This day in the war in the Pacific 65 years ago.

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July 18th 1944

JAPAN: General Tojo resigns as Prime Minister and Army Chief of Staff in the Japanese Cabinet. Events in the Marianias have brought down his cabinet. General Koiso and Admiral Yonai are chosen to form a new cabinet. General Umezu will become the New Army Chief of Staff. This is the first change in cabinet by the Japanese since 1941.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 25 P-40s hit the Myitkyina area; 8 P-47s attack Theinin, and 16 P-51s support ground forces at Pyindaw; 9 B-25s bomb Myitkyina and Naungtalaw.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In the Hengyang-Tungting Lake region of China, 30+ P-40s strafe shipping between Chaling and Hengyang, bomb the town of Hengyang, and hit the airfield and several AA positions in the area; 16 P-51s and P-40s hit river shipping from Lienchiangkou to Samshui to Sainam; 13 P-40s hit a fuel dump on the railroad near Kangtsun-i.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s pound Tinian and Pagan. 5 B-24s, flying out of Kwajalein, hit Wotje Atoll. 25 B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, attack Truk Atoll.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s strike Yap, bombing the town and Blelatsch peninsula; several of the B-24s bomb Sorol Atoll. In New Guinea, bad weather prevents strikes on the Vogelkop Peninsula; fighter-bombers continue to hit barges, supply routes, and troop concentrations in the coastal area from Aitape to Wewak.

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 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 Air¬craft Wing and Ventura search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, attacked enemy positions in the Marshalls on July 16.

 

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BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 30+ P-40s and P-51s hit the Myitkyina area and support ground forces near Kamaing; Myitkyina is also bombed by 9 B-25s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 80+ P-40s hit shipping in the Tungting Lake area, attack targets of opportunity, supply areas, and troop concentrations around Hengyang, bomb a radio station, storage facilities, and shipping at Changsha, hit the airfield at Siangtan, and sink about 15 sampans between Changsha and Siangtan; 31 P-40s and P-51s bomb and strafe the Samshui town and dock area and hit several troop compounds in the Lienchiangkou vicinity. In NE French Indochina, 4 P-40s claim 25 junks sunk at the coast.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s continue to bomb and strafe Tinian Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s, striking in 2 waves, attack the airfield on Yap; several of the B-24s become separated from the formations and bomb Ngulu and Sorol Atolls in the Caroline Islands. In New Guinea, weather again cancels strikes on the Vogelkop Peninsula area; fighter-bomber's hit stores, gun positions, and targets of opportunity along the Dandriwad River and support Allied ground forces in the Sarmi-Sawar sector.

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.

 

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July 20th 1944

GUAM: On Guam in the Mariana Islands, USN underwater demolition teams (UDTs) have removed all beach obstacles on the beaches that U.S. forces will land on tomorrow. A total of 640 obstacles were removed on Asan and 300+ on Agat beaches.

USA: The U.S. Army establishes a Pearl Harbor Board consisting of Lieutenant General George Grunert and Major Generals Henry D. Russell and Walter A. Frank, to "ascertain and report the facts relating to the attack" on Hawaii on 7 December 1941. Their report will be completed on 20 October 1944.

USA: The US Democratic Convention began in Chicago yesterday and will end tomorrow. Franklin D. Roosevelt is nominated 1086 to Senator Byrd with 89 and James Farley with 1. Harry Truman receives 1031 votes for the nomination as Vice President to Henry Wallace with 105 votes.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, a few P-40s attack targets in the Myitkyina area. In India, the 82d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Pandaveswar to Fenny with B-25s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In the Tungting Lake area of China, 11 B-24s bomb the E half of Changsha, causing heavy destruction; 140+ P-40s and P-51s attack river shipping and road traffic at several locations throughout the region, pound supply villages S of Changsha and Sinshih, bomb a motor pool at Tsungyang, hit the warehouse area at Siangtan, and attack troop compounds and gun positions N of Hengyang and at Leiyang and Chaling.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s pound Tinian Island. B-25s from Engebi bomb Ponape.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s hit the airfield and AA guns at Manokwari and AA at Moemi; B-25s hit shipping off Sorong, in Kaiboes Bay, and off Misool Island, and bomb Kasim Island; A-20s support Allied ground forces in the Sarmi sector; A-20s and a B-25 bomb supply dumps at Cape Moem, Wom, and Sauri while fighter-bombers hit targets of opportunity along the Yakamul coastal road and troops on Kairiru Island; and the 63d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 43d Bombardment Group moves from Nadzab to Owi, with B-24s. B-24s bomb the W part of Yap town and in the Moluccas Islands, Namlea Airfield on Buru Island and shipping in Kayeli Bay. B-25s hit shipping at Dili.

JAAF - Shot down over Truscott is Ki-46-II Dinah by RAAF Spitfire.

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.
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 Am*phibious 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.

 

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BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 6 B-25s bomb the railroad at Mohnyin and 1 hits the town of Naba. In India, the 434th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th BG (Medium), moves from Madhaiganj Airfield to Comilla with B-25s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): 41 P-40s hit the town area, airfield, trucks, river shipping, and troops at Changsha, trucks, horses, and junks at Sinshih, and troop concentrations, artillery sites, and pillboxes at Hengyang.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s attack enemy forces on Tinian Island. 28 B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, pound Truk Atoll. US Marines and Army troops land on Guam Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s again pound Yap, concentrating on the airfield; fighters, many dropping phosphorus bombs on the bomber formation, attack fiercely but ineffectively; the B-24s claim 7 fighters shot down. B-24s bomb AA positions and the airfield at Manokwari; A-20s hit barracks at Nabire; P-39s hit caves and barge hideouts on the N coast of Biak Island and support ground forces along the Verkam River; B-25s hit shipping at several points around the long coastline of the Vogelkop Peninsula; B-25s and A-20s pound But, and P-39s bomb a bridge nearby; P-47s follow with an attack on But and also hit Wewak jetties and Kairiru Island. In Australia, the 531st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), (Heavy), moves from Long Strip to Darwin with B-24s.

MARIANA'S: General Geiger's III Amhibious Corps land on Guam. Admiral Connolly commands the naval forces which include TF 53 directly and 3 groups of TF 58 in support. The 3rd Marine Division lands at Asan and the 1st Mrine Division lands near Agat. The defending Japanese are the 29th Division under General Takashima. General Obata CO of the 31st Army is on the island.
AMPLIFYING THE ABOVE:
Operation STEVEDORE commences in the morning when USMC units came ashore on both sides of Orote Peninsula. The 3d Marine Division landed on the north beach near the town of Agana, while the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade assaulted the south beach near Agat. Opposition was surprisingly heavy after weeks of preparatory fire, and 22 amtracs were sunk. By nightfall, the Marines had pushed 1 mile (1.6 km) inland at both points. In the afternoon, the Army's 77th Infantry Division landed but even befroe they hit the beach, they had to contend with a problem that the Marines did not face. Because the 77th was in corps reseve, the division had no amtracs allotted; when landing craft reached the reef line, troops had to debark and wade several hundred yards to the beach. Tanks and trucks had to be towed by bulldozers, and some were lost in the surf. Most of the 305th Infantry Regiment were ashore by 2130 hours, in time to help turn back the expected enemy counterattack which cost the Japanese 268 killed.

USA: In the U.S., the delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, nominate Senator Harry S. Truman of Missouri to be their vice president candidate. Truman replaces Henry Wallace, the current vice president. In Room 708 of the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago, President Roosevelt told Truman at the convention that he wanted him on the ticket.

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 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.

 

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MARIANA'S: Both Marine divisions advance about 1 mile from their beachhead positions taken yesterday in the invasion of Guam.
Napalm is used for the first time in the Pacific against targets on Tinian. The mission was flown by USAAF P-47s to burn out heavy brush overlooking the landing beach. The early mixture with gasoline was less than satisfactory.

NEW GUINEA: Following an air and artillery bombardment, U.S. Army personnel clear the last organized Japanese pocket on Biak Island off New Guinea.

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Aleutian Islands, 2 B-25s flying a negative shipping search encounter a bomber which evades contact.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 14 P-40s attack forces in the Myitkyina area; 7 B-25s bomb the railroad at Mohnyin while 2 hit storage sheds at Maingna.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 120+ P-40s and P-51s attack the town area, airfield, railroad yards, and shipping at Hengyang, bomb the towns of Chaling, Yuhsien, and Chuchou, hit river shipping, troops, trucks, and targets of opportunity in the areas around Changsha, Kiaotow, Siangtan, and Sinshih, and hit troop compounds and shipping at Yuhsien; 25 B-24s bomb Changsha, causing heavy damage; and 31 P-40s and P-51s blast Tsingyun and strafe about 40 junks to the S of town. 4 P-40s sink several large junks off the NE French Indochina coast.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s from Saipan, using napalm-bombs for the first time, hit Tinian and Pagan. Makin based B-25s pound Ponape Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s attack the airfield on Yap. B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and an assortment of fighter-bombers direct their main attacks against several shipping terminals on the Vogelkop Peninsula area, sink a submarine chaser off Morotai, bomb Saumlakki on Tanimbar Island, and hit But Airfield and personnel areas, barge hideouts, supply and ammunition dumps, bridges and roads at, and to the W of, Wewak; HQ 35th Fighter Group moves from Gusap to Owi; and 19th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 22d Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Nadzab to Owi with B-24s.

USA: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt sails for Hawaii in the heavy cruiser USS Baltimore to confer with Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and General Douglas MacArthur.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 532, JULY 22, 1944
1. 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 day*light 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.

 

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MARIANA'S: US Marines on Guam have captured the major airfield. Additional: Tiyan Field, now Brewer Field.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 100+ fighter-bombers hit enemy positions in the Myitkyina area, support ground forces at Szigahtawng, bomb the Kamaing and Mogaung areas, blast troops and supplies at Kalang, Kyungon, and Tinzai, and hit targets of opportunity at Peau, Namma, Sahmaw, Taungni, and Hopin; 9 B-25s hit the Myitkyina and Naungtalaw areas while 8 bomb Namting.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 62 P-40s attack warehouses, trucks, and troops in the Changsha-Sinshih-Fulinpu area, bomb the airfield and river craft at Siangtan, hit enemy-held areas of Hengyang, and strafe and bomb troop compounds and villages N of it; 6 B-25s and 21 P-40s hit warehouses and railroad yards in the Yellow River area; 10 P-40s hit Japanese positions on the Salween front in support of Chinese forces; and the 449th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, based at Chengkung with P-38s, sends a detachment to operate from Yunnani until Mar 45.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): On Saipan Island, P-47s hit Tinian Island and the 48th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 41st Bombardment Group (Medium), based on Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands, begins operating from Saipan with B-25s. B-25s from Makin attack Nauru Island. B-24s staging through Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Truk Atoll while others, flying out of Kwajalein, hit Wotje Atoll.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb Yap, hitting the town area and airfield. In New Guinea, airfields and shipping terminals over widespread areas of the Vogelkop Peninsula and nearby islands are pounded by B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers; But Airfield is again the main target in NE New Guinea; communications, supplies, barges, and troop concentrations from Wewak to Yakamul are also bombed and strafed throughout the day; HQ 345th Bombardment Group (Medium) and 500th and 501st Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) move from Nadzab to Biak with B-25s; the 25th and 26th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons, 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, move from Nadzab to Biak and Hollandia respectively with F-5s; and the 460th Fighter Squadron, V Fighter Command, moves from Gusap to Nadzab with A-20s.

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 north*ern 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 re*pulsed. 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 pill*boxes 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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July 24th 1944

TINIAN: In the Marianas, the 4th Marine Division lands on Tinian.

USA: In the U.S., the U.S. Navy Court of Inquiry into the Pearl Harbor attack is enjoined to "give its opinion as to whether any offenses have been committed or serious blame incurred on the part of any person or persons in the naval service." The board consists of three retired admirals.

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Aleutian Islands, 2 B-25s fly a negative shipping search.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 14 P-51s hit the Kamaing and Mogaung areas while 28 P-40s hit Myitkyina; 8 B-25s bomb Mohnyin and Naungtalaw.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 13 B-25s and 20 P-40s bomb railroad facilities at Sienning; 22 P-40s pound Pailochi Airfield, destroying about 30 aircraft and causing heavy destruction in general; 9 B-25s and 20 P-40s hit the town of Puchi, causing several fires; 46 P-40s hit river and road traffic, enemy concentrations, and targets of opportunity at Changsha, Sinshih, Fulinpu, Hengshan, Liling, Leivang, and Hengyang; and in the Canton area 7 P-51s dive-bomb White Cloud Airfield and the town of Tsingvun. In French Indochina, 3 P-40s on armed reconnaissance bomb Ben Thuy railroad yards and strafe junks and barges in coastal areas.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s hit Tinian, on which US Marines land, and Rota Island. B-25s from Engebi bomb Ponape.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Operations in the Caroline Islands are restricted to B-24 snooper strikes; other B-24s bomb AA positions at Saumlakki, Tanimbar Island. In New Guinea, bad weather cancels scheduled strikes in the Vogelkop Peninsula area; 18 A-20s and a B-25 bomb But Airfield, P-47s hit supply areas at Sauri, and P-39s bomb and strafe bridges and supply dumps in the Suain area; HQ 85th Fighter Wing moves from Gusap to Hollandia; and the 499th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 345th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Nadzab to Biak Island. In the Solomon Islands, the 390th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 42d Bombardment Group (Medium), based in the Renard Field ceases operating from Stirling Island with B-25s.

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.

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 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 casu¬alties through July 23 were light. The situation is considered well in band.

 

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July 25th 1944

INDIAN OCEAN: The British Eastern Fleet, Admiral Somerville, attacks Sabang in the Indian Ocean. Carriers HMS Victorious and Illustrious are involved.

GUAM: The US forces on Guam are still battling to join their beachheads.
TINIAN: The 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions advance on Tinian after stopping Japanese counterattacks.

CENTRAL PACIFIC: Three carrier groups from TF 58 attack Japanese positions on the Caroline Islands.
AMPLIFYING THE ABOVE:
Carrier-based aircraft of the USN's Task Groups 58.2 and 58.3 attack Japanese installations in the Palau Islands while aircraft of TG 58.1 attack targets on Ulithi and Yap Atolls.
The USAAF joins the attacks with Seventh Air Force B-24s, based at Kwajalein Atoll, bombing Truk Atoll and Far East Air Force

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 24 P-40s and P-51s hit targets around Myitkyina, Kamaing, and Mogaung.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 24 B-24s bomb Yoyang, blasting the storage area and railroad yards; 51 P-40s and P-51s attack road and river traffic, troop compounds and cavalry units at Chaling, Siangsiang, Changsha, Siangyin, and Sinshih and NW of Hengyang; 27 P-40s escorting the B-24s over Yoyang claim 6 Japanese interceptors shot down; and 11 fighter-bombers support Chinese ground forces in the Salween area.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s continue to hit Tinian and Pagan. B-24s, based at Kwajalein, bomb Truk Atoll. The 819th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group (Heavy), arrives on Saipan from Wheeler Field with B-24s.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb the airfield and other targets in Woleai. In New Guinea, bad weather again cancels strikes in the Vogelkop Peninsula, but C-47s complete 48 missions to Biak Island despite the weather; communications and troop concentration along the coast in the general area of Wewak are attacked throughout the day; and the detachment of the 419th Night Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, operating from Nadzab with P-61s, returns to base on Guadalcanal.

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 south¬westerly 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 mid¬morning 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 inter¬cepted 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,
anti aircraft batteries and airfields were bombed. Several enemy fighters In¬tercepted our force. One fighter was probably shot down and three damaged. Anti aircraft fire was meager.

 

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July 26th 1944

NEW GUINEA: Japanese resistance continues in New Guinea in the areas of Aitape, Biak and Numfoor.

USA: US President Roosevelt meets with Admiral Nimitz and General MacArthur in Honolulu. They discuss plans by MacArthur to capture the Philipines vs plans by Nimitz to bypass the Philipines and strike Formosa.

CENTRAL PACIFIC: In the Caroline Islands, carrier-based aircraft of the USN's Task Groups 58.2 and 58.3 again attack Japanese installations in the Palau Islands while aircraft of TG 58.1 attack and photograph islands in Ulithi and Yap Atolls. They are joined by Far East Air Forces B-24s which again bomb supply areas, communication, and other targets on Woleai Atoll.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 42 P-40s pound the Myitkyina area while 16 P-51s hit the Mogaung and Kamaing sectors; about 20 other fighter- bombers hit targets of opportunity at Hopin, Bhamo, Myothit, Wuntho, and the N part of Mandalay; 9 B-25s bomb storage sheds at Mohnvin.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 27 B-25s and 3 P-40s blast the town of Tengchung, breaching the SE wall in several places; 32 P-40s and P-38s attack targets of opportunity throughout the Tengchung, Lungling, and Mangshih areas; 97 P-40s attack troops, horses, trucks, fortified points river shipping, and other targets of opportunity at numerous locations in or near Siangtan, Changsha, Hengshan, Fulinpu, Leiyang, Pingkiang, Hengyang, Chaling, and Nanyo; the airfield at Hengyang is also bombed.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s and B-25s from Saipan Island pound Tinian. B-25s from Engebi attack Ponape.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s again hit supply areas, communication, and other targets on Woleai. B-24s bomb airfields at Babo and Ransiki; A-20s and B-25s, along with RAAF fighter-bombers, hit troop concentrations, small shipping, mortar positions, shore guns, and other targets of opportunity along the Hollandia- Aitape-Wewak coastline; B-25s bomb Langgoer; the 408th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 22d Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands with B-24s; and the 419th Night Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, based on Guadalcanal, sends a detachment to operate from Noemfoor with P-61s.

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, sup¬porting ground operations, dropped fire bombs and strafed troop areas, a rail¬road 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 domi¬nate 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.

 

[syscom3]

July 27th 1944

GUAM: The US 77th Division is preparing an attack on Mount Tenjo on Guam.
TINIAN: US construction begins on the newly captured airfield at Ushi Point on Tinian.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 40+ fighter-bombers hit Taungni, Myitkyina, the Kamaing-Mogaung area, and a bridge at Sahmaw.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 17 P-40s hit river and lake shipping S of Yogang and in the Siangtan area, strafe truck columns S of Changsha, and bomb and strafe troops, horses, and compounds in the Nanyo area.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s and B-25s from Saipan Island hit Tinian Island. B-24s from the Marshall Islands bomb Truk Atoll. B-25s based at Makin hit Jaluit Atoll.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s hit the airfield on Woleai and supply areas on Mariaon and Tagaulap Islands in the Caroline Islands. In the Moluccas Islands, B-24s bomb the airfield at Lolobata and Miti while B-25s hit Galela Airfield. B-24s bomb Laha, Amboina Island; Namlea, Buru Island; and Cape Chater and Dili. B-24s and B-25s bomb shipping and air facilities at Ransiki, Moemi, and Babo, hit a freighter in Kaiboes Bay, and bomb AA positions at Kokas, captured in a dramatic series of four photos, A-20G "Bavo" 43-9432 is shot down and crashes into the sea. It later appears in TIME Magazine captioned "Death of an A-20". Other A-20s blast fuel dumps at Nabire; P-39s strafe concentrations and small vessels along the W coast of Geelvink Bay; A-20s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers hit troop concentrations, supply dumps, gun positions, barges, and a variety of other targets along the coast from Aitape to Wewak to Cape Moem.

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 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.

 

[syscom3]

July 28th 1944

CENTRAL PACIFIC: In the Caroline Islands, carrier-based aircraft of the USN's Task Groups 58.2 and 58.3 again attack Japanese installations in the Palau Islands while aircraft of TG 58.1 attack targets Utlihi and Yap Atolls. Four B-24 squadrons of the USAAF's Far East Air Force attacks targets in Woleai Atoll; the airfield and supply area are well covered.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 100+ fighter-bombers hit the Myitkyina, Kamaing, Mogaung, and Taungni areas; 16 others attack targets of opportunity at Bhamo, Indaw, Mohnyin, and hit a bridge at Sihet; and 8 B-25s pound a troop area at Sihet.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 18 B-25s, with fighter support, pound the Yoyang railroad yards; other B-25s in groups of 1 to 3 hit a Yellow River bridge and White Cloud, Tien Ho, and Hankow Airfields; 18 P-40s hit Pailochi Airfield, destroying several aircraft; and 30+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance hit troop concentrations, river and road traffic and other targets of opportunity at Leiyang, Chaling, Chinlanshih, and in the Tungting Lake area.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): B-25s and P-47s based on Saipan Island bomb and strafe Tinian Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Targets at Woleai are bombed by 4 squadrons of B-24s; the airfield and supply area are well covered; Laha, Amboina Island and Cape Chater, Timor Island are hit by B-24s while B-25s bomb supply dumps at Maumere, Flores Island, Lesser Sunda Islands. B-24s and A-20s pound airfields at Manokwari and Babo, bivouac areas at Kasoeri, and shipping in Kaimana Bay; P-39s hit Windissi and other Geelvink Bay villages; A-20s and fighter-bombers blast stores, troop concentrations, communications targets, barges, and targets of opportunity in the Wewak, Cape Moem, and But; HQ 309th Bombardment Wing moves from Saidor to Noemfoor; and the 403d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 43d BG (Heavy), moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands with B-24s.

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 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.

 

[syscom3]

July 29th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 3 B-24s fly bombing and reconnaissance runs over Shimushu Island and Paramushiru Island sites including Kurabu Cape installations.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, about 100 fighter-bombers bomb the Myitkyina, Kamaing, and Mogaung areas and strafe Indaw; 20+ others attack targets at Myothit, Chyahkan, Mainghka, Nawna and Nansawlaw, and hit a bridge at Panghkam; a troop area at Naungtalaw is bombed by 9 B-25s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 26 B-24s bomb a storage area in Samah Bay, Hainan Island; 27 B-25s hit Yulin harbor, Hankow Airfield, Kaifeng railroad yards, and the town of Tengchung; 80+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance hit bridges, troops, supplies, and river, road, and rail traffic throughout a vast area including the towns of Liling, Sinsiang, Hengshan, Changsha, Siangtan, Chaling, Liuyang, and Chuchou.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Twentieth Air Force): In China, 70+ B-29s out of Chengtu bomb the Showa Steel Works at Anshan and harbor at Taku; the first B-29 to be shot down on a combat mission falls to 5 fighters near Chenghsien (which the B-29 bombs after engine trouble causes an abort from the primary
mission); another B-29 bombs Chinwangtao before making a forced landing at afriendly field near Ankang.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s continue to hit Tinian Island. B-24s hit Truk Atoll and B-25s attack Ponape Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb supply areas in Woleai; the nearby islands of Mariaon and Tagaulap are also hit. Other B-24s bomb airfields at Boela, Namlea on Buru Island and Cape Chater on Timor Island.
B-24s pound Moemi, Sagan, Otawiri, and Urarom; B-25s hit oil targets at Karaka, shipping off Sorong and Cape Fatagar, and a supply village W of Babo; P-39s bomb Windissi and strafe troop concentrations along the W shore of Geelvink Bay for the third consecutive day; in NE New Guinea bombers and fighters continue pounding the N coast, hitting troops, bridges and stores at Wewak and along Harech Creek, and targets of opportunity in the Yakamul area; and the 17th Reconnaissance Squadron (Bombardment), 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group, moves from Finschhafen to Biak with B-25s.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 95, JULY 29, 1944
Marine forces, continuing their advance throughout July 28 (West Longi¬tude 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 Provi¬sional 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.

 

[syscom3]

July 30th 1944

TINIAN: Tinian Town falls to the US forces on Tinian. The southern half of Guam has been mostly cleared.

NEW GUINEA: During Operation GLOBETROTTER, elements of the US Army's 6th Infantry Division are landed at Cape Opmari on the northwest coast of New Guinea and on Amsterdam and Middleburg Islands. Supporting the operation is the Navy's Task Force 77, with Admiral Berkey's TF 78 supporting, General Sibert's 6th Divison lands, unopposed, on the islands of Amsterdam and Middleburg off Cape Sansapor, New Guinea.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 30+ fighter-bombers attack Myitkyina and the Kamaing-Mogaung area and hit a bridge at Sihet; the Japanese commander at Myitkyina orders withdrawal and commits suicide.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 11 B-24s pound the town of Wuchang; 70+ P-40s and P-51s attack a bridge and the town area at Liling, railroad yards at Hsuchang, and troop concentrations, storage, and road, river and rail traffic in areas around Yungfengshih, Puchou, Hengyang, Chuchou, Chaling, Tungting Lake, and Liuyang. In French Indochina, 20+ P-40s and P-38s hit shipping and road traffic around Hanoi, Lang Son, Dong Dang, Mon Cay, and Campha Port.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): B-25s and P-47s from Saipan Island again hit Tinian Island. B-25s from Makin bomb Jaluit Atoll.
USN - STAG-1 tests TDR Drones against the shipwreck of the Yamazuki Maru on Guadalcanal, one of the first tests of this guided missile.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: The supply area on Woleai is again bombed by B-24s; other B-24s and P-38s attack the airfield and oil installations at Boela while more P-38s attack shipping off E Ceram off Amboina, and near Talaga, Sanana Island, Moluccas Islands; B-25s hit airfields at Penfoei and Koepang on Timor Island. B-24s hit Morotai Island, Celebes Islands. In New Guinea, P-39s support Allied ground forces on Biak Island and continue to patrol W Geelvink Bay, hitting barges in Bentoni Bay and troops at Idorra; Allied forces (Task Force TYPHOON) land on the N coast of Vogelkop Peninsula near Mar; the landings, made without preparatory bombardment to achieve surprise, meet no opposition; bombers and fighters continue to pound troop concentrations, barges, ships, fuel dumps, communications and other targets between Wewak and Aitape.

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.
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

 

[syscom3]

July 31st 1944

UK: Admiral Fraser assumes command of the British Eastern Fleet from Admiral Sommerville.

TINIAN: The last organized Japanese defenses on Tinian are attacked by US Marines.

NEW GUINEA: In New Guinea as part of Operation GLOBETROTTER, the USN lands USA troops at Cape Sansapor.

PACIFIC: In the Pacific, USN submarines sink a transport, two merchant tankers, a merchant freighter and a small cargo vessel and damage six other ships.
Admiral Chester W. Nimitz approves a realignment of the number of aircraft assigned to a USN carrier air group (CVG). Currently, the standard is 36 F6F Hellcats, 36 SB2C Helldivers and 18 TBM Avengers. The new standard is 24 SB2C Helldivers, 18 TBM Avengers and as many F6F Hellcats as can be accommodated; in some aircraft carriers, this is 54 F6Fs. In addition, F6F pilots are to receive additional training in the fighter-bomber role especially in the use of air-to-ground rockets.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 20 fighter-bombers hit Myitkyina, 11 attack the Kamaing-Mogaung area, 12 bomb a bridge at Mohnyin, 14 support ground forces near Myitkyina, and 11 others hit targets of opportunity at Sahmaw, Bilumyo, and Pinhe; 9 B-25s pound the Hopin troop area; the Japanese are in retreat down the Tiddim road.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 12 B-24s bomb the Wuchang railroad yards; B-25s, operating individually or in pairs, bomb Hengshan, Siangtan, and Hankow and attack Tien Ho, White Cloud, Hengyang, and Wuchang Airfields; 60+ P-40s and P-51s attack troop compounds, town areas and road and river traffic at several locations in or near Changsha, Hengyang, Kaishowkiao, Liling, Luchi, and Liuchow.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): B-25s and P-47s based on Saipan Island bomb and strafe Tinian Island. B-25s from Makin pound Nauru Island. B-24s from the Marshall Islands bomb Truk Atoll.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s again strike Woleai; airfields at Lolobata and Galela is also hit by B-24s. In New Guinea, P-39s continue to hit villages on the W coast of Geelvink Bay; in NE New Guinea fighter-bombers continue pounding Japanese concentrations and targets of opportunity on the N coast, particularly between Wewak and Yakamul; A-20s support Australian ground forces in the Hansa Bay area, hitting troop positions W of the Sepik River and troop concentrations at Singarin and Kopa.

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.

 

[syscom3]

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, P-51s, P-47s and A-36s support ground forces in the Taungni area; P-51s and P-47s on patrols and armed reconnaissance hit various targets of opportunity around Katha, Mainghka, Meza, Helon, Mohnyin, Bilumyo, and Namma; and P-40s attack gun positions and strongpoints at Myitkyina. In India, HQ 3d Combat Cargo Group moves from Sylhet to Dinjan; and the 315th Troop Carrier Squadron, 443d Troop Carrier Group, moves from Sookerating to Ledo, India with C-47s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 11 B-25s and 32 P-40s and P-38s bomb and strafe the town of Tengchung; 9 P-40s and P-38s damage a bridge at Tingka; and Yangtze River shipping and supplies are attacked at Shihlipu by 8 P-40s.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb the airfield at Yap; B-24s and B-25s carry out wide sweeps over the Moluccas and Lesser Sunda Islands, hitting airfields at Maumere, Amahai, and Liang, and shipping off Ceram and Amboina Islands; on Timor Island, B-24s hit Cape Chater and Lautem while B-25s bomb a camp near Poeloeti; and fighter-bombers hit coastal vessels and shore targets at Talaud, Sunda Islands. In New Guinea, A-20s bomb Nabire Airfield while in the Wewak area bombers and fighters hit a bridge and airfield at Boram and bridges, communications lines, troop concentrations, and other targets along the coastline, especially between But and Cape Karawop; and fighter-bombers hit Mapia Island.

MARIANA'S: US forces advance on the west side of Guam but are pushed back on the east side.

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 Installa*tions 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
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.

 

[syscom3]

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, P-51s, P-47s and A-36s support ground forces in the Taungni area; P-51s and P-47s on patrols and armed reconnaissance hit various targets of opportunity around Katha, Mainghka, Meza, Helon, Mohnyin, Bilumyo, and Namma; and P-40s attack gun positions and strongpoints at Myitkyina. In India, HQ 3d Combat Cargo Group moves from Sylhet to Dinjan; and the 315th Troop Carrier Squadron, 443d Troop Carrier Group, moves from Sookerating to Ledo, India with C-47s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 11 B-25s and 32 P-40s and P-38s bomb and strafe the town of Tengchung; 9 P-40s and P-38s damage a bridge at Tingka; and Yangtze River shipping and supplies are attacked at Shihlipu by 8 P-40s.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb the airfield at Yap; B-24s and B-25s carry out wide sweeps over the Moluccas and Lesser Sunda Islands, hitting airfields at Maumere, Amahai, and Liang, and shipping off Ceram and Amboina Islands; on Timor Island, B-24s hit Cape Chater and Lautem while B-25s bomb a camp near Poeloeti; and fighter-bombers hit coastal vessels and shore targets at Talaud, Sunda Islands. In New Guinea, A-20s bomb Nabire Airfield while in the Wewak area bombers and fighters hit a bridge and airfield at Boram and bridges, communications lines, troop concentrations, and other targets along the coastline, especially between But and Cape Karawop; and fighter-bombers hit Mapia Island.

MARIANA'S: US forces advance on the west side of Guam but are pushed back on the east side.

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
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.

 

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BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, B-25s bomb Wanling, knock out a bridge at Panghkam, and attack bridges along the railroad from Naba to Myitkyina; P-51s and P-47s support ground forces N of Taungni and near Sahmaw, hit the towns of Shwegu and Mosit, attack the factory area at Mohnyin, and pound boats, troop concentrations, and gun positions at Myitkyina and Maingna.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 23 B-24s bomb the town of Yoyang; 6 B-25s hit Mangshih; nearly 150 P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance attack targets of opportunity, including airfields, troops, town areas, supply areas, and rail, road, and river traffic at numerous locations, including the areas of Tengchung, Tingka, Mangshih, Loyang, Changsha, Hengyang, Tangyang, Chingmen, Chaling, Siangyin, Nanchang, Siangtan, Hengshan, Chuchou, Ikiawan, and Leiyang.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): HQ VII Air Service Area Command is activated. B-24s from the Marshall Islands pound Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb Yap and islands in the Woleai group; an ammunition dump and oil derrick at Boela, Ceram Island, Moluccas Islands, are also destroyed. In New Guinea, bad weather cancels scheduled strikes over the Vogelkop Peninsula area; however, B-25s hit troop concentrations at Bira and other points on MacCluer Gulf, bomb Urarom, and support Allied ground forces on Biak Island by hitting troops in the Korim Bay area; supply dumps, communications targets, and bridges are hit as fighter-bombers and A-20s continue to blast areas around But, Dagua, and Wewak.
Most of the Japanese garrison slips away from pursuing Chinese and US troops as Myitkyina falls in the Burma Theater.

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, the heavy cruiser USS Baltimore carrying U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, arrives at Naval Operating Base Adak on Adak Island, from Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii.

NEI: A U.S. submarine sinks a Japanese auxiliary netlayer in the Molucca Sea.

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 junc*tion 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 protec*tion 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.

 

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ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 4 P-38s accompanied by 1 B-25 fly top cover for a naval force near Massacre Bay, Attu Island, Aleutian Islands; 4 B-25s fly an uneventful shipping sweep.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, B-25s bomb the town of Sahmaw in support of advancing Allied ground forces; P-51s also support ground forces in the Sahmaw-Taungni area; fighter-bombers hit various targets, including town areas, gun positions, troops, and communications lines in or near Shwegu Pinbaw, Kazu, Bhamo, Myitkyina, Bilumyo, Mawhe, Mainghka, and Onsansaing.
CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 20 B-25s bomb the town of Mangshih and airfields at Lashio and Hsenwi; 32 P-40s hit the town area and targets of opportunity at Tengehung; 70 P-40s attack troops, supplies, river shipping, and trucks at several points in the Tungting Lake-Yangtze River region; and 4 P-38s knock out 2 bridges at Mongyu.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): In the Marianas Islands, Saipan Island Island-based B-25s fly 2 strikes against Guam Island. B-25s staging from the Marshall Island, hit Ponape Island. HQ 30th BG (Heavy) and 27th, 38th and 392d Bombardment Squadrons move from Kwajalein to Saipan Island with B-24s; and the 9th Troop Carrier Squadron, Seventh Air Force, moves from Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands to Saipan Island with C-47s.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb the supply area on Utagal Island, the airfield at Yap and oil installations at Boela, Ceram Island. In New Guinea, B-24s attack Fann; B-25s and A-20s hit oilfields at Klamono and at Kasim Island and bomb Nabire Airfield; P-39s strafe Pegun Island; A-20s and fighter-bombers in support of Allied forces pound enemy concentrations, supplies, and barges E of the Driniumor River, at Abau, S of Torricelli Range, at Boram, and just W of Wewak; and HQ 86th Fighter Wing moves from Finschhafen to Toem.
The British 2nd Division liberates Tamu in the Burma Theater.

PTO: Carrier-based aircraft of the USN's Task Group 58.3 bomb airfields on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands. During the day, a destroyer, a collier , four transports and a landing ship are sunk by USN units in the vicinity of Iwo Jima.

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, the heavy cruiser USS Baltimore with President Franklin D. Roosevelt aboard, departs NOB Adak for NOB Kodiak.

PTO: USN submarines sink an IJA cargo ship in the Celebes Sea and two IJN guardboats in the Bonin Islands.

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 ap*preciable 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 posi*tions, 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.

 

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ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): A weather mission is followed by a shipping sweep flown by 2 B-25s which is aborted early due to weather.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 14 B-25s bomb the town area of Taungni and stores area at Bilumyo; 50 P-51s also pound the Taungni area; 21 P-47s attack targets of opportunity throughout the widespread area around Bhamo. In India, the 10th Combat Cargo Squadron, 3d Combat Cargo Group, moves from Sylhet to Dergaon with C-47s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 15 B-25s bomb the town of Wanling; 3 hit Lashio Airfield, Burma; 36 P-40s again pound Tengchung; in the Tungting Lake area 50+ P-40s attack communications targets, troops, and numerous trucks.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): B-25s from Saipan Island fly 2 strikes against Guam Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb personnel and supply areas on Yap; other B-24s bomb oil facilities at Boela a few bomb Sasa Airfield, Philippine Islands while B-25s hit villages and small boats near Seleman Bay, Celebes Islands and afterwards bomb Besar Island, Sunda Islands. B-24s attack a seaplane anchorage at Kokas while P-39s strafe barges in the W Geelvink Bay area; despite bad weather, P-39s manage to hit Luain gun positions and ammunition dump; and HQ 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group and 26th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron move from Nadzab and Hollandia respectively to Biak Island with F-5s.

PTO: Yesterday and today air strikes from 2 task groups of TF 38 are made on Iwo and Chichi Jima.
AMPLIFYING THE ABOVE:
Carrier-based aircraft from the USN's Task Group 58.1 (Rear Admiral Joseph J. Clark) and TG 58.3 (Rear Admiral Alfred E. Montgomery) and cruisers and destroyers (Rear Admiral Laurance T. DuBose) repeat strikes on Japanese installations on Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonin Islands. Aircraft from the aircraft carrier USS Bunker Hill inflict further damage upon fast Japanese transport T.4 and damage T.2 off Chichi Jima.

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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SUNDAY, 6 AUGUST 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 6 B-25s bomb the town area of Mohnyin while 2 others destroy a bridge at Hsenwi; 21 P-51s hit 4 railroad bridges in the Naba-Pinbaw area, destroying 2 of them; P-51s and P-47s hit numerous targets of opportunity at Mohnyin, Hopin, Bhamo, Myothit, Katha, Indaw, and other points in N Burma; a few P-40s strafe targets of opportunity in the Myitkyina area.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 28 P-40s again pound Tengchung; 47 P-40s and P-51s hit trucks, troop compounds, and gun positions in the Hengyang area; 19 P-40s attack sampans and trucks around Changsha; 20 others hit supplies, trucks, barracks, and targets of opportunity at Chefang and Mangshih, between Changsha and Hengyang, and between Siangyin and Siangtan.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): B-25s from Saipan Island strike Guam Island twice; B-25s flying out of the Marshall Islands hit Ponape Island, and others from the Gilbert Islands hit Nauru Island, Gilbert Islands; and B-24s from Kwajalein bomb Wotje Atoll, Marshall Islands.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Yap supply area is bombed by B-24s; heavy frontal weather activities over the Vogelkop Peninsula and the Moluccas Islands cancels strikes in that area. In New Guinea, B-25s and fighters, though restricted by the weather, support ground operations near Sarmi, hit gun positions at Dagua, and strafe fuel dumps and targets of opportunity at Cape Djeruen; the 100th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), Thirteenth Air Force [attached to 42d Bombardment Group (Medium)] based on Stirling with B-25s, begins operating from Hollandia.

GUAM: 1 Regiment of the US 77th Division takes heavy casualties repelling a Japanese counterattack on Guam.

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 substantial change in our line on the right flank and our positions there re¬main 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 Air¬craft 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 antiair¬craft fire was encountered but all of our aircraft returned.