 30. On the same date Marine Fighters sank four launches at Woleai in the Western Carolines and Marine torpedo planes bombed Yap in the same group.

Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on December 30 strafed targets on Rota in the Marianas.

Neutralizing attacks on enemy held bases in the Marshalls were continued on December 30 by airplanes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 565, JANUARY 2, 1945

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

2. The LSM 318 has been lost as the result of enemy action in the Philippine Area. Next of kin of fatalities and most other casualties have been notified and notification is en route to next of kin of other casualties.

3. The PT 300 has been lost as a result of enemy action in the Philippine Area. Next of kin of casualties have been informed.

4. The PT 311 was lost in the Mediterranean Area as the result of enemy action. Next of kin of casualties have been informed.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 220, JANUARY 2, 1945

An enemy twin‑engined bomber attacked air installations on Saipan in the Marianas on January 1 (West Longitude Date), dropping a single bomb which caused no damage.

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, on December 31 bombed Iwo Jima in the Volcanos. Our aircraft struck at enemy air installations and encountered moderate antiaircraft fire.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing strafed fuel dumps and other targets on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 31.

Targets on Rota in the Marianas were strafed by Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing fighters on the same date.

Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Fleet Air Wing Two aircraft continued neutralizing attacks on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on the same date.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 221, JANUARY 3, 1945

Carrier‑aircraft of the United States Pacific Fleet struck at enemy installations on Formosa and Okinawa Jima on January 2 (West Longitude Date). Details of the strike are not yet available.

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed airstrip installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanoes on January 1. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

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Army bombers of the Strategic Air Force also struck at Okimura Town on Haha Jima in the Bonins on the same date.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing strafed Rota in the Marianas on January 1. On the same date our fighters shot down an enemy reconnaissance plane near Saipan.

Planes of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing struck at installations on Babelthuap in the Palaus and on Yap in the Western Carolines on the same date.

Neutralizing raids on enemy held bases in the Marshalls were continued by planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on January 1.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 222, JANUARY 4, 1945

Carrier‑based aircraft of the United States Pacific Fleet attacked installations on Formosa and Okinawa Jima on January 3 (West Longitude Date). Details of this strike and that of the previous day are not yet available.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed targets on Babelthuap in the Palaus and strafed Rota in the Marianas on January 2.

Search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two continued neutralizing attacks on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on the same date.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 566, JANUARY 5, 1945

1. The destroyer USS Reid was recently lost as a result of enemy action in the Philippine Islands area. The next of kin of casualties have been informed.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 223, JANUARY 5, 1945

Army Liberators and Lightnings of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, attacked airstrip installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on January 2 (West Longitude Date). On the following day Liberators of the same force bombed the same targets, encountering moderate antiaircraft fire and one enemy fighter.

On January 2 Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force bombed enemy installations on Marcus Island.

Fighters and Torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing strafed and bombed an enemy power plant, supply dumps and other installations on Babelthuap in the Palaus on January 2 and 3. Marine Fighters also strafed targets on Sonsoral and Merir Islands southwest of the Palaus on the same date.

Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two and the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued neutralizing attacks on enemy held bases in the Marshalls on January 3.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 224, JANUARY 6, 1945

Carrier‑based aircraft of the U. S. Pacific Fleet destroyed 111 enemy aircraft and damaged 220 more in attacks on Formosa and on Okinawa in the Ryukyus on January 2 and 3 (West Longitude Date). Twenty‑seven ships were sunk and an additional sixty‑eight were damaged. The enemy offered ineffective air opposition to our aircraft.

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Surface units of the U. S. Pacific Fleet bombarded enemy installations on Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonins on January 5.

Shelling was concentrated on facilities around the harbor of Futami go on Chichi Jima and on other targets in Okimura town and Higashi Harbor on Haha Jima. Fires were started in Okimura town and an enemy cargo ship was sunk west of Haha Jima. Answering the attack with meager gunfire, defending shore batteries inflicted minor damage on units of our forces. A single enemy fighter was observed airborne.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 225, JANUARY 6, 1945

January 1, 3, and 4 (West Longitude Dates) Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed airstrip installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos.

Surface units of the United States Pacific Fleet bombarded coast defenses and airstrip installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on January 4. Numerous fires were observed on the island. Fire from enemy shore batteries was meager.

The following damage was inflicted on enemy shipping and installations on Formosa and Okinawa Jima by carrier‑based aircraft of the Pacific Fleet on January 2 and 3:

Sunk or Destroyed:

One large cargo ship west of Takao

One medium cargo ship at Keelung

One small cargo ship at Keelung

One patrol craft

Ten small coastal cargo ships

Eleven small craft

Damaged:

One destroyer

Four destroyer escorts

Six patrol craft

One landing ship

Two landing craft

Two large cargo ships

One medium cargo ship

Thirty‑four small cargo ships

Seven small craft

Ground installations destroyed on Formosa:

Eleven locomotives

Four tank cars and several trucks and freight cars

In sweeps over the island our aircraft destroyed a railway bridge over the Tamsui River, a railroad station at Okayama and buildings, warehouses, fuel and ammunition dumps on all parts of the island.

Seventeen of our aircraft were lost in combat.

Army infantry units occupied Fais Island east of Ulithi on January 2, against slight resistance. Eight of the enemy were killed and six captured. Our forces suffered losses of three killed and six wounded.

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Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked fuel storage facilities on Babelthuap in the Palaus on January 4. Marine torpedo planes bombed enemy installations on Yap.

On January 4 aircraft of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued neutralizing attacks on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 711, JANUARY 6, 1945

NAVAL AIR TRANSPORT EXTENDED TO LEYTE

Jumping another thousand miles westward over the Central Pacific, sky freighters of the Naval Air Transport Service are daily flying into Leyte, it was disclosed 31 December 1944, by Captain D. W. Tomlinson, USNR, NATS-Pacific commander, who said the new route was opened early in December.

One NATS plane a day‑a twin‑engine R4D similar to Douglas aircraft serving U. S. domestic airlines‑makes the long ocean hop from Manus in the Admiralties, via Peleliu, and offloading its war‑vital priority cargo and passengers at Leyte in 30‑minute "turnaround" before taking oft for the return flight.

An official NATS‑Pac unit will be in full operation on the Philippine island on the first of the year, Captain Tomlinson declared, and it is expected that four‑engined Skymaster transports operated by the Pacific Wing will be scheduled to enter Leyte soon from other forward bases.

The Leyte run follows NATS‑Pac's mission of serving Fleet and ground forces at the battle fronts with urgent cogs that keep the attack machine running smoothly.

Addition of the new 1000‑mile flight brings the Pacific Wings total route mileage to 31,000 miles, with at least 30 planes in the air every minute, day and night.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 226, JANUARY 7, 1945

Carrier‑based aircraft of the United States Pacific Fleet attacked aircraft, shipping and installations in and around Luzon in the Philippines on January 5 (West Longitude Date). Preliminary and incomplete reports show that eight enemy aircraft were shot down, 19 were destroyed on the ground, and 14 were damaged on the ground. Details of damage to shipping and ground targets are not yet available.

Surface units of the Pacific Fleet bombarded installations at Suribachi on Paramushiru in the Kuriles on January 5 starting a number of fires. The enemy returned our fire but our forces suffered no damage.

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanoes on January 5.

A supply dump and other material were destroyed on Babelthuap in the Palaus by strafing fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on the same date.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 721, JANUARY 8, 1945

During the last week in December Fleet Admiral C. W. Nimitz, accompanied by Rear Admiral Forrest Sherman and Commander H. A. Lamar, flew to the Philippines and conferred with General of the Army Douglas MacArthur at his headquarters on various matters.

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A visit of courtesy was also made to President Sergio Osmena at his temporary capital.

JOINT STATEMENT, JANUARY 9, 1945

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

"The German U‑boat warfare flared into renewed activity during December 1944. This is but another index that the European war is far from over.

"Increased losses in Allied merchant craft have been officially recorded, as a result of the U‑boats' spurt last month.

"Despite these, the United Nations regularly continue to supply their expanding armies over the world, enabling them to resist the attackers or drive back the foe. The Allies continue to sink the enemy undersea craft in widely‑separated parts of the Atlantic.

"The announcement of the recent landing of enemy agents from a U‑boat on the Maine coast is yet another indication that the menace of Germany's undersea fleet is real and continuing."

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 227, JANUARY 9, 1945

On January 8 (West Longitude Date) carrier aircraft of the United States Pacific Fleet attacked Japanese aircraft installations and shipping in and round the islands of Formosa, Ishigaki and Miyako Jima in the Sakishima coup, and Okinawa. Details of the sea operations are not yet available.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 228, JANUARY 9, 1944

Further reports of the attacks of aircraft from carriers of the U. S. Pacific Fleet which struck targets in and around Luzon in the Philippines on January and 6 (West Longitude Dates) and caused damage to the enemy are now available as follows:

Aircraft:

Ten shot down.

Seventy‑four destroyed on the ground.

One Zero, three damaged on the ground.

All aircraft figures are in addition to those reported in communiqué No. 226.

Shipping destroyed, not previously reported:

Three medium cargo ships sunk.

Four small coastal cargo ships sunk.

Five luggers sunk.

Shipping damaged, not previously reported:

One large cargo ship.

Three medium cargo ships.

Nine small coastal cargo ships.

One tug and fifteen small craft.

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Many fires were started by the attacking aircraft. In sweeps over the island aircraft destroyed one locomotive, fifteen freight cars, forty‑six trucks, barracks, fuel supplies and other installations and damaged buildings and other facilities. Our forces lost fifteen airplanes in combat.

Partial reports from the Pacific Fleet show that the following damage was inflicted on the enemy by carrier‑based aircraft in the attack on Formosa Ishigaki, and Miyako Jima in the Sakishima Group, and Okinawa on January 8; 17 aircraft destroyed; 17 aircraft damaged; 14 small ships sunk; 17 small ships and luggers damaged; one large tanker left burning off Toshien, Formosa. The enemy offered no opposition in the air. Further details of this attack which was reported in communiqué No. 227 are not now available.

On January 7, Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed air installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanoes. Our aircraft encountered moderate antiaircraft fire but all returned safely.

Aircraft of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Fleet Air Wing Two encountered meager antiaircraft fire in neutralizing attacks on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on January 6 and 7.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 567, JANUARY 10, 1945

Pacific Area.

1. The following craft have been lost in the Pacific Area recently as a result of enemy action:

4 landing craft (LST)

1 motor torpedo boat

1 small submarine chaser

1 small auxiliary vessel

2. The above, in addition to the loss of the destroyers USS Hull, USS Monaghan, and USS Spence, announced in a Navy Department Press Release today, together with losses previously announced in communiqués and press releases, covers all losses of surface craft during the Philippine campaign up to December 31, 1944.

FEBRUARY 9, 1945

Memorandums to the Press:

The vessels announced lost in Navy Department communiqué No. 667, which were not identified, may now be identified as

LST 750

LST 160

LST 738

LST 472

Motor Torpedo Boat 323

SC 744

The USS Porcupine, an auxiliary.

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JANUARY 10, 1945

THREE DESTROYERS LOST DURING PACIFIC TYPHOON

While taking part in recent combat operations in the Western Pacific, three destroyers of the U. S. Pacific Fleet were lost and a number of vessels suffered damage during a typhoon of severe intensity which developed with great rapidity.

The importance of the operational situation was such that the operations in hand could not be suspended or altered because of weather conditions.

The ships lost were the USS Hull, Lieutenant Commander James Alexander Marks, USN, Commanding Officer; the USS Spence, Lieutenant Commander James Paul Andrea, USN, Commanding Officer; and the USS Monaghan, Lieutenant Commander Floyd Bruce Garrett, Jr., USN, Commanding Officer.

A thorough search of the area by aircraft and surface vessels was conducted over a period of days. The Commanding Officer, four other officers and forty‑nine men of the Hull were rescued. Twenty‑four of the personnel of the Spence, including one officer of the Supply Corps, were saved. Six of the personnel of the Monaghan were rescued.

The next of kin of casualties of the Hull and Monaghan have been informed and those of the Spence will be notified by telegram as soon as Information becomes available.

A Court of Inquiry headed by Vice Admiral J. H. Hoover, USN, was duly convened by Fleet Admiral C. W. Nimitz, USN, to investigate all the circumstances.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 229, JANUARY 11, 1945

On January 8 (West Longitude Date) Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed air installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos.

Suribachi on Paramushiru in the Kuriles was bombed by Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force on January 9. The enemy offered no opposition to the attack.

Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked enemy installations on Babelthuap in the Palaus on the same date.

Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered by Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing fighters in an attack on gun positions and the power plant on Nauru on January 9.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing also carried out neutralizing attacks on enemy held bases in the Marshalls on January 8 and 9.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 230, JANUARY 12, 1945

Carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet are now attacking the enemy off the coast of French Indo‑China between Saigon and Camranh Bay.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 231, JANUARY 12, 1945

Additional reports from forces of the United States Pacific Fleet which struck at targets along the coast of French Indo‑China on January 11 (West Longitude Date) show that our carrier aircraft attacked four convoys and other scattered units sinking a total of 25 ships including a Katori class light cruiser and several destroyers or destroyer escorts. Heavy damage was inflicted on 13 additional vessels.

Eighteen aircraft were observed airborne over Saigon of which our fighters shot down ten. A bomber off the Indo‑China coast and eight of five Zero planes at the Thanh Son Nhut air base north of Saigon were destroyed. Twenty flying boats and seaplanes in Camranh, Cat Lai near Saigon and Quinhon Harbor about 250 miles northeast of Saigon were also destroyed. At last reports our surface forces had suffered no damage and were continuing their attacks.

Conclusive evidence has been obtained which shows that on October 24, 1844, the Japanese battleship Musashi blew up and sank as the result of damage inflicted on her by aircraft attacks. These attacks were made by carrier aircraft from the Pacific Fleet Task Force commanded by Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher. The Musashi and her sister ship Yamato which was damaged by bombs during the same action were the two most powerful battleships in the Japanese Fleet.

On January 9 and 10 (West Longitude Dates) Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed airfield and other installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos.

Torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked air installations on Yap in the Western Carolines on January 10.

Marine fighter aircraft ranged over targets in the Palaus on the same date striking barges at Koror, destroying an ammunition dump on Babelthuap and striking other targets on Urukthapel Island.

Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing Fighters bombed boat facilities on Nauru through moderate antiaircraft fire on January 10.

On the same date Marine fighters and dive bombers made neutralizing attacks on enemy bases in the Marshalls.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 232, JANUARY 13, 1945

Following the first carrier attacks in the vicinity of Saigon on January 11 (West Longitude Date) numerous fires were observed on shore especially at the Thanh Son Nhut Air Base and at Port Nhabe. Six transports were included in the ships sunk at Saigon. At least six ships were sunk in the Harbor of Quinhon.

Reports of the United States Pacific Fleet Carrier Aircraft strike against Formosa on January 8 (West Longitude Date) have now been amplified. They show that the following damage was inflicted on the enemy in addition to that reported for the same attack in communiqué Number 228:

Shipping sunk:

Two destroyers or destroyer escorts

One oiler

One large cargo ship

Two medium cargo ships

Eighteen small craft

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communiqué number 228 reported that fourteen small ships not included in above had been sunk. This figure is now reduced to nine.

Shipping damaged:

One destroyer

Five destroyer escorts

Two oilers

Five large cargo ships

Three medium cargo ships

Twenty‑eight small ships

Forty‑two small craft

Aircraft:

Two zeros destroyed

Forty‑four damaged

In addition to these aircraft our search and patrol planes shot down seven other enemy planes on January 9 and 10.

Ground installations:

An ammunition dump and chemical plant destroyed at Keelung.

Two hangars, five locomotives and three tank cars destroyed at Heito.

Radio stations damaged at Giran.

An aluminum and nickel smelter damaged at Karenko.

Shops damaged at Tainan, Heito, Kobi and Toyhara.

Our forces lost four aircraft in combat during the attack on Formosa.

It can now be announced that heavy bomber units of the Seventh Army Air Force assisting the Far Eastern Air Force have been operating from the Palau Islands against targets in the Philippines in support of operations of the Commander in Chief Southwest Pacific. Army Liberators of the Seventh Air Force have been engaged In attacking the enemy on Luzon, Cebu, Negros and Nactan. In addition the same units have carried out attacks in the Palaus and Western Carolines. A summary of operations from November 1, 1944 to January 4, 1945 show that 1,375 tons of bombs have been dropped on enemy targets in 714 sorties.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 233, JANUARY 13, 1945

Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed airfield facilities near Kurabu Saki at the southern end of Paramushiru in the Kuriles on January 10 (West Longitude Date). Six enemy fighters were in the air and antiaircraft fire was encountered but all our aircraft returned safely.

On the following day Eleventh Air Force Mitchells strafed and bombed installations on Torishima Retto southeast of Paramushiru starting extensive fires. The enemy sent up meager antiaircraft fire. Liberators of the Eleventh Air Force on the same date struck at installations in Suribachi on Paramushiru meeting moderate antiaircraft fire. Four enemy fighters attacked of which one was damaged. All our aircraft returned safely from these operations.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing destroyed a building and supply dump on Babelthuap and bombed defenses on Urukthapel in the Palaus on January 11.

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 234, JANUARY 15, 1945

Further reports from U. S. Pacific Fleet forces which struck at shipping and other targets along the coast of French Indo‑China on January 11 (West Longitude Date) show that our carrier based aircraft inflicted the following damage on the enemy. (This report includes damage previously reported in communiqué No. 231)

Sunk:

41 ships totaling about 127,000 tons.

Damaged:

28 ships totaling about 70,000 tons.

Enemy plane damage:

15 aircraft shot down.

77 aircraft destroyed on the ground.

20 aircraft destroyed on the water.

About 50 aircraft damaged on the ground.

Ground installations

A large dock at Camranh Bay demolished.

6 oil tanks at Saigon destroyed.

Oil storage facilities, warehouses and buildings on Saigon River destroyed.

Seaplane hangar at Cat‑Lai destroyed.

Two locomotives at Quang‑Ngai destroyed.

Oil refineries in Saigon area damaged heavily and fires started in Saigon Navy Yard.

Our forces suffered losses of 16 planes in combat.

While inflicting the damage listed above our aircraft sank a convoy of 1 oiler, 4 medium cargo ships, 2 destroyer escorts, and 4 coastal cargo ships in its entirety. A second convoy was all sunk or damaged and beached. It consisted of 1 light cruiser now believed to be Kashii, of the Katori‑class, 4 destroyer escorts, 4 oilers, 7 medium and 2 small cargo ships and 1 coastal ship. A third group of ships approaching Saigon from the south was attacked, an oiler sunk, and 1 large cargo ship, 1 medium cargo ship and 1 small coastal cargo ship damaged. At Camranh Bay a destroyer escort and a small cargo ship were sunk, and at Cape St. Jacques, 3 destroyer escorts, 1 oiler, 3 large cargo ships and a small cargo ship were sunk. Attacking the Saigon area heavily our planes sank a large oiler, a large troop transport, 2 medium cargo ships, a dismantled French light cruiser Lamotte Picquet and damaged a large cargo ship, 4 medium cargo ships and 2 coastal cargo ships. Along the coast our planes sank an additional medium cargo ship and damaged 5 small coastal cargo vessels.

On January 13 carrier‑based aircraft of the Pacific Fleet struck at targets in Formosa and along the China Coast including Amoy, Swatow and Hongkong. Details of these attacks are not now available.

Fires were started in storage areas on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos by bombs dropped by Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, on January 12 and 13. On the same date Marine Mitchells scored rocket hits on a small ship in Okimura Ko at Haha Jima in the Bonins.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked warehouses, defense positions, coastal defenses and a dry dock on Babelthuap and Urukthapel

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in the Palaus on January 12. Attacks on Babelthuap were repeated on the following day.

An enemy reconnaissance plane was shot down off Guam in the Marianas on January 13.

Sixty‑eight tons of bombs were dropped on installations on Truk in the Carolines by Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force on January 13. Escorting Lightning fighters shot down two defending enemy fighters and probably destroyed another.

Search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and strafed targets on Wake Island through intense antiaircraft fire on January 12.

Neutralizing raids were continued by the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on enemy held bases in the Marshalls on January 12.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 235, JANUARY 16, 1945

Carrier aircraft of the United States Pacific Fleet attacked shipping and other targets in Formosa and along the coast of China including Canton, Swatow and Hongkong on January 14 and 15 (West Longitude Dates).

Preliminary and incomplete reports show the following damage inflicted on the enemy on January 14:

Sunk:

Nine ships totaling about 22,000 tons including one destroyer, one destroyer escort and one oiler.

Damaged:

Nine ships.

Nine small vessels.

Enemy plane damage:

Sixteen aircraft shot down.

Eighteen aircraft destroyed on the ground.

Thirty‑eight aircraft damaged on the ground.

Ground Installations:

Warehouses, docks and seven locomotives destroyed at Takao, Formosa.

Buildings, ammunition dumps and other installations destroyed or damaged at Pratas Reef southeast of Hongkong.

Preliminary and incomplete reports show the following damage inflicted on the enemy on January 15:

Sunk or damaged:

Shipping totaling about 82,000 tons including the 17,000 ton tanker Kamoi seen listing and two oilers seen burning.

Enemy plane damage:

Seven aircraft shot down.

One aircraft destroyed on the ground.

Seven aircraft damaged on the ground.

Ground Installations:

Royal Navy and Taikoo, docks, harbor facilities and fuel storage areas in Hongkong and Canton heavily damaged.

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Little air opposition was encountered by our aircraft over any of the targets. Over Hongkong and Canton there was none.

A Japanese reconnaissance plane was shot down by our aircraft off Tinian in the Marianas on January 14.

Neutralizing raids on enemy held bases in the Marshalls were continued by planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on January 14 and 15.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 568, JANUARY 18, 1945

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of twenty‑four enemy vessels, including four combatant vessels‑a destroyer and three escort craft-as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters. The vessels sunk were:

1 destroyer

3 escort vessels

1 large cargo transport

2 large tankers

1 medium cargo transport

8 medium cargo vessels

2 medium tankers

1 medium transport

4 small cargo vessels

1 small tanker

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

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 236, JANUARY 1E, 1945

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators and Lightning fighters operating under the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, attacked airstrip Installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on January 15 (West Longitude Date).

Assurance has been received that no Frenchmen were lost in the sinking of the French light cruiser Lamotte Picquet, communiqué 234.

Enemy facilities on Rota in the Marianas were strafed and bombed by Marine Aircraft on the same date.

Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing fighters attacked installations on Babelthuap in the Palaus on January 15 and 16.

On January 16 Marine Torpedo planes and fighters struck at harbor facilities on Yap in the Western Carolines.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 237, JANUARY 19, 1945

1. Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed targets on Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonins starting fires among installations on both islands on January 17 (West Longitude Date).

2. On the same date Army Liberators also attacked airstrip facilities on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos.

3. Marine Mitchells of the Strategic Air Force made rocket attacks on

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two small convoys north of the Bonins on January 18, scoring hits on a medium cargo ship and one other vessel. The attacks were met with moderate antiaircraft fire.

4. In operations over the China coast on January 13, 14 and 15, our forces lost 22 carrier‑based aircraft in combat. (communiqués No. 234‑236. )

5. On January 17, Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing fighters and torpedo planes attacked targets in and around Arakabesan.

6. Installations on Yap in the Western Carolines were struck by torpedo planes on the same date.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 238, JANUARY 20, 1945

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, encountered moderate antiaircraft fire while bombing airstrips on Marcus Island on January 15 (West Longitude Date).

During a rainstorm on the night of January 17 two barges carrying about 64 enemy troops landed on Peleliu Island from neighboring Japanese‑held bases in the Palaus. Forty‑nine of the attackers were killed, two taken prisoners and the remainder surrounded by our forces. At last reports no damage had been caused to our installations.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed installations on Urukthapel in the Palaus and struck at buildings and small craft at Merir and Sonsoral Islands southwest of the Palaus on January 17. On the following day Marine Corsairs sank a barge and a launch and struck a bridge on Babelthuap.

On January 18 Marine Torpedo planes bombed enemy installations on Yap in the western Carolines;

Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Kurabu Saki at the southern end of Paramushiru in the Kuriles on January 19. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Neutralizing raids on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls were continued by planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on January 16.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 239, JANUARY 21, 1945

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on January 18 ( West Longitude Date). Three enemy fighters rose to intercept our aircraft and one was shot down.

On the same date Army Liberators bombed harbor installations at Chichi Jima in the Bonins starting fires in barracks and warehouse areas.

On January 19 carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet shot down 16 enemy planes which were attempting to fly from Formosa to Luzon.

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and strafed barracks areas and a radio station on Wake Island on January 19. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Single Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Matsuwa and Onekotan Islands south of Paramushiru in the Kuriles on January 20.

Neutralizing raids on enemy held bases in the Marshalls were continued by planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on January 19.

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N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 569, JANUARY 22, 1945

Atlantic Area.

1. The LST 359 has been lost in the Atlantic Area as the result of enemy action.

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

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 240, JANUARY 22, 1945

On January 20 (West Longitude Date) carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet attacked the enemy air force, shipping and. installations in Formosa. Forty‑three Japanese aircraft were destroyed in aerial combat, 97 were destroyed on the ground, and approximately 100 more were damaged in attacks on the airdromes at Heito, Choshu, Matsuyama, Eiko, Kuputsua, Giran, Koshum and Taien. Intense antiaircraft fire was encountered at Takao. Reports of damage to enemy shipping are as yet incomplete, but at Takao two large ships and the docks and industrial area were left burning furiously. Considerable damage was inflicted on shipping at Keelung, Toshien and Nan Wan in Formosa, at Mako in the Pescadores and in the Sakishima Islands.

During this operation one of our major ships was damaged. Our aircraft losses were relatively light.

Eleventh Army Air Force planes attacked Kataoka Wan on the island of Shimushu in the northernmost Kuriles on the same day.

Docks and buildings on Yap were bombed and small craft at Babelthuap were destroyed by planes of Fleet Air Wing One on the same day.

Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing aircraft made neutralization raids on islands in the Marshall group.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 241, JANUARY 23, 1945

On January 21 (West Longitude Date) a strong force of carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet attacked Okinawa in the Ryukyus. Reports of damage inflicted are not yet available.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 242, JANUARY 25, 1945

Surface units of the Pacific Fleet, aircraft of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, and B‑29's of the Twenty‑First Bomber Command. In a coordinated action on January 23 (West Longitude Date) attacked Iwo Jima. A sizeable force of Liberators dropped more than 70 tons of explosives on air installations and shipping, starting fires visible 15 to 20 miles away. B‑29's dropped 117 tons of bombs on the airfield areas. Three of our planes were damaged, and one was lost but most of its crew were rescued. There was no interception by enemy planes. Antiaircraft fire was meager. Our surface units inflicted severe damage on island installations. One enemy cargo vessel exploded and two others were left burning.

On the same day planes of the Eleventh Army Air Force attacked Paramushiru. Three enemy planes were shot down. One of our planes was lost.

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Planes of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing destroyed two warehouses at Babelthuap and damaged harbor installations at Yap in the Palaus on January 23. The Palau area was attacked previously on January 21 at which time one of our planes was lost but the pilot rescued.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 570, JANUARY 27, 1945

Far Eastern Waters.

1. United States submarines operating in Far Eastern Waters have reported sinking 21 enemy vessels, including one light cruiser. The enemy vessels sunk were:

1 light cruiser

1 large tanker

1 large cargo transport

1 medium auxiliary

9 medium cargo vessels

1 medium tanker

3 small cargo transports

4 small cargo vessels

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

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 243, JANUARY 27, 1945

An estimated 60,000 thus of Japanese shipping in Formosa ports was destroyed and 65,000 tons damaged in attacks by Pacific Fleet carrier aircraft on January 20 (West Longitude Date). Among enemy ships sunk were:

Six oilers and four medium cargo ships

Among ships damaged were:

Three destroyers

One large troop transport

Four large oilers

One large cargo ship

One medium cargo ship

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force bombed installations and the airfield areas on Iwo Jima on January 24. Several fires were started. Antiaircraft fire was meager. Only one enemy plane intercepted our bombers.

Planes of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing attacked installations at Babelthuap and in the Yap area on the same day.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 244*, JANUARY 28, 1945

A recapitulation of damage inflicted on enemy shipping in and around Formosa on January 20 (West Longitude Date) by aircraft of the United States Pacific Fleet is as follows: (Including damage reported in Communiqué No. 240. )

*First communiqué to be released at Advance Headquarters by Admiral Nimitz. See CINCPOA Press Release No. 4, February 7, 1945.

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Sunk: Sixty thousand tons, including six oilers, two medium cargo vessels previously damaged, one medium cargo vessel, two small coastal cargo ships, four luggers, one medium cargo ship.

Damaged: Sixty‑five thousand tons, including one large transport, two large oilers, one large cargo ship, three luggers, one destroyer, two medium cargo ships, four small coastal cargo ships.

Aircraft destroyed or damaged: 47 shot down, 102 destroyed on the ground, 162 damaged on the ground.

In attacks in and around Okinawa Jima in the Nansei Shoto, aircraft of the Pacific Fleet inflicted the following damage on the enemy on January 21:

(Attack reported in communiqué No. 241.)

Sunk: 4 ships, 25 vessels.

Damaged: 5 ships, 36 small vessels.

Aircraft destroyed or damaged: 28 planes burned on the ground, 40 planes damaged on the ground.

The two‑day operations cost our forces 15 carrier aircraft lost in combat.

Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four made rocket and machine gun attacks on radio and lighthouse installations on Shimushu in the Kuriles on January 25. On the same day Eleventh Army Air Force Mitchells bombed installations on Torishima in the same group. Eight enemy fighters were encountered by the Army bombers which probably destroyed two and damaged four others. All our aircraft returned safely.

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos through moderate antiaircraft fire on January 25.

Two enemy fighters were seen in the air.

On January 24 and 25 torpedo planes and fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed enemy installations on Yap in the Western Carolines.

On January 25, Marine aircraft destroyed a building and bridge on Urukthapel in the Palaus, sank a barge near Babelthuap, and bombed Sonsoral Island southeast of the Palaus.

Neutralizing raids were continued by planes of Fleet Air Wing Two on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on January 26.

CINCPOA* PRESS RELEASE NO. 1, JANUARY 28, 1945

Fleet Admiral C. W. Nimitz, U. S. Navy, Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, today sent the following message to Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., USN, Commander, Third Fleet; Vice Admiral Charles A. Lockwood, Jr., USN, Commander, Submarine Force, and Lieutenant General Millard F. Harmon, USA, Commanding General, Army Air Forces, Pacific Ocean Areas

"The Third Fleet in the last four months has hit the enemy hard in the Philippines, the Ryukyu Islands, Formosa, Indo‑China and South China. It has demolished and damaged aircraft, ships and land objectives to a degree which has materially reduced Japan's ability to make war.

*CINCPOA‑United States Pacific Fleet and Pacific Areas, Advanced Headquarters. See CINCPOA Press Release No. 4, February 7, 1945.

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It has paved the way for and covered the Philippine re‑occupation. It has written proud pages, in our nation's history.

"Submarines of the Pacific Fleet and the Army Air Forces in China and in the Pacific Ocean Areas have provided extremely effective cooperation and support and have continued to destroy the enemy wherever found.

"Well done to the officers and men of these gallant fighting forces."

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 245, JANUARY 29, 1945

Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, encountered moderate antiaircraft fire over Iwo Jima in the Volcanos while bombing air installations on the island on January 26 (West Longitude Date). One of our planes suffered a hit by a 75 millimeter projectile but all our aircraft returned safely. One of two enemy fighters opposing our force was shot down. On the following day Liberators again bombed the island. This mission marked the fifty‑second day in succession that Seventh Army Air Force bombers, operating under the Strategic Air Force, have attacked Iwo Jima an average of twenty‑eight aircraft per day bombing the island.

On the night of January 26, Marine Mitchells of Victor Mike Baker 61 swept over the Bonins and Volcanos attacking a small coastal cargo ship from low altitude. On the following night the Marine bombers attacked a convoy near the Bonins damaging a destroyer. An attack was also made on a destroyer and medium cargo ship near the Volcanos and rocket hits were scored on both targets. Another destroyer south of the Bonins was left dead in the water by our aircraft which scored four hits causing explosions aboard the ship. This shipping search marked the fifty‑fourth consecutive night on which aircraft of this squadron have carried out harassing flights against enemy shipping in the Bonins Volcanos area.

Fighters and bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing sank a barge near Babelthuap in the Palaus on January 26 and bombed and strafed shore installations in the same area on the following day.

Harbor installations and shore facilities on Yap in the western Carolines were attacked with bombs and rockets by Marine aircraft on the same dates.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 246, JANUARY 30, 1945

More than 40 tons of bombs were dropped on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos by Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, on January 28 (West Longitude Date). An explosion was observed on an airstrip and several fires were started in storage areas.

Liberators of the same force bombed Marcus Island on the same date.

Night flying Marine Mitchells of the Strategic Air Force, struck at shipping around the Bonins and Volcanos on January 29. Hits scored with rockets caused large explosions on a large enemy cargo ship and a medium cargo ship in the Bonins.

On January 28 fighters and torpedo aircraft of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked shore and harbor installations on Yap in the Western Carolines.

Facilities on Babelthuap in the Palaus were attacked by Marine Aircraft on January 29.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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"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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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‑

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 317, APRIL 1, 1945

The United States Tenth Army, whose principal ground elements include the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps and the Marine Third Amphibious Corps, invaded the west coast of the island of Okinawa in the Ryukyus in great force on the morning of April 1 (East Longitude Date). This landing is the largest amphibious operation of the war in the Pacific to date.

Admiral R. A. Spruance, USN, Commander Fifth Fleet, is in overall tactical command of the operation. The amphibious phase of the operation is under command of Vice Admiral Richmond Kelly Turner, USN, Commander Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet. The Tenth Army is under command of Lieutenant General Simon Bolivar Buckner, Jr., U.S.A.

The landings were made by ships and landing craft of the United States Fifth Fleet supported by the guns and aircraft of that fleet.

The attack on Okinawa has also been covered and supported by attacks of a strong British carrier task force under Vice Admiral Sir Bernard Rawlings against enemy positions in the Sakishima group.

Troops of the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps are commanded by Major General John R. Hodge, U.S.A., and the Marines of the Third Amphibious Corps are commanded by Major General Roy S. Geiger, USMC

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The attack on Okinawa was preceded by the capture of the islands of the Kerama group west of the southern tip of Okinawa which commenced on March 26. The amphibious phases of this preliminary operation were commanded by Rear Admiral I. N. Kiland, USN The troops consisted of the Seventy‑Seventh Army Division under command of Major General Andrew D. Bruce, U.S.A. The capture of these outposts was completed prior to the main landings on Okinawa and heavy artillery is now emplaced there and in support of the Okinawa attack.

The amphibious support force is under command of Rear Admiral W. H. P. Blandy, USN, who was also present at the capture of the Kerama group of islands and in general charge of those operations. The battleships which form the principal gunfire support element are commanded by Rear Admiral M. L. Deyo, USN.

Fast Carrier Task Forces of the U. S. Pacific Fleet which are participating in the attack are under command of Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, USN The escort carriers which are supporting the attack are under command of Rear Admiral C. T. Durgin, USN.

More than 1,400 ships are involved in the operation. The landings were preceded by and are being covered by heavy gunfire from battleships, cruisers and light units of the U. S. Pacific Fleet. U. S. carrier aircraft are providing close support for the ground troops. Strategic support is being given by the shore‑based air forces of the Southwest Pacific Area, the Pacific Ocean Areas, and by the Twentieth Air Force.

The operation is proceeding according to plan. The troops who went ashore at (1830, Tokyo time, advanced inland rapidly and by 1100 had captured the Yontan and Kadena airports with light losses.

The capture of Iwo Island gave us an air base only 660 miles from Tokyo and greatly intensified our air attacks on Japan. The capture of Okinawa will give us bases only 325 miles from Japan which will greatly intensify the attacks by our fleet and air forces against Japanese communications and against Japan Itself. As our sea and air blockade cuts the enemy off from the world and as our bombing increases in strength and proficiency our final decisive victory is assured.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 318, APRIL 1, 1945

United States forces on Okinawa advanced inland rapidly throughout the first day of the assault and by 1800 on April 1 (East Longitude Date) forward elements of the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps and Marine Third Amphibious Corps had expanded the beachhead to a three mile depth at several points. Enemy resistance continued to be light. Sporadic mortar and artillery fire fell on the beaches early in the day. The landing beaches were made secure against small arms fire as our forces deepened their positions behind the beaches. Heavy units of the Fleet continued to shell enemy installations on the island and carrier aircraft gave close support to the ground troops throughout the day. Four enemy planes attacking our surface forces were destroyed. Unloading of supplies on the beaches has begun.

Installations on Ishigaki and Miyako Islands in the Sakishima group were heavily hit by carrier aircraft of the British Pacific Fleet on March 31 and April 1. Of 20 Japanese aircraft which landed in the Sakishimas during these attacks, 14 were destroyed and 6 damaged by British aircraft.

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Mustangs of the Seventh Fighter Command bombed Susaki airfield and harbor installations at Chichi Jima and other targets on Haha Jima in the Bonins on March 31.

Corsair and Hellcat fighters bombed supply areas in the Palaus on March 31. One of our fighters was destroyed but the pilot was rescued. On the same date, Marine fighters bombed the airstrip on Yap in the western Carolines.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 590, APRIL 2, 1945

Pacific Area.

1. The LCI (G) 974 has been lost in the Philippine Area as the result of enemy action.

2. Next of kin of casualties have been informed.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 319, APRIL 2, 1945

Elements of Twenty Fourth Army Corps moved across the island of Okinawa on April 2 (East Longitude Date) to a point on the east coast near the village of Tobara. Advances averaging several thousand yards were made along the entire Tenth Army line against scattered resistance. In the center of the island in rugged terrain increasing enemy activity was being encountered by some of our troops. In the northern sector advances were made throughout the day by the Marines of the Third Amphibious Corps. The ground troops were supported in their drive by carrier aircraft, by gunfire from heavy units of the U. S. Pacific Fleet, and by field artillery. Observation planes began operation from Yontan and Kadena airfields. During the night of April 1 and 2, five enemy aircraft were shot down. The unloading of supplies is proceeding satisfactorily.

Corsair and Hellcat fighters and Avenger torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked houses, a causeway, and a bridge and set a supply dump afire in the Palaus on April 2.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed runways on Susaki airfield on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on March 31.

CINCPOA PRESS RELEASE NO. 56, APRIL 2, 1945

Major General James E. Chaney, U. S. Army, has assumed duty as Island Commander of Iwo Island.

Brigadier General Ernest M. Moore, U. S. Army, commanding general of the VII Fighter Command of the Seventh Air Force has also been assigned duty in command of all aircraft of all services based at Iwo Island.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 320, APRIL 3, 1945

The Marine Third Amphibious Corps and the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps made rapid gains in all sectors of the lines on Okinawa Island on April 3 (East Longitude Date). In the north, the Marines advanced generally from 4,000 to 6,000 yards reaching the East Coast near Katchin Peninsula and cutting it off. Units of the Seventh Infantry Division which had reached the

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eastern shore of Okinawa the previous day moved southward along the shore of Katsurin Bay on the east coast from a point near the town of Takaesu to Kuba Town. Our front lines in the southern sector at nightfall of April 3, approximated a line from Kuba Town in the east to Chiyunna in the west. Resistance throughout the day was negligible. The advancing troops were supported by gunfire from heavy units of the Fleet. Ships' guns and carrier aircraft shot down 11 enemy planes during the day. Unloading of supplies continues satisfactorily.

Fast carriers of the U. S. Pacific Fleet attacked targets in the Sakishima Group on April 3.

On March 30‑31, Corsair and Hellcat fighters, Helldiver bombers, and Avenger torpedo planes from carriers of the U. S. Pacific Fleet supporting the Okinawa operation inflicted the following damage on enemy forces in the Ryukyus:

Aircraft:

Seventeen shot out of the air.

Five destroyed on the ground.

Nineteen damaged in the air and on the ground.

Shipping:

Sunk:

Three motor torpedo boats.

Two small cargo ships.

Nine small craft.

Probably Sunk:

One small cargo ship.

Four small craft.

Damaged:

One motor torpedo boat.

Four small cargo ships.

One lugger.

Fourteen small craft.

Installations:

Six submarine pens at Unten Bay, Okinawa, destroyed and another heavily damaged.

Mills, barracks, bridges, radio stations, pillboxes, buildings, docks, gun positions and covered revetments destroyed or damaged on Okinawa.

Other installations on Tokuno, Amami, Kikai and Minami, Daito Islands, heavily hit.

Installations on Marcus Island were bombed on April 2 by Army Liberators of the Strategic Air Force.

Planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked buildings, vehicles and barges in and around the Palau Islands on April 3.

During the week ending March 31, 69 Japanese were killed and 13 taken prisoner by U. S. patrols on Saipan, Tinian and Guam in the Marianas.

Navy Search Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two made neutralizing attacks on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on April 2.

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CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 321, APRIL 4, 1945

The East Coast of Okinawa Island from Yaka in the north to Kuba Town in the south was brought under the control of the Tenth Army on April 4 (East Longitude Date). Elements of the Marine Third Amphibious Corps pushing north and east simultaneously established their front line on the Isthmus of Okinawa about 3,000 to 4,000 yards north of Ishikawa and captured all sections of the east coast in their zone of action. In the south, the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps advanced steadily and at nightfall were holding a line between Uchi Tomari on the West Coast, Kamiyama in the center of the island, and a point just north of Nakagusuku on the east coast. The enemy offered scattered resistance to the advances of our troops. Concentrations of troops and vehicles fn the southern part of the island were brought under fire by the guns of surface units of the fleet and by carrier aircraft supporting the attack. The unloading of supplies for the Expeditionary Forces ashore continues satisfactorily.

The enemy made several small air attacks against our surface forces early in the morning of April 4. Four of his aircraft were shot down.

Aircraft from a carrier task group commanded by Rear Admiral Frederick C. Sherman, U. S. Navy, attacked aircraft, airfields, and other installations in the Amami Group on April 3. The following damage was inflicted on the enemy

Forty‑five aircraft shot out of the air. Two aircraft destroyed on the ground. Nine aircraft damaged on the ground.

Twenty‑five small craft damaged or destroyed. Two small cargo ships damaged. One motor torpedo boat damaged. Fuel dumps and buildings set afire.

Corsair and Hellcat fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed warehouse and supply areas in the Palaus on April 4. On the same date, Marine fighters struck piers at Yap in the western Carolines.

On April 3, Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing planes continued neutralizing attacks on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls.

APRIL 5, 1945

JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF

The Joint Chiefs of Staff today made the following announcement regarding the command directive for the war against Japan:

1. The Joint Chiefs of Staff, with the approval of the President, have modified the command organization for the war against Japan with a view to giving full effect to the application of our forces against the Japanese including the large forces to be redeployed from Europe, taking into account the changed conditions resulting from our progress in both the Southwest Pacific and the Pacific Ocean Areas. The rapid advances made in both areas, which have brought us into close proximity with the Japanese homeland and the China Coast, and the corresponding change in the character of operations to be conducted are the considerations which dictated the new directive.

385

2. General MacArthur, Commander of the Southwest Pacific Area, under the terms of the new directive will be given command of all Army forces and resources in the Pacific Theater. Similarly, Admiral Nimitz, Commander of the Pacific Ocean Areas, will be given command of all Naval forces and resources in the Pacific Theater. General Arnold will continue in command of the 20th Air Force.

3. The Joint Chiefs of Staff will continue to exercise strategic direction of the entire Pacific Theater and will charge either General MacArthur or Admiral Nimitz with the over‑all responsibility for conducting specific operations or campaigns. Normally General MacArthur will be charged with the conduct of land campaigns and Admiral Nimitz with the conduct of sea campaigns. Each Commander will furnish the forces and resources of his service for the joint forces which are required for the conduct of the operation or campaign which has been duly directed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

4. Essentially the new arrangement permits either Commander in Chief to conduct operations or campaigns in any part of the entire theater as directed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the choice as to which shall be charged with the responsibility in each case will be dependent on the nature of the operation or campaign which is to be undertaken.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 591, APRIL 5, 1945

Pacific Area.

1. The LCI (G) 474 was lost in the Iwo Jima area as the result of enemy action.

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

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 322, APRIL 5, 1945

Our troops in both the northern and southern sectors of Okinawa continued to advance on April 5. By 1800 on that date, Marines of the Third Amphibious Corps had moved forward generally 8,000 to 9,000 yards on Ishikawa Isthmus, the southern end of their line being in the neighborhood of Kin Town. Japanese opposition in the north continued to be ineffective. Army troops in the south made advances up to about 3,000 yards. In this sector, elements of the Twenty Fourth Army Corps moved into areas organized for defense by the enemy and at nightfall resistance to the advance was increasing. Our advancing troops were supported throughout the day by gunfire from units of the U. S. Pacific Fleet and by carrier aircraft. During the period of April 1 to 1800 on April 5, 65 enemy aircraft have been destroyed over our forces attacking Okinawa. During the Okinawa operation as of midnight April 4‑5, 175 soldiers and Marines had been killed in action. Figures as to Naval personnel are not available. Seven hundred and ninety eight soldiers and Marines had been wounded in action during the same period.

Organization for military government in the area of Okinawa under our control has been established and is functioning satisfactorily. About 9,000

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civilians have surrendered to our forces. Considerable stocks of enemy foodstuffs have been captured and are available for civilian use.

On April 5, Hellcat and Corsair fighters and Avenger torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked targets in the Palaus. A warehouse was destroyed and barges and vehicles were damaged.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 323, APRIL 6, 1945

By late afternoon on April 6 (East Longitude Date), Hellcat and Corsair fighters from two fast carrier task groups of the U. S. Pacific Fleet commanded by Rear Admirals Frederick C. Sherman and J. J. Clark, USN, had shot down about 150 enemy aircraft which were attempting to attack fleet surface units in the area of the Ryukyus. This tally of damage is preliminary and incomplete. Some ships of our forces received minor damage but all remain fully operational.

United States troops on Okinawa continued to attack in both the northern and southern sectors. At midday the Marine Third Amphibious Corps had advanced 3,000 to 5,000 yards against small scattered groups of the enemy on Ishikawa Isthmus. In the south, the Twenty Fourth Army Corps was encountering stiffened enemy resistance in areas organized by the enemy for defense and supported by enemy artillery. Our forces were being supported continuously by ships' gunfire and by carrier aircraft. During the night of April 5‑6, nine enemy planes were shot down near our forces around Okinawa.

In capturing the Kerama group of islands preliminary to the attack on Okinawa, U. S. forces killed 539 of the enemy and captured 166 prisoners of war.

Search aircraft of Fleet Wing One shot down two enemy aircraft in the Ryukyus area on April 6.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 324, APRIL 7, 1945

On April 6 and 7 (East Longitude Dates) the enemy attempted strong counterattacks against our forces operating in the vicinity of Okinawa.

During the late afternoon and evening of April 6, a large force of enemy aircraft attacked our ships and shore installations in the vicinity of Okinawa. One hundred sixteen of these enemy aircraft were destroyed‑55 by our fighters and the remainder by our antiaircraft fire. The attacking enemy aircraft pressed their attacks in with desperation and succeeded in sinking three of our destroyers and damaging several destroyers and smaller craft. No larger fleet units were hit.

Early on April 7, Navy Search Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One sighted an enemy surface force which had left the Inland Sea and passing south of Kyushu had headed into the East China Sea. The force included the large battleship Yamato, the most powerful ship left in the Japanese Navy, an Agano class light cruiser, one other small light cruiser or large destroyer, and a number of destroyers. A fast carrier task force commanded by Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher steamed toward the enemy at high speed and during the middle of the day brought the Japanese Force under air attack.

Our carrier aircraft which had destroyed 245 enemy aircraft on April 6, met no opposition over the Japanese ships but did meet heavy antiaircraft fire. At a point about 50 miles southwest of Kyushu they sank the Yamato, the light Agano class cruiser, the small cruiser and three destroyers. Three other destroyers were left burning. About three destroyers escaped from this attack.

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The Yamato was hit by at least eight torpedoes and eight heavy bombs. All the enemy ships were heavily strafed with rockets and machine guns.

Our carriers lost seven aircraft in this action. During minor contacts on April 7, they and their aircraft shot down 30 enemy aircraft. The task groups participating were commanded by Rear Admirals F. C. Sherman, U. S. Navy, A. W. Radford, U. S. Navy, G. F. Bogan, U. S. Navy, and J. J. Clark, U. S. Navy.

The Marine Third Amphibious Corps on Okinawa moved forward steadily in the northern sector throughout the afternoon of April 6. By 1800, it had made advances which placed its front lines across Ishikawa Isthmus from Chuda on the west coast to the mouth of the Kinbaru River on the east coast. In the south, strong enemy resistance developed during the day. From its' strong defensive positions the enemy employed machine gun, small arms, mortar and artillery fire against the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps throughout April 6, and the following night. Army troops along the East Coast in the southern sector advanced about 2,000 yards during the afternoon of April 6, and occupied the town of Tsuwa. The enemy in the south was brought under heavy fire by our artillery throughout the day.

Search Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One attacked airfields in Kyushu, destroying four fighters on the ground, probably destroying three others and damaging about 15 more by strafing.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed dock installations and buildings at Truk in the Carolines on April 5.

Neutralizing raids on enemy bases in the Marshalls were continued on April 5 by planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 325, APRIL 7, 1945

The Marine Third Amphibious Corps continued to drive northward against negligible enemy resistance on the Ishikawa Isthmus of Okinawa on April 7 (East Longitude Date). By noon of that date, the Marines had advanced about 3,000 yards to the vicinity of Nago Town on the west coast and Ora Bay on the east coast. The Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps in the south was moving through difficult terrain in which the enemy is fortified behind an extensive system of strong points, pillboxes, blockhouses and trenches. Carrier aircraft, ships' guns and heavy artillery continued to bombard enemy positions. A small group of aircraft attacked our forces early in the day. Twelve were shot down.

A carrier task force of the British Pacific Fleet attacked airfields and other installations on Ishigaki and Miyako in the Sakishima group on April 6 and 7. British fighters destroyed five enemy aircraft in the air and three others on the ground.

Further information on the action of fast carrier task forces of the U. S. Pacific Fleet on April 6 shows that our aircraft sank four small cargo ships and many small craft in the area of the Ryukyus and ‑destroyed two aircraft on the ground, this damage being in addition to that previously reported. On April 7, after attacking Japanese surface forces off Kyushu, one of our heavy fleet units suffered minor damage during an aircraft attack but is fully operational.

Hellcat and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed warehouses and other installations in the Palaus on April 7.

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CINCPOA PRESS RELEASE NO. 63, APRIL 7, 1945

Additional information on the three‑day strike of the British Pacific Fleet on the Sakishima Group 31 March to 2 April (East Longitude Dates) shows extensive damage inflicted on enemy ground installations in those islands, destruction of 22 enemy aircraft and damage to nine others. Some major units of the British Pacific Fleet sustained slight damage from enemy aircraft during the attacks but all major units remained fully operational.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 326, APRIL 8, 1945

On the afternoon of April 7 (East Longitude Date) the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps drove into heavily defended terrain in the southern sector of Okinawa and captured the villages of Uchitomari and Kaniku. The enemy resisted stubbornly from numerous pillboxes and blockhouses which are emplaced to take full advantage of the broken terrain. In the north, Marines of the Third Amphibious Corps continued to move northward rapidly against negligible opposition. Four enemy aircraft appeared in the Okinawa area on April 7 and all were shot down.

On the following day Twenty‑Fourth Corps troops made small gains against heavy opposition in the south. By 1800 of that date the front line on their right had moved forward about 200 yards and on the left about 400 yards. Heavy artillery was used by the enemy throughout the night and day. Our troops are being supported by ships' gunfire, carrier aircraft and field artillery. In the northern sector of the island on April 8, Marines of the Third Amphibious Corps had moved 3,000 to 4,800 yards westward along Motobu peninsula by nightfall.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing have begun to use the captured air fields on Okinawa. Major General F. P. Mulcahy, USMC, is present in command of the tactical air forces on shore at Okinawa. Nine enemy aircraft were destroyed on April 8 by various forces.

By the end of April 7, 30,000 civilians were under care of the U. S. Military Government on Okinawa. Native housing is being utilized fully.

Carrier aircraft attacked shipping and installations in the area of the Amami group on April 8. A small cargo ship was set afire and a lugger destroyed.

JOINT STATEMENT, APRIL 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 March the U‑boat effort continued to increase but fewer successes were obtained against our shipping than in February. Casualties inflicted on U‑boats were again severe and the prolonged and extensive bombing and mine-laying policy of the Allies has undoubtedly delayed the introduction of the new type U‑boats. In a similar manner the capture of Danzig by the Soviet army helps to cut off the evil at its source."

389

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 327, APRIL 9, 1945

About half of Motobu Peninsula was brought under U. S. control by Marines of the Third Amphibious Corps on Okinawa on April 9 (East Longitude Date). A general advance of 3,000 to 4,000 yards was made during the day against opposition which continued to be scattered and ineffective. Advance element of the Third Corps on Ishikawa Isthmus were reported in the vicinity of Kushibaru Town.

The Twenty Fourth Army Corps made small local gains in the southern sector against enemy opposition which continued to be heavy. The volume of enemy small arms and machine gun fire on the southern front increased during the day of April 9, and mortar and artillery fire continued to be heavy. Heavy gunfire from fleet units was concentrated on enemy installations in southern Okinawa during the day resulting in destruction of guns, emplacements, barracks, and small craft. Carrier air craft from the Pacific Fleet and both Army and Marine artillery supported the attacking U. S. Army troops. During the evening of April 9 about 10 enemy aircraft attacked our forces in the area of Okinawa. Seven were destroyed.

Army Black Widow night-fighters attacked targets in the Bonins on the nights of April 8 and 9. Army Mustangs of the Seventh Fighter Command made daylight attacks on enemy installations in the Bonins on the same dates.

Ammunition dumps, storage dumps, buildings and other installations in the Palaus were destroyed on April 8 and 9 by Corsair fighters and Avenger torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.

A single search Privateer of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed installations on Wake Island on the night of April 8.

On the same date Helldiver bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued neutralizing attacks on enemy positions in the Marshalls.

CINCPOA PRESS RELEASE NO. 65, APRIL 9, 1945

During the heaviest aerial attacks on our forces around Okinawa on 8 April (East Longitude Date), Vice Admiral Richmond Kelly Turner, U. S. Navy, received the following report via. voice radio from a minesweeper under his command

"We have been hit twice in attacks by two aircraft but we splashed the third one. Six wounded in action. We are now taking a damaged destroyer in tow."

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 328, APRIL 10, 1945

After beating off two small counterattacks on Motobu Peninsula on the evening of April 9 (East Longitude Date), Marines of the Third Amphibious Corps on Okinawa continued their advance on April 10, moving their lines generally about 2500 yards westward to the Manna river on the south and Unten Bay on the north. Enemy submarine pens at Unten Bay and other installations were captured. On Ishikawa Isthmus, Marines moved northward to the vicinity of Tsuwa Village.

The Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps in the southern sector of the Okinawa battle continued to meet stubborn enemy resistance along its entire front. At 1800 on April 10 there were no substantial changes in the lines. Backed by heavy artillery fire, the enemy made several unsuccessful counterattacks

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against our positions. Army troops were supported by intense Marine and Army artillery fire by carrier aircraft and by Naval gunfire from major units of the Pacific Fleet.

Elements of the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps landed on Tsugen Island about ten miles off the east coast of Okinawa on the morning of April 10 en. countering some enemy resistance..

At the end of April 8 our forces on Okinawa had killed 5,009 of the enemy and had taken 222 prisoners of war. At that time 43,378 civilians were under care of the U. S. Military Government.

Search aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One bombed hangars and barracks on Tanega Island in the northern Ryukyus on April 10.

Army Black Widow night fighters strafed and bombed installations in the Bonins on the night of April 9‑10. Seventh Fighter Command Mustangs bombed docks and shipping at Chichi Jima on April 10 scoring a hit on a small cargo ship.

Targets in the Palaus were struck by Hellcat and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on April 10.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 329, APRIL 11, 1945

No substantial changes were made in the lines on Okinawa on April 11 (East Longitude Date). In the south the enemy continued to resist attacks of the Twenty Fourth Army Corps with artillery, mortar and small arms fire. In the north Marines of the Third Amphibious Corps met some organized resistance on Motobu Peninsula but continued to advance northward on Ishikawa Isthmus.

Army troops of the Twenty‑Fourth Corps reduced enemy points of resistance on Tsugen Island off the east coast of Okinawa and occupied the island on April 11.

Direct support was provided for our forces by carrier aircraft, Naval gunfire and Marine and Army artillery. Our forces in the Okinawa area were attacked sporadically by enemy aircraft, four of which were destroyed.

United States forces on Okinawa had lost 432 killed at the end of April 9. Our wounded for the same period were 2,103. A total of 180 were missing.

On the night of April 10, Army Black Widow night fighters strafed and bombed targets on Haha Jima and Chichi Jima in the Bonins. On the same date a Marine Mitchell of the Strategic Air Force attacked a large cargo ship north of the Bonins scoring rocket hits on it and leaving it dead in the water.

Planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked buildings and other installations on islands in the Palaus and on Yap in the Western Carolines on April 11.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 592, APRIL 12, 1945

Pacific Area.

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

2. The LCS (L) (S)‑49 was lost in the Philippine area as the result of enemy action.

3. The next of kin of casualties have been informed in both cases.

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APRIL 12, 1945

DEATH OF PRESIDENT TOLD TO NAVAL SERVICE IN MESSAGE FOND SECRETARY OF THE NAVY FORRESTAL

News of the death of President Roosevelt was dispatched to all ships and stations of the United States Navy tonight in a message by Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal, who called upon the Nation's sea forces to pay tribute to the memory of the Nation's leader by carrying on "in the tradition of which he was so proud."

The Secretary's message follows:

"I have the sad duty of announcing to the naval service the death of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the President of the United States, which occurred on twelve April.

"The world has lost a champion of democracy who can Ill be spared by our country and the Allied cause. The Navy which he so dearly loved can pay no better tribute to his memory than to carry on in the tradition of which he was so proud.

"Colors shall be displayed at half mast for thirty days beginning 0800 thirteen April West Longitude Date insofar as war operations permit. Memorial services shall be held on the day of the funeral to be announced later at all yards and stations and on board all vessels of the Navy, war operations permitting.

"Wearing of mourning badges and firing of salutes will be dispensed with in view of war conditions."

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 330, APRIL 12, 1945

The Sixth Marine Division on Okinawa moved forward against sporadic resistance by the enemy on Motobu Peninsula on April 12 (East Longitude Date). On Ishikawa Isthmus our troops continued to press northward over rugged terrain and extremely poor roads. The First Marine Division continued mopping up in its zone of action.

There was virtually no change in the lines in the Southern sector of Okinawa where the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps, including elements of the Twenty‑Seventh and Ninety‑Sixth Divisions, continued to meet strong enemy resistance on April 12.

On April 12, large numbers of enemy aircraft made desperate suicidal attacks on our forces in the Okinawa Area. Early in the morning, seven enemy aircraft were shot down in the vicinity of the Hagushi beaches. During the afternoon, ships' guns, carrier aircraft and shore‑based antiaircraft shot down 111 of the attackers. One of our destroyers was sunk during these attacks and several other surface units were damaged but remained in operation.

Installations on Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonins were bombed and strafed on the night of April 11‑12 by Army Black Widow night fighters.

Warehouse and other installations in the Palaus and facilities on the airfield on Yap in the Western Carolines were bombed by Hellcat and Corsair fighters and Avenger torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on April 12.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed installations on Truk in the Carolines on April 11.

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Search aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Four and Mitchells and Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force on April ?, made rocket machine gun and bombing attacks on installations on Shimushu, Paramushiru, and the Torishima Group in the Northern Kuriles. On April 11, further attacks were carried out by Eleventh Army Air Force aircraft on the Kataoka Naval Base on Shimushu where Army planes damaged one of several enemy fighters which attacked them. Fleet Air Wing Four Search planes made rocket and strafing attacks on installations at the mouth of the Hayake River on Paramushiru on April 11. Minami Cape on Shimushu and Masu Town on Paramushiru were bombed by Army Mitchells on the same date. All our aircraft returned safely.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 593, APRIL 13, 1945

Far Eastern Waters.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 15 enemy vessels, including two combatant ships‑an escort vessel and a converted gunboat. Reported sunk were:

1 escort vessel

2 destroyer transports

1 large tanker

1 naval auxiliary

1 converted gunboat

6 medium cargo vessels

1 medium tanker

2 small cargo vessels

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

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 331, APRIL 13, 1945

During the early morning of April 13, the enemy in the Southern sector of Okinawa counterattacked in battalion strength but was beaten back with numerous losses by the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps, supported by Naval gun fire and artillery. No substantial change was made in the lines in the South during the day.

On Motobu Peninsula in the North, Marines of the Third Amphibious Corps continued to engage groups of the enemy in sporadic fighting. Third Corps troops on Ishikawa Isthmus continued to press northward against Ineffective resistance.

Aircraft from fast carriers of the U. S. Pacific Fleet shot down over 100 enemy planes in the area of the Ryukyus on April 11‑12, in addition to those reported destroyed in communiqué No. 330. At Tokuno and Kikai Islands, eight more planes were destroyed on the ground and fuel dumps and warehouses were damaged or set afire.

On April 12, Shinchiku and Kiirun airfields on Formosa were attacked by Seafire and Hellcat fighters of the British Pacific Fleet. Sixteen enemy planes were shot out of the air, one was destroyed on the ground, and five were damaged.

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On the following day, U. S. carrier aircraft shot one plane down and destroyed 12 others on the ground in the Northern Ryukyus. Attacking shipping end ground installations in and around the Ryukyus our planes destroyed 23 Barges and small craft, damaged airfields and set buildings afire.

During the period March 18 to April 12, inclusive, U. S. Fast Carrier Task Forces under command of Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, U. S. Navy, hot down 841 enemy planes in combat, destroyed 73 by gunfire and destroyed 363 on the ground.

Navy Search Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One destroyed a large radio station on Gaja Island in the Northern Ryukyus and sank a picket ship and set second vessel afire north of the Bonins on April 13.

Army Black Widow night fighters bombed and strafed harbor installations at Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonins on the night of April 12‑13.

On April 12, a single Navy Search Privateer of Fleet Air Wing Two combed installations on Wake Island.

Marine Corsairs and Hellcats of the Fourth Aircraft Wing bombed warehouses and buildings in the Palaus and on Yap in the Western Carolines on April 13.

Marine fighters and bombers continued neutralizing raids on enemy‑held gases in the Marshalls on April 12.

CINCPOA PRESS RELEASE NO. 72, APRIL 13, 1945

The Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, has authorized the following, statement:

For some months the Japanese have been employing aircraft on a gradually increasing scale in suicidal attacks upon our forces in the Western Pacific. These aircraft were initially piloted by a group of pilots who were known as the "Kamikaze Corps" by the Japanese. The enemy has made much in his propaganda of this "sure death‑sure hit" suicide technique which is simply an attempt to crash planes on the decks of our ships.

The enemy has expended a large number of planes and personnel on missions of this nature with negligible effect on the continuing success of our operations. Some major units of the fleet have been damaged, but no battleship, fast carrier or cruiser has been sunk. Some smaller ships have been sunk, but in the great majority of cases they have remained in operation after being struck by one of these suicide planes. This reflects considerable credit on our officers and men and also on the designers and builders of our ships.

Effective methods of meeting and destroying suicidal attacks have been developed and will continue to be employed to increase the toll of Japanese aircraft shot down by our aircraft and by our antiaircraft guns.

The "suicide attack" and the so‑called "Kamikaze Corps" are the products of an enemy trapped in an increasingly desperate situation. Pushed back upon heir own inner defenses the Japanese have resorted to fanatical methods which, from a purely military viewpoint, are of doubtful value.

The "Kamikaze Corps" is apparently being used not only to attempt to damage our ships but also to stir the lagging spirits of the Japanese people. Although these "sure death‑sure hit" pilots are reported to be volunteers, many have very willingly become survivors of "suicide" missions and are now prisoners of war.

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The enemy claims for the accomplishments of "suicide swimmers, human torpedoes and suicide speed boats" hardly need comment. In the majority of such attacks up to this date these personnel have failed completely in their missions but have been successful in committing suicide.

The "suicide" technique is continuing at the present time. Although it is always considered and prepared for as a factor in estimating the enemy's capabilities it cannot prevent our continuing success in the war in the Pacific.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 332, APRIL 14, 1945

Elements of the Marine Third Amphibious Corps on Okinawa Island on April 14 advanced northward to the vicinity of Momubaru Town on the west coast and Arakawa Town on the east coast. Resistance was negligible. The Marines on Motobu Peninsula are now in possession of most of that area and are attacking small concentrations of enemy troops which continue to resist.

In the southern sector during the early morning hours of April 14, the enemy mounted a small counterattack which was immediately beaten off by troops of the Ninety Sixth Army Division. Enemy positions were brought under fire of field artillery, ships' guns, and carrier and land‑based aircraft.

A few enemy aircraft appeared in the area off Okinawa during the day and nine were shot down by our combat air patrols.

Aircraft from carriers of the U. S. Pacific Fleet bombed airfields on Ishigaki and Miyako Islands in the Sakishima group on April 14, destroying seven aircraft on the ground and damaging twenty five more.

Without opposition, carrier aircraft of the British Pacific Fleet struck airfields and installations at Matsuyama and Shinchiku on Formosa on April 13. A number of aircraft were damaged on the ground and hangars, barracks, buildings, a railway bridge, a train and other targets were heavily hit. Several small groups of enemy planes attempted to attack surface units of the British force and three of these were shot down. The task force suffered no damage.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed enemy islands in the Palaus on April 14.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 333, APRIL 15, 1945

Three enemy counterattacks in the Southern sector of Okinawa were broken up by Marine and Army artillery on the night of April 14‑15 (East Longitude Date). At noon on April 15, the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps lines were unchanged.

In the north, Marines of the Third Amphibious Corps continued to mop up small units of the enemy. In the Western area of Motobu Peninsula one isolated group of the enemy was offering stiff resistance.

Ground forces continued to receive effective support from Naval guns, carrier and land-based aircraft, and field artillery.

Keufu Island in the Kerama Group was occupied by our troops on April 14.

Privateers of Fleet Air Wing One damaged a small cargo ship near Tanega Island in the northern Ryukyus and bombed and strafed buildings and radio towers on the Island on April 15.

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A Marine Mitchell scored rocket hits on a small ship in the area of the Bonins on the night of April 14‑15. On the same date, Army night fighters attacked targets on Haha Jima, Chichi Jima and Muko Jima in the Bonins.

Corsair and Hellcat fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing damaged bridge and pier installations in the Palaus on April 15.

CINCPOA ADVANCE HEADQUARTERS, GUAM, APRIL 15, 1945

1. Elements of the Marine Third Amphibious Corps on Okinawa Island on April 14 advanced northward to the vicinity of Momubaru town on the west coast and Arakawa town on the east coast. Resistance was negligible. The Marines on Motobu Peninsula are now in possession of most of that area and are attacking small concentrations of enemy troops which continue to resist.

2. In the southern sector during the early morning hours of April 14 the enemy mounted a small counterattack which was immediately beaten off by troops of the Ninety Sixth Army Division. Enemy positions were brought under fire of field artillery, ships' guns and carrier and land‑based aircraft.

3. A few enemy aircraft appeared in the area off Okinawa during the day and nine were shot down by our combat air patrols.

4. Aircraft from carriers of the U. S. Pacific Fleet bombed airfields on Ishigaki and Miyako Islands in the Sakishima group on 14 April, destroying seven aircraft on the ground and damaging twenty five more.

5. Without opposition, carrier aircraft of the British Pacific Fleet struck airfields and installations at Matsuyama and Shinchiku on Formosa on 13 April. A number of aircraft were damaged on the ground and hangars, barracks, buildings, a railway bridge, a train and other targets were heavily hit. Several small groups of enemy planes attempted to attack surface units of the British force and three of these were shot down. The task force suffered no damage.

6. Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed enemy islands in the Palaus on 14 April.

C. W. NIMITZ,

Fleet Admiral, U. S. Navy,

Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet,

and Pacific Ocean Areas.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 334, APRIL 16, 1945

Supported by carrier aircraft and by naval gunfire, elements of the Twenty Fourth Army Corps landed on le Shima, an island west of Okinawa, on the morning of April 16 (East Longitude Date). Advancing inland rapidly against resistance which was initially light but later stiffened, our troops captured the enemy airfield and secured most of the area west of that point. The greater part of the enemy defense force has been driven back to defensive positions in the pinnacles southeast of the airfield.

Marines of the Third Amphibious Corps continued to attack groups of the enemy on Motobu Peninsula, Okinawa, on April 16. Marine forces continued to advance northward in the rugged terrain of the island north of the peninsula.

There was little change in the lines of the Twenty Fourth Army Corps in the southern sector of Okinawa. Naval guns and carrier planes attacked enemy positions in the south.

396

At the end of April 13 our forces on Okinawa had killed 9,108 of the enemy and captured 391 prisoners of war. About 85,000 civilians had come under jurisdiction of the U. S. Military Government on the island by the end of April 15. Our Military Government authorities have constructed one large camp and have taken over thirteen villages for use of civilians. Civilian foodstuffs are being salvaged and used. Our medical facilities have proved adequate for treatment of civilians thus far.

Fast carrier task forces of the U. S. Pacific Fleet attacked aircraft, airfields and other military installations in the northern Ryukyus and on the island of Kyushu during the period April 12 to 15 (East Longitude Dates). In sweeps over airfields on Kikai and Tanega our planes shot down 77 enemy aircraft from April 12 to 14. Attacking major air bases at Kanoya and Kushira on Kyushu on April 15, U. S. carrier planes shot down 29 aircraft, destroyed 58 on the ground and damaged 60 more.

The enemy launched heavy air attacks against our forces in and around Okinawa on the morning of April 16. Strong combat air patrols from the fast carrier task forces of the U. S. Pacific Fleet met the attacking enemy aircraft and preliminary reports indicate that our planes shot down 62 enemy aircraft over the Okinawa area. Fighters, sweeping Kyushu, shot down 22 more, antiaircraft guns of the fast carrier forces shot down 15, and 67 more were shot out of the air by combat air patrols in the Ryukyus area.

Ship's antiaircraft fire off the Okinawa beaches destroyed 38 Japanese planes on April 16. Land‑based aircraft shot down an unreported number.

On April 16, Army Mustang fighters of the Seventh Fighter Command based on Iwo Island attacked ground installations at Kanoya and Kushira on Kyushu.

Army Black Widow night fighters attacked military installations in the Bonins during the night of April 15‑16. Search planes of Fleet Air Wing One damaged a small cargo ship heavily on April 16 in the northern Ryukyus.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 335, APRIL 17, 1945

About two thirds of the area of le Shima was brought under the control of the Tenth Army on April 17 (East Longitude Date) as our attacking forces wheeled eastward to occupy a line running from the northeast corner of the airfield along the base of the island's central pinnacle and through the town of Iegusugu to the southern coast. Resistance was moderate throughout the day.

Small pockets of the enemy continued to resist attacks of Marines of the Third Amphibious Corps on Motobu Peninsula and in northern Okinawa.

In the south there was no change in the lines of the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps.

Our troops in both the northern and southern sectors were supported throughout the day by heavy Naval gunfire, carrier aircraft and Army and Marine artillery. A few enemy reconnaissance planes were in the Okinawa area during the day.

Search aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One destroyed two small cargo ships at anchor near Tanega Island in the northern Ryukyus and demolished a warehouse on the island with a direct bomb hit on April 17. In waters east of the Ryukyus, Fleet Air Wing One planes sank three small cargo ships and damaged three others on the same date.

United States forces attacking the home islands of Japan and the island

397

groups of the Ryukyus since initiation of the Ryukyus campaign on March 18 to April 17, inclusive, have, destroyed more than 2200 Japanese aircraft in the air and on the ground. Aircraft from the fast carriers of the Pacific Fleet have destroyed more than 1600 of this total. In addition, units of the British Pacific Fleet operating in waters off the Sakishimas and Formosa have destroyed more than 80 enemy planes.

Search aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Four made rocket and machine gun attacks on buildings on Tomari Cape on Paramushiru in the northern Kuriles and strafed a trawler off the island on April 16.

Liberators of the Seventh Bomber Command bombed concrete structures and runways on Marcus Island on April 16. On the same date Marine Mitchells strafed ground installations at Kushira airfield on Kyushu.

Army Mustangs of the Seventh Fighter Command strafed and bombed shipping in and around Chichi Jima in the Bonins on April 17.

Corsairs and Hellcats of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed targets in the Palaus on April 17.

Planes of Fleet Air Wing One attacked installations on Yap and Puluwat in the Carolines on April 17.

Fleet Air Wing Two planes continued neutralizing attacks on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on April 16.

Mopping up operations on Iwo Island continued during the month of April as our forces developed that island as an air base. A total of 22,731 of the enemy were killed on Iwo from February 19 to April 14, inclusive, and 624 were captured.

CINCPOA PRESS RELEASE NO. 79, APRIL 17, 1945

On the morning of April 16 large numbers of enemy aircraft attacked one of our destroyers for more than two hours off the coast of Okinawa. The ship took two bomb hits and four suicide hits.

But she shot down 6 dive bombers and proceeded to operate as ordered.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 336, APRIL 18, 1945

Tenth Army Troops in Ie Shima made substantial gains in the Northeastern area of the Island on April 18 (East Longitude Date). The enemy in the area of Iegusugu Peak gave stiff resistance from dug in positions and pillboxes. On the third day of the action, preliminary reports show that 388 of the enemy have been killed and one prisoner taken. In the same period our forces lost 15 killed and 73 wounded. Five are listed as missing.

Elements of the Marine Third Amphibious Corps have reached the northern end of Okinawa Island. The Marines on Motobu Peninsula continued operations on April 18 against isolated groups of the enemy in that sector.

There were no changes in the lines of the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps In the Southern Sector of Okinawa. Naval guns and carrier aircraft continued to attack enemy strong points in the south. As of April 18, according to the most recent reports available, 989 officers and men of the U. S. Pacific Fleet had been killed in the Okinawa operation and associated attacks on Japan, 2,220 were wounded in action, and 1,491 were missing in action. At last report the soldiers and Marines of the Tenth Army had lost 478 officers and men killed, 2,457 had been wounded and 260 were missing.

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A Search Privateer of Fleet Air Wing One sank a small cargo ship north of the Ryukyus on April 18.

Corsair and Hellcat fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked targets in the Palaus and destroyed buildings on Yap in the Western Carolines on April 18.

Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force on April 17, bombed the Kataoka Naval Base on Shimushu in the Northern Kuriles.

U. S. patrols on Saipan, Tinian and Guam in the Marianas killed 30 Japanese and took 88 prisoners of war during the week ending April 14.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 337, APRIL 19, 1945

The Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps launched an offensive of substantial force against enemy defense lines in the southern sector of Okinawa on April 19 (East Longitude Date). In the early morning hours, powerful concentrations of Army and Marine artillery joined with battleships, cruisers, and lighter units of the Pacific Fleet to deliver one of the largest bombardments ever made in support of amphibious troops. Under cover of this fire and supported by great flights of carrier aircraft, Army Infantrymen of the Seventh, Twenty‑Seventh and Ninety‑Sixth Infantry Divisions moved off to the attack between 0600 and 0800. By noon the left and right flanks of our lines were reported to have moved forward from 500 to 800 yards and our forces captured the village of Machinato. The enemy was resisting our advance stubbornly with artillery, mortars, and light weapons. Our troops are now striking at a fortified line which is organized in great depth and developed to exploit the defensive value of the terrain which is dissected by ravines and terraced by escarpments. These fortifications whose northern perimeter follows an uneven line across the island at a point where it is about 8,000 yards wide are about four and a half miles north of Naha on the west coast and three and a half miles north of Yonabaru on the east coast. They include interlocking trench and pillbox systems, blockhouses, caves and the conventional Japanese dug‑in positions. During the forenoon, U. S. Army Infantrymen were engaged in knocking out strong points and penetrating and destroying segments of the outer lines.

Tenth Army troops in Ie Shima continued to advance on April 19 moving their lines forward south of the Iegusugu Peak. The enemy continued to resist from concealed fixed positions. Some of our observation planes have landed on the island airstrip.

Marines of the Third Amphibious Corps continued to extend their control over the northern areas of Okinawa. On Motobu Peninsula, mopping up operations were still in progress.

Army Mustangs of the Seventh Fighter Command, Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, on April 19 attacked Atsugi airfield, in the area of Tokyo.

Preliminary reports show that the following damage was inflicted on the enemy:

Twenty‑one aircraft shot out of the air

Two aircraft probably shot down

Twenty‑six aircraft destroyed or probably destroyed on the ground

Thirty‑five aircraft damaged in the air and on the ground

A large cargo ship was seen sinking off the coast and a medium cargo ship was observed burning south of Tokyo. Our aircraft strafed the ground targets at low level through moderate to intense antiaircraft fire.

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A search plane of Fleet Air Wing One sank a small coastal cargo ship in the area of the northern Ryukyus on April 19.

On the same date, Corsair and Hellcat fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked buildings and installations in the Palaus and Helldiver bombers of the same force struck the airstrip on Yap in the Western Carolines.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 338, APRIL 20, 1945

After a day of heavy attacks on the enemy's fortified positions in the Southern Okinawa Sector, the Twenty Fourth Army Corps had advanced about 1,000 yards generally by the morning of April 20 (East Longitude Date). The Seventh Infantry Division penetrated enemy defenses up to 1,400 yards in its zone of action near the east coast. Heavy Naval guns continued to bombard enemy strong points and Marine and Army artillery supported the advancing infantry with carrier aircraft delivering close support. Most of Yonabaru Town was destroyed. The enemy resisted our attacks bitterly in all sectors of the fighting in the south.

On Ie Shima, Tenth Army troops continued to drive eastward against strong resistance from isolated enemy positions on April 20. Simultaneously, operations were began to destroy enemy forces holding Iegusugu Peak. At the end of April 18, 736 of the enemy had been killed on the island.

Patrols of the Marine Third Amphibious Corps continued to cover the rugged country in Northern Okinawa on April 20 while operations against small groups of the enemy in Motobu Peninsula were continued.

In the early morning hours of April 20 several small groups of enemy aircraft approached our forces in the Okinawa Area and retired without causing damage.

The following is the complete list of ships sunk by enemy action in the Okinawa operation and the associated attacks on Japan from March 18 to April 18:

Destroyers.

Halligan

Bush

Colhoun

Mannert L. Abele

Pringle

Minecraft.

Emmons

Skylark

Destroyer Transport.

Dickerson

Gunboat.

PGM 18

LST 477 (later removed from Communiqué).

LCI 82 (complete designation LCI (G) 82)

LCS 33 (complete designation LOS (L) (3) 30)

LCT 876 (complete designation LCT (6) 876)

400

Ammunition Ships

Hobbs Victory

Logan Victory

During the same period the following Japanese ships and aircraft were destroyed by our forces participating in the same operations:

2,569 Aircraft destroyed

One Yamato class battleship

Two light cruisers

Five destroyers

Five destroyer escorts

Four large cargo ships

One medium cargo ship

28 small cargo ships

54 small craft

Numerous enemy torpedo boats, speed boats and other types of small craft.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force on April 19 bombed installations on Truk in the Carolines. On the following day, a search plane of Fleet Air Wing One sank a small sailing vessel in Truk Lagoon.

Army bombers of the Seventh Air Force also struck Arakabesan and Koror in the Palaus scoring hits on antiaircraft emplacements on April 19. Corsair and Hellcat fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed miscellaneous targets in the Palaus and on Yap in the Western Carolines on the following day.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 339, APRIL 21, 1945

The Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps pressed its attack against the enemy in the southern sector of Okinawa on April 20 and 21 (East Longitude Dates) making small gains through heavily defended areas. On the approaches to Hill 178, the high ground changed hands several times on April 21 in the bitterest kind of fighting. Small gains were made by our forces in other segments of the lines. Naval guns and Army and Marine artillery continued to bombard enemy emplacements with heavy fire and carrier aircraft attacked troop concentrations in the southern part of the island.

Marines of the Third Amphibious Corps reduced the remaining pockets of enemy resistance on Motobu Peninsula on the afternoon of April 20 and brought the entire area under their control.

Tenth Army troops placed the United States Flag on the summit of Iegusugu Peak on Ie Shima on the morning of April 21 after overcoming bitter resistance from caves, pillboxes and other strong points. Our forces are engaged in mopping up operations on the island which is now in our possession.

On the night of April 20‑21, enemy aircraft attacked Yontan and Kadena airfields causing minor damage. Carrier aircraft from the U. S. Pacific Fleet attacked air installations in the Sakishima group on April 19 and 21, shooting down one plane and strafing several others on the ground.

Hellcat and Corsair fighters of Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed targets in the Palaus on April 21.

401

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 340, APRIL 22, 1945

The Twenty Fourth Army Corps continued to attack the enemy's fortified positions in the southern sector of Okinawa on April 22 (East Longitude Date) meeting bitter resistance in all areas of the fighting. Our troops were supported by heavy artillery, naval guns, and carrier and land‑based aircraft. No substantial changes had been made in the lines by 1700 on April 22. A total of 11,738 of the enemy have been killed and 27 taken prisoner in the Twenty Fourth Corps zone of action.

Elements of the Marine Third Amphibious Corps occupied Taka Banare Island east of Okinawa on April 22 and landed on Sesoko Island west of Motobu Peninsula on the same date. Our troops on Sesoko were reported to be half way across the island in the early afternoon.

During the night of April 21‑22, a few enemy aircraft approached our forces around the Okinawa area and four were shot down by carrier planes and aircraft of the Tactical Air Force. On the afternoon of April 22 a substantial group of Japanese planes attacked our forces in and around Okinawa causing some damage and sinking one light unit of the fleet. Forty‑nine enemy planes were shot down by our combat air patrols and antiaircraft fire.

Carrier aircraft of the U. S. Pacific Fleet attacked airfields and other installations in the Sakishima Group on April 21 and 22.

Army Mustangs of the Seventh Fighter Command attacked Suzuka airfield 32 miles southwest of Nagoya on April 22 inflicting the following damage on the enemy:

9 aircraft shot out of the air

One probably shot down

17 aircraft destroyed on the ground

20 Aircraft damaged on the ground

A 6000‑ton ship exploded in Ise Bay south of Nagoya

Two small oilers sunk

One small tanker sunk

One coastal cargo ship damaged

Carrier‑based aircraft of the U. S. Pacific Fleet attacked airfields and ground installations in the Amami Group of the Northern Ryukyus during April 18 to 20 inclusive, damaging or destroying numerous airfield structures. On April 21 and 22 carrier planes operating in the Northern Ryukyus shot down 16 enemy planes and burned 10 more on the ground.

A search plane of Fleet Air Wing One attacked a small cargo ship east of the Ryukyus on April 22 leaving it burning and dead in the water.

Runways and installations on Marcus Island were bombed by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force on April 21. Helldiver bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked the airstrip on Yap in the Western Carolines on April 21.

During the twenty four hours ending at 1800 on April 20, 60 Japanese were killed and 64 were captured on Iwo Island. A total of 23,049 of the enemy have been killed and 850 captured since February 19.

Communiqué Number 338, paragraph five, is corrected as follows

Delete "One LST 477" from the list of ships sunk.

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CINCPOA PRESS RELEASE NO. 86, APRIL 22, 1945

Major General Andrew D. Bruce, Commanding General, 77th Infantry Division, whose forces captured Ie Shims, has sent the following message to Fleet Admiral C. W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, and to the Governor of Texas:

"After a bitter fight from pill box to pill box, cave to cave, and house to house, the Seventy Seventh Infantry Division placed the American flag on top of the heavily defended pinnacle on Ie Shims on April 21, 1945. A Texas flag was placed on the bloody ridge below the fortress by the Texans of the Division in honor of those gallant Texas men who gathered at Corregidor to remember San Jacinto Day on April 21, 1942, exactly three years ago."

Fleet Admiral Nimitz is a native of Fredericksburg, Texas.

Major General Bruce is a resident of Temple, Texas.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 341, APRIL 23, 1945

Naval guns and carrier aircraft continued to support troops of the Twenty-Fourth Army Corps attacking the enemy's fortified line in the southern sector of Okinawa on April 23 (East Longitude Date).

Planes from carriers of the U. S. Pacific Fleet attacked 25 enemy aircraft about to take off from an airfield on Miyako in the Sakishima group on the evening of April 22 destroying 15 on the ground and shot down five more in the air. Four planes were shot down over Ishigaki in the same group. On April 23, three aircraft were destroyed on the ground at Kume Island in the Okinawa group by our fighters and a single enemy plane was shot down north of Okinawa by a Marine plane.

No further information is available on the progress of the fighting in southern Okinawa.

Carrier aircraft of the British Pacific Fleet bombed and strafed air Installations in the Sakishima group on April 16 and 17. Four enemy planes were shot down and one was destroyed on the ground.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed targets in the Palaus on April 23.

On April 22, Marine Corsairs continued neutralizing raids on enemy bases in the Marshalls.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 342, APRIL 24, 1945

The Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps continued the attack against enemy lines in the southern sector of Okinawa on April 23 (East Longitude Date). Elements of the Seventh Infantry Division captured an important enemy position on high ground west of Ishin Village. Enemy opposition was heavy along the entire front.

Marines of the Third Amphibious Corps were engaged in mopping up remnants of the enemy on Yagachi Island north of Motobu Peninsula on April 23. On the same date, Third Corps troops occupied Heanza Island east of Katchin Peninsula and Kouri Island, north of Motobu Peninsula, finding no opposition.

On April 24, ships of the U. S. Pacific Fleet delivered heavy gunfire in support of the attacking troops in the Twenty‑Fourth Corps sector. Numerous caves were closed and blockhouses, pillboxes, trenches and gun emplacements

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were destroyed. Adverse weather reduced air operations and there was no enemy aircraft activity over the area during the day.

Search aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One sank two small cargo ships and one motor torpedo boat and damaged two torpedo boats east of the Ryukyus on April 23. On the following day search planes of the same Wing strafed building and radio installations in the northern Ryukyus and damaged a number of small craft.

Carrier aircraft from units of the British Pacific Fleet strafed and bombed runways, airfield structures, barracks and other installations on islands of the Sakishima group on April 20 encountering no enemy air opposition.

On April 23, Liberators of the Strategic Air Force bombed installations on Marcus Island. Iwo based Mustangs of the same force bombed and strafed storage dumps on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on April 24.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 343, APRIL 25, 1945

A general advance was made by troops of the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps on Okinawa on April 24 (East Longitude Date) resulting in the capture of Kakazu Town in the center and an important strong point at Hill 178 on the left flank. Our ground forces were supported by heavy Naval gunfire and low level attacks by aircraft of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing. Enemy defenses at Tanabaru were in process of being reduced as Army troops continued to advance on April 25.

Marines of the Third Amphibious Corps continued to patrol northern areas of the island on April 24 and 25.

As of 0600 on April 25, United States soldiers and Marines on Okinawa and surrounding islands had killed 21,269 of the enemy and had taken 399 prisoners of war. A total of 115,279 civilians have come under jurisdiction of U. S. Military Government authorities.

At the end of April 22, 889 soldiers of the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps and 257 Marines of the Third Amphibious Corps had been killed in action on Okinawa. A total of 4,879 officers and men of the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps were wounded and 289 were missing. The Third Amphibious Corps suffered 1,103 wounded and had 7 missing.

Carrier aircraft of the U. S. Pacific Fleet attacked airfield installations on islands of the Sakishima group on April 24.

Search planes of Fleet Air Wing One destroyed a small cargo ship, sank six fishing craft, sank a whaling vessel and damaged a small cargo ship in the water east of Kyushu on April 24.

On April 24 and 25, Corsair and Hellcat fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked targets in the Palau and Marine bombers and fighters struck runways and other installations on Yap in the Western Carolines.

The following are enemy killed and taken prisoner during mopping up operations on Iwo Island and islands of the Marianas and Palaus during the week of April 15 to April 21 inclusive

Iwo:

Killed, 360 ; prisoners of war, 246.

Saipan:

Killed, 4 ; prisoners of war, 7.

Tinian:

Prisoners of war, 38.

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Guam

Killed, 38; prisoners of war, 21.

Peleliu:

Killed, 6.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 344, APRIL 26, 1945

On April 26 (East Longitude Date), the troops of the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps moved forward and secured positions on the high ground East of Urasoe Mura. Battleships and cruisers of the U. S. Pacific Fleet continued to give close gunfire support to the troops. A number of batteries, emplacements, structures and caves were destroyed by ships' guns. Aircraft from carriers and planes of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing attacked enemy installations in the Southern sector of the Island. During the early hours of April 26, a few enemy aircraft approached our forces in the area around Okinawa and one was shot down.

Carrier aircraft of the U. S. Pacific Fleet continued neutralizing attacks on airfield installations in the Sakishima Group on April 25.

Search Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One strafed and sank a number of fishing craft, a small picket boat and a torpedo boat and damaged a number of other small craft in the waters east of Kyushu on April 26.

Helldiver bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing struck the airfield on Yap on April 26. On the same date, fighters of the same Wing bombed targets in the Palaus. On the previous day dive bombers of the same Wing continued neutralizing raids on the Marshalls.

Search Privateers of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed fuel and ammunition storage areas on Wake Island on April 25.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 345, APRIL 27, 1945

Troops of the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps in the southern sector of Okinawa made a general advance during the afternoon of April 26 (East Longitude Date). By 1800 on that day, elements of the Twenty‑Seventh Infantry Division had reached the vicinity of the Machinato Airfield near the West Coast after by passing enemy strong points in Nakama Village. In the central and eastern segments of the lines local gains were made against enemy mortar and machine gun fire. The ground troops were supported by Naval gunfire, carrier aircraft and planes of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing. The attack was resumed on the morning of April 27.

Marines of the Third Amphibious Corps continued to patrol northern Okinawa on April 26 and 27.

A few enemy aircraft appeared over our forces during the early morning of April 27. Three were shot down by one of our minesweepers.

Attacks by carrier aircraft of the U. S. Pacific Fleet on the Sakishima Group continued on April 26.

Mitchells of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked harbor installations on Chichi Jima in the Bonins on the night of April 26. Fighters and torpedo planes of the same wing bombed bivouac areas in the Palaus on April 27 and fighters attacked targets on Yap.

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CINCPOA PRESS RELEASE NO. 87, APRIL 27, 1945

In the Okinawa campaign the enemy has attempted the use of rocket-propelled suicide bombs against our forces. These weapons, which are similar to a small single‑seat airplane, carry a pilot and are generally launched from the underside of the fuselage of a bomber. They have a wingspan of about sixteen feet, a length of more than 19 feet, and a tail plane of about eight feet. Constructed of light metals and wood, these bombs carry a heavy warhead of explosives. They are capable of high speed which reduces their qualities of maneuverability to a low point. The enemy has used them in limited numbers in the Okinawa operation up to this date, offering little opportunity for observation of their powers or effects. U. S. forces have designated these missiles by the term "baka bomb". "Baka" Is Japanese meaning "stupid," "foolish," or "silly."

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 346, APRIL 28, 1945

Troops of the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps moved slowly forward in the Southern sector of Okinawa on April 27 (East Longitude Date) destroying pillboxes, caves and strong points. Heavy artillery was employed to break up troop concentrations in the enemy's rear areas and planes of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing joined with carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet to give close support to the troops. Naval gunfire continued to be effective in destroying enemy fortified positions.

During the night of April 27‑28, two groups of enemy aircraft attacked U. S. shipping off Okinawa beaches causing some damage and sinking one auxiliary surface unit. Twenty‑five enemy aircraft were shot down and two were probably destroyed. Enemy small craft activity increased during the night and a number of small boats were destroyed by our forces.

On April 28, combat air patrols from fast carriers shot down 32 enemy planes in the areas around Okinawa, Kikai and Yaku Islands in the Ryukyus.

Search Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One sank three small cargo ships, forced another to beach and damaged several other small ships in the area around Kyushu on April 28.

Aircraft from escort carriers of the Pacific Fleet continued to bomb and strafe airfields on islands of the Sakishimas on April 27.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed installations at Truk in the central Carolines on April 26. A search Privateer of Fleet Air Wing One sank a small ship and several fishing boats in Truk Harbor on April 28.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 347, APRIL 29, 1945

A Navy Hospital Ship, USS Comfort, was attacked and heavily damaged by a Japanese aircraft about 50 miles south of Okinawa at 2058 local time on April 28 (East Longitude Date). The crashed Japanese plane which made the suicide attack is still on the Comfort. The vessel which was engaged in evacuating wounded from Okinawa suffered 29 killed, 33 seriously wounded, and 100 missing, including patients, passengers, and crew. At the time of the attack she was operating under full hospital procedure, was clearly marked and was fully lighted. She is now proceeding to port under her own power.

Elements of the Twenty Seventh Infantry Division captured the northern half of Machinato Airfield on Okinawa on April 28 as a general advance was made in the southern sector of the island. The Seventh Infantry Division

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secured the high ground near Kochi Village and was continuing to move southward. Corsair fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing and planes from the carriers of the Pacific Fleet bombed and strafed ahead of the advancing troops. The attack was supported by heavy artillery and by the guns of heavy units of the fleet.

A series of attacks involving a total of about 200 enemy aircraft were made on our forces in the Okinawa area during the afternoon of April 28 and the night of April 28‑29. Combat air patrols from escort and fast carriers of the U. S. Pacific Fleet and from the Second Marine Aircraft Wing prevented any enemy planes from penetrating to our main forces during daylight. Attacks after nightfall and continuing until 0215 on April 29 caused some damage to light units of the fleet. A total of 104 enemy aircraft were destroyed by ships' guns and carrier and land‑based aircraft.

Carrier aircraft strafed targets on Kume Island west of Okinawa on April 28.

From the beginning of operations against Okinawa and surrounding islands through April 27, the Tenth Army lost 1,527 soldiers and 320 Marines killed in action. A total of 7,826 soldiers and 1,322 Marines were wounded and 413 soldiers and five Marines were missing.

Navy search aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One attacked a convoy west of Kyushu on April 27 scoring four hits with medium bombs on cargo ships. Aircraft of the same wing attacked shipping in Shimonoseki Strait with bombs and torpedoes during the night of April 28‑29. During daylight on April 29, Fleet Air Wing One planes destroyed a small cargo ship, damaged seven others, and set a picket ship afire in attacks made in the waters around Kyushu, Honshu, and the Ryukyus.

Army Mustangs of the Seventh Fighter Command strafed small craft, radio installations, and other targets in the area of the Bonins on April 29.

Corsair fighters and Avenger torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed targets in the Palaus through moderate antiaircraft fire on targets April 28 and 29.

Army Liberators and Thunderbolt fighters of the Strategic Air Force bombed and strafed airfields and installations at Truk in the Carolines on April 28 and 29. On April 29 Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing One hit the same target setting a drydock afire and sinking a ship in the harbor.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 348, APRIL 30, 1945

Machinato Airfield on Okinawa was captured by troops of the Twenty-Seventh Infantry Division on April 29 (East Longitude Date). Behind aerial bombing, Naval gunfire and heavy artillery preparation, troops of the Ninety Sixth Infantry Division in the center were advancing southward over hill terrain. Seventh Division infantrymen were driving toward the ridges southeast of Kochi Village.

On April 29, several groups of enemy aircraft attacked our forces in the area of Okinawa. A total of 29 planes were shot down by our fighters and by ship and shore antiaircraft fire. In addition combat air patrols of the Fast Carrier Task Forces shot down 21 planes near our surface units on April 29 and four more on April 30.

Carrier aircraft from the Pacific Fleet attacked landing craft, a coastal ship, fuel dumps, barracks and airfield installations on Tokuno, Amami and

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Kikai Islands, in the Ryukyus on April 29 and 30. Five enemy aircraft were burned on the ground.

Search aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One bombed two small cargo ships in the Ryukyus Area on April 29 leaving one in sinking condition and another burning badly. On the same date, planes of the same Wing set three small cargo ships afire in the East China Sea.

Search planes of Fleet Air Wing One on April 30 destroyed a small cargo ship and damaged dry dock installations, a coastal vessel, a patrol craft and a number of small craft in the area of Kyushu. Aircraft of the same Wing sank three small cargo ships near Kozu Island south of Tokyo and a number of fishing craft off the south coast of Honshu. On the same date search Aircraft of the same Wing sank a number of small craft in Truk Harbor in the Carolines and destroyed six barges at Woleai.

Buildings, gun emplacements and radar Installations on Minami Cape, Shimushu in the Northern Kuriles, were attacked with rockets and machine gun fire by Search Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Four on April 29.

Helldiver bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing made neutralizing raids on enemy bases in the Marshalls on April 29. Aircraft of the same Wing attacked targets in the Palaus on the following day.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 349, MAY 1, 1945

Troops of the Seventh Infantry Division continued to advance in the eastern sector of the lines on Okinawa on April 30 (East Longitude Date). By mid‑afternoon advance elements of the division had entered the village of Kuhazu. Local gains were made along the remainder of the front. The attack of the infantry was supported by heavy naval gunfire, heavy artillery and carrier and land‑based aircraft. A few enemy planes were In the area of Okinawa on April 30. One medium sized ship was damaged.

Aircraft from escort carriers attacked air installations in the Sakishima group on April 30. Reports of the strike on these islands by escort carrier planes on April 29 reveal that ammunition dumps were exploded, radio facilities and barracks were hit and several planes were destroyed on the ground.

Search planes of Fleet Air Wing One bombed and strafed radio installations on Kuro and Kuchino Islands in the northern Ryukyus on April 30. An enemy plane was destroyed on the ground at Kuchino. On the following day aircraft of this wing sank a cargo ship and damaged another in the East China Sea; sank a small cargo ship off the southern coast of Shikoku; and destroyed a small cargo ship at Miyake Island, south of Tokyo.

On April 30, Army Mustangs of the Seventh Fighter Command, escorted heavy bombers of the Twenty‑First Bomber Command over Tokyo, probably shot down one enemy plane and strafed three picket boats off the coast leaving them afire and dead in the water. Iwo based Mustangs on May 1, bombed and strafed military installations on Chichi Jima in the Bonins.

Mitchells of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing damaged a large cargo ship with rockets north of the Bonins on April 30. Corsair and Hellcat fighters end Avenger torpedo planes of this wing bombed enemy islands in the Palaus on May 1.

Army Thunderbolt fighters of the Seventh Air Force shot down a four engine seaplane over Truk in the Carolines on April 30 and swept the seaplane base and harbor with rocket fire sinking one small craft and damaging

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two others. Army Liberators of the same force followed the attack with heavy bombing of the airfields on Moen and Param Islands. Marcus Island was bombed by Seventh Air Force Liberators on the same date.

Eleventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Kataoka naval base on Shimushu on April 30. On the same date, installations on Kokutan Cape on the same island, were attacked by search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 594, MAY 2, 1945

Far Eastern Waters.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 21 enemy vessels, including two combatant ships‑a destroyer and an escort vessel‑in operations against the enemy in these waters, as follows:

1 destroyer

1 escort vessel

1 destroyer transport

2 medium cargo transports

2 small cargo vessels

12 medium cargo vessels

1 large tanker

1 medium tanker

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

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 350, MAY 2, 1945

The Seventh Infantry Division which captured Kuhazu Village during the late afternoon of April 30 continued to advance southward on Okinawa on May 1 (East Longitude Dates). No substantial change was made in other sectors of the lines where our troops were under enemy artillery, mortar and small arms fire. On May 2, ships' guns destroyed a number of enemy emplacements, strong points, and boat pens and carrier and land based aircraft bombed enemy defenses. The Infantry resumed the attack during the hours of darkness on the morning of May 2 and elements of the Seventh Division moved 1,400 yards forward to the vicinity of Gaja Hill, approximately one mile north of the town of Yonabaru. Tanks and flame throwers were being employed to develop this salient. The Seventy‑Seventh Infantry Division and the First Marine Division launched an attack in the center and on the right flank and were moving forward during the morning of May 2.

Targets on Kume Island, west of Okinawa and in the Sakishima Group In the Southern Ryukyus, were attacked by aircraft of the U. S. Pacific Fleet on May 2.

Search Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One sank a medium transport south of Korea on May 1. On the following day, planes of this Wing sank two small cargo ships off the coast of Central Honshu and one oft the coast of Kyushu. Two small cargo ships were damaged near Honshu and a number of fishing and small craft were struck off Kyushu on the same date.

Army Mustangs of the Seventh Fighter Command bombed and strafed radio installations and other targets in the Bonins on May 2.

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Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Param Airfield at Truk and the airstrip and air facilities at Marcus Island on May 1 and 2.

Corsair and Hellcat fighters and Avenger torpedo planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed targets in the Palaus and on Yap in the Western Carolines on May 2.

Neutralizing attacks were made on enemy bases in the Marshalls by Search Planes of Fleet Air Wing Two on May 1.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 351, MAY 3, 1945

The Tenth Army resumed the attack in Southern Okinawa on May 3, (East Longitude Date), meeting artillery, mortar and small arms fire from the enemy's fortified line. The First Marine Division made a limited advance in its zone of action while other sectors remained stable. The attack was supported by ships' guns and aircraft.

In the early evening hours of May 3, four small groups of enemy aircraft attacked our shipping off the coast of Okinawa inflicting some damage on our forces and sinking two light units. Seventeen enemy aircraft were destroyed.

Planes from escort carriers of the U. S. Pacific Fleet continued neutralizing attacks on airfields and air installations in the Sakishima group on May 2.

As of May 2, according to the most recent reports available, 1,131 officers and men of the U. S. Pacific Fleet had been killed in action in the Okinawa operation and associated operations against Japan. A total of 2,816 were wounded and 1,604 were missing. All figures are preliminary and incomplete.

Search Privateers of Fleet Air Wing One destroyed three twin‑engine planes on the ground, damaged locomotive and set numerous fires in a low level attack on Kanoya Airfield, Kyushu, during the early evening of May 3. Planes of the same wing probably sank a small cargo ship off the coast of Central Honshu on the same date.

Planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed targets in the Palaus and strafed installations on Sonsoral Island, southwest of the Palaus on May 3. On the same date dive-bombers of this wing struck the airstrip at Yap. Neutralizing attacks were carried out on enemy bases in the Marshalls by Marine aircraft on the previous day.

A search Privateer of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed barracks and shops on Wake Island on May 2.

CINCPOA PRESS RELEASE NO. 89, MAY 3, 1945

Among the ships of the British Pacific Fleet which engaged in operations against the islands of the Sakishima Group during the period March 26 to April 20 were the following fleet aircraft carriers

HMS Indomitable

HMS Indefatigable

HMS Victorious

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 595, MAY 4, 1945

1. The submarine USS Swordfish is overdue from patrol and presumed lost. Next of kin of officers and crew have been informed.

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CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 352, MAY 4, 1945

During the night of May 3‑4 (East Longitude Dates) about 600 Japanese soldiers using landing craft attempted to attack behind our lines at three points along the West Coast and at one point on the East Coast of Okinawa. By daylight the landing effort on the East Coast had been repulsed and enemy groups on the West Coast were pocketed and being destroyed. During early morning darkness a number of enemy aircraft attacked Yontan Airstrip, causing some damage. In the same period, ships offshore destroyed 15 suicide boats one of which caused minor damage to a light surface unit.

There was virtually no change in the position of the lines of the Tenth Army in Southern Okinawa on May 4.

Between the hours of 0745 and 0915, on May 4, a substantial number of enemy aircraft attacked our forces afloat in the area of Okinawa, sinking five surface units and damaging a number of others. Preliminary reports indicate that 54 enemy planes were shot down over our forces by ships' guns and combat air patrols. One of our destroyers shot down a Baka bomb during the attack.

Aircraft from fast carrier task forces of the U. S. Pacific Fleet sweeping the Islands of the Northern Ryukyus shot down one plane, destroyed one and damaged 19 others on the ground at Tokuno, Kikai and Tanega Islands on May 3. On the following day, aircraft from fast carriers shot 96 aircraft out of the air over Okinawa and the Amami Group.

Search Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One shot down two enemy planes and damaged two others on May 4.

Escort carrier aircraft of the U. S. Pacific Fleet continued neutralizing raids on airfields in the Sakishima Group on May 3.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed air and harbor Installations at Truk on May 3, leaving a small cargo ship burning and another listing after being hit by bombs. A single Navy search Plane exploded an ammunition dump at Truk on the following day. On May 4, Seventh Army Air Force planes bombed runways and dispersal areas on Marcus Island.

Planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed targets in the Palaus and Marshalls on May 4.

Mopping up operations on Two Island and the Islands of the Marianas continued during April 22 and 28 inclusive. A total of 108 of the enemy were killed and 156 were taken prisoner.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 353, MAY 5, 1945

Following and in conjunction with the attempted landings of Japanese troops behind the Tenth Army lines on Okinawa on the night of May 3‑4 (East Longitude Dates) and in coordination with his heavy air attacks of May 3 and 4, the enemy on May 4, launched a general counterattack. Its greatest weight was against the positions of the Seventh and Seventy‑Seventh Infantry Divisions. This attack was supported by tanks and was preceded by intense artillery fire. Our troops supported by a heavy barrage from Army and Marine artillery and low level strafing by carrier and Marine aircraft broke up the enemy attacks. Taking advantage of the disorganized state of the enemy's lines after his failure in these operations, Army and Marine infantry men resumed the offensive on the morning of May 5 and were advancing at midmorning when elements of the First Marine Division began

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an assault on Hill 187, east of the Asa River Mouth. A total of 3,000 of the enemy were killed during the attacks on May 3‑4, including troops which made landings on our beaches. Five enemy tanks were destroyed.

During the air attacks of May 4, our forces shot down 168 planes over the Okinawa Area including 45 by the Second Marine Aircraft Wing and 67 by Fast Carrier Forces Patrols. Early in the morning of May 5, a small group of enemy planes approached our forces and bombed the Yontan Airstrip causing no damage.

From the beginning of the Okinawa operation to May 5, the enemy lost 33,462 killed and 700 prisoners of war including 297 labor troops.

The Tenth Army up to May 3, lost 2,337 soldiers and Marines killed. A total of 11,432 were wounded and 514 were missing.

Search Planes of Fleet Air Wing One sank two large tankers in Fusan Harbor, Korea, and damaged a cargo ship south of Fusan on May 4.

Aircraft from escort carriers of the U. S. Pacific Fleet continued to neutralize airfields in the Sakishima Group on May 4.

Corsairs and Avengers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed installations in the Palaus on May 5.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 354, MAY 6, 1945

Heavy units of the U. S. Pacific Fleet in attacks coordinated with those of carrier and land‑based aircraft bombarded enemy positions on Okinawa on May 5 (East Longitude Date). During the early morning and early evening of that day a number of enemy aircraft approached our forces without causing damage. On the morning of May 6 a small number of enemy air attacks were made on ships off Okinawa. One light unit suffered minor damage and four enemy aircraft were shot down.

Search aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One based in the Okinawa area swept Tsushima and Korea Straits and the coastal waters of Western Korea on May 5 and inflicted the following damage on the enemy by low level bombing and strafing:

Sunk:

Two large oilers

One medium freighter

One small cargo ship

Damaged:

One large fleet oiler left dead in water and sinking

One cargo ship exploded and left sinking.

One small freighter left abandoned and sinking

One large cargo ship left burning

One freighter left listing and burning

One medium oiler left burning

Nine small cargo ships damaged

One lugger damaged

In addition, search planes shot down three enemy aircraft. On the following day aircraft of this wing probably sank a picket boat and destroyed numerous fishing craft.

On May 4 heavy units of the British Pacific Fleet including battleships

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and cruisers bombarded enemy airfields at Hirara and Nobara on Miyako Island in the Sakishima group causing considerable damage. Aircraft from carriers of the force attacked enemy airfields in the island group on May 4 and 5 destroying 15 aircraft in the air, three on the ground and damaging four others on the ground. A major unit of the task force suffered some damage during an air attack but has resumed operations.

Corsair and Hellcat fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed installations in the Palaus through intense antiaircraft fire on May 6.

Thunderbolt fighters of the Seventh Army Air Force strafed shipping and air installations at Truk on May 6 sinking one tug and damaging two other craft in the harbor.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 355, MAY 7, 1945

Enemy positions in the Southern Sector of Okinawa were brought under fire by heavy forces of the United States Pacific Fleet on May 6 (East Longitude Date) and numerous blockhouses, pillboxes and other structures were destroyed. Carrier aircraft of the Fleet and planes of the Tactical Air Force gave close support to the ground troops. On the same day, U. S. carrier aircraft made neutralizing attacks on airfields of the Sakishima Group.

On May 7, troops of the Tenth Army advanced in the Southern sector. The First Marine Division drove southward to the edge of Dakeshi Village while the Seventy‑Seventh Infantry Division, led by flame‑throwing tanks, made gains in the center, and the Seventh Infantry Division moved forward on the left flank.

From the beginning of the Okinawa operation through May 7, the enemy lost 36,535 killed in all areas of the land fighting.

A small number of enemy aircraft were over our forces in the Okinawa Area early on May 7. No damage was reported.

Search Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One attacking at masthead height with bombs and machine guns inflicted the following damage on enemy shipping in the waters around Korea on May 6:

Sunk:

One large cargo ship.

One medium cargo ship.

One medium oiler.

One large fleet tanker.

Damaged:

Two small freighters damaged.

One large cargo ship exploded.

Planes of Fleet Air Wing Eighteen in searches of Japanese waters sank three coastal cargo ships south of Honshu and probably destroyed a seagoing tug on May 7.

Mustangs of the Seventh Fighter Command bombed and strafed barracks, and small craft at Chichi Jima in the Bonins on May 7.

Planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing made neutralizing attacks on the Marshalls on May 6. On the following day, Corsairs, Hellcats and Avengers of the same Wing and Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked targets in the Palau Islands.

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MAY 8, 1945

A PROCLAMATION

The Allied armies, through sacrifice and devotion and with God's help, have wrung from Germany a final and unconditional surrender. The western world has been freed of the evil forces which for five years and longer have imprisoned the bodies and broken the lives of millions upon millions of freeborn men. They have violated their churches, destroyed their homes, corrupted their children, and murdered their loved ones. Our Armies of Liberation have restored freedom to these suffering peoples, whose spirit and will the oppressors could never enslave.

Much remains to be done. The victory won in the West must now be won in the East. The whole world must be cleansed of the evil from which half the world has been freed. United, the peace‑loving nations have demonstrated in the West that their arms are stronger by far than the might of dictators or the tyranny of military cliques that once called us soft and weak. The power of our peoples to defend themselves against all enemies will be proved in the Pacific war as it has been proved in Europe.

For the triumph of spirit and of arms which we have won, and for its promise to peoples everywhere who join us in the love of freedom, it is fitting that we, as a nation, give thanks to Almighty God, who has strengthened us and given us the victory.

Now, THEREFORE, I, HARRY S. TRUMAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby appoint Sunday, May 13, 1945, to be a day of prayer.

I call upon the people of the United States, whatever their faith, to unit in offering joyful thanks to God for the victory we have won and to pray that He will support us to the end of our present struggle and guide us into the way of peace.

I also call upon my countrymen to dedicate this day of prayer to the memory of those who have given their lives to make possible our victory.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States of America to be affixed.

DONE at the City of Washington this eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and forty‑five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and sixty‑ninth.

By the President

[SEAL]

HARRY S. TRUMAN.

JOSEPH C. GREW,

Acting Secretary of State.

MAY 8, 1945

STATEMENT TO THE MEN OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY AND ARMY BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

You and your Allies have won a great victory. The price was high; it has been won by determination, sacrifice and blood. With this victory you have won something more: the admiration and gratitude of America and the world.

The task has now been half accomplished. Another powerful enemy remains. It will require all our resolution and fortitude to destroy him. Only by so doing can we keep faith with those who have fallen. Let us now go forward to speedy and complete victory in the Pacific.

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MAY 8, 1945

MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESS

The following are casualty figures for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard sustained in the Atlantic‑Mediterranean theaters, including the European theater. Data for the Navy are through April 26; those for the Marine Corps are through April 10 ; those for the Coast Guard are through May 5. The Coast Guard keeps no breakdown by theaters for casualties other than dead. Totals include combatant as well as non‑combatant casualties. Navy totals for the combined Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters include casualties which might have been sustained on the continents of Europe and Africa. The Coast Guard totals for the "Atlantic" theater cover all operations against the European enemy.

	Dead	Missing	Wounded or Injured	Prisoners of War	Total
Navy
Atlantic	6,415	594	3,612	29	10,650
Mediterranean	1,930	78	1,689	0	3,697
Total	8,346	672	5,301	29	14,347
Marine Corps:
Atlantic	32	0	1	0	33
Mediterranean	2	0	0	0	2
Eastern Theatre of Operations	0	1	o	3	4
Total	34	1	1	3	39
Coast Guard	508	...	...	....	508

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 356, MAY 8, 1945

Battleships and cruisers of the U. S. Pacific Fleet delivered heavy fire in support of the Marine Third Amphibious Corps and the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps in southern Okinawa on May 7 (East Longitude Date) destroying gun emplacements, some artillery and a number of mortars. During the night of May 7‑8, surface craft fired several hundred rounds of illumination which effectively reduced the enemy's attempts at infiltration into our lines. Adverse weather limited our operations on the island during May 8 and there were no substantial changes in the lines.

No enemy aircraft activity was noted in the Ryukyus during the night and day of May 7‑8. As of that date, summaries of damage to the enemy show that fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing have shot down 209 Japanese aircraft since they commenced operation from captured fields on Okinawa.

Escort carrier aircraft of the U. S. Pacific Fleet continued to neutralize airfields in the Sakishima group on May 7.

Concentrations of shipping in the coastal waters around Korea were attacked on May 7 by search planes of Fleet Air Wing One and an estimated 14,000 tons of shipping were sunk and 3,500 tons damaged as follows

Sunk:

One small freighter transport

One large fleet oiler

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Damaged:

One trawler set afire

One small freight transport set afire and listing

One small freighter left listing and dead in water

Planes of Fleet Air Wing Eighteen in attacks on shipping south of the island of Honshu on May 8 inflicted the following damage on the enemy:

Sunk:

Two small cargo ships

One large fishing craft

One coastal cargo ship

Damaged:

Four small cargo ships

Four large fishing craft

One coastal cargo ship

Search planes of this wing shot down a four‑engine flying boat near the Honshu coast on the same date.

Night flying Mitchells of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing damaged a small ship with rockets south of Honshu on May 7.

Thunderbolts of the Seventh Army Air Force strafed and bombed gun positions and radio installations on Truk in the Carolines through intense antiaircraft fire on May 7. On the same date, Liberators of this force bombed the runways on Marcus Island.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 357, MAY 9, 1945

Carrier‑based aircraft, Marine aircraft based ashore and ships' guns continued to support the troops of the Tenth Army with heavy bombing and gunfire on enemy positions in southern Okinawa on May 8 (East Longitude Date). Adverse weather continued in the Okinawa area through May 8 and no enemy aircraft were active over the Ryukyus on that date. The troops continued to move southward on May 9.

At noon on May 9 every gun ashore and every gun afloat which bore on the enemy on Okinawa fired one round simultaneously in recognition of the victory of the United Nations in Europe.

From the beginning of operations against Okinawa through May 7, the Tenth Army lost 2,107 soldiers and 577 Marines killed in action. A total of 10,402 soldiers and 2,800 Marines were wounded and 501 soldiers and 38 Marines were missing.

Aircraft from carriers of the British Pacific Fleet bombed airfields and defenses on Miyako and‑Ishigaki in the Sakishima group on May 9 destroying two planes on the ground and shooting one out of the air. Two units of the force suffered minor damage during an air attack but remained operational.

A substantial force of Mustang fighters of the Seventh Fighter Command destroyed two aircraft on the ground and probably destroyed five others in low level strafing attacks on Kisarazu airfield and Tateyama Naval Air Station southeast of Tokyo on May 8. In other attacks a small cargo ship and a locomotive were destroyed and a train and a number of small craft damaged.

On the same date, Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed airfields on Marcus Island and at Truk. In low level attacks on Marcus on

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May 9, Liberators and search Privateers of Fleet Air Wing Eighteen destroyed five aircraft on the ground and damaged three others. Antiaircraft fire was intense and two of our planes were shot down in the action. Survivors of one were rescued. On the same date, Liberators of the Seventh Air Force again bombed air installations on Truk.

Corsairs and Hellcats of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked installations on enemy‑held islands in the Palaus on May 8 and 9.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 596, MAY 10, 1945

Philippine Area.

1. The LCS(L)‑26 and the YMS‑71 have been lost in the Philippine area as the result of enemy action.

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

MAY 10, 1945

NAVAL LOSSES AS ANNOUNCED IN NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUÉS NOS. 1 TO

596; NAVY DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASES; AND AT CINCPOA HEADQUARTERS

	Sunk	Overdue and Presumed Lost	Destroyed to Prevent Capture	Total
Battleship	1	0	0	1
Aircraft carrier	11	0	0	11
Heavy cruiser	5	1	0	6
Light cruiser	3	0	0	3
Destroyer	54	4	1	59
Destroyer escort	7	0	0	7
Submarine	4	37	2	43
Miscellaneous	163[1]	6	7	176
Total	248	48	10	306

[1] Includes one light unit (unidentified) mentioned in CINCPOA Communiqué No. 340, one light unit (unidentified) mentioned in CINCPOA Communiqué No. 346, two light units (unidentified) mentioned in CINCPOA Communiqué No. 361, and five light units (unidentified) mentioned in CINCPOA Communiqué No. 352.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 358, MAY 10, 1945

Enemy installations in Southern Okinawa were bombarded by ships of the U. S. Pacific Fleet and carrier and Marine aircraft on May 9 (East Longitude Date). Ships' gunfire broke up a number of troop concentrations in the enemy's rear areas and destroyed pillboxes, emplacements and a motor transport. During the evening of May 9, several groups of enemy aircraft attacked our shipping off the Okinawa coast damaging two auxiliaries and bombing Yontan Airfield without success. Early the following morning another attack was made on our ships and ground installations but we suffered no damage. Six enemy aircraft were shot down during these actions. A Second Marine Aircraft Wing fighter with guns inoperative de‑

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stroyed a Japanese bomber by cutting off its tail assembly with his propeller in three attacks.

Elements of the Sixth Marine Division bridged and crossed the estuary of the Asa River in Southern Okinawa on May 10. Construction of the bridge was delayed temporarily by the enemy's use of two human bombs which caused some damage during the early morning hours. Limited gains were made on the remainder of the Southern front where hand to hand fighting was in progress in some sectors. The enemy on Okinawa lost 38,857 killed through May 9.

The area of Okinawa from the Central sector of the Island near the Hagushi beaches, northward to the extremity of the Island was passed to the control of the Island Commander, Major General F. G. Wallace, U. S. Army on May 4. About 135,000 civilians were under the jurisdiction of the U. S. Military Government on May 8.

Search Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One damaged two medium freighters and two small cargo ships south of Korea on May 9 by bombing and strafing attacks.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed airfields on Truk and Marcus Islands heavily on May 10. On the same date, Mustangs of the Seventh Fighter Command struck at radio installations on Chichi Jima in the Bonins.

Helldiver bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued neutralizing raids on the Marshalls on May 9 and struck targets in the Palaus and on Yap on the following day.

During the week of April 29 to May 5, inclusive, 69 Japanese were killed and 57 captured on Iwo Island. Total Japanese casualties on Iwo to May 5 were 23,244 killed and 1,03,8 prisoners of war. In the Marianas during the week of April 29 through May 5, 23 of the enemy were killed and 98 were captured.

On May 6, surface forces under Commander, Marshalls‑Gilberts Area, evacuated 494 Marshallese from Islands of Jaluit Atoll. Japanese garrison troops resisted the operation with light weapons on all islands. Our forces lost one killed and one wounded. The evacuated natives have been placed on Islands in the Marshalls Group under U. S. control.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 359, MAY 11, 1945

During the evening of May 10 and the morning of May 11 (East Longitude Dates) several groups of enemy aircraft attacked our ships and shore installations in the Okinawa area damaging three light Naval units. More than 40 enemy planes were shot down by our combat air patrols and antiaircraft fire.

During the night of May 10‑11, the Japanese on Okinawa made numerous night attacks and attempts at night infiltration into the lines of the Tenth Army. Practically all the attacking Japanese were killed. At 0700 local time on May 11 after large scale preparation by heavy artillery Naval gunfire and aerial bombing the Tenth Army launched a strong attack. The initial assault carried elements of the Marine Third Amphibious Corps on the west and of the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps on the east to the high ground overlooking the enemy stronghold of Shuri. Enemy resistance was heavy along the front. On the west the Sixth Marine Division made a

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general advance southward to a line about 800 yards south of the Asa estuary and the First Marine Division, employing tanks, advanced and occupied the village of Dakeshi. In the center of the island, the Seventy-Seventh Infantry Division engaged in hand to hand fighting as it moved forward in rugged terrain. On the east the Ninety‑Sixth Infantry Division was gaining ground slowly against strong resistance.

At the end of May 10, the enemy on Okinawa had lost 39,469 killed in action.

As of May 9, according to most recent reports available, 1,283 officers and men of the U. S. Pacific Fleet had been killed and 2,072 were reported missing in action from the beginning of the Okinawa operation and associated operations against Japan. A total of 3,498 were wounded.

Search planes of Fleet Air Wing One shot down a four‑engine flying boat west of Kyushu and set a small cargo ship afire west of Korea on May 10.

Fleet Air Wing Eighteen planes damaged several fishing craft and set two small cargo ships afire south of Honshu on May 10. In the same area on the following day planes of this wing shot down an enemy plane, exploded a coastal cargo ship, damaged another coastal vessel and caused it to beach, set a small cargo ship afire and damaged a number of landing craft. Search planes of Fleet Air Wing Eighteen destroyed two small cargo ships in Truk Harbor on May 11.

Further information about the action of British carrier aircraft against airfields in the Sakishima group on May 9 shows that two enemy planes were destroyed on the ground and six more were destroyed in the air. One British plane was lost in combat.

Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed shipping and installations at Kataoka Naval Base on Shimushu and Kashiwabara on Paramushiru in the Kuriles on May 10. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Aircraft of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Fleet Air Wing Two continued neutralizing raids on the Marshalls on May 10. Marine Corsair and Hellcat fighters destroyed installations in the Palaus on May 11.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 360, MAY 12, 1945

Cruisers and destroyers of the U. S. Pacific Fleet covered by aircraft from fast carriers, bombarded shore installations on Minami Daito Island, east of the Ryukyus on May 10 (East Longitude Date). On the following day, air groups and ships' guns of the fast carrier task forces destroyed 72 enemy aircraft over the Ryukyus including 40 over Okinawa. Carrier planes made low level attacks on May 11 on airfields and shipping in the Amami group destroying four planes on the ground and damaging warehouse Installations and a number of luggers. One of our major Fleet Units suffered damage during an air attack on that date.

A total of 93 enemy planes were destroyed over our forces around Okinawa on May 11 including 19 planes shot down by one of our destroyers. Several surface ships were damaged during these attacks.

On May 12, the Tenth Army continued the general attack of the preceding day supported by heavy gunfire from ships and sustained bombing by carrier planes and by aircraft of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing. Appreciable gains were made on each flank of the Army line.

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Elements of the Sixth Marine Division entered the suburbs of Naha on the west coast of Okinawa. Progress of the center of the line against the positions of the enemy in the hilly central portions of the Island was slow. The Seventy‑Seventh and Ninety‑Sixth Infantry Divisions captured important enemy strong points and made local advances against stiff resistance in their respective zones of action.

Tori Island, approximately 55 miles west of Okinawa, was occupied by Tenth Army Troops without opposition on May 12.

In waters south of Korea on May 11, search aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One including Privateers, Coronados and Mariners, inflicted the following damage on the enemy:

One coastal cargo ship sunk

Two coastal cargo ships set afire.

One large coastal cargo ship set afire and listing

Mitchells and Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force sank a small largo ship and damaged two others in Kataoka Harbor on Shimushu in the Northern Kuriles on May 11. A Mitchell was shot down during the attack. On the same date, Eleventh Air Force Mitchells attacked targets at Kashiwabara on Paramushiru and planes of Fleet Air Wing Four made rocket attacks on radar installations on Minami Cape on Shimushu.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Truk in the Carolines and Marcus Island oh May 12.

Planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing struck targets in the Palaus and at Yap on the same date.

Search Privateers of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed workshops and air installations on Wake Island on May 11.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 361, MAY 13, 1945

Heavy fighting continued on Okinawa on May 13 (East Longitude Date) as troops of the Tenth Army continued to attack the approaches to the enemy stronghold of Shuri. Few changes were noted in the western sector A the lines where the Sixth Marine Division was meeting stiff resistance. An attempted enemy landing behind our lines in the area of Machinato airfield was broken up and a number of enemy boats were destroyed by ship and shore gunfire. The First Marine Division was moving at noon south of Dakeshi into the high ground protecting Shuri after beating off an enemy counterattack and killing approximately 100 Japanese. Throughout the morning, these troops were under heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire and progress teas difficult. The attack of the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps carried its lines 300 yards forward on the Corps' right flank and about 800 yards forward on the Corps' left flank. The Seventy‑Seventh Infantry Division, meeting very strong resistance, advanced into high ground northeast of Shuri and the 383rd Infantry Regiment of the Ninety‑Sixth Division was approaching the summit of Conical Hill, a key position which forms a protective barrier for both Shuri and Yonabaru. The ground troops were supported throughout the day by heavy air strikes from carriers and from the Second Marine Aircraft Wing. The guns of heavy units of the U. S. Pacific Fleet continued to bombard enemy areas.

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A few enemy planes approached our forces in the Okinawa Area early on the morning of May 13 but caused no damage.

Search seaplanes of Fleet Air Wing One sank a lugger, set a small cargo ship afire and heavily damaged a small oiler in waters around Korea on May 12.

Runways at Marcus Island and Truk were heavily bombed by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force on May 13.

Corsair and Hellcat fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed enemy installations in the Palaus on May 13.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 597, MAY 14, 1945

1. The YMS‑103 has been lost in the Okinawa area as the result of enemy action. The next of kin of casualties have been informed.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 362, MAY 14, 1945

About 35 enemy aircraft in three groups attacked our ships off the coast of Okinawa on the evening of May 13 (East Longitude Date) causing some damage to two light units. Twenty‑five of the planes were shot down, one of our destroyers accounting for eight aircraft. Early in the morning of May 14, a few planes dropped bombs ashore on Okinawa but failed to damage any installations.

On the afternoon of May 13, two rifle companies of the Ninety‑Sixth Infantry Division reached the summit of Conical Hill, 2,500 yards east of Shuri, holding the position despite a Japanese counterattack. The 383rd Infantry Regiment of the Ninety‑Sixth Division completed capture of the hill on May 14. Domination of this high ground permitted our left flank to advance 2,400 yards southward along the East Coast bringing Yonabaru airstrip into our possession. In other sectors of the line, advances were limited generally to 100 to 200 yards as troops of the Tenth Army met stiff opposition. The ground forces were supported by heavy gunfire from ships of the Pacific Fleet and by bombing and strafing attacks on enemy positions by carrier aircraft and planes of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing.

Since April 1, our forces on Okinawa have captured or destroyed 388 enemy guns of 70 millimeter caliber or larger.

Several groups of enemy aircraft made a series of attacks on the Fast Carrier Task Forces of the U. S. Pacific Fleet during the morning of May 14, causing some damage to one major unit. Preliminary reports show that 21 enemy planes were shot down by combat air patrols and ships' gunfire.

Carrier aircraft of the British Pacific Fleet bombed the airfields on Miyako in the Sakishima Group on May 12 and 13, and struck buildings, dumps and barges at Hirara Town where a large oil fire and a number of smaller fires were started. Two aircraft were destroyed on the ground during these attacks.

Search Privateers of Fleet Air Wing One sank a small oiler, a medium freighter, and a small freighter transport in the waters around Korea on May 13. A medium freighter transport was damaged and left burning. From the beginning of operations in the Okinawa Area to May 13, inclusive, search planes of this Wing have sunk 71,900 tons of enemy shipping, damaged

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70,160 tons and destroyed six aircraft. The unit has suffered combat losses of three aircraft from which all personnel were rescued.

Fleet Air Wing Eighteen aircraft damaged five small cargo ships, a lugger and a fishing craft south of Honshu on May 13. In low level attacks along the coast of Southwestern Honshu our search planes halted two trains with strafing and rocket attacks and damaged a number of buildings.

Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing planes bombed targets in the Marshalls on May 13 and attacked military installations in the Palaus and on Yap on the following day. Search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two continued neutralizing attacks in the Marshalls and bombed Ponape in the Carolines on May 13.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 598, MAY 15, 1945

Pacific.

1. United States submarines have reported sinking nine enemy vessels as a result of operations in Far Eastern waters. Five combatant vessels were included those sunk. The vessels sunk were:

1 destroyer

2 small escort vessels

1 large tanker

2 patrol vessels

1 medium cargo vessel

2 small cargo vessels

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 598, MAY 15, 1945

JAPANESE LOSSES INFLICTED BY U. S. SUBMARINES

(According to the latest available information)

Combatant Ships
	Sunk	Probably Sunk	Damaged	Total
Battleships	0	0	1	1
Aircraft Carriers	4	2	2	8
Cruisers	17	2	6	25
Destroyers	54	6	6	65
Submarines	0	0	0	0
Tenders	3	1	1	6
Others	63	1	0	54
Total	131	11	16	168
Non‑Combatant Ships
Tankers	110	1	18	129
Transports	165	5	8	178
Cargo & Supply	682	17	71	770
Miscellaneous	40	3	6	49
Totals	997	26	103	1126
Total Ships of all Types	1128	87	119	1284

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CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 363, MAY 15, 1945

Airfield installations at Kokubu, Kanoya, Chiran and Kagoshima on Kyushu were bombed by Avenger torpedo planes of the Fast Carrier Task Forces of the U. S. Pacific Fleet on the night of May 12‑13 (East Longitude Dates.)

Twelve enemy planes were shot down during this period. On May 13 and 14, heavy strikes of torpedo aircraft, Helldiver bombers and Corsair and Hellcat fighters were launched against airfields throughout Kyushu and in parts of Shikoku in the Japanese Empire. During these two days our aircraft destroyed 71 enemy planes and a barrage balloon in the air and 93 planes on the ground and destroyed or damaged 108 more on the ground. An additional 73 aircraft were brought under machine gun and rocket attack with unobserved results. Railroad installations in Kyushu were heavily hit with an oil train, four locomotives, a railroad station, a chemical plant and a number of large buildings destroyed or seriously damaged. Our planes also struck buildings, barracks and aviation installations at airdromes in Saeki, Oita, Miyakonojo, Kikuchi, Ashiya, Gannosu, Kofuji, Usa, Izumi, Tachiarai, Chiran, Omura and Hitoyoshi on Kyushu and at airfields in Kochi and Matsuyama on Shikoku.

Two motor boats and two luggers were sunk and a repair ship, seven torpedo boats, four luggers, a small cargo ship, four small craft and a tug were damaged on May 13 and 14. Preliminary reports indicate that our forces lost about 10 aircraft in these attacks.

Search aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One heavily damaged a small freighter transport and two small cargo ships on May 14 in the waters around Korea.

On May 14, escort carrier aircraft attacked airfield installations in the Sakishima group and struck enemy positions on Kume Island west of Okinawa. On the same date night fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing struck targets in the Amami group. No material changes were made in the Tenth Army lines on Okinawa on May 15. The day was marked by heavy fighting along the western and central sectors of the front where the enemy mounted a counterattack in the Sixth Marine Division sector. The Twenty‑Second Regiment of Marines standing at the suburbs of Naha met the assault of the enemy during the morning and beat it off in hand to hand fighting, finally driving the attackers into the interior of Takamotoji Town with heavy losses. An attempt to land small craft behind the Marine's lines in the Machinato airfield sector was broken up by Naval gunfire. The First Marine Division continued to attack the high ground in the vicinity of Wana Town and the Seventy‑Seventh Infantry Division after a difficult five day battle, captured "Chocolate Drop Hill", east of Ishimmi, inflicting major losses on the enemy. In the eastern sector, the Ninety‑Sixth Infantry Division strengthened its positions and beat off an enemy counterattack in the vicinity of Conical Hill. Throughout the day, Army and Marine troops were supported by field artillery, heavy Naval gunfire and carrier and land‑based aircraft.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing struck installations on Kikai Island in the Amami Group on May 16.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed enemy facilities in the Palaus an May 14.

Search aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two sank a small cargo ship at Truk on May 15.

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N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 599, MAY 16, 1945 Atlantic.

1. The USS Frederick C. Davis, a destroyer escort, was sunk recently in the Atlantic by an enemy submarine.

2. Next of kin of casualties have been informed.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 364, MAY 16, 1945

During the early evening of May 15 (East Longitude Date) about 12 enemy aircraft approached our ships off Okinawa but were intercepted by escort carrier and Second Marine Aircraft Wing planes which shot down nine and forced the others to retire without causing damage. A single enemy plane was shot down early in the morning on May 16 when a few enemy aircraft attacked Yontan and Kadena airfields causing minor damage.

Marine and Army Infantrymen supported by tanks, aircraft, field artillery and Naval gunfire continued to carry the attack to the enemy on Okinawa on May 16 but the lines remained substantially unchanged. Shuri Town was subjected to heavy bombardment by artillery and Naval guns. Local gains were made on the West Coast by The Sixth Marine Division. The Seventy‑Seventh Infantry Division was engaged in an uphill drive against stubbornly defended tombs and caves. On the east the Ninety‑Sixth Infantry Division attacked westward through the rugged country around Conical Hill.

At the end of May 15, the enemy had lost 46,505 killed in action at Okinawa. Our forces on that date had captured 1,038 prisoners.

Reports through May 14 show that 2,771 soldiers and 1,010 Marines have been killed in action in the Okinawa operations. In the same period 11,675 soldiers and 5,329 Marines have been wounded and 129 soldiers and 36 Marines are missing.

In operations against Ishigaki and Miyako in the Sakishima group on May 14‑15, escort carrier aircraft of the U. S. Pacific Fleet shot down three enemy planes and destroyed two on the ground.

Search Privateers of Fleet Air Wing One sank two medium freighters and heavily damaged a medium freighter transport south of the Korean Coast on May 15. On the following day planes of the same wing damaged a small cargo ship in the same area.

Search Venturas and Liberators of Fleet Air Wing Eighteen attacked shipping and installations along the southern coast of Honshu on May 16 sinking a small oiler, a small cargo ship and five fishing craft and damaging a fuel barge. Search planes of this wing damaged the entrances to three railroad tunnels along the coast with rocket and bomb hits.

Helldiver bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing struck storage areas on Yap in the Carolines and fighter aircraft attacked targets in the Palaus on May 15.

Fleet Air Wing Two search planes made neutralizing attacks on Wake Island and on enemy installations in the Marshalls on May 15.

Search aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Four made rocket and machine gun attacks on trawlers and fishing craft off Kokutan Cape on Shimushu in the northern Kuriles on May 15.

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CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 365, MAY 17, 1945

On the evening of May 16 (East Longitude Date) a small group of enemy aircraft attempted to attack our forces on and around Okinawa but failed to cause any damage. One enemy plane was destroyed.

Elements of the Sixth Marine Division crossed the Asato River and gained a small bridgehead in Naha, capital of Okinawa on May 17. During the late afternoon the Marines, after heavy fighting, also captured "Sugar Loaf Hill" several hundred yards northeast of Takimotoji. On the Third Amphibious Corps left flank, troops of the First Marine Division reached Wana Town during the day. Without advance artillery preparation, infantrymen of the Seventy‑Seventh Army Division made a surprise night attack against enemy positions on the high ground in the vicinity of Ishimmi Town and reached the outskirts of the town by noon of May 17. In the Ninety‑Sixth Infantry Division zone of action, enemy resistance was heavy in the hill masses east of Ishimmi and in the ridges running south of Conical Hill. Some progress was being made in destruction of enemy strong points.

The attacking infantry was supported by artillery, Naval gunfire and heavy strikes of planes of the escort carriers and the Second Marine Aircraft Wing. Through May 15, guns of the U. S. Pacific Fleet had delivered 25,000 tons ammunition of five inch caliber or larger in support of the troops on Okinawa.

Carrier aircraft of the British Pacific Fleet heavily bombed towns and airfields in the Sakishima group on May 16 and 17, damaging three planes on the ground and strafing four others with unobserved results. In these attacks two small craft were destroyed, a small coastal cargo ship and a lugger were left in sinking condition and two small cargo ships, two luggers and six barges were damaged. A large explosion was observed during an attack on Ohama Town and an oil dump set afire. Motor vehicles loaded with troops were severely strafed.

Army Mustangs of the Seventh Fighter Command swept Atsugi airfield in the vicinity of Tokyo with low level attacks on May 17 destroying seven enemy aircraft on the ground, probably destroying two more and damaging 33 others. One of our aircraft was shot down by intense antiaircraft fire over the target.

On May 16, Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force sank a small cargo ship or escort vessel in the waters between Paramushiru and Shimushu in the northern Kuriles and damaged two enemy fighters which attacked.

Aircraft of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing struck targets in the Marshalls on May 16 and in the Palaus on the following day.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 366, MAY 18, 1945

During the period May 16‑17 (East Longitude Dates) troops of the Tenth Army penetrated sectors of the enemy's line on Okinawa which are being defended with the greatest tenacity of the entire operation. On the evening of May 16, "G" Company of the 383rd Regiment, Ninety‑Sixth Infantry Division, at the crest of Conical Hill engaged in a one‑hour grenade battle with a force of counter‑attacking Japanese before driving the enemy oft the peak. On the same day in the Seventy‑Seventh Infantry Division zone of action, the 307th Regiment captured a small hill twice, were forced to retire on both occasions, recaptured the Hill on the morning of May 17 and again were forced to retire due to heavy artillery and mortar fire later in the day.

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The First Marine Division captured a Japanese command post on top of a small hill between Dakeshi and Wana on the afternoon of May 17 after overcoming intense opposition from caves. The Sixth Marine Division which captured "Sugar Loaf Hill" on the same day retained possession of it only after losing it twice to heavy counterattack. During this Division's advance from the Asa to the Asato River, it is estimated that two battalions of Japanese troops were destroyed.

Ground troops were supported on May 17 and 18 by heavy gunfire from ships of the U. S. Pacific Fleet and by aircraft from escort carriers of the fleet and from the Second Marine Aircraft Wing and 318th Army Fighter Group. A few enemy planes were over the Okinawa Area late in the day on May 17 and during the early morning hours of May 18.

Search Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing One sank a small freighter south of Korea and damaged two freighter transports and an oiler in the same area on May 18.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 367, MAY 19, 1943

Troops of the Tenth Army maintained heavy pressure on the enemy along the whole southern front of Okinawa on May 18 (East Longitude Date), meeting strong resistance at all points on the front lines. The Sixth Marine Division withdrew from "Sugar Loaf Hill" in the western sector after nightfall on May 17 but occupied the summit for the fifth time after heavy fighting on the morning of May 18. The enemy has sacrificed large numbers of troops in the defense of this key position before Naha. The First Marine Division gained several hundred yards and was operating east of Wana Town to destroy enemy strong points in that area. The Seventy‑Seventh Infantry Division continued to assault strongly held enemy positions with local support from aircraft and from flame‑throwing tanks. This division gained some ground on its right flank near Ishimmi Town. In the hilly sector on the eastern end of the lines south and east of Conical Hill, the Ninety‑Sixth Infantry Division progressed slowly in hand to hand fighting. The enemy employed substantial artillery fire all along the line in attempts to contain the attacks of our forces. Our troops were supported throughout the day by ships' gunfire and aircraft bombing. A few enemy aircraft appeared over the Okinawa area during the evening of May 17. Two enemy planes were shot down.

Minor changes were made in the positions of our troops attacking the Shuri position on May 19. Enemy resistance throughout the hilly area around the fortress town remained extremely strong. The Sixth Marine Division repulsed a counterattack east of Takamotoji during the early morning. The First Marine Division and Seventy‑Seventh Infantry Division continued to attack abreast against heavily fortified ridges and hills around Wana Town. The Ninety‑Sixth Infantry Division continued to develop its positions around Conical Hill and to the west of that point in violent hand to hand fighting. On the evening of May, 18, a small group of enemy aircraft attacked our forces in the area of Okinawa. Fourteen were shot down by combat air patrols and by ships' gunfire.

Our attacking troops were supported by aircraft from carriers and from the Second Marine Aircraft Wing and by Naval gunfire.

The enemy on Okinawa at the end of May 17 had lost 48,103 killed in action. U. S. Military Government authorities on that date, had 139,858 civilians under their jurisdiction.

426

The following is a report of casualties to United States Forces in the Okinawa operation and associated operations against Japan since March 18:

Army troops to May 18, killed and missing 3,093, wounded 12,078.

Fleet Marine Forces to May 18, killed and missing 1,239, wounded 8,180.

U. S. Pacific Fleet to May 16, killed and missing 3,978, wounded 3,958.

Sweeping the northern Ryukyus on May 17‑18, aircraft from fast carriers of the U. S. Pacific Fleet sank a number of luggers and small craft and damaged numerous others, destroyed five planes on the ground and probably destroyed eight more. Fuel dumps, buildings and installations at Yaku, Tokara, Tokuno, Kikai, Gaja and Amami were destroyed or damaged.

Search Liberators and Privateers of Fleet Air Wing Eighteen struck shipping and installations along the south coast of Honshu May 18, sinking a trawler, damaging six small cargo ships, a trawler, a sailing vessel, and numerous fishing craft. In low level attacks, planes of this wing wrecked a train. On the following day, the planes of the same wing sank a small cargo ship and damaged three others near the Honshu coast.

Search Privateers of Fleet Air Wing One heavily damaged a medium oiler south of Korea on May 19.

On May 18, Army Mustangs of the Seventh Fighter Command attacked military installations on Chichi Jima in the Bonins. On the same date, Corsairs and Hellcats of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing struck targets in the Palaus, on Yap and in the Marshalls. Marine aircraft again bombed Installations in the Palaus on May 19. One plane was shot down by enemy antiaircraft fire but pilot was rescued.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 368, MAY 20, 1945

The Tenth Army in Southern Okinawa gained ground slowly against the heaviest kind of resistance in the central and western sectors as it enveloped the enemy citadel of Shuri on May 20 (East Longitude Date). The First Marine Division established its forward elements at a point about 800 yards south of Dakeshi Town and the Seventy‑Seventh Infantry Division, after repulsing three enemy counterattacks, captured a strong point 900 yards northeast of Shuri. In the Sixth Marine Division zone on the west coast, local progress was made east of Takamotoji. Moving against intense fire the Ninety-Sixth Infantry Division reached an elevation about 1,600 yards east of Ishimmi Town. Throughout the day our troops in all sectors met strong resistance from caves, pillboxes and intense small arms fire. Ships' gunfire and aircraft continued to support the troops.

A few enemy planes were over the area of Okinawa early on May 20, but no activity was reported during daylight hours when adverse weather prevailed.

On the night of May 18‑19, Thunderbolts of the 318th Army Fighters Group struck targets among the Amami Islands. Thunderbolts of the same force strafed air installations in the Northern Ryukyus and joined a Navy search Privateer to sink a picket craft west of Kyushu on May 20.

Search Privateers of Fleet Air Wing One sank a medium freighter, probably sank two small freighters and damaged a number of landing craft in the waters around Korea on May 20.

Thunderbolt fighters of the Seventh Army Air Force strafed sir installations and barges at Truk on May 20. On the same date, Seventh Air Force Liberators bombed Marcus Island.

427

Mopping up operations continued on Iwo Island, the Islands of the Marianas and the Palau Islands during the week May 6 through 12. In this period, 141 of the enemy were killed and 167 were captured.

Search aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Four struck installations at Kokutan on Shimushu in the Northern Kuriles with bombs and rockets on May 18. On the same date, Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed Kataoka naval base on the same island.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 369, MAY 21, 1945

On the night of May 20‑21 (East Longitude Dates) the Sixth Marine Division in western Okinawa repulsed a substantial counterattack by Japanese troops, some of whom were found to be wearing Marine uniforms and carrying U. S. weapons. An attempt by three groups of the enemy to destroy our tanks in the First Marine Division sector by use of suicide demolitions was repulsed.

During the darkness of early morning of May 21, infantrymen of the Seventy‑Seventh Army Division struck out in a surprise attack against the enemy lines north of Shuri and captured the town of Taira Machi under Intense small arms fire. Fighting heavily all day, troops of the Twenty‑Fourth Army Corps and the Marine Third Amphibious Corps made advances on both flanks and in the center of the lines. The Ninety‑Sixth Infantry Division pressed southward making gains toward Yonabaru Town on the east coast and was under intense interlocking machine gun fire throughout the day. In the center of the lines, the Seventy‑Seventh Division was moving slowly south of Taira Mach! after repulsing a strong enemy effort to recapture the town in daylight. The First Marine Division was engaged in heavy fighting during the afternoon in the ridges in the Wana area. On the west coast, the Sixth Marine Division was attacking on a line south of Sugar Loaf Hill which is now reported secured after its peak had changed hands eleven times !n heavy fighting.

The troops were supported by heavy field artillery and Naval gunfire.

During the evening of May 20, about 35 enemy planes made low level attacks on our ships off the coast of Okinawa damaging five light units. Twenty‑six of the attacking aircraft were destroyed by our forces.

A search Privateer of Fleet Air Wing One bombed warehouse installations on Yaku Island in the northern Ryukyus on May 20 starting large fires. From the inauguration of searches from Okinawa area bases until May 21, planes of this wing sank 86,880 tons of enemy shipping, damaged 81,500 tons, destroyed 21 enemy aircraft and damaged 15 aircraft.

Corsair and Hellcat fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed defense positions in the Palaus and on Yap on May 20. Planes of Fleet Air Wing Two and the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing struck enemy positions in the Marshalls on May 19‑20.

A Mitchell bomber of the Eleventh Army Air Force was lost to antiaircraft fire during an attack on Minami Cape on Shimushu in the northern Kuriles on May 20. Search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four swept targets !n the area of Paramushiru on the same date.

428

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 370, MAY 22, 1945

At dusk on May 21 (East Longitude Date) about 12 to 15 enemy aircraft attacked U. S. ships in the Okinawa area. Eight of these planes were destroyed by our forces and the remainder retired from the area without causing damage.

Heavy rains and resulting mud limited the movement of armored vehicles and restricted operations in the central and western sectors of the front in Southern Okinawa on May 22. On the eastern end of the lines the advances made in the previous week by the Ninety‑Sixth Infantry Division permitted the Seventh Infantry Division to launch a night attack which carried their forward elements into Yonabaru on the left flank and around the city into the high ground overlooking Rioj Town and Itarashiku Town to the south. Reports at this time indicate that the enemy has chosen not to defend Yonabaru which has been thoroughly reduced by our gunfire and bombing. Meanwhile the Ninety Sixth Infantry Division continued to attack enemy defenses southwest of Conical Hill. During early morning darkness of May 22, the Marine Division in the west repulsed a Japanese counterattack killing about 80 of the enemy. The Sixth Marine Division continued to consolidate its position along the Asato River and the Seventy Seventh Infantry Division conducted mopping up operations.

Carrier based aircraft of the British Pacific Fleet bombed airfields, barracks, port installations, and buildings in the Sakishima group on May 20 and 21. One enemy plane was shot down.

Search Mariners of Fleet Air Wing One damaged two small cargo ships in the East China Sea on May 22. One the same date a search Privateer of this wing strafed a small cargo ship and left it burning south of Korea.

A small group of enemy bombers made a low level attack on installations on Iwo Island during the night of May 21, causing a few casualties. Two enemy planes were shot down.

Liberators and Privateers of Fleet Air Wing Eighteen shot down a glider, probably destroyed an enemy plane and sank two small cargo ships south of Honshu on May 21. On the following day aircraft of this wing destroyed three fishing craft and damaged a small cargo ship in the same area.

Corsair and Hellcat fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed enemy installations !n the Palaus and on Yap on May 21 and 22. On May 21 and during the night of May 21‑22, Mustangs of the Seventh Fighter Command bombed and strafed a radio station on Chichi Jima !n the Bonins. Marine bombers continued neutralizing raids on the Marshalls on May 21. In mopping up operations on Iwo Island and the Island of the Marianas from May 13 through May 19, U. S. forces killed 94 of the enemy and captured 134.

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 371, MAY 23, 1945

Two small groups of enemy aircraft attacked our forces on and around Okinawa during the evening of May 22 (East Longitude Date). One enemy plane was shot down and the remainder driven off without causing damage.

Continuing rains and heavy mud limited the movement of ground troops and armored vehicles !n southern Okinawa on May 23. In these adverse conditions the Seventh Infantry Division on our left flank expanded Its positions south of Yonabaru capturing a hill south of Taira Town and another elevation west of Yonabaru after sharp fighting in which the Thirty Second and One Hundred Eighty Fourth Regiments led the attack. The Sixth Marine

429

Division on the right flank sent elements of the Fourth Regiment of Marines across the Asato River about 1,000 yards from its mouth during the day under cover of field artillery and heavy Naval gunfire. In the area west of Conical Hill the Ninety Sixth Infantry Division was meeting stiff resistance beating of one counterattack in which the Three Hundred Eighty Second Regiment killed about 160 of the enemy. The Seventy Seventh Infantry Division was engaged throughout the day in attacking a range of hills south of Ishimmi and before the city of Shuri. In the First Marine Division sector a counterattack by the enemy was repulsed.

Escort carrier aircraft of the U. S. Pacific Fleet bombed airfields and installations on Ishigaki and Miyako in the Sakishima group on May 22 and 23 setting one aircraft afire and strafing five others on the ground.

A search seaplane of Fleet Air Wing One heavily damaged a small cargo ship in the East China Sea on May 23.

Search Privateers and Liberators of Fleet Air Wing Eighteen sank three small craft south of Tokyo and strafed radar and camp installations on Shikoku on May 22. On the following day Venturas of this wing strafed barracks and shipping on and around Honshu and a search plane shot down one enemy fighter and sank a net tender and a small cargo ship oft the Honshu coast.

Corsair and Hellcat fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed targets in the Palaus on May 22 and Helldiver bombers of the same wing struck Yap on the same date. Planes of Fleet Air Wing Two strafed targets in the Marshalls on May 21 and 22. On May 23 Thunderbolts of the Seventh Army Air Force destroyed one aircraft on the ground and probably destroyed another in attacks on Truk.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 600, MAY 24, 1945

Philippine Area.

1. The YMS‑481 has been lost in the Philippines area as the result of enemy action.

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

CINCPOA COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 372, MAY 24, 1945

Several small air raids were made by the enemy on our forces in the Okinawa Area on May 23 (East Longitude Date), causing minor damage to a light unit.

Heavy mud continued to hamper movement of the Tenth Army in Southern Okinawa on May 24. On our right flank in the west, the Sixth Marine Division constructed two bridges across the Asato River under fire of enemy artillery and sent Infantry elements to the bridgehead on the South Bank In force. Patrols afoot were engaged throughout the day, reducing strong points South of the River. On our Left flank in the East, the Seventh Infantry Division made important advances after sharp fighting. Action along the remainder of the front was limited largely to mopping up operations. Use of our armor was prevented by adverse conditions of the terrain at the front.

Numerous small groups of enemy aircraft attacked our forces afloat and ashore at le Shims during the evening of May 24, causing some damage to installations on the Island. By 2330, Local Time, fifteen enemy planes had been destroyed and the attack was continuing.

430

U. S. Military Government authorities on Okinawa are engaged in development of facilities for the caring of more than 139,000 civilians on the island. Of the civilians thus far taken under our jurisdiction, 82 per cent are children under seventeen years of age or women. The majority of adult males on the Island were drafted for labor service with the enemy prior to U. S. landings. During the month of April, 86 per cent of the civilians in areas under U. S. control subsisted wholly on native resources. Security patrolling of areas under the Island Commander is being carried out by troops of the Twenty‑Seventh Infantry Division.

Aircraft from Escort Carriers of the U. S. Pacific Fleet continued to neutralize enemy airfields in the Sakishima Group on May 24. Five planes were strafed on the ground at Miyako Island.

Search Coronados of Fleet Air Wing One shot down an enemy fighter off the coast of Southern Korea on May 24.

Fighters and bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing struck installations in the Palaus and on Yap on May 23 and 24.

Light Naval units of the U. S. Pacific Fleet bombarded Suribachi Port and installations on the East Coast of Paramushiru on May 20, causing fires and explosions. An attack by two enemy aircraft upon our forces during their retirement was beaten off without casualties to our ships.

APPENDIX

Communiqués, Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas: No. 1 to No. 10 (June 4, 1942 to November 16, 1942)

Alphabetical list of U. S. naval vessels announced sunk, destroyed to prevent capture, or overdue and presumed lost since December 7, 1941 (May 24, 1945)

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 1, JUNE 4, 1942

At 8:36 a.m., today Midway time, that island was heavily raided by Japanese carrier based planes. The attack was repulsed by the local defenders in which all the armed services are represented. A heavy toll of the attacking planes was taken. Damage to material installations at Midway was reported as minor. No report of personnel casualties has been received.

The Japanese carriers were accompanied by battleships, cruisers, and destroyers. One battleship and one carrier have been definitely damaged and other vessels are believed to have been hit. Our attacks on the enemy are continuing.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 2, JUNE 5, 1942

The Japanese have not followed up their initial air attack on Midway except by a few ineffectual shots from a submarine during last night. As more reports come in it appears that the enemy's damage is very heavy indeed, involving several ships in each of the carrier, battleship, cruiser and transport classes. This damage is far out of proportion to that which we have received.

The brunt of the defense to date has fallen upon our aviation personnel in

431

which the Army, Navy and Marine Corps are all represented. They have added another shining page to their record of achievements.

One carrier already damaged by air attack was hit by three torpedoes fired by a submarine.

On every occasion when we have met the enemy our officers and men have been superlative in their offensive spirit and complete lack of fear. Our country can feel secure with personnel such as this.

There were reported several instances of the enemy planes machine gunning our aviation personnel who had bailed out in parachutes or were adrift in rubber boats.

While too early to claim a major Japanese disaster it may be conservatively stated that the United States' control remains firm in the Midway area.

The enemy appears to be withdrawing but we are continuing the battle.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 3, JUNE 6, 1942

Through the skill and devotion to duty of their armed forces of all branches in the Midway area our citizens can now rejoice that a momentous victory is in the making.

It was on a Sunday just six months ago that the Japanese made their peace‑time attack on our fleet and army activities on Oahu. At that time they created heavy damage, it is true, but their act aroused the grim determination of our citizenry to avenge such treachery, and it raised, not lowered, the morale of our fighting men.

Pearl Harbor has now been partially avenged. Vengeance will not be complete until Japanese sea power has been reduced to impotence. We have made substantial progress in that direction. Perhaps we will be forgiven if we claim we are about midway to our objective!

The battle is not over. All returns have not yet been received. It is with full confidence, however, that for this phase of the action the following enemy losses are claimed: two or three carriers, and all their aircraft, destroyed; in addition one or two carriers badly damaged and most of their aircraft lost; three battleships damaged, at least one badly; four cruisers damaged, two heavily; three transports damaged. It is possible that some of these wounded ships will not be able to reach their bases. One of our carriers was hit and some planes were lost. Our personnel casualties were light.

This is the balance sheet that the Army, Navy, and Marine forces in this area offer their country this morning.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 4, JUNE 7, 1942

The enemy appears to be withdrawing. Contact was lost during last night. Additional damage was inflicted on two enemy cruisers. Until all reports can be checked, it is impossible to state whether these cruisers are in addition to those reported in Communiqué No. 3, or whether they were damaged cruisers included in the previous report. One enemy destroyer was sunk.

One United States destroyer was sunk by a submarine but nearby ships rescued the personnel with small loss of life.

Except for minor submarine activity in the vicinity of the Hawaiian Island Chain, this section of the Pacific is quiet.

432

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 5

(Communiqué No. 5 was not issued.)

CINCPAC NO. 6, AUGUST 8, 1942

Forces of the United States Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, assisted by units of the Southwest Pacific Area, launched offensive operations in the Tulagi area of the Solomon Islands on August 7th, East Longitude Date. These operations are progressing favorably in spite of opposition by enemy land based aircraft and garrisons.

On August 8th, East Longitude Date, a task force of the Pacific Fleet bombarded enemy ships and installations in Kiska Harbor.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 7, AUGUST 21, 1942

A force of Marines of the U. S. Pacific Fleet made a successful landing on Japanese held Makin Island on August 17th. The purpose of the expedition was to destroy the installations of this enemy seaplane base. This purpose was accomplished in its entirety and the force has been withdrawn.

Known enemy losses inflicted by the Marines are: at least eighty Japanese killed; radio installation and stores destroyed; one large and one small seaplane destroyed on the water. Other losses were inflicted on the enemy forces by heavy bombing attacks of their own aircraft from other bases, which were attempting to assist them.

The ships of our expedition gunned and sank one small transport and one gunboat.

Considering the nature of this operation, our forces suffered only moderate losses.

The Naval officer commanding the expedition was Commander John M. Haines, U. S. Navy. The Marines were commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Evans F. Carlson, U. S. Marine Corps Reserve. Second in command of the Marines was Major James Roosevelt, U. S. Marine Corps Reserve. None of these officers was on the casualty list.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 8, AUGUST 21, 1943

Since the initial successful landings in the Solomon Islands by U. S. Forces under the command of Vice Admiral Ghormley, a period of mopping up in order to consolidate our positions has been in progress. Japanese defenders took to the hills and jungle to escape from our forces. There have been daily skirmishes between U. S. Marine patrols and enemy detachments. In these actions both sides have suffered casualties.

On August 19th the Marines with a loss of 6 killed and 13 wounded wiped out a Japanese detachment of 92 officers and men. Enemy resistance continued until the last man was killed.

On the night of August 20th the enemy landed a force of about 700 well equipped troops from high‑speed boats outside of the Marines' lines, and attempted to break through. During darkness only hand to hand fighting was possible but with the breaking of day the Marines were able to maneuver. While one battalion held the front line another battalion moved to a flank and

433

drove the then withdrawing Japanese to the beach. Action continued until late afternoon. Of the 700 Japanese, 070 are dead, the rest prisoners. Marine losses were 28 killed and 72 wounded.

The Marines in the Solomons, who are under the command of Major General Alexander A. Vandegrift, U. S. Marine Corps, have added another page to their history of outstanding achievement.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 9, SEPTEMBER 15, 1942

This afternoon our Army Air Forces in Alaska delivered a most successful attack on enemy shipping and shore installations at Kiska.

Enemy ships and planes in the harbor received direct bomb hits and repeated strafing. At least two naval vessels were sunk. Five enemy fighting planes were shot down in flames and one 4‑engine patrol plane was burned on the water.

Installations and storage dumps around the harbor were repeatedly bombed and strafed, resulting in large fires and explosions.

Enemy personnel casualties are estimated at around 500 whereas we lost two pilots as a result of two P‑38's colliding in midair.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 10, NOVEMBER 16, 1942

By far the strongest Japanese attempt to date to recapture Guadalcanal has been completely frustrated by the aggressive action of Vice Admiral W. F. Halsey and his forces in the South Pacific Area.

The enemy transport force was almost annihilated, so that little if any assistance reached the Japanese land forces on Guadalcanal. Major General A. A. Vandegrift, USMC, with his Army, Navy and Marine Corps forces continued to have the situation well in hand.

The strong escorting and bombardment forces of the enemy, comprising a large portion of his fleet, were attacked by our surface forces in two heavy night engagements in the vicinity of Guadalcanal. They were also severely damaged by our aircraft, submarines and motor torpedo boats.

As a result all enemy forces were either destroyed or driven back and a major victory was obtained by our gallant forces.

Report of own and enemy losses have been announced by the Navy Department.

434

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF U. S. NAVAL VESSELS ANNOUNCED SUNK, DESTROYED TO PREVENT CAPTURE, OR OVERDUE AND PRESUMED LOST SINCE DECEMBER 7, 1942.

Name	Type	Date of Announcement	Comque.
Aaron Ward	Destroyer	Apr. 9, 1943	339
Abner Read	"	Nov. 20, 1944	555
Acacia	Coast Guard Cutter	Mar. 26, 1942	63
Albacore	Submarine	Mar. 27, 1945	587
Alexander Hamilton	Coast Guard Cutter	Feb. 23, 1942	43
Amberjack	Submarine	June 12, 1943	408
APC‑21	Coastal Transport	Jan. 1, 1944	493
Argonaut	Submarine	Feb. 21, 1943	288
Arizona	Battleship	Dec. 15, 1941	Press Release
Asheville	Patrol Vessel	Mar. 21, 194	259
Astoria	Heavy Cruiser	Oct. 12, 1942	147
Atlanta	Light Cruiser	Nov. 16, 1942	194
Barbel	Submarine	Mar. 21, 1945	586
Barton	Destroyer	Nov. 16, 1942	194
Beatty	"	Nov. 12, 1943	482
Bedloe	USCG Patrol Craft	Sept. 17, 1944	Press Release
Benham	Destroyer	Nov. 22, 1942	198
Bismarck Sea	Aircraft Carrier Escort	Mar. 23, 1945	CinCPoa Press Release
Bittern	Minesweeper	Apr. 10, 1942	69
Block Island	Aircraft Carrier Escort	June 5, 1944	523
Blue	Destroyer	Sept. 5, 1942	119
Borie	"	Nov. 10, 1943	481
Bristol	"	Oct. 14, 1943	474
Brownson	"	Jan. 13, 1944	Press Release
Buck	"	Oct. 14, 1943	474
Bush	"	Apr. 20, 1945	CinCPoa 338
Canopus	Submarine Tender	Apr. 10, 1942	69
Capelan	Submarine	Mar. 18, 1944	510
Chevalier	Destroyer	Nov. 10, 1943	481
Chicago	Heavy Cruiser	Feb. 16, 1943	282
Cisco	Submarine	Feb. 8, 1944	504
Colhoun	Destroyer	Apr. 20, 1945	CinCPoa 338
Colhoun	Transport	Sept. 5, 1942	119
Cooper	Destroyer	Dec. 27, 1944	563
Corry	"	July 13, 1944	530
Corvina	Submarine	Mar. 14, 1944	509
Cushing	Destroyer	Nov. 16, 1942	194
Cythera	Small Patrol Vessel	June 4, 1942	86
Darter	Submarine	Nov. 13, 1944	Press Release
De Haven	Destroyer	Feb. 16, 1943	282
Dewey Drydock	Floating Drydock	Apr. 10, 1942	69
Dickerson	Destroyer Transport	Apr. 20, 1945	CinCPoa 338
Dorado	Submarine	Oct. 24, 1943	476
Duncan	Destroyer	Oct. 13, 1942	149, 187
Edsall	"	Mar. 24, 1942	61
Edward Rutledge	Transport.	Dec. 2, 1942	209
Emmons	Mine Vessel‑Mine Sweeper	Apr. 20, 1945	CinCPoa 338
Escanaba	Coast Guard Cutter	June 18, 1943	417
Escolar	Submarine	Feb. 28, 1945	581
Eversole	Destroyer Escort	Nov. 20, 1944	555
Extractor	Salvage Vessel.	Mar. 1, 1945	582
Fechteler	Destroyer Escort	June 26, 1944	528
Flier	Submarine	Sept. 19, 1944	545
Finch	Minesweeper	Apr. 16, 1942	72
Fiske	Destroyer Escort	Aug. 12, 1944	537
Frederick C. Davis	"	May 16, 1945	599
Gambier Bay	Aircraft Carrier Escort	Oct. 27, 1944	551, 554
Gannet	Tug	June 25, 1942	91

435

Name	Type	Date of Announcement	Comque.
George F. Elliott	Transport	Aug. 29, 1942	115, 135
Glennon	Destroyer	July 13, 1944	530
Golet	Submarine	Oct. 23, 1944	549
Grampus	"	June 12, 1943	408
Grayback	"	June 20, 1944	526
Grayling	"	Dec. 24, 1943	491
Gregory	Transport	Sept. 30, 1942	135
Grenadier	Submarine	Sept. 11, 1943	464
Growler	"	Feb. 1, 1945	572
Grunion	"	Oct. 5, 1942	139
Gudgeon	"	Sept. 12, 1944	542
Gwin	Destroyer	July 16, 1943	442
Halligan	"	Apr. 20, 1945	CinCPoa 338
Hammann	"	July 14, 1942	97
Harder	Submarine	Jan. 2, 1945	565
Helena	Light Cruiser	July 7, 1943	436
Henley	Destroyer	Nov. 10, 1943	481
Herring	Submarine	Oct. 23, 1944	549
Hoel	Destroyer	Oct. 27, 1944	551, 554
Hornet	Aircraft Carrier	Jan. 11, 1943	169, 248
Houston	Heavy Cruiser	Mar. 14, 1942	54
Hovey	Minesweeper	Feb. 1, 1945	571
Hugh L. Scott	Transport	Dec. 3, 1942	209
Hull	Destroyer	Jan. 10, 1945	Press Release
Ingraham	Destroyer	Aug. 27, 1942	113
Jackson	USCG Patrol Vessel	Sept. 17, 1944	Press Release
Jacob Jones	Destroyer	Mar. 3, 1942	50
Jarvis	"	Sept. 24, 1942	131
John Penn	Cargo‑Transport	Sept. 29, 1943	Press Release
Johnston	Destroyer	Oct. 27, 1944	551, 554
Joseph Hewes	Transport	Dec. 3, 1942	209
Juneau	Light Cruiser	Nov. 16, 1942	194
Kanawha	Tanker	Apr. 9, 1943	339
Laffey	Destroyer	Nov. 16, 1942	194
Langley	Seaplane Tender	Apr. 3, 1942	65
Lansdale	Destroyer	May 10, 1944	519
Lc (No number)	Landing Craft	Mar. 31, 1944	515
LCI‑1065.	Landing Craft, Infantry	Nov. 20, 1945	555
LCI‑(G) 82	"	Apr. 20, 1945	CinCPoa 338
LCI‑(G) 459	"	Dec. 5, 1944	558
LCI‑(G) 474	Landing Craft, Infantry, (Gunboat)	Apr. 5, 1945	591
LCI‑(G) 974	"	Apr. 2, 1945	590
LCI‑(L)‑20	Landing Craft, Infantry, (Large)	Mar. 31, 1944	515
LCI‑(L)‑32	"	Mar. 31, 1944	515
LCI‑(L)‑85	"	Oct. 26, 1944	550
LCI‑(L)‑91	"	Oct. 26, 1944	550
LCI‑(L)‑92	"	Oct. 26, 1944	550
LCI‑(L)‑93	"	Oct. 26, 1944	550
XI‑(L)‑219	"	Oct. 26, 1944	550
XI‑(L)‑232		Oct. 26, 1944	550
LCI‑(L)‑600	"	Mar. 1, 1945	582
LCS‑(L)‑(3)‑7	Landing Craft, Support,(Large)	Mar. 29, 1945	588
LCS‑(L)‑(3)‑26	"	May 10, 1945	596
LCS‑(L)‑(3)‑33	"	Apr. 20, 1945	CinCPoa 338
LCS‑(L)‑(3)‑49	"	Apr. 12, 1945	592
LCT (5) 26	"	Mar. 31, 1944	515
LCT (5) 35	"	Mar. 31, 1944	515
LCT (5) 36	"	Mar. 31, 1944	515
LCT (5) 340	"	Mar. 31, 1944	515
LCT (6) 876	"	Apr. 20, 1945	CinCPoa 338

430

Name	Type	Date of Announcement	Comque.
Leary	Destroyer	Jan. 3, 1944	494
Leedstown	Transport	Dec. 3, 1942	209
Leopold	Destroyer Escort	Mar. 20, 1944	511
Lexington	Aircraft Carrier	June 12, 1942	88
Liscome Bay	Aircraft Carrier Escort	Dec. 2, 1943	487
Little	Transport	Sept. 24, 1942	131
Long	Minesweeper	Feb. 13, 1945	576
LSM‑20	Landing Ship, Medium	Dec. 27, 1944	563
LSM‑318	"	Jan. 2, 1945	565
LST 282	Landing Ship, Tank	Sept. 23, 1944	546
LST 314	"	Oct. 26, 1944	550
LST 348	"	Mar. 31, 1944	515
LST 359	"	Jan. 22, 1945	569
LST 376	"	Oct. 26, 1944	550
LST 460	"	Jan. 10, 1945	567
LST 472	"	Jan. 10, 1945	567
LST 496	"	Oct. 26, 1944	550
LST 499	"	Oct. 26, 1944	550
LST 523	"	Oct. 26, 1944	550
LST 577	"	Mar. 29, 1945	588
LST 738	"	Jan. 10, 1945	567
LST 749	"	Feb. 2, 1945	573
LST 750	"	Jan. 10, 1945	567
LST 921	"	Oct. 26, 1944	550
Luzon	River Gunboat	May 6, 1942	76
Macaw	Auxiliary Submarine Vessel	Mar. 20, 1944	Press Release
McCawley	Transport	July 1, 1943	429
McKean	Destroyer‑Transport	Nov. 20, 1943	485
Maddox	Destroyer	Aug. 15, 1943	458
Mahan	Destroyer	Dec. 22, 1944	561
Mannert L. Abele	Destroyer	Apr. 20, 1945	CinCPoa 338
Meredith	"	Oct. 21, 1942	163
Meredith	"	July 13, 1944	530
Miantonomah	Minelayer	Oct. 26, 1944	550
Mindanao	Patrol Vessel	May 4, 1942	75
Mississinewa	Auxiliary Oiler	Dec. 19, 1944	560
Monaghan	Destroyer	Jan. 10, 1945	Press Release
Monssen	"	Nov. 16, 1942	194
Moonstone	Patrol Craft	Oct. 16, 1943	Press Release
Mount Hood	Ammunition Ship	Dec. 5, 1944	558
Muskeget	Coast Guard Cutter	Oct. 9, 1942	145
Napa	Tug	Apr. 10, 1942	69
Natsek	Coast Guard Cutter	Jan. 23, 1943	259
Nauset	Tug	Sept. 17, 1943	466
Navajo	"	Sept. i7, 1943	466
Necheg	Oiler	Feb. 3, 1942	37
Neosho	Oiler	June 12, 1942	88
Niagara	Auxiliary Patrol	May 26, 1943	390
Noa	Auxiliary Transport	Sept. 19, 1944	Press Release
Northampton	Heavy Cruiser	Dec. 3, 1942	211
Oahu	Patrol Vessel	May 6, 1942	76
O'Brien	Destroyer	Oct. 21, 1942	163
Ommaney Bay	Aircraft Carrier, Escort	Feb. 13, 1945	576
Osprey	Minesweeper	Aug. 10, 1944	536
PC‑496	Submarine Chaser	Aug. 15, 1943	458
PC‑558	"	June 12, 1944	524
PC‑1129	"	Feb. 20, 1945	579
PC‑1261	"	Aug. 10, 1944	536
Pe‑56	Patrol Boat	May 8, 1945	Ann. by 1 N. D.
PGM 18	Patrol Vessel‑Motor Gunboat	Apr. 20, 1945	CinCPoa 338
Palmer	Minesweeper	Feb. 1, 1945	571
Partridge	Fleet Tug	July 12,1944	536

437

Name	Type	Date of Announcement	Comque.
Peary	Destroyer	Apr. 3 1942	65
Pecos	Oiler	Apr. 3, 1942	65
Penguin	Minesweeper	Dec. 10, 1941	Ann. By 16 N. D.
Perch	Submarine	Apr. 10, 1942	70
Perkins	Destroyer	Jan. 1, 1944	493
Perry	Minesweeper (DMS‑17)	Sept. 19, 1944	43
Pickerel	Submarine	Aug. 15,1943	458
Pigeon	Minesweeper	May 6, 1942	76
Pillsbury	Destroyer.	Mar. 24, 1942	54, 61
Plymouth	Gunboat	Aug. 15, 1943	458
Pollux	Cargo	Feb. 24, 1942	44
Pompano	Submarine	Jan. 5, 1944	495
Pope	Destroyer	Mar. 14, 1942	54
Porcupine	Auxiliary	Jan. 10, 1945	567
Portent	Minesweeper	Mar. 31, 1944	515
Porter	Destroyer	Oct. 26, 1942	169
Preston	"	Nov. 16, 1942	194
Princeton	Aircraft Carrier, Light	Oct. 25, 1944	CinCPac 165
Pringle	Destroyer.	Apr. 20, 1945	CinCPoa 338
PT 31	Motor Torpedo Boat	Apr. 10, 1942	Press Release
PT 34	"	Apr. 21, 1942	73
PT 35	"	Apr. 21, 1942	73
PT 37	"	Feb. 16, 1943	282
PT 44	"	Dec. 13, 1942	218
PT 73	"	Feb. 20, 1945	579
PT 77	"	Mar. 9, 1945	583
PT 79	"	Mar. 9, 1945	583
PT 111	"	Feb. 16, 1943	282
PT 123	"	Feb. 16, 1943	282
PT 202	"	Sept. 23, 1944	546
PT 218	"	Sept. 23, 1944	546
PT 300	"	Jan. 2, 1945	565
PT 311	"	Jan. 2, 1945	565
PT 320	"	Nov. 20, 1944	555
PT 321	"	Nov. 20, 1944	555
PT 323	"	Jan. 10, 1945	567
PT 338	"	Feb. 20, 1945	579
PT 363	"	Dec. 5, 1944	558
PT 368	"	Nov. 20, 1944	555
PT 371	"	Nov. 20, 1944	555
PT 509	"	Oct. 26, 1944	550
PT 555	"	Sept. 23, 1944	546
Quail	Minesweeper	May 6, 1942	76
Quincy	Heavy Cruiser	Oct. 12, 1942	147
R‑12	Submarine	June 25, 1943	Press Release
Redwing	Submarine Rescue Vessel.	Aug. 15, 1943	458
Reid	Destroyer	Jan. 5, 1945	566
Rich	Destroyer Escort	July 13, 1944	530
Robalo	Submarine	Sept. 6, 1944	540
Rowan	Destroyer	Sept. 17, 1943	466
Runner	Submarine	Oct. 27, 1943	477
S‑26	"	Feb. 7, 1942	Press Release
5‑28	"	July 11, 1944	Press Release
S‑44	"	Feb. 8, 1944	504
St. Augustine	Gunboat	Jan. 13, 1944	Press Release
ST. LO	Aircraft Carrier Escort	Oct. 27, 1944	551, 554
Samuel B. Roberts	Destroyer Escort	Oct. 27, 1944	551, 554
SC‑694	Submarine Chaser	Sept. 14, 1943	464
SC‑696	"	Sept. 14, 1943	464
SC‑744	"	Jan. 10, 1945	567
Scam	Submarine	Apr. 12, 1945	592
Sculpin	"	Mar. 18, 1944	510

438

Name	Type	Date of Announcement	Comque.
Scorpion	"	Mar. 32, 1944	513
Sealion	"	Mar. 18, 1942	57
Seawolf	"	Dec. 28, 1944	564
Seminole	Tug	Oct. 27, 1942	171
Sentinel	Minesweeper	Aug. 15, 1943	458
Serpens	Cargo Ship	Mar. 1, 1945	582
Shark	Submarine	Mar. 18, 1942	57
Shark	"	Mar. 1, 1945	582
Shelton	Destroyer Escort	Nov. 20, 1944	555
Sims	Destroyer	June 12, 1942	88
Skill	Minelayer	Oct. 1, 1943	471
Skylark	Mine Vessel‑Mine Sweeper	Apr. 20, 1945	CinCPoa 338
Sonoma	Fleet Tug	Nov. 20, 1944	555
Spence	Destroyer	Jan. 10, 1945	Press Release
Stewart	"	Mar. 18, 1942	57
Strong	"	July 6, 1943	435
Sturtevant	"	Apr. 27, 1942	74
Susan B. Anthony	Transport	July 13, 1944	530
Swerve	Minesweeper	July 29, 1944	533
Swordfish	Submarine	May 4, 1945	595
Tanager	Minesweeper	May 6, 1942	76
Tang	Submarine	Feb. 5, 1945	575
Tasker H. Bliss.	Transport.	Dec. 3, 1942	209
Tide	Minesweeper	July 13, 1944	530
Triton	Submarine	July 22, 1943	447
Trout	"	July 22, 1944	532
Truxton	Destroyer	Feb. 24, 1942	44
Tullibee	Submarine	July 22, 1944	532
Turner	Destroyer	Jan. 4, 1944	Press Release
Utah	Target Ship	Dec. 15, 1941	Press Release
Vincennes	Heavy Cruiser	Oct. 12, 1942	147
Vineyard Sound	Lightship	Sept‑ 18, 1944	Press Release
Wahoo	Submarine	Dec. 2, 1943 488
Wake	River Gunboat	Dec. 8, 1941	Press Release (captured)
Walke	Destroyer	Nov. 16, 1942	194
Ward	Destroyer Transport	Dec. 22, 1944	561
Warrington	Destroyer	Sept. 17, 1944	Press Release
Wasmuth	Minesweeper	Sept. 1, 1943	Press Release
Wasp	Aircraft Carrier	Oct. 26, 1942	168
Wilcox	Coast Guard Patrol Craft	Oct. 6, 1943	473
YMS‑19	Motor Minesweeper	Dec. 5, 1944	558
YMS‑21	"	Sept. 23, 1944	546
YMS‑24	"	Sept. 23, 1944	546
YMS‑30	"	Mar. 31, 1944	515
YMS‑48	"	Feb. 20, 1945	578
YMS‑70	Minesweeper	Nov. 20, 1944	555
YMS‑71	"	May 10, 1945	596
YMS‑103	Motor Minesweeper	May 14, 1945	597
YMS‑304	Minesweeper	Oct. 26, 1944	550
YMS‑350	"	Oct. 26, 1944	550
YMS‑378	"	Oct. 26, 1944	550
YMS‑481	"	May 24, 1945	600
YMS‑385	"	Dec. 5, 1944	558
YMS‑409	"	Sept. 20, 1944	Press Release
Yorktown	Aircraft Carrier	Sept. 16, 1942	97, 1942
YP‑284	Small Harbor Patrol	Oct. 27, 1942	171
YP‑389	Fishing Craft	June 25, 1942	91
YT‑198	Harbor Tug	Mar. 31, 1944	515

439

INDEX

Page

Aaron Ward, (USS) ....................................................... 31

Abemama ................................................... 87, 97, 98

Abner Read, (USS) ...................................................... 277

Abraham Harbor ........................................................... 8

Adak Island ................................................. 27, 28, 68, 69

Adelup Point ................................................... 191‑194 197

Admiralty Group ......................................................... 05

Admiralty Islands .................................. 175, 299, 305, 306, 323

Agana Bay ........................................................... 198

Agana Town .................................. 175, 184, 186, 191, 195, 196

Agano (Japan) .......................................................... 387

Agat Town ....................................................... 186, 191

Agattu Island ....................................................... 68, 69

Agingan ........................................................... 168

Agingan Point .......................................................... 167

Aguada River ........................................................... 193

Aguijan Island .......................................... 211, 212, 217, 307

Ailinginae Atoll ....................................................... 306

Ailinglapalap Atoll (Marshalls) ......................... 104, 105, 132, 306

Ailuk Atoll ....................................................... 135, 306

Ainsworth, Walden L., Rear Adm., USN.................................... 261

Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force ...................................... 225, 376

Aitape ...................................................... 142, 307

Akarakoro Point ......................................................... 232

Alamagan Island .............................................. 209, 212, 213

Alaska ....................................................... 307, 434

Alaskan Defense Command ................................................. 42

Albacore (USS) ......................................................... 377

Alchiba (USS) ............................................................ 58

Aleutians .......... 9, 23, 26, 28, 31, 41, 42, 69, 70, X03‑110, 307, 364

Alexishafen ........................................................... 308

Allied Army in Europe ................................................. 183

Alma College ........................................................... 144

Alu Island ............................................................ 10

AM‑106 (USS) ........................................................... 130

Amami Group ............................................................. 423

Amami Islands ... 360, 361, 378, 384, 385, 389, 402, 407, 411, 419, 423, 427

Amami Gunto ............................................................ 376

Amantes Point .......................................................... 201

Amberjack (USS) ......................................................... 44

Amchitka .................................................... 27, 28, 69

Amiangal Hill .......................................................... 232

Amoy ........................................................... 329

Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet, Commander of .......................... 42

Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific . ...... 303

Amphibious Reconnaissance Company, Fifth Amphibious Corps ............... 303

Amsterdam Island ........................................................ 312

Anae Island ............................................. 193, 194, 196, 197

Anao Point ........................................................... 203

Anatahan (Marianas) ..................................................... 230

Page

Anderson, N. R., Air Vice Marshall ....................................... 4

Andrea, James Paul, Lt. Comdr., USN. ................................... 326

Andreanof Group ......................................................... 69

Andreanof Islands ....................................................... 27

Ane Jima ........................................................... 313

Angaur Island ......................................................... 133,

195, 217, 219, 221, 223‑232, 234‑242, 245, 246, 252, 267, 278, 299, 314, 315.

Angeles Field ..................................................... 251, 291

Anglo‑American‑Canadian Attacks ........................................ 163

Anglo‑American statements ............................. See Joint statements

Ani Jima ...................................................... 202, 264

Ant Island ....................................... 128, 138, 139, 140, 143

Anti‑Submarine Operations ....................................... 56, 59, 62,

83, 91, 149, 162, 183, 218, 265, 324. See also Joint Statements

Aparri 245, 246, 249, 251

Apamama 76, 88

Apamama Atoll ............................................................ 87

APC-21 (USS) ............................................................. 97

Apra Harbor ..................................... 174, 176, 193, 196‑198, 312

Araido Island ...................................................... 207, 220

Arakabesan 133,

195, 217, 228, 266, 268, 270, 280, 282, 283, 332, 339, 344, 345, 370, 401

Arakawa Town ....................................................... 395, 396

Arimasuku Island ........................................................ 242

Arkansas (USS) .......................................................... 348

Armed Guard (Navy) ....................................................... 10

Arno Atoll 132, 303

Arnold, General ......................................................... 386

Arumonogui Point ........................................................ 245

Asa River 412, 418, 426

Asan Point 191

Asato River ............................................. 425, 426, 429, 430

Ashiya ........................................................... 423

Asias Town .......................................................... 225

Asiga Point ............................................................ 194

Aslito Airdrome .............................................. 168, 169, 176

Aslito Airfield (Isely) ........................................... 178, 310

Asor Island ....................................................... 211, 248

Atago (Japan) .......................................................... 255

Atago Class (Japan) .................................................... 255

Atchugau ........................................................... 180

Atlantic-Mediterranean Theaters ......................................... 415

Atlantic Fleet, US ............................................. 62, 86, 268

Atlantic Fleet, Service Force ........................................... 258

Atsugi Airfield .................................................... 399, 425

Attu Island, Village .............................. 8-10, 12, 13, 18, 21, 22,

25, 27‑29, 31, 33‑36, 39‑44, 46, 50, 57, 67‑70, 80, 175.

Aur Atoll 140, 307

Australia 175

Australian Area, Command ................................................ 41

Australian Troops ...................................................... 308

Azores ............................................................ 91

Page

Babelthuap Island ...................................................... 133,

216, 219, 223, 228, 232, 235-241, 245, 252, 258, 260, 261, 263, 266,

267, 277, 279, 282-289, 291-296, 298, 299, 313, 314, 320-323, 326,

334, 336, 338-341, 343, 344, 346, 347, 353, 358, 366, 367, 370, 371,

375, 376.

Bacolod ........................................................... 234

Baga Island ............................................................. 59

Bairakaseru Island ................................................ 241, 315

Bairoko .................................................... 54, 55, 60

Baka bomb ...................................................... 406, 410

Baker, W. D., Rear Adm., USN. .......................................... 303

Ballale Island ...... 1‑3, 6, 17, 21, 29, 31, 32, 35, 46, 48, 50, 51, 55, 56

Baltic bases ........................................................... 218

Bamban field ........................................................... 263

Bambara Harbor .......................................................... 56

Bangi Point ............................................................ 191

Banton Island .......................................................... 281

Barbel (USS) ........................................................... 373

Barbers Point, Oahu ..................................................... 80

Barbey, D. E., Rear Adm., USN........................................... 307

Barents Sea ............................................................ 134

Bataan ........................................................... 281

Batangas ........................................................... 278

Batangas Bay ........................................................... 252

Batangas field ......................................................... 263

Batchelder, M. J., Col.................................................. 368

Battle, Coral Sea ................................................. 255, 364

Battle of Formosa ...................................................... 316

Battle of Guadalcanal .................................................. 255

Battle of Leyte Gulf ................................................... 276

Battle of Luzon ........................................................ 316

Battle of Midway .................................................. 187, 255

Battle of Philippine Sea........................................... 231, 310

Battle of Philippine Sea, First ............................... 255, 338, 343

Battle of Philippine Sea, Second ........................................ 255

259, 260, 270, 275, 276, 287, 288, 300, 316, 343.

Battle of Surigao Strait ................................................ 276

Battle off Cape Engano .................................................. 276

Battle off Samar ........................................................ 276

Battles, Sea, World War II .............................................. 255

Bay of Biscay ........................................................... 218

Beal, Stetson C., Lt. (jg), USNR.......................................... 30

Beatty (USS) ............................................................. 84

Beaufort Bay ......................................................... 22, 47

Bellinger, Patrick N. L., Vice Adm., USN................................. 268

Betio Island .................................................. 84‑87, 90, 93

Biak Island ........................................................ 309, 311

Bigej Island ........................................................ 111 303

Bikar Atoll ............................................................. 306

Bikini Atoll ....................................................... 132, 306

Bismarck Area ........................................................... 304

Bismarck Archipelago .......................................... 175, 305, 307

iii

Page

Bismarck Sea (USS) ...................................................... 875

Blandy, W. H. P., Rear Adm., USN .............................. 223, 340. 382

Blind Cove 33

Block Island (USS) ...................................................... 161

Bloody Nose Ridge (Umurbrogol Hill) ....................... 235‑237, 240-242

Bogan, G. F., Rear Adm., USN ....................................... 246, 388

Bonin Islands .......................................................... 167,

173, 175, 180, 181, 190, 202, 207, 208, 211, 214, 217, 227, 230‑232,

234, 237, 242, 248, 258'‑266, 268, 269, 276, 277, 279‑283, 289, 292,

294, 295, 298, 299, 310, 311, 313, 320, 321, 329, 331, 332, 336, 339,

340, 343‑346, 353‑368, 370‑374, 376‑379, 383, 390‑392, 394, 396

398, 404, 405, 407‑409, 418, 427, 429.

Borie (USS) ........................................................... 82‑83

Borneo ............................................................. 299

Bougainville Island ..... 1, 2, 5, 19, 23, 31, 41, 42, 49, 86, 302, 305, 309

Bougainville Strait ...................................................... 20

Bradford, Gerard, Jr., Lt., USNR ......................................... 37

Bristol (USS) ............................................................ 80

British Admiralty ............................................... 65, 74, 110

British Aircraft ................................................... 382, 388

British Air Squadron..................................................... 184

British Amphibious Forces ................................................ 62

British Carrier Aircraft ................................................ 419

British Carrier Task Force .............................................. 381

British Government ....................................................... 56

British Ministry of Information .......................................... 74

British Pacific Fleet................................................... 293,

318, 379, 381, 382, 388, 389, 393, 395, 396, 398, 403, 404, 410, 412,
416, 421, 425, 429.

British Pacific Fleet, Commander in Chief ............................... 293

British Pacific Fleet, Units ............................................ 307

British Task Force ...................................................... 379

Brodeur, V. G., Rear Adm., RCN............................................. 4

Brownson (USS) .......................................................... 100

Bruce, Andrew D., Maj. Gen., USA.............................. 199, 382, 403

Buayan Airfield ......................................................... 218

Buck (USS) .............................................................. 80

Buckner, Simon B., Lt. Gen., USA.................................... 42, 381

Buka Island ................................................... 5, 45, 50, 56

Buin ................................. 1, 9, 20, 32, 42, 44, 45, 48‑51

Bukhti Point ............................................................. 72

Bulan ............................................................. 252

Burgenland (Germany)................................................ 110, 111

Burhanna, Howard, Jr., Capt., USAAF....................................... 16

Burns (USS) ........................................................ 113, 302

Burton, Norman G., Col., USMC............................................ 126

Burton, Paul W., Lt. Comdr., USN......................................... 126

Burza (Poland) ............................................................ 5

Bush (USS) ............................................................. 400

Bush, A. B. Private 1c .................................................. 369

Busuanga Island ......................................................... 233

Butler, William O., Maj. Gen., USA........................................ 42

Page

Cabras Island ........................................................... 191

Cagayan Airfield ........................................................ 218

Calatagan ............................................................ 290

Calhoun, William L., Vice Adm., USN................................. 287, 364

California (USS) ................................................... 257, 274

Calpe (HMS) ........................................................ 109, 110

Camiguin Island ......................................................... 249

Campbell (USCG) ........................................................... 5

Camranh ............................................................. 327

Camranh Bay ........................................................ 326, 329

Canadian, Anglo‑American ................................................ 163

Canadian Department of National Defense .............................. 65, 74

Canadian Forces .......................................................... 70

Canadian Pilots ...................................................... 21, 42

Canadians .............................................................. 41

Canadian Troops ...................................................... 67, 72

Canton (China) .................................................... 330, 331

Canton Island ......................................................... 8, 60

Cape Alexander ........................................................... 20

Cape Bolinao ............................................................ 290

Cape Engano ................................................... 256, 276, 300

Cape Esperance ........................................................... 47

Cape Hoskins ............................................................ 306

Cape Gloucester ......................................................... 100

Cape Khlebnikof .................................................. 39, 44, 46

Capelin (USS) ........................................................... 125

Cape May (New Jersey) ................................................... 101

Cape Opmari ............................................................. 312

Cape St. Jacques......................................................... 329

Cape Sansapor ........................................................... 313

Cape Surville ............................................................ 36

Carey, Harold C., Lt. (jg), USN........................................... 57

Carlson, Evans F., Lt. Col., USMCR....................................... 433

Caroline Islands ....................................................... 116,

119, 120, 121, 123, 125, 130, 133, 168, 173‑176, 178, 189, 193, 195,

199, 207, 209, 211‑214, 217, 223, 233, 250, 270, 280, 283, 292, 294,

295, 300, 306, 308, 312‑314, 320, 321, 327, 328, 330‑332, 335, 336,

338‑342, 344, 346, 348, 353, 354, 356‑358, 360, 362, 363, 365, 366,

370‑374, 376, 377, 383, 385, 388, 391, 392, 394, 398‑402, 404, 406‑

408, 410, 416, 420, 422, 424.

Casablanca Class (USS) .................................................. 375

Casale, Thomas J., Private First Class ................................. 369

Cates, Clifton B., Maj. Gen., USMC................................. 348, 368

Cat Lai ........................................................ 327, 329

Cavite ............................................................. 257

Cavite Naval Base .................................................. 228, 230

Cavite Navy Yard ........................................................ 267

Cebu Airfield ........................................................... 251

Cebu Harbor ............................................................. 252

Cebu Island ......................... 220, 233, 234, 251, 258, 314, 315, 328

Celebes ............................................................. 299

Page

Chaney, James E., Maj. Gen.......................................... 368, 383

Charan Danshii .......................................................... 178

Charan Kanoa ................................................... 165, 167 168

Charan Tabute ........................................................... 179

Charts ......................................................... 440‑447

Chevalier (USS) ....................................................... 82‑83

Chichagof Corridor .................................................... 37‑38

Chichagof Harbor ............................ 22, 25, 27, 33, 34, 35, 38, 39

Chichagof Valley ......................................... 35, 37, 38, 39, 43

Chichi Jima ........................................................... 167,

181‑183, 190, 191, 202, 207, 208, 210, 214, 215, 217, 227, 230‑232,

234, 237, 242, 261‑263, 265, 268, 269, 276, 278‑282, 289, 295, 298,

310, 313, 322, 331, 332, 339, 340, 344, 346, 353‑368, 370‑378, 383,

391, 392, 394, 396, 398, 404, 405, 408, 413, 418, 420, 427, 429.

Chichi Jima Harbor ................................................. 237, 259

China ......................................... 271, 310, 330, 335, 337

China, Army Air forces in ............................................... 336

China‑based B‑29'8 ...................................................... 310

China Coast ........................................................ 329, 332

China Sea .............................................. 316, 408, 429, 430

China Sea, East .......................................... 387, 408, 429, 430

China Sea, South ........................................................ 316

Chiran ........................................................ 381, 423

Chitose Class (Japan) ................................................... 256

Chiyunna ............................................................. 384

Chocolate Drop Hill ..................................................... 423

Choiseul Bay ............................................................ 302

Choiseul Island .............................................. 13, 20, 43, 46

Choshu ............................................................. 333

Chuda ............................................................. 383

Churchill, Prime Minister, Great Britain. See Joint Anglo‑American Statements

Cisco (USS) ............................................................. 112

Clark Airfield .......................................................... 251

Clark Airstrip .......................................................... 268

Clark Field ................................. 228‑230, 250, 262‑264, 278, 291

Clark, J. J., Rear Adm., USN ...................................... 387, 388

Clay, James P., Capt., USN .............................................. 110

Colhoun (USS) ........................................................... 400

Columbian, SS (United States) ....................................... 10, 11

Comfort (USS) ........................................................... 406

Conference, Anti U‑Boat ................................................... 4

Conical Hill ......................................... 421, 423‑426, 429, 430

Conolly, Richard L., Rear Adm., USN ................................. 63, 190

Cooper (USS) ............................................................ 296

Corlett, Charles H., Maj. Gen., USA ..................................... 108

Cornell, W. Gordon, Lt., USNR ............................................ 65

Coron Bay ................................................... 233, 234, 252

Corry (USS) ............................................................. 186

Corvina (USS) ........................................................... 124

Cramer, Myron C., Maj. Gen., USA......................................... 342

Cramp, W. and Sons........................................................ 11

Culion Island ........................................................... 233

Cunningham, Andrew Browne, Adm. Sir Bart, GCB, DSO, RN ................... 62

Page

Curry, Ralph R., Comdr., USCG............................................ 202

Cushing, J. E., Mr. ....................................................... 4

Cuttyhunk Island ........................................................ 224

Dagami, town of ......................................................... 251

Daito Island ............................................................ 384

Dakeshi ................................................... 419, 420, 426

Dakeshi Town ............................................................ 427

Dakeshi Village ......................................................... 413

Darter (USS) ............................................................ 266

Davao ............................................................. 309

Davao Airfield .......................................................... 218

Davao Gulf ........................................................ 218, 314

Davis, Howland S., Lt., USNR.............................................. 57

Davis, Leland L., Machinist, USN ......................................... 23

Davison, R. E., Rear Adm., USN ......................................... 246

Del Carmen Field ........................................................ 278

Del Monte ............................................................. 281

Del Monte Airfield ...................................................... 218

Denges Passage .......................................................... 267

DeWitt, John L., Lt. Gen., USA............................................ 42

Deyo, M. L., Rear Adm., USN.............................................. 382

Dickerson (USS) ......................................................... 400

Donnay ............................................................. 175

Doolittle, James H., Maj. Gen............................................ 318

Dorado (USS) ............................................................. 81

Douglas, R. W., Brig. Gen., USA.......................................... 137

Draper, William D., Lt. (jg), USCGR.................................. 200‑201

Dryden, John Edwin, Jr., Lt. (jg), USNR................................ 29‑30

Dublon Island .......................................................... 124,

130‑133, 135, 136, 138‑140, 143, 145, 160, 164, 183, 187, 201, 208,

210, 223, 236.

Dublon Naval Base ............................................. 186, 190, 201

Dublon Town ........................................................ 136, 139

Dulag Airfield .......................................................... 251

Durgin, C. T., Rear Adm., USN............................................ 382

Durston, A., Air Vice Marshall, C. B., A. F. C., Royal Canadian Navy ..... 4

Dutch East Indies ....................................................... 175

Dutch Harbor ......................................................... 67, 68

Dutch New Guinea ........................................................ 311

East China Sea ........................................... 387, 408, 429, 430

East Indies ............................................................. 299

Eastern Theater of Operation ............................................ 415

Ebeye Island ................................................... 90, 111, 303

Ebler Island ............................................................ 111

Ebon Atoll ................................................... 94, 132, 306

Edwards, Richard S., Vice Adm., USN. .................................... 268

Eighteenth (18th) Army (Japanese) ....................................... 307

vii

Page

Eighty‑first (81st) Infantry Division .......................................

223‑229, 231, 232, 234, 237, 240‑242, 248, 276, 293, 314, 315, 318.

Eiko ............................................................. 333

Einansho ............................................................. 243

Eisenhower, General ...................................................... 62

Eleventh (11th) Army Air Force ......................................... 125,

128, 136‑138, 143, 152, 154, 157, 158, 160, 161, 168, 170, 175, 176,

206‑208, 212, 213, 215, 219, 220, 222, 223, 226, 228, 233, 235‑238,

246, 247, 254, 260, 261, 263‑265, 277, 284, 287, 295, 299, 326, 328,

332, 333, 335, 340, 341, 353, 366, 367, 371, 372, 374, 378, 381, 393,

399, 409, 419, 420, 425, 428.

Elihu Thompson, SS (United States) ..................................... 236

Eller, Donald T., Lt. Comdr., USN....................................... 113

Eller Island ............................................................ 303

Ellice Islands ................................. 20, 60, 61, 75, 84, 85, 108

Emeiji Island ............................................................ 99

Emirau Island ...................................................... 305, 306

Emmons (USS) ............................................................ 400

Empress Augusta Bay ..................................................... 302

Engebi Island ...................................................... 116, 304

Eniwetok Atoll ......................................................... 105,

106, 108, 111, 114‑118, 122, 131, 132, 137, 175, 303, 304, 308, 310,

319.

Eniwetok Island ......................................................... 117

Erikub Atolls ...................................................... 140, 307

Erskine, Graves B., Maj. Gen., USMC................................ 351, 368

Escanaba (USCG) .......................................................... 47

Escolar (USS) ........................................................... 358

Escort Carrier "B" (USS) ............................................. 59, 73

Espiritu Santo ........................................................... 36

Eten Island ........................................................... 124,

129, 130, 132, 140, 141, 143, 145, 160, 164, 187, 208, 233, 236, 248.

Europe ........................................................ 184, 186

Europe, Allied Army ................................................ 183, 205

European War ............................................................ 324

Eversole (USS) .......................................................... 277

Excambion‑ex: SS (United States) ......................................... 77

Extractor (USS) ......................................................... 359

Fadian Point ............................................................ 199

Faibus San Hilo Point .............................................. 193, 194

Fais ........................................................ 312, 322

Faisi ........................................................... 9, 10

Fangelawa Bay ........................................................... 309

Far Eastern Air Force ................................................... 328

Fassaran Island ......................................................... 248

Fast Carrier Task Force ................................................ 178,

184, 189, 202, 222, 243, 246, 251, 358, 373, 382, 387, 388, 394.

Fauro Island . ........................................................... 29

Fechteler (USS) ........................................................ 174

Fechteler, W. M., Rear Adm., USN ........................................ 305

viii

Page

Fefan island ............................................. 130, 136, 138, 139

Fifth (5th) Amphibious Corps ................ 303, 348, 351, 354, 368, 370

Fifth (5th) Division ................................................... 358

Fifth (5th) Fleet ..................................................... 169,

170, 172, 190, 231, 307, 308, 310, 345, 346, 348, 349, 356, 358, 373,

374, 376, 381.

Fifth (5th) Marine Division ....... 348, 351, 354‑357, 360‑363, 366‑368, 370

Fifty‑eighth (58th) Task Force .......................................... 348

Fiji, Governor of, British High Commissioner, Western Pacific ............ 93

Finegayan ....................................................... 200, 201

First (1st) Battle, Philippine Sea ........................... 255, 338, 343

First (1st) Bomber Command ............................................... 83

First (1st) Marine Air Wing ............................................. 376

First (1st) Marine Division ....... 392, 409‑411, 413, 419, 420, 423, 425‑430

First (1st) Provisional Marine Brigade .............. 191, 192, 197, 205, 312

First (1st) Regiment, U. S. Volunteer Cavalry ........................... 144

Fish‑Hook Ridge ...................................................... 38, 39

Fiske (USS) ............................................................. 206

Flag. Iegusugu Peak ..................................................... 401

Flag, Ie Shima .......................................................... 403

Flag, raised, Guam ...................................................... 196

Flag, raised Iwo Island ................................................. 367

Flag, raised, Iwo Jima ............................................. 368, 369

Flag, raised, Mount Suribachi ........................................... 353

Flag, raised, Tinian ............................................... 200, 313

Flag, Texas ............................................................. 403

Flag, U. S .......................... 196, 200, 313, 353, 367‑369, 401, 403

Fleet Air Wing One (1) ................................................. 240,

242, 246, 259, 261, 263, 266‑269, 276‑278, 284, 288, 289, 292, 295,

333, 342, 344, 346, 349, 356, 363, 372, 373, 376, 377, 379, 387,

388, 391, 394, 395, 397‑402, 404‑413, 415, 418‑421, 423, 424, 426‑431.

Fleet Air Wing Two (2) .................................................. 89,

91, 92, 94‑96, 98, 99, 102‑104, 107, 108, 111‑116, 118‑130, 132‑145,

147‑157, 159, 160, 162‑164, 170, 173, 186, 187, 190, 194, 195, 197,

198, 204‑206, 208, 210, 211, 213, 214, 221, 223, 224, 233, 238, 258,

262‑264, 267, 270, 278, 279, 281‑292, 294, 295, 297, 300, 307, 320,

321, 325, 330, 332, 335, 340, 341, 353, 354, 356, 360‑362, 364, 365,

368, 370, 374, 375, 377‑379, 384, 390, 394, 398, 405, 410, 419, 420,

422‑424, 428, 430.

Fleet Air Wing Two‑Group One ........................................... 165,

166, 171, 176, 179, 182, 184, 188‑190, 198, 201, 203, 205, 207‑212,

214, 216, 235.

Fleet Air Wing Four (4) ................................................ 117,

120, 121, 125, 136, 137, 143, 145, 147, 148, 152, 154‑157, 159‑161,

168, 170, 173, 176, 179, 185, 193, 204, 206, 207, 210‑213, 216, 219,

220, 222, 223, 226, 228, 233, 237, 246, 254, 263, 265, 335, 339, 341,

372, 374, 378, 393, 398, 408, 409, 420, 424, 428.

Fleet Air Wing Eighteen (18) ... 413, 416, 417, 419, 422, 424, 427, 429, 430

Fleet Marine Force ....................... 199, 225, 348, 368, 369, 372, 376

Flier (USS) ............................................................. 226

Force "A" (Japan) ....................................................... 316

Force "B" (Japan) ....................................................... 317

Force "G" (Japan) ....................................................... 317

Florida Island ........................................................... 49

Page

Formosa ........................................................... 171,

243-249, 252, 253, 259, 271, 272, 299, 315, 320‑322, 324, 325, 327

330, 332‑335, 337, 343, 393, 395, 396.

Formosa Battle .......................................................... 316

Forrestal, James, Acting Secretary of the Navy .......................... 144

Forrestal, James, Secretary of the Navy ....... 153, 161, 172, 276, 342, 392

Fort, George H., Rear Adm., USN.......................................... 222

Fort Glenn .......................................................... 67, 68

Fort Mears .......................................................... 67, 68

Forward Area, Central Pacific ........................................... 137

Forward Area, Central Pacific Commander ................................. 307

Fourth (4th) Fleet ...................................................... 268

Fourth (4th) Marine Air Wing ....................................... 125‑129,

131‑143, 145‑157, 159, 160, 162‑164, 166, 170, 171, 173, 175, 179,

180, 182‑190, 194, 195, 197, 198, 200‑214, 216, 217, 219‑224, 227

233, 235‑238, 242, 246, 250‑252, 254, 258, 262‑264, 266, 267, 270,

277‑284, 286‑292, 294‑298, 320, 321, 323, 325‑332, 335, 336, 338

347, 353, 354, 356‑368, 370, 377, 379‑381, 383‑385, 387, 388, 390

392, 394‑396, 398‑402, 404, 405, 407, 408, 410‑413, 416-425, 427

431.

Fourth (4th) Marine Division ........................................... 108,

179, 180, 192, 193, 198, 199, 222, 224, 226‑229, 231, 232, 234, 237,

241, 242, 246, 303, 305, 310, 312, 314, 315, 348, 351, 354‑358, 361‑

363, 365‑368, 370, 409‑411, 413, 419, 420, 423, 425‑430.

Fourth (4th) Marine Regiment ............................................ 430

Fourth (4th) Tank Battalion ............................................. 304

France, Allied Operations ............................................... 218

France, northern operations ............................................. 253

Fraser, Bruce, Adm. Sir, G.C.B., K.B.E., RN .................. 293, 318, 379

Frederick C. Davis (USS)................................................. 424

Freeman, James S., Capt., USN............................................. 58

French Destroyer Escort, a .............................................. 202

French Indo‑China ........................................ 326, 327, 329, 337

Funafuti .......................................... 20, 60, 61, 75, 84, 85

Fusan Harbor (Korea) .................................................... 412

Fuso (Japan) ............................................................ 273

Futami Harbor .......................................................... 227

Futami go, Chichi Jima .................................................. 322

Gaja Hill ............................................................ 409

Gaja Island ........................................................ 394, 427

Gambier Bay, (USS) ................................................. 270, 316

Gamilangel Bay ..................................................... 241, 245

Gamilangel Village ...................................................... 239

Gannosu ............................................................. 423

Ganongga Island ...................................................... 59, 60

Garakayo Island ............................................... 240, 241, 315

Garapan Town ........................... 165, 168‑170, 174‑176, 179, 180, 187

Garekoru Village ........................................................ 229

Garrett, Floyd Bruce Jr., Lt. Comdr., USN ............................... 326

Gasmata ........................................................ 305, 306

Gatch, Thomas L., Rear Adm., USN ................................... 153, 342

Page

Gatere .............................................................. 23

"G" Company, 383rd Regiment ............................................. 425

Geiger, Roy S., Maj. Gen., USMC.......................... 190, 196, 222, 381

George E. Badger, (USS) .................................................. 73

Germany, surrender of ................................................... 414

German blockade runners ................................................. 110

German submarines ................................................ See U‑Boat

Gertrude Cove ................ 25, 28, 39, 40, 54, 57, 58, 60, 62, 64, 70‑72

Ghormley, Vice, Adm. USN ................................................ 433

Gilbert Islands, Gilberts ...................................... 19, 22, 48,

................... 75, 76, 81, 84‑90, 93, 105, 108, 178, 290, 298

Gilmore, Howard W., Comdr., USN .......................................... 27

Giran ........................................................ 328, 833

Gizo Island .............................................................. 29

Gjit Island ............................................................. 115

Glennon, (USS) .......................................................... 186

Glynn, John E., Private 1c .............................................. 368

Golet, (USS) ............................................................ 252

Golon ............................................................ 267

Grady, (USS) ............................................................ 192

Grampus, (USS) ........................................................... 44

Grayback, (USS) ......................................................... 169

Grayling, (USS) .......................................................... 95

Great Britain Prime Minister ............................. See Prime Minister

Green Island ............................................................ 303

Grenadier, (USS) ......................................................... 75

Grew, Joseph C . ........................................................ 414

Gross, C. P., Maj. Gen., USA .............................................. 4

Growler, (USS) .......................................................... 337

Guadalcanal, Battle of .................................................. 255

Guadalcanal Island ..................................................... 1‑3,

7, 9, 11‑14, 17, 18, 21, 22, 25, 31, 32, 34‑36, 45‑47, 58, 60, 7 5‑78,

82, 434.

Guam ............................................................ 118,

144, 148, 159, 162, 164, 165, 167‑169, 174‑176, 182, 184‑206, 210,

278, 299, 304, 309, 311‑313, 319, 330, 344, 353, 359, 367, 375, 384,

399, 405.

Gudgeon, (USS) .......................................................... 219

Gugegwe Island ..................................................... 111, 303

Gurguan Point ........................................................... 196

Gwin, (USS) .............................................................. 59

Hachijo Island ...................................................... 357 377

Hagushi beaches .................................................... 392, 418

Haha Jima ............................................................ 167,

180‑183, 190, 202, 214, 215, 231, 242, 248, 259, 261‑266, 269, 276,

278‑284, 289, 310, 311, 313, 321, 322, 329, 331, 339, 340, 343‑346,

353, 355, 360, 361, 363, 364, 366, 372, 378, 379, 383, 391, 392, 394,

396.

Haha Jima Harbor ................................................... 258, 322

Haines, John M., Comdr., USN............................................. 433

Page

Hale, Willis, Maj. Gen. ........................................ 28, 108, 137

Hall Island ............................................... 141‑143, 151, 176

Hall, John L., Rear Adm., USN ...................................... 63, 117

Halligan, (USS) ......................................................... 400

Halmahera ........................................................ 299, 314

Halsey, William F., Jr., Adm., USN ...................................... 73,

82, 169, 221, 230, 241, 246, 250, 272, 274, 275, 287, 288, 306, 310,

319, 335, 434.

Haputo Point ....................................................... 202, 203

Harbor of Naha .......................................................... 245

Harbor of Quinhon ....................................................... 327

Harder (USS) ............................................................ 320

Harmon, Millard F., Lt. Gen., USA ............. 214, 287, 313, 318, 335, 348

Hartley, Henry, Capt., USN............................................... 269

Haruna (Japan) ..................................................... 255, 273

Hashigoru ............................................................. 175

Hawaiian Island Chain ................................................... 432

Hayake Kawa ............................................................. 374

Hayake River ............................................................ 393

Hayataka (Japan) ........................................................ 171

Hayward, John T., Comdr., USN ............................................ 79

Heanza Island ........................................................... 403

Heel Point ........................................................ 153, 159

Heito .............................................. 243, 247, 328, 330

Helena (USS) ............................................................. 55

Henderson Field .......................................................... 47

Henley, (USS) ............................................................ 82

Hermana Mayor Island .................................................... 281

Herring, (USS) .......................................................... 252

Hewitt, Henry K., Vice Adm., USN ............................... 62, 63, 110

Hickam Field, T. H. ...................................................... 28

Higashi Harbor, Haha Jima ............................................... 322

Hill, Harry W., Rear Adm., USN ................................ 115, 192, 368

Hill 178 ................................................... 401, 404, 412

Hinashisu ............................................................. 168

Hinatuan Bay ............................................................ 218

Hirara Town ........................................................ 413, 421

Hitoyoshi ............................................................. 423

Hobbs Victory, (USS) .................................................... 401

Hodge, John R., Maj. Gen., USA .......................................... 381

Hoel, (USS) ........................................................ 270, 316

Hogaboom, Robert E., Col., USMC ......................................... 368

Hollandia .............................................. 142, 178, 307, 308

Hollandia Area ..................................................... 146, 307

Hollandia landings ...................................................... 150

Hollandia‑Humboldt Bay ............................................. 141, 146

Holtz Bay (Attu) ................................ 10, 22, 25, 33, 34, 57, 69

Holtz Bay Pass ........................................................... 38

Homann, Alfred J., Comdr., USN ...................................... 72, 73

Hongkong ......................................................... 329‑331

Honshu ............. 374, 407‑410, 413, 416, 419, 422, 424, 427, 429, 430

Hoover, John H., Rear Adm., USN ......................... 108, 137, 307, 326

xii

Page

Hornet (USS) .................................................. 116, 257, 318

Hospital Ship, Attack on ................................................ 406

Hovey, (USS) ............................................................ 337

Hull, (USS) ........................................................ 325, 326

Humboldt Bay ............................................................ 307

Hyuga (Japan) ........................................................... 273

Iba ............................................................. 290

Ibusuki ............................................................. 381

Icarus, (USCG) ........................................................... 24

Idaho, (USS) ............................................................ 348

Ie Shima .......................................... 375, 396‑401, 403, 430

Iegusugu Peak ....................................................... 397‑401

Igup Island ............................................................. 141

Illustrious, (HMS) ...................................................... 379

Iloilo ............................................................ 234

Imieji Island ................................. 85, 87, 92, 94, 103‑105, 107

Inagsa Point ....................................................... 180, 182

Indefatigable (HMS) ..................................................... 410

India‑China Theater ........................................... 318, 327, 335

Indian Ocean .................................................. 134, 204, 307

Indies, East ....................................................... 299, 300

Indo‑China, French ....................................... 326, 327, 329, 337

Indomitable, (HMS) ...................................................... 410

Ingersoll, Royal E., Adm., USN ....................... 62, 86, 142, 161, 268

Ingram, Jonas H., Adm., USN.............................................. 268

Ingram, Jonas [H.], Vice Adm., USN ...................................... 110

Ishigaki ............................................................. 395

Inland Sea .............................................. 372, 373, 374, 387

Inspector General Pacific Fleet ......................................... 379

Ise Class (Japan) .................................................. 256, 273

Ise Bay ............................................................. 402

Isely Field ......................................... 178, 183, 195, 260, 310

Isely, Robert Henry, Comdr., USN ........................................ 178

Ishigaki Island ................ 324, 325, 382, 388, 396, 403, 416, 424, 430

Ishikawa Isthmus ........................................... 383‑388, 390‑393

Ishimmi ................................................... 423, 425, 430

Ishimmi Town .................................................. 425, 426, 427

Ishin Village ........................................................... 403

Island Commander, Iwo Island ............................................ 383

Itarashiku Town ......................................................... 429

Iwo Airfield ............................................................ 351

Iwo Island 348‑375, 377, 382, 38'3, 397, 398, 402, 404, 408, 411, 418, 428, 429

Iwo Jima ............................................................ 167,

173, 174, 180, 188, 190, 202, 206, 207, 208, 211‑217, 219‑224, 226,

228, 231, 233‑240, 242, 246, 247, 252, 254, 258, 260‑262, 264 269,

276, 282‑284, 286‑292, 294‑299, 310, 313, 317, 318, 320‑323, 325‑

327, 329, 331‑336, 338‑341, 343‑346, 368, 369, 372, 386.

Izumi ............................................................. 423

xiii

Page

Jabor Island ......................................................... 85, 98

Jaluit ............................................................. 85,

87, 91, 92, 94, 96‑99, 102‑105, 107, 108, 111, 113, 152, 182, 184,

185, 197, 205, 212‑214, 219, 220, 222, 226, 229‑233, 235‑238, 250,

254, 270, 308, 418.

Japan ............................... 175, 299, 310, 312, 318, 397, 410

Japanese Commander in Chief, Central Pacific Headquarters ............... 209

Japanese Eighteenth Army ................................................ 307

Japanese midget submarines ............................................... 72

Japanese Ship Losses, Summaries .................................... 338, 422

Jarman, Sanderford, Maj. Gen., USA....................................... 190

Java ........................................................ 299, 308

Jemo Island ............................................................. 306

Jester, Maurice D., Lt., USCG ............................................ 24

John Penn, (USS) ......................................................... 77

Johnston, (USS) .................................................... 270, 316

Joint Anglo‑American Statement, Sub Activities .......................... 56,

65, 74, 79, 91, 99, 113, 122, 134, 149, 162, 183, 204, 218, 239, 265,

288, 324, 341, 364, 389.

Joint Chiefs of Staff, directive ................................... 385, 386

Jokaj Island ............................................................ 194

Jouett, (USS) .................................................. 57, 110, 111

Judge Advocate General, Navy ....................................... 153, 342

K‑74, (USS) .............................................................. 64

Kadena .............................................. 382, 383, 401, 424

Kagman Peninsula ........................................................ 174

Kagoshima ................................................... 374, 381, 423

Kahili ............................................................. 1‑3

5‑7, 9, 10, 13, 15, 17‑23, 29, 31, 32, 35, 42, 45, 48‑51, 56.

Kaiser Shipyards, Vancouver, Washington ................................. 375

Kakzu Town ............................................................. 404

Kama ............................................................. 367

Kamikaze Corps .......................................................... 394

Kamiri ............................................................. 311

Kamiyama .............................................................. 385

Kamoi .............................................................. 330

Kanawha, (USS) ........................................................... 31

Kangoku Rock ....................................................... 354, 367

Kaniku ............................................................. 389

Kanoya Airfield ......................................................... 410

Kanoya .............................................. 374, 381, 397, 423

Kapingamarangi Atoll .................................................... 306

Kapingamarangi Island .................................................... 89

Karenko ............................................................. 328

Kashii (Japan) .......................................................... 329

Kashiwabara ........................................................ 419, 420

Kataoka ........... 340, 341, 366, 378, 381, 393, 399, 409, 419, 420, 428

Kataoka Wan ............................................................. 333

xiv

Page

Katchin Peninsula .................................................. 383, 403

Katori Class (Japan) ............................................... 327, 329

Katsurin Bay ............................................................ 384

Kauffman, James L., Rear Adm., USN....................................... 261

Kaven Island ............................................................ 104

Kavieng ......................................... 299, 301, 302, 304‑306

Keelung .................................................. 222, 328, 333

Keilii Point, Maui ....................................................... 92

Kerama ............................................................ 387

Kerama Group ....................................................... 382, 395

Kerama‑Retto ............................................................ 375

Ketoi Island ....................................................... 154, 161

Keufu ............................................................ 395

Keyes, James Ellsworth, Comdr., USN ...................................... 98

Key Kamiri ............................................................ 311

Khlebnikof .......................................................... 39, 46

Kieta ................................................... 1, 19, 23, 49

Kiirun Airfield ......................................................... 393

Kikai ..................... 378, 384, 393, 397, 406, 408, 411, 423, 427

Kikuchi ............................................................. 423

Kiland, I. N., Rear Adm., USN ........................................... 382

Kili ........................................................ 132, 306

Kimmel, Husband E., Adm., USN ........................................... 364

Kin Town ............................................................. 386

Kinbaru River ........................................................... 388

King, Ernest J., Adm., USN .................................. 4, 73, 85, 109

King, Ernest J., Fleet Adm., USN ................................... 276, 342

King George V, (HMS) .................................................... 379

Kinkaid, Thomas C., Rear Adm., USN .................................. 41, 42

Kinkaid, Thomas C., Vice Adm., USN ...................................... 275

Kirk, Alan G., Rear Adm., USN........................................ 63, 117

Kirkwood, H., Lt. Comdr., R.N. .......................................... 110

Kiska ............................................................ 1‑3,

5‑10, 12, 13, 15‑19, 21, 22, 24‑29, 31, 32, 35‑44, 46, 48, 50‑52, 54,

56‑62, 64, 67‑72, 175, 364, 433, 434.

Kiso Class (Japan) ...................................................... 256

Kita Iwo Jima ................................................. 259, 266, 277

Kitamura Town ........................................................... 378

Kitano Point ............................................................ 370

Kizarazu Airfield ....................................................... 416

Knox, William Franklin, Secretary of the Navy ................. 143, 144, 154

Kobe Kure ............................................................. 372

Kobi ............................................................. 328

Kochi ........................................................ 407, 423

Koizumi ............................................................. 357

Kokubu ............................................................. 423

Kokutan ................................................... 409, 424, 428

Kokutan Zaki ............................................................ 341

Koli Point .............................................................. 47

Kolombangara Island .................................................... 1‑3,

5, 11, 15, 16, 20, 21, 23, 26, 30, 31, 36, 44, 46, 48, 50‑54, 56, 59.

Komandoraki Island ....................................................... 25

xvi

Page

Komeball Lagoon ......................................................... 238

Kongauru Island .......................................... 234, 235, 239, 315

Kongo, Kongo Class (Japan) .................................... 171, 255, 273

Korea ............ 409, 412, 413, 415, 418‑421, 423, 426, 427, 429, 431

Korean Coast ................................................. 195, 217, 219,

229, 237, 260, 262, 263, 266‑268, 277, 314, 327, 339, 345, 375, 401.

Koshum .............................................................. 33

Kouri Island ............................................................ 403

Kozu Island ............................................................. 408

Kuba Town ........................................................ 384, 385

Kuchino Island .......................................................... 408

Kuhazu ........................................................ 408, 409

Kula Gulf ...................................................... 54, 55, 59

Kumano Class (Japan) .................................................... 280

Kuputsua ............................................................. 333

Kurabu Zaki ......................... 176, 263, 311, 328, 332, 339, 353, 367

Kurile Islands, Kuriles................................................... 60,

117, 120, 125, 128, 136‑138, 143, 145, 147, .148, .152, • 154‑161,

166, 170, 173, 175‑177, 179, 185, 193, 204, 206, 210‑213, 215, 216,

219, 220, 223, 226, 228, 233, 236, 237, 246, 254, 260, 263‑265, 277,

279, 284, 287, 295, 299, 300, 303, 309, 311, 318, 323, 326, 328, 332,

333, 335, 339‑341, 353, 366, 367, 370‑372, 374, 378, 381, 393, 398,

399, 408, 419, 420, 424, 425, 428.

Kuro Island ............................................................ 408

Kusaie Island ...... 102, 116‑121, 123‑125, 127, 129, 137, 151, 156, 175, 364

Kushibaru Town .......................................................... 390

Kushira ................................................... 381, 397, 398

Kume 360, 361, 403, 407, 409, 423

Kwajalein ............................................................. 90,

94‑97, 99, 101, 103‑109, 111‑113, 115, 132, 151, 175, 178, 303, 308.

Kyushu ............................................................ 310,

371, 373, 374, 380, 387, 388, 397, 398, 404‑410, 419, 423, 427.

Labeti Plantation ........................................................ 50

Lae ............................................................. 132

Lae Atoll ............................................................. 305

Lagaspi Field ........................................................... 263

Lake Canirca ............................................................. 38

Lake Cories ........................................................... 37‑39

Lake Nicholas ............................................................ 35

Lake Susupe ........................................................ 168, 169

Lalo Point ............................................................. 198

Lamar, H. A., Comdr., USNR ........................................ 319, 323

Lambeti Plantation ....................................................... 53

Lamotte Picquet (French) ........................................... 329, 331

Landon, Truman H., Brig. Gen.......................................... 28, 29

Landrum, Eugene M., Maj. Gen., USA ....................................... 42

Langar Island ........................................................... 162

Lansdale, (USS) ......................................................... 149

xvi

Page

Laoag ................................................... 249, 251, 278

Larson, W. T., Brig. Gen., AAF ....................................... 4, 83

Laulau ............................................................. 171

Lauru Island ............................................................ 162

Lawton, C. B., Maj., USMC ............................................... 123

LCI‑82, (USS) ........................................................... 400

LCI‑459, (USS) .......................................................... 226

LCI‑1065, (USS) ......................................................... 277

LCI (G) 82, (USS) ....................................................... 400

LCI (G) 459, (USS) ...................................................... 285

LCI (G) 474, (USS) ...................................................... 386

LCI (G) 974, (USS) ...................................................... 383

LCI (L) 85, (USS) ....................................................... 253

LCI (L) 91, (USS) ....................................................... 253

LCI (L) 92, (USS) ....................................................... 253

LCI (L) 93, (USS) ....................................................... 253

LCI (L) 219, (USS) ...................................................... 253

LCI (L) 232, (USS) ...................................................... 253

LCI (L) 600, (USS) ...................................................... 359

LCS‑33, (USS) ........................................................... 400

LCS (L) (8) 7, (USS) .................................................... 378

LCS (L) 26, (USS) ....................................................... 417

LCS (L) (3) 33, (USS) ................................................... 400

LCS (L) (8) 49, (USS) ................................................... 391

LCT‑876, (USS) .......................................................... 400

LCT (6) 876, (USS) ...................................................... 400

Leary, (USS) ......................................................... 97, 98

Lee, Willis A., Vice Adm., USN .................................... 146, 246

Legaspi ........................................................ 234, 251

Legaspi airstrip ........................................................ 2®8

Legion of Merit ......................................................... 202

Lemotrek Island ......................................................... 223

Leopold, (USS) .......................................................... 126

Leverton, Joseph, Lt. Comdr .............................................. 72

Lexington, (USS) ........................................................ 257

Leyte ............................................................. 220,

233, 234, 251, 266, 272‑275, 294, 296, 300, 314‑316, 319, 323, 343

Leyte Gulf, Battle of ................................................... 276

Leyte Gulf ................................................... 254, 273, 275

Leyte, landings on ...................................................... 316

Lib ........................................................ 132, 305

Liguan ............................................................. 203

Likiep Atoll .................................................. 102, 135, 306

Lingayen ........................................................ 290, 375

Lingayen Gulf ........................................................... 251

Lipa field ............................................................. 263

Liscome Bay, (USS) ................................................... 88 150

Little Kiska ............................................ . 52, 57, 62, 70, 71

Lockwood, Charles A., Jr., Vice Adm., USN . ............................. 335

Logan Victory, (USS) .................................................... 401

Loi Island ........................................................ 111, 303

Long, (USS) ............................................................. 344

Lorengao Airbase ........................................................ 305

xvii

Page

Los Negros ............................................................ 305

Losses, Ships U. S. Navy, Summary .............................. 417, 435‑139

Low, Francis S., Rear Adm., USN .......................................... 85

LSM‑20, (USS) ........................................................... 296

LSM‑318, (USS)........................................................... 320

LST‑282, (USS)....................................................... 229

LST‑314, (USS)....................................................... 253

LST‑359, (USS)....................................................... 333

LST‑376, (USS)....................................................... 253

LST‑460, (USS)....................................................... 325

LST‑472, (USS)....................................................... 325

LST‑477, (USS).................................................. 400, 402

LST‑496, (USS)....................................................... 253

LST‑499, (USS)....................................................... 253

LST‑523, (USS)....................................................... 253

LST‑577, (USS)....................................................... 378

LST‑738, (USS)....................................................... 325

LST‑749, (USS)....................................................... 337

LST‑750, (USS)....................................................... 325

LST‑759, (USS)....................................................... 337

LST‑921, (USS)....................................................... 253

Lubang field ............................................................ 263

Lubang Island ........................................................... 281

Lucena ............................................................. 278

Lumuna Point ....................................................... 201, 203

Lunga Point .......................................................... 21, 75

Luzon ............................................................ 170,

171, 228, 230, 233, 234, 242, 244‑247, 249‑251, 253, 256, 257,

262, 263, 267, 271‑274, 280, 281, 289, 290‑293, 299, 314‑319, 323,

324, 328, 332, 375.

Luzon, Battle of ........................................................ 316

Mabalacat Airfield ................................................. 251, 263

MacArthur, Douglas, Gen., USA ........................................... 77,

143, 178, 259, 260, 266, 270‑272, 275, 302, 303, 305‑307, 309, 311,

312, 314, 316, 319, 323, 386.

Macaw (USS) ............................................................. 126

Machinato Airfield ................................... 399, 405‑407, 420, 423

Mactan Island ...................................................... 233, 234

Madang ........................................................ 307, 308

Maddox, (USS) ............................................................ 67

Magicienne Bay ................................................. 169‑171, 173

Mahan, (USS) ............................................................ 294

Malts ............................................................. 199

Majuro Atoll ............................................. 132, 136, 175, 303

Makin Island ....................... 76, 80, 85, 87‑90, 93, 95, 98, 102, 300

Makin Island, landing on ................................................ 433

Mako Island ............................................................. 333

Malaita Island ....................................................... 44, 45

Malakal .............................................. 133, 195, 231, 368

xviii

Page

Maloelap ............................................................. 86,

91, 94, 96, 101, 104‑108, 112, 164, 165, 171, 179, 183, 185,

205‑208, 210, 212, 216, 220, 231, 235, 237, 294, 303, 308.

Malvar ........................................................ 264, 278

Manchuria ............................................................. 299

Mangejang Island ........................................................ 248

Maniagassa Island .................................................. 186, 312

Manila ........... 228, 250, 251, 257, 262, 277, 278, 281, 291, 300, 318

Manila Airstrip ......................................................... 268

Manila Bay ..................... 228, 247, 250, 267, 269, 272, 278, 316, 318

Manila Harbor ............................ 230, 257, 262, 264, 277, 290, 317

Manna River ............................................................. 390

Mannert L. Abele, (USS) ................................................ 400

Manokwari ............................................................. 313

Manus Island ....................................................... 305, 323

Marcus Island ........................................................... 74,

150, 156, 210, 216, 217, 221, 222, 224, 226, 227, 229, 230, 232,

233, 237‑240, 242, 246, 262‑265, 268, 271, 280, 282, 296, 289,

294, 309, 315, 321, 332, 336, 344, 346, 353, 356, 376, 377, 381,

384, 398, 442, 404, 409‑411, 416, 418, 420, 421, 427.

Mariana Group ........................................................... 167

Mariana Islands, Marianas .............................................. 118,

150, 157, 164, 165, 170, 173, 174, 176, 182, 185, 187, 189, 194,

207, 214, 217, 220, 224, 227‑230, 232, 233, 235, 240, 242, 248,

262, 267, 268, 270, 277‑290, 292‑296, 298, 300, 304, 305, 307,

309, 310, 312, 320, 321, 330, 331, 339‑341, 343, 344, 353‑355,

357, 359, 361, 363, 366, 367, 369, 375, 384, 399, 404, 411, 418,

428, 429.

Mariaon Island .......................................................... 134

Marinduque Island ................................................... 28, 281

Marine Air Force ................... 123, 225. See also Marine Aircraft Wings

Marine Corps Casualties (Summary) ....................................... 415

Marines of Victor Mike Baker 61 ......................................... 336

Marine Third Amphibious Corps ................... See Third Amphibious Corps

Mariveles Airfield ...................................................... 247

Mariveles Harbor ........................................................ 250

Marks, James Alexander, Lt. Comdr., USN ................................. 326

Marpi Point ........................................................ 182, 183

Marshalls‑Gilberts Area ................................................. 418

Marshall Islands, Marshalls .......................................... 85‑91,

93, 96, 98, 99, 101‑108, 113‑143, 145‑147, 149‑154, 156, 157,

159, 162‑166, 168, 170, 173‑180, 182, 185‑190, 194, 195, 197‑201,

203, 214, 216, 217, 219, 220, 222, 226‑229, 231, 233, 235, 236,

239‑242, 245, 246, 250‑252, 254, 258, 260, 262‑264, 266, 267,

270, 277‑284, 286‑292, 294, 295, 297, 299, 300, 302, 303,

305‑309, 320, 321, 323, 325‑327, 330‑332, 335, 340, 341, 353,

354, 356, 360‑362, 366, 368, 372‑375, 377‑379, 381, 384, 385,

388, 390, 394, 398, 403, 405, 408, 410, 411, 413, 418, 419, 422,

425, 427‑430.

Marshall Wharves ........................................................ 135

Maryland, (USS) .................................................... 257, 274

Masalog Point ................................................. 194, 196, 197

Masbate Harbor .......................................................... 252

Massacre Bay ................................................. 33, 34, 35, 80

Masu Town ............................................................. 393

xix

Page

Matina .............................................................. 218

Matsuwa ............................................................ 125,

136‑138, 143, 157, 158, 166, 168, 246, 254, 265, 279, 309, 318,

332, 370, 372.

Matsuyama .............................................. 333, 395, 396, 423

Maug Island ................................................... 208, 215, 366

Maui .............................................................. 92

McCain, John S., Vice Adm., USN..................................... 246, 277

McCawley, (USS) .......................................................... 53

McIlwaine, Robert H., Lt. (jg), USNR...................................... 48

McKean, (USS) ............................................................ 86

McMorris, C. H., Vice Adm., USN ......................................... 340

Medina ............................................................. 309

Mediterranean ........................................................... 229

Mediterranean Area ...................................................... 320

Mediterranean Theatre ................................................... 415

Mel Jima ............................................................. 344

Mejit Atoll ............................................................. 306

Mejit Island ............................................................ 135

Meredith, (USS) ......................................................... 186

Merir Island ....................................................... 321, 332

Mesegon Island .......................................................... 140

Miantonomah, (USS) ...................................................... 253

Middleburg Island ....................................................... 312

Middle Village .......................................................... 226

Midway ........................................................ 431, 432

Midway, Battle of .............................................. 12, 255, 364

Miyako ............................................................ 382,

388, 395, 396, 403, 408, 413, 416, 421, 424, 430, 431

Miyako Jima ........................................................ 324, 325

Military Government, Angaur Island ........................... 236, 239, 315

Military Government, Kongauru ....................................... 239 315

Military Government, Ngesebus Island .............................. 239, 315

Military Government, Okinawa ...................................... 386, 389

Military Government, Peleliu ...................................... 239, 314

Military Government, Ujelang Atoll ...................................... 142

Military Governor, Volcano Islands ................................. 368, 369

Mille ............................................................. 85,

86, 89, 91, 94, 95‑102, 104, 106‑108, 111, 112, 126, 155,

162‑164, 171, 184, 188, 197, 206‑214, 216, 217, 219‑222, 231‑233,

235, 270, ........................................ 305, 308, 309.

Minami ................................................... 360, 361, 384

Minami Cape .............................................. 393, 408, 420, 428

Minami Daito .................................................. 375, 380, 419

Minami Saki ............................................................. 353

Mindanao Island .......................................... 218, 272, 299, 313

Mindanao Sea ....................................................... 256, 273

Mindiri ............................................................. 305

Mindoro .............................................. 253, 257, 281, 319

Mindoro Strait ................................................ 252, 272, 316

Mississinewa, (USS) ..................................................... 293

Mitchell, Sir Philip ..................................................... 93

Mitscher, Marc. A., Rear Adm., USN ...................... 108, 116, 118, 304

Page

Mitscher, Marc. A., Vice Adm., USN ..................................... 133,

146, 171, 178, 222, 241, 246, 271, 285, 287, 288, 304, 307, 308,

314, 327, 345, 348, 356, 358, 373, 382, 387, 394.

Miyakonojo (Kyushu) ..................................................... 423

Miyazaki ............................................................. 374

Moa, (HMNZS) ............................................................. 31

Moen Island ............................................................ 129,

130, 133, 135, 136, 138‑140, 143, 145, 149, 152, 162, 164, 170,

182, 185, 187, 207, 208, 210, 223, 228, 236, 239, 242, 247, 409.

Moen Airfield ........................................................... 217

Moffet, (USS) ............................................................ 57

Mogami Class (Japan) ................................................ 255‑257

Mogmog Island ........................................................... 248

Momote Airstrip ......................................................... 305

Momubaru Town ...................................................... 395, 396

Monaghan, (USS) .................................................... 325, 326

Montgomery, A. E., Rear Adm., USN................................... 79, 156

Moore, Ernest M., Brig. Gen., USA ....................................... 383

Moore, Henry R., Vice Adm. Sir, KCB, CVO, DSO ............................. 4

Moore, James T., Maj. Gen., USMC ........................................ 376

Morotai ............................................................. 271

Motobu Peninsula ........................................... 389‑393, 395‑403

Motor Torpedo Boat 323, (USS) ........................................... 325

Motoyama ............................................................. 358

Mount Alifan ............................................................ 191

Mount Alutam ............................................................ 196

Mount Barrigada ......................................................... 201

Mount Chachao ........................................................... 196

Mount Hood, (USS) ....................................................... 285

Mount Lasso ............................................................. 194

Mount Naufutan .......................................................... 172

Mount Santa Rosa ........................................................ 203

Mount Suribachi ...................................... 350‑352, 354, 355, 357

Mount Suribachi, U. S. Flag raised ...................................... 853

Mount Tapotchau .................................................... 171, 174

Mount Tenjo ........................................................ 196, 199

Mueller, Paul J., Maj. Gen., USA......................................... 223

Muko Jima ......................................... 202, 258, 281, 313, 396

Mulcahy, Francis P., Maj. Gen., USMC ......................... 225, 376, 389

Munda .... 1‑10, 14‑16, 18‑20, 23‑25, 27, 29, 30, 31, 36, 39, 43, 49‑54

Murilo ................................................... 141, 142, 151

Murray, George D., Vice Adm., USN ....................................... 343

Musashi (Japan) ............................................... 255, 273, 327

Musashina Aircraft plant ................................................ 318

Musashine Tama .......................................................... 347

Mussau Island ........................................................... 306

Mutcbo Point ............................................................ 186

Nachi (Japan) ........................................................... 255

Nactan ........................................................ 315, 328

Nafutan Point ............................................. 170, 171, 174‑176

xxi

Page

Nagato (Japan) .................................................... 255, 279

Nago Town ............................................................. 388

Nagoya ............................................................. 402

Nagumo Chuichi, Vice Adm., I. J. N. ..................................... 187

Naha ............................................... 399, 420, 423‑426

Nakagusuku ............................................................. 385

Nakama Village .......................................................... 405

Namorik ........................................................ 132, 306

Nampo Shoto ............................................................. 312

Namu ................................................... 112, 132, 306

Namur Island ............................................................ 303

Nanomea .............................................................. 84

Nansei Shoto ........................................ 259, 271, 335, 343, 360

Nan Wan ............................................................. 333

Nauru .............................................................. 8,

19, 28, 29, 48, 54, 60, 76, 78, 86‑90, 92, 95, 96, 101, 105, 109,

118, 119, 121, 123, 138, 151, 153, 154, 160, 162‑166, 170, 179,

183, 187, 194, 195, 197, 198, 200, 201, 203‑215, 217, 219‑221,

226, 229, 231, 239, 241, 242, 246, 250, 254, 258, 260, 262, 263,

266, 278, 282, 290, 326, 327.

Nauset, (USS) ............................................................ 76

Navajo, (USS) ............................................................ 76

Naval Air Transport Service ............................................. 323

Naval Ammunition Depot, Oahu ............................................ 166

Naval Base, Guam ........................................................ 312

Navy (U. S.) Casualties (Summary) ....................................... 415

Navy Cross .......................................................... 23, 58

Navy Judge Advocate General ............................................. 342

Negros Island ........................ 220, 233, 234, 251, 253, 314, 315, 328

Netherlands East Indian Waters .......................................... 279

Netherlands New Guinea .................................................. 313

Netherlands submarine ................................................... 279

Nevada, (USS) ........................................................... 348

New Britain .......................................... 97, 175, 300, 304‑306

New Georgia Islands ................. 1‑16, 20, 27, 29‑31, 39, 46, 49‑56, 60

New Guinea .. 130, 141, 175, 178, 277, 298, 299, 302, 305, 307‑309, 311, 313

New Guinea, Neutralized ................................................. 313

New Hebrides ............................................................. 36

New Ireland .............................................. 303, 304, 306, 309

New Zealand bombers ...................................................... 27

New Zealand pilots ....................................................... 47

New Zealand Troops ...................................................... 303

Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company .......................... 73

Newton, John H., Vice‑Adm., USN..................................... 310, 379

New York, (USS) ........................................................ .348

Ngabad Island ...................................................... 227, 228

Ngardmau Village ........................................................ 245

Ngardololok Town ........................................................ 226

Ngarmoked Island ........................................................ 255

Ngatpang ............................................................. 239

Ngatpang Bay, River ................................................ 240, 245

Ngeregong island ......................................... 267, 276, 317, 318

xxii

Page

Ngesang ............................................................. 267

Ngesebus Island .................................... 229, 234, 235, 239, 314

Ngulu ................................................... 250, 312, 316

Niagara, (USS) ........................................................... 36

Nichols Airfields ....................................................... 251

Nichols Field ................................... 228‑230, 250, 263, 278, 281

Nielson Airfield ................................................... 247, 251

Nielson field ........................................................... 263

Nimitz, C. W., Adm., USN ................................................ 28,

41, 73, 88, 143, 158, 178, 214, 225, 250, 258, 261, 271, 276, 290

Nimitz, C. W., Fleet Adm., USN ......................................... 293,

298, 307, 313, 318, 319, 323, 326, 334, 335, 340, 344, 368, 369,

386, 396, 403.

Ninety‑Sixth (96th) Army Division .................................. 395, 396

Ninety‑Sixth (96th) Division ............................. 392, 399, 420, 421

Ninety‑Sixth (96th) Infantry Div ................ 399, 407, 419‑421, 423‑430

Nittagahara ............................................................. 374

Niyako Group ............................................................ 378

Noa (USS) ............................................................. 226

Nobara ............................................................. 413

Noemfoor Island .................................................... 311, 313

Nomoi Island ....................................................... 146, 308

Nomwin ............................................................. 143

Normandy ............................................................. 184

North Africa ..................................................... 62, 63, 64

North and South Heads ................................................ 25, 28

North Head ................... 19, 21, 25, 26, 28, 40, 52, 54, 58, 62, 70‑72

Northern Philippines, attack against .... 230. See also Battle Philippine Sea

Northwestern (U. S.) Station Ship ........................................ 68

Norway ............................................................. 184

Norwegian bases ......................................................... 218

Noshiro Class (Japan) ............................................... 255‑257

Numa Numa Harbor ................................................ 19, 23, 41

Oahu ............................................................. 432

Oahu, Naval Ammunition Depot ............................................ 166

Ocean Island ........................................................ 163‑166

Office of War Information ................................................ 74

Ohama ............................................................. 379

Ohama Town ............................................................. 425

Oita ........................................................ 374, 423

Okayama ................................................... 243, 247, 322

Okdoura Town ............................................................ 248

Okimura Town ........................ 266, 276, 321, 322, 329, 340, 353, 355

Okina Daito Jima ........................................................ 361

Okinoyerabu Jima ................................................... 360, 361

Okinawa, Okinawa Island ................................................ 244,

245, 271, 320‑322, 324, 325, 333, 335, 360, 361, 375, 377, 378,

381-393, 395‑413, 415‑421, 423‑431.

Okinawa, Military Government ............................................ 389

Oldendorf, J. B., Rear Adm., USN ................................... 146, 308

Omaha (USS) ........................................................ 110, 111

xxiii

Page

Ommaney Bay (USS) ....................................................... 344

Omura Town .............................. 202, 355, 356, 360, 361, 374, 423

One Hundred Fourth (104th) Artillery Battalion ......................... 304

One Hundred Sixth (106th) Army Infantry ....................... 115, 117, 304

One Hundred Sixth (106th) Infantry Regiment ............................. 304

One Hundred Eighty‑Fourth (184th) Regiment .............................. 429

Onekotan Island ... 128, 136, 138, 212, 216, 220, 237, 254, 264, 265, 295, 332

Ora Bay ............................................................. 388

Ormac ........................................................ 234, 296

Ormac Bay ........................................................ 266, 317

Oroluk ............................... 124, 125, 135, 136, 138, 149, 295

Orote Airfield .......................................................... 187

Orote Peninsula ................................. 174, 191, 192, 194‑199, 203

Orote Point ............................................................. 186

Orro Town ............................................................. 187

Osmena, President Sergio ................................................ 324

Osprey (USS) ............................................................ 205

Ota Aircraft Factory ............................................... 347, 357

Otomari ............................................................. 264

Ototo Jima ............................................................. 340

Olongapo ............................................................. 290

Pacific typhoon ......................................................... 326

Pado ............................................................. 199

Pagan, Pagan Island .................................................... 165,

167, 173, 176, 182, 185, 139, 191, 194, 207‑217, 219‑224,

227‑231, 233, 235, 237, 238, 240, 242, 246, 248, 254, 258‑262,

264, 265, 267, 270, 277, 280, 282‑284, 286‑289, 292, 295, 309,

311, 353‑355, 357, 361.

Pago Point ............................................................. 198

Pakin Island ......................................... 129, 137‑140, 157, 163

Palau Area ............................................................. 268

Palau Group ........... 195, 221, 223, 235, 241, 252, 258, 267, 282, 299, 314

Palau Islands, Palaus .................................................. 130,

133, 134, 140, 150, 175, 178, 216, 217, 219, 221‑223, 225, 231,

232, 235, 236, 240, 241, 245, 254, 260‑264, 266‑270, 276‑280,

282, 283, 296, 298, 306, 309, 312‑315, 318, 320, 321, 323,

326‑328, 330‑332, 334‑336, 338‑341, 343‑347, 353‑359, 361‑367,

370‑372, 374‑377, 380, 383‑385, 387, 388, 390‑392, 394‑396,

398‑401, 403‑405, 407, 408, 410‑413, 417‑424, 427‑431.

Palawan ............................................................. 316

Palmer (USS) ............................................................ 337

Panay Island ....................................................... 220, 314

Panay, Southern ......................................................... 234

Param Island .......... 130, 136, 141, 143, 145, 162, 164, 188, 203, 409, 410

Paramushiru ............................................................. 60,

75, 97, 103, 110, 112, 117, 120, 121, 125, 128, 136‑138, 143,

145, 147, 148, 152, 154, 155, 159‑161, 166, 168, 170, 175, 176,

179, 185, 193, 204, 206‑208, 210‑213, 215, 216, 219, 220, 222,

223, 226, 228, 233, 235, 237, 238, 246, 247, 254, 260, 261,

263‑265, 284, 287, 300, 303, 311, 323, 326, 328, 332, 333, 339,

353, 366, 367, 372, 374, 378, 393, 698, 419, 420, 425, 428, 431.

xxiv

Page

Paramushiru Straits ...................................................... 60

Parry island .................................................. 117, 118, 304

Partridge (USS) ......................................................... 186

Pasig Airfield .......................................................... 251

Pati Point ............................................................. 204

PC‑487 (USS) ............................................................. 65

PC‑496 (USS) ............................................................. 66

PC‑558 (USS) ............................................................ 164

PC‑565 (USS) ............................................................. 73

PC‑1129 (USS) ........................................................... 347

PC‑1261 (USS) ........................................................... 205

Pearl Harbor........................................................ 83, 116,

158, 166, 177, 187, 257, 273, 290, 293, 310, 364, 372, 432

Peacock Island .......................................................... 159

Peacock Point ........................................................... 153

Peale Island ........................................................ 79, 153

Peleliu, Peleliu Island ................................................ 195,

217, 219, 221, 222, 224‑242, 245, 246, 252, 260, 261, 267, 271,

278, 283, 299, 314, 317, 323, 332, 353, 359, 367, 375, 405.

Peleliu Airfield ................................................... 225, 226

Pelpeli .............................................................. 23

Pennsylvania (USS) ................................................. 257, 274

Perkins (USS) ............................................................ 97

Perry (USS) ............................................................. 225

Pescadores ........................................................ 243, 333

PGM‑18 (USS) ............................................................ 400

Philippine Island Archipelago ........................................... 253

Philippine Area .................................................. 277, 285,

320, 321, 337, 344, 347, 364, 378, 383, 391, 417, 430

Philippine Commonwealth ................................................. 271

Philippines Island, Philippines ........................................ 175,

218, 220, 221, 228, 230, 231, 233, 246‑252, 255, 256, 258‑260,

270274, 276, 280, 281, 286, 289, 290, 291, 294, 296, 298‑300,

309, 313‑317, 319, 323‑325, 328, 335, 336, 343.

Philippine Sea ..................................................... 248, 255

Philippine Sea, Battle of .......................................... 231, 310

Philippine Sea, First Battle of .............................. 255, 338, 343

Philippine Sea, Second Battle of ....................................... 255,

259, 260, 270, 275, 276, 287, 288, 300, 316, 343.

Phoenix Island ............................................................ 8

Pickerel (USS) ........................................................... 66

Pingelap .............................................. 124, 125, 129, 139

Piti Town 184, 186, 191

Plymouth (USS) ........................................................... 67

Poillo Island ........................................................... 255

Pompano (USS) ............................................................ 98

Ponape, Ponape Island .................................................. 115,

116, 118‑129, 131‑143, 145‑149, 151‑157, 159, 160, 162‑164, 166,

170‑172, 175, 176, 179, 187, 193‑195, 198, 200, 203, 205‑208, 210

212, 216, 219, 223, 224, 227, 230, 233, 238, 250, 258, 280, 283,

286, 303, 308, 340, 341, 360, 362, 363, 365, 366, 422.

Ponape Town ............... 138, 143, 145, 147, 149, 153, 157, 163, 164, 308

Poporang Island ...................................................... 20, 50

Porcupine (USS) ......................................................... 325

Port Nhabe ............................................................. 327

xxv

Page

Post, Charles g., Comdr., USNR.:......................................... 113

Patangeras Island ....................................................... 248

Pownall, Charles A., Rear Adm., USN................................... 74, 90

Pratas Reef ............................................................. 330

Pratt, John Lockwood, Capt., USN......................................... 375

President of United States .............................................. 56,

65, 74, 79, 91, 99, 113, 122, 134, 149, 154, 158, 162, 183, 192,

204, 218, 239, 265, 288, 324, 341, 364, 385, 389, 414.

Price, John D., Rear Adm., USN........................................... 108

Prime Minister, Great Britain ........................................... 56,

65, 74, 79, 91, 99, 113, 122, 134, 149, 162, 183, 204, 218, 239,

265, 288, 324, 341, 364, 389.

PT Boats ........................................................ 273, 274

PT‑73 (USS) ............................................................. 347

PT‑77 (USS) ............................................................. 364

PT‑79 (USS) ............................................................. 364

PT‑202 (USS)............................................................. 229

PT‑818 (USS)............................................................. 229

PT‑321 (USS)............................................................. 277

PT‑300 (USS)............................................................. 320

PT‑311 (USS)............................................................. 320

PT‑320 (USS)............................................................. 277

PT‑338 (USS)............................................................. 347

PT‑363 (USS)............................................................. 285

PT‑368 (USS)............................................................. 277

PT‑371 (USS)............................................................. 277

PT‑509 (USS)............................................................. 253

PT‑555 (USS)............................................................. 229

Pulan ............................................................. 199

Puluwat Island ...................... 141, 145, 152, 153, 163, 342, 356, 398

Pringle (USS) ........................................................... 400

Princeton (USS) ................................ 253, 255, 257, 270, 273, 316

Quang-Ngai .............................................................. 329

Quinhon Harbor .......................................................... 327

R-12(USS) .............................................................. 49

Rabaul ............................................... 299, 301, 303‑306

Radford, A. W., Rear Adm., USN...................................... 177, 388

Radio Tokyo ............................................................. 250

Ramapo (USS) ............................................................. 73

Ram Buyto ............................................................. 306

Rat Island Group ......................................................... 27

Rawlings, Bernard, Vice Adm. Sir, RN .............................. 379, 381

Redwing (USS) ............................................................ 67

Reid (USS) ............................................................. 321

Reliquary ............................................................. 243

Reichmuth, F. L., Rear Adm., USN......................................... 268

Rekata Bay 2, 7, 11, 13, 15, 16, 20, 24‑26, 31, 33, 34, 37, 47, 51, 52, 54

xxvi

Page

Rendova Island............................................... 4, 9, 52‑55, 59

Reynard Cove ......................................................... 71, 72

Rich, (USS) ............................................................. 186

Richardson, Robert C., Jr., Lt. Gen., USAF................................ 88

Ringi Cove ..................................................... . 15, 26, 36

Rioj Town ............................................................. 429

Rio Grande (Germany) ............................................... 110, 111

Ritidian Point .......................................................... 203

Robalo (USS) ............................................................ 216

Roberts, William C., Capt., USMC...................................... 77, 78

Robertson, Thurmond Edgar, Ens., USN...................................... 37

Robinson, James J., Lt. Comdr., USNR..................................... 342

Robinson, Ray A., Cpl.................................................... 368

Rocket‑propelled suicide bombs .......................................... 406

Rockey, Keller E., Maj. Gen., USMC................................. 348, 368

Rockwell, Francis W., Rear Adm., USN...................................... 42

Roi Island ................... 90, 95, 101, 103, 104, 106‑109, 112, 115, 303

Rongelap Atoll ..................................................... 135, 306

Rongerik Atoll .......................................................... 306

Roosevelt, President .................................................... 154

Roosevelt, Franklin Delano, death of .................................... 392

Roosevelt, James, Maj., USMCR............................................ 433

Roviana Lagoon ............................................................ 8

Rowan (USS) .............................................................. 76

Rowell, Ross E., Maj. Gen., USMC......................................... 225

Royal Canadian Air Force ............................................. 38, 61

Rota, Rota Island ...................................................... 164,

165, 167, 169, 173‑176, 178‑180, 182, 184‑189, 193‑195, 207‑212,

215, 216, 219, 222, 224, 228‑230, 232, 293, 235, 240, 246, 251, 254, 258‑262, 264‑267, 270, 276, 278, 279, 291_286, 288, 289,

293, 294, 296, $04, 309, 311, 320, 321, 331, 339‑341, 344, 363.

Rota Town ........................................................ 185, 189

Runner (USS) ............................................................. 81

Ruo Island ............................................................. 141

Rupertus, William H., Maj. Gen., USMC.................................... 222

Russell Island .............................. 25, 32, 34, 43, 44, 49, 50, 75

Russia ............................................................. 134

Ryukyu Archipelago ................................................. 244, 315

Ryukyu Islands, Ryukyu ................................................. 240,

243, 247, 249, 252, 299, 321, 333, 335, 337, 375‑381, 384, 387,

388, 391, 393‑395, 397‑400, 402, 404, 406‑409, 411, 415, 416,

419, 427, 428.

Ryukyu‑Formosa‑Luzon Area ............................................... 249

S‑28 (USS) ............................................................. 185

S‑44 (USS) ............................................................. 112

Sabang ........................................................ 307, 308

Saeki ........................................................ 374, 423

Saidor ........................................................ 302, 305

Saigon ................................................... 326, 327, 329

St. Augustine (USS) ................................................ 100, 101

xxvii

Page

Saint Lo (USS) ..................................................... 270, 316

St. Matthias Group ................................................. 305, 306

Saipan ........................................................... 118,

140, 157, 164‑171, 173‑176, 178‑180, 182‑190, 194‑197, 201, 210,

260, 264, 276, 278, 280, 282, 283, 286, 296, 298, 299, 304, 307,

309, 312, 318‑321, 353, 359, 367, 369, 375, 384, 399, 404.

Sakishima Group ........................................................ 324,

325, 333, 379, 381, 382, 384, 388, 389, 395, 396, 398, 401‑406,

408‑413, 415, 416, 419, 421, 423‑425, 429‑431.

Salerno .............................................................. 80

Salerno, Gulf of ......................................................... 78

Sallada, H. B., Rear Adm., USN........................................... 246

Samar, Battle of ........................................................ 276

Samar Island ........................................ 256, 272, 275, 300, 316

Samuel B. Roberts (USS) ............................................ 270, 316

San Bernardino Strait ................................. 254‑257, 272‑275, 316

San Cristobal Island ................................................. 36, 47

San Fernando ............................................. 251, 278, 281, 291

San Francisco ........................................................... 300

Sandy Hook, New Jersey ................................................... 98

San Jose ............................................................. 291

San Miguel Bay .......................................................... 290

San Pablo Airfield ...................................................... 251

Sansapor, Cape .......................................................... 313

Santa Cruz ................................................... 278, 280, 281

Santa Isabel Island ... 13, 15, 16, 20, 24‑26, 31, 33, 34, 37, 47, 51, 52, 54

San Vicente ............................................................. 249

Sarana Bay .......................................................... 35, 44

Sarana Pass .............................................................. 34

Sarangani Bay ........................................................... 218

Saratoga (USS) .......................................................... 307

Saravis ............................................................. 234

Sasa River ............................................................. 192

Sasebo ......................................................... 187, 312

Sassayan Point ..................................................... 187, 312

Satawan ................................................... 199, 200, 201

Saucio ........................................................ 146, 308

Saupon Point ............................................................ 199

Savo Island ...................................................... 47, 49, 60

Sawar ........................................................ 142, 307

SC‑694 (USS).............................................................. 75

SC‑696 (USS).............................................................. 75

SC‑744 (USS)............................................................. 325

Scamp (USS) ............................................................. 391

Schmidt, Harry, Maj. Gen., USMC.......................... 108, 192, 348, 368

Schreder, Richard E., Lt., USNR .......................................... 22

Scorpion (USS) .......................................................... 127

Sculpin (USS) ........................................................... 125

Sea Battles of World War II ............................................. 255

Seabees ................................................... 169, 195, 225

Seawolf (USS) ........................................................... 298

Second Battle of Philippine Sea ........................................ 231,

255, 259, 260, 270, 275, 276, 287, 288, 300, 316, 343.

xxviii

Page

Second (2nd) Marine Aircraft Wing .................................. 235‑241,

245, 251‑252, 254, 258‑262, 264‑270, 276‑289, 291, 292, 294‑296,

298‑300, 320, 321, 334, 389, 404‑407, 412, 415, 417, 419‑421, 423

426.

Second (2nd) Marine Division 87, 179, 180, 186, 192, 193, 198, 199, 310, 312

Secretary of Navy .................................................. 181, 414

Secretary of Navy, Acting, Forrestal, James ............................. 144

Secretary of Navy, Forrestal, James .. 153, 154, 161, 172, 181, 276, 342, 392

Secretary of Navy, Knox, William Franklin .................... 143, 144, 154

Secretary of State ...................................................... 414

Secretary of War ........................................................ 342

Segula Island ............................................................ 72

Sentinel (USS) ........................................................... 67

Serpens (USS) ........................................................... 359

Service Force, Comdr. Atlantic Fleet .................................... 258

Service Force Pacific ................................................... 287

Sesoko Island ........................................................... 402

Seventeenth (17th) Naval District ....................................... 307

Seventh (7th) Army Air Force ............................................ 28,

84, 85, 87‑89, 91‑105, 107, 108, 111‑116, 118‑157, 159, 160, 162‑

166, 170‑172, 174, 176, 179, 180, 182‑188, 190, 191, 193‑195, 197,

198, 200‑217, 219‑224, 226‑248, 250‑252, 254, 258‑268, 270, 276,

277, 279, 280, 282‑284, 286‑289, 295, 300, 307, 328, 331, 336, 340,

341, 345, 346, 355, 356, 358, 361., 362, 364, 367, 368, 370, 373,

375‑ 379, 381, 383, 388, 392, 401, 402, 406, 408‑413, 416‑418, 420,

421, 425, 427, 429, 430.

Seventh (7th) Army Fighter Command ..................................... 368,

370, 375, 377‑379, 383, 390, 391, 397‑399, 402, 407‑409, 413,

416, 418, 425, 427.

Seventh (7th) Bomber Command ........................................ 28, 398

Seventh (7th) Fleet ......... 254‑257, 259, 260, 275, 305, 307, 309, 316, 375

Seventh (7th) Infantry Division ........................................ 108,

303, 383, 399, 400, 403, 406‑409, 411, 413, 429, 430.

Seventy‑seventh (77th) Army Division ............................... 382, 425

Seventy‑seventh (77th) Infantry Division, USA .......................... 191,

192, 199, 201, 205, 312, 403, 409, 411, 413, 419, 420, 423‑430.

Shafroth, John F., Rear Adm., USN.................................. 166, 379

Shark (USS) ............................................................. 358

Sharp, Alexander, Rear Adm., USN......................................... 258

Shasukotan Island .................................................. 136, 137

Shaw, Howard R., Comdr., USN.............................................. 58

Shelton (USS) ........................................................... 277

Sherman, Frederick C., Rear Adm., USN .......... 246, 268, 302, 385, 387, 388

Sherman, Forrest P., Rear Adm., USN ........................... 319, 323, 340

Shikoku .............................................. 374, 408, 423, 430

Shimonoseki Strait ...................................................... 407

Shimushiru Island ............................. 154, 158, 160, 168, 366, 371

Shimushu Island ........................................................ 112,

117, 120, 125, 128, 136, 137, 143, 148, 152, 154‑157, 159, 160,

166, 168, 170, 173, 175, 176, 179, 185, 193, 207, 220, 222, 226,

236, 238, 246, 254, 333, 335, 339‑341, 378, 381, 393, 399, 408,

409, 419, 420, 424, 425, 428.

xxix

Page

Shinchiku 393, 395, 399

Ships, U. S. Losses, Summary, ...................................... 436‑439

Shokaku (Japan) ......................................................... 172

Shortland Area, Islands ................................................ 1‑3,

6‑10, 13, 15, 17‑23, 29, 31, 35, 36, 45, 46, 48, 50, 51, 55, 302,

309.

Shuri ...................................... 418, 420, 421, 426-428, 430

Shuri Town ............................................................. 424

Sibuyan Sea ...................................... 252, 253, 255‑257, 273‑275

Sicily ...................................................... 62, 63, 65

Silver Star Medal ........................................................ 58

Singapore Area .......................................................... 255

Siren, (USS) ....................................................... 112, 113

Sixth (6th) Army ................................................... 302, 316

Sixth (6th) Marine Division .......................... 392, 418, 420, 423‑430

Skill (USS) .............................................................. 78

Skylark (USS) ........................................................... 400

Smith, Allan E., Rear Adm., USN .................................... 269, 287

Smith, Holland McT., Lt. Gen., USMC........ 87, 108, 190, 199, 348, 368, 372

Smith, Julian C., Maj. Gen., USMC............................... 87, 221, 314

Smith, Nathan R., 1st Lieut.............................................. 369

Smith, Ralph, Maj. Gen., USA.............................................. 87

Smith, Wm. Ward, Vice Adm., USN.......................................... 364

Soerabaja ............................................................. 308

Solomon Group, Islands, Solomons ....................................... 1‑4,

6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 18‑21, 23‑27, 30‑32, 36, 39, 43, 50, 58, 150,

175, 299, 302, 306, 307, 433, 434.

Salmon Lagoon ............................................................ 19

Somers (USS) ............................................................ 110

Somerville, James, Adm. Sir., RN ........................................ 307

Sonoma (USS) ............................................................ 277

Sonsoral Island ........................... 294, 321, 332, 335, 354, 380, 410

Sorian Island ........................................................... 248

Soror ............................................................. 312

South Bank ............................................................. 430

South China ........................................................ 335, 337

South China Sea .................................................... 272, 316

Southwest Pacific Area .................................................. 302

South Pacific Area and South Pacific Force .............................. 379

South Pacific Area, Command of .......................................... 169

Southwest Pacific Area, Commander in Chief .............................. 141

South Head ...................................................... 62, 70, 71

Sowell, Jesse C., Comdr., USN............................................. 57

Spence (USS) ....................................................... 325, 326

Spencer (USCG) ........................................................... 40

Spruance, Raymond A., Adm., USN......................................... 116,

133, 169, 171, 306, 310, 345, 346, 348, 356, 358, 373, 379, 381.

Spruance, Raymond A., Vice Adm., USN................................. 87, 107

Stafford, D. A., Col., USMC.............................................. 368

Stark, Harold R., Adm., USN.............................................. 117

Stimson, Henry L., Secretary of War ..................................... 342

Stoddard, William F., Jr., Marine Sgt................................ 77, 78

xxx

Page

Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Area ................................ 287,

290‑292, 294, 295‑299, 318, 320‑323, 325‑327, 329‑336, 338‑341,

343‑346, 348, 353, 355, 356, 358, 360‑368, 370‑372, 374, 384,

391, 399, 404, 407.

Strohbehn, Walter W., Comdr., USN................................... 109, 110

Strong (USS) ............................................................. 55

Suavanua Plantation ...................................................... 11

Subic Bay .............................................. 228, 278, 281, 290

Submarines, German .............................................. See U‑boat.

Submarines, U. S. ....................................................... 4,

11, 17, 26, 27, 32, 45, 51, 56, 64, 66, 68, 74, 75, 80‑82, 84,

88, 90, 93, 96, 98, 102, 106, 112, 114, 119, 122, 126, 127, 132,

138, 146, 164, 172, 181, 189, 196, 205, 209, 213, 218, 225, 238,

248, 259, 265, 279, 284, 292, 296, 297, 299, 301, 307, 320, 324,

331, 334, 336‑339, 341, 345, 349, 350, 359, 365, 372, 380, 393,

408, 409, 422.

Submarine Forces, Pacific Fleet ......................................... 158

Sugar Loaf Hill ............................................... 425, 426, 428

Sulu Sea .................................... 252, 253, 255, 256, 273, 317

Sumatra ........................................................ 299, 307

Suribachi .... 206, 207, 246, 277, 287, 323, 326, 328, 349, 355, 366, 368,

369, 431

Suribachi Bay ........................................................... 246

Suribachi Port .......................................................... 431

Suribachi, U. S. Flag raised............................................. 353

Surigao ............................................................. 218

Surigao Strait ........................... 255, 256, 272, 273, 276, 300, 317

Surigao Strait, Battle of ............................................... 276

Susaki ............................................................. 383

Susan B. Anthony (USS) .................................................. 186

Suzaki ........................................................ 377, 378

Suzuki Airfield ......................................................... 402

Swatow ........................................................ 329, 330

Swerve (USS) ............................................................ 196

Swordfish (USS) ......................................................... 410

Tachiarai ............................................................. 423

Tachigawa ............................................................. 347

Tactical Air Force ................................................. 402, 413

Taichu ............................................................. 243

Taien ............................................................. 333

Taiho Class (Japan) ..................................................... 171

Taikoo ............................................................. 330

Tainan ........................................................ 247, 328

Tatra Town ............................................................. 429

Taira Machi ............................................................. 428

Taka Atoll (Marshall) ................................................... 306

Taka Banare Island ...................................................... 402

Takaesu ............................................................. 384

Takamotoji ........................................................ 426, 427

Takamotoji Town ......................................................... 423

Takimotoji ............................................................. 425

Takao .............................................. 247, 322, 330, 333

xxxi

Page

Talasea ............................................................. 305

Tamsui ............................................................. 243

Tamsui River ............................................................ 322

Tanabaru ............................................................. 404

Tanahmerah Bay ..................................................... 142, 307

Tanapag ............................................... 165, 178‑180, 183

Tanega Island ....................................... 378, 391, 395, 397, 411

Tang (USS) ............................................................. 339

Taongi Atoll ............................................................ 142

Tarawa ............................................................. 22,

28, 29, 48, 76, 81, 84‑89, 91‑100, 102, 104‑108, 112, 178, 182,

184, 237, 300.

Tarlac ........................................................ 251, 263

Taroa Airdrome ....................................................... 89, 91

Taroa Island ............................................................ 112

Task Force Fifty‑Eight (58) ............................................. 348

Tateyama Naval Air Station .............................................. 416

Tedder, Fondville L., Comdr., USN......................................... 57

Tennessee (USS) ............................................... 257, 274, 348

Tenth (10th) Army ...................................................... 381,

383, 385, 397‑401, 407, 410‑413, 416, 418‑421, 423, 425‑427, 430.

Tenth (10th) Fleet ................................................... 85, 86

Texas (USS) ............................................................. 348

Thanh Son Nhut airbase .................................................. 327

Third (3rd) Amphibious Corps, Marine ................................... 190,

196, 221, 222, 314, 354, 355, 381‑383, 385‑391, 393, 395‑405,

415, 418, 425, 428.

Third (3rd) Fleet ...................................................... 169,

221, 230, 231, 241, 245, 246, 250, 252‑263, 266, 269, 271,

273‑275, 278, 280, 281, 287, 310, 316‑319, 335.

Third (3rd) Marine Division ............................................ 191,

192, 205, 312, 351, 355, 356, 358‑361, 363, 365‑368, 370

Thirteenth Naval District ............................................... 307

Thirty‑Second (32nd) Regiment ........................................... 429

Three Hundred Eighteenth (318th) Army Fighter Group ................ 426, 427

Three Hundred Eighty‑Third (383rd) Infantry Regiment .......... 420, 421, 425

Three Hundred Eighty‑Second (382nd) Regiment ............................ 430

Three Hundred Seventh Regiment (307th) .................................. 425

Tide (USS) ............................................................. 186

Timoneng ............................................................. 199

Tinian Island .......................................................... 118,

140, 164, 165, 167, 170, 173, 176, 178, 179, 182, 18'3, 186,

189‑201, 206, 210, 260, 264, 278, 283, 298, 299, 304, 307, 309,

312, 313, 331, 353, 359, 367, 369, 375, 384, 399, 404.

Tinian Town ............................................................. 197

Tinputs Harbor ........................................................... 41

Tmiet Island ............................................................ 103

Tobara ............................................................. 383

Togcha Bay ............................................................. 197

Tojimbara ............................................................. 381

Tokara ............................................................. 427

Tokuno ..................... 360, 361, 378, 381, 384, 393, 407, 411, 427

xxxii

Page

Tokyo ............................................................ 270,

299‑301, 310, 312, 315, 318, 345‑347, 349, 356, 357, 368, 377,

382, 399, 408, 416, 425, 430.

Tokyo, attacks on .............................. 346, 347, 349, 356, 357, 425

Tol Island ............................................................. 143

Tomari Cape ............................................................. 398

Tomari Zaki ............................................................. 378

Tomlinson, D. W., Capt., USNR............................................ 323

Tone (Japan) ............................................................ 255

Tonolei Harbor ........................................................... 19

Tori Island ............................................................. 420

Torishima Group ......................................................... 393

Tori Shima Island ......................................... 263‑265, 335, 372

Torishima Retto ......................................................... 328

Torina ............................................................. 305

Toshien ........................................................ 325, 333

Toto ............................................................. 199

Toyhara ............................................................. 328

Triton (USS) ............................................................. 60

Trout (USS) ............................................................. 191

Truk, Truk Atoll ................................................... 115‑116,

119, 122, 124, 129‑133, 135, 136, 138‑141, 143, 145‑153, 159‑166,

170, 172, 174‑180, 182‑188, 190, 191, 193‑195, 197, 198‑200, 203,

205, 207, 208, 210, 212, 215, 217, 219, 223, 228, 233, 235, 236,

239, 242, 245, 247, 248, 279, 293, 299, 301, 304, 305, 308, 330,

344, 346, 347, 372, 377, 388, 392, 401, 406‑408, 410, 411, 413,

416‑423, 427, 430.

Truk Atoll Harbor ............................................. 153, 406, 408

Truk Lagoon .................................... 145, 152, 195, 198, 304, 401

Truman, Harry S., President ............................................. 414

Tsugen Island ........................................................... 391

Tsushima ............................................................. 412

Tsuwa ............................................................. 388

Tsuwa Village ........................................................... 390

Tulaga Island .................................................... 1, 47, 433

Tullibee (USS) .......................................................... 191

Tumon Bay ......................................................... 199‑201

Turner, Richmond K., Vice Adm., USN..........................................

....................... 87, 107, 115, 190, 310, 348, 368, 381, 390

Turner (USS) ......................................................... 97, 98

Twentieth (20th) Air Force .................................... 287, 382, 386

Twenty‑eighth (28th) Regiment‑Marines ................................... 353

Twenty‑first (21st) Bomber Command .................. 287, 295, 333, 349, 408

Twenty‑fourth (24th) Army Corps.................................... 381‑383,

385‑393, 395‑406, 415, 418, 420, 428

Twenty‑fourth (24th) Regiment Army Infantry ............................. 353

Twenty‑second (22nd) Marines ........................ 115, 117, 123, 304, 423

Twenty‑seventh (27th) Infantry Division ................................. 87,

179, 180, 310, 392, 399, 405‑407, 431.

Twenty‑seventh (27th) Regiment of Marines ............................... 350

Tyan Airfield ........................................................... 199

xxxiii

Page

U‑Boats .............................................................. 4,

10, 16, 22‑‑24, 29, 30, 37, 40, 41, 43, 56, 57, 64‑66, 73‑75, 77,

79, 82, 83, 85, 86, 88, 91, 99, 100, 106, 109, 110, 112, 113,

122, 128, 134, 135, 142, 149, 150, 155, 160‑163, 183, 184,

200‑204, 218, 239, 265, 288, 324, 341, 364, 389, 424.

Uchi Tomari ........................................................ 385, 389

Ugali ............................................................... 9

Uhushi Point Airfield ................................................... 195

Ujae Atoll ................................................... 114, 132, 305

Ujelang Island ............................ 112, 115, 129, 135, 140, 142, 307

Ukudu ............................................................. 203

Ulithi Atoll ....................................................... 248, 314

Ulithi Island .................. 133, 195, 211, 217, 290, 306, 312, 313, 322

Ulithi Lagoon ........................................................... 248

Ulul Island .................................................... 135‑141, 148

Uman Island ........................................................ 130, 136

Umatac Town ............................................................. 186

Umurbrogol Hill ............................................... 232, 234, 235

Umurbrogol Mountain ....................................... 229, 232, 238‑240

U. S. Military Government (Islands) ........... 391, 397, 404, 418, 426, 431

United Nations War Crimes Commission .................................... 342

Unten Bay .............................................. 378, 381, 384, 390

Urasoe Mura ............................................................. 405

Urukthapel Island ............................... 327‑329, 332, 335, 339, 357

Ushi Point ............................................................. 193

Utana ............................................................. 199

Utirik Atoll .................................................. 115, 135, 306

Valencia Airfield ....................................................... 218

Vandegrift, Alexander A., Maj. Gen., USMC................................ 434

Vangavanga .......................................................... 26, 30

Vangunu Island ....................................................... 50, 55

Vian, Philip, Rear Adm. Sir, RN.......................................... 379

Victor Mike Baker 61‑Marines ............................................ 336

Victorious (HMS) ........................................................ 410

Vigan ............................................................. 290

Vila ... 1‑7, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 20‑22, 24, 31, 44, 46, 48, 50‑54, 59

Vella Lavella ....................................... 11, 27, 48, 59, 82, 83

Vineyard Sound, lightship ............................................... 224

Viru Harbor .................................................... 1, 5, 16, 53

Visayan Sea ............................................................. 273

Visayas Group .................................................. 233, 314‑316

Vitlaz Strait ........................................................... 308

Vogelkop ............................................................. 313

Volcano Islands ........................................................ 167,

174, 180, 188, 190, 202, 206‑208, 211‑214, 216, 217, 219‑221,

224, 228, 231, 233, 235, 236, 238‑240, 242, 247, 252, 254, 258,

259, 261, 262, 264‑266, 282‑284, 286‑292, 294‑299, 310, 311, 313,

320‑322, 325‑327, 329, 331, 332, 335, 336, 338‑341, 343‑346, 348,

368.

xxxiv

Page

Volcano Islands, Military Government .................................... 369

Vori Point .............................................................. 59

Vura Village ............................................................. 55

Wahoo (USS) .............................................................. 89

Wainwright (USS) ........................................................ 109

Wakde‑Sawar Airfields ................................................... 142

Wakde Island ................................................... 142, 307‑309

Wake, Wake Island ....................................................... 33,

61, 62, 79, 107, 108, 111, 114, 120, 123, 128, 132, 134, 139,

140, 147, 149, 153, 156, 159, 203‑205, 210, 211, 215, 233, 235,

239, 240, 242, 246, 248, 263, 264, 279, 283, 284, 285, 290, 300,

303, 309, 313, 330, 332, 360, 361, 364, 365, 368, 374, 375, 377,

390, 394, 405, 410, 420, 424.

Wallace, F. G., Maj. Gen., U. S. A. ..................................... 418

Wana .............................................. 423, 425, 426, 428

War Crimes Office, Navy ............................................ 342, 343

Ward (USS) ............................................................. 294

War Shipping Administration ............................................. 236

Wasmuth (USS) ........................................................ 72, 73

Wasp (USS) ........................................................ 257, 369

Watson, T. E., Brig. Gen., USMC.......................................... 115

Weir, John M., Brig. Gen., USA........................................... 342

Weserland (Germany) ..................................................... 110

West Lipa field ......................................................... 278

West Virginia (USS) ................................................ 257, 274

Western Defense Command .................................................. 42

Western Sea Frontier, Commander ......................................... 268

Wewak ............................................................. 305

Wickham Anchorage ........................................................ 55

Wilcox (USCG) ............................................................ 78

Wilkes Island .................................................. 79, 153, 159

Wilkes, John, Rear Adm., USN............................................. 117

Wilkinson, T. S., Rear Adm., USN.............................. 166, 221, 303

Wilkinson, T. S., Vice Adm., USN......................................... 314

Willaumez Peninsula ..................................................... 305

Williams, Robert Pershing, Lt., USNR...................................... 77

Wilson Strait ............................................................ 48

WMS‑304 (USS) ........................................................... 253

WMS‑350 (USS) ........................................................... 253

WMS‑378 (USS) ........................................................... 253

Woleai Island .......................................................... 133,

134, 178, 212‑214, 223, 270, 292, 295, 300, 306, 320, 338, 341,

408.

Wotho Atoll ................................................... 123, 132, 305

Wotje ............................................................. 90,

92, 93, 95‑99, 101, 103‑108, 112, 133, 153, 155, 157, 165, 171,

182, 185, 188, 197, 201, 205, 207‑212, 216, 217, 219, 222‑224,

226‑228, 231‑233, 235, 303, 308, 309.

Wygant, Henry Sollett, Comdr., USN........................................ 98

xxxv

Page

Yagachi Island .......................................................... 403

Yaka ............................................................. 385

Yaku Island .............................................. 381, 406, 427, 428

Yama Island ............................................................. 245

Yamashiro (Japan) .................................................. 255, 273

Yamato (Japan) ................................. 255, 273, 327, 387, 388, 401

Yano, Rear Adm., I. J. N................................................ 187

Yap, Yap Island......................................................... 133,

184, 195, 209‑214, 216, 217, 229, 238, 245, 251, 252, 254,

258‑263, 266‑270, 276‑280, 282, 284, 285, 292, 294, 295, 299,

306, 312, 313, 320, 321, 323, 327, 331‑336, 338‑342, 344‑346,

353, 354, 358, 362, 363, 366, 367, 370‑374, 376, 377, 383, 385,

391, 392, 394, 398‑402, 404, 405, 410, 418, 420, 422, 424, 427‑430.

Yap Town ........................................................ 251, 254

Yawata ........................................................ 310, 312

Yigo ............................................................. 203

Ylig ............................................................. 197

YMS‑19 (USS)............................................................. 285

YMS‑21 (USS)............................................................. 229

YMS‑24 (USS)............................................................. 229

YMS‑30 (USSR............................................................. 130

YMS‑48 (USS)............................................................. 347

YMS‑70 (USS)............................................................. 277

YMS‑71 (USS)............................................................. 417

YMS‑109 (USS)............................................................ 421

YMS‑304 (USS)............................................................ 253

YMS‑350 (USS)............................................................ 253

YMS‑378 (USS)............................................................ 253

YMS‑385 (USS)............................................................ 285

YMS‑409 (USS)............................................................ 227

YMS‑481 (USS)............................................................ 430

Yokohama ............................................................. 347

Yonabaru ............................... 399, 400, 409, 420, 421, 428, 429

Yontan ............................... 382, 383, 401, 410, 412, 417, 424

YT‑198 (USS) ............................................................ 130

Yusi, A. C., Sergeant ................................................... 369

Zuiho (Japan) ..................................................... 171, 258,

Zuikaku (Japan) ............................................... 171, 256, 273

*U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1946‑660315

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