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

Aug 7th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, B-25s destroy 2 bridges, damage 2 others, and hit targets of opportunity in areas around Naba and Mawhun; fighter-bombers attack Mohnyin, Myothit, and Pinbaw, hit motor pool at Namana, damage 2 bridges S of Bhamo, and attack targets of opportunity during sweeps of Onbauk Airfield and the town of Bhamo; fighter-bombers also support ground forces in the Taungni area.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 37 P-40s hit Hengyang and trucks, troops, and gun positions in the surrounding area; 21 P-40s bomb Changsha, 4 hit rivercraft at Siangsiang, 4 bomb the wall at Tengchung, and 6 attack Hsiaoshuipu.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): Saipan Island-based B-25s hit Guam Island twice during the day.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb power plant, AA positions, and barracks area on Yap, phosphate plant on Fais Island, Caroline Islands, and airfields at Galela Airifeld and Lolobata Airfield, Moluccas Islands, where 35-50 aircraft are destroyed or damaged. In New Guinea, the 20th Combat Mapping Squadron, 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, based at Nadzab begins operating from Biak Island with F-7s; the 39th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group, moves from Nadzab to Noemfoor with P-47s; and the 390th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 42d Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from the Russells to Hollandia with B-25s.
GUAM: Fierce fighting marks the todays action on Guam. The jungle and terrain assist the defending Japanese.

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, U.S. President Roosevelt arrives at NOB Kodiak in the heavy cruiser USS Baltimore and transfers to the destroyer USS Cummings.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 108, AUGUST 7, 1944
One third of the remaining enemy held area at the northern end of Guam was brought within our lines on August 6 (West Longitude Date). In the central sector we advanced north nearly three miles, occupying the village of Yigo. Near Yigo we captured several strong positions and a considerable amount of supplies and equipment.
In the area occupied on August 6 our troops found a large cemetery in which there was evidence of mass burial of enemy dead.
Supporting our ground forces, carrier aircraft on August 6 bombed and strafed enemy positions and troop concentrations near Mount Santa Rosa.
On the western coast our line is anchored near Haputo Point and on the east coast at Lumuna Point.
Navy Liberators of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, and Army Liber¬ators of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Truk on August 5 with about 30 tons of bombs. Two of eight to 12 enemy interceptors probably were damaged. Navy search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, bombed Param in the Truk Atoll and raided Ponape on August 4. Nauru was attacked on August 4 and 5. All of our planes returned from these missions.

Aug 8th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, B-25s are weathered out of their primary target, the town of Shwekyina; the B-25s hit alternates, destroying the Meza bridge and damaging 3 others, and bombing railroad tracks at several points between Naba and Meza; weather severely curtails fighter-bomber missions; and the detachment of the 315th Troop Carrier Squadron, 443d Troop Carrier Group, operating from Shingbwiyang with C-47s returns to base at Ledo, India.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 6 B-25s and 7 P-40s bomb a storage area in Hengshan and destroy several trucks in the area; 29 P-40s hit gun positions and targets of opportunity in the Hengyang vicinity; 14 P-51s and P-40s hit bridge, trucks, and river craft at Siangtan while 8 blast trucks, barges, and a compound between Siangtan and Hengyang; 12 P-40s attack river shipping from Sinti to Hankow; 15 P-40s bomb storage areas and radio stations at Amoy and Swatow.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): Saipan Island-based B-25s bomb Guam Island where effective resistance ends. B-25s from the Marshall Islands hit Ponape Island while B-24s bomb Truk Atoll.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb Yap and Gagil-Tomil Island, concentrating on airstrips, and airfields at Galela and Lolobata on Halmahera Island. B-24s hit Babo Airfield and the towns of Urarom and Manokwari; A-20s bomb a radio station near Hollandia and hit troop concentrations in the Musu area; fighter-bombers bomb bridges and buildings at Boram, troops at But, and guns at Dagua; and HQ 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group moves from Nadzab to Biak.
Guam: Mount Santa Rosa is captured as US forces advance on Guam.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 109, AUGUST 8, 1944
Rapid advances during August 7 (West Longitude Date) drove Japanese forces on Guam Island into the northeast corner of the island. On the west coast our troops advanced nearly six and one half miles to Ritidian Point at the northern tip of the island. On the east coast we advanced more than three miles almost to Anao Point. The center of our line running in a gen¬erally southeasterly direction from Ritidian Point to Anao Point curves sharply inward and is less than a mile from the shoreline at the point of deepest penetration. The Japanese defenders are thus threatened with being cut into two groups. Mount Santa Rosa, the highest elevation in Northern Guam, was occupied by our forces in the day's advances. Our troops have counted more than 10,000 enemy dead.
Navy carrier aircraft of a fast carrier task group on August 7 supported ground operations on Guam by bombing, strafing and firing rockets into enemy troop concentrations and installations.
Central Pacific land based aircraft on August 5, 6, and 7 attacked enemy fields and installations from Nauru Island to Wake Island.
On August 5 Navy Liberators of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Wake Island, scoring bits on the runways. Several small craft were strafed and one left sinking.
On the same day and also on August 6 Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two attacked Nauru Island, bombing airfields and the phosphate plant.
Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells and Navy Liberators of Fleet Air Wing Two hit Ponape on August 6, encountering medium antiaircraft fire.
Remaining Japanese positions in the Marshall Islands were attacked on August 6 and 7 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators, Catalinas of Fleet Air Wing Two, and by Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.
All our planes returned from these missions.
Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four attacked enemy objectives in the Northern Kuriles during daylight of August 4 (West Longitude Date). Airfields and adjacent installations were bombed. Antiaircraft fire was mod¬erate. Small craft near Paramushiru were bombed and strafed. Several of our aircraft were damaged by antiaircraft fire from the vessels but all re¬turned safely.

Aug 9th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 24 fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Taungni-Sahmaw area; several others unsuccessfully attack a bridge N of Hopin and bomb the town of Tagwin. The 426th Night Fighter Squadron, Tenth Air Force, arrives at Madhaiganj, India from the US with P-61s (first mission is 21 Nov).

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 6 B-25s bomb a compound and vehicle shed on the NE edge of Hengyang; 36 P-40s and P-51s attack trucks, gun positions, and buildings at several points in the Hengyang-Siangtan area; 21 P-51s and P-40s knock out a pontoon bridge and hit junks and sampans at Changsha, and attack rivercraft at points along the C Yangtze River.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s blast AA positions in 3 different areas of Yap; other B-24s bomb airfields at Boela and at Liang, Ambon. A-20s hit shipping facilities at Asap Island and bomb Nabire Airfield; fighters strafe the villages S of Manokwari; B-25s bomb forces on the N coast of Waigeo Island; A-20s and fighter-bombers hit troops at Dagua and near Haur and bomb stores at Cape Moem and machine-guns at Cape Wom. HQ and 530th Bombardment Squadron move from Fenton to Darwin, Australia with B-24s.

PTO: On Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands, a PB4Y-1 Liberator of the USN's Bombing Squadron One Hundred Sixteen (VB-116) based at Stickell Field, crashes on takeoff and burns amid the 340 planes in the carrier aircraft replacement pool area; 106 F6F Hellcats, FM Wildcats, SB2C Helldivers and TBM Avengers are destroyed.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 110, AUGUST 9, 1944
All of Guam Island with the exception of a small area inland from Pati Point on the east coast was occupied by U. S. forces on August 8 (West Longitude Date). The remaining pocket of enemy resistance is surrounded and is under heavy pressure. A Naval patrol maintained off the northern coasts of Guam since our troops began their northward drive is believed to have prevented virtually all enemy attempts at escape.
Nauru Island was attacked several times from the afternoon of August 6 to the early morning of August 7 by Ventura search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two. Runways were the principal targets. Moderate anti¬aircraft fire was encountered. A Liberator search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two strafed buildings and antiaircraft guns at Wake Island, another Navy Liberator bombed Truk, and two search Liberators bombed the airfield at Ponape on August 7. Wotje, Jaluit, and Maloelap Atolls in the Marshalls were attacked by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on August 7. We lost no planes in these operations.

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 4 B-25s on a shipping sweep spot 2 patrol boats 75 miles ESE of Shimushu Island, Kurile Islands; one is sunk, the other is damaged.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 9 B-25s bomb the town of Shwekyina; a few P-51s support ground forces by hitting a railroad station at Mingon.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 9 P-40s strafe Taiyuan Airfield claiming 20+ aircraft destroyed; 16 P-40s destroy 4 trucks and damage about 50 others at Siangtan and in the Changsha area; 2 P-40s strafe numerous junks along the S China coast.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Twentieth Air Force): 2 missions are flown during the night of 10/11 Aug; in one, 24 B-29s, out of Chengtu, China, bomb the urban area of Nagasaki and 3 others hit targets of opportunity; the B-29s claim 1 fighter shot down, the first such claim (except probables) by the B-29s. In other missions, the first staged through China Bay, Ceylon, 31 B-29s bomb oil refineries at Palembang, 8 mine the Moesi River nearby, and 3 hit targets of opportunity and a secondary target; the first attack, from Ceylon to Sumatra, is the longest single-stage combat flight (about 3,900 miles or 6,276 km) by B-29s during the war.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): B-24s flying their first mission from Saipan pound Iwo Jima, beginning the AAF's neutralization campaign of that island. Saipan-based P-47s hit Tinian and Pagan. All organized resistance on Guam Island ends. B-24s from Kwajalein hit Wotje.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s attack Yap, concentrating on AA positions, airfields and the town of Yap; others hit Galela Airfield and Lolobata and Namlea, Buru Island. In New Guinea, B-25s bomb Langgoer Airfield; fighter-bombers attack Sorong, Manokwari, and villages along the W coast of Geelvink Bay; fighter-bombers continue to pound forces between Aitape and Wewak; large-scale troop carrier missions are flown to forward bases, especially on Schouten Islands; HQ Fifth Air Force moves from Nadzab to Owi; HQ 91st Photographic Wing (Reconnaissance) moves from Nadzab to Biak Island; HQ 308th Bombardment Wing moves from Owi to Hollandia; and HQ 90th Bombardment Group and 319th and 320th Bombardment Squadrons move from Nadzab to Biak Island with B-24s.

GUAM: Organized Japanese resistance on Guam ends. Isolated groups are holding out in the jungle. The last of these survivors will hide out until 1972. US casualties total 1,300 KIA of 7,000 total.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 111, AUGUST 10, 1944
Organized Japanese resistance on Guam Island ceased during the after¬noon of August 9 (West Longitude Date). The First Provisional Marine Brigade, Third Marine Division, and Seventy Seventh Infantry Division are engaged in mopping up operations.
Nearly 60 tons of bombs were dropped on Truk Atoll during daylight on August 8 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. Approximately 10 enemy fighters intercepted our force, damaging two Liberators. One enemy fighter was shot down and two damaged. Antiaircraft fire was meager. Ventura search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, attacked Nauru Island be¬fore dawn on August 8, striking at gun emplacements. Nauru was also hit by Venturas during daylight on August 8. Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Ponape Island on the same day, and neutralization raids against Maloelap Atoll were carried out by Liberator and Catalina search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two. All of our planes returned from these operations.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 112, AUGUST 10, 1944
Casualties suffered by American forces on Guam Island through August 9 (West Longitude Date), the day on which organized Japanese resistance ended, were 1,214 killed in action, 5,704 wounded in action, and 329 missing in action. Our troops have counted 10,971 enemy dead. Elimination of scat¬tered remnants of the enemy continues.
Final figures covering our casualties on Tinian Island indicate 190 killed in action, 1,515 wounded in action, and 24 missing in action. On Tinian our troops have buried 5,544 enemy dead to date, and have taken more than 400 prisoners of war.

Aug 11th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 5 B-25s bomb an encampment area and underground shelters at Kadu; 4 others abort because of bad weather; 6 P-40s attack a Japanese-occupied temple at Shwekyina and Japanese HQ at Bhamo.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 23 B-24s bomb Changsha, 16 B-25s pound Hengyang and 40+ P-51s and P-40s bomb bridges, villages, warehouses, trucks, troops, and other targets of opportunity in the Hengyang area; 26 P-40s attack targets of opportunity at or near Chuting, Puchou, and Yungfengshih.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): Makin based B-25s hit Ponape Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: 312th BG A-20s hit shipping off Urarom and loose 3 A-20s shot down by AA fire: A-20G "Hot Box" 43-9392. They also hit Wandammen Bay and barges and a radar station along the coast of Geelvink Bay; A-20s pound Japanese HQ and bivouac areas S of Sawar, A-20s and B-25s bomb forces at Haur village while P-39s hit the Kairiru Island barge terminal, coastal guns at several points, and troops, supplies, and buildings from But to Rocky Point; the 2nd Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 22d Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Nadzab to Owi with B-24s; and the 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, based at Nadzab, begins operating from Biak Island with F-5s.

USA: An electric-powered rescue hoist is installed on a USCG HNS-1 helicopter at CGAS Floyd Bennett Field, New York. During the ensuing 4-day test period, in which flights are conducted over Jamaica Bay, the feasibility of rescuing personnel from the water and of transferring personnel and equipment to and from underway boats is demonstrated. In late September, a hydraulic hoist, which overcomes basic disadvantages of the electric hoist, is installed and successfully tested, leading to its adoption for service use.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 506, AUGUST 11, 1944
1. Iwo Jima in the Volcano group was bombed by Liberators of the 7th AAF on 9 August (West Longitude Date). Forty seven tons of bombs were dropped on the airfield and adjacent installations, and fires were started. Several enemy fighters attempted to intercept our force but did no damage, although anti aircraft fire caused minor damage to three Liberators.
2. On the same day more than a hundred Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Mille atoll, dive bombing and strafing defense installations. Antiaircraft fire was meager. Catalina search planes during the night of 8 9 August conducted harassing raids against other enemy positions in the Marshalls.
3. Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Nauru Island on 9 August.

Aug 12th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 4 B-24s and 2 F-7As over Paramushiru and Shimushu Islands hit targets which include shipping in Higashi Banjo Strait and buildings and runway on Suribachi; enemy fighters give battle; the B-24s score 3 kills and 13 probables and damaged; 6 more B-25s fly an uneventful shipping sweep and take photos over Shimushiru Island.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, about 20 fighter-bombers hit Shwekyina, damage a bridge near Manla, bomb railroad yards at Pinwe, strafe a river boat near Bhamo, and attack troops in the Myothit area; 24 fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Taungni-Pinbaw area. The 427th Night Fighter Squadron, Tenth Air Force, arrives at Pomigliano, Italy with P-61s; the squadron will fly missions in the MTO for training before arriving in the CBI Theater.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 7 B-25s bomb the railroad yards at Hengyang; 19 P-51s and P-40s hit targets of opportunity in this area; 39 P-40s attack various targets of opportunity at Chiuchiang, Yungfengshih, Loyang, Siangtan, and Tengchung.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): Saipan based B-24s hit shipping, seaplane base, and Susaki Airfield at Chichi Jima. B-25s pound Pagan while P-47s hit Rota Island. B-24s from the Marshall Islands bomb Truk Atoll while Gilbert Island-based B-25s pound Nauru Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: In New Guinea, long-range reconnaissance is greatly increased thanks to the strategic position of newly acquired Schouten Islands bases; B-24s pound the airfield at Babo while B-25s and P-39s hit Nabire Airfield; other P-39s attack defenses at Mansinam Island and shore concentrations along W Geelvink Bay; P-47s support ground operations in the area of Sansapor Point by bombing Dore; A-20s and P-47s hit forces and targets of opportunity in the Sarmi area and along the Metimedan River; A-20s and P-39s attack troops at Haur, coastal targets in cooperation with motor torpedo (PT) boats, and fuel dumps at Boram; and the 321st and 400th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 90th Bombardment Group (Heavy), move from Nadzab to Biak Island with B-24s.

INDIAN OCEAN: German submarine U-198 is sunk about 169 nautical miles wnw of the Seychelles Islands (3.35S, 52.49E) by depth charges from the British frigate HMS Findhorn (K 301) and the Indian sloop HMIS Godavari (U 52). All 66 crewmen in the U-boat are lost.

ALASKA: US President Franklin D Roosevelt concludes his inspection of naval facilities in the Pacific and departs Puget Sound, Washington for Washington, DC.

Aug 13th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Kurile Islands, of 3 B-24s departing Shemya during the night of 12/13 Aug, 1 aborts while the other 2 bomb the Kashiwabara staging area on Paramushiru; later 6 B-25s fly a shipping sweep E of the N Kurils during which a fighter is downed. Lost is B-24D "Li'l Deicer" 41-11850 the force lands at Ilak.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 20 fighter-bombers hit troops and supplies at Mankwi, Myothit, and Tali; 7 others knock out a bridge at Kyauktalon and damage another near Namkwin; 26 fighter-bombers attack the village of Pinwe and hit targets of opportunity near Mawlu and Pinbaw; 9 B-25s strike a bomb storage area at Pinwe considerably damaging the village.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 30+ B-25s bomb Tungling, Sinsiang, and Hengyang, Pailochi Airfield, shipping at Takao harbor and nearby coastal areas; 3 cargo vessels are claimed sunk; 51 P-40s and P-51s attack trucks, bridges, railroad yards, troops, and other targets of opportunity in the Hengyang area; 18 P-40s and P-38s pound Tengchung; 50+ other P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s attack troops, bridges, railroad tracks, shipping, trucks, and other targets of opportunity at several locations including Lienhwa, Siangsiang, Sinshih, Puchou, Tungyangtun, Hengshan, Weichow Island, Luichow Peninsula, Tingka, Mangshih, Nanchang, Puchi, and along the Yunglo River.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Bad weather in the SWPA curtails operations. B-24s bomb bivouacs and supply dumps at Manokwari; bombers hit a Cape Wom storage area while P-39s cooperate with PT boats to hit Dagua personnel areas and Suain coastal positions; P-47s and P-39s hit Cape Wom, troops at Ulban, Matapau, and Suain, and support ground forces at Sarmi. Lost is P-39Q 42-19933; and C-47s complete nearly 90 missions to Owi and other forward bases.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 507, AUGUST 13, 1944
1. Extensive bombing raids were carried out by the Central Pacific and North Pacific shore based air forces on 10 and 11 August (West Longitude Dates).
2. One enemy patrol vessel was sunk and another damaged near Paramu¬shiro Island by two Liberators of the 11th AAF during daylight on 10 Au¬gust.
3. Chichi Jima in the Bonins was attacked by Liberators of the 7th AAF on 11 August, which bombed the airfield and a cargo ship in the harbor. The enemy made no attempt at interception and antiaircraft fire was meager.
4. Pagan Island in the northern Marianas was hit by Mitchell medium bombers of the 7th AAF on 11 August, damaging gun positions and runways.
During the day a single 7th AAF Liberator also bombed the Island. Anti¬aircraft fire was moderate.
5. Gun positions on Rota Island were bombed and strafed by 7th AAF Thunderbolt fighters on 11 August. More than 50 tons of bombs were dropped.
6. A single Navy Liberator bombed Truk atoll, and 7th AAF Mitchells bombed Ponape in the Caroline Islands on 11 August.
7. In the Marshall Islands, more than eighty tons of bombs were dropped on remaining enemy positions by Dauntless dive bombers and Cor¬sair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on 10 August, hitting coastal defense guns and other defense installations. On the same day Wotje in the Marshalls was attacked by 7th AAF Liberators. In the foregoing operations one Dauntless dive bomber and one Liberator were damaged but all of our planes returned.

Aug 14th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, B-25s bomb Mohnyin and Indaw; 18 P-51s pound targets in the Myothit area; 46 other fighter-bombers hit various N Burma targets including Naba junction, the active area near Pinbaw, a building and targets of opportunity at Thaikwagon, a command post at Hopin, a motor pool at Nansiaung Forest, ammunition and other supplies in the Mohnyin area, and bridges S of Bhamo one of which is slightly damaged; and the 2d Troop Carrier Squadron, 443d Troop Carrier Group, moves from Dinjan, India to Shingbwiyang with C-47s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 24 B-25s blast Lungling while 16 P-40s hit a fortified pass and targets of opportunity to the S; 12 B-25s bomb the railroad yards at Siangtan; 31 P-40s and P-51s hit the railroad yards, river shipping, and general targets of opportunity at Hengyang; 13 P-40s attack Tengchung; 13 others hit trucks, troops, and rivercraft at Pailochi and Sinying and 4 bomb a bridge at Hsenwi.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): The Seventh Air Force is reorganized as a "mobile tactical airforce" retaining only units that will function in the combat area; the VII Bomber Command includes the 11th, 30th and 494th Bombardment Groups (Heavy), and the 41st Bombardment Group (Medium); the VII Fighter Command includes the 15th, 21st (in Hawaii) and 318th Fighter Groups and the 6th Night Fighter Squadron; the recently activated VII Air Service Area Command is composed of 4 service groups; and the 9th Troop Carrier and 28th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons assigned directly to HQ Seventh Air Force. Saipan-based B-24s bomb Iwo Jima and B-25s hit Pagan and P-47s hit Rota Island. From the Marshall Islands, B-25s hit Ponape Island and B-24s bomb Wotje Atoll. HQ VII Bomber Command moves from Kwajalein to Saipan.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-25s and B-24s attack Ternate, AA positions, oil dumps, barracks, supply areas, and other targets throughout the Halmahera Islands. In New Guinea, B-24s pound the airfield at Babo while A-20s and fighter-bombers, along with Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft, blasting bivouac, and troops at Terabu, Kaiten, and Wewak Point; and the 33d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 22d Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Nadzab to Owi with B-24s.

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, the USN's Task Force 94 sorties from Attu to sweep the Kurile Islands but weather forces the ships to return to port.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 508, AUGUST 15, 1944
1. Paramushiro Island was attacked by 11th AAF Liberators on 11 August (west longitude date). Shipping near the island and the airstrip at Suribachi were bombed. Of 15 to 20 enemy fighters which attempted inter¬ception, three were shot down, five were probably shot down, and two were damaged. On 12 August Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed defense installations at Araido Island, and sunk a nearby patrol vessel by strafing. On the same day a single Ventura bombed Shimushu. Several enemy fighters attempted to intercept our force but did not press home their attacks, although damaging three Venturas. One enemy fighter was damaged.
2. Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was attacked by 7th AAF Liber¬ators on 13 August. More than 35 tons were dropped on the airfield and ad¬jacent installations. Antiaircraft fire was meager but an aggressive group of enemy fighters intercepted our force and one Liberator was lost.
3. Pagan Island in the northern Marianas was hit by Mitchell bombers of the 7th AAF on 13 August, hitting gun positions and runways. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.
4. Rota Island was bombed and strafed on the same day.
5. Nauru Island was bombed by Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two, on 13 August, and Marine Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters hit remaining enemy positions in the Marshalls on the same day.

Aug 15th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 70+ P-51s, P-47s, P-40s, and A-36s hit numerous N Burma targets including general targets of opportunity in the Bhamo area, a monastery at Pegu, troops E of Mawhun, Loiwing and Lashio Airfield and rail targets between Naba and Hopin; close support strikes are flown for ground forces in the Pinbaw and Naba areas; and supply dumps at Mainghka are bombed and 2 villages N of Kazu are hit and burned out.

INDIA: In India, RAF Air Marshall William A Coryton assumes command of the Third Tactical Air Force, a major component of the Eastern Air Command; tactical air force functions remain under Coryton until it is dissolved on 4 December 1944.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 12 B-25s bomb Kutkai, demolishing 2 large buildings and leaving 14 burning; 35 P-40s attack Tingka, Hsenwi, Lungling, and Tengchung; and nearly 100 P-40s and P-51s attack troops, horses, trucks, river shipping, artillery pieces, warehouses, and general targets of opportunity in or near Sungpai, Sinshih, Hengyang, Chaling, Leiyang, Sinyang, Siangtan, Hukow, and Changsha. In French Indochina, 4 P-40s hit coastal shipping at Hongay and Nam Dinh.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb Lolobata Airfield on Halmahera Island and B-25s attack shipping in the Ternate Island area, setting a 1,200-ton vessel afire and damaging several luggers and barges; aircraft on armed reconnaissance hit targets of opportunity in the Ceram Island area and Tanimbar. P-39s dive-bomb AA positions at Wewak Point; HQ V Bomber Command moves from Nadzab to Owi; HQ XIII Fighter Command moves from Guadalcanal to Sansapor; HQ 347th Fighter Group and 339th Fighter Squadron move from Stirling to Sansapor with P-38s; and the 67th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group moves from the Russells to Middleburg with P-38s.

Aug 16th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, as the last Japanese resistance in India ceases, 16 B-25s bomb Indaw; 20 P-51s hit airfields at Lashio, Nawnghkio, Shwebo, Anisakan, and Onbauk; 37 P-40s and P-51s hit strong points, pillboxes, and machinegun positions in the Pinbaw area; 19 P-47s and P-51s attack targets of opportunity at Katha, a bridge S of Bhamo, the town of Tagwin, railroad targets of opportunity between Naba and Hopin, an enemy-held monastery, and an ammunition dump at Pegu; and the 9th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, based at Barrackpore, India, sends a detachment to operated from Tingkawk Sakan with F-5s.

INDIA: In India, the last IJA troops retreat to Burma.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 18 B-25s bomb the Wanling area and warehouses while 12 hit the Chaling area and warehouses at Siangtan; 90 P-40s and P-51s hit bridges, fortified positions, troops, trucks, rivercraft, supplies, gun positions, and other targets of opportunity in the Hsenwi and Lungling areas and in the widespread area around Tunating Lake and the C
Yangtze River.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan hit Chichi Jima and Pagan. Marshall Island-based B-24s bomb Truk Atoll.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: In the Molucca Islands, B-24s and B-25s bomb Miti and Lolobata Airfields on Halmahera Island, warehouses and shipping facilities on Ternate, shipping in Wasile and Veda Bays, and Japanese positions on Tanimbar Is; and off Alor Island, Sunda Islands, B-25s sink small vessel. In New Guinea, bombers hit installations at Ajoe; A-20s support ground forces in the Maffin Bay area while P-39s hit troops and positions from Manokwari to Windissi and bomb the airfield at Ransiki, Moemi, and Waren. The 13th Troop Carrier Squadron, 403d Troop Carrier Group, based at Espiritu Santo begins operating from Los Negros with C-47s.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 510, AUGUST 16, 1944
1. Fifty seven tons of bombs were dropped on defense installations at Eten and Moen Islands in Truk atoll by 7th AAF Liberators on 13 August (west longitude date). Seven to nine enemy fighters intercepted and one of these was destroyed and 3 damaged. All of our planes returned although several suffered damage. There were no casualties.
2. Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed the airstrips at Nauru on 13 and 14 August, and on 13 August a Catalina harassed bivouac areas at Wotje and Maloelap. On 14 August Mitchell bombers of the 7th AAF attacked the airfield and gun positions at Ponape, and on the same day Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters hit coastal defense positions r at Mille atoll. All of our planes returned from these operations.

Aug 17th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 47 fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Pinbaw area; 9 B-25s bomb Katha; 12 fighter-bombers pound the town areas of Nanyinbya and Bilumyo; and 12 other fighter-bombers attack artillery positions and storage areas in the Momauk area. India is cleared of all Japanese forces.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 25 B-24s blast Yoyang; 18 B-25s bomb the railroad yards and storage area at Chiuchiang and 4 hit the road and airfield in the Hengyang area and storage buildings at Nanyo; 100+ P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on offensive reconnaissance attack town areas, bridges, hangars, supply dumps, railroad targets, and road and river traffic in E Burma, around Hsenwi, Tungling, and Tengchung, and throughout the Tungling Lake-C Yangtze River area, particularly in the Hengyang area. In French Indochina, 8 P-40s attack shipping in the Haiphong area and between Dong Trieu and Ha Duong.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan Island bomb Iwo Jima. Makin based B-25s hit Ponape.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s pound airfields on Ambon and Ceram Islands and Boeroe Island in the Sunda Islands. B-25s strafe installations at Dili Moloe Island and Kai Islands in the Molucca Islands; and B-25s sink a transport vessel off Halmahera Island. In New Guinea, A-20s bomb Klamono oil fields while fighter-bombers hit gun positions, storage areas, and other targets at Ransiki and Manokwari and troop concentrations along the N shore of MacCluer Gulf; on Biak Island P-40s, supporting ground forces landing at Wardo, pound shore positions and troops inland as the enemy remnants on Biak Island break up into small groups; P-39s strafe troops from Cape Wom to the the Dandriwad River and near But, and hit gun positions at Marubian; HQ 5th Bombardment Group moves from Los Negros to Wakde; HQ 22d Bombardment Group moves from Nadzab to Owi; and the 68th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, moves from Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands to Middleburg Island with P-38s.

NEW GUINEA: The last significant Japanese force on Numfoor, New Guinea is largely destroyed.

INDIA: The Indian Viceroy Viscount Wavell rejects Gandhi's request to discuss war support in return for Indian independence.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 511, AUGUST 17, 1944
1. Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands was attacked by Liberators of the 7th AAF on 15 August (West Longitude Date). The seaplane base and ad¬jacent installations were bombed. Antiaircraft fire ranged from moderate to intense.
2. Maug Island in the northern Marianas was bombed on 15 August. Pagan Island was also bombed and strafed the same day.
3. Before daylight on 13 August Liberators of the 11th AAF bombed enemy supply facilities at Paramushiru Island. Antiaircraft fire was meager.
4. Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed the runways at Nauru Island, and Corsair fighters of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing at¬tacked Maloelap atoll on 15 August.

Aug 18th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 16 P-47s and P-51s knock out a road bridge, attack town areas, and hit general targets of opportunity in the Bhamo area; 4 P-47s knock out both approaches to a bridge in Hsenwi; a troop concentration in Moda is pounded by 15 P-47s and P-51s and an A-36; 39 P-47s, P-40s and P-51s closely support ground forces in various Pinbaw area sectors; 8 P-47s sweep Lashio Airfield, strafing several targets of opportunity.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 12 B-25s bomb storage areas at Mangshih; 6 pound a storage area at Changsha; 60+ P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance attack troops, town areas, bridges, and other targets of opportunity in E Burma; Lashio, Burma; the Tengchung, Lungling, and Mangshih areas; and in the Tungting Lake-C Yangtze River area at points including Yoyang, Chaling, Yuhsien, Hengshan, Chuchou, and Hsuchang.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): P-47s from Saipan Island bomb and strafe Pagan.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Armed reconnaissance missions continue over wide stretches of the SWPA including Ambon-Ceram, Palau Islands, and Halmahera Islands; several targets of opportunity are attacked. In New Guinea, fighter-bombers and A-20s pound troops and a storage area at Suain and hit defensive lines near Sarmi. The detachment of the 419th Night Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, operating from Los Negros with P-61s, returns to base on Guadalcanal. Lost is F-5 44-23227.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 515, AUGUST 18, 1944
1. Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was attacked by 7th AAF Liberators on 16 August (West Longitude Date). Buildings, storage facilities, and in¬stallations near the airfield were bombed. Several enemy fighters were air¬borne but did not succeed in intercepting our force. Antiaircraft fire was meager. All of our aircraft returned. On the night of 15 16 August a single Liberator bombed Iwo.
2. Fighter planes attacked Rota and Pagan Islands on 16 August, bomb¬ing and strafing gun positions and the airstrips. Antiaircraft fire was light at Rota and moderate at Pagan.
3. Warehouse areas on Dublon Island in Truk atoll were bombed by 7th AAF Liberators the same day, causing large explosions and fires. One of six intercepting fighters was shot down, and 3 were damaged. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.
4. Nauru Island was attacked by Navy Venturas on 16 August, while Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing hit defense installations at Mille atoll in the Marshalls on the same day.

Aug 19th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Aleutian Islands, a weather sortie and a 4-plane shipping sweep are flown with negative results. Lost is PV-1 49507

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 4 P-47s support ground forces SW of Thaikwagon; and 4 others strafe trucks carrying troops between Bhamo and Myothit.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 25 B-24s bomb Puchi, severely damaging the warehouse area; 11 B-25s hit Sienning; 3 hit railroad tracks and runway N of Hengyang; and 70+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance attack river shipping, troops, trucks, and other targets of opportunity at or near Pengtse, Hengyang, Chaling, Yoyang, Siangtan, and Changsha.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): Saipan Island-based P-47s bomb installations on Anatahan Island, Mariana Islands and drop fire-bombs on Tinian Island to aid ground forces in mopping-up operations.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Weather restricts operations. In New Guinea, P-40s bomb the port of Napido; P-39s bomb and strafe coastal positions along the W shore of Geelvink Bay; A-20s operating in force in support of ground troops pound targets in the Sawar-Sarmi sector; P-39s support ground forces in Wewak area; HQ 86th Fighter Wing moves from Toem to Sansapor; and the 72d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Momote Airfield to Wakde Island with B-24s.

BORNEO: USN submarine USS Redfin lays mines off British Sarawak.

SOUTH CHINA SEA: Two USN submarines sink three Japanese ships off the west coast of Luzon, Philippine Islands:
- USN submarine attacks on Japanese convoy HI 71, begun the previous day, continue as USS Bluefish sinks fast fleet tanker/seaplane carrier HIJMS Hayasui, about 57 nautical miles W of Vigan in position 17.34N, 119.23E, and damages hospital ship Awa Maru about 50 nautical miles W of Vigan in position 17.36N, 119.38E.
- USS Spadefish sinks a Japanese landing craft depot repair ship about 82 nautical miles NNW of Vigan, in position 8.48N, 119.47E.

Aug 20th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Aleutian Islands, 4 B-25s fly a negative shipping sweep.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 24 P-47s and P-51s fly close support strikes for ground forces immediately S of Thaikwagon; 4 P-51s hit targets of opportunity at Myintha and Aledaw; and the detachment of the 88th Fighter Squadron, 80th Fighter Group, operating from Myitkyina with P-47s returns to base at Shingbwiyang.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 4 B-25s and 7 P-40s damage buildings and a pontoon bridge and strafe about 30 sampans in the Hengyang area; 13 P-40s hit buildings, trucks, and river shipping in the Hengshan area; and 60+ P-40s and P-51s attack numerous trucks, rivercraft, and general targets of opportunity at Tingka, Anjen, Yangtien, S of Yoyang, between Hankow and Chinchiang, and between Sinshih and Changsha.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Twentieth Air Force): 61 Chengtu, China-based B-29s bomb the Imperial Iron and Steel Works at Yawata, Japan during the day, followed by 10 more during the night of 20/21 Aug, 5 hitting targets other than the primary. Intercepted by 87 JAAF fighters. In addition to the twin-engine fighters of the 4th FR, these included Ki-84s of the 16th Flying Brigade (51st and 52nd FRs), Ki 61s of the 59th FR and a few (Ki-43s fighters of the 48th FR. The Japanese navy was represented by 33 Zero fighters and four Gekko night fighters from 352nd Kokutai. Japanese army fighters claimed 12 sure victories for two fighters lost. Navy fighters claimed four including two by Lt (j.g.) Sachio Endo whose Gekko went down in a crash landing with Endo surviving. B-29 claimed 15 Japanese fighters destroyed. 14 B-29s are lost, including 1 to AA and 4 to enemy aircraft (1 by air-to-air bombing and 1 by ramming); B-29 gunners claim 17 air victories. Lost are: B-29 42-24474, B-29 "Praying Mantis" 42-6286 , B-29 "O'Reily's Daughters" 42-6264.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): Saipan based B-24s hit Yap for the first time. A B-24 bombs Alamagan Island, Mariana Islands while P-47s pound Pagan Island. Marshall Islands-based B-24s bomb Truk Atoll.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb the town and airfield at Namlea, Buru Island and others pound personnel areas and warehouses at Tobelo, Halmahara Island. In New Guinea, B-25s bomb Langgoer Airfield; P-39s hit Windissi and enemy shipping off Manokwari while P-40s pound gun positions, buildings and stores at Manokwari; other P-40s support ground forces by hitting troop concentrations at Napido; A-20s and fighter-bombers hit a personnel center near Marubian, supplies at Wom, and numerous targets during coastal sweeps in the Wewak general area; and the 23d and 31st Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), move from Momote Airfield to Wakde Island with B-24s. The 528th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 380th Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Fenton to Darwin with B-24s.

BIAK: MacArthur announces that the fighting has ended on Biak, New Guinea. Japanese casualties are 4,700 KIA and 220 POW. US casualties total 2550 KIA and WIA.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 517, AUGUST 20, 1944
1. Nauru Island was attacked on 17 August (West Longitude Date) by Mitchell medium bombers of the 7th AAF and Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two. Venturas again hit Nauru on 18 August. The airfield and gun emplacements were bombed. Antiaircraft fire was meager.
2. Rota and Pagan Islands in the Marianas were bombed and strafed by fighters on 17 and 18 August. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.
3. Mille and Wotje in the Marshall Islands were bombed on 17 and 18 August by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing.
4. All of our planes returned from these operations.

Aug 21st 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 6 B-25s knock out and damage 3 river bridges in the Mu area and at Hsipaw, 36 P-51s support ground forces near Pinlon, Ingyingon, and Nansankyin; and 8 P-51s bomb a storage area at Chyahkan. HQ 1st Combat Cargo Group and the 1st Combat Cargo Squadron arrive at Sylhet, India from the US with C-47s (first mission is 10 Sep).

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 8 B-25s bomb Anjen and targets of opportunity in the surrounding area; 7 others attack Hengyang Airfield, the town of Nanyo, and several buildings and other targets of opportunity near Yangtien; 90+ fighter-bombers hit town areas, river and road traffic, and other targets of opportunity at Pengtse, Kinhwa, Tenchung, Anjen, Hengyang, and Yangtsishih; S of Sintsaing, N of Tungting Lake, between Hankow and Sinti, and in the Changsha area.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan Island hit Yap, P-47s bomb Pagan, and Makin based B-25s hit Nauru Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: In the Molucca Islands, B-24s blast supply dumps and AA guns on the Wasile Bay coast; B-25s hit Kaoe Airfield and town on Halmahera Island and villages and supply areas on Karakelong Island. Fighter-bombers blast warehouses and other targets in the Manokwari area; A-20s and fighter-bombers hit supply dumps in the Sawar-Sarmi sector and attack troops along the coast, particularly from Babiang to Luain. The 419th Night Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, moves from Guadalcanal to Middelburg with P-61s (a detachment is operating from Noemfoor).

UK: The Dumbarton Oaks Conference begins. This conference marks the beginning discussions about a postwar assembly that will become the United Nations. Stettinius for the US, Cadogan for Britain and Gromyko for the USSR are in attendance. The conference will last through the 29th.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 519, AUGUST 21, 1944
1. Yap Island in the western Carolines was bombed by Liberators of the 7th AAF on 19 August (West Longitude Date). The airfield and adjacent installations were bombed. No attempt was made to intercept our force, and antiaircraft fire was meager.
2. On the same day our aircraft obtained direct hits on gun emplace¬ments and the dock at Pagan Island, and bombed Alamagan Island in the Marianas. Intense antiaircraft fire was encountered at Pagan Island.
3. Nauru Island was attacked on 18 and 19 August by Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two, hitting runways and gun positions. In the Marshall Islands on 19 August, Wotje and Mille atolls were bombed and strafed by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing against light opposition.
4. All of our aircraft returned from these operations.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 520, AUGUST 21, 1944
1. Paramushiru Island in the Northern Kuriles was attacked by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four on 19 August (West Longitude Date). The airfields were bombed and strafed. Three enemy fighters were airborne but did not attempt to intercept our force. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.
2. Mopping up operations have continued in the Marianas since 9 August (west longitude date). During the period 11 17 August an additional 593 Japanese were killed on Guam Island. We lost 12 killed and 61 wounded in action during this period. With these additional losses inflicted on the enemy, plus the number buried and not previously announced, 14,067 of the enemy have been killed in the Guam campaign through 17 August, and more than a hundred made prisoner. During the same period an additional 187 Japanese were killed on Saipan Island, and 15 prisoners of war were taken, at a cost to us of 5 wounded and 1 missing. A total of 25,144 of the enemy had been buried through 16 August on Saipan. On Tinian Island 201 Japanese were killed during the period 11 17 August, and 15 prisoners taken. We lost 5 killed in action and 11 wounded in action. Enemy dead on Tinian now number 5,745.

Aug 22nd 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): P-51s and P-47s fly 53 sorties against Tengchung, China in support of attacking Chinese forces. In Burma, 28 P-47s attack buildings, supply dumps, troops, and gun positions near Ingyingon, Nansankyin, and Pinlon; 8 P-47s strafe targets of opportunity between Tingka, China and Bhamo; 2 rocket-firing P-51s seriously damage several buildings at Aledaw; and 9 B-25s bomb Hopin.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 11 P-40s and P-38s hit bridges and road targets around Tingka, Mangshih, Loiwing, and Pangpying; and 6 others attack a landing strip and river traffic at an island near Foochow.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): Saipan based B-24s bomb airfields on Yap and Pagan; P-47s also pound the airfield on Pagan and AA emplacements. Kwajalein-based B-24s hit Mille Atoll.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Fighter-bombers continue to blast supply and personnel targets in Manokwari and the surrounding areas; fighter-bombers again hit N coastal areas, including shipping facilities at Wewak, barge terminal on Mushu, and trains and troop positions at various coastal points; and the 370th, 371st, 372d and 424th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy), move from Los Negros to Wakde with B-24s.
JAPAN: The Japanese government announces decrees conscripting women between 12 and 40 for war work.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 521, AUGUST 22, 1944
1. On 20 August (West Longitude Date) two Navy Liberator search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two, found two enemy ships proceeding toward Marcus Island and carried out attacks at mast head level which resulted in setting fire to a medium cargo ship, left dead in the water and burning, and a small cargo ship, which was noticeably slowed and left heavily smoking. One Liberator suffered minor damage from antiaircraft fire.
2. On the same day Liberators of the 7th AAF bombed Yap Island, causing large fires and explosions among bivouac areas and buildings near the airfield. Antiaircraft fire was meager.
3. Truk atoll was attacked on 20 August, Liberators of the 7th AAF bombing warehouses and antiaircraft batteries at Dublon Island and other buildings on Moen Island. Seven to 8 enemy fighters intercepted. Two enemy fighters were damaged and two of our bombers were damaged. All of our planes returned.
4. Pagan and Rota Islands in the Marianas were bombed and strafed by our aircraft on 20 August.
5. Search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Wake Island and the airstrip at Ponape on 20 August. On the same day Mitchell medium bombers of the 7th AAF dropped twelve tons of bombs on the Ponape airstrip.
6. Nauru Island was attacked by Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two, hitting runways on 20 August.
7. Catalina search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two and Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing continued neutralization raids against enemy positions in the Marshalls on 20 August, hitting Maloelap, Wotje and Mille atolls.

Aug 23rd 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 32 P-47s support British advances down the railroad in the Pinbaw area hitting gun positions, troops, and HQ buildings, immediately N of Pinbaw, and along Nansonti Creek; and 6 P-47s pound Onsansaing, and 8 P-51s bomb an encampment near Kadu. In China, 4 P-51s hit Lungling and Mangshih; 5 others attack guns, fuel dump, and other targets of opportunity along the Burma Road from Wanling to Lungling while 7 more hit buildings and vehicles during sweeps of the general Mangshih-Chefang area; and 12 P-51s hit targets of opportunity SW of Lungling and 2 P-40s strafe trucks at Chefang.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 7 B-25s and 21 fighter-bombers attack villages, compounds, other targets of opportunity near Hengyang, Lingyang, and Anjen; 40+ fighter-bombers hit villages, shipping, troops, supplies, and other targets of opportunity around Ichang, Yangtien, Siangtan, and Yiyang, and S of Sungpai and Siangyin; and the 529th Fighter Squadron, 311th Fighter Group, moves from Dinjan, India to Pungchacheng with P-51s.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA, Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan bomb Yap and Iwo Jima while P-47s hit Pagan and Aguijan Islands, Mariana Islands. Gilbert Island-based B-25s attack Ponape Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s pound the Galela, Halmahera Island area; in New Guinea, B-24s hit Langgoer Airfield and Saumlakki; fighter-bombers hit the airfield at Nabire, Moemi, and Urarom, the village of Moari, and town of Manokwari; B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers continue to attack barge hideouts, troops, villages, and general targets of opportunity around Wewak; HQ 18th Fighter Group and it's 12th and 70 Fighter Squadrons move from Guadalcanal and New Georgia (70th FS) to Sansapor with P-38s; and the 69th and 390th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 42d Bombardment Group (Medium), move from Stirling to Hollandia with B-25s.

RAAF - Shot down near Babo is P-40N A29-568.

PACIFIC: USN submarine USS Paddle sinks Italian merchant passenger/cargo ship SS Ada off Hamamatsu, Japan, in position 34.37N, 137.53E.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: USN submarine USS Grayling delivers supplies to Filipino guerrilla forces on Panay Island.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 527, AUGUST 23, 1944
A Japanese convoy consisting of three cargo ships escorted by two de¬stroyers was attacked by two Navy search Liberators of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, on August 22 (West Longitude Date) near Chichi Jima in the Bonins. A bombing attack conducted at low level resulted in sinking two of the enemy cargo ships, and the third was left on fire. One Liberator was lost in this action.
Liberator bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Yap Island during daylight on August 21, bombing bivouac areas and airfield installations. Antiaircraft fire was meager. A single Seventh Army Air Force Liberator bombed Asor in the Ulithi Islands on the same day, encountering no opposition. All of our aircraft returned.

Aug 24th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 9 B-25s bomb Kangon; 3 P-47 flights support British troops NE of Pinbaw, hitting forces and gun emplacements near Namyin Te and Nansankyin; 4 P-47s bomb Nankan; and 4 P-51s strafe vehicles along the Shweli River and bomb a storage area S of Hopin.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, town areas, river and road traffic, railroad targets, and other targets of opportunity in or near Hengyang, Chuchou, Siangtan, and Yangtien are attacked by 8 B-25s and 25 P-40s; 19 other P-40s hit similar targets of opportunity at Yungeheng, Anjen, along the C Yangtze River, and S of Mangshih; and the 528th Fighter Squadron, 311th Fighter Group, moves from Tingkawk Sakan, Burma to Shwangliu with P-51s.

AAF, POA (Seventh Air Force): Saipan Island-based P-47s pound Aguijan and Pagan Islands. Marshall Island-based B-24s bomb Truk Atoll while B-25s hit Nauru Island.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): The advanced air echelon of Brigadier General Emmett O'Donnell Jr's HQ 73d Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) arrives in the Mariana Islands with B-29s, the first Twentieth AF contingent to arrive; the ground echelon arrives by water on 16 Sep

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Shipping in Lembeh Strait, Celebes Island, is attacked by B-25s, while B-24s bomb Lolobata Airfield on Halmahera. HQ 307th Bombardment Group moves from Los Negros to Wakde; the 100th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), Thirteenth Air Force [attached to 42d Bombardment Group], moves from Stirling to Sansapor but continues operating from Hollandia with B-25; and the 340th and 341st Fighter Squadrons, 348th Fighter Group, move from Wakde to Noemfoor with P-47s.

RAAF - Lost on a strike against Babo is P-40N A29-631.

INDIAN OCEAN: A British naval force including carriers HMS Victorious and Indomitable, and battleship HMS Howe, under Admiral Moody, attack Padang in SW Sumatra.

PACIFIC: The USN submarine USS Harder is sunk by Japanese Coast Defense Vessel No. 22 off the west coast of Luzon.
USN submarine sink four Japanese merchant ships.
(1) USS Ronquil attacks a Japanese convoy, sinking an army cargo ship off Keelung, Formosa, and a merchant cargo ship off Sankaku Island;
(2) USS Sailfish attacks Japanese convoy in Luzon Strait, sinking a transport
(3) USS Seal sinks a merchant cargo ship off the southeast coast of Hokkaido, Japan.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 528, AUGUST 24, 1944
1. Paramushiru Island in the northern Kuriles was bombed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four on 20 August (West Longitude Date). Direct hits were obtained in storage areas, a small vessel offshore was sunk aped another damaged. One of 7 intercepting enemy fighters was shot down. Antiaircraft fire was meager, and all of our aircraft returned.
2. Yap Island in the western Carolines was attacked by 7th AAF Liberators on 22 August. Bivouac areas and facilities near the airfield were bombed through meager antiaircraft fire.
3. Pagan and Rota Islands in the Marianas were attacked by our aircraft on 21 and 22 August, and Aguijan Island was hit on 22 August.
4. Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Nauru island on 21 and 22 August, concentrating on the airstrips.
5. Neutralization raids against enemy positions in the Marshalls continued, with Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing striking at Wotje on 21 and 22 August and at Mille atoll on 21 August.

Aug 25th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Kurile Islands, 1 B-24 flies reconnaissance over Shasukotan, Onnekotan, and Harumukotan Islands but drops no bombs due to accurate AA fire.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 9 B-25s bomb Kondangyi; 4 P-47s knock out a bridge S of Bhamo and hit several targets of opportunity in the area; 2 P-51s bomb a probable factory at Hopin; 6 flights of P-51s attack buildings and targets of opportunity at Pinlon and Kyagyigon; 32 other P-51s support ground forces at Ingyingon and along the Hsai-hkao and Namsang River; and the detachment of the 20th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, ceases operating from Myitkyina with P-40 and returns to base at Kisselbari, India (the squadron is operating from Tingkawk Sakan).

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): 3 B-24s bomb Kowloon docks in Hong Kong; 3 B-25s and 12 P-40s hit buildings, troop compounds, and general targets of opportunity in the Yangtien area; 4 B-25s and 21 P-40s attack similar targets in and around Anjen; 2 B-25s bomb the fighter strip at Leiyang and 2 others hit the town of Nanyo; 40 P-51s and P-40s attack a wide variety of targets of opportunity throughout the Hengyang, Siangyin, Siangtan, and Siangsiang areas, Chenghsien, Lishui, Samshui, Chiangmen, Luichow Peninsula, and the Red River delta.

AAF, POA (Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan hit the airfield on Iwo Jima while P-47s blast AA positions and troops on Pagan Island. A B-24 bombs Yap. Gilbert Island-based B-25s bomb Ponape.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s strike Koror and Malakal Islands, Palau Islands, Caroline Islands; B-24s pound Lolobata; B-25s on a shipping sweep over Lembeh Strait, Celebes Island claim a merchant ship sunk and hit several small vessels. In the Lesser Sunda Islands a few B-25s on a shipping sweep attack several small vessels. In New Guinea, A-20s and fighter-bombers hit Babo Airfield, Sagan, and Otawiri; P-39s strafe troops near But; the 394th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Momote Airfield to Wakde Island; and the 822d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 38th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Nadzab to Biak Island with B-25s. Lost is P-47D 42-75883.

NEI: Bob Hope was at Biak on 25 August 1944 putting on a special show for the Air Corps. He is seen in the "Jolly Rogers" staff car holding a captured Japanese flag which was presented to him. The Jolly Roger's squadron got all the limelight.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 530 AUGUST 25, 1944
1. Iwo Jima in the Bonin Islands was bombed by Liberators of the 7th AAF during the night of 23 24 August (West Longitude Dates). Meager anti¬aircraft fire was encountered and there was no interception.
2. Pagan and Aguijan Islands in the Marianas were attacked on 23 August. Gun positions, storage facilities and buildings were bombed. Several fires were started.
3. Ponape Island was bombed on 23 August by Mitchell medium bombers of the 7th AAF, and on 22 and 23 August Navy Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two, attacked enemy installations at Nauru Island. A Search Liberator of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Ponape on 22 August.
4. Wake Island was bombed on 22 August by a Fleet Air Wing Two search plane, and further neutralization raids were carried out against enemy ob¬jectives in the Marshalls by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, and by 7th AAF Liberators.

Aug 26th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Kurile Islands, 3 B-24s hit the Kashiwabara staging area on Paramushiru Island during the early morning, starting several fires; later 6 B-25s strafe and bomb the E coast of the N Kurile Islands, sinking a patrol boat; 1 out of 4 interceptors and one of the B-25s are hit; 7 more B-24s bomb targets on Kashiwabara and on Otomari Cape, including docks, piers, boats, and a fuel dump. 6 P-38s unsuccessfully attempt to intercept 4 unidentified aircraft W of Attu Island.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): The 490th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 341st BG (Medium), moves from Kurmitola to Dergaon, India with B-25s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 3 B-24s bomb a storage area at Amoy; 3 B-25s bomb a barracks area near Wenchow harbor and damage a bridge near Sincheng; 31 fighter-bombers attack railroad targets, troops, sampans, and other targets of opportunity in or near Yangtien, Yungfengshih, Siangsiang, Anjen, Laiyuan, Kinhwa, and Pengtse.

AAF, POA (Seventh Air Force): Saipan Island-based B-24s bomb the airfield on Iwo Jima. P-47s blast AA guns and troops on Pagan and Aguijan. A B-24 on armed reconnaissance bombs Woleai and Yap.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb Koror and Peleliu Airfield. Other B-24s bomb Haroekoe and Liang Airfields on Ambon. In New Guinea, A-20s in close ground support hit troop concentrations in the Sarmi sector; fighter-bombers hit targets of opportunity in the Wewak and Suain areas; P-39s maintain patrols over the W shore of Geelvink Bay; HQ 348th Fighter Group moves from Wakde to Noemfoor; the 6th and 21st Troop Carrier Squadrons, 374th Troop Carrier Group, move from Garbutt Field and Archerfield, Australia respectively to Nadzab with C-47s; and the 823d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 38th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Nadzab to Biak Island with B-25s.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 531, AUGUST 26, 1944
1. Forty seven tons of bombs were dropped on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands by Liberators of the 7th AAF during daylight on 24 August (West Longitude Date). Three of approximately ten intercepting enemy fighters were destroyed, and one was damaged. Two Liberators were damaged. Antiaircraft fire ranged from moderate to intense.
2. In the Marianas, Rota Island was attacked by our aircraft on 23 August, and Pagan and Aguijan Islands were bombed on 24 August. Gun positions and other defense installations were the targets.
3. A single 7th AAF Liberator bombed barracks on Yap Island in the western Carolines on 24 August, encountering meager anti aircraft fire.
4. Nauru Island was attacked by Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two on 23 August, and on 24 August Venturas and 7th AAF Mitchells again heavily bombed the runways, gun positions, and the town.
5. In the Marshalls, Corsair fighters of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed barracks and gun emplacements at Mille atoll on 23 August.