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

[syscom3]

WEDNESDAY, 28 JUNE 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 8 B-24s fly fuel to Kamaing; ammunition delivery to Imphal, India is continued by 47 B-25s; 14 other B-25s pound the Naba-Mawlin railroad.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In the Yangtze River-Tungting Lake area of China, B-25s and fighter-bombers fly 160+ sorties attacking river shipping at several locations, bombing the towns of Hengshan, Liling, and Pingkiang, and bombing Japanese HQ and gun sites in the Siangsiang area; also in the Hengyang area the B-25s and fighter-bombers hit rear supply bases and cavalry and infantry concentrations; and 11th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 341st Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Kweilin to Yang Tong with B-25s (detachments are operating from Kweilin and Liuchow).

NEI - BIAK: On Biak Island, New Guinea the western caves have been cleared. Remaining Japanese troops are scattered and the remaining operations are scattered.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s and P-61s carry out daylight raids and defensive night patrols over Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, Islands.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Attacks on the Wewak area continue; Japanese HQ and communications in the Suain-Karowop Plantation area and coastal road from Babiang to Nyaparake are hit; airfield and fuel dumps on Noemfoor, Japanese positions and occupied areas and buildings on Biak and Efman, a village near Babo, and the Tor River and Maffin Bay areas are attacked; and 421st Night Fighter Squadron, V Fighter Command, moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands with P-61s (detachment is operating from Wakde Island). B-24s bomb the airfield and town on Yap and communications on Sorol and Woleai. AA guns E of the Tobera area are attacked.

MARIANA'S: USN carrier-based aircraft fly their first preinvasion strike against Japanese installations on Guam. USAAF P-47s based on Saipan attack targets on Rota, Tinian and Saipan.

From the CINCPAC Press Office: 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 COMMUNIQUE NO. 65, 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 Longi-tude Date), and attempted to drive northward. Two hundred enemy troops were killed in this
counterattack. The next day further attacks were launched 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.

 

[syscom3]

THURSDAY, 29 JUNE 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 2 B-25s fly a negative shipping sweep.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 16 B-24s continue the fuel lift to Kamaing; 45 B-25s haul ammunition to Imphal, India; 23 other B-25s bomb Tamu; 19 A-36s, P-51s, and P-38s hit Myitkyina and Myitnge bridge; and a B-25 bombs targets in the Mohnyin-Naba area.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In the Tungting Lake area of China, 60+ B-25s and fighter-bombers hit shipping, gun positions, troop concentrations, and general targets of opportunity at several locations, including Lingvang, Liling, Hengyang, Yuhsien, Hengshan, Siangsiang, Chaling, and Yiyang. In Formosa, 3 B-24s bomb Takao docks. In French Indochina, P-40s damage a bridge and attack rail traffic at Phu Lang Thuong.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s carry out bombing and strafing missions over Saipan, Tinian, and Rota Islands. B-24s, staging, through Eniwetok pound Truk Atoll while B-25s based at Makin hit Ponape Island. Lost is B-25G "Coral Princess" 42-64977 over Nauru.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Japanese concentrations at Aitape and a variety of targets of opportunity including barges, villages and bivouacs in the Wewak area are hit by A-20s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers. Lost is A-20G 43-21416. B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers attack airfields and AA guns at Babo, Manokwari, Waren, and Moemi, barges at Noemfoor, and villages east of Maffin Bay. On New Britain Island, AA positions S of Ralum are bombed.

NEW GUINEA: Australian forces have advanced west from Wewak 70 miles to the Sepik River.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUE NO. 66, 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.
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 recon-naissance, 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 Decem-ber 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 escort-ing the torpedo and dive bombers, or while defending American sea and land 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, 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. '

 

[syscom3]

FRIDAY, 30 JUNE 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 47 B-25s continue the Imphal, India ammunition run while 17 B-25s haul gasoline to Kamaing; 18 B-25s bomb Tamu and 6 hit Wainggyo; and 11 P-38s attack Myitnge bridge.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, B-25s and fighter-bombers again pound numerous targets in the Tungting Lake area, concentrating on river shipping, town areas, troop concentrations, and road traffic; towns bombed include Pingkiang, Hengshan, Liling, Yuhsien, Siangyin, and Chuchou; also hit is the airfield at Hengyang and bridges at Leiyang and Liling. 15 P-40s over NE French Indochina damage bridge approaches at Phu Lang Thuong and blast 3 trains; detachment of 26th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, operating from Kweilin with P-40s, returns to base at Kunming.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s on Saipan Island continue to pound enemy forces remaining on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota Islands. Detachment of 28th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Seventh Air Force (attached to VII Fighter Command), based at Kipapa Airfield, Territory of Hawaii, begins operating from Kwajalein with F-5s.

MARIANA'S: US forces on Saipan advance north of Mount Tipo Pales and Mount Tapotchau. Death Valley and the Purple Heart Ridge are also captured.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Tobera and Erventa Island are also bombed. Barges, troop concentrations, and other targets of opportunity near Nyaparake and Suain are attacked; Kamiri and Namber Airfield, supply areas, and defensive positions on Noemfoor are hit; ground echelon of 17th Reconnaissance Squadron (Bombardment), 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group, begins a movement from Finschhafen to Biak Island (air echelon is operating from Biak with B-25s); and 389th Bombarment Squadron , 312th Bombardment Group, moves from Nadzab to Hollandia with A-20s.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUE NO. 67, 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.

 

[syscom3]

SATURDAY, 1 JULY 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): At dawn in the Kurile Islands, 4 B-24s radar bomb southern Shimushu Island and Kurabu Cape Airfield, Paramushiru Island through overcast.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 8 P-40s fly ground support missions in the Myitkyina area; 2 B-25s bomb rail targets at Mohnyin and Naba. In India, the 12th Combat Cargo Squadron, 3d Combat Cargo Group, moves from Sylhet to Fenny with C-47s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, B-25s and fighter-bombers again pound targets throughout the Tungting Lake region; river shipping is attacked on a large scale at numerous locations and 250-300 trucks are strafed between Tungcheng and Pingkiang; Hengyang Airfield is bombed as are the towns of Pingkiang, Hengshan, Liling, and Yuhsien; a pontoon bridge and Japanese positions at Leiyang are also hit; B-24s lay mines in the river at Canton during the night; the detachment of the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, operating from Hsinching with F-7s, returns to base at Guskhara; and the detachment of the 71st Liaison Squadron, AAF, India-Burma Sector, operating from Kunming, China with L-4s and L-5s, returns to base at Ledo, India. During Jul, the detachment of the 16th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, operating from Yunnani with P-40s returns to base at Chengkung; and the 76th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group, moves from Lingling to Liuchow with P-40s.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Twentieth Air Force): HQ 444th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) and 676th, 677th, 678th and 679th Bombardment Squadrons (Very Heavy) move from Charra to Dudhkundi, India with B-29s.

TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, light and medium bombers hit fuel dumps, rail bridges, viaducts, and docks in NC Italy; fighter- bombers concentrate on road and rail bridges behind the battle area, destroy several fighters in combat over Reggio Emilia Airfield, and hit guns S of Carsoli; and a detachment of the 12th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 3d Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), begins operating from Follonica with F-5s. During Jul, the detachments of the 414th Night Fighter Squadron, 63d Fighter Wing, operating from Ghisonaccia and Borgo, Corsica with Beaufighters, return to base at Alghero, Sardinia.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): In the Marianas Islands, P-47s fly bombing and strafing missions over Saipan, Tinian, and Rota Islands. B-24s, staging through Eniwetok hit Truk Atoll during the night of 1/2 Jul and follow up with another raid during the day. Makin based B-25s bomb Ponape Island, Caroline Islands.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb the airfield at Namlea and hit shipping throughout the Amboina-Ceram-Boeroe, Moluccas Islands area; other B-24s, B-25s, A-20s and fighter-bombers hit airfield, AA guns, bivouacs, supplies, and Japanese defenses on Noemfoor in preparation for Allied landings on 2 Jul; the airfield at Manokwari is also bombed; bombers and fighters continue to pound the Wewak coastal area; many of the strikes are in conjunction with US Navy (USN) motor torpedo (PT) boats; and the 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, moves from Nadzab to Owi with P-38s. A few B-24s on armed reconnaissance bomb targets on Yap and Peleliu; Lost on a courier mission is B-25D 41-30182. During Jul 44, HQ V Fighter Command moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands; and the 39th Troop Carrier Squadron, 317th Troop Carrier Group, moves from Finschhafen to Hollandia with C-47s.

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
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 posi*tions 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 at*tempt was made to intercept our force and antiaircraft fire was meager. All of our aircraft returned.

 

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SUNDAY, 2 JULY 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 7 P-40s continue support of ground forces in the Myitkyina area; and 2 B-25s hit railroad tracks at Pinwe and Katha.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 11 B-25s and 42 fighter-bombers again attack river shipping, compounds, and troop concentrations in the Tungting Lake region; also the town of Hengshan is bombed; and B-25s and P-51s pound the airfield and town area at Lupao.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s on Saipan bomb and strafe forces on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota Islands.

MARIANA ISLANDS: USMC troops capture Orote Airfield on Guam, Mariana Islands. Japanese resistance on Tinian is increasing now that the US Marines have occupied most of the northern half of the island.

NEI, BIAK: A Japanese pocket around Ibdi, on Biak, is eliminated by US forces.

ALEUTIONS: In the Kurile Islands, 3 US Eleventh Air Force B-24s from the Aleutian Islands fly bombing and reconnaissance runs over Shimushu Island and Paramushiru Island sites including Kurabu Cape installations.

B29 MISSIONS: In China, 70+ US XX Bomber Command B-29 Superfortresses operating from 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 a friendly field near Ankang.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s, and fighter-bombers, along with naval guns, bombard the Kamiri area, after which Allied amphibious forces land with little opposition and secure the beachhead; other B-25s attack barges near Manokwari; and HQ 308th Bombardment Wing and HQ 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy) move from Oro Bay and Nadzab respectively to Owi. Lost is F-4A Lightning 41-2140.

RAAF: Crashed after take off is Beaufort A9-377.

PACIFIC: The US heavy cruiser USS Baltimore with President Franklin D Roosevelt aboard, departs Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, for Adak, Aleutian Islands.

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 en*countered. 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 Longi*tude 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.

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.

 

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NEW GUINEA: A US parachute battalion is dropped on the Kamiriz airfield, in New Guinea, to occupy the area.
AMPLIFYING THE ABOVE:
On Noemfoor Island, Schouten Islands, the USA's 739-man 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment drops from C-47 Skytrains on Kamiri Airdrome under cover of a smoke screen laid by A-20s. High winds carry the paratroopers to bone-cracking landings in supply dumps, vehicle parks, and amidst wrecked Japanese aircraft. No paratroopers are killed but 128 are injured, including 59 serious fracture cases. The 503d also gets the job of mopping up Noemfoor.
Fifth Air Force P-38s and B-25s hit personnel and supply areas south of Kamiri Airdrome and support invading ground forces as they push east along the north coast of Noemfoor.

PTO: Carrier-based aircraft from the USN's Task Groups 58.1 and 58.2 attack Japanese airfields and shipping at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, and Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonin Islands. These two task groups are composed of four aircraft carriers and four light aircraft carriers.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 20+ fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Myitkyina area, which also is covered by 10-plane combat patrol.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 4 B-24s bomb Yoyang railroad yards in the Tungting Lake area; B-25s and P-40s pound river shipping, bridges, gun sites, compounds, and villages at several locations, including Leiyang, Ssutang, Yungfengshih, and Tsungyang; B-25s drop ammunition to Chinese ground forces at Hengyang. In French Indochina, P-40s damage a bridge at Phu Lang Thuong and hit nearby targets of opportunity.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s continue to hit troops remaining on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota Islands. B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Truk Atoll.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: P-38s and B-25s hit personnel and supply areas S of Kamiri and support invading ground forces as they push E along the N coast of Noemfoor. Efman, Manokwari, and Biak Island are attacked by B-24s, A-20s, and fighters; the Wewak coastal area continues under sustained air attack as Allied aircraft pound targets including forces at Brandi Plantation and supplies and a bridge near But; Larat is also bombed; and the 70th Troop Carrier Squadron, 433d Troop Carrier Group, moves from Nadzab to Hollandia with C-47s. B-24s hit airstrips, AA positions, and targets of opportunity in the Yap, at Woleai and at Peleliu; Saumlakki, Tanimbar Island, Moluccas Islands is also bombed. Lost is P-39Q 42-19999.

USMC - Lost on a strike against Tobera is SBD 54383.

 

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PTO: Two task groups of US TF 58 strike Iwo Jima and Chichi Jimi. The other task groups strike Guam.
Amplifying the above:
Carrier-based aircraft from the USN's Task Groups 58.1 and 58.2 attack Japanese airfields and shipping at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, and Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonin Islands. These two task groups are composed of four aircraft carriers and four light aircraft carriers.

NG: Kornasoren airfield is captured on Numfoor, New Guinea. Paratroops are used and lose heavily due to inexperience.

MARIANA'S: TG 58.3 returns from Eniwetok Atoll and commences air attacks over Guam while USAAF P-47s attack IJA troops on Aguijan, Rota, Saipan and Tinian Islands. TG 58.3 consists of two aircraft carriers and two light aircraft carriers. With the return of TG 58.3, TG 58.4 retires to Eniwetok.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 30+ P-40s continue support of ground forces near Myitkyina; 20+ P-47s and P-51s fly an offensive sweep over the Lashio area, patrol the Mogaung area, and bomb targets of opportunity at Taungni, Nampadaung, and Mogaung; 4 B-25s hit bridges and railroad tracks in the Hopin and Naba areas.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 38 B-25s and 74 fighter-bombers pound targets throughout the Tungting Lake-Yangtze River region and in the Yellow River and Canton areas; river shipping is hit hard, particularly along the Siang-Chiang River; troop concentrations, road traffic, and general targets of opportunity are hit at many locations; towns bombed include Shasi, Lukou, Yungfengshih, Liling, Siangtan,and Yuhsien; Hengyang Airfield is bombed and supplies are dropped to Chinese troops in the area; airfields and warehouses in the Canton area are bombed and targets of opportunity at Linfen, Wenhsi, and Puchou in the Yellow River region are strafed.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s on Saipan Island continue fighter-bomber operations against forces on Saipan, Tinian, Aguijan and Rota Islands in the Marianas Islands. B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, pound Truk Atoll.
USN - Carrier Raid against Iwo Jima and bombardment. Japanese A6M5 Zeros of the 301st Kokutai intercept. Several American aircraft are lost, including F6F piloted by Ensign Alberto C. Nisi, Lt(jg) J.N. Dougherton (MIA), Ens F. Hancock Jr. (MIA), Lt(jg) M.L. Loomis (MIA) and Lt(jg) Wilson (rescued). SBC2 piloted by Hintz is lost over Chi Chi Jima.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: A-20s continue support of Allied ground forces pushing E and SE from the Kamiri Airfield area and taking Kamiri village and Kornasoren Airfield; P-47s strafe targets of opportunity at nearby Biak Island while B-24s bomb airfield at Efman; other aircraft bomb and strafe troops E of Maffin Bay; personnel areas at But and Dagua and barges at Wewak Point are also attacked; and the 388th Bombardment Squadron, 312th Bombardment Group, moves from Nadzab to Hollandia with A-20s. B-24s hit shipping and airfields in the Amboina, Ambon-Ceram Island area. B-24s bomb Yap and hit airstrips in Woleai and Sorol Atolls and Peleliu Airfield.

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. In*complete 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 day*light 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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BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma 20+ P-40s and A-36s continue support in the Myitkyina sector while 12 other aircraft fly armed reconnaissance in the same area; 20+ other P-40s, P-51s, and A-36s hit targets of opportunity in the areas around Hopin, Namma, and Naungtalaw; the town area of Naungtalaw also is pounded by 11 B-25s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 136 fighter-bombers and 64 B-25s attack targets throughout the Tungting Lake area; targets include river shipping, warehouses, troops, artillery, trucks, and other targets of opportunity at Liling, Lukou, Pingkiang, Yungfengshih, Siangyin, and Chuting; Hengyang Airfield is bombed, and supplies are dropped to Chinese forces in the vicinity; in the Salween area 40 transports drop supplies to Chinese forces on the battleline, and 4 fighter-bombers pound the town and vicinity of Tengchung; 22 B-24s bomb a supply and ammunition depot at Canton; 6 B-25s attack airfields in the area; and 5 B-24s lay mines in Shanghai harbor.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s fly fighter-bomber operations over Saipan, Rota, and Tinian Islands.

RNZAF - Lost is F4U NZ5327 off Kukum.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: In the area around Wewak, A-20s and fighter-bombers hit dumps at Dagua and attack barges during the night of 4/5 Jul; light strikes are flown in support of troops on Noemfoor and against barges, airfields, and troop concentrations on Efman and Biak Islands and at Moemi, Manokwari, and in the Wakde area. B-24s bomb airstrips and AA guns on Yap and Woleai; Sorol Atoll and Peleliu are also hit. Lost are B-24J "Miss Jones" 44-40611 and B-24D "Big Chief Cockeye" 41-40351.

 

[syscom3]

NG: Namber airstrip on Numfoor is captured by US forces and is almost immediately readied for operations.
AMPLIFYING THE ABOVE:
In New Guinea, the 158th Infantry Regiment occupies Namber Airdrome on Noemfoor Island, Schouten Islands, in an amphibious landing after an air and artillery barrage. (Jack McKillop)

MARIANA'S: The US forces on Saipan continue to advance towards the north end of the island. The senior Japanese commanders, Admiral Nagumo and General Saito both commit suicide while their remaining troops plan a final attack.

USA: While riding on a bus from Camp Hood, Killeen, Texas, Lieutenant Jackie Robinson of the U.S. Army, refuses to give up his seat to a white man. He is court martialed for refusing the order of a civilian bus driver to move to the back of the bus and is acquitted.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 12 P-40s attack a bridge near Myitkyina while 40+ others support ground forces in the area; several other P-40s attack Maingna, barracks at Sahmaw, a train at Taungni, and troops at Sakangyi; 6 B-25s bomb Maingna and 2 hit Mohnyin; and HQ 311th Fighter Group moves from Dinjan, India to Tingkawk Sakan.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, B-25s, P-40s, and P-51s continue to pound river shipping, bridges, troop concentrations, road traffic, and general targets of opportunity throughout a wide area around Tungting Lake and along the Yangtze River; hit particularly hard are the town area and supply depot at Sinshih; B-25s near the Burma border cause considerable damage at Tengehung and drop supplies to Chinese ground forces on the Salween front, and during the night of 6/7 Jul bomb Tien Ho Airfield at Canton.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Twentieth Air Force): Brigadier General LaVern G Saunders becomes Commanding General XX Bomber Command with HQ at Kharagpur.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s bomb and strafe forces on Saipan, Rota, and Tinian Islands. B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, pound Truk Atoll during the night of 5/6 Jul and follow with another raid during the day. B-25s, based at Makin hit Nauru Island. The 333d Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group, moves from Bellow Field, Territory of Hawaii to Saipan Island with P-47s.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers continue to pound the Wewak area, concentrating on troops S of Matapau; Lost is P-39N 42-18813. B-25s and fighter-bombers sweep the N coast of the Vogelkop Peninsula and offshore islands, hitting targets of opportunity; other fighter-bombers hit the Manokwari area and buildings at Ransiki, Moari, and Oransbari; airfields, gun positions, communication targets, and supply dumps in the area around Babo are hit by B-24s, A-26s, A-20s, and P-38s. B-24s bomb the town and warehouse area of Yap and a few hit the airfield at Woleai.

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
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.

 

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July 7th 1944

MARIANAS: Saipan - The Japanese garrison is now down to 3,000 soldiers. They mount an attack on the US lines south of Makunsha Village. The better armed US forces suffer terrific losses in holding this attack, some of which is fought at close quarters.
In the Marianas, carrier based aircraft from Task Group 53.7 (five escort aircraft carriers) and Task Force 58, begin the first of daily systematic attacks against Japanese installations on Guam.
(Seventh Air Force): P-61s carry out interceptor missions over Guam, Saipan, and Rota Islands, Marianas Islands, during the night of 6/7 Jul.

CHINA - B29's: Fourteen XX Bomber Command B-29 Superfortresses, operating out of Chengtu, China, during the night of 7/8 July, bomb Sasebo, Omura, and Tobata, Japan (most of the planes hitting the Sasebo area); three others attack secondary and last resort targets at Laoyao and in the Hankow area of China.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In the Tungting Lake area of China, B-25s and fighter-bombers hit Yoyang, Siangtan, Liling, and Yungfengshih, strafe cavalry forces N of Yuhsien, hit river shipping, troops, and a pontoon bridge at Siangsiang, attack compounds in the Leiyang area, and bomb storage at Shihshow; 10 miles (16.1 km) E of Ichang on the Yangtze River P-40s thoroughly blast a Japanese post; and B-25s and P-51s bomb Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields and pound the town of Tsingyun.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: In New Guinea, B-24s and A-20s bomb Moemi and Nabire Airfield; supply dumps along the Wiske River are also attacked; a few fighter-bombers and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft attack barges, gun positions, and troops along the coast in the Wewak area. B-24s bomb Yap, Sorol Atoll radio station, and runway at Woleai.

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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July 8th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 30+ A-36s and P-40s hit a bridge at Myitkyina and support ground forces in the area; 12 B-25s also pound Myitkyina.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, B-25s and fighter-bombers fly nearly 100 sorties against targets in the Tungting Lake area; river shipping is hit hard throughout the whole lake area; trucks, bridges, warehouses, supply dumps, troop concentrations, Japanese posts, and targets of opportunity are attacked at Sinshih, Sinyang, Leiyang, Liling, Chuchou, Puchi, Siangsiang, and Yuhsien; 18 B-24s bomb military area near Canton, and 37 P-40s attack Japanese-held villages and river shipping NW of Canton; 20 Japanese aircraft bomb Suichwan Airfield, rendering it temporarily unusable; enemy aircraft also damage Kanchou Airfield. In French Indochina 10 P-40s hit shipping all along the coast while 5 B-25s knock out 2 bridges at Cam Lo.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s fly fighter-bomber operations against troops on Saipan, Pagan, and Tinian. During the night of 7/8 Jul B-24s stage through Eniwetok Atoll and bomb Truk Atoll; more B-24s follow with another raid during the day.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Medium bombers and fighter-bombers hit fuel dumps, barges, villages, and various other targets at Babo, Fak Fak, Sagan, Kokas, at the mouth of the Maroe River, along Cape Kariensore, and W of Namber; B-25s, A-20s, fighter-bombers and a few B-24s attack Wewak, hitting barges, gun positions, and communication targets. Lost on a transport flight is B-17E "Queenie" 41-2464

MARIANA'S: The USN's Task Group 53.18 under Rear Admiral C. Turner Joy and consisting of cruisers and destroyers, begin a daily bombardment of Japanese installations on Guam.

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.

 

[syscom3]

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 60+ A-36s, P-51s, P-47s, and P-40s support ground forces and hit a bridge in the Myitkyina area, strafe gun positions at Shwebo and targets along the Irrawaddy River in the Katha area, and attack targets of opportunity in areas around Loilaw, Hopin, Mohnyin, Maingna, Anisakan, and Onbauk; 19 B-25s hit storage sheds at Waingmaw and railroads and bridges at Mohnyin, Naba, and Hopin. In India, HQ 443d Troop Carrier Group moves from Sookerating to Dinjan.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 40 P-40s and 8 B-25s hit the town area, trucks, and supply sampans at Shayang and damage tunnel entrances and a highway bridge at Sinyang. 5 B-25s bomb a power plant and building area at Tinh Soc, French Indochina.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s hit the remnants of Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian Islands, as organized resistance on Saipan ends; Saipan will become a base from which B-29s will bomb Japan. Makin based B-25s bomb Jaluit Atoll, Marshall Islands.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: A-20s and fighter-bombers pound shipping, airfields, troops, and other targets at Babo, Manokwari, Efman, Biak and various points along the coastline of Geelvink Bay; B-25s and fighter-bombers sink a 3,000-ton vessel and several barges around Halmahera Island, Moluccas Islands; dumps at Marubian, Kairiru, and Niap and a bridge at But are bombed by B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers; B-24s bomb Namlea Airfield and attack Yap and Woleai. Lost on an transport flight is C-47 "Shakes All Over" 42-23705. Lost is A-20G 43-9499.

MARIANA'S: Final Japanese organized resistance on Saipan ceases as the US forces reach Point Marpi. US casualty list of 3400 KIA and 13,000 WIA; Japanese estimated 27,000 KIA and 1,780 prisoners.

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 Inter*ception, 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.

 

[syscom3]

July 10th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 24 P-40s and P-51s support ground forces at Myitkyina; 20+ A-36s P-51s, P-47s, and P-40s hit Mogaung, buildings and boxcars at Mohnyin, trucks at Sahmaw, a factory at Loiwing, and Punga pagoda; the railroad supply area at Mohnyin is bombed by 6 B-25s; a
detachment of the 20th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, begins operating from Myitkyina with P-40s (the squadron is based at Kisselbari, India).

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 70 P-40s and 6 B-25s hit river shipping between Siangtan and Siangsiang, between Changsha and Chuchou, and N of Hengyang; strafe and bomb posts and trucks in the Pingkiang, Tungcheng, and Tsungyang areas and in the Changsha-Kweilin area; and bomb airfields at Hankow and Wuchang; the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, based at Guskhara, sends a detachment to operate from Liuchow with F-7s; and the detachment of the 491st Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 341st Bombardment Group (Medium), operating from Kweilin and Liuchow with B-25s return to base at Yangkai.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s hit troops and gun positions on Tinian Island. B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, pound Truk Atoll during the night of 9/10 Jul and again during the day.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: In New Guinea, B-24s attack Laha, Namlea, and targets of opportunity in the Boeroe Island, Sunda Islands-Ceram Island-Ambon area; A-20s, fighter-bombers, and a B-25 hit troops, villages, and barges in the Wewak area; the 64th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands with B-24s; and the 67th Troop Carrier Squadron, 433d Troop Carrier Group, and 387th Bombardment Squadron, 312th Bombardment Group, move from Nadzab to Hollandia with C-47s and A-20s respectively. B-24s bomb airfields and town areas at Yap, Gagil-Tomil Island, Yap Islands and Sorol Atoll. Operations also include small- scale strikes in the Wakde area and snooper and armed reconnaissance missions over the Caroline Islands. The 529th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), (Heavy), moves from Long Strip to Darwin, Australia with B-24s.

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 dam*aged, 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 de*stroyer rescued the crew. At Rota Island rockets and bombs were used 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.

 

[syscom3]

July 11th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 70+ fighter-bombers pound barracks at Myitkyina, bridges at Namkwin and Mohnyin, the airfield at Lashio, and targets of opportunity at several other locations, including Nanyinbya, Indaw, Katha, Bhamo, and the Anisakan-Shwebo area; and 11 B-25s hit bridges at Hsenwi.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 28 B-24s bomb a storage base at Sinshih; 24 P-40s hit river traffic at Hengyang and E of Siangsiang; 22 other P-40s attack the town of Hengyang, hitting Japanese-occupied buildings and a bridge; 33 more P-40s attack villages, road traffic, and targets of opportunity at Leiyang and from Chuchou to Hengyang to Yungfengshih; 3 B-25s bomb Liling and Yuhsien; 14 P-51s bomb the town of Pakmoi Hu and hit gun positions at Lupao; 8 B-25s pound railroad yards at Sinyang; 12 B-25s and 14 fighter-bombers bomb Mangshih on the Burma Road and support Chinese ground forces between Tengchung and Lungling; and the 93d Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group, moves from Karachi, India to Kwanghan with P-47s.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s pound forces on Tinian and Pagan. The 28th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Seventh Air Force (attached to VII Fighter Command), based at Kipapa Airfield, Territory of Hawaii, sends a detachment to operate on Saipan Island with F-5s.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: In New Guinea, B-24s pound airfield at Babo while A-20s hit supply dumps at Kokas; B-25s bomb airfields at Manokwari, Waren, and Moemi during the night; A-20s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Sarmi-Sawar area and bomb airfields, shipping, and various occupied areas and installations on Halmahera Island, in the Schouten Islands, on Boeroe Island, and the Palau and in Woleai; and the 65th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 43d BG (Heavy), moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands with B-24s.

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. Sev*eral fires were started. Antiaircraft fire was light, and all of our planes re*turned without damage.

Truk Atoll was bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators before dawn on July 10. Antiaircraft positions on Moen Island were bombed. Anti*aircraft 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.
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.

 

[syscom3]

July 12th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 44 P-40s support ground forces in the Myitkyina area; 28 P-51s and P-47s hit bridge and other targets in Hopin, bomb a Maingna pagoda, and hit the Alanbo and Tagwin areas; and 13 B-25s bomb bridges at Mongyin and hit targets of opportunity in the Myitkyina area. In India, the 9th Combat Cargo Squadron, 3d Combat Cargo Group, moves from Sylhet to Moran with C-47s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 60+ P-40s hit the towns of Liling and Yuhsien, river shipping at Hengyang, troop concentrations at Leiyang and near Yuhsien, the airfield at Siangtan, and fuel dumps NW of Changsha; 34 P-51s bomb Tsingyun and pound Japanese concentrations at Lienchiangkou; 11 P-40s bomb railroad yards at Yuncheng and hit a radio station N of Tungkuan with rocket fire; 12 B-25s bomb Tengchung and 15 P-40s bomb and strafe storage areas, villages, troop areas, and general targets of opportunity in the Lungling and Mangshih areas.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): During the night of 11/12 Jul B-24s stage through Eniwetok Atoll to bomb Truk Atoll; during the day B-24s hit Truk Atoll again. P-47s on Saipan Island continue to hit Tinian Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s hit Manokwari Airfield; weather curtails further operations in the Geelvink Bay area; A-20s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers again hit troop concentrations and barges in the Wewak area; the 386th Bombardment Squadron, 312th Bombardment Group, moves from Nadzab to Hollandia with A-20s; and the 432d Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, moves from Hollandia to Biak Island with P 38s. Smaller strikes by B-24s and B-25s are flown against the airfield at Laha on Amboina Island, Celebes Islands; Dili; and on Koer Island, New Guinea. B-24s pound Yap.

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 carrier 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. Anti*aircraft 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.

 

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July 13th 1944

MARIANA'S: In the Marianas, the USN's Task Groups 58.3 and 58.4 arrive from Eniwetok and commence attacks on Guam. Task Force 58 now consists of seven aircraft carriers and four light aircraft carriers.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 44 P-40s and P-51s support ground forces in the Myitkyina area; 40 more A-36s, P-51s, and P-47s hit bridges at Nyaunggon, Mohnyin, Myothit, Mawlu, and Henu, and attack the Hopin, Lashio, and Indawgyi Lake areas; and the 315th Troop Carrier Squadron, 443d Troop Carrier Group, based at Moran, India, sends a detachment to operate from Shingbwiyang with C-47s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 16 B-25s bomb Pailochi Airfield, causing large fires and considerable damage; 45 P-40s attack trucks, compounds, river shipping, and troop concentrations between Hengyang and Siangtan, pound the town of Liling and Siangtan Airfield, and strafe shipping from Changsha S along the Siang Chiang River; 8 B-25s bomb Chenghsfen railroad yards and storage area; and 12 B-25s bomb Tengchung and Mangshih.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s continue to hit Tinian Island. Kwajalein-based B-24s bomb Truk Atoll. B-25s from Makin pound Nauru Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s again bomb Yap and Sorol Atoll. In New Guinea, B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s bomb gun positions and the airfield at Babo and in the Manokwari area and hit a supply depot at Kokas; fighter-bombers support Allied ground forces in the Aitape area while A-20s and fighter-bombers pound occupied areas and gun positions in the Wewak area and on Mushu Island. Lost is Beafighter A9-120.
The 498th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 345th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Nadzab to Biak Island with B-25s. B-24s also hit Amahai Airfield. Force landed is P-38H 42-66738, pilot rescued. Lost is P-47D 42-27993.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 81, JULY 13, 1944
Elements of the Second Marine Division landed on Maniagassa Island ap*proximately two miles north of Mutcho Point on Saipan Island on July 12 (West Longitude Date). Light resistance encountered was quickly over*come. 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.

It was learned on Saipan that July 7 (West Longitude Date) Vice Ad*miral 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 im*portance which the enemy attached to the island. The seizure of Saipan con*stitutes 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 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 car*rier 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 em*placements 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.

 

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July 14th 1944

IWO JIMA: Iwo Jima is bombed for the first time by land-based aircraft when PB4Y-1 Liberators of the USN's Bombing Squadron One Hundred Nine (VB-109) based on Saipan attack Japanese installations.
In the U.S., General Henry H. "Hap" Arnold, Commanding General USAAF, recommends that Iwo Jima be invaded to provide advance emergency air bases for the B-29 Superfortresses that will be attacking Japan from the Mariana Islands.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 49 P-40s pound enemy forces in the Myitkyina vicinity; 38 P-51s and P-47s hit bridges at Mohnyin, Kadu, Henu, and Mawlu, bomb supplies at Nyaungbintba, support ground forces near Myitkyina, bomb a rice mill at Mohnyin, and hit several buildings at Hopin. In India, the detachment of the 11th Combat Cargo Squadron, 3d Combat Cargo Group (attached to 443d Troop Carrier Group), operating from Sookerating with C-47s returns to base at Dinjan; and the 315th Troop Carrier Squadron, 443d Troop Carrier Group, moves from Moran to Sookerating with C-47s, the squadron also sends a detachment to operate from Ledo.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, fighter-bombers and B-25s hit a fighter strip N of Changsha, artillery positions at Leiyang, the town of Sungpai, and road and river traffic from Hengyang to Yuhsien and from Sienning to Tungshan; also attacked are various targets of opportunity around the towns of Hengyang, Changsha, and Chaling; during the night fighter- bombers blast Pailochi Airfield, destroying 20+ enemy aircraft; B-25s bomb roads in the Tengchung area; and B-25s and P-40s pound railroad yards at Siangsiang.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s again hit Tinian Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s continue to blast Yap Island. Oil reservoirs and wells at Boela are bombed and strafed by A-20s and B-24s. Lost is A-20G- 43-9624. B-25s attack barge facilities and gun positions at Lautem, Timor Island. On the Vogelkop Peninsula, P-61s hit airfields while B-25s bomb a barge terminal at Kokas; A-20s hit Japanese forces at Sauri and bomb the But Airfield; fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Aitape area along the Driniumor River and Koronal Creek and blast troop concentrations near Afua; and HQ 475th Fighter Group and 433d Fighter Squadron move from Hollandia to Mokmer Drome with P-38s.

 

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July 15th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 38 P-40s continue support of ground forces in the Myitkyina area; 60+ P-47s and P-51s attack bridges at Manla, Henu, and Mawlu, sweep the Lashio, Katha, and Talawgyi areas, and hit a motor pool at Kadu and targets of opportunity around Sangin and Mohnyin; and 20 B-25s attack the Myitkyina area and hit bridges and a supply area at Mawhun.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 100+ B-25s, P-40s, and P-51s blast the towns of Sinshih, Chuchou, Siangtan, Siangsiang, Sungpai, and Chaling, concentrating on military and railroad installations and river shipping; villages, troop concentrations, and river craft are attacked N and W of Hengyang and from Chaling to Yuhsien; in the Salween area 26 P-40s support Chinese forces and 12 B-25s bomb Mangshih and Lungling; and 12 B-25s and P-40s bomb railroad yards at Hsuchang, causing considerable damage.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s bomb and strafe Tinian Island and B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, hit Truk Atoll.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s blast Yap, scoring numerous hits in the town area and on a radio station and barracks area. Lost is B-24J 42-73119 and B-24J 44-40555. B-24s, penetrating a heavy weather front bomb Efman Airfield while B-25s hit enemy forces along Korrido Anchorage, and A-20s blast gun emplacements on an island off Manokwari; B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers again pound troop concentrations over a wide area around Wewak; and the 431st Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, moves from Hollandia to Biak Island with P-38s.

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 de*stroyed 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 en*countered. 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.

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 princi*pal 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.

 

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July 16th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 27 P-40s continue to hit forces in the Myitkyina area; 20+ P-51s and P-47s attack railroad bridges at Namkwin, Manla, and Hopin, and hit general targets of opportunity in the Hopin area; 12 B-25s bomb the town of Maingna and bridges at Mohnyin. In India, HQ 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from Pandaveswar to Fenny.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 23 B-24s pound Changsha, causing heavy damage; 40 P-51s and P-40s hit river shipping at Changsha, attack targets of opportunity S of Hengyang, and bomb the building area at Ikiawan; and the 449th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, moves from Kweilin to Chengkung with P-38s.

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

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s continue bombing Yap and also hit Atamboea Airfield on Timor Island. B-24s pound AA positions at Manokwari; fighter-bombers bomb supply dumps N of Moemi and attack shipping in the Kokas-Babo area; bombers and fighters again hit troop and supply concentrations in the Wewak sector; troop carrier missions to forward bases, especially Biak, increase; and the 82d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group, moves from Owi to Biak with P-39s.

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.

 

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July 17th 1944

JAPAN: Admiral Nomura replaces Navy Minister Shimada in the Japanese Cabinet.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 60+ P-40s, P-47s, and P-51s continue to hit forces in the Myitkyina area, pound Tagwin, and bomb a marshalling yard at Mohnyin. The 81st Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Madhaiganj Airfield to Fenny, India with B-25s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 22 B-24s bomb Changsha; 7 B-25s and 21 P-40s pound railroad yards at Kaifeng; and 6 B-25s and 12 P-40s hit Tengchung.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s bomb and strafe Tinian Island. 48 B-25s from Makin stage through Engebi to bomb Ponape Island; 47 of the B-25s (1 aborts) attack airfield facilities, AA positions, and other targets throughout the atoll.

GUAM: In the Mariana Islands, USN underwater demolition teams (UDTs) begin destroying natural and manmade obstacles on the landing beaches on Guam.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Operations against the Caroline Islands are restricted to snooper missions against Yap and Woleai and Fuiloro, Timor Island is bombed by B-25s. B-24s bomb gun positions around Manokwari and airfield at Moemi; B-25s sink a large lugger in Kaiboes Bay; A-20s, B-25s, and P-39s hit troop concentrations and supplies between Aitape and Wewak at Abau, Parakaviu, Nyaparake, and E of Tadji and bomb Boram airfield and Cape Moem.

USA: In the U.S., the freighter SS E.A. Bryan carrying ammunition explodes at the ammunition depot in Port Chicago, California; the freighter SS Quinalt Victory, which is adjacent, also explodes. A total of 322 people, including 250 black seaman loading ammunition, are killed in the explosions. Survivors refuse to go back to work loading ships and 50 black sailors are charged with mutiny and convicted by court martial.

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.