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

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ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): During the night of 13/14 Sep 3 B-24s strike Kurabu Cape shipping and airfield on Paramushiru .

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 4 B-25s drop fragmentation- boobytrap bombs on Bhamo; large-scale C-47 operations continue to various points in the CBI.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 6 B-25s bomb Tunganhsien; 91 P-40s and P-51s attack inland shipping, troop compounds, supplies, and numerous buildings around the Lungling area, throughout the vast expanse of inland SE China, mainly in Hunan, and other areas S of Tungting Lake; HQ 23d Fighter Group moves from Liuchow to Luliang; the air echelon of the 118th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Fourteenth Air Force (attached to 23d Fighter Group), moves from Kweilin to Liuchow with P-51s (ground echelon is at Chengkung; and the 373d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 308th Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Yangkai to Luliang with B-24s.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan bomb Iwo Jima. P-47s make strafing and rocket attacks on warehouses and shelters on Pagan. B-24s on armed reconnaissance bomb Marcus ; others from Eniwetok Atoll bomb Truk while Gilbert s-based B-25s hit Ponape.

SOUTH CHINA SEA: The USN submarine USS Pargo lays mines near Natuna Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC: USN Task Group 38.2 (TG 38.2, Rear Admiral Gerald F. Bogan) attacks Japanese shipping and installations on and around Panay and Negros Islands, supported by TG 38.3 (Rear Admiral Frederick C. Sherman). TG 38.1 (Vice Admiral John S. McCain), en route to support the Morotai landings, carries out strikes on Japanese installations on Mindanao; during the course of these operations, SB2Cs Helldivers of Bombing Squadron Two sink a fast transport in Davao Gulf. Meanwhile, destroyers USS Farenholt, USS McCalla, and USS Grayson, detached from TG 38.1, bombard suspected Japanese radar installation on Cape San Augustin, at the mouth of Davao Gulf.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES: 5620 Dutch, English, Australian and American POWs and Javanese slave labourers are loaded aboard the Japanese cargo ship "Junyo Maru" at Batavia on Java. The ship will be sunk by an RN submarine four days later.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: On Celebes , B-25s pound Mapanget airstrip and the Menado area. B-24s hit 4 airfields on Halmahera . In New Guinea, A-20s and B-25s bomb Babo Airfield while fighter-bombers make scattered small raids on AA positions, airfields, and targets of opportunity on the Vogelkop Peninsula; the 69th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 42d Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Hollandia to Sansapor; and the 100th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), Thirteenth Air Force [attached to 42d Bombardment Group (Medium)], ceases operating from Hollandia with B-25s and returns to base at Sansapor. Lost on a flight from Townsville to Port Moresby is C-47A "Hell's Bells" 42-23959.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 116, SEPTEMBER 14, 1944
Carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet swept over the Central Philippines and inflicted crippling damage on enemy air forces shipping and ground installa¬tions during a three day strike, September 11 to 13 (West Longitude Date). More complete information shows that the following damage was done to the enemy on Panay, Cebu, Negros and Leyte Islands.
Aircraft destroyed: 156 shot down in combat and 277 destroyed on the ground. This is a revision of planes previously announced lost by the enemy in the Central Philippines. As of sundown on September 13, 501 enemy air¬craft had been destroyed in the Philippines by our carrier aircraft.
Ships sunk: Two large cargo vessels, one medium transport, two de¬stroyer escorts, 35 small ships.
Ships damaged: Five cargo vessels, one medium oiler, 36 small ships, two motor torpedo boats, many sampans. These ship losses are in addition to those previously reported.
Damage to ground installations: Several airfields were bombed and strafed by our planes. Oil storage facilities, ammunition dumps, warehouses, barracks and buildings were set afire.
Enemy air opposition the first day was considerable and was reinforced during the first night so that its strength on the second day was also for¬midable. Enemy planes rose to intercept our aircraft, but no attempts were made to attack our surface ships. On the third day, enemy air power was nonexistent and antiaircraft fire was meager. Our losses in planes and flight personnel were relatively light.
Carrier aircraft hit enemy positions at Angaur, Peleliu and Ngesebus Islands in the Palau Group on September 12 with 90 tons of bombs and 165 rockets. Damage was inflicted on coastal gun positions, warehouses and a lighthouse at Angaur.
On September 12, Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, attacked and damaged a large sampan and two large troop laden landing craft near Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands.
Pagan Island was bombed twice on September 12, one attack being made by a Thunderbolt of the Seventh Army Air Force, the other by a Liberator. Buildings and gun positions were hit. There was no antiaircraft fire.
A single Liberator of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed buildings on Marcus Island on September 11. The plane which returned was damaged by antiaircraft fire. Other Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Marcus Island on September 12.
Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force flew through meager antiaircraft fire to bomb Nauru on September 12.
The Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing sent Corsair and Dauntless dive bombers over Wotje on September 11 and again on September 12 to bomb gun positions and communications facilities. Dauntless dive bombers struck at Mille on September 11, hitting bivouac areas. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered at both targets.

 

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BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 8 P-47s bomb Kutkai, 16 sweep the river from Bhamo to Katha and bomb Naba, Katha, and Mohnyin; several other P-47s sweep the Burma Road from Lungling, China to Muse to Bhamo and strafe a boat on the river at Myothit; 12 P-51s hit Mawhun while 8 B-25s hit fuel storage and targets of opportunity in the the Chefang, China area; 13 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow, China; a detachment of the 1st Combat Cargo Squadron, 1st Combat Cargo Group, based at Sylhet, India begins operaing from Yunnani, China with C-47s; and the 89th Fighter Squadron, 80th Fighter Group, moves from Nagaghuli to Myitkyina with P-47s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 19 B-24s bomb a military storage area at Hengyang; 20 B-25s hit Chuanhsien and 5 pound a ferry crossing and bus station at Lingling; 90+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance attack river shipping, numerous buildings, troops, and general targets of opportunity from NE of Ichang to Liuchow Peninsula concentrating on the Kiyang and Changsha areas; and HQ 68th Composite Wing moves from Kweilin to Liuchow.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): P-47s from Saipan hit AA positions on Pagan with machinegun and rocket fire. A lone B-24 on a snooper mission bombs Iwo Jima; all other B-24 missions abort. US Army lands on Morotai.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: In the Palaus Islands, the U.S.1st Marine Division lands on Peleliu Island at about 0830 hours local after a preparatory bombardment by naval vessels and aircraft. The Japanese garrison is a regiment from the 14th Division under Colonel NAKAGAWA. U.S. naval forces under Rear Admiral Jesse Oldendorf, commander, Cruiser Division Four (CruDiv 4), that have been bombarding the island, remain in support. The resistance on the beaches is moderate but fierce fighting begins as the Marines move inland. At the end of the day the beachhead perimeter measures 2,800 yard from north to south but is only 400 to 700 yards (366 to 640 meters) deep, except for a salient in the center. As a diversion for the Peleliu landings, a feint landing is made on Babelthuap Island.

EAST INDIES: USN Task Force 77 (TF 77), consisting of U.S. and Australian ships, lands the U.S. Army's 41st Infantry Division (Reinforced) on the southwest coast of Morotai Island, Moluccas Islands, Netherlands East Indies, at 0830 hours local in Operation TRADE WIND; there is no opposition. TF 77 is supported by two heavy cruisers, three light cruisers and ten destroyers and aircraft from six escort carriers, screened by eight destroyer escorts. Japanese resistance is negligible and Pitoe Aerodrome is quickly captured. Airfield facilities built on Morotai will be used in operations to support missions against Japanese positions in the Philippines. Forces push inland about 2,000 yards to D-Day objectives.
The USN submarine USS Stingray lands men and stores on Majoe Island, in the Molucca Sea.
In the air over the Netherlands East Indies, USAAF Far East Air Forces A-20 Havocs, B-24 Liberators and P-47 Thunderbolts bomb Kaoe, Lolobata and Hate Tabako on Halmahera Island. B-24 Liberators sink two small Makassar-bound Japanese cargo vessels off Mongole Island. RAAF Beaufighters and USAAF A-20s bomb Japanese shipping off southeast coast of Ceram, sinking two fishing vessels.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s, A-20s, and P-47s bomb Kaoe, Lolobata, and Hate Tabako. P-39s bomb Manokwari Airfield and town area; and the 675th Bombardment Squadron, 417th Bombardment Group, moves from Saidor to Noemfoor with A-20s.

PACIFIC OCEAN: In the China Sea, the USN submarines USS Pampanito and USS Sealion rescue 73 British and 54 Australian POWs who were aboard the Japanese freighter Rakuyo Maru sunk by the USS Sealion on 12 September. The freighter is carrying 1,300 POWs when she is torpedoed.

UNITED STATES: The Joint Chiefs of Staff decide to invade central rather than the southern Philippines and advance the target date for the invasion of Leyte from 20 December to 20 October. Projected operations against Yap Island in the Caroline Islands, Talaud Island in the Netherlands East Indies and Mindanao Island in the Philippines are canceled.
Two USN commissioned escort aircraft carriers are renamed so that their present names can be used on for Midway Class large aircraft carriers. The two are: USS Coral Sea (CVE-57) which is renamed USS Anzio and USS Midway (CVE-63) which is renamed USS St. Lo.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 117, SEPTEMBER 15, 1944
United States Army and Marine assault troops established beachheads in the Palau Islands on September 14 (West Longitude Date) with the support of carrier aircraft and surface combat ships of the Third Fleet under the command of Admiral Halsey. Enemy defenses are being heavily bombed and shelled at close range.
Amphibious operations against the Palau Islands are being directed by Vice Admiral T. S. Wilkinson, U. S. Navy, Commander Third Amphibious Force.
Expeditionary troops are commanded by Major General Julian C. Smith. USMC.
The landings are continuing against stiff ground opposition.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 118, SEPTEMBER 15, 1944
United States Marines are developing a beachhead in the southern portion of Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, and are closing in upon the principal airport in the island group. The beachhead extends for approximately one and one half miles along the southwestern shore of Peleliu. Several enemy counterattacks, employing tanks, were thrown back during September 14 (West Longitude Date) by our ground forces assisted by strong air support and Naval gunfire. Our casualties during the first day of the assault were light, although the landing beaches have been under sporadic mortar and artillery fire.
The landings on Peleliu Island were supported by carrier based aircraft which bombed, strafed, and launched rockets against enemy installations immediately behind the landing beaches on September 14. Gun emplacements and other defense installations on the northern end of the island were also heavily bombed. We lost one plane and four flight personnel in these attacks.
The fast carrier task force covering and supporting the landings by far ranging operations throughout the Western Pacific are commanded by Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, U. S. Navy.
The amphibious assault troops engaged are under the command of Major General Roy S. Geiger, USMC, Commander, Third Amphibious Corps.
The initial landings were made by the First Marine Division, commanded by Major General William H. Rupertus, USMC The ships in direct support are commanded by Rear Admiral George H. Fort, U. S. Navy.
Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Shimushu Island on September 12, setting buildings afire. Antiaircraft fire was ineffective. Seven enemy fighters rose to intercept our force but did not press home the attack. During the night of September 13 14 Eleventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed installations at Paramushiru. All returned undamaged to their base.
Three Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Iwo Jima on September 13, dropping 52 tons of bombs on the airfield and adjacent installa¬tions. Large explosions visible for many miles were observed. Enemy air¬craft made no attempt at interception. All planes returned safely.
Pagan Island installations were bombed by Thunderbolts of the Seventh Army Air Force on September 13. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. On the same day fighter planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing hit gun positions on Rota, encountering meager antiaircraft fire.
Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing made further neutralization raids on the Marshall Island Atolls of Mille, Jaluit, and Wotje on September 12 and 13.
Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force flew through moderate antiair¬craft fire to bomb Marcus Island on September 13.

 

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Sept 16th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 3 B-24s bomb Kataoka naval base on Shimushu; 4 B-25s abort a shipping sweep due to weather and mechanical difficulties.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): 19 B-24s haul fuel to Liuchow, China. In spite of bad weather in Burma, 4 P-47s sweep the Lungling, China-Wanling- Loiwing road and 5 damage a bridge approach at Manyut. A detachment of the 3d Combat Cargo Squadron, 1st Combat Cargo Group, based at Sylhet, India, begins operating from Yunnani, China with C-47s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 20 B-24s bomb Hengyang; 12 B-25s bomb Kutkai; 28 B-25s hit targets in China, including the Yuangshaho ferry, Pakmushih, Chuanhsien, and Lengshuitang; 130+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance hit targets of opportunity in the Mangshih and Lungling area and from N of Tangyang and along the Yangtze River southward including areas around Changsha, Kiyang, Samshui, Chuanhsien, Lingling, and Kwongning; flights of the 35th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Fourteenth AF, based at Kunming, begin operating from Nanning and Yunnani with F-5s.

CANADA: The Second Quebec Conference (Octagon) attended by US President Franklin D Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Canadian Prime Minister MacKenzie King and the Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS) ends. The CCS approves Admiral William F Halsey's plan to move the date of the Leyte invasion from 20 December to 20 October. Agreement is also reached on invading Japan; Kyushu will be invaded in October 1945 and Honshu in December 1945.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 17 Saipan based B-24s bomb Iwo Jima; 3 others on training and armed reconnaissance missions bomb Pagan and Marcus s. P-47s pound enemy positions on Pagan. B-24s in the Marshall s bomb Emidj , Jaluit Atoll, Marshall s. The 548th Night Fighter Squadron, 7th Fighter Wing, arrives at Hickam Field, Hawaii from the US with P-61s and begins flying patrols over the Pacific. Three USAAF Seventh Air Force B-24 Liberators bomb Marcus Island. The island is located in the North Pacific about 768 nautical miles WNW of Wake Island and is used as a refueling point for Japanese aircraft en route to the Central Pacific.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb Kendari air depot and Ambesia Airfield while B-25s attack a large warehouse at Gorontalo and B-24s and B-25s hit Kairatoe and Kamarian. B-25s and B-24s pound Namlea on Buru , Liang on Ambon, Haroekoe, and Laha on Amboina. Fighter-bombers hit Manokwari, Sagan, Moemi, and Warren airstrips; HQ 42d Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from Hollandia to Sansapor; the 64th Troop Carrier Squadron, 403d Troop Carrier Group, moves from Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, Solomon s, to Biak with C-47s; and the 418th Night Fighter Squadron, 310th Bombardment Wing (Medium), moves from Hollandia to Owi, with P-61s.

EAST INDIES: The British Eastern Fleet begins 4 days of air strikes on Sigli on the northwestern tip of Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies.
Japanese aircraft make light raids on U.S. ground and naval forces involved in the invasion of Morotai in the Netherlands East Indies.
The USAAF Far East Air Force attacks various islands. On Celebes Island, B-24 Liberators bomb Kendari air depot and Ambesia Airfield while B-25 Mitchells attack a large warehouse at Gorontalo and B-24s and B-25s hit Kairatoe on Halmahera Island and Kamarian. B-25s and B-24 Liberators pound Namlea and Liang on Ceram Island, Haroekoe on Haroekoe Island, and Laha on Amboina Island.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: In the Palau Islands, the beachhead on Peleliu in the Palaus Islands is consolidated by the Marines, including capturing part of the airfield.

USN: F6F Hellcat 58043 crashes strafing Galea

PACIFIC OCEAN: Five Japanese ships are sunk by USN aircraft and submarines:
(1) South of Formosa, USS Picuda sinks an army cargo ship in Bashi Channel and USS Redfish (SS-395) sinks a fleet tanker;
(2) USS Sea Devil sinks submarine HIJMS I-364 off Yokosuka, Japan;
(3) an army cargo ship is sunk by aircraft southwest of Mindanao, Philippine Islands;
(4) a cargo vessel is sunk by a mine south of Mindanao.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 119, SEPTEMBER 16, 1944
During September 15 (West Longitude Date) United States Marines made some additional gains against strong opposition on Peleliu Island and captured the airfield at the southern end. The enemy has launched several strong counterattacks against our positions but has been thrown back each time.
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An attack begun by our forces on the early morning of September 15, preceded by aerial bombing and Naval gunfire, resulted in steady advances through well organized defenses in depth. This attack was supported by artillery, tanks, Naval gunfire, and bombing. Several enemy tanks were reported destroyed. Our troops had counted more than 1400 enemy dead by nightfall on September 15. Severe fighting continues.
Carrier aircraft continued to give close support to our ground forces throughout September 15. Enemy troop concentrations, gun positions, and supplies were bombed. Carrier planes also bombed airfield installations at Babelthuap, the northernmost island in the Palau Group. Several fires were started by strafing.
Seventy two tons of bombs were dropped on Dublon and Moen in the Truk Atoll by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force on September 14. Five enemy planes intercepted our force and one Liberator was damaged. The enemy planes were driven off with probable damage to one. Antiaircraft fire was meager. On the same day Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Ponape Island in the Carolines.
Paramushiru in the Kuriles was bombed by Eleventh Army Air Force Liberators at night on September 12. Antiaircraft fire was meager and all of our planes returned. Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four attacked Paramushiru on September 14, setting fire to several buildings. Intercepting enemy aircraft damaged one Ventura. Two of the interceptors were probably damaged. All of our planes returned.
Pagan Island was attacked on September 14 by Thunderbolts of the Seventh Army Air Force. Gun emplacements were hit with rockets and strafed. One plane was damaged by antiaircraft fire.
Gun emplacements at Wotje Atoll were bombed on September 14 by Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.
A single search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two strafed and damaged two enemy sailboats at Lemotrek Island, east of Woleai, on September 14. Another search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two on routine patrol near Iwo Jima on September 14 sighted two large landing craft escorted by a fighter plane: Both landing craft were strafed and the enemy plane was shot down.

 

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Sept 17th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Kurile Islands, two USAAF Eleventh Air Force B-24 Liberators abort a mission to Suribachi on Paramushiru Island due to weather and four B-25 Mitchells fly an unsuccessful shipping sweep. Four PV-1 Venturas of the USN's Bombing Squadron One Hundred Thirty Six (VB-136) based on Attu attack Parmushiru and Shimushu Islands. The aircraft flown by the squadron commander is damaged and forced to land in the USSR where the crew is interned. As a result of this mishap, further Empire Express missions are canceled and VB-136 missions are restricted to sector searches or special photo missions where the speed of the PV-1 is required.BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 8 P-47s bomb Katha, 8 hit Momauk and Wanling, and 8 others attack Bhamo; 6 B-25s hit Mangshih while 3 others bomb Indaw; 16 B-24s haul fuel to Liuchow, China; C-47s fly 200+ sorties delivering personnel and supplies to various points in the CBI.

BURMA: Tuitum falls to the Indian 5th Division.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 29 B-24s bomb Changsha; 27 B-25s hit Hwangshapu, Kiyang, and Nanyo; 130+ P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance attack town areas, strongpoints, shipping, railway targets, gun positions, trucks, and other targets of opportunity from NE of Ichang southward through Hunan Province and beyond; areas hit include Changsha, Kiyang, Lingling, Chuanhsien, Siangtan, Hengshan, Kweiyang, and Lingkuantien, plus scattered targets of opportunity elsewhere; the 35th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Fourteenth AF, moves from Kunming to Chanyi with F-5s (flights are operating from Nanning and Yunnani).

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): A B-24 on a snooper mission from Saipan bombs Iwo Jima ; armed reconnaissance over Marcus is unsuccessful due to bad weather.

NAURU ISLAND: USAAF Seventh Air Force B-25 Mitchells bomb the island. Nauru Island is a 21 square kilometer (8 square mile) island in the South Pacific Ocean, located about halfway between the Gilbert and Solomon Islands. The island is rich in phosphate deposits and was occupied by the Japanese on 25 August 1942.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Ground echelon of HQ 497th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) and the 869th, 870th and 871st Bombardment Squadrons (Very Heavy), arrive at Isley Field from the US (first mission is 28 Oct).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-25s bomb Buayoan Airfield on Mindanao . B-24s, B-25s, and P-38s hit Langoan Airfield on Celebes . B-25s and P-39s, fighting bad weather, attack a variety of targets, including airfields and villages in Amboina-Ceram s area. InNew Guinea, P-47s and P-40s pound the airfield on Samate.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: In the Palau Islands, the 321st and 322d Infantry Regiments of the U.S. Army's 81st Infantry Division land on Angaur Island in the Palau Islands; resistance is strong from the 1,600 man Japanese garrison. During the afternoon, USN carrier-based F6F Hellcats attack U.S. Army ground troops killing seven and wounding 46. All close-air support missions are temporarily halted on Angaur.
Most of the south end of Peleliu Island is held by U.S. Marines. Attacks on the Japanese positions on Mount Umurbrogol begin, marking the tough fighting ahead.

EAST INDIES: U.S. Army action on Morotai Island in the Netherlands East Indies subsides to patrolling in order to locate small Japanese parties.
In the Netherlands East Indies, USAAF Far East Air Force B-24, B-25s, and P-38s hit Langoan Airfield on Celebes Island while B-25s and P-39s, fighting bad weather, attack a variety of targets, including airfields and villages in Amboina-Ceram Islands area.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: USAAF Far East Air Force B-25 Mitchells bomb Buayan Aerodrome on Mindanao.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 120, SEPTEMBER 17, 1944
United States Army assault troops established beachheads on Angaur Island, the southernmost of the Palau Islands, on September 16 (West Longitude Date). Carrier based aircraft of the Pacific Fleet heavily bombed the island prior to the landings, and cruisers and destroyers took enemy defensive positions under deliberate fire.
The initial landings were made by troops of the 81st Infantry Division, commanded by Major General Paul J. Mueller, U.S.A. The ships in direct support are commanded by Rear Admiral W. H. P. Blandy, U. S. Navy.
All initial objectives have been gained against resistance which so far has been relatively light.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 121, SEPTEMBER 17, 1944
The First Marine Division continued to encounter heavy opposition on Peleliu Island during September 16 (West Longitude Date), but extended the area under their control in the southwestern peninsula and moved ahead in a northerly direction approximately a third of a mile. Our attack was preceded by bombing and Naval gunfire. The enemy is using artillery and mortars in considerable numbers against our positions although many have been destroyed by bombing and counter battery fire. On Angaur Island, troops of the 81st Infantry Division have joined the beachheads established on the north and northeast sectors of the island, and have pushed inland more than a thousand yards against light opposition. The northeast third of Angaur is now in our hands.
Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was bombed on September 14 (West Longitude Date) by a single Liberator of the Seventh Army Air Force and by Liberators in greater number on September 15. In the latter attack the airstrips and surrounding areas were bombed causing large explosions and starting fires. Four enemy planes attempted interception without success. There was moderate antiaircraft fire, which did no damage.
Pagan Island in the Marianas was attacked twice on September 15 by the Seventh Army Air Force. Liberators attacked early in the day followed by Thunderbolts which launched rockets and strafed gun positions and the runway. There was meager antiaircraft fire. There were two attacks against Rota on September 14. In the afternoon Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Air¬craft Wing strafed gun positions and Navy Hellcat fighter planes strafed the airfield at night. Rota was again visited by Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on September 15. The runway and gun emplacements were bombed and strafed.
Gun positions and the airfield at Ponape were bombed on September 14 by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells.
On September 15 a single Seventh Army Air Force Liberator bombed Marcus Island.
The same day Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing dropped six tons of bombs on Wotje. One of our planes was shot down. The crew was rescued. Corsairs again bombed Wotje on September 16.
A lone Catalina search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two attacked Nauru on the night of September 16.

 

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Sept 18th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 9 P-47s pound Japanese positions in the Myothit area; 8 B-25s hit supply dumps and installations at Chefang, China; 18 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow, China; and 200+ other sorties by C-47s deliver men and supplies to several points in the CBI. The detachment of the 2d Combat Cargo Squadron, 1st Combat Cargo Group, operating from Yunnani, China with C-47s returns to base at Sylhet, India.

INDIAN OCEAN: West of Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies, the RN submarine HMS Tradewind torpedoes and sinks the Japanese cargo ship SS Junyo Maru at position 02.52S, 101.12E. The 5,065 ton ship was en route from Java to Sumatra carrying 2,300 Dutch, British, Australian and American POWs and 4,200 Javanese slave labourers (romushas). They were all bound for work on the 136.7 mile long Sumatra Railway Line between Pakan Baru and Muaro. Contrary to the Geneva convention, the ship was not travelling under a Red Cross flag. At about 1730 hours local, the ship was struck by two torpedoes, one forward and one aft. The Japanese crew manned the lifeboats and the escort vessels picked up Japanese survivors. In the morning, a Japanese ship arrived and began picking up survivors. Of the 6,500 men aboard the ship before the attack, only 680 POWS and 200 romushas were saved. They were taken to Sumatra and put to work on the railway where many more died.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 30 B-25s attack town areas and fuel dumps at Lingling, Taohsien, and Chuanhsien and damage the approaches to the Lingling ferry crossing; 4 B-24s over the Formosa Strait claim 1 freighter sunk; about 115 P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance attack troops, trucks, tanks, shipping, town areas, and other targets of opportunity throughout Hunan Province S of Tungting Lake to Luicbow Peninsula and Chikhorn Bay; and the 529th Fighter Squadron, 311th Fighter Group, based at Pungchacheng with P-51s, sends a detachment to operate from Hsian.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 2 B-24s on armed reconnaissance from Saipan bomb Marcus . 28 Eniwetok Atoll based B-24s bomb Truk . Gilbert s-based B-25s pound Ponape .

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): HQ 499th and 500th Bombardment Groups (Very Heavy) arrive at Isley Field from the US; and the 3d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (Very Heavy), 11th Photographic Group (Mapping), arrives on Saipan from the US with F-13s (the squadron will fly photo, electronic and weather recon in the W Pacific, 1 Nov 44-Sep 45).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s blast several targets in the Davao, Mindanao area, including oil storage at Sasa. B-25s hit Langoan Airfield and lake area on Celebes . Bad weather forces B-24s over the Ceram-Amboina s area to individually attack targets which include 4 airfields. B-25s hit Samate Airfield and fighter-bombers hit the airfield and town of Manokwari and AA guns at Moemi; HQ 310th Bombardment Wing (Medium) moves from Hollandia to Morotai ; and the 371st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy), based on Wakde with B-24s begins operating from Noemfoor. Written off after a take off accident is A-20G "Je Reviens" 43-9458.

EAST INDIES: No. 61 Airfield Construction Wing of the Royal Australian Air Force arrive off Morotai.

PULAU: US Marines attack mount Umurbrogol on Peleliu. They run into strong resistance from the dug in Japanese and make no gain for their heavy losses. The advance on Angaur, near Peleliu, continues.

PTO: The destroyer USS Case rendezvouzes with the submarine USS Sealion and transfers a medical officer and medical supplies to treat the 73 British and 54 Australian POWs who survived the sinking of the Japanese transport Rakuyo Maru 3 days ago.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 122, SEPTEMBER 18, 1944
During the night of September 16 17 (West Longitude Date) the enemy counterattacked the western flank of our forward lines on Peleliu Island, but was thrown back. An attack launched by the First Marine Division in the early morning of September 17 resulted in further gains to the north, and the occupation of Asias Town. Meantime mopping up operations in the southern sector progressed and Ngarmoked Island off the southern tip of Peleliu was captured. Two enemy aircraft bombed our positions on September 17, but caused no casualties. Seabees are at work rebuilding the Peleliu Airfield. Heavy fighting continues.
On Angaur Island several enemy counterattacks have been repulsed and good progress has been made by the 81st Infantry Division. The northern half of the island excepting some strong-points along the western shore is under our control. Through September 17 our forces had wiped out 5,495 enemy troops on Peleliu and 48 on Angaur.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 559, SEPTEMBER 18, 1944
Major General Francis P. Mulcahy, USMC, has been designated Com¬manding General of Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force, succeeding Major General Ross E. Rowell, USMC, it was announced today by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas.
The change in designation for Marine aviation in the Pacific from Marine Aircraft Wings Pacific to Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force, was announced simultaneously.

 

[syscom3]

Sept 19th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Kuriles, 2 B-25s fly a shipping sweep over Tomari Cape; and 4 B-24s off to strike Kurabu Cape turn back due to weather and mechanical failures.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): 18 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow and Chengkuing, China. C-47s transports fly 100+ sorties carrying men and supplies to several CBI locations.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 28 B-25s bomb Lingling, Lengsbuitang, Chuanhsien, Sinning, and Shanhsien; 150+ P-40s and P-51s pound numerous targets of opportunity during armed reconnaissance flights from the Tungting Lake-C Yangtze River area to the S China Sea; and the fighter-bombers particularly concentrate on road transport in the Changsha area and supply dumps, buildings, and trucks near Sintsiang.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 29 Saipan based B-24s blast shipping at Chichi Jima . 24 P-47s bomb and strafe AA positions and storage areas on Pagan. 3 B-24s on snooper and armed reconnaissance missions bomb Iwo Jima and Marcus.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Ground echelons of the 881st, 882d and 883d Bombardment Squadrons (Very Heavy), 500th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy), arrive at Isley Field from the US (first mission is 11 Nov).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Striking all principal targets in NE Celebes, B-24s, B-25s, and P-38s hit the Amoerang port area, Menado fuel tanks and shipping personnel areas and AA guns at Mapanget and Sidate, bivouac, supply areas, and lookout towers along Lembeh Strait, Langoan Airfield, and Kakas rest camp. In New Guinea, HQ 8th Fighter Group and the 36th Fighter Squadron move from Owi, to Morotai with P-38s; and HQ 347th Fighter Group and the 339th Fighter Squadron move from Sansapor to Middleburg with P-38s.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: On Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, the Japanese on the peaks of central ridge continues to hold up the 1st and 7th Marine Regiments; however, elements of 1st, advancing along East Road, push through Asias village. The 5th Marine Regiment secures the eastern arm of the island with little difficulty.

On Angaur Island in the Palau Islands, the Army's 81st Infantry Division commits four battalions the main effort of clearing southern Angaur and splitting Japanese forces there. Little opposition is met as assault forces establish a line across southern Angaur from Garangaoi Cove eastward, but some resistance is bypassed on the southeastern coast.

EAST INDIES: On Morotai Island in the Halmahera Islands of the Netherlands East Indies, work is begun on a bomber airstrip, Wama Airfield at Gotalalamo. The existing fighter base, Pitoe Airfield, becomes known as Moratai or Pitu Airfield.
Striking all principal targets in the northeastern Celebes Islands, Netherlands East Indies, US Far East Air Forces B-24 Liberators, B-25 Mitchells, and P-38 Lightnings hit the Amoerang port area, Menado fuel tanks and shipping personnel areas and antiaircraft guns at Mapanget and Sidate, bivouac, supply areas, and lookout towers along Lembeh Strait, Langoan Airfield, and Kakas rest camp. On Halmahera Island during the night of 19/20 September, USAAF Fifth Air Force A-20 Havocs and P-47 Thunderbolts strike Kaoe Aerodrome while B-24 Liberators, B-25 Mitchells, and fighter-bombers, attack airfields at Amahai Airfeild on Amahai Island, Namlea Seaplane Base on Buroe Island, Liang (Laha, Ambon East) on Ambon Island, the town of Lautem on Dutch Timor Island, and several targets of opportunity.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 123, SEPTEMBER 19, 1944
First Marine Division troops on Peleliu Island scored further gains in a northeasterly direction during September 18 (West Longitude Date), securing Ngardololok Town and bringing most of the eastern coastal area under control. There was no significant change in our positions in the center and along the west coast. The enemy, fighting from pillboxes, trenches and other prepared fortifications, supported by mortars and artillery, continues to offer stubborn resistance. Found in badly damaged condition on the Peleliu Airfield were 77 single engine fighter aircraft, 28 medium bombers, eight light bombers, and four transport plane
On Angaur Island further southward advances have been made and two thirds of the island is in the hands of the 81st Infantry Division. The enemy now occupies only two isolated pockets of the island. During September 1 Saipan Town and Middle Village were occupied.
A landing craft equipped as a gunboat (LCI 459) struck a mine while firing rockets in close support of our troops on Peleliu on September 17, and sank in about 20 minutes. Two of the crew were wounded, but all are safe.
Shimushu Island in the Kuriles was bombed by Eleventh Army Air Force Liberators during the night of September 16. Antiaircraft fire was inaccurate and all our planes returned to their base. Shimushu and Paramushiru were attacked on September 17 by search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four. Buildings were set afire. A small boat, loaded with enemy personnel, and a warship, thought to be a destroyer, were strafed off the east coast of Paramushiru. Several enemy fighter planes intercepted and one was shot down. One of our planes was damaged.
Iwo Jima was attacked on the night of September 16 (West Longitude Date) by a single plane. There was no antiaircraft fire.
Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Marcus Island on September 17. Antiaircraft fire varied from meager to intense. On the same day Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells flew through moderate antiaircraft fire to bomb runways, bivouac areas, and gun emplacements on Nauru Island.
Further neutralization raids were carried out against Wotje in the Marshalls on September 16 and 17. Both attacks were directed at storage areas and encountered meager antiaircraft fire. On September 16 Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Jaluit.

 

[syscom3]

Sept 20th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, P-47s hit the Kadu rail siding, Nyaungbintha, Indaw, and troops at Hkaungtung; 3 B-25s weathered out of the Bhamo area hit alternates at Indaw; C-47s continue large-scale operations to several points in the CBI.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 27 B-25s bomb Lingling, Chuanhsien, and Kiyang and hit targets of opportunity throughout the Chuanhsien area; 100+ P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance over wide areas of SE China attack troops, horses, trucks, shipping, and other targets of opportunity, particularly concentrating on areas around Chuanhsien, Lingling, Kiyang, Changsha, and Yiyang.
CHINA: U.S. General Joseph Stilwell learns that his plan for the defense of Kweilin has been accepted by Chinese Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek and issues orders accordingly.

INDIA: The All-India Congress begins today in Bombay and continues until 23 September. Under the leadership of Mohandas K. Gandhi and Pandit Jawarharlal Nehru, they consider the British government's offer of India autonomy. The delegates call the plan unsatisfactory and demand the British to "quit India."

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): P-47s from Saipan bomb and strafe gun positions on Pagan. B-24s hit Jaluit Atoll while Makin based B-25s pound Nauru.

MARCUS ISLAND: A lone USAAF Seventh Air Force B-24 Liberator on armed reconnaissance, bombs Marcus Island. The island is located in the North Pacific about 768 nautical miles WNW of Wake Island and is used as a refueling point for Japanese aircraft en route to the Central Pacific.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: On Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, the firm Japanese defense of the central ridge system on western arm virtually halts forward movement of the 1st and 7th Marines. The 1st Marines is so depleted in strength that 7th Marines relieves all its troops but those along West Road. The 5th Marines is mopping up eastern arm.
On Angaur Island in the Palau Islands, Major General Paul J Mueller, Commanding General, 81st Infantry Division, declares organized resistance at an end as the Army's 321st Infantry Regiment drives to the southern end of island and begins mopping up scattered Japanese. The Japanese remaining on Angaur are concentrated in northwestern part of the island and are prepared for a prolonged defense of a broad, deep, bowl-shaped depression in the Lake Salome area. The 322d Infantry Regiment tries to reach the bowl from different directions, but makes little headway. Construction of Angaur Airstrip is begun in the southern part of the island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Despite poor weather over Celebes, the Menado area is again attacked and B-24s hit Mapanget and Sidate Airfields and supply dumps and other targets of opportunity. B-24s hit Djailolo and A-20s and P-47s during the night of 19/20 Sep strike Kaoe Airfields. B-24s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers, striking during the night of 19/20 Sep and during the day, pound airfields at Amahai, Namlea on Buru , Liang and Ambon on Amboina , the town of Lautem on Timor , and several targets of opportunity. During the night of 20/21 Sep a few B-24s again hit the Menado and Sidate area. Fighter-bombers hit AA guns and targets of opportunity at Moemi and Ransiki Airfield and hit a supply dump further E along the Orai River; the 75th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 42d Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Hollandia to Sansapor with B-25s; the 80th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, moves from Owi, to Morotai with P-38s; the 370th and 372d Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy), based on Wakde with B-24s, begin operating from Noemfoor.

EAST INDIES: On Morotai Island in the Halmahera Islands of the Netherlands East Indies, the beachhead perimeter has been expanded to provide space for additional airfield construction, extending about 1,000 yards N of the original site and some 10,000 yards E along the shore to the Sabatai River.
In the air over the Netherlands East Indies, despite poor weather over Celebes Island, the USAAF's Far East Air Forces attacks the Menado area and B-24 Liberators hit Mapenget and Sidate Airfields and supply dumps and other targets of opportunity. On Halmahera Island, B-24 Liberators hit Djailolo Aerodrome. USAAF Fifth Air Force B-24s, B-25 Mitchells, and fighter-bombers, striking at Amahai Airfield on Amahai Island, Namlea Seaplane Base on Buroe Island, Liang (Laha, Ambon East) on Ambon Island, the town of Lautem on Dutch Timor Island, and several targets of opportunity. at Amahai on Ceram Island, Namlea on Buru Island, Liang and Laha on Amboina Island, the town of Lautem on Timor Island, and several targets of opportunity. During the night of 20/21 September a few B-24s again hit the Menado and Sidate area on Celebes Island.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 124, SEPTEMBER 20, 1944
During the afternoon of September 19 (West Longitude Date) organized enemy resistance ceased on Angaur Island. The 81st Infantry Division is proceeding with mopping up operations.
Shore installations and bivouac areas at Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands were bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on September 18. A direct hit and two near misses were obtained in attacking a medium cargo vessel at anchor in Futami Harbor, and numerous barges were bombed. The cargo ship was left burning and eight to 10 barges were destroyed. Antiaircraft fire was meager.
Pagan Island in the Marianas was bombed and strafed by Thunderbolts of the Seventh Army Air Force on September 18. Antiaircraft emplacements and storage facilities were the principal targets, and several fires were started.
Marcus Island was attacked by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on the same day, and Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells bombed Ponape Island, hitting gun positions and the airstrip in the latter attack.
Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Wotje Atoll in the Marshalls on September 18, dropping 27 tons on barracks areas.
All of our aircraft returned from the foregoing missions.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 125, SEPTEMBER 20, 1944
During September 19 (West Longitude Date) the First Marine Division continued to apply heavy pressure on the left flank of our front on Peleliu Island, seeking to dislodge the enemy from strong defensive positions in the rough terrain which parallels the western shore. The enemy resistance is bitter, but slow progress is being made, and in one sector 11 field guns, 70 machine guns, and 23 mortars have been captured by our forces. Small local advances were made on the left during September 19, but there was no ap¬preciable change in our line. On the right flank, along the eastern shore, additional gains were scored and virtually all enemy resistance has been mopped up. The small unnamed island below Ngabad Island was occupied by our forces during the day.
Mopping up on Angaur Island by troops of the 81st Infantry Division continues. Our forces have killed an estimated 7045 enemy troops on Peleliu and 600 on Angaur. Enemy aircraft dropped two bombs near positions occupied by our forces during the night of September 18 19, but caused no damage.

 

[syscom3]

Sept 21st 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 7 B-25s hit Man Mawn and 1 other bombs Indaw; 21 B-24s haul fuel to Liuchow, China. 170+ other transport sorties are flown to various terminal points in CBI.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 27 B-25s pound Kiyang, Yungming, Lingling and areas to the N, and the area W of Chuanhsien; 100+ P-40s and P-51s attack buildings, river shipping, troops, horses, and supplies at numerous points especially around Sinshih, Kiyang, Wuchou, and Isuho.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 5 B-24s on armed reconnaissance and training missions from Saipan bomb Marcus and Pagan s. B-25s, based in the Gilberts, strike Ponape .

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s attack Ambon on Amboina and Kairatoe Airfield on Celebes and shipping in Piroe Bay. On Celebes, P-38s and B-25s hit Menado, Tomohon, the Kakas rest camp, small craft near Belang , Kairatoe, and Namlea Airfield on Buru , and a barge off Kaoe Point, Halmahera. Fighter-bombers hit Windissi and Ransiki and strafe targets of opportunity near the Orai River; during the night of 21/22 Sep fighter-bombers hit the Geelvink Bay-Bentoni Bay area; the 13th Troop Carrier Squadron, 403d Troop Carrier Group, moves from Espiritu Santo to Biak with C-47s (squadron is operating from Los Negros); the detachment of the 421st Night Fighter Squadron, V Fighter Command, operating from Wakde with P-38s and P-61s, returns to base at Nadzab.

AUSTRALIA: U.S. General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander South West Pacific Area, radios the U.S. Chiefs of Staff that he can mount a major assault on Luzon, Philippine Islands about 20 December as a result of the acceleration of the Leyte invasion; he also suggests that the Formosa operation may be unnecessary if Luzon is occupied.
Australian General Thomas Blamey, commander of the Allied Land Forces South West Pacific Area and commander of the Australian Military Force, tells the Australian Advisory War Council that he will have two divisions available for the upcoming invasion of the Philippines. This is addition to Australian responsibilities in New Guinea and adjacent islands.

EAST INDIES: Radar is established on Raoe Island, off the west coast Morotai Island, Halmahara Islands, Netherlands East Indies.
In the air over the Netherlands East Indies, USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24s attack Liang (Laha or Ambon East) Airfield on Ambon Island, Kairatoe Airfield on Halmahara Island and shipping in Piroe Bay, Ceram, Moluccas Islands. On Celebes Island, P-38s and B-25s hit Menado, Tomohon, the Kakas rest camp, small craft near Belang Island, Kairatoe Airfield on Halmahara Island, Namlea Seaplane Base on Buroe Island, and a barge off Kaoe Point, Celebes Island.

MARCUS ISLAND: USAAF Seventh Air Force B-24 Liberators on an armed reconnaissance and training mission bomb the island. The island is located in the North Pacific about 768 nautical miles WNW of Wake Island and is used as a refueling point for Japanese aircraft en route to the Central Pacific.

NEW GUINEA: In Dutch New Guinea, USAAF Far East Air Forces fighter-bombers hit Windissi and Ransiki (Moemi North) Aerodrome and strafe targets of opportunity near the Orai River; during the night of 21/22 September fighter-bombers hit the Geelvink Bay-Bentoni Bay area.

PACIFIC: USN submarines sink five Japanese ships:
(1) USS Haddo , while lifeguarding for Task Force 38, sinks a surveying ship 80 miles SW of Manila;
(2) off the north coast of Luzon, USS Picuda and USS Redfish sink two transports;
(3) USS Searaven sinks a Kurils-bound army transport northeast of Hokkaido; and
(4) USS Shad sinks an auxiliary minesweeper east of Honshu, Japan.

USN carrier-based aircraft attack Japanese convoy about 44 nautical miles NW of Olongapo, Luzon, Philippine Islands in postions 15.25N, 119.50E. Seven ships are sunk. One of the ships is the Japanese transport SS Hofuku Maru which is carrying 1,289 British and Dutch POWs en route from Singapore, Malaya, to Japan. This ship had unloaded sick and dying POWs in Manila and sailed again in convoy and is attacked again when only three days out. It took only a few minutes for the ship to go down drowning around 1,047 men who are trapped in the holds; less than 250 survived.

PALAU ISLANDS: On Peleliu, the progress of the 1st Marine Division against the central ridges is still negligible.
On Angaur , elements of 322d Infantry Regiment break into the Lake Salome bowl on northwestern Angaur but pull back for the night since their positions are untenable. The attack is preceded by a heavy volume of artillery fire and bombardment of the position by USN aircraft. The 321st Infantry Regiment is alerted for a movement to Peleliu so that 1st Marines can be withdrawn from there and the 322d Infantry Regiment thus becomes responsible for south Angaur as well as the stubborn pocket on the northeastern end.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: Aircraft from the twelve aircraft carriers of Task Groups 38.1, 38.2 and 38.3 begin attacks on shipping in Manila and Subic Bay, Clark and Nichols Fields and Cavite Navy Yard. Carrier-based aircraft sink 22 Japanese ships and then attack a convoy west of Luzon sinking another 6 ships.

UNITED STATES: Hawaiian Territorial Governor Ingram Stainback orders Honolulu brothels closed.
CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 126, SEPTEMBER 21, 1944
The First Marine Division made minor gains in a northerly direction along the western ridge of Peleliu Island on September 24 (West Longitude Date) facing stiff opposition from the enemy troops well entrenched in pre¬cipitous terrain. Our attack was preceded by gunfire from cruisers and destroyers and by bombing.
Meantime, our forces occupied the entire east coast of Peleliu, including the island of Ngabad.
More enemy equipment has been captured consisting of six trench mortars and 31 machine guns. An additional 10 enemy aircraft have been found destroyed on the airfield.
The 81st Division is continuing mopping up operations on Angaur.
Enemy troops killed on Peleliu number 8,792. Enemy troops killed on Angaur number 850.
The airfield and installations on Babelthuap and the seaplane base at Arakabesan were bombed on September 20.
Seventh Army Air Force Thunderbolts strafed and bombed gun emplacements on Pagan in the Marianas on September 19.
Aircraft of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed storage areas at Rota Island on September 18 and attacked it again on September 19, causing several explosions and starting fires.
A single plane bombed Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on September 18. There was no antiaircraft fire.
Truk Atoll was the target of Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on September 18. Sixty nine tons of bombs were dropped on the airfield at Moen. Four enemy aircraft attempted interception. Antiaircraft fire was meager. Three Liberators were slightly damaged but all returned.
Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Paramushiru in the Kuriles on September 19. Direct hits were scored on communication facilities. Later the same day a single Eleventh Army Air Force Mitchell bomber attacked Paramushiru, encountering meager antiaircraft fire. All planes returned safely.
Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Wotje, in the Marshalls, on September 19. Bivouac areas, storage areas, and communication facilities were bombed. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 127, SEPTEMBER 21, 1944
Carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet swept the island of Luzon in the heart of the Philippines on September 20 (West Longitude Date) striking in great force at shipping in Manila Bay and in Subic Bay, at enemy Installa¬tions at Clark Field and Nichols Field near Manila, and at the Cavite Naval Base.
One hundred and ten enemy aircraft were shot down in the air and 95 were destroyed on the ground. The following additional damage was inflicted on the enemy
Enemy ships sunk: Enemy ships damaged,
One large destroyer leader including those probably sunk
Four large oil tankers One destroyer
One small oil tanker Two large oil tankers
Two large cargo ships One large transport
One medium cargo ship Ten large cargo ships
Two small cargo ships Twelve medium cargo ships
One floating dry dock
Two barges
In addition to the heavy shipping and aircraft losses inflicted upon the enemy, much damage was done to military objectives on and adjacent to Clark Field and Nichols Field, and to the fields themselves. Our losses in this superlatively successful attack which apparently caught the enemy completely by surprise, were 15 aircraft from which several of the flight personnel were recovered. There was no damage to our surface ships.

 

[syscom3]

Sept 22nd 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): 13 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow, China; C-47s fly 170+ sorties to various points in the CBI. The detachment of the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, 8th Photogrpahic Reconnaissance Group, moves from Liuchow to Chanyi, China with F-7s (the squadron is based at Guskhara).

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 24 B-24s pound Hankow; 12 B-25s and 7 P-51s hit the Hengyang road junction and ferry; 7 B-25s bomb Kianghwa while 6 P-51s damage a nearby bridge; 5 B-25s hit Yungming; 44 P-40s and P-51s blast targets of opportunity along roads in the Changsha, Siangtaii, and Sintsiang areas. 50+ other P-40s and P-51s hit various targets of opportunity around Chuanhsien, Paoching, Lingling, Hankow, and Kiyang.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 15 Saipan -based B-24s strike shipping at Chichi Jima. In the Mariana s, 24 P-47s strafe Pagan and bomb Anatahan . 3 B-24s on a snooper mission and armed reconnaissance flight bomb Iwo Jima and Marcus. 15 B-25s, flying out of Makin bomb Nauru.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Ground echelons of the 877th, 878th and 879th Bombardment Squadrons (Very Heavy), 499th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy), arrive at Isley Field (first mission is 24 Nov).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s pound Sidate and Mapanget. B-24s and B-25s bomb Amahai and Liang on Ambon and the airfield on Haroekoe . In New Guinea, A-20s pound Urarom Airfield while fighter-bombers hit Idorra, Windissi, Moemi, and Kaimana; HQ 5th Bombardment Group moves from Wakde to Noemfoor; the 342d Fighter Squadron, 348th Fighter Group, moves from Wakde Airfield to Noemfoor with P-47s.
RAAF: Lost on a strike to Timor is B-25D A47-3

CAROLINE ISLANDS: On Ulithi Atoll, Regimental Combat Team 323, 81st Infantry Division, lands without opposition and begins securing the atoll.
On Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, the Japanese continue the effective defense of the central ridges and are bringing up reinforcements. The 1st Marine Division observation planes are operating from the airfield.
On Angaur, elements of the 322d Infantry again push into the bowl in the Lake Salome area from the south but retire at night.
General Geiger orders one regiment, the 321st Infantry Regiment, from the 81st Infantry to Peleliu. He is attempting to offset some of the losses incurred by the Marines. A second regiment from this division will be committed before the battle is over.

EAST INDIES: In the Netherlands East Indies, USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24s again bomb Sidate and Mapanget Airfields on Celebes Island. B-24s and B-25 Mitchells bomb Amahai Airfield on Amahai Island, and Haroekoe and Liang (Laha or Ambon East) Airfields on Ambon Island.

NAURU ISLAND: In the air, 15 USAAF Seventh Air Force B-25 Mitchells, flying out of Makin Island, bomb the island.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: Carrier-based aircraft from 12 aircraft carriers USN's Task Groups 38.1, 38.2 and 38.3 continue to wreak havoc on Japanese shipping in the Philippines sinking eight ships and damaging two.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 128, SEPTEMBER 22, 1944
On Peleliu Island the enemy continued to resist bitterly from heavily fortified defense positions on Umurbrogol Mountain during September 21 (West Longitude Date). Troops of the First Marine Division were unable to make any appreciable progress along the western arm of the island. Five heavy caliber enemy guns were captured by our forces during the day. Our front line remains virtually unchanged except for slight northward progress along the west coast. On Angaur the 81st Infantry Division continues to dig remnants of the enemy from caves in the northwestern section of the island. During the day a heavy cruiser shelled enemy defense installations on Koror Island, and scored several direct hits.
Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Rota in the Marianas on September 20. On the same day installations at Pagan were bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. No antiaircraft fire was encountered in either attack.
Seventh Army Air Force Liberators attacked Marcus Island on September 19 and again on September 20. Gun emplacements were bombed in the latter attack. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered. The runway and gun em¬placements on Nauru Island were bombed on September 20 by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.
Jaluit Atoll in the Marshalls was attacked on September 20 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators.

 

[syscom3]

Sept 23rd 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 19 P-47s attack bridges along a line Wanling-Bhamo-Myitkyina destroying 1 bridge; 6 B-25s hit bridges S of Meza, destroying 1 and extensively damaging several others. In China, 19 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow while 2 deliver fuel to Kunming.

CHINA: U.S. Ambassador to China Major General Patrick J Hurley sends a report to President Franklin D Roosevelt and tells him of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek's reaction to his (Roosevelt's) message of 19 September.
On the Salween front, the Japanese send a rescue column to extricate the garrison at Pingka.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 15 B-24s pound the Burma Road in the Chefang area; 36 B-25s hit Chuanhsien and targets of opportunity in surrounding areas; 6 B-25s bomb Kuanyang, 5 hit Yungming, 6 damage Dara bridge, 12 bomb Lungling, and 2 knock out a bridge near Jinyang; 2 B-24s bomb docks at Amoy; again 90+ P-40s and P-51s hit numerous targets of opportunity throughout SE China concentrating on Japanese troops in the Chuanhsien area and various targets around Jungyun, Yuankiang, Yungming, Lingling, and Hsuchang.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 15 B-24s from Saipan bomb Chichi Jima, Haha Jima, and Ani Jima. 2 B-24s on armed reconnaissance bomb Marcus while 1 on a training mission hits Pagan. On the night of 23/24 Sep a B-24 from Kwajalein bombs Wake.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: During night and day raids B-24s and B-25s concentrate on Sidate and Mapanget Airfields on Celebes . P-47s pound Kaoe Airfield. P-47s and P-40s bomb AA guns at Manokwari, Moemi, and Ransiki Airfield; HQ Thirteenth Air Force moves from Hollandia to Noemfoor; the 460th Fighter Squadron, 348th Fighter Group, moves from Nadzab to Noemfoor with P-47s.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: Regimental Combat Team 321 of the 81st Infantry Division arrives on Peleliu Island from Angaur Island and is attached to the 1st Marine Division. After relieving the 1st Marine Regiment on the left flank just north of the third phase line, north of the village of Ngarekeukl, RCT 321 reconnoiters along the coast to Garekoru, near the fourth phase line, without difficulty. Efforts to make a general advance northward, however, fail because of intense fire from the center ridges. The 7th Marine Regiment has the task of supporting the drive of the infantry. On Angaur Island, the 322d Infantry Regiment again drives into the Lake Salome bowl from south but pulls back again when forward positions become untenable.

EAST INDIES: In the Netherlands East Indies, work is begun on another airfield, named Pitoe Drome on Morotai, about 1,200 yards N of Wama Drome.
In the air, during night and day raids USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24s and B-25s concentrate on Sidate and Mapanget Airfields on Celebes Island while P-47s pound Kaoe Airfield on Halmahera Island.

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS: The USN battleship USS West Virginia reaches Pearl Harbor and rejoins the Pacific Fleet, marking the end of the salvage and reconstruction of 18 ships damaged at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941.

NEW GUINEA: At Allied headquarters in Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea, U.S. Lieutenant General Stephen J. Chamberlin, Deputy Chief of Staff South West Pacific Area, tells Australian Lieutenant General Sir Frank Horton Berryman, General Officer Commanding I Australian Corps, that for planning purposes, the roles of I Australian Corps are:
(1) Aparri, Philippine Islands, with an earliest date of 20-30 December 1944;
(2) Sarangani, Philippine Islands after Lingayen Gulf; and
(3) after Sarangani an advance down the west coast of Borneo with Java as an ultimate objective.

PACIFIC OCEAN: In the Straits of Malacca, the German submarine U-859 is sunk about 15 nautical miles W of George Town, Malaya, in position 05.46N, 100.04E, by torpedoes from the RN submarine HMS/M Trenchant. Of the 67 crewmen, 20 survive. Escaping at an unknown depth, an unknown number self escape with Drager gear, the 20 survivors become PoWs.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 129, SEPTEMBER 23, 1944
Carrier based planes bombed Yap Island on September 21, finding new worthwhile targets, no airborne opposition and only moderate antiaircraft fire.
Enemy forces on Peleliu Island were slowly but steadily being pushed toward the northern end of the island during September 22. Garekoru Village and a small, unnamed island along the east coast were occupied by United States Marines. Approximately three fourths of the island is now in our hands.
On the same day seven barges were sighted in the narrow channel between Peleliu and Ngesebus Islands. One was sunk by our patrol vessels and
the remainder dispersed. These were destroyed by bombing, strafing and ships' gunfire after being beached on Peleliu. In the action a small supply dump was also set afire.
At sundown on September 22, 7,020 enemy troops had been killed on Peleliu while 950 had been killed on Angaur.
Pagan and Anatahan in the Marianas were attacked by Seventh Army Air Force Thunderbolts on September 21. On the same day Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing strafed the phosphate plant and storage facilities on Rota Island.
Seventh Army Air Force Liberators attacked shipping in the harbor at Chichi Jima in the Bonins on September 21. One barge was sunk and near misses were scored on a freighter. Large explosions in the harbor area were caused. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.
Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Marcus Island on September 21 and gun positions and areas surrounding the airfield at Ponape were bombed on September 21 by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells.
On the same day Jaluit Atoll was attacked by Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.

 

[syscom3]

Sept 24th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 8 B-24s striking Kurabu Cape Airfield on Paramushiru are challenged by 12 Japanese fighters and 1 of 2 damaged B-24s forcelands in the USSR; one fighter is downed; and 4 B-25s fly a negative shipping search.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, P-47s fly 20 attack sorties against targets in the Mawhun area, including Pinlon; other P-47s fly 13 sorties against targets in the Bhamo area, demolishing a bridge at Manyut and hitting enemy positions at Chayuhkwang. 11 B-24s haul fuel to Liuchow, China. 240+ other C-47 sorties are flown to various points in the CBI.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 26 B-25s bomb Mangshih, Taohsien, and Kuanyang, attack White Cloud Airfield at Canton, and knock out the Dara bridge; 3 others hit targets of opportunity near Changtuikuan and along the Lingling-Siangtan road; 70+ P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance over SW and SE China pound numerous targets of opportunity, especially the town areas and river shipping at Takhing and Sinshih.

(Seventh Air Force): 18 B-24s from Saipan hit harbor facilities in the Bonin's, mostly at Chichi Jima; 2 others on an armed reconnaissance mission bomb Marcus . 16 P-47s strafe AA positions on Rota , Mariana s. 26 B-24s from Kwajalein bomb Truk while 11 B-25s, based in the Gilbert s, hit Ponape ; the detachment of the 28th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Seventh AF, operating from Kwajalein with F-5s begins a movement to Peleliu Airfield.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s and B-25s bomb Amahai Airfield and Boela, Namlea Airfield on Buru, and Haroekoe Airfield on Haroekoe and B-24s hit Lautem on Timor. Fighter-bombers attack Babo, Urarom, and Manokwari Airfields while B-25s bomb Sorong.

BONIN ISLANDS: Eighteen USAAF Seventh Air Force B-24 Liberators from Saipan hit harbor facilities in the Bonin Islands, mostly at Chichi Jima Island.

BURMA: In the Northern Combat Area Command area, the British 36th Division encounters the Japanese in strength while probing southward from Namma and they suspend forward movement until mid-October.
In the air, USAAF Tenth Air Force P-47 Thunderbolts fly 20 attack sorties against targets in the Mawhun area, including Pinlon; other P-47s fly 13 sorties against targets in the Bhamo area, demolishing a bridge at Manyut and hitting Japanese positions at Chayuhkwang.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: Regimental Combat Team 323, 81st Infantry Division, secures the rest of Ulithi Atoll without opposition. The atoll will become an excellent base for the USNs Pacific Fleet during operations against the Philippines.
In the Palau Islands, on Peleliu Island, the 321st Infantry attacks after air, naval, and artillery bombardment, driving through Garekoru to the fourth phase line on the left. Company E, on the right, starts along east-west trail, soon called 321st Infantry Trail, through the central ridge system running from West Road south of Garekoru to the East Road in an effort to pocket strong Japanese forces in the Umurbrogol Mountains, the southern part of the ridge system. A Japanese counterattack at the fourth phase line causes 321st Infantry to fall back a little, but positions are largely restored. A gap develops between the infantry and the 7th Marines, since the latter, to the right rear, has to clear ground that 321st Infantry should have taken. On Angaur Island, when appeal to Japanese to surrender produces only two prisoners, artillery fire is placed on the pocket throughout rest of day and ensuing night.
In the air, 26 USAAF Seventh Air Force B-24 Liberators from Kwajalein Atoll bomb Truk Island while 11 B-25 Mitchells, based in the Gilbert Islands, hit Ponape Island.

MARIANA ISLANDS: Sixteen USAAF Seventh Air Force P-47 Thunderbolts strafe antiaircraft positions on Rota Island.

EAST INDIES: In the Netherlands East Indies, USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24 Liberators and B-25 Mitchells bomb Amahai Airfield on a small island south of Ceram and Boela Aerodrome on Ceram Island, Namlea Airfield on Buroe Island, and Haroekoe Airfield on Haroekoe Island southeast of Ceram and B-24 Liberators hit Lautem on Dutch Timor.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: For the third day, USN carrier-based aircraft from the 12 aircraft carriers of Task Groups 38.1, 38.2 and 38.3 continue their attacks on Japanese shipping. The toll for today is 15 ships sunk and seven damaged. The three task groups will retire tonight to several anchorages for replenishment. US Navy aircraft attack Japanese supply fleet were at anchor in Coron Bay sinking Irako and Akitsushima.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 130, SEPTEMBER 24, 1944
Carrier based aircraft of the Pacific Fleet, continuing the smashing attack against the Northern Philippines begun on September 20 (West Longitude Date), took an additional heavy toll of enemy planes, ships and ground Installations on September 21. Total destruction in the two day strike was extensive and the enemy suffered heavily.
The following damage, part of which has been previously reported, was inflicted at and near Clark and Nichols Fields, in the Manila Harbor area and at the Cavite Naval Base during the two day operations in Southern Luzon:
Ships sunk:
40 classified as ships; six small craft.
Ships probably sunk:
11 classified as ships.
Ships damaged:
35 classified as ships; 11 small craft; two floating drydocks.
Aircraft destroyed:
169 planes shot down in combat; 188 planes destroyed on the ground.
Aircraft damaged:
45 planes probably damaged on the ground; three planes damaged by ship's gunfire.
Ground installations damaged and destroyed:
Extensive and widespread damage was done to buildings, warehouses, railroad equipment, oil storage tanks, harbor installations, hangars, shops and stored supplies and equipment.
Our own losses in this daring and highly successful strike were 11 planes in combat, 10 pilots and five aircrewmen. There was no loss or damage to any of our surface ships.
The total revised box score for the Third Fleet, under the command of Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., USN, since it began operating in the far western Pacific now stands at: 122 ships and 61 small craft sunk, 137 ships and 109 small craft damaged, 380 planes shot down in the air, 598 destroyed on the ground, total aircraft destroyed 978, crippling damage to air fields and Naval establishments. In addition ships and carrier based aircraft of the Third Fleet have supported the assaults on Palau. Our own combat losses have been 51 planes, 37 pilots and 20 crewmen.
The operations of the Third Fleet have forced the enemy to withdraw its Naval forces from their former anchorages in the Philippines and to seek new refuges in the same general area, have disrupted inter island communications, and have broken his air force in the Philippines just as operations of the Fifth Fleet broke the enemy carrier based air force in the Battle of the Philippine Sea.
Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonin Islands were bombed on September 22 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was attacked twice on September 22 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered in all attacks.
A single Seventh Army Air Force Liberator bombed Pagan on September 22.
On the same day Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers attacked Nauru. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.
Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing carried our further neutral¬ization raids against enemy held atolls in the Marshalls, striking at Mille on September 21 22 and at Jaluit and Wotje on September 22. Dauntless dive bombers attacked Maloelap on September 21 and 22.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 564, SEPTEMBER 24, 1944
1. An attempt by the enemy to reinforce his beleaguered troops in the northern end of Peleliu Island was broken up on 23 September (West Longitude Date). A convoy of 13 barges and one motor sampan, carrying men and equipment, was sighted northeast of Peleliu. It was immediately brought under fire by United States warships, some of which ,pushed through mined waters to close range. A number of the barges were seen to explode. Later ten wrecked barges were counted on the reef northeast of Peleliu and the remainder were thought to have sunk. A few of the enemy probably were able to swim ashore without their equipment.
On the same day in Malakal harbor, two camouflaged ships previously damaged by our aircraft, were bombarded by a United States cruiser which scored at least one direct hit.
Marine forces on Peleliu made small gains on both the right and left flanks during 23 September. On Angaur mopping up operations continue.

 

[syscom3]

Sept 25th 1944

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

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 13 P-47s attack the towns of Haungton, Myintha, and Mawlu. B-24s again haul fuel to China, 15 landing at Kunming, 3 at Liuchow, and 1 at Yungning and the Tenth AF flies 220+ other transport sorties to various CBI terminals.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 12 B-25s blast the barracks area at Mangshih; 12 bomb Kweiyang, and 6 hit the town area and railroad yards at Hengyang; 11 B-24s pound Nanking; about 120 P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance over the vast expanses of China S of the Yangtze River attack
a large variety of targets of opportunity at numerous locations including troops, buildings, and communications targets in the Paoching area and between Siangtan and Fulinpu.

CHINA: Still furious about the letter he received from US President Franklin D Roosevelt on the 19th, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek refuses to give US General Joseph Stillwell, Chief of Staff to Chiang, operational control of the Chinese Nationalist Army.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): Saipan based B-24s strike Iwo Jima and Marcus. During the night of 25/26 Sep Kwajalein-based B-24s stage through Eniwetok on a strike at shipping at Truk; failing to locate the primary targets the B-24s bomb Tol, Eten, Param, and Moen while others hit Wake during the night of 25/26 Sep.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: On Celebes , B-24s hit Kendari Airfield and B-25s bomb Langoan Airfield. A-20s fire storage areas and hit personnel areas on the W shore of Kaoe Bay. Namlea Airfield on Buru is again bombed by B-24s. P-38s pound Kairatoe Airfield on Celebes and Boela Airfield on Ceram. B-25s and A-20s hit Sagan and Urarom Airfields while P-40s attack Kaimana.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES: On Morotai, Task Force TRADEWIND is dissolved. Major General Charles Hall, as Commanding General XI Corps, is responsible for continuing base development.
In the air, USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24s bomb Kendari Airfield and B-25s bomb Langoan Airfield on Celebes Island. A-20s fire storage areas and hit personnel areas on the western shore of Kaoe Bay on Halmahera Island. Namlea Airfield on Buru Island is again bombed by B-24s while P-38s attack Kairatoe Airfield on Celebes Island and Boela Airfield on Ceram Island.

COMMONWEALTH OF THE PHILIPPINES: The submarine USS Nautilus lands 25 tons of cargo, 20 drums of gasoline and 2 drums of oil on Cebu Island in the Philippines. As she begins to retire, the submarine grounds on Iuisan Shoal. Forced to lighten her load, her evacuees, mail, captured documents, and cargo are sent ashore. All secret materials is burned. Her reserve fuel tanks are blown dry, variable ballast is blown overboard and 6-inch ammunition jettisoned. With the blowing of her main ballast tanks she is finally able to get off the reef within 3 1/2 hours, despite the receding tide, and clear the area by dawn.

PALAU ISLANDS: On Peleliu, the 7th Marines continue to support attack of 321st Infantry, 81st Infantry Division, and extends the left flank to release elements of 321st for the main push. On the left, 321st Infantry patrols northward along the coast almost to the fifth phase line against light resistance. The 5th Marines move forward to join with the 321st Infantry in an attack to clear the northern part of the island. The right flank elements of the 321st Infantry continue clearing the lateral trail through the central ridge system, meeting strong opposition.
On Angaur, the 322d Infantry, whose efforts to push into the Lake Salome bowl from the south have all ended in failure, attempts in vain to find a suitable route of advance into the bowl from the north coast. Engineers then begin construction of road for an attack from the east-northeast

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 131, SEPTEMBER 25, 1944
Units of the First Marine Division maneuvered so as to by pass enemy strong-points on Peleliu Island and made substantial progress in a northerly direction along the western arm of the island during September 24 (West Longitude Date). At one point on the western shore they are less than a mile from the northern tip of the island. During the night of September 23 24 an enemy barge was destroyed by Naval gunfire. Certain elements of the 81st Infantry Division have reinforced the First Marine Division, while other elements are continuing to mop up on Angaur Island. Through September 24 our troops had counted 8288 enemy dead, of which 7313 were killed on Peleliu and the remainder of 975 killed on Angaur. Heavy fighting continues.
Harbor facilities and shipping at Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands were bombed on September 23 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators.
Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Marcus Island on September 22 and again on September 23.
On September 23 Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing strafed
gun emplacements at Rota Island in the Marianas. There was meager antiaircraft fire.
Bivouac areas at Jaluit Atoll were attacked twice on September 23 by Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. Other Corsairs struck at defensive positions at Wotje Atoll and Mille Atoll on the same day

 

[syscom3]

Sept 26th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): A B-24 flies weather reconnaissance; later 4 B-24s radar-bomb Suribachi Airfield in the Kuriles.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 2 P-47 flights hit targets in the Bhamo-Myothit area, including Sinkin, Momauk, and Nanhlaing; 3 other flights hit targets in the Pinwe-Mawlu area, including the town of Nyaungbintha; 20+ P-47s in 2 flights hit Tingka and in China, hit fuel storage at Chefang and repair shops at Wanting. In China, 9 B-25s blast troop concentrations and stores in Hinlong; and 19 B-24s haul fuel to Liuchow, Yangtong, and Yungning.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 12 B-25s bomb Lungfukwan and Mangshih while several P-40s hit targets of opportunity in same areas; 6 B-25s and 4 P-38s attack and slightly damage the Dara bridge and destroy road machinery nearby; about 50 P-40s and P-51s continue armed reconnaissance over the vast inland areas of S China, attacking troops, buildings, and other targets of opportunity.
CHINA: The Japanese capture Tanchuk and the airfield located there.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Twentieth Air Force): In China, 83 B-29s, staging from Chengtu, bomb Anshan most of them striking the Showa Steel Works with poor results; 15 others bomb Dairen, Sinsiang, and various targets of opportunity; during the night of 26/27 Sep, Japanese aircraft bomb the Chengtu area, damaging 5 B-29s; this attack along with the one on 8 Sep set the pattern for Japanese raids which usually follow B-29 missions and continue until 19 Dec but are of light nature and annoying rather than
seriously damaging.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 2 B-24s from Saipan on armed reconnaissance bomb Marcus . During the night of 26/27 a B-24 snooper hits Iwo Jima. B-25s from the Gilberts bomb Nauru. B-24s hit Wake during the night of 26/27 Sep.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-25s bomb Maumere Bay, Flores, Lesser Sunda s. B-25s and B-24s bomb Liang Airfield on Ambon and Kendari Airfield on Celebes. P-40s hit Kokas; the 31st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Wakde to Noemfoor with B-24s; the 424th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Medium), based on Wakde with B-24s, begins operating from Noemfoor.

PALAU ISLANDS: On Peleliu, the 321st Infantry and the 5th Marines each cut across the west arm of Peleliu, capturing Hill 120 forming two pockets of Japanese. The 2d Battalion, 321st, completes clearing the 321st Infantry trail, cutting off the enemy to south in the Umurbrogol Mountains. The 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, pushes across the peninsula to the north, isolating
enemy on Amiangal Mountain, at the north tip. Other elements of 5th Marines drive north along the west coast almost to the tip of the island.
On Angaur, the 322d Infantry gains a foothold in the northern part of the Lake Salome bowl and clears positions along the southeastern rim.

PACIFIC OCEAN:
USN vessels sink three Japanese ships:
(1) destroyer escort USS McCoy Reynolds sinks submarine HIJMS I-175 northeast of the Palau
Islands;
(2) submarine USS Pargo sinks a minelayer off Borneo; and
(3) submarine USS Thresher sinks a merchant cargo ship Koetsu Maru
in the Yellow Sea.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES: USAAF Far East Air Forces B-25s bomb Maumere Bay, Flores Island, Lesser Sunda Islands. B-25s and B-24s bomb Liang Airfield on Ambon Island and Kendari Airfield on Celebes Island.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 132, SEPTEMBER 26, 1944
Elements of the First Marine Division drove almost to Akarakoro Point at the northern extremity of Peleliu Island during September 25 (West Longitude Date) while other elements of the First Division maneuvered to encircle bitterly resisting remnants of the enemy entrenched on Umurbrogol Hill. Units of the 81st Infantry Division took additional high ground in the center of the western arm of the island. Communication between the northern and southern pockets of Japanese resistance has thus been severed. Our advance to the north included the capture of Amiangal Hill and the hills adjacent to it, and was made in the fate of heavy resistance from automatic weapon and artillery fire.
Our casualties in the fighting to seize the Palau Islands through September 25 are as follows
First Marine Division, Killed in Action, 580; Wounded in Action, 3,639; Missing in Action, 401.
81st Infantry Division, Killed in Action, 106; Wounded in Action, 769; Missing in Action, 5.
No figures are now available as to the number of wounded who have been returned to duty.

 

[syscom3]

Sept 27th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 13 P-47s bomb the area near Katba; 30 P-47s in 5 flights hit ammunition stores and the town area of Myothit, and attack Sinkin, Bhamo, and Ma-ubin; 7 other P-47s damage the approaches to a railroad bridge at Nansiaung, 7 more hit a bivouac area at Pinwe, and 7 B-25s pound Hsenwi. 10 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow and Yungning, China. C-47s fly 200+ sorties to various points in CBI.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 40+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance attack communications targets, river shipping, buildings, and troops in the Kiyang, Lungfukwan, Sungpai, Chuanhsien, Lingling, Paishui, and Paoching areas.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): Saipan -based P-47s bomb and strafe Pagan. 2 B-24s on armed reconnaissance hit Marcus . 14 Marshall based B-24s strike Truk .

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: P-40s hit Ransiki, Kokas, and Warren Airfield and shipping in the Vogelkop Peninsula area; HQ 375th Troop Carrier Group moves from Nadzab to Biak ; the 72d and 394th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 5th BG (Heavy), move from Wakde to Noemfoor with B-24s. HQ 35th Fighter Group moves from Owi, Schouten s to Morotai.

SOLOMON ISLANDS - Guided Missiles were used in the Pacific as Special Task Air Group 1 (STAG-1), from its base on Stirling began a combat demonstration of the TDR assault drone. The drones had been delivered to Banika Island by surface shipping and flown 45 miles to bases in the Northern Solomons where they were stripped for pilotless flight and armed with bombs of up to 2,000 pounds. For combat against heavily defended targets, a control operator in an accompanying TBM guided the drone by radio and directed the final assault by means of a picture received from a television camera mounted in the drone. In the initial attack, against antiaircraft emplacements in a beached merchant ship defending Kahili Airstrip, two out of four TDR's struck the target ship.

BURMA: Thirteen USAAF Tenth Air Force P-47 Thunderbolts bomb the area near Katba; 30 P-47s in five flights hit ammunition stores and the town area of Myothit, and attack Sinkin, Bhamo, and Maubin; seven other P-47s damage the approaches to a railroad bridge at Nansiaung, seven more hit a bivouac area at Pinwe, and seven B-25 Mitchells pound Hsenwi. C-47 Skytrains fly 200+ sorties to various points in CBI.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: On Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, the American flag is raised at the 1st Marine Division Command Post. Although the flag raising symbolizes that the island is secured, pockets of determined Japanese defenders continued to fight on. As late as 21 April 1947, 27 Japanese holdouts finally surrendered to the American naval commander on the scene. Meanwhile, elements of the 321st Infantry Regiment begin an attack on the north side of the Umurbrogol Pocket, which the 7th Marine Regiment is helping to contain, and meet intense Japanese fire. The 1st Battalion drives north, clearing Kamilianlul Mt with ease and making contact with 5th Marine Regiment at the junction of the East and West Roads. Some elements of 5th Marine Regiment continue clearing resistance on Amiangal Mt, while others push to the end of the island, Akarakaro Point. On Angaur Island, the 322d Infantry Regiment surrounds the Lake Salome bowl and gains positions along the inside of it. Methodical elimination of doomed Japanese there ensues.

EAST INDIES: USAAF Far East Air Force B-24 Liberators bomb personnel and supply areas at Menado on Celebes Island. B-25 Mitchells attack oil tanks at Boela on Ceram Island and hit Old Namlea Airfield on Buroe Island.

PACIFIC OCEAN: The 6,374 ton Japanese transport ship SS Ural Maru is torpedoed and sunk by the American submarine USS Flasher about 223 nautical miles WNW of Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands, in position 15.40N, 117.18E. About 2,000 of the 2,340 people on board are drowned.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: Two USN submarines, USS Narwhal and USS Stingray, land supplies and personnel on Mindanao.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 133, SEPTEMBER 27, 1944
Further gains made during September 26 (West Longitude Date) by the First Marine Division and elements of the 81st Infantry Division on Peleliu Island brought the entire Island under our control with the exception of Umur¬brogol Mountain and a small pocket at the Northeastern tip. Rapid progress was made by the First Marine Division attacking in the Northern sector and by Army troops in the center of the Western arm during the day. Two enemy aircraft dropped bombs in the water East of Angaur during the night of September 25 26, causing no damage. During the same night remaining enemy troops on Angaur failed in an attempt to infiltrate through our lines. Through September 26, our troops had counted 7,517 enemy dead on Peleliu and 1,020 on Angaur. The Northwestern area of Babelthuap Island was strafed by Corsair fighters during September 26.
On September 24, a single Ventura of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed installations at Paramushiru in the Kuriles. Antiaircraft fire was intense and several enemy planes attempted Interception; the Ventura was slightly dam¬aged, but returned safely.
Eleventh Air Force Liberators attacked Paramushiru in the same day. Direct hits were scored on the runway; several fires were started. Twelve enemy fighter planes attempted interception. One of the interceptors was destroyed and seven were damaged. Antiaircraft fire was moderate. All of our planes returned safely.
The airfield at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was bombed on September 24, by Liberators of the Seventh Air Force. Antiaircraft fire was intense. One of four enemy planes attempting interception was shot down. Three Liberators were damaged, but all returned safely. On September 25, a search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two strafed a small coastal cargo ship near Iwo Jima. The crew was observed abandoning the vessel which was left dead in the water.
A lone Seventh Air Force Liberator bombed Wake on the night of September 24 25, and several bombed the runway at Marcus Island on September 25. Gun emplacements at Pagan in the Marianas were bombed by Seventh Air Force Thunderbolts on September 25. Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Rota on the night of September 24 25, scoring direct hits on the runway. Other Corsairs returned to Rota on September 25, and strafed installations. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered in the latter attack.
Ponape Island in the Carolines was attacked on the night of September 24 25, by Seventh Air Force Liberators. The airfield and gun emplacements were hit. Other Liberators attacking Truk Atoll on the night of September 24 25, dropped 55 tons of bombs on the airfield at Eten Island and scored several near misses on shipping found in the Lagoon. There was moderate antiaircraft fire and several enemy planes attempted interception without success.
Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Jaluit in the Marshalls on the same night, scoring direct hits on communication facilities. Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two and Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed installations at Wotje Atoll on September 25. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered. On the night of September 25, Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing flew through meager antiaircraft fire to bomb installations at Mille Atoll.

 

[syscom3]

Sept 28th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 4 P-47s bomb and strafe Mawhun and Nansiaung. 21 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow, Yungning, and Kunming, China.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 26 B-24s pound the town of Samshui; 31 B-25s attack the towns of Taochuan and Shangchiebshou, Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields at Canton, and river and road traffic around Lingling, Siangtan, and Chuchou; 100+ P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance attack numerous targets of opportunity including bridges, town areas, troops, and road, rail, and river traffic throughout inland SE China and, on a smaller scale, in SW China and in French Indochina.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan bomb naval installations at Chichi Jima . P-47s bomb defenses on Pagan.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: On Celebes , B-25s on a shipping sweep attack small vessels off Kairatoe and A-20s bomb Langoan Airfield. P-38s hit barge and the town area at Pajahi in the Moluccas s. P-47s pound Manokwari Airfield.

BONIN ISLANDS: USAAF Seventh Air Force B-24 Liberators bomb naval installations on Chichi Jima.

BURMA: Four USAAF Tenth Air Force P-47 Thunderbolts bomb and strafe Mawhun and Nansiaung,

CAROLINE ISLANDS: On Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, the Army's 321st Infantry Regiment finishes clearing the northern part of the Umurbrogol Pocket to a previously designated line. 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment continues clearing the northern part of the western arm. The 3d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, lands on three small islands off the coast, Ngcsebus, Kongauru, and an unnamed one, and begins clearing them. The landing on Ngesebus is covered by 20 Marine F4U Corsairs. On Angaur Island, the Army's 322d Infantry Regiment continues clearing a Japanese pocket inside the bowl, suffering its highest casualties for a single day on the island, about 80.

USMC - Shore-to-shore movement from Peleliu to Ngesebus, support including strikes by Marine Corps land-based units from Peleliu, the first of which, VMF(N)-541, had arrived September 24.

CHINA: Twenty one USAAF Tenth Air Force B-24 Liberators fly fuel from India to Liuchow, Yungning, and Kunming.
Twenty six USAAF Fourteenth Air Force B-24s bomb the town of Samshui; 31 B-25 Mitchells attack the towns of Taochuan and Shangchiebshou, Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields at Canton, and river and road traffic around Lingling, Siangtan, and Chuchou; over 100 P-38 Lightnings, P-40s and P-51 Mustangs on armed reconnaissance attack numerous targets of opportunity including bridges, town areas, troops, and road, rail, and river traffic throughout inland southeastern China and, on a smaller scale, in southwestern China and in French Indochina.

EAST INDIES: In the Netherlands East Indies, USAAF Far East Air Force B-25 Mitchells on a shipping sweep attack small vessels off Kairatoe, Halmahara Island, sinking a small cargo vessel; Fifth Air Force A-20 Havocs bomb Langoan Airfield on Celebes Island; and P-38 Lightnings hit barge and the town area at Pajahi on Halmahara Island.

NEW GUINEA: In Dutch New Guinea, USAAF Fifth Air Force P-47 Thunderbolts attack Manokwari Airfield.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 134, SEPTEMBER 28, 1944
Carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet struck hard at enemy shipping and defense installations in the Visayas Group of the Philippine Islands on September 23 (West Longitude Date) attacking airfields on the Islands of Cebu, Leyte, Negros, Luzon and Mactan and all shipping found in adjacent waters.
A particularly heavy strike was delivered at Coron Bay between Busuanga Island and Culion Island in the Western Philippines, where a number of the enemy's ships including two of his valuable fleet tankers were sunk.
Only seven enemy aircraft were shot down. Twenty nine enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground at the several fields which were thoroughly bombed and strafed.
The following damage was inflicted upon enemy shipping (including the two tankers at Coron Bay):,
Ships sunk: Damaged
One destroyer (including more than one probably sunk):
One troop transport Two large oil tankers
Three large cargo ships One large cargo ship
Three large oil tankers One medium oil tanker
Six medium cargo ships Fifteen medium cargo ships
Five small cargo ships One small transport
Three destroyer escort type vessels Twenty one small cargo ships
Two destroyer escort type vessels
In addition, between 20 and 30 small craft were sunk or damaged.
The following damage was inflicted upon enemy shore installations
At Iloilo in Southern Panay, a warehouse and a Marine railway were set afire.
At Bacolod in the Northern part of Negros Island piers and barracks were bombed and strafed.
At Cebu Island warehouses and piers were heavily damaged.
At Mactan Island, East of Cebu Island, oil refining facilities and the airfield were bombed.
At Saravis in the Northern part of Negros Island, buildings and the airfield were hit.
At Legaspi in Southern Luzon a number of partially concealed aircraft were bombed and strafed on the airfield, but the number destroyed and dam¬aged was not observed.
Near Ormoc on Leyte Island, oil storage facilities and barracks were set afire.
Our losses in these operations were 10 aircraft but only five pilots and three flight personnel are missing.

 

[syscom3]

Sept 29th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Kuriles, 2 B-24s bomb Katooka naval base and Kokutan Cape.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): 11 B-25s attack and damage the main bridge, knock out the bypass bridge and silence adjoining AA positions on the Burma Road near Uambkai, Burma. 18 B-24s haul fuel to Yungning, Liuchow, and Kunming, China.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 11 B-25s bomb Mangshih, 24 bomb Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields at Canton, and 15 hit targets of opportunity around Chuanhsien, Taochuan and Taohsien; about 100 P-51s, P-40s, and P-38s again attack various targets of opportunity throughout the vast expanses of China S of the Yangtze River, hitting road, rail, and river targets, troops, and town areas.

CHINA: A strong Chinese labor force begins work on a trail between Myitkyina, Burma, and Kunming via Tengchung and is assisted by small group of U.S. engineers.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 3 B-24s from Saipan bomb Marcus; 2 others hit Iwo Jima and Pagan. P-47s bomb and strafe gun positions on Pagan. B-24s from Eniwetok pound Truk.

EAST INDIES: In the Netherlands East Indies, Kendari Airfield on Celebes Island is bombed by B-24s. B-25s hit both Namlea Seaplane Base on Buroe Island, while B-24s blast Liang (Laha or Ambon East) Airfield on Ambon Island and Haroekoe Airfield on Haroekoe Island. Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft, continue to pound Urarom Airfield; USAAF A-20s attack Faan Airfield in the Kai Islands. other A-20s bomb Faan Airfield.

MEXICO: The Mexican government agrees to pay US$24 million (US$ 250 million in 2003 dollars) with three percent interest for the U.S. oil company property the Mexicans had expropriated in 1938. This agreement marked the conclusion of the tensions between the U.S. and Mexican governments over Mexico's petroleum policies.

PALAU ISLANDS: On Peleliu Island, the 7th Marine Regiment takes responsibility for completing the reduction of the Umurbrogol Pocket, releasing the Army's 3d Battalion of the 321st Infantry Regiment which then starts north along the route previously taken by the 1st Battalion clearing bypassed resistance as it moves. Other elements of 321st Infantry relieve the 5th Marine Regiment on Ngesebus and Kongauru Islands. The 5th Marines continue to clear Amiangal Mountain.
On Angaur Island,
the Army's 322d Infantry Regiment clears the floor of Lake Salome bowl and forces the Japanese to the northwest rim and northwest tip of the island.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: The submarine USS Narwhal evacuates 81 American POWs from Sindangan Bay, Mindanao Island. These men had survived the sinking of the Japanese transport SS Shinyo Maru by the submarine USS Paddle on 7 September. The transport had been carrying
750 American POWs.

UNITED STATES: The Soviet representative withdraws from the Dumbarton Oaks Conference in Washington, D.C., and the second part of the Conference begins with China participating.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt declares that Nazi-Fascist influence is growing in Argentina and that the Argentine government has failed to fulfill its obligations under the inter-American agreements. As a result, the U.S. government refuses to allow American ships to call at Argentinean ports.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 135, SEPTEMBER 29, 1944
Elements of the First Marine Division landed on Ngesebus and Kongauru Islands, north of Peleliu, on the morning of September 27 (West Longitude Date). The assault was preceded by heavy shelling from cruisers and de¬stroyers and bombing from carrier based aircraft. Light enemy opposition was speedily overcome. Ngesebus Island is completely secure and our troops are mopping up scattered enemy forces occupying only a small portion of Kongauru Island.
The First Marine Division and elements of the 81st Infantry Division continued to drive the enemy from remaining positions on Peleliu Island. Our forces drove south on Umurbrogol Hill and all the northern arm of the island has been secured with the exception of the pinnacle of an unnamed hill and a small area on the eastern coast. The 81st Division is cleaning out caves and pillboxes on the northwest tip of Angaur Island where a few enemy troops remain.
Naval installations at Chichi Jima in the Bonins were bombed on September 27 by Seventh Air Force Liberators. Fires were started and two explosions were observed. Antiaircraft fire which varied from moderate to in¬tense did no damage to our planes. A Navy search plane while on routine patrol near Iwo Jima on September 27 damaged an enemy medium bomber.
The enemy plane had one engine shot out and was forced to land, nearly missing two fighter planes about to take off from the airfield at Iwo Jima. On September 27 another Navy search plane downed an enemy bomber north of the Palau Islands. On September 26 a single Seventh Air Force Liberator bombed the airfield at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands.
Enemy held islands in the Marianas were subjected to further neutralization raids on September 26 and 27. Seventh Air Force Thunderbolts bombed and strafed installations on Pagan on September 27, and Seventh Air Force Liberators were over Pagan Island twice on September 26. Areas of possible use as airfields were bombed and the Island was strafed. Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Rota, doing further damage to the air¬field.
Liberators of the Seventh Air Force bombed Wake Island on the night of September 25. Nauru was bombed on September 26 by Seventh Air Force Mitchells. The airfield and gun emplacements were hit. There was meager antiaircraft fire.
Liberators of the Seventh Air Force flew over Truk Atoll on September 26 in search for possible enemy shipping attempting to supply the isolated gar¬rison. No shipping was found and bomb loads were dropped on installations still remaining on the key islands. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.
Defense installations at Jaluit Atoll in the Marshalls were bombed on September 26 by Venturas of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, and Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. On the same day Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing further neutralized Wotje, Maloelap, and Mille Atolls.
Eleventh Air Force Liberators bombed Southern Paramushiru September 26. There was no enemy opposition.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 136, SEPTEMBER 29, 1944
Kongauru Island and an unnamed Island near it, both in the Palau Group Northeast of Peleliu Island, were secured on September 28 (West Longitude Date) by United States Marines. On Peleliu enemy troops cornered in eaves on Umurbrogol Hill are still offering bitter resistance. Mopping up operations are proceeding in the Northern sector of Peleliu and on Angaur Island. Through September 28, our troops had counted 8,717 enemy dead on Peleliu and 1,055 on Angaur, and had captured more than 150 enemy troops who have been made prisoners of war.
The airfield at Babelthuap Island was attacked on September 28, by Corsair fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing, which scored numerous direct hits on the landing strips.

 

[syscom3]

Sept 30th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 50+ P-47s hit various targets in the Myothit and Bhamo areas, attack targets of opportunity at Khalayang, sweep the Anisakan and Nawnghkio Airfield areas, bomb Nansiaung railroad bridge, and hit targets of opportunity on or near the Burma Road between Mangshih and Lashio; 11 B-25s knock out a span of the main bridge and damage 2 bypass bridges at Hsenwi. 18 B-24s haul fuel to Liuchow, Yungning, and Kunming, China.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 29 B-24s and 12 B-25s bomb Wuchou and Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields at Canton; 6 B-25s hit targets of opportunity S of Lungfukwan; nearly 100 P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance over wide areas of China S of the Yangtze River again hit numerous targets of opportunity, concentrating on river shipping.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): Saipan -based P-47s blast the airfield area on Pagan; later in the day a B-24 hits the same target. During the night of 30 Sep/1 Oct a Kwajalein-based B-24 bombs Wake. HQ 494th Bombardment Group and the 864th, 865th, 866th and 867th Bombardment Squadrons move from Barking Sands, Hawaii to Angaur Airfield with B-24s (first mission is 22 Nov).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s strike oil installations at Balikpapan. On Celebes , Ambesia Airfield is pounded by B-24s while B-25s hit Mapanget, Langoan, and Sidate, and P-38s hit shipping in Wasile Bay. Other B-25s attack shipping in the Halmahera waters. P-38s hit Amahai, Kairatoe and Halong seaplane base on Celebes , and Haroekoe Airfield on Haroekoe. A-20s and fighter-bombers hit Babo, Urarom, and Fak Fak; A-20s and B-25s bomb Faan; the 23d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Wakde to Noemfoor with B-24s. Lost are F7A 44-40422 and P-47D 42-23241. Lost in a crash near Brisbane is B-25D 43-3488.

AUSTRALIA: At their final meeting, General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander South West Pacific Area, tells Australian Prime Minister John Curtin that the future operations of Australian forces would consist of "firstly, the garrisoning role for the neutralization of Japanese pockets on the various islands and, secondly, the operational activities of the two Australian Imperial Force divisions which were to accompany the U.S. forces in the advance against the Japanese." MacArthur suggested that the Australian garrison forces should not attempt to liquidate the Japanese pockets and the commanders may wish to take some active actions. Expanding on future plans, MacArthur tells Curtin that the two Australian divisions would take part in the capture of Borneo and then in an attack on Java. Curtin makes no comment thereby giving tacit approval to this plan.

BURMA: Over 50 USAAF Tenth Air Force P-47 Thunderbolts hit various targets in the Myothit and Bhamo areas, attack targets of opportunity at Khalayang, sweep the Anisakan and Nawnghkio Airfield areas, bomb Nansiaung railroad bridge, and hit targets of opportunity on or near the Burma Road between Mangshih and Lashio and 11 B-25 Mitchells knock out a span of the main bridge and damage two bypass bridges at Hsenwi.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: Rear Admiral George H. Fort, Commander of the Western Attack Force, declares Peleliu, Angaur, Ngesebus, and Kongarur Islands in the Palau Islands occupied. On Peleliu, the 1st Battalion of the Army's 321st Infantry Regiment relieves the 5th Marine Regiment on Amiangal Mountain, which is not yet completely clear of organized resistance although marines report over 1,170 Japanese killed or captured there, far more than the 500 recently estimated to be on the mountain. The 7th Marine Regiment begins attacks to reduce the Umurbrogol Pocket; progress during the next few days is very slow.

EAST INDIES: In the Netherlands East Indies, 70 USAAF Far East Air Force B-24 Liberators strike oil installations at Balikpapan, Dutch Borneo; four B-24s are lost. On Celebes Island, Ambesia Airfield is bombed by B-24s while B-25 Mitchells attack Mapenget, Langoan and Sidate Airfields on Celebes Island, and P-38 Lightnings hit shipping in Wasile Bay in the Halmahara Islands. Other B-25s attack shipping in the Halmahera Island waters. P-38s hit Amahai and Haroekoe Aerodrome on Ceram Island and Kairatoe and Halong seaplane base on Halmahara Island.

NEW GUINEA: In Dutch New Guinea, A-20 Havocs and fighter-bombers hit Babo and Utarom (Kaimana) Airfields and Fak Fak; A-20s and B-25 Mitchells bomb Faan Airfield in the Kai Islands.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: The USN submarine USS Nautilus lands supplies on Panay Island and takes out seven servicemen, ten women, five civilian men and 25 children. Meanwhile, the submarine USS Stingray lands supplies on Mindanao.

 

[syscom3]

Oct 1st 1944

(CBI) BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 34 P-47s bomb Thetkegyin while 20 others hit railroad targets throughout the N Burma railroad corridor and troop concentrations at Ponlon; 4 P-47s bomb Shwegugale while 6 others hit Lungling, China and sweep the Burma Road in the area. The 9th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th BG (Heavy), moves from Kurimitola to Pandaveswar, India with B-24s. During Oct 44, the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, based at Guskhara, sends an element to operate from Hsinching, China with F-7s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 18 B-25s bomb Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields in Canton, the town of Wuchou, and targets of opportunity in the Samshui and Canton areas; 100+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance throughout areas S of the Yangtze River hit a variety of targets of opportunity, concentrating on communications targets and troops in the Mangshih and Hsinganhsien areas.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: Rear Admiral George H. Fort, Commander of the Western Attack Force, declares Peleliu, Angaur, Ngesebus, and Kongarur Islands in the Palau Islands occupied. On Peleliu, the 1st Battalion of the Army's 321st Infantry Regiment relieves the 5th Marine Regiment on Amiangal Mountain, which is not yet completely clear of organized resistance although marines report over 1,170 Japanese killed or captured there, far more than the 500 recently estimated to be on the mountain. The 7th Marine Regiment begins attacks to reduce the Umurbrogol Pocket; progress during the next few days is very slow.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA) AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan strike the airfield on Iwo Jima. B-25s from Makin bomb Nauru while B-24s, staging through Eniwetok hit Truk Atoll. Saipan-based P-47 Thunderbolts of the USAAF Seventh Air Force attack the airfield area on Pagan Island; later in the day a B-24 Liberator hits the same target. During the night of 30 September/1 October a Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands-based B-24 Liberator bombs Wake Island.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: The USN submarine USS Nautilus lands supplies on Panay Island and takes out seven servicemen, ten women, five civilian men and 25 children. Meanwhile, the submarine USS Stingray lands supplies on Mindanao.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: On Celebes , B-24s bomb Langoan while B-25s hit Lembeh , Menado, and Bolaangoeki port. B-24s bomb Taka in the Moluccas while P-38s hit Amahai, Kairatoe, Celebes , and shipping off Amboina, Ambon . B-25s and P-38s on shipping sweeps off Halmahera destroy several barges and luggers. In New Guinea, A-20s and P-38s attack Urarom Airfield and Fak Fak supply dumps, while P-40s hit Doom and targets of opportunity in Windissi, Idorra, and MacCluer Gulf; P-47s and A-20s hit Doeroa, Langgoer, and Faan Airfields; the 63d and 70th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 403d Troop Carrier Group, move from Los Negros and Hollandia respectively, to Biak with C-47s. The 82d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group, moves from Biak to Morotai with P-40s and F-6s. Lost is C-47 42-92062. Lost on a training flight is A-20G 42-86717 and A-20G "Crap Shooter" 42-54155.

EAST INDIES: In the Netherlands East Indies, 70 USAAF Far East Air Force B-24 Liberators strike oil installations at Balikpapan, Dutch Borneo; four B-24s are lost. On Celebes Island, Ambesia Airfield is bombed by B-24s while B-25s attack Mapenget, Langoan and Sidate Airfields on Celebes Island, and P-38s hit shipping in Wasile Bay in the Halmahara Islands. Other B-25s attack shipping in the Halmahera Island waters. P-38s hit Amahai and Haroekoe Aerodrome on Ceram Island and Kairatoe and Halong seaplane base on Halmahara Island.

USN: STAG-1 tests eight TDR Drones against targets in southern Bougainville. Lost is TDR Drone (dud).

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 137, OCTOBER 1, 1944
Isolated enemy forces resisting bitterly from caves situated on Bloody Nose Ridge at Peleliu Island were bombed by aircraft of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on September 23 (West Longitude Date). Numerous 1,000 pound bombs were dropped to demolish remaining enemy fortifications on the ridge. With the exception of the resistance at Bloody Nose Ridge (Umurbrogol Hill) and in a small pocket on Angaur Island, the islands of Peleliu, Ngesebus, Kongauru, and Angaur are secured. Elimination of the remnants of the Japanese defenders continues. More than 10,000 enemy troops have been wiped out in the Southern Palau area since the invasion began.
On September 29 Liberators of the Eleventh Air Force bombed Shimushu Island in the Kuriles. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. All of our planes returned.

 

[syscom3]

Oct 2nd 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Kurile , photo reconnaissance missions, by 4 B-25s to Paramushiru and by 2 B-24s to Onnekotan , abort due to weather.

(CBI) BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 49 P-47s pound several towns and bridges in the Bhamo area and destroy buildings in Shwekyina, Kaungsin, Maingka, Kyungyi, Singan, and Kabani; 20+ P-47s hit N Burma railroad targets and troops at Man He and Manla; 7 P-47s bomb Kutkai while 8 sweep the Lungling, China-Loiwing, Burma area, destroying a warehouse at Selan; 8 B-25s slightly damage road bridges N of Lashio; 4 others bomb and damage Nambkai road bridges and their vicinity; troop carrier aircraft fly 260+ sorties, delivering men and supplies to various points in the CBI. The detachments of the 1st and 3d Combat Cargo Squadrons, 1st Combat Cargo Group, operating from Yunnani, China with C-47s return to base at Sylhet, India.

FRENCH INDOCHINA: USAAF Fourteenth Air Force fighter-bombers attack shipping in the Campba Port Hongay area.

INDIA: The British Chiefs of Staff and War Cabinet have decided that Operation DRACULA (attack on Rangoon) cannot be undertaken in March 1945 as hoped without detracting from the main effort in Europe. Admiral Louis Mountbatten Supreme Commander, South East Asia Command, having concluded planning for Operation CAPTIAL (drive on Mandalay) and Operation DRACULA at reduced cost in response to request from British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, issues directives calling for Operation CAPITAL to be undertaken at once and Operation DRACULA about November 1945.
The U.S. and Chinese Northern Combat Area Command (NCAC) part of Operation CAPITAL is to be conducted in two phases: clearing to line Indaw-Kunchaung-Sikaw-Namhkam by mid-December; and to a line Lashio-Mongmit-Thabeikkyin by mid-February 1945. General tasks of NCAC are to defend the air route to China and overland communications; secure that part of Assam and upper Burma within its zone.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 11 B-25s attack the town of Pingnam while 16 bomb Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields in Canton and the town of Samshui; 70+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance over S China attack various targets of opportunity, chiefly river traffic and troop areas around Chuanhsien, Taochuan, Takbing, Wuchou, Dosing, and the Wenchow peninsula, and attack shipping in the Campba Port-Hongay area of French Indochina.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: On Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, the 321st Infantry Regiment finishes clearing and mopping up Mt. Amiangal on the northern part of the western arm, having killed at least 175 Japanese. The 7th Marine Regiment continues attacks on the Umurbrogol Pocket. On Angaur Island, the 322d Infantry Regiment suspends their costly assault against a Japanese pocket on the northwestern part of the island. The pocket, known to cover an area of less than 500 yards from east to westand 150 yards from north to south, is subjected to close-in fire.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA) AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): Saipan based B-24s hit Marcus in the North Pacific and shipping W of Chichi Jima.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-25s pound Laha Airfield on Ambon while B-24s hit Haroekoe ; P-38s cover the Laha raid, attack shipping in Seri and Amboina Bays and hit Amahai and Kairatoe Airfield on Celebes . Off Halmahera B-25s fly a barge sweep, bomb Laboehan, and attack the coastal villages on Weda and Boeli Bays. In New Guinea, P-40s attack vessels off Tamoelol village and Misool and bomb Otawiri and Ransiki Airfield; the 64th Troop Carrier Squadron, 403d Troop Carrier Group, based on Biak begins operating from Wakde with C-47s.

EAST INDIES: In the Netherlands East Indies, Far East Air Force B-25s bomb Liang (Laha or Ambon East) Airfield on Ambon Island while B-24s hit Haroekoe Aerodrome on Ceram Island; P-38s cover the Laha raid, attack shipping in Seri and Ambon Bays on Ambon Island and hit Amahai Airfield on Amahai Island and Kairatoe Airfield on Halmahara Island. Off Halmahera Island B-25s fly a barge sweep, bomb Laboehan on Celebes Island and attack the coastal villages on Weda and Boeli Bays on Halmahara Island.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 138, OCTOBER 2, 1944
Military government was proclaimed on Angaur Island on September 30 (West Longitude Date), as mopping up operations proceeded on Angaur and Peleliu. A few fanatical enemy troops, holed up in caves, continued to resist with small arms fire. On the same day, Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed the airfield on Babelthuap Island. Antiaircraft fire was intense.
On September 30, 9,076 enemy troops had been killed on Peleliu and 1,075 on Angaur, while a total of 187 prisoners have been captured on the two islands.
Seventh Army Air Liberators on September 20, dropped approximately 37 tons of bombs on Moen and Eten Islands in Truk Atoll. Antiaircraft fire was meager.
Another formation of Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed runways and airdrome facilities at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on September 30. Antiaircraft fire was moderate but eight aggressive enemy fighters intercepted our planes. One of the Liberators was shot down while several of the others were damaged.
Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked gun positions on Jaluit Atoll in the Marshalls with 33 tons of bombs on September 30. In the attack a small raft was sunk after strafing. Heavy antiaircraft fire damaged one of the Corsairs.

 

[syscom3]

Oct 3rd 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Kurile , 2 B-24s flying offshore reconnaissance over Onnekotan, Harumukotan, and Shasukotan also strafe several small vessels.

(CBI) BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): Troop carriers fly 240+ sorties, delivering men and supplies to various points in the CBI. In Burma, the 5th Liaison Squadron, Tenth Air Force [attached to 1st Liaison Group (Provisional)], moves from Shaduzup to Myitkyina with L-1s and L-5s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 23 B-25s attack Pingnam, trucks and rivercraft in the Wuchou, Samshui, and Canton areas, and bomb Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields in Canton; 100 P-51s and P-40s continue armed reconnaissance over wide expanses of China S of the Yangtze River, attacking rivercraft, road traffic, troops, town areas, and other targets of opportunity; the Hsinganhsien, Pingnam, and Chuanhsien areas are covered exceptionally well.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: On Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, the 7th Marine Regiment gains hold on ridges along east side of the Umurbrogol Pocket.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA) AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan hit shipping in the Bonin while P-47s pound gun positions, buildings, and a wharf on Pagan. B-24s on special reconnaissance missions bomb the airfield on Iwo Jima.

UNITED STATES: The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) direct General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in the Southwest Pacific (SWPA), to seize bases on Luzon, Philippine Islands from which to support future operations. Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander of the Pacific Ocean Area and Commander of the Pacific Fleet, is to provide cover and support for the Luzon operation; invade Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, in January 1945 and the Ryukyu Island, with the assistance of SWPA aircraft, two months later.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: For the second time B-24s bomb oil refineries in the Balikpapan, Borneo area, B-25s hit shipping and bomb Sanana on Sanana , Moluccas; On Halmahera, B-25s smash Kaoe Airfield runway and bomb Galela; B-25s and B-24s over Ceram - Ambon hit barge and coastal targets of opportunity and pound Taka Airfield in the Moluccas , while fighter-bombers attack Halong seaplane base on Celebes and Namlea Airfield on Buru and Haroekoe Airfields on Haroekoe . On the Vogelkop Peninsula, fighter-bombers again hit Fak Fak and Otawiri.

EAST INDIES: In British North Borneo, USAAF Far East Air Force B-24s attack oil refineries and oil storage facilities at Lutong for a second time.
In the Netherlands East Indies, USAAF Far East Air Force B-25s hit shipping and bomb Sanana on Sanana Island, Moluccas Islands; B-25s attack Kaoe Aerodrome on Halmahera Island and bomb Galela Airfield on Galela Island; B-25s and B-24s over Ceram Island and Ambon Island hit barge and coastal targets of opportunity and pound Taka Airfield in the Moluccas Islands, while fighter-bombers attack Halong seaplane base on Halong Island and Namlea Airfield on Buroe Island and Haroekoe Aerodrome on Haroekoe Island.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 139, OCTOBER 3, 1944
During October 1 and 2 (West Longitude Date) continued progress was made toward eliminating the last enemy resistance at Bloody Nose Ridge on Peleliu Island, and mopping up operations proceeded on Angaur Island. The difficult work of rooting out enemy troops from nearly inaccessible caves continues. On the night of October 1 a single enemy plane dropped two bombs in a swamp near the airfield at Peleliu, which did no damage.
On October 1 Seventh Air Force Liberators dropped 31 tons of bombs on the airfield at Dublon Island in the Truk Atoll. Two enemy planes attempted unsuccessful interception. Two Liberators were damaged by moderate antiaircraft fire.
The SS Elihu Thompson, a Liberty ship operated by the War Shipping Administration and chartered by the Navy, struck a mine while entering a South Pacific port on September 25. Eleven Army personnel on board the vessel were killed by the resultant explosion and 22 are missing. No casualties were suffered by Naval or Merchant Marine personnel. Survivors were removed from the Thompson by patrol craft and the ship's own boats, and a Navy salvage unit took the vessel in tow and beached her. The ship can be restored to service. All next of kin of casualties have been notified.