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

[syscom3]

Jan 9th 1945

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): For the first time the Eleventh radar-bombs with H2X equipment as 4 B-24s hit Suribachi Bay Airfield on Paramushiru

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): 6 B-25s hit railroad targets, road bridge, and building area NE of Thanh Moi, French Indochina. 25 P-40s, P-38s, and P-51s hit targets of opportunity S, SW, and NE of Wanling, Burma. 8 P-51s bomb railroad repair shops at Sinsiang, China while 3 P-40s hit a road W of Muse, Burma, causing a traffic block.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 8 P-47s hit division HQ at Ho-na while 4 others support ground forces in the Si-U sector; 90+ fighter-bombers hit supply areas, tanks, AA positions, and troop concentrations at Man Kat, Tonghsim, Kong-lin, Bawdwin, Mong Tat, and in the Hsenwi vicinity. 488 transport sorties are flown to forward areas.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Mission 26: 46 B-29s from Chengtu, China are dispatched to bomb the harbor at Kirun, Formosa; 39 hit the target and 6 bomb targets of last resort along the China coast; this raid is the first of several such operations against Formosa in conjunction with the US invasion of Luzon .

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 24 B-24s, based on Saipan hit an airfield on Iwo Jima which is struck again by 8 B-24s on individual snooper missions during the night of 9/10 Jan.

EAST INDIES: USAAF Far East Air Forces aircraft make small-scale attacks on barges, airfields, and targets of opportunity in Halmahera Islands, the Ceram Island area, northern Borneo, and on Timor Island.

FORMOSA: The Japanese transport SS Oryoku Maru was attacked in December by USN planes while transporting U.S. POWs from the Philippine Islands to Japan. To prevent her sinking, the crew ran her aground in the Philippines but 286 US soldiers were killed and the 925 survivors were put aboard the SS Enoura Maru. Previously used to transport horses, the holds are filthy with manure, yet into these holds are crammed some 1,040 men with little room to sit down. Some are so hungry that they picked out grain from the manure, grain that had dropped from the horses mouth during feeding. On 1 January, the Enoura Maru reached Takao, Formosa. The crew then started to celebrate the New Year, leaving the POWs to fend for themselves for the next four days. During those four days 34 prisoners died. This morning, aircraft from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet carried out a bombing attack on the harbor. Little did the pilots know that the ship they are bombing carried their own countrymen. The bombs that struck the Enoura Maru killed 252 men and injured a similar number, many of whom later died from their injuries. No medical help is forthcoming from the Japanese crew, the prisoners left in the hold surrounded by hundreds of mutilated bodies. On 11 January, the bodies are removed and transported in cargo lighters to the outer spit of the harbor and buried in a mass grave. In the later part of 1946 the bodies were exhumed by an American Graves Recovery Team and re-interred in the National War Cemetery in Hawaii.

NEW GUINEA: In Northeast New Guinea, the Australian 2/5th Battalion, 17th Brigade, 6th Division, captures Asiling without opposition.

PACIFIC OCEAN: Task Force 38 (Vice Admiral John S. McCain) supports the landings at Lingayen Gulf, Philippine Islands, with attacks on Japanese airfields and shipping in the Formosa, Ryukyus, and Pescadores Islands areas. This Task Force is composed of 12 aircraft carriers, five small aircraft carriers, five battleships, two heavy cruisers, 11 light cruisers and 60 destroyers. Off Formosa, TF 38 planes sink a coast defense vessel north of Keelung; a submarine chaser; and a fleet tanker, a merchant tanker and a cargo ship south of Formosa; and a small cargo vessel off Keelung; and a cargo ship.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: After preparatory aerial and naval bombardment the U.S. Sixth Army, under Lieutenant General Walter Krueger, begins landing on shores of Lingayen Gulf at approximately 0930 hours local. The USN Seventh Fleet commander, Vice Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid, heads the Luzon Attack Force (Task Force 77). Two corps land abreast, the XIV on right and the I on the left, without opposition. XIV Corps, with the 40th Infantry Division on the right and the 37th on the left, each with two regiments in assault, is virtually unopposed while pushing inland to an average depth of 4 miles, its flanks near Calasiao on the east and Port Sual on the west. I Corps, more strongly opposed, is less successful. Its beachhead by end of day is narrower and shallower than that of XIV Corps and contains several gaps between the assault forces. The 6th Infantry Division, employing two regiments, gains the line from Dagupan to the Pantalan River and has elements at the Bued
River crossing, south of San Fabian. The 43d Infantry Division attacks with three regiments to positions in the vicinity of San Jacinto, Binday, and Hills 470, 247, and 385.
The troops land under cover of heavy gunfire from the bombardment force, Task Group 77.2 (Vice Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf) consisting of six battleships; two Australian and three USN heavy cruisers, one light cruiser and one RAN and 20 USN destroyers and aircraft from the escort carrier force, Task Group 77.4 (Rear Admiral Calvin T. Durgin), consisting of 20 escort aircraft carriers. Japanese air attacks and assault demolition boats continue to vex the invasion forces off the beaches. Kamikazes crash battleship USS Mississippi, light cruiser USS Columbia, and destroyer escort USS Hodges, in addition to Australian heavy cruiser HMAS Australia (D 84), which is finally sent to the rear areas for repairs. Japanese assault demolition boats damage transport USS War Hawk and tank landing ships USS LST-925 and LST-1028.
The US landing on Luzon at Lingayen Gulf begins. This is Operation MIKE 1. I was there on 9 January. In fact, I have a printed book describing the complete operation issued 29 July 29, 1945. Just for clarification the first paragraph was as follows: "The planning group of GHQ mapped out a series of operations for the recapture of the Island of LUZON. This series was known at the MUSKETEER OPERATIONS, and the separate phases of M-1, M-2, M-3, and M-4. The first (M-1) called for landings in LINGAYEN GULF." This book had a cover letter written by O. W. Griswold, Lieutenant General, U. S. Army Commanding, and was submitted to the Commanding General, Sixth Army. Detailed reports were written by Staff Officers of the XIV Corps.
In northern Luzon, USAAF Far East Air Forces (FEAF) B-24s bomb Mabalacat while B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers destroy several bridges and numerous vehicles and trains throughout Luzon, and bomb several airfields; B-24s also hit Nielson Airfield and Nichols Field. FEAF aircraft also make small-scale attacks on barges, airfields, and targets of opportunity on Mindanao.

 

[syscom3]

Jan 10th 1945

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 3 B-24s on an armed photo mission bomb and photograph Kurabu Airfield on Paramushiru, scoring hits on the runway.

CHINA: In an effort to reopen the Canton-Hengyang stretch of the Canton-Hankow Railroad, the Japanese move forward as quietly as possible about this time.

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): 2 B-24s bomb the Cap-Saint-Jacques area of French Indochina. In Burma, 50+ P-51s, P-40s, and P-38s pound various targets of opportunity throughout the Wanling area and 6 P-40s hit targets of opportunity in the Muse area. The 25th Fighter Squadron, 51st FG, based at Yunnani with P-51s, sends a detachment to operate from Leangshan, China.

BURMA: Whilst the advance of the Indian XXXIII Corps to the Irrawaddy River is attracting the Japanese attention, the Indian IV Corps is moving southward to the west of the Chindwin with the intention of crossing the Irrawaddy near Meiktila. Gangaw is taken in this advance. The Indian 19th Division takes bridgeheads over the Irrawaddy north of Mandalay, at Kyaukmyang and Thabeikkyin. Fierce Japanese attacks in these areas begin immediately. In the Arakan, there are landings of British Commandos near Myebon on the mainland between Akyab and Ramree.
In the Northern Combat Area Command area, the 114th Regiment of the Chinese 38th Division, which is to move around the southern end of the Shweli Valley and cut the Namhkam-Namhpakka trail, crosses the Shweli River. The U.S. 124th Cavalry Regiment (Special), after a delay at the Shweli River because of swollen waters, is assembled east of the river.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 75 fighter-bombers pound troop concentrations, supplies, tanks, artillery, and buildings at Kawnglang, Nampa-chi, Man Namman, Pangkai, Mong Yai, Namhsan, Namyao, Se-ping, Panghai, and in the Hosi area; 17 P-47s knock out a bridge, damage another at Bawgyo and 2 others at Ho-kho; 8 P-47s support ground forces in the Si-U battle sector; 8 others hit supplies and ferry crossing at Ta-mawngtawn. 472 transport sorties are flown to forward bases and frontline areas. The 165th Liaison Squadron (Commando), 1st Air Commando Group, moves from Kawlin to Ye-U, Burma with UC-64s and L-5s (a detachment is operating from Inbaung, Burma).

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 30 Guam based B-24s operating in 2 separate formations, bomb airfields on Iwo Jima; 2 other B-24s, on armed reconnaissance, hit airfield on Woleai. Iwo Jima airfields are hit again on the night of 10/11 Jan by B-24s flying snooper missions from Guam.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: HQ XIII Fighter Command moves from Sansapor to Leyte . The detachment of the 12th Fighter Squadron, 18th FG, operating from Morotai with P-38s, returns to base at Sansapor.

AUSTRALIA: Since censorship has prevented the press from publishing news that Australian troops have taken over from the Americans on Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands, the Canberra Times newspaper asks, "Will anyone knowing the whereabouts of Australian soldiers in action in the South West Pacific Area please communicate at once with the Australian Government"

EAST INDIES: In the Netherlands East Indies, about 60 USAAF Far East Air Forces P-40s bomb and strafe the Galela area on Halmahera Island and B-25sand P-38s hit Kendari Airfield on Celebes Island.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: In U.S. Sixth Army area on Luzon, army reserve begins landing. In the XIV Corps area, the 185th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division takes Labrador while the 160th Infantry Regiment pushes along Highway 13 toward Aguilar, reaching the Umanday area. Because of a gap developing between the two regiments, the 180th Infantry Regiment (less 3d Battalion) is committed in the Polong area. The 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, speeds inland to San Carlos; elements continue to the Army Beachhead Line. One 129th Infantry Regiment column moves without opposition to Malisiqui, within 2.5 miles of the Army Beachhead Line, while another reaches the Army Beachhead Line at Dumpay and maintains contact with the 148th Infantry Regiment. In the I Corps area, the 6th Infantry Division drives south and southeast to Mapandan and the vicinity of Santa Barbara. The 43d Infantry Division's 103d Infantry Regiment takes San Jacinto without opposition and pushes on toward Manoag and Hill 200; the 169th and a 172d Infantry Regiments run into organized defense positions on hills confronting them; the 169th takes Hill 470 and drives on Hill 351 and 318; the 172d clears Hill 385 and moves slowly toward Hill 351.
On Luzon, USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24s bomb Grace Park Airfield and warehouse area near Manila, A-20s, and fighter-bombers attack trucks, trains, railroad yards, railroads, and highways over wide areas of northern and southern Luzon, and bomb Vigan and Laoag Airfields. Other B-25 Mitchells, A-20s, and fighter-bombers, operating in smaller forces, hit numerous shipping and communications targets, airfields, and other targets throughout the Philippine Islands.
Japanese assault demolition boats infiltrate the transport areas off Lingayen, sinking an infantry landing craft (mortar) and an infantry landing craft (gunboat), and damaging destroyers USS Robinson and Philip, transport USS War Hawk and tank landing ship USS LST-610. Japanese air attacks against the fleet off Lingayen continue, damaging destroyer USS Wickes; kamikazes damage destroyer escort USS Leray Wilson, and attack transport USS Dupage.

UNITED STATES: Three Japanese Fu-Go paper balloons are recovered today.
- The first balloon, including envelope, rigging and apparatus, is forced down by a USN aircraft at 1750 hours local about 30 miles west of Alturas, California. Alturas is located in northeastern California about 114 miles NE of Redding.
- The second balloon is found near Bozeman, Montana; it is not known when the balloon landed. Bozeman is located about 123 miles W of Billings.
- Remnants of a third balloon are found near Lake of the Woods, Oregon. The date of the landing is unknown. Lake of the Woods is located about 215 miles SE of Portland.

 

[syscom3]

Jan 11th 1945

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Kurile , 3 B-24s on an armed reconnaissance to Suribachi on Paramushiru , bomb NW of Taro Lake; 5 B-25s hit Kotani Shima.

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In Burma, 5 B-25s damage a bridge at Wan Mai-Lo; 12 fighter-bombers hit targets of opportunity NE of Wanling, 7 drop napalm on targets of opportunity NE of Muse, and 11 attack targets of opportunity SE of Wanting, China and in the E end of the Wanting River valley.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): The USAAF Twentieth Air Force's XX Bomber Command flies Mission 27: 47 B-29s from the Calcutta, India area, are dispatched to bomb two large drydocks at Singapore; 25 hit the primary targets; around 15 others bomb Penang Island, Malaya, Mergui, Burma, and various targets of opportunity; they claim 6-1-17 Japanese aircraft; two B-29s are lost.

BURMA: In the British Fourteenth Army's Indian IV Corps area, after Gangaw is captured by the East African 28th Brigade and Lushai Brigade, the corps is able to advance quickly toward the Irrawaddy River in the Pakokku area for a drive on Meiktila.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 12 P-47s support ground forces in the Si-U and Namhkam sectors. 3 others strafe trucks between Namhkam and Selan; troop concentrations, vehicles, artillery pieces, supply areas, and general enemy movement are pounded by 80+ fighter-bombers; 12 B-25s bomb storage buildings in the Lashio area. 509 transport sorties are flown to forward areas. The 6th Fighter Squadron (Commando), 1st Air Commando Group, based at Asansol, India, sends a detachment to operate from Cox's Bazar, India with P-47s.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: Japanese submarines commence operation KONGO against Ulithi, employing suicide torpedoes [kaitens]; HIJMS I 36 launches kaitens that damage ammunition ship USS Mazama and an infantry landing craft.
During hunter-killer operations near Yap Island, USN destroyer USS Evans and destroyer escort USS McCoy Reynolds bombard Japanese defenses; they repeat the operation tomorrow.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 23 B-24s from Saipan pound airfields on Iwo Jima; the bombing of Iwo Jima is continued during the night of 11/12 Jan, by 3 B-24s flying individual snooper strikes from the Mariana. The 6th Night Fighter Squadron, VII Fighter Command (attached to 318th Fighter Group), moves from Kipapa, Hawaii to East Field, Saipan (a detachment has been operating from Saipan with P-47s and P-61s since Jun 44; a detachment operates from Kipapa, Hawaii until May 45).

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): The 3d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (Very Heavy), 311th Photographic Wing (attached to XXI Bomber Command), moves from Saipan to Guam with F-13s (the squadron flies photo, electronic and weather reconnaissance missions in the W Pacific).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: HQ 308th Bombardment Wing moves from Leyte to Luzon.

EAST INDIES: USAAF Far East Air Forces B-25s and P-38s attack Kendari Airfield on Celebes Island, Netherlands East Indies.

MARSHALL ISLANDS: USN destroyer escort USS Brackett extracts a party of Marshallese scouts from Jaluit Island, where they had been landed on 9 January to determine the condition of the garrison there.

NEW GUINEA: General Headquarters Southwest Pacific Area orders the 11th Airborne Division to be prepared to land on Luzon, Philippine Islands, at Nasugbu and Tayabas Bays in late January. The plan to land XI Corps at Vigan, Luzon, is dropped.
A company of the Australian 2/5th Battalion, 17th Brigade, 6th Division, occupies Samisai, Northeast New Guinea.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: In the U.S. Sixth Army area on Luzon, Regimental Combat Team 158, part of the army reserve, begins a drive up Route 251 toward Rabon and relieves elements of the 172d Infantry Regiment, 43d Infantry Division. The XIV Corps is largely on the Army Beachhead Line by the end of day. The 40th Infantry Division consolidates in the Dulig-Labrador- Uyong area, and finds Aguilar in the hands of Philippine guerrillas, and makes contact with the 37th Infantry Division east of Aguilar. The 37th Infantry Division organizes defensive positions along the Army Beachhead Line; patrols actively and establishes outposts; maintains contact with I Corps. Regimental Combat Team 145, all of which is now ashore, establishes defense positions along Route 261. In the I Corps area, the 6th Infantry Division finds Philippine guerrillas in control of Santa Barbara and moves 3.5 miles S to Balingueo. The 103d Infantry Regiment, 43d Infantry Division, takes Manoag without opposition; gains positions on the slopes of the hill mass that Hill 200 crowns; and establishes contact with the 6th Infantry Division. The 169th Infantry Regiment tries in vain to take Hill 318 and gains a weak hold on Hill 560. The 172d Infantry Regiment, under intense fire, makes little headway. Corps front is rapidly widening and extends nearly 30 miles from south to north.
With elimination of a small Japanese force at Boac, Marinduque Island is now secure. [Marinduque Island is a 370 square mile island midway between southern Luzon and Mindoro Island.]
Large number of USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers concentrate on communications targets throughout northern Luzon and attack airfields, communications, and town areas in southern Luzon, the central Philippine Islands, and on Mindanao Island.
The first elements of Marine Aircraft Group 24 (MAG-24) land at Lingayen, Luzon, to provide close air support for Army forces. Over the next three months, MAG-24 and MAG-32 will fly a total of 8,842 combat sorties and drop more than 19,000 bombs as part of the USAAF Fifth Air Force in support of the Sixth Army.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: On Bougainville, a platoon of the Australian 47th Battalion, 29th Brigade, 3rd Division, crosses the Adele River in assault boats without casualties. The platoon had been supported by artillery that fired at the Japanese positions at ranges of 600 to 800 yards, and mortar and machinegun fire.

 

[syscom3]

Jan 12th 1945

CANADA: A Japanese Fu-Go balloon releases a 33 pound bomb and two flares or incendiaries near Minton, Saskatchewan, at 1630 hours. One flare or incendiary exploded; the other and the bomb do not. The balloon then rose and disappeared. Minton is located about 86 miles S of Regina and 11 miles N of the Canadian-U.S. border.

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): 6 B-25s again damage a bridge at Wan Mai-Lo, Burma. 35 fighter-bombers pound targets of opportunity around Wanting, China and Muse, Burma.

INDIA: In the Northern Combat Area Command (NCAC) area, a U.S. - Chinese convoy starts along the Ledo Road from Ledo, India.

BURMA: In the Allied Land Forces South East Asia (ALFSEA) Indian 15 Corps area, the 3d Commando Brigade lands on the Arakan coast at Myebon after an air and naval bombardment and establishes a firm beachhead, which the Japanese without success soon attempts to destroy.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 16 fighter-bombers support ground forces in the battle sectors at Si-U and at Lawa on the Irrawaddy River; 70+ fighter-bombers hit troops, supplies, vehicles, and general enemy movement at Namsa-lap, Longmao, Hsa-ihkao, Mangpu, Pangnim, and near Lashio, Hsipaw, and Hsenwi. Transports fly 544 sorties, landing men and supplies at forward bases and dropping supplies to troops in battle sectors.

MALAYA - Two more B-29 bombers were shot down, one by Kamikaze ramming.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 28 Guam based B-24s bomb airfields on Iwo Jima; 3 B-24s, on armed reconnaissance from Saipan bomb Marcus. Iwo Jima is hit by snooper strikes during the night of 12/13 Jan, by 4 B-24s from the Mariana.

PACIFIC OCEAN: USN Task Force 38, under the command of Vice Admiral John S. McCain, hits Japanese shipping, airfields, and other shore installations in the South China Sea and in southeastern French Indochina. Among the sunken vessels is the 442 ton submarine chaser Ch 43 (442T), with the help of Ch 15 and W18, sank the submarine U.S.S. Wahoo in La Perouse Strait on 11 October 1943.
Japanese Operation KONGO, employing suicide torpedoes [Kaitens], continues; efforts by submarines HIJMS I 53 at Kossol Roads, Palau Islands, Caroline Islands; I 56 at Manus, in the Admiralty Islands, Bismarck Archipelago; and by I 58 at Apra Harbor, Guam, Mariana Islands, are unsuccessful.
In the East China Sea off the west coast of Luzon, Philippine Islands, Japanese kamikazes damage destroyer escorts USS Richard W. Suesens and Gilligan; attack transport USS Zeilin; and tank landing ship USS LST-700; suicide pilots target U.S. merchant ships, damaging five freighters. On one ship, 129 of the 506 Army troops aboard are killed.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb the San Jose del Monte area and bivouac areas on N Luzon; other B-24s hit Legaspi Airfield, and Batangas Airfield and Matina Airfieldwhile B-25s bomb Fabrica warehouses.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: In the U.S. Sixth Army's XIV Corps area on Luzon, the 40th Infantry Division's 185th Infantry Regiment takes Port Sual, the west terminus of the Army Beachhead Line, without a fight and continues west toward Alaminos. The 37th Infantry Division is consolidating on the Army Beachhead Line; elements move into Bayamhang and Urhiztondo without opposition.
In the I Corps area, the 6th Infantry Division (less Regiment Combat Team 63) is ordered to conduct a holding action along the line Malisiqui-Catablan- Torres until the situation in the 43d Infantry Division sector improves and is moving forward toward that line. Regiment Combat Team 158, released from army reserve to the corps late in day, moves elements to Rabon and Bani and patrols to Damortis.
Corps attaches Regiment Combat Team 158 to the 43d Infantry Division; to further strengthen the division, commits Regiment Combat Team 63 (—) of the 6th Infantry Division to right of Regiment Combat Team 158 to close the gap between the 158th and 172d Regiments. Regiment Combat Team's 158 and 63 are to secure the Damortis-Rosario road. Elements of the 43d Infantry Division take Hill 560 and are attacking toward Hills 318 and 200.
On Mindoro, the entire 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, assembles at Pinamalayan for a drive on Calapan, where the Japanese force is now concentrated. Guerrilla patrol reaches Wawa, on the north coast near Abra de Ilog.
USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24s bomb the San Jose del Monte area and bivouac areas on northern Luzon; other B-24s hit Legaspi, and Batangas Airfields on Luzon, and Matina Airfield on Mindanao Island while B-25 Mitchells bomb Fabrica warehouses on Negros Island.

NEW GUINEA: The Japanese Operation KONGO, employing suicide torpedoes [Kaitens], continues; submarine HIJMS I 47 launches kaitens that damage a U.S. freighter at Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea; there are no casualties among the merchant sailors or the 27-man Armed Guard.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: On Bougainville, troops of the Australian 47th Battalion, 29th Brigade, 3rd Division, that crossed the Adele River yesterday, continue on and seize the mouth of the Hupai River and a log crossing across the river about 800 yards inland.

 

[syscom3]

Jan 13th 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): 6 B-25s blast 6 storage buildings at Kengtung, China. 3 others damage a bridge at Hawng Luk, Burma. In China, 31 P-51s, P-38s, and P-40s hit targets of opportunity in the Wanting area; 16 P-51s hit targets of opportunity around Shanhsien, Chiatsochen, and Chaling.

BURMA: In the Allied Land Forces South East Asia (ALFSEA) area, the Indian XV Corps strengthens the Myebon bridgehead.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 10 fighter-bombers hit Aungban Airfield while 4 others support ground forces along the Irrawaddy River at Molo; 20+ fighter-bombers hit horses and vehicles at Hsa-ihkao, buildings at Man Ping, and troops at Mankang and Man Sang. Transports fly 556 sorties to forward areas. The detachment of the 317th Troop Carrier Squadron (Commando), 2d Air Commando Group, operating from Dinjan, India with C-47s, returns to base at Kalaikunda, India.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 14 Saipan based B-24s hit an airfield on Iwo Jima; 2 B-24s from Guam and Saipan again raid the airfields on the night of 13/14 Jan.

MALAYA - 3 B-29 bombers crashed in Negeri Sembilan. One B-29 at Rembau, one at Port Dickson and another at Kepas. (* The one crashed in Rembau is the "Postville Express", but they seen to unaware that another B-29 was ditched at South China Sea.)

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: HQ 18th FG and the 12th Fighter Squadron move from Sansapor to Lingayen Airfield with P-38s (the 12th has been operating from Morotai since Nov 44).

EAST INDIES: Four RAAF pilots ferrying (P-40) Kittyhawks from New Guinea to Morotai Island are reported missing. After the war, it is learned that two of the pilots had been captured by the Japanese after they crashed landed and both were killed at a "special ceremony."
Twelve RAAF Spitfires attack targets on the northwestern tip of Halmahera Island.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: With scattered strikes at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, major Japanese air attacks on the Luzon Attack Force come to an end.
In the U.S. Sixth Army area, Lieutenant General Walter Krueger takes command ashore. In the XIV Corps area, elements of 185th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division, move along the coast of Lingayen Gulf to a site chosen for a seaplane base in Cabalitan Bay and find that Allied Naval Forces have already secured it without Japanese interference. Wawa falls to elements of the 37th Infantry Division. In the I Corps area, the 6th Infantry Division gains its holding line, Malisiqui-Catablan- Torres. In the 43d Infantry Division zone, Regimental Combat Team 158 takes Damortis without a struggle. Attacking from the Alacan area, the 63d Infantry Regiment gets about halfway to Hill 363, its first objective. Hills 580 and 318 are practically cleared by 172d and 169th Infantry Regiments, respectively.
On Luzon, USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24s hit the Tarlac barracks and storage area, Batangas Airfield, and troop concentrations at San Juan, Del Monte, Muzon, and San Vicente. P-47s fly a sweep from Laguna de Bay to Tarlac, destroying parked aircraft and vehicles and A-20s hit the town of Batangas and nearby railroads and highways, and bomb Lucena and Calingatan Airfields.

PACIFIC OCEAN: In the South China Sea, Japanese kamikaze attacks against Lingayen Gulf, Philippine Islands, invasion shipping culminate in a suicide plane crashing and damaging the USN escort aircraft carrier USS Salamaua about 85 nautical miles NW of the invasion beaches.
The USN destroyer escort USS Fleming sinks Japanese submarine HIJMS I-362 about 320 nautical miles NNE of Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands, in position12.08N, 154.27E.

 

[syscom3]

Jan 14th 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 27 B-24s, supported by 45 P-51s and P-40s, pound Hankow; 8 enemy aircraft are claimed destroyed; 7 B-25s hit targets at and W of Kengtung; 42 P-47s, P-40s, and P-51s attack airfields at Wuchang and Hankow; 17 Japanese aircraft are claimed destroyed; 21 P-40s and P-51s hit targets of opportunity in the Wanting area; 5 P-51s blast trucks and buildings at Shanhsien; 8 others attack shipping on the Yangtze River near Anking.

BURMA: In the British Fourteenth Army's Indian XXXIII Corps area, the Indian 19th Division secures a bridgehead across the Irrawaddy River at Thabeikkyin, evoking speedy and violent reaction from the Japanese. The Japanese mistakes the division for the Indian IV Corps as hoped and, to avert a threat to Mandalay, rushes reserves forward thus weakening other sectors. For the next month, the Indian 19th Division withstands repeated and determined counterattacks.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Mission 28: 82 B-29s out of Chengtu, China are dispatched to bomb air installations at Kagi, Formosa; 55 hit the primary target while 1 bombs Heito, Formosa; 22 others hit alternates and targets of opportunity at several points, among them Taichu Airfield, Formosa and Hengyang, China; no B-29s are lost.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 12 B-25s hit troops, stores area, and knock out 3 bridges near Nampawng and Hay-ti; 26 fighter-bombers support ground forces at Si-U and at Mabein; 60+ fighter-bombers pound supply areas, troop concentrations, and general targets of opportunity at or near Hsenwi, Se-u, Kongnyaung, Kutkai, Mongmit, Manai, and Kawnghka. Transports fly 487 sorties to forward areas.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 22 B-24s from Saipan and 21 from Guam bomb airfields on Moen, Truk Atoll; 9 P-38s escort the Saipan B-24s. 12 B-24s from Guam pound an airfield on Iwo Jima ; 2 B-24s from the Mariana fly snooper strikes against Iwo Jima airfields during the night of 14/15 Jan.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Mission 19: 73 B-29s from the Mariana are dispatched to bomb the Mitsubishi aircraft plant at Nagoya, Japan; 40 hit the primary target and 23 hit alternates and targets of opportunity; they claim 16-7-26 Japanese aircraft; 5 B-29s are lost.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA: The 408th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 22d BG (Heavy), moves from Angaur Airfield to Guiuan Airfield with B-24s.

EAST INDIES: USAAF Far East Air Forces B-25s bomb the Goeroea area, Halmahara Island. Moluccas Islands.

PACIFIC OCEAN: In the South China Sea, USN submarine USS Cobia, making her third patrol, fires a salvo of five torpedoes in a daytime periscope attack against coastal minelayer HIJMS Yurijima which sinks about 62 nautical miles ESE of Kota Bharu, Malaysia. One torpedo explodes and sinks the coastal minelayer in position 05.45N, 103.13E.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: In the U.S. Sixth Army's XIV Corps area on Luzon, the 40th Infantry Division's Reconnaissance Troop reaches Alaminos; the 160th Infantry Regiment drives south along Route 13 from Aguilar to Mangatarem. Pushing south across the Agno River, the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, takes Bautista; the 37th Infantry Division's Reconnaissance Troop finds Camiling undefended. In the I Corps area, the 6th Infantry Division continues a holding action and patrols actively. In the 43d Infantry Division zone, the 158th Infantry Regiment attacks toward Rosario but meets such heavy fire in a defile near Amlang that it pulls back approximately to its starting line; the 63d Infantry Regiment seizes Hill 363. After taking Hill 351, which has been bypassed, and mopping up on Hill 80, the 172d Infantry Regiment secures Hills 585 and 565 and pushes on toward Hill 665; upon spotting Japanese moving down Route 3, they are ordered to attack tomorrow for the junction of Routes 3 and 11. The 169th Infantry Regiment mops up on Hill 318 and prepares to attack Hill 355. The 103d Infantry Regiment establishes an outpost about 1.5 miles SE of Pozorrubio.
In the U.S. Eighth Army's XXIV Corps area on Leyte, the 96th Infantry Division relieves the 11th Airborne Division of tactical responsibility on Leyte and sends two battalions to Samar Island. to relieve the 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, of garrison duty at Catbalogan. During the night of 14/15 January, the 7th Infantry Division sends a task force, composed of the 3d Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, the 776th Tank Battalion, and elements of the 718th and 536th Amtrac Battalions, on an amphibious mission to secure Camotes Island located between Leyte and Cebu Islands.
USAAF Far East Air Forces B-25 Mitchells attack Aparri Airfield while supporting P-51s destroy several parked aircraft; and A-20s bomb Clark Field destroying numerous parked aircraft, while B-24s hit troop concentrations at Cabanatuan. B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers over wide areas of Luzon hit tanks, trucks, and other vehicles near Norzagaray, Masbate, Tartaro, Bulac, Banglos, and San Felipe; bomb a bridge north of Bocaue; hit airfields at Tuguegarao and Batangas on Luzon, Malabang on Mindanao Island, and Silay on Negros Island; bomb the Cotabato supply area on Mindanao; and attack numerous other targets.

 

[syscom3]

Jan 15th 1945

CHINA: The Japanese begin an offensive for Suichwan airfields, driving along the Chaling-Lienhwa road.

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): 18 B-25s, supported by 20 P-51s and P-40s, attack Hankow, China. Others hit the Wan Pa-Hsa, Burma town area and damage a nearby bridge and in China, attack shipping near Amoy, and hit targets of opportunity in the Siang-Chiang and Hsiang River Valleys and from Hong Kong to Foochow. 130+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance attack numerous targets of opportunity throughout S China from the Burma border to the SE coast.

BURMA: U.S. Major General George E Stratemeyer, Commanding General Eastern Air Command, and U.S. Lieutenant General Daniel I Sultan, Commanding General India-Burma Theater, confer at Myitkyina, and agree that an Army Air Forces Headquarters to command the U.S. Tenth and Fourteenth Air Forces should be set up in China.
In the Northern Combat Area Command (NCAC) area, the inaugural convoy from Ledo, India, reaches Myitkyina, where it halts to await clearance of the Japanese ahead. The Chinese 30th Division takes Namhkam with ease, gaining control of the lower end of Shweli Valley.
In the British Fourteenth Army's Indian XXXIII Corps area, the Indian 19th Division secures another bridgehead across the Irrawaddy River, at Kyaukmyaung.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 12 B-24s bomb a troop concentration and the supply area at Mong Ngaw; 6 fighter-bombers damage a bridge at Namhkai; 11 support ground forces along the Irrawaddy River, bombing Mabein, hitting a cable crossing at Myitson, and attacking a ferry landing on the Nampaw River, a tributary; troops, supplies, tanks and targets of opportunity are attacked at several points in N Burma including Mong Tat, Mong Yok and Mong Pa. Transports fly 527 sorties to forward areas. Lieutenant Generals Albert C Wedemeyer, Commanding General China Theater, George E Stratemeyer, Commanding General Eastern Air Command, and Daniel I Sultan, Commanding General India-Burma Theater, confer at Myitkyina, Burma and agree that an AAF HQ to command the US Tenth and Fourteenth Air Forces should be set up in China. The 15th Combat Cargo Squadron, 4th Combat Cargo Group, moves from Argartala to Chittagong with C-46s. The 164th Liaison Squadron (Commando), 1st Air Commando Group, moves from Inbaung to Kan, Burma with UC-64s and L-5s.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 12 B-24s from Saipan hit airfields on Iwo Jima; 2 B-24s, operating singly from Guam and Saipan, strike Iwo Jima airfields during the night of 15/16 Jan.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: The 318th Troop Carrier Squadron (Commando), 3d Air Commando Group, moves from Nadzab to Leyte with C-47s.

EAST INDIES: USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24s bomb Jesselton Airfield in British North Borneo.

NEW GUINEA: In Northeast New Guinea, a company of the Australian 2/5th Battalion, 17th Brigade, 6th Division, occupies Maharingi.

PACIFIC OCEAN: In the South China Sea, USN Task Force 38, severely handicapped by weather conditions, launches air strikes against shipping, airfields, and ground installations on Formosa and along the coast of China from Hong Kong to Amoy. Because of deteriorating weather conditions, some of the planes are diverted to Mako Ko in the Pescadores Islands and others to Prates Reef.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: In the U.S. Sixth Army's XIV Corps area on Luzon, elements of the 40th Infantry Division begin probing in the Dasol Bay-Balinao Peninsula area, where action is insignificant through 18 January. The 2d Battalion, 160th Infantry Regiment, takes San Clemente, forcing a Japanese party back toward Camiling. Elements of the 129th Infantry Regiment and the 37th Reconnaissance Troop, 37th Infantry Division, intercept the Japanese party near Camiling and disperse it. In the I Corps area, the 6th Infantry Division, while continuing a holding action, extends their left flank to Cabanbanan, between Manoag and Urdaneta. Patrols find the Japanese in possession of Urdaneta and Cabaruan Hills. In the 43d Infantry Division zone, the 158th Infantry Regiment, assisted by artillery, naval gunfire, and aircraft, begins clearing the defile near Amlang, on the road to Rosario; the 63d Infantry Regiment drives north in an effort to make contact with the 158th Infantry Regiment but stops for the night well south of Amlang; the 172d Infantry Regiment clears Hill 665 and reaches the Damortis-Rosario road within 1.5 miles of Rosario; the 169th Infantry Regiment, unable to take Hill 355 from the west and south, prepares to strike from the east; the 103d Infantry Regiment gains most of Hill 200 area.
Protected by USAAF Fifth Air Force planes and motor torpedo (PT) boats, the 7th Infantry Division Task Force lands unopposed on the northern and southern tips of Ponson Island, Camotes Islands, located between Leyte and Cebu Islands.
On Mindoro, the 2d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, driving on Calapan, meets delaying opposition along Gusay Creek. The 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment, which has been assisting guerrilla forces, terminates operations on Mindoro.
USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers attack objectives on Luzon Island, in the central Philippine Islands, and on Palawan Island, hitting highways, railroads, airfields and numerous targets of opportunity including tanks, trucks, and other vehicles.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: On Bougainville, elements of the Australian 61st Battalion, 7th Brigade, 3rd Division, start moving south from the Jaba River.

UNITED STATES: Fragments of a 33 pound Japanese anti-personnel high explosive bomb dropped from a Japanese Fu Go balloon are recovered at Saticoy, California. The bomb was observed to explode at 1800 hours local. Saticoy is located about 61 miles WNW of Los Angeles.

 

[syscom3]

Jan 16th 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 4 B-25s and 8 P-40s destroy a train N of Hankow and 8 B-25s pound Wanting. 180+ P-51s, P-40s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance over vast expanses of China S of the Yangtze River and from the Burma border to the S China Sea attack numerous targets of opportunity; the Muse, Burma and Wanting and Changsha, China areas are hit especially hard.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 12 B-25s attack a troop concentration and supply dump at Namtoi; 15 P-47s support ground forces near Yenya-u and S of Shadaw; 22 bomb airfields at Anisakan and Nawnghkio; a troop concentration, supplies, town areas, vehicles, and other targets are attacked by 40+ fighter-bombers; the 71st Liaison Squadron, Tenth AF [attached to 1st Liaison Group (Provisional)] moves from Sahmaw to Katha with UC-64s, L-1s, L-4s and L-5s. Transports fly 550 sorties to forward areas.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 10 B-24s from Guam bomb an airfield on Iwo Jima; 12 P-38s from Saipan assigned to high cover for the B-24 strike fail to make contact with the formation due to bad weather; 3 of the fighters strafe beached vessels. 3 B-24s fly snooper strikes against Iwo Jima airfields during the night of 16/17 Jan.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): 32 of 44 B-29s of the 313th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) fly a shakedown mission against the airfield on Pagan. Units arriving at North Field from the US: HQ 316th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy); HQ 19th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) and the 28th, 30th and 93d Bombardment Squadrons (Very Heavy) with B-29s (first mission 12 Feb 45).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA: In the day's principal strikes B-24s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers pound Japanese concentrations, trains, trucks, and targets of opportunity on Luzon. Other B-24s hit airfields in N Borneo and on Halmahera . B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers on small raids, armed reconnaissance, and harassing strikes hit airfields on Negros and airfields, communications targets, trains, trucks, and other targets of opportunity throughout Luzon. HQ 86th Fighter Wing moves from Sansapor to Luzon. The 26th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, moves from Biak to Lingayen Airfield with F-5s. The 70th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, ceases operating from Morotai with P-38s and begins a movement to Luzon. The 547th Night Fighter Squadron, 86th Fighter Wing (attached to 308th Bombardment Wing) moves from San Jose to Lingayen Airfield with P-38s and P-61s.

 

[syscom3]

Jan 17th 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 12 B-25s bomb the town area, river shipping, and trucks at Ishan and 3 B-25s and 8 P-40s pound sampans and storage areas W of Hengshan while 2 B-25s hit an oil dump and other targets of opportunity in the Hsiang River Valley and another blasts a troop compound at Chaling. 4 B-25s damage a bridge at Phu Lang Thuong, French Indochina. 180+ P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s hit a large number of targets of opportunity from the Burma border to Shanghai, China, concentrating on the Wanling, Burma area and airfields in the Shanghai, Wuchou, and Wuchang, China areas.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Mission 29: 77 of 92 B-29s from Chengtu, China bomb the airfield at Shinchiku; 8 other hit alternates and targets of opportunity in SE China; 1 B-29 is lost.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 4 B-25s demolish 2 bypass bridges at Ho-hko; 8 pound the village of Mansam; 20 P-47s support ground forces along the Irrawaddy River, hitting targets at Konkha, Onbaing, and Wabyudaung; troop concentrations and supplies are bombed by 75 fighter- bombers at Nawngchio, No-na, Man Hpa-yaw, Man Namket, Nanhu, Panghai, Mong Nge, and Ho-Pok. Transports fly 489 sorties to forward bases and frontline areas.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 14 B-24s from Saipan pound airfields on Iwo Jima; 3 from Guam on armed reconnaissance flight, bomb Marcus; 2 B-24s, from Guam and Saipan, fly individual harassment strikes against Iwo Jima during the night of 17/18 Jan.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): HQ 29th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) and the 6th, 43d and 52d Bombardment Squadrons (Very Heavy) arrive at North Field from the US with B-29s (first mission is 16 Feb).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: In principal strikes of the day on Luzon, B-24s bomb railroad yards at Legaspi while B-25s hit roads and railways E of Manila, destroying many railroad cars and troop-laden trucks. Other B-24s pound the Daliao area on Mindanao and Talisay Airfield on Negros . B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers continue to fly small strikes and armed reconnaissance against bridges, shipping, port areas, airfields, trucks, and other targets of opportunity throughout Luzon and in the C Philippines. Lost is P-47D 42-23208 off Vigan.
The air echelon of the 82d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group, moves from San Jose to Lingayen Airfield with F-6s and P-40s (ground echelon is enroute from Morotai to Lingayen).

 

[syscom3]

Jan 18th 1945

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 3 B-24s fly an unsuccessful reconnaissance mission to Kurabu Airfield on Paramushiru ; one of the B-24s force- lands in the USSR on the return trip.
BURMA: Lt Alec George Horwood (b.1914), Queen's Royal Regt., braved constant danger as a forward observer and died in an attack he volunteered to lead. (Victoria Cross)

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 29 B-24s bomb and 25 P-40s pound shipping and railroad targets at Hong Kong; 7 B-25s bomb Ishan and Chinchengchiang, 4 B-25s and 12 P-40s hit shipping in the Puchi area, 4 B-25s bomb the town of Wanting, and 2 hit troop compounds at Chaling. 11 B-25s and 12 fighter-bombers attack Phu Lang Thuong, French Indochina. About 140 P-51s, P-40s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance over S China from the Burma boundary to Hong Kong attack a huge variety of targets of opportunity.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 23 P-47s and P-38s hit Anisakan and Hsumhsai Airfields; 12 B-25s bomb the airfield at Nawnghkio; 20+ P-47s support ground forces at Si-U and near Yenya-u and Mahlainggon; troops, supplies, and general targets of opportunity are attacked at Antawsai, Mong Nak, Namhpakka, Mong Yok, Loi-pyek, Kyawnghkam, Pangnok, and in the Namtu vicinity. 529 transport sorties are flown to forward areas. In India, the detachment of the 6th Fighter Squadron (Commando), 1st Air Commando Group, operating from Cox's Bazar, India with P-47s returns to base at Asansol.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 19 Saipan based B-24s bomb targets on Chichi Jima and Haha Jima, damaging the naval base and the town of Okimura on Chichi Jima. 10 B-24s from Guam pound an airfield on Iwo Jima. During the night of 18/19 Jan, 3 B-24s continue snooper strikes against Iwo Jima airfields. HQ VII Fighter Command moves from Hickam Field to Ft Kamehameha.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-25s blast the Cotabato area on Mindanao . B-24s bomb targets in the Miti area, and on Luzon , B-25s hit troop concentrations at Bamban, A-20s hit warehouses and highway traffic N of Bataan, and P-38s strafe parked aircraft at Tuguegarao and vehicles at Enrile and Butigui and Calarian on Mindanao. A variety of FEAF aircraft fly small-scale raids and armed reconnaissance missions against road and rail targets, bridges, airfields, and numerous targets of opportunity throughout the Philippines. The 66th Troop Carrier Squadron, 433d Troop Carrier Group, based on Biak , begins operating from Hill Field and Dulag with C-46s and C-47s. The 67th Troop Carrier Squadron, 433d Troop Carrier Group, moves from Biak to Tinauan with C-46s and C-47s. Lost is A-20G "Queen of Spades" 43-21309.

 

[syscom3]

Jan 19th 1945

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 1 B-24 flies a radar ferret mission over Shimushu and Onnekotan in the Kurile ; 2 other B-24s hit Matsuwa and Onnekotan.

CHINA: Japanese troops take Chingyuan, on the Canton to Hankow railway.

BURMA: L/Naik Sher Shah (b.1917), 16th Punjab Regt., broke up two attacks by crawling among the Japanese and firing at close range. Wounded, he went in a third time, but was killed. (Victoria Cross)

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): 4 B-25s bomb Monguy, Burma and vicinity, 5 bomb Ishan, China, and in French Indochina, 8 hit shipping and rail targets at Song Cau, and 4 hit shipping, railroad targets, and a bridge at Do Len. About 115 P-51s, P-40s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance over S China and N French Indochina attack a great variety of targets of opportunity covering especially in the Wanting, China area.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 9 B-25s bomb troops and stores at Na-mon and near Hsenwi; 28 fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Si-U and Namhkam battle sectors and along the Irrawaddy River near Yenya-u, Kyaukpyu, and Myitson; 4 others bomb a causeway in the lake at Mogok; troops, supplies, and artillery are hit by 80+ fighter-bombers at Tonghsim, Konghsa, Mankang, Mong Pa, Pangkawlong, Saihkao, Man Hio, Man Mao, and other locations in N Burma. Transports complete 500+ sorties to forward areas.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 7 B-24s from Saipan bomb harbor installations at Chichi Jima; 9 from Guam hit airfields on Iwo Jima; 7 B-24s escort photo planes over the Bonin and Kazan and 1 bombs Iwo Jima; during the night, 3 B-24s on individual snooper strikes from the Marianas bomb Iwo Jima

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Mission 20: 80 B-29s are dispatched to hit the Kawasaki aircraft plant at Akashi, outside Tokyo, Japan; 62 hit the primary target and 9 others bomb alternates and targets of opportunity; they claim 4-4-8 Japanese aircraft.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: In principal missions of the day, B-24s and B-25s bomb La Carlota and Bacolod Airfields on Negros. A-20s attack shipping at Salomague and Callaguip and B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers attack throughout Luzon, hitting airfields, vehicles, storage areas, highways, and a variety of other targets. HQ 433d Troop Carrier Group moves from Biak to Tanauan, Leyte. The 70th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, arrives at Lingayen Airfield from Sansapor with P-38s.

 

[syscom3]

Jan 20th 1945

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 4 B-24s bomb the Kataoka area on Shimushu

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): 4 B-25s hit a bridge and railroad cars near Hanoi, French Indochina. In China, 3 B-25s attack targets of opportunity W of Hengshan, 2 hit a troop compound and other targets at Chaling and Anjen, and 1 damages a small freighter in the E China Sea; 32 P-51s pound airfields in the Shanghai area, claiming 22 aircraft destroyed; 200+ P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance over vast S China and N French Indochina areas attack bridges, town areas, rail, road and river traffic, and other targets of opportunity at numerous points. The detachment of the 22d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 341st BG (Medium), operating from Yunnani, China with B-25s, returns to base at Yangkai.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Brigadier General Roger M Ramey officially becomes Commanding General XX Bomber Command.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 16 fighter-bombers support ground forces along the Irrawaddy River near Mabein, Shadaw, and Myitson; 8 others hit an ammunition dump at Namhkai and a supply dump at Kutkai; also hit are troop concentrations, supply areas and targets of opportunity at Kyaunghkam, Panghung, Kawnglom, Namhsan, Loi-kang, and in the Hsenwi area. 482 transport sorties are flown to advanced bases and battle sectors. HQ 80th Fighter Group moves from Tingkawk Sakan to Myitkyina, Burma. In India, the 127th Liaison Squadron (Commando), 2d Air Commando Group, based at Kalaikunda with UC-64s and L-5s, sends a detachment to operate from Cox's Bazar (first mission is today)

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 12 Guam based B-24s bomb airfields on Iwo Jima; 5 from Saipan hit the town of Okimura on Chichi Jima; during the night of 20/21 Jan, 10 B-24s from Guam fly separate snooper strikes against Iwo Jima airfields. The 163d Liaison Squadron, AAFPOA (attached to Tenth Army) arrives at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii from the US with L-5s.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Major General Curtis Emerson LeMay takes command of the XXI Bomber Command.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA: B-24s pound Fabrica Airfield on Negros and bomb underground storage area at Bamban. On Luzon, A-20s and B-25s hit railroads and trains near the Bicol River and between Calauag and Legaspi; other A-20s and fighter-bombers hit Aparri, Laoag and Tubang Airfields, hit artillery positions W of Bong Bong and destroy railroad bridge at Aloneros. HQ 35th Fighter Group moves from Morotai to Mangaldan. The 2d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 22d Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Angaur Airfield to Guiuan Airfield with B-24s. The 82d and 110th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadrons, 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group, arrive at Lingayen Airfield from Morotai and Dulag respectively with F-6s and P-40s (82d) and P-40s (110th). Lost is A-20G 43-21622.

 

[syscom3]

Jan 21st 1944

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 30 B-24s pound the Hong Kong area; 12 P-51s hit Nanking Airfield (claiming 11 enemy aircraft destroyed) and targets of opportunity along the Yangtze River to Hankow; 30 P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance hit targets of opportunity at several locations; 12 of the fighter-bombers concentrate on the Wanting area.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 10 B-25s bomb Heho Airfield; 12 P-38s bomb the bridge area at Nampawng; 26 P-47s support ground forces near Twinnge, Mahlainggon, and Konkha along the Irrawaddy River, and in the Si-U sector; 50+ P-38s and P-47s hit troop concentrations, supplies, and targets of opportunity at Me-han, Mogok, Hsenwi, Na-makhkaw, Kutkai, Kunhkan, and Man On. Nearly 500 transports sorties are flown to forward areas. Units moving to Myitkyina, Burma: 90th Fighter Squadron, 80th Fighter Group, from Tingkawk, Burma with P-47s; 115th Liaison Squadron, Tenth AF [attached to 1st Liaison Group (Provisional)], from Ledo, India with L-1s and L-5s.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 12 Guam based B-24s bomb airfields on Iwo Jima; during the night of 21/22 Jan, 8 more, flying separate snooper strikes from Saipan, pound the airfields.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Mission 21: 30 of 33 B-29s, flying out of the Mariana , bomb Moen Airfield in Truk Atoll.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb Marikina Airfield and hit barracks and coastal defense guns at Calabasan. B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers fly sweeps, small strikes, and armed reconnaissance attacks on airfields, road networks, bridges, gun positions, numerous vehicles, and other targets of opportunity throughout C and S Luzon. HQ 22d BG and the 33d Bombardment Squadron move from Angaur Airfield to Guiuan Airfield with B-24s.

 

[syscom3]

Jan 22nd 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 16 P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance attack various targets in the Wanting area and in SW China; 10 P-51s bomb buildings at the Kunlong ferry; 14 P-51s and P-40s hit the Sintsiang railroad yards and destroy several locomotives and trucks E of Tsinan and Suchow; the flights of the 21st and 35th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons and 118th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron,
Fourteenth AF, operating from Suichwan with F-4s, F-5s, P-40s and P-51s, return to base at Kunming and Chengkung.

BURMA: The Indian 7th Division captures Tilin.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 46 P-47s support ground forces near Si-U, Namhkam, and along the Irrawaddy River near Twinnge, Bahe, the Nam Mit River, Myitson, and Banwe; 12 others hit targets of opportunity along roads near Kutkai, Hsenwi, Lashio, and Namtu; troop concentrations, fuel and ammunition dumps, vehicles, and general supplies are pounded at Kin, Padan, Man Lom, Namtu, Hkamtung, Kabaing, Nammaw-hpek, Panglaw, and Na-hsang. Transports fly 449 sorties to advanced bases and frontline areas. In Burma, the 5th Liaison Squadron, Tenth AF [attached to 1st Liaison Group (Provisional)], moves from Mytikyina to Bhamo with L-1s and L-5s; the 165th Liaison Squadron (Commando), 1st Air Commando Group, moves from Ye-U to Shwebo with UC-64s and L-5s. The 317th Troop Carrier Squadron (Commando), 2d Air Commando Group, based at Kalaikunda, India with C-47s, sends a detachment to operate from Bikram, India.
MALAYA - The Malacca Government will reward $10,000 to anyone who managed to capture downed bomber crews. Reward of $1,000 will be given to anyone who can provide useful information lead to the capture of the downed crews.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 20 B-24s from Guam blast airfields on Iwo Jima, while 8 more B-24s flying individual strikes from Guam pound the airfields again during the night of 22/23 Jan.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s, escorted by P-38s, bomb Heito Airfield in the first major Fifth AF strike on Formosa. On Luzon , other B-24s bomb barracks in the Cabaruan Hills and gun positions across Manila Bay and hit Fabrica Airfield. In smaller miscellaneous strikes, FEAF fighters and bombers over C and S Luzon hit enemy positions, small shipping, and highways at several points, and damage a bridge over the Magata River. HQ Fifth AF, HQ V Bomber Command and HQ V Fighter Command move from Leyte to Mindoro . The 20th Combat Mapping Squadron, 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, based at Dulag begins operating from Biak with F-7s. The 39th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group, moves from Morotai to Mangaldan with P-47s. The air echelon of the 110th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group, ceases operating from San Jose and moves to Lingayen Airfield with P-40s.

 

[syscom3]

Jan 23rd 1945

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Kurile , 1 B-24 flies a reconnaissance sortie along Onnekotan -Matsuwa E coasts; 4 B-24s strike the Kakumabetsu cannery and targets on Paramushiru ; 8 to 10 fighters intercept and the B-24s claim 2 victories; 1 B-24 is lost.

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 40 P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance attack targets of opportunity (mainly river, road, and rail traffic) at several locations in both S China and in the N China plain, including the Wanting, Suchow and Yuankiang areas, the lower Tungting Lake region, points between Kiaotow and Kweiyi, and points as far N as Peking.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 12 B-25s bomb airfields at Aungban and Hsumhsai; 34 P-47s support ground forces near Namhkam and along the Irrawaddy River in the the Twinnge and Bahe areas; 55 P-47s and P-38s hit troop concentrations, storage areas and vehicles at Kawngwang, Sati, Kyaukme, Wengnan, Hko-lawng, Lothke, and Panglaw. Transports fly 542 sorties, carrying men and supplies to advanced bases and drop supplies to troops in frontline areas. In Burma, the 88th Fighter Squadron, 80th Fighter Group, moves from Shingbwiyang to Myitkyina with P-47s. The detachment of the 166th Liaison Squadron (Commando), 1st Air Commando Group, operating from Arakan, Burma with UC-64s and L-5s, returns to base at Asansol, India.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 12 B-24s from Saipan bomb Iwo Jima airfields. 3 from Guam fly armed reconnaissance over Woleai, 2 of them bombing the main runway on the island. During the night of 23/24 Jan, 10 B-24s from Saipan strike Iwo Jima singly at about 45-minute intervals.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Mission 22: 73 B-29s of the XXI Bomber Command are dispatched to bomb the Mitsubishi engine plant at Nagoya; 28 hit the primary and 27 hit the secondary target, the urban area of the city; 9 bomb other alternates and targets of opportunity; an estimated 600+ fighters offer heavy and aggressive opposition; the AAF claims 33-22-40 Japanese aircraft; 2 B-29s are lost.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA: During the night of 22/23 Jan, B-24s again hit Formosa in force, bombing an aluminum factory at Takao. In the day's principal missions against Luzon. B-24s bomb Baguio and, along with A-20s, hit Corregidor; other A-20s attack Aparri Airfield while fighter-bombers hit a bridge at Digdig, luggers S of Alcala, guns on Grande at the mouth of Subic Bay, a bridge over the Magata River, and the base at Camp John Hay. B-24s hit Silay Airfield

 

[syscom3]

Jan 24th 1945

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Kurile , 4 B-25s on a low level attack on Torishima abort due to mechanical trouble; 4 more B-25s bomb buildings on Torishima; AA fire damages 2 B-25s. In the Aleutian , 6 fighters take off after radar reports an unidentified target SE of Attu; they spot a balloon which they shoot down with tracers.

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 12 P-51s on armed reconnaissance attack railroad targets N of Siangsiang, between Loyang and Kaifeng, and near Tungchen; 21 locomotives are claimed destroyed.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 12 B-25s bomb Hsumhsai Airfield; 17 P-47s support ground forces at Padin near Namhkam, and along the Irrawaddy River in the Bahe area; 6 P-47s knock out the Inailong bypass bridge; troop concentrations and supply areas are attacked at Nawng-ang, Pangsan, Mansak, Konsan, Yaunggwin, Mangkung, Nawngngun, Mong Long, Mogok, Namhsan, and in the Mongmit area. Transports again fly 500+ sorties to forward areas.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 33 B-24s, from Guam and Saipan pound Iwo Jima during 4 raids; 6 others act as airborne spotters for a naval bombardment of Iwo Jima; during 5 hours on the night of 24/25 Jan, 10 B-24s maintain harassment strikes against the island's airfields. The 78th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, departs Bellows Field for Iwo Jima with P-51s.

IWO JIMA: In the Volcano Islands, USN Task Group 94.9 (Rear Admiral Oscar C. Badger, consisting of the battleship USS Indiana, three heavy cruisers, seven destroyers and a light minelayer and preceded by a barrier patrol of PB4Ys, bombards Iwo Jima, together with USAAF B-24s escorted by P-38s. Northeast of Iwo Jima, destroyers USS Dunlap and USS Fanning sink transport I-Go Yoneyama Maru and auxiliary minesweepers Keinan Maru and No.7 Showa Maru, a small Japanese three-ship convoy that had just arrived that morning.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Mission 23: 20 of 28 B-29s dispatched hit 2 airfields on Iwo Jima without loss.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s pound Corregidor, Cavite, the Canacao peninsula seaplane base, and Grande at the mouth of Subic Bay. FEAF fighters and bombers on sweeps, armed reconnaissance, and light raids attack a variety of targets all over Luzon including small shipping, airfields, defensive positions, storage and town areas, roads, and vehicles. During the night of 24/25 Jan, B-24s on a snooper mission again hit Takao Airfield on Formosa. The 65th Troop Carrier Squadron, 433d Troop Carrier Group, based on Biak begins operating from Hill Field, Mindoro with C-46s and C-47s.

PHILIPINES: Calapan, taken by US forces. Organized Japanese resistance on Mindoro Island, Phillipines ends.
US ARMY Lands on Mindoro, Philippines

 

[syscom3]

Jan 25th 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 21 P-51s hit rail targets and airfields in the Peking area, claiming 4 locomotives and 40 aircraft destroyed; 16 P-40s and P-51s attack railroad targets around Kaifeng, Shihkiachwang, Pengpu, and Chingmen; 42 locomotives are claimed destroyed.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 24 P-47s support ground forces in the Namhkam area, near Molo, and near Myitson; 12 B-25s pound the Heho airfield; 80+ fighter-bombers attack troops, supplies, and targets of opportunity at Hsenwi, Loi-weng, Ho hpong, Loi Nan, Ting-yet, Mong Tat, Ho-mong, Mong Long, Pangkwai, and in the Kutkai area. Transports fly 581 sorties to forward areas.

20th AF: During the night of 25-26 January, 41 of 50 B-29 bombers dispatched from the 58th BW sow water mines in the 6 approaches to Singapore and Penang.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 14 Saipan based B-24s bomb Iwo Jima in the afternoon; during the night of 25/26 Jan, 10 more, flying individual harassment strikes at intervals.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s, operating in force, again pound Corregidor in Manila Bay; B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers on sweeps, armed reconnaissance, and small-scale strikes hit vehicles, enemy positions, airfields, ammunition and supply dumps, barges,communications, and targets of opportunity in general, over wide areas of Luzon and Palawan , and in the C Philippine. During the night of 25/26 Jan, B-24s fly a harassing raid on Takao, Formosa. The 20th Combat Mapping Squadron, 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, based at Dulag, begins operating from Tacloban with F-7s; the 387th Bombardment Squadron, 312th BG moves from Tanauan to San Jose with A-20s. Lost is B-25D "Hawg-Mouth" 41-30222.

 

[syscom3]

Jan 26th 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 15 P-51s and P-40s hit Chenghsien Airfield and locomotives, tracks, and motor transport at Nanking and Sinsiang.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): 2 missions are flown during the night of 25/26 Jan. Mission 30: In French Indochina, 25 of 26 B-29s mine Saigon, Camranh Bay and Phan Rang Bay without loss.
Mission 31: 41 of 50 B-29s mine the 6 approaches to Singapore harbor and Penang Harbor and the Pakchan River and Koh Si Chang Channel in Thailand.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 8 fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Namhkam area; 140+ fighter-bombers hit troops, supplies, guns, railroad targets, and targets of opportunity at Tangtong, Panghai, Man Pwe, Kyaunghkam, Mong Pa, Na-lang, Hsenwi, Molo, Mong Tat, Humon, Tonghkan, Pangnim, Konghsa, Namtu, Namhsan, and in the Nampok area. Transports fly 500+ sorties to advanced bases and frontline areas. The detachment of the 493d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy), operating from Luliang, China, transporting gasoline to Suichwan, China with B-24s, returns to base at Pandaveswar, India.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 17 Guam based B-24s bomb Iwo Jima airfields; during then night of 26/27 Jan, the airfields are hit by 9 B-24s on individual harassment missions.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA: On Luzon, B-24s hit coastal guns on Corregidor and in Balete Pass; B-25s bomb the Cabcaben Airfield area and coastal guns on Carabao and A-20s attack Grande coastal defenses at the mouth of Subic Bay. On Mindanao, B-25s bomb Likanan and Sasa and P-38s strafe the same targets and also hit Padada. A-20s and fighter-bombers, along with a few B-24s, continue armed reconnaissance and miscellaneous attacks against airfields, communications, vehicles, coastal guns, town areas, and other targets throughout Luzon and in the C Philippine . HQ 3d Air Commando Group, the 3d and 4th Fighter Squadrons (Commando) and the 318th Troop Carrier Squadron (Commando) move from Leyte to Mangaldan with P-51s and C-47s. HQ 90th Bombardment Group and the 321st and 400th Bombardment Squadrons move from Biak to San Jose, Mindoro with B-24s. The 69th Troop Carrier Squadron, 433d Troop Carrier Group, moves from Biak to Tanauan with C-47s. The 386th Bombardment Squadron, 312th Bombardment Group, moves from Tanauan to San Jose with A-20s.

 

[syscom3]

Jan 27th 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 22 P-40s and P-51s attack locomotives, trucks, and shipping at Sinsiang, Kihsien, and Nanking, from Taiyuan to Puchou, and E of Yiyang.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): By this date the complete forward detachments of the 4 B-29 groups in the Chengtu, China area have evacuated their bases and moved to more permanent bases in India; this move complies with the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) directive formulated on 15 Dec 44 and received on 18 Dec; the long-existing understanding that the XX Bomber Command might be moved from the CBI Theater when more convenient bases are available is thus put into its initial stage when the XX Bomber Command's Commanding General, Major General Curtis Emerson LeMay, and the JCS agree that on logistical grounds XX Bomber Command's operating scheme is basically unsound, a situation made more apparent when in Nov the Japanese had overrun Luchou and Yungning and threatened Kunming, China; this development necessitated air tonnage flown over the Hump being diverted to Chinese ground forces and the Fourteenth AF, resulting in curtailed supplies to XX Bomber Command and providing the catalyst for beginning a movement of the command from China. Mission 32: 22 of 25 XX Bomber Command B-29s based in India hit the navy yard and arsenal at Saigon, French Indochina and 1 bombs a bridge at Bangkok, without loss; the results are poor.
Jan 27th 1945

BURMA: The Ledo Road from Burma to China is finally opened.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 30+ fighter-bombers support ground forces at Mansak, Molo Ywama, the area S of Molo, and the area S of Banwe; 8 others knock out a bypass bridge at Bawgyo; about 100 fighter-bombers hit troop concentrations, supplies, and targets of opportunity at or near Man Kyan, Kuinkuiloi, Ho-hkun, Pongkalau, Hsenwi, Kutkai, Hsa-tong, Pinghoi, Ho-mong, Padon, and Kyaung-hen. Transports fly 527 sorties to advanced bases and over forward areas, landing men and landing and dropping supplies.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 19 B-24s, based on Saipan bomb Iwo Jima; 10 B-24s from Saipan and Guam follow up with individua harassment raids against the during the night of 27/28 Jan. 1 B-24 from Angaur Airfield bombs Arakabesan

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Mission 24 (Enkindle #3): 76 B-29s of the 73d Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) are dispatched from the Mariana against the Musashiho and Nakajima aircraft plants near Tokyo; clouds and high winds over the target area prevent bombing of the primary; 56 B-29s bomb the secondary target, the Tokyo urban area, and 6 others attack alternates and targets of opportunity; fighter opposition is the heaviest to date and 5 B-29s are downed; 4 others ditch or crashland; B-29 gunners claim 60-17-39 Japanese aircraft, the highest claim to date. American Losses included B-29 "Haley's Comet" 42-24616 and B-29 "Werewolf" 42-63423, B-29 "Ghastly Goose" 42-63541, B-29 "Shady Lady" 42-24619. B-29 "Irish Lassie" 42-65246 was rammed twice, but made it back to base to crash land and was then scrapped.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s pound the Canacao seaplane base, Cavite, and Grande at the mouth of Subic Bay while B-25s hit Cabcaben and the airfield at Calingatan. Other FEAF aircraft continue small-scale strikes against numerous other airfields, town areas, gun emplacements, harbors, and communications and transportation targets throughout Luzon. The 19th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 22d BG (Heavy), moves from Angaur Airfield to Guiuan Airfield with B-24s. Units moving to San Jose, Mindoro: 320th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 90th BG (Heavy), from Biak with B-24s and 388th and 389th Bombardment Squadrons, 312th BG (Light), from Tanauan, Leyte with A-20s.

 

[syscom3]

Jan 28th 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 23 P-40s and P-51s attack railway and river traffic at Wuhu, Sinyang, and Linfen, in the Sinsiang-Hantan area, between Loyang and Sinyang, and along the Pinghan (Hankow-Peking) railroad.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 40 fighter-bombers support ground forces SE of Banwe, E of Molo, S of Molo Ywama, and near Namhkam; 80 fighter-bombers hit troop concentrations, supply areas, and enemy movement and active areas at or near Namsangsok, Namlan, Pangmakmo, Wengnan, Kutkai, and Mu-lwat. Again 500+ sorties are flown to forward areas by transports. The first convoy from Ledo, India crosses the Chinese border heading for Kunming, China.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 10 B-24s from Guam and 10 from Saipan bomb airfields on Iwo Jima ; 10 more follow during the night of 28/29 Jan with single-bomber harassment raids on the airfields. Two B-24s from Angaur Airfield bomb Arakabesan.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s, B-25s, A-20s and fighter-bombers concentrate attacks on Luzon: the heaviest tonnage (from B-24s) falling on Corregidor in Manila Bay; Cavite and targets between Manila and Subic Bay, including Laoag Airfield, are also hit; A-20s concentrate on targets in the Aparri-Gattaran area while fighter-bombers and A-20s hit airfields in the Cagayan Valley and troops, trucks, and roads in the San Felipe and Talavera areas. HQ 91st Photographic Wing (Reconnaissance) smoves from Leyte to Mindoro.

USN: Three USMC R4D-5 (DC-3; C-47 type) aircraft from Squadon VMR 152 navigated for a flight of SBDs from Peleliu to Luzon. They arrive Luzon on the 29th. The SBDs were sent to assist the army for their dive bomb capabilities.