This day in the war in the Pacific 65 years ago. (1 Viewer)

[syscom3]

Feb 18th 1945

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 7 B-24s fly cover sorties for a naval force during its approach to Kurabu Cape, Paramushiru.

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 25 fighter-bombers attack the Sinyang railroad yards and airfield and targets of opportunity along the Pinghan railroad, at Chiuchiang, in the Nanking area, E of Lohochai, and SE of Hsuchang; 4 B-24s over the S China Sea claim damage on 2 vessels; the 374th, 375th and 425th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 308th Bombardment Group (Heavy), move from Chengkung and Kunming to Kwanghan with B-24s.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 12 B-25s demolish bridges at Namsang and Ke-hsi Mansam; 30+ fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Mongmit-Myitson-Nabu area; 100+ fighter-bombers pound troop concentrations, supplies, vehicles, and other targets immediately in advance of the southward moving battleline. Transports fly 602 sorties to the forward areas.
USN - Task Force 58 fulfills its mission. The complete destruction of the Japanese base at Truk with air attacks.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 36 Guam based B-24s dispatched against Iwo Jima are recalled because of complete cloud cover over the target. 3 others on armed reconnaissance bomb Marcus. During the night of 18/19 Feb, 9 B-24s from Guam individually strike Chichi Jima.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Mission 36: 36 Mariana -based B-29s bomb 2 airfields on Moen in Truk Atoll without loss. HQ 39th and 330th Bombardment Groups (Very Heavy) and the 457th, 458th and 459th Bombardment Squadrons (Very Heavy) arrive at North Field from the US with B-29s (first mission is 12 Apr).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: On Formosa, B-24s bomb Takao, Okayama, and Toshien Airfields and P-38s provide support while B-25s and fighters pound communications targets and targets of opportunity throughout Formosa. B-25s and fighters continue to fly numerous missions in support of the ground forces on Luzon. B-24s bomb Labuan Airfield in Borneo.

IWO JIMA: The Bonin Islands (Iwo Jima) receive another carrier raid from US naval forces.
Iwo Jima was located in the Volcano Islands. The Bonin Islands are a group of 27 volcanic islands located about 600 miles S of Tokyo between 26.30 and 27.44N; and 141 and 143E. The largest island is Chichi-shima in the center; other important islands are Haha-Jima, Muko-shima and Yome-shima.
The Volcano Islands are a group of three islands located to the S of the Bonin Islands at 25N, 141E. The three islands are Iwo Jima, Kita Iwo and Minami Iwo.
These attacks against Iwo Jima began on 16 February when the USN and USAAF began the preinvasion bombardment in advance of the Marine landings on 19 February.

Bad weather again prevails and the aircraft of TG 52.2 only fly 28 sorties againt the Bonins. The Seventh Air Force dispatches 36 B-24s to bomb the island but they are recalled due to weather. Task Force 58 arrives from Japanese waters but too late in the day to bombard the island however, aircraft of TG 58.4 attack Chichi-shima in the Bonin Islands. The aircraft carriers of TG 58.4 are:
USS Cabot with Light Carrier Air Group Twenty Nine (CVLG-29)
USS Langley with CVLG-23)
USS Randolph with Carrier Air Group Twelve (CVG-12)
USS Yorktown with CVG-3
TASK GROUP 52.2 (TG 52.2), the Amphibious Support Carrier Group, consisted of the following escort aircraft carriers (CVEs):
Task Unit 52.2.1 (TU 52.2.1)
USS Natoma Bay (CVE-62) with Composite Squadron Eighty One (VC-81)
USS Petrof Bay (CVE-80) with VC-76
USS Sargent Bay (CVE-83) with VC-79
USS Steamer Bay (CVE-87) with VC-90
USS Wake Island (CVE-65) with Composite Spotting Squadron One (VOC-1)
TU 52.2.2
USS Bismarck Sea (CVE-95) with VC-86
USS Lunga Point (CVE-94) with VC-85
USS Makin Island with (CVE-93) VC-84
TU 50.7.1 (Antisubmarine Hunter-Killer Unit)
USS Anzio (CVE-57) with VC-82
A "typical" VC has 20 Eastern Aircraft FM Wildcats and 12 Eastern Aircraft
TBM Avengers.

Aircraft from TG 52 only fly 28 sorties against beach defenses on Iwo Jima due to bad weather. Task Force 58 arrives from Japanese waters but they are too late to mount any major attacks but TG 58.4, the carriers Randolph, Yorktown and the light carriers Cabot and Langley, are able to attack Chichi Jima. The only aerial victory is scored by a Fighting Squadron Thirty pilot in Belleau Wood who shoots down a "Nick."

During the night, several Japanese bombers attack the US Navy's ships offshore and damage a troop transport, a minesweeper and a tug; two men are killed and 31 wounded on the transport; five men are killed and nine wounded on the minesweeper; and 42 men are killed and 29 wounded on the tug.

 

[syscom3]

Feb 19th 1945

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Kurile , 6 B-24s fly photo reconnaissance over Shimushu and bomb Kurabu Cape Airfield on Paramushiru ; 6 Japanese fighters intercept; the B-24s claim 4 damaged. 4 B-25s weather-abort a mission to hit targets along the Hayakegawa River.

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 14 P-51s and P-40s blast rail and river traffic at Chiuchiang, Hsuchang, Lung Hai, and Tsinpu.

FORMOSA: Far East Air Forces B-24s bomb Koshun, Heito, and Takao Airfields and B-25s and fighters on sweeps attack a large number of targets of opportunity including trains, parked aircraft, buildings, and coastal vessels.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Mission 37: 49 of 59 B-29s bomb the Central Railroad Repair Shops at Kuala Lumpur, some bombing from only 1,000' Four other B-29s hit alternate targets, the Alor Star Airfield, and the marshalling yard at Martaban, Burma; they claim 1-0-7 Japanese aircraft; no B-29s are lost.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 24 B-25s and 31 P-47s fly close support strikes in the Mongmit-Myitson area; 70+ fighter-bombers hit troop concentrations, supplies, and villages behind the battleline in C Burma. Heavy transport operations continue. The 165th Liaison Squadron (Commando), 1st Air Commando Group, moves from Shwebo, Burma to Asansol, India with UC-64s and L-5s.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 44 B-24s from Saipan are sent against Iwo Jima; 14 pound defense positions and bivouac and storage areas little more than an hour before elements of the American landings.
USMC - US 4th and 5th Marine Divisions make an amphibious landing on the SE coast at 0900 hours; the other 30 B-24s abort because of cloud cover, mechanical trouble, or arrival over target too late to make a bomb run. 26 B-24s from Angaur Airfield bomb Likanan Airfield on Mindanao . During the night of 19/20 Feb, 8 Saipan-based B-24s fly individual heckler strikes over Chichi Jima.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Mission 37: 150 B-29s are dispatched to hit the Musashino aircraft plant in Tokyo hoping to draw air reinforcements away from the Iwo Jima invasion; thick clouds completely cover the primary target so 119 bomb the port and urban area of Tokyo; 12 others hit targets of last resort and targets of opportunity; they claim 39-16-37 Japanese aircraft; 6 B-29s are lost.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Major General Paul B Wurtsmith becomes Commanding General Thirteenth AF. In Formosa, B-24s bomb Koshun, Heito, and Takao Airfields and B-25s and fighters on sweeps attack a large number of targets of opportunity including trains, parked aircraft, buildings, and coastal vessels. In the C Philippine , US Marine Corps (USMC) F4Us under the tactical command of the Thirteenth AF fly napalm strikes against airfields and other targets. On Luzon, fighters, B-25s, and A-20s continue to support ground forces at San Augustin, Carranglen, Balete Pass, and Bataan Peninsula and bomb Japanese-held sectors on Corregidor. B-24s bomb Miri Airfield. Five 494th BG B-24s bomb Licana Airfield, in a raid requested by guerilla forces in the area, that planned to attack immediately after the bombing.
In Borneo, Far East Air Force B-24s bomb Miri Airfield.

IWO JIMA: Starting at 0640 hours, seven battleships and various other warships lay down the heaviest pre-landing bombardment of WWII. Flying artillery spotting missions are Eastern Aircraft FM Wildcats and TBM Avengers of Composite Spotting Squadron One (VOC-1) in USS Wake Island. Also bombing the area are B-24s of the Seventh Air Force's VII Bomber Command; 44 aircraft are dispatched but due to thick cloud cover, only 14 find targets and release their bomb loads.
Between 0805 and 0815 hours, 24 F4U Corsairs of Marine Fighting Squadron One Hundred Twenty Four and 24 F4Fs of Fighting Squadron Four in USS Essex, mount low-level strafing and rocket attacks on the beaches supporting the V Marine Amphibious Corps which lands at 0900 hours.
During the day, aircraft from Task Groups 58.2 (Hancock, Lexington and San Jacinto) and 58.3 (Bunker Hill, Essex and Cowpens) fly 602 sorties supporting the Marines. Aircraft from the escort aircraft carriers, Task Group 52.2 support the Marines by flying several hundred sorties against Iwo Jima and Chichi Jima.
Between 1900 and 2130 hours, several Japanese bombers based in Japan attacked the US ships. A Night Fighting Squadron Ninety pilot in a Hellcat downs a "Helen," 20 miles from TF 58 at 1926 hours and ship AA fire downs two others

PHILLIPINES, US Army troops covered by USMC aircraft are landed on the northwest coast of Samar and on Capul Island to insure control of San Bernardino Strait.
The Seventh Air Force dispatches 26 B-24s from Angaur Island in the Palau Islands to bomb Likanan Airfield on Mindanao Island.
In the central Philippines, USMC F4U Corsairs under the tactical
command of the Thirteenth Air Force fly napalm strikes against airfields and other targets.
On Luzon, Far East Air Forces fighters, B-25s, and A-20s continue to support ground forces at San Augustin, Carranglen, Balete Pass, and Bataan Peninsula and bomb Japanese-held sectors
on Corregidor Island.

 

[syscom3]

Feb 20th 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 34 P-51s pound locomotives, railroad cars, and other targets of opportunity at Tsingtao and Puchi; about 30 other fighter-bombers on armed reconnaissance hit targets of opportunity (mainly rail and river traffic) at scattered locations including Changsha, Lohochai, Tsingtao, Chukiatsi, N of Lingling, and between Siangsiang and Siangtan.
In Formosa, Far East Air Force B-25s and fighters blast the town of Choshu, and also hit railroad yards, vehicles, railway rolling stock, and buildings.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 44 P-47s fly close support strikes in the Mongmit battle sector; 8 support ground forces in the Namhsan area; 13 P-38s severely damage a bridge at Mong Long; nearly 100 P-47s and P-38s pound troop concentrations, supply and ammunition dumps, and general targets of opportunity behind enemy lines. Large-scale transport operations continue. The 164th Liaison Squadron (Commando), 1st Air Commando Group, moves from Assansol, India to Shwebo with UC-64s and L-5s.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 2 Guam based B-24s on an armed reconnaissance flight bomb Marcus in the N Pacific. During the night of 20/21 Feb, 7 B-24s flying individual raids, bomb the town of Okimura and airfield on Haha Jima. The air echelon of the 549th Night Fighter Squadron begins operating from Saipan with P-61s (ground echelon is enroute from Hawaii to Iwo Jima).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb runways and warehouse at Jesselton Airfield. Buildings at Puerto Princesa and underground installation on Corregidor are pounded. 63 B-25's of the 345th BG and the 38th BG and covered by 32 P-47 's of the 35th FG took off from Clark Field hit Choshu and also hit railroad yards, vehicles, railway rolling stock, and buildings.
HQ moves from Darwin, Australia to San Jose, Mindoro. The 23d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th BG (Heavy), moves from Morotai to Guiuan Airfield.

PACIFIC: a Japanese destroyer and a merchant cargo ship are sunk by USN submarines. Two other Japanese merchant vessels are sunk by mines.

PHILLIPINES 63 Far East Air Forces B-24s attack buildings at Puerto Princesa on Palawan Island and underground installation on Corregidor Island in Manila Bay.
US Army troops, covered by USMC aircraft, are landed on Biri Island to insure control of San Bernardino Strait.

 

[syscom3]

Feb 21st 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 21 B-25s, supported by 12 P-51s, pound Taiyuan; 2 B-25s and 12 P-40s hit Yoyang; about 100 fighter-
bombers on armed reconnaissance attack troops, trucks, horses, railroad targets, river shipping, and other targets of opportunity at many locations throughout S and E China; the detachment of the 530th Fighter Squadron, 311th Fighter Group, operating from Hsian with P-51s, returns to base at Kwanghan.

BURMA: Seven days after crossing the Irrawaddy river in Burma, Major General "Punch" Cowan's 17th Indian Division has broken out of the bridgehead and is racing to Meiktila, from Nyaungu, the main Japanese base in central Burma. The success of the crossing owes much to the British deception to persuade Lt-Gen Shihachi Katamura that the main crossing would be to the north of Mandalay. By striking south, Lt-Gen William Slim, the British 14th Army commander, aims to cut off Katamura's 15th Army and destroy it.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 16 P-47s provide close support for ground forces in the Namhsan area; 15 support ground forces in the Mongmit sector; 100+ fighter-bombers strike supply and troop concentrations and make offensive sweeps of roads along the battleline areas. Transports continue to land men and supplies at forward bases and drop supplies to frontline troops. The 127th Liaison Squadron (Commando), 2d Air Commando Group, based at Kalaikunda, India, sends a detachment to operate from Akyab, Burma with UC-64s and L-5s.

USN - Japanese kamikaze planes sink the escort carrier USS Bismarck Sea CVE-95 and damage the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 24 P-47s from Saipan hit Pagan with napalm. P-38s from Guam escort photo aircraft over Truk Atoll and strafe aircraft on Moen and a wharf on Falas. 3 Guam based B-24s on an armed reconnaissance flight bomb the airfield on Marcus in the N Pacific. During the night of 21/22 Feb, 6 B-24s fly individual snooper raids from Guam against Chichi Jima.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: On Luzon, B-24s bomb Japanese positions in the hills W of Ft Stotsenburg, P-47s pound Corregidor and strafe the Bagae-Pilar road and P-40s support ground forces at Marikina, San Mateo, and on Corregidor; and Basco is hit by B-25s, A-20s, and P-38s. In Borneo, B-24s bomb Kudat and Sandakan Airfields while A-20s attack Jesselton Airfield and town. The 528th Bombardment Squadron, 380th BG (Heavy), moves from Darwin, Australia to San Jose, Mindoro with B-24s.

PHILLIPINES - American forces bombarded the 40' thick walls of Manila's Intramutros Spanish walled fortress. Inside are fanatical Japanese defenders and civilians, and it is hoped that a hole in the wall can be opened without bombing the historic fortress from the air.
Bataan falls to US troops in the Philippines. Corrigedor Island in Manila Bay and Manila City continue to hold out against the US forces.

 

[syscom3]

Feb 22nd 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 19 fighter-bombers hit villages, tanks, and trucks from Hsiangcheng to Hsuchang, attack railroad traffic around Sinsiang and Linfen, hit river craft, trucks, and troops in the Chiuchiang area, and claim 1 freighter sunk on the Yangtze River between Hankow and Nanking; a single B-25 attacks convoys in the Siang-Chiang Valley near Hengyang.

BURMA: British troops land near Kangaw, Burma.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 29 P-47s support ground forces in the Namhsan area; 11 closely support forces in the Mongmit sector;
about 100 fighter-bombers attack troop concentrations, gun positions, supply points, trucks, and animal transport in the battle areas and behind enemy lines. Transports complete 600+ sorties to forward areas throughout the day.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 3 B-24s on armed reconnaissance from Guam bomb the airfield on Marcus in the N Pacific. During the night of 22/23 Feb, 6 B-24s fly individual harassment strikes against Susaki Airfield and the town of Okimura on Haha Jima.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: On Luzon, 100 B-24s hit troop concentrations NW of Ft Stotsenburg, P-47s pound Corregidor, A-20s hit concentrations at Pugo, SW of Baguio, B-24s bomb supply areas N and W of Baguio while P-51s hit Angin and Marikina. B-24s bomb Tarakan and Labuan Airfields in Borneo. Units moving from New Guinea: HQ 42d BG (Medium) Sansapor to Morotai [the group's 75th and 100th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) remain at Sansapor but begins operating from Morotai with B-25s]; HQ 347th FG and the 67th and 339th Fighter Squadrons from Middelburg to San Jose, Mindoro with P-38s (the 67th and 339th are operating from Morotai).

PHILLIPINES: An estimated 2,000 Japanese soldiers commit suicide by blowing up a vast ammunition dump on Corregidor, PI.

 

[syscom3]

Feb 23rd 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 29 B-24s and 22 fighters scheduled to attack Shihkiachwang abort because of bad weather; 8 P-51s hit railroad targets of opportunity near Siaokan and attack river traffic from Nanking to Hankow; 5 B-24s sweep Gulf of Tonkin and S China Sea, damaging 1 vessel; 4 P-40s attack targets of opportunity in the Kaifeng area.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 20+ P-47s support ground forces in the Mongmit sector and near Lashio, hitting a Japanese concentration; 12 B-25s and 120+ fighter-bombers continue pounding troop concentrations, supply areas, road traffic, and ammunition dumps in the frontline areas and behind enemy lines. A large transport effort completes 655 sorties.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 26 B-24s from Angaur Airfield bomb San Roque Airfield. 2 P-47s fromm Saipan on armed reconnaissance strafe Pagan. On the night of 23/24 Feb, 7 B-24s from Guam fly snooper raids against the airfield on Cbichi Jima and the town of Okimura on Haha Jima.

PACIFIC: The British Pacific Fleet, renamed Task Force 57, sails From the Caroline Islands for Okinawa.
Off the coast of Indochina: USS Flounder and USS Hoe collide. Both submarines will survive and become the only known instance in which 2 submarines collied while underwater during WWII.

IWO JIMA - US Marines raise the US flag on the summit of Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Strikes supporting ground forces continue throughout the battle zones on Luzon. In Borneo, P-47s hit Jesselton Airfield while B-24s bomb Sandakan, Lahat Datu, and Miri Airfields. In French Indochina, B-25s on shipping sweeps bomb vessels in Phan Rang harbor and hit a small convoy SW of Camranh Bay. The 20th Combat Mapping Squadron, 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, based at Dulag, ceases operating from Tacloban, Leyte with F-7s. The 68th Fighter Squadron, 347th FG, moves from Middelburg to San Jose Mindoro with P-38s. The 69th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 42d BG (Medium), based at Sansapor begins operating from Morotai with B-25s.

IWO JIMA: Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima is captured. The flag raising atop Mt. Suribachi is pictured around the world. Inspite of the capture of this extinct volcano, the fight for the island continues.
This picture became the model of the statue commemerating the event built after the war in Washington, DC.
US Secretary of the Navy Forrestal is quoted as saying: "This picture will assure the existance of the US Marine Corps."
Amplifying the Above:
After four days of exceptionally fierce fighting that has cost 2,500 American lives, US marines today managed to raise the Stars and Stripes on top of Mount Suribachi, the vantage point controlling the southern end of Iwo Jima.
The event was greeted with shouts and whistles from below as the 30,000 men of the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions were able to raise their heads. They had been pinned down flat on their bellies by intense enemy artillery since landing on this barren volcanic rock of an island. The flag was raised at 10.20 am today by a group from the 28th Regimental Combat Team of the 5th Marines, using a discarded drainpipe for a flagpole. Shortly afterwards several Japanese soldiers emerged from hidden tunnels. They were killed by the marines, who had clawed and fought their way up the 550-foot summit.
But the fight for Iwo Jima, just four miles by two in size, is not over yet. Despite the Americam capture of one airfield on the first day, two more are still held by the Japanese. They are just as keenly aware as the Americans of Iwo's strategic value as a stepping stone for intensifying the B-29 bombings of Japan. Prior to Iwo's invasion, Japan's military chiefs in Tokyo - 650 miles away - even contemplated how much explosive it would take to sink the island into the sea. Instead it opted for Iwo's 21,000 defenders to be dug into an elaborate 11-mile network of caves and tunnels that has already survived 75 days of aerial bombardment and a three-day naval softening-up bombardment in which 40,000 shells were fired.

 

[syscom3]

Feb 24th 1945

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 4 B-25s on a shipping sweep attack the Hayakegawa River in the Kurile ; returning, the B-25s sight and photograph a Japanese bomb-carrying balloon.

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): 5 B-24s on individual sweeps over the S China Sea and Gulf of Tonkin claim 4 vessels sunk.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Mission 38: In an all-incendiary attack, 105 of 116 B-29s hit the Empire Dock area at Singapore, Malayan States, burning out about 40 per cent of the warehouse area; 1 B-29 is lost; this is the last 100-aircraft strike by the XX Bomber Command. HQ 58th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) and HQ 468th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) begin a movement from the Hijli Base Area and Kharagpur respectively to the Marianas. Japanese report: Penang and Singapore were attacked, one B-29 was smoked on left wing and was last seen heading to Malacca Strait, it will not make it.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 8 P-47s in close support of the ground forces near Lashio pound vehicle and a troop concentration; 12 B-25s and about 125 fighter-bombers strike against targets immediately behind the lines, hitting troops, supply areas, occupied towns and villages, vehicles, and general targets of opportunity. Transports complete 600 sorties carrying men and supplies to forward areas.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 28 B-24s from Angaur Airfield bomb Ising on Mindanao . 3 B-24s on armed reconnaissance from Guam bomb the airfield on Marcus in the N Pacific. During the night of 24/25 Feb, 5 B-24s out of Guam fly individual snooper strikes against the airfield on Chichi Jima and the town of Okimura on Haha Jima .

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: On Luzon, strikes in support of ground forces continue, especially W of Ft Stotsenburg; fighter-bombers attack forces holding out on Corregidor; B-24s bomb Sepinggaiig and Manggar Airfields. B-25s sweep off the China coast, bombing the naval base at Ryukyu-Sho, Formosa. The 20th Combat Mapping Squadron, 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, based at Dulag begins operating from San Jose with F-7s. The 390th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 42d BG (Medium), based at Sansapor begins operating from Morotai with B-25s.
IWO JIMA: The second airfield is captured on Iwo Jima.

 

[syscom3]

Feb 25th 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 6 B-25s, supported by 5 P-40s, hit sampans and buildings in the Puchi area; 3 B-25s and 19 P-40s pound the Isuho ferry and attack river and road traffic from Siangtan to Hengyang; a single B-25 bombs truck convoys S of Hengyang; 4 B-24s over the Gulf of Tonkin and S China Sea claim damaging hits on 2 vessels; 44 P-51s and P-40s hit bridges, river shipping, troop areas, and motor transport at Kweiyi, Paoching, and Siangtan, from Lingling to Hengyang and Leiyang, from Anjen to Chaling, N of Liuchow, and W of Ishan.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): HQ 40th BG (Very Heavy) begins a movement from Chakulia India to the Marianas.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, in joint operations with the British and Chinese army forces, 16 P-47s support the British 36 Division in the Mongmit sector while 31 P-47s support the Chinese 38th and 50th Divisions near Lashio and Namtu, respectively; a low B-25 strike knocks out a suspension bridge at Namsang; 9 B-25s and 85 fighter-bombers blast troop concentrations, supply areas, road traffic, and general targets of opportunity behind enemy lines. 600+ transport sorties are completed to forward areas.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): Lieutenant General Millard F Harmon, Commanding General AAFPOA and Deputy Commander of the Twentieth AF, is lost near Kwajalein in the Marshall when his aircraft disappears enroute to Washington DC. (On 2 Mar Major General Willis H Hale, AAFPOA deputy commander for operations, assumes Harmon's positions). 9 Guam -based B-24s hit blockhouses, and mortar and rocket-launching positions on the NW part of Iwo Jima ; 8 B-24s, flying separate harassment strikes, pound airfields on Chichi Jima during the night of 25/26 Feb. In Hawaii, HQ 508th Fighter Group and the 466th Fighter Squadron move from Kahuku to Mokuleia with P-47s.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Mission 38: 172 of 229 B-29s carry out a heavy raid on Tokyo and bomb the urban area of Tokyo; 29 others hit alternates and targets of opportunity; this is the XXI Bomber Command's largest mission to date and its first 3-wing strike against Japan as the the 73d and 313th Bombardment Wings (Very Heavy) are joined by the 314th; 3 B-29s are lost.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: In Formosa, B-24s bomb Takao and P-51s hit targets of opportunity along the E coast. B-24s attack troop concentrations on the E side of the Ipo River and pound Japanese positions between Ipo and Osboy. B-24s bomb Tawau and Labuan Airfields in Borneo. HQ 49th FG and the 7th Fighter Squadron move from San Jose to Lingayen Airfield with P-38s.

JAPAN: US Task Force 58 attacks targets in the Tokyo area despite bad weather. Nine USN carrier aircraft are lost, along with four pilots, but the raids destroy 150 Japanese aircraft on the ground plus five small ships. Two aircraft factories are also hit.
Navy and Marine pilots, flying F6F Hellcats and F4U Corsairs respectively, down 46 Japanese aircraft in the air over the Tokyo area; 46 are destroyed between 0850 and 1040 hours and Marine F4U pilots destroy another seven over Tokyo Bay between 0930 and 1015 hours.
Plans for afternoon strikes are canceled at 1215 hours when the weather deteriorates.

PACIFIC: The IJN escort SHONAN is sunk south of Hainan Island by the submarine USS Hoe.
In the Pacific, two USN destroyers sink three guardboats; USN submarines sink a guardboat, two merchant cargo vessels, and an escort vessel; an RN submarine sinks a cargo vessel; and aircraft sink a merchant cargo ship.

PHILLIPINES: In the Philippines, FEAF B-24s attack troop concentrations on the east side
of the Ipo River and bomb Japanese positions between Ipo and Osboy on Luzon.

IWO JIMA: In the Volcano Islands, 9 Guam Island-based Seventh Air Force B-24s hit blockhouses, and mortar and rocket-launching positions on the northwestern part of Iwo Jima Island; 8 B-24s, flying separate harassment strikes, pound airfields on Chichi Jima during the night of 25/26 February.
On Iwo Jima, Motoyama Airfield Number 2 is captured by US Marines and Motoyama Airfield Number 1 is declared operational for emergency use.

 

[syscom3]

Feb 26th 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 20 B-25s, some with fighter escort, bomb Ishan, Luchai, Siangtan, and hit bridges at Chuchou and Loshan. In French Indochina, 9 B-25s attack bridges, railroad tracks, and heavy port equipment at Ha Trung, along the Chu R, and at Hongay and Haiphong. 70+ fighter-bombers on armed reconnaissance over S and E China and N French Indochina attack numerous targets of opportunity including airfields, town areas, and river, rail, and road traffic.

(Twentieth Air Force): HQ 462d BG (Very Heavy) begins a movement from Piardoba, India to the Mariana Islands. Some B-29 bombers were assigned an unescorted photoreconnaissance mission to Singapore. A fighter shot down the B-29 bomber piloted by Capt. James Lyons. Shells from the Japanese plane set the nose section afire, seriously wounded the bombardier, and knocked out the number two engine. Bailing out over the sea when their left burning wing exploded, their approximate location was reported by another B-29 that was following them, air-sea rescue forces were notified, and 20 to 30 hours after the crew bailed out, 5 crews were rescued by a Catalina flying boat while with a good fortune another 4 were rescue by a British submarine HMS Seadog despite the danger of attack by Japanese surface ships. Another 3 crews were lost which included the wounded bombardier. Japanese report: Nine B-29s were badly damaged by our superior defense forces. (Only one B-29 bomber piloted by Capt. James Lyons was shot down, 9 were rescued and another 3 Missing In Action.)

BURMA: Thabuktong, Burma is captured in the drive for Meiktila and Indian troops advance on Mandalay to distract attention from General Slim's main thrust from Pagan.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 12 P-47s support troops of the British 36 Division in the Mongmit area; 8 support the MARS Task Force, a composite Chinese-American force, in the Lashio sector while 16 others fly close support for Chinese 50th Division troops near Namhsam; 8 B-25s on low-level strikes knock out bypass bridges at Mong Pawn and Loi-leng; 80+ fighter-bombers and 4 B-25s continue to attack troops, supplies, road traffic, and other targets immediately behind lines. Again 600+ transport sorties are flown.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 9 B-24s sent from Guam against positions on Iwo Jima are recalled due to cloud cover; 8 B-24s hit Chichi Jima during the night of 26/27 Feb, flying individual harassment strikes. Lost with two Generals aboard: Harmon and Anderson is C-87 41-24174.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s over Formosa hit Takao Airfield while fighters on a sweep strafe railroad targets. B-24s bomb troop concentrations in the Ipo Dam area and support ground forces NE of Manila; A-20s and fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Echague Airfield area, at Ternate, Trinidad, and Antipolo, and hit troops W of Ft Stotsenburg. A-20s, P-38s, and P-47s hit Puerto Princesa and B-25s bomb Zettle Airfield, lost is B-25G "Nancy Jean" 42-64907. B-24s hit Manggar and Sepinggang Airfields. The 9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, moves from San Jose, Mindoro to Lingayen Airfield with P-38s and the 70th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, moves from Lingayen Airfield to San Jose with P-38s. Lost on an administrative flight is B-24D "Beautiful Betsy" 42-40387.

JAPAN: Carriers of the US strikes by TF 58 are scheduled for the Nagoya area but these are canceled due to bad weather and the carrier force retires to the Okinawa area.

PACIFIC: The Casablanca-Class escort aircraft carrier USS Salamaua (CVE-96) returns to San Francisco, California for permanent repair. On 13 January, a kamikaze carrying two 250 kg. bombs crash USS Salamaua's flight deck killing 15 and wounding 80+.

IWO Jima: The US Marines are predicting Allied control of Iwo Jima within days after seizing a second airstrip, Moyotomi No 2, and Hill 382, a strategic artillery post, as fierce fighting continues. "We can expect to take this island in a few more days," said Maj-Gen Holland Smith, the commander of the Pacific Fleet Marine Force. The seizure of the central plateau airfield means that the Marines are no longer fighting uphill and can now fight on a broader front. Alead to the north lie thick defences around Motoyami, behind which there is a third airstrip, still under construction.
General Smith warned his men not to underestimate the task, even though the appallingly high daily US casualty rate is beginning to fall and there are signs that the enemy is short of water. "This fight is the toughest we've run across in 168 years," he said. The US needs Iwo's airfields to provide fighter cover for B-29 raids on Japan.

 

[syscom3]

Feb 27th 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): 12 B-25s knock out 4 bridges and damage 2 others in N French Indochina. In China, 12 others bomb Ishan and Hwaiyuanchen; 4 B-24s over the Gulf of Tonkin and S China Sea attack shipping, claiming 2 vessels sunk; 19 fighter-bombers hit barracks SW of Ishan, 15 attack Kiungshan Airfield, 12 hit targets of opportunity in the Yoyang area, 23 hit targets of opportunity around Kiyang, and 30 others hit scattered targets of opportunity at other points in S and E China; the 22d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 341st Bombardment Group (Medium), based at Yangkai with B-25s, sends a detachment to operate from Peishiyi; the 35th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Fourteenth AF, based at Chanyi with F-5s, sends a detachment to operate from Laohwangping (another detachment is operating from Chengkung).

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Mission 40: In the Malayan States during the night of 27/28 Feb, 10 of 12 B-29s mine Johore Strait on the E of Singapore and 1 mines Penang harbor. Personnel of the 58th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) begin shipping out of Calcutta, India for Tinian and Guam , implementing the redeployment orders of the 6 Feb War Department directive; the final shipment arrives in the the Mariana on 6 Jun, completing the transfer of the wing from India without loss of a single life or aircraft.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 18 P-47s closely support ground forces in the Mongmit area; 4 others knock out a small bypass bridge at Hay-ti; about 100 fighter-bombers attack troop concentrations, supplies, gun positions, elephant transport, and road traffic along the battlefronts and behind enemy lines. Transport operations continue on a large-scale as 589 sorties are completed.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 9 Guam based B-24s blast pillboxes, artillery emplacements, blockhouse, and mortar positions on the N part of Iwo Jima. On Mindanao 22 B-24s from Angaur Airfield bomb Daliao and Libby Airfields. During the night of 27/28 Feb, 9 B-24s, flying snooper strikes out of Guam, bomb airfields, radio stations, and the town of Okimura on Haha Jima.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA: B-24s, A-20s, and P-38s strike Puerto Princesa in preparation for the following morning's allied amphibious landings. On Luzon , ground support continues on a largescale including a strike on Baguio by P-51s. On Mindanao P-38s and USMC aircraft hit airfields. B-24s bomb Tarakan and Jesselton Airfields. On Formosa, Takao is hit by B-24s while fighters sweep the W coast. Sweeping the China coast, B-25s hit a fleet of junks and sampans near Hong Kong destroying and damaging 25+. The 8th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, moves from San Jose to Lingayen Airfield with P-38s and the 12th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, moves from Lingayen Airfield to San Jose with P-38s. The 65th and 66th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 403d Troop Carrier Group, moves from Biak to Morotai with C-46s and C-47s (the squadrons cease operating from Hill Field, Mindoro); and the 432d Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, moves from Dulag to Clark Field with P-38s (a detachment is operating from San Jose).

PHILIPINES: An official ceremony formally re-establishes the Commonwealth of the Philippines, in Manila.

 

[syscom3]

Feb 28th 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 2 B-25s attack targets of opportunity in the Hsiang River Valley while 2 P-51s hit targets of opportunity NE of Hengyang; a single B-24 damages a cargo vessel in the S China Sea; the 11th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 341st Bombardment Group (Medium), based at Yangkai with B-25s, sends a detachment to operate from Laowhangpin.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 28 P-47s support forces of the British 36 Division in the Mongmit area; 75 fighter-bombers continueu pounding troop concentrations, supply dumps, and road traffic behind enemy lines. 552 transport sorties are flown, landing men and supplies at forward bases and dropping supplies to frontline troops.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 8 Guam based B-24s pound Susaki Airfield. 23 B-24s from Angaur Airfield bomb Sasa Airfield. During the night of 28 Feb/1 Mar, 6 B-24s from Guam, flying separate harassment strikes, bomb Susaki Airfield again. The ground echelon of the 548th Night Fighter Squadron, VII Fighter Command arrives on Iwo Jima from Hawaii (air echelon is operating from Saipan with P-61s).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s strike Sandakan and Labuan Airfields and B-25s fly a napalm raid against Sanga Sanga Airfield. 22nd BG B-24s bomb Caldera Point and B-25s hit San Roque Airfield. The 70th Troop Carrier Squadron, 433d Troop Carrier Group, moves from Hollandia to Dulag with C-46s and C-47s. The 431st and 433d Fighter Squadrons, 475th FG, move from Dulag to Clark Field with P-38s (they are operating from San Jose). The 530th Bombardment Squadron moves from Darwin, Australia to San Jose, Mindoro with B-24s.

 

[syscom3]

March 1st 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 6 B-25s and 5 P-51s pound the S side of Ishan while 17 other P-51s hit the E and W sections of the city; 9 P-51s attack targets of opportunity of Chinchengchiang while 4 others hit troops and road traffic between Chinchengchiang and Hwaiyang. During Mar 45, the detachment of the 11th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 341st BG (Medium), operating from Laowhangpin with B-25s returns to base at Yangkai; the 26th Fighter Squadron, 51st FG, based at Kunming with P-51s sends a detachment to operate from Liangshan during the month; the 74th Fighter Squadron, 23d FG, based at Luliang with P-51s sends a detachment to operate from Tushan until Aug 45; the 426th Night Fighter Squadron, Fourteenth AF (attached to 312th Fighter Wing), moves from Chengtu to Shwantliu with P-61s (a detachment is operating from Hsian); and the 449th Fighter Squadron, 51st FG, based at Chengkung with P-38s, sends a detachment to operate from Mentsz while the detachment at Yunnani returns to base.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): HQ 444th BG (Very Heavy) begins a movement from Dudhkundi, India to the Marianas.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 27 P-47s support ground forces in the Mogok area; 16 fly close support strikes near Lashio; 14 P-47s damage the approaches of the bypass bridge at Na-lang, but leave the bridge serviceable; about 100 fighter-bombers attack troops, supply areas, communications targets, a ferry landing, and general targets of opportunity along the battlefronts and immediately behind Japanese lines. Large-scale transport operations continue.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): HQ VII Fighter Command is removed from control of Seventh AF and transferred to AAFPOA and moves from Ft Kamehameha, Oahu, Hawaii to Iwo Jima during Mar 45. 7 B-24s from Guam bomb Susaki Airfield; 1 other hits Haha Jima; during the night of 1/2 Mar, 5 B-24s make separate harassment strikes on Susaki Airfield and the town of Okimura on Haha Jima.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: In Formosa, B-24s bomb the Takao aluminum plant, Tainan Airfield and nearby satellite field and fighters hit buildings at Keishu and storage tanks, railroad yards, and targets of opportunity. Troops on Corregidor and W of Ft Stotsenburg are hit with napalm. In Borneo, B-24s bomb Tarakan, Labuan, and Manggar Airfields. B-25s hit Zettle Field. HQ Thirteenth AF moves from Morotai , Moluccas s to Leyte , Philippine s and HQ XIII Fighter Command moves from Leyte to Puerto Princesa. HQ 18th FG moves from Lingayen Airfield to San Jose; the 531st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 380th BG (Heavy), moves from Darwin, Australia to San Jose, Mindoro with B-24s. During Mar 45, HQ V Bomber Command and HQ V Fighter Command moves from Mindoro to Clark Field, Luzon.

JAPAN: The US 5th Fleet carriers raid Okinawa. The aircraft of Task Force 58 and Fifth Fleet surface ships bombard several islands in the Ryuku Islands especially Okinawa. At the end of the day, TF 58 retires to Ulithi Atoll in the Caroline Islands.

U.S.A.: President Roosevelt, back from the Yalta Conference, proclaimed the meeting a success as he addressed a joint session of Congress.

 

[syscom3]

March 2nd 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): 3 B-24s on sweeps over the Gulf of Tonkin and the S China Sea claim 2 vessels sunk and 3 damaged.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Mission 41: In the Malayan States, 50 of 64 B-29s dispatched bomb the shop and warehouse area at the naval base in Singapore; 5 others hit alternates on Bukum and at Arang Hill, and at Khao Huakhang, Thailand; they claim 0-1-4 Japanese aircraft; 2 B-29s are lost.

BURMA: Naik Fazal Din (b.1921), 10th Baluch Regt., stormed one bunker, then was fatally stabbed by a Japanese officer while charging another. He pushed on, rallying his men brilliantly before collapsing. (Victoria Cross)
Naik Gian Singh (b.1920), 15th Punjab Regt., alone knocked out foxholes and an anti-tank gun, the led his men in clearing a Japanese-held road. (Victoria Cross)

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 20+ P-47s fly close support strikes in the Mogok area; 2 B-25s damage ferry slips at Li-lu while 10 others hit bridges at Tonglau, Na-lang, Mong Pawn, and Namsang; 90+ fighter-bombers attack gun positions, troops, supply areas, and highway targets of opportunity in the general battle areas and behind enemy lines. Transports complete 564 sorties to forward areas.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 7 Guam based B-24s make a daylight raid on the airfield on Chichi Jima and 5 more bomb the same airfield and the town of Okimura on Haha Jima during the night of 2/3 Mar. VII Fighter Command: The 78th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, arrives on Iwo Jima from Hawaii with P-51s (first mission is 10 Mar).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: On Formosa, B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers hit Matsuyama, Toyohara, Kagi, and Kato Airfields. In Borneo, other B-24s pound Sepinggang and Manggar Airfields and the waterfront area of Sandakan. The 394th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th BG (Heavy), moves from Morotai to Guiuan Airfield with B-24s. The detachment of the 432d Fighter Squadron, 475th FG, operating from San Jose, Mindoro with P-38s, returns to base at Clark Field.

COMMONWEALTH OF THE PHILIPPINES: The American flag is raised again over Corregidor, with General Douglas MacArthur and members of his staff present. In a speech when he left Corregidor in 1942, MacArthur praised the gallant but futile defence of Corregidor as an inspiration to carry on the struggle until the Allies should fight their way back and vowed to return one day.
On February 16, 1945, elements of the U.S. Sixth Army began the assault on Corregidor, and after furious fighting, MacArthur made good on his promise.

BONIN ISLANDS: Iwo Jima: The second strip on South Field airfield had been graded to 4,000 feet for fighter operations.

 

[syscom3]

March 3rd 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): 4 B-24s over the Gulf of Tonkin and the S China Sea attack shipping targets of opportunity, claiming 1 vessel sunk and 3 damaged. In French Indochina, 3 B-25s hit Kep, damaging several locomotives and boxcars and hit a bridge and 12 P-51s hit targets of opportunity between Vinh and Nam Dinh (2 direct hits are scored on the bridge at Minh Koi) while 2 others blast a HQ building in Hanoi.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 24 P-38s and P-47s support forces of the Chinese 50th Division near Mansam; 16 support the British 36 Division in the Mogok area; 10 P-47s knock out the Na-lang bridge while 2 B-25s drop delay-action bombs in good pattern around the Loi-leng bridge; 10
B-25s join 80+ fighter-bombers in an attack on troops, supplies, tanks, trucks, gun positions, and transport elephants behind enemy lines, 29 of the fighter-bombers concentrate on the Kankang area. 643 air supply sorties are completed.

MALAYA - One B-29 was shot down, another three damaged while attacking Singapore.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 10 B-24s from Guam pound Susaki Airfield in an afternoon strike, and 4 more, flying individual strikes, hit the same target during the night of 3/4 Mar. The 467th and 468th Fighter Squadrons, 508th FG, move from Kahuku to Mokuleai, Hawaii with P-47s.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: In Formosa, B-24s pound the Tainan area and Kiirun while fighters hit numerous targets of opportunity and fighter-bombers bomb Koshun Airfield. B-25s bomb San Roque Airfield. B-24s and B-25s attack Zettle Field. Ternate on Samar and Echague and Caballo in Manila Bay are bombed by A-20s. B-25s, aborting a strike against Formosa, bomb the airstrip at Basco.

BOUGAINVILLE: Spotted from the air are two Japanese tanks: Type 89 Chi-Ro Tank #1 and Type 89 Chi-Ro Tank #2 and are attacked for the next three days from the air.

PHILIPINES: Manila: The last pockets of Japanese resistance are cleared, over 20,000 Japanese soldiers have died in the battle for the city.

 

[syscom3]

March 4th 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): 4 B-24s on a sea sweep damage a destroyer escort in the S China Sea.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Mission 42: In China during the night of 4/5 Mar, 11 of 12 B-29s, staging from Luliang, mine the confluence of the Hwangpoo and Yangtze Rivers and the Tai-hsing Narrows at Shanghai and 1 B-29s drops mines at Tungting Lake without loss.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 100 fighter-bombers attack troop concentrations, villages, roads, tanks, trucks, animal transport, and supplies along and immediately behind the battlelines running from the SW to NE across C Burma; Meiktila is largely occupied by forces of the Indian 17th Division.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 10 B-24s from Guam bomb Susaki Airfield; during the night of 4/5 Mar, 3 B-24s make separate harassment raids on the airfield. Lieutenant General Barney Mc Giles becomes Commanding General of AAFPOA and Deputy Commander of the Twentieth AF.

HQ AAF (Twentieth Air Force): Mission 39: A B-29 makes an emergency landing on Iwo Jima; this begins a series of over 2,400 such emergency landings on the island. 192 Marianas based B-29s are airborne against Musashino aircraft factory (Musashi) near Tokyo, Japan but heavy clouds prevent bombing the primary; 159 B-29s bomb the secondary target, the urban areas of Tokyo, and 18 others hit alternate targets; 1 B-29 is lost. This aborted try at Musashino marks the end of XXI Bomber Command's effort to knock out the Japanese aircraft industry by high-altitude, daylight precision bombing. (The indirect effect of causing Japanese industrialists to lose confidence in their supposed immunity from air attacks exceeds the effect of actual bomb damage to the aircraft industry).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: On Mindanao, B-24s bomb Sasa and Likanan Airfields and the town of Zamboanga. On Luzon, B-24s bomb targets of opportunity in the Cagayan Valley, gun positions, ammunition storage, and targets of opportunity at Antipolo and Wawa, supply dumps and the town area at Bamban, fortifications on Caballo in Manila Bay, and airfields at Aparri and Tuguegarao. The detachments of the 431st and 433d Fighter Squadrons, 475th FG, operating from San Jose, Mindoro with P-38s, return to base at Clark Field, Luzon.

 

[syscom3]

March 5th 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In French Indochina, 30 B-25s knock out bridges at Phu Xuyen, Thinh Duc, Phu Ly, Ninh Binh, and Phu Lang Thuong and damage a bridge at Kep. In China, 2 B-25s, escorted by 8 P-47s, knock out a bridge at Changtuikuan while 4 bomb Chikhom. 40+ P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance hit road, rail, and river traffic, town areas, and other targets of opportunity in French Indochina, the C Yangtze River area, and elsewhere in S and E China.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 50+ P-47s support forces of the British 36 Division in the Mogok sector and forces of the Chinese 50th Division in the Mansam area; 46 P-47s and 12 B-25s hit troop concentrations in the battle areas and attack supply areas, road traffic, and general targets of opportunity behind enemy lines. 664 air supply sorties are flown to forward areas.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): Susaki Airfield is pounded by 11 B-24s from Guam; during the night of 5/6 Mar, 5 more hit the airfield in individual snooper strikes. 22 B-24s from Angaur Airfield bomb Matina Airfield on Mindanao.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-25s hit San Roque Airfield. On Luzon , B-24s with fighter support hit troops in the Antipolo area while fighter-bombers dive-bomb San Pablo, hit Fort Drum in Manila Bay, attack troops W of Ft Stotsenburg, and support guerrilla forces NE of Lingayen Gulf. Targets on Formosa are hit by fighters on sweeps and B-24s on armed reconnaissance; the fighter sweeps are especially effective against railroad targets. B-25s hit Zettle Field. HQ 5th BG moves from Morotai to Guiuan Airfield; the 25th Liaison Squadron, FEAF (attached to Thirteenth AF), moves from Biak to Dulag with UC-78s and L-5s.

 

[syscom3]

March 6th 1945

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): A mission to the Kurile s is cancelled due to inclement weather.

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 4 B-25s bomb Chikhom; about 50 fighter-bombers hit storage, troops, railroad targets, and river and road traffic around Hankow, along the Pinghan railroad, Kaifeng, Suchow, Hsuchang, Changsha, Yoyang, Liuyang, and Hengyang, and on railroads from Liuliho to Chengtung and from Tungpu to Tatung.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 31 P-47s support British 36 Division forces in the Mogok area; 12 B-25s join 60+ fighter-bombers in striking troop concentrations, road traffic, supply and fuel dumps, and other targets in the vicinity of the battlefront and in areas close behind enemy lines. Transport operations continue on a large scale with 663 sorties completed to forward areas throughout the day.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 11 Guam based B-24s again pound Susaki Airfield; 5 more hit the airfield during the night of 6/7 Mar in separate strikes. HQ 15th Fighter Group arrives on Iwo Jima from Hawaii and the air echelon of the 548th Night Fighter Squadron moves from Saipan to Iwo Jima with P-61s (there are now 28 P-51s and 12 P-61s on the Iwo Jima).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: On Mindanao, B-24s pound San Roque and Zamboanga areas. On Luzon , other B-24s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers hit the Antipolo area, bomb Balete Pass and Ft Drum and Caballo in Manila Bay and support guerrillas near San Fernando. B-25s and P-38s attack Hainan and considerably damage Samah Airfield. Fighters sweeping over Formosa hit the Koshun area. HQ 347th FG and the 67th, 68th and 339th Fighter Squadrons move from San Jose, Mindoro to Puerto Princesa, Palawan with P-38s (the 67th and 339th are operating from Morotai ); the 419th Night Fighter Squadron, XIII Fighter Command, moves from Middelburg , New Guinea to Puerto Princesa, Palawan (the squadron is operating from Morotai with P-38s and P-61s).

 

[syscom3]

March 7th 1945

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Kurile s; 8 B-25s, dispatched to strike a reported convoy, abort due to weather; so do 8 B-24s after departing on a shipping sweep and a strike on Kataoka, Shimushu.

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 4 B-25s and 9 P-40s blast railroad targets N of Kiaotow; single B-25s hit truck convoys in the Hsiang River Valley, the waterfront at Changsha, and a bridge and other targets of opportunity on the Pinghan railroad; 130+ fighter-bombers attack numerous targets throughout S and E China, concentrating on railroad, road, and river targets in the areas around Nanking, Yoyang, Sintsiang, and Changsha.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 30 P-47s support troops of the British 36 Division in the Mogok area; 18 others support elements of the Chinese 50th Division near Mansam; elements of the Chinese 38th Division occupy Lashio; 12 B-25s and 35 fighter-bombers attack road targets, troops,vehicles, and a variety of targets of opportunity immediately behind enemy lines. Transports fly 630 sorties supplying forward areas with men and equipment.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 11 Guam based B-24s hit Susaki Airfield and the town of Okimura on Haha Jima; 5 more hit Susaki Airfield during the night of 7/8 Mar in individual harassment strikes.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA: On Luzon , B-24s hit the Balete Pass area while A-20s and fighter-bombers hit troop concentrations and gun positions near Antipolo and near San Fernando, NW of Ft Stotsenburg, and in the Bayombong-Solano area and targets of opportunity in the Lake Taal area, the towns of Santa Fe, Lallo and Vigan, and on Caballo in Manila Bay; numerous ground support missions are flown throughout Luzon.

 

[syscom3]

March 8th 1945

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 34 B-24s, supported by 21 P-51s, pound Shihkiachwang; 3 B-24s claim a transport sunk in the S China Sea; 16 B-25s and 6 P-40s attack railroad tracks, boxcars, gun positions, sampans, and locomotives, knock out 2 bridges and damage another, and destroy and damage several locomotives at or near Hengshan, Yehhsien, Lohochai, and Chungmow; 140+ fighter-bombers fly armed reconnaissance over wide areas of S and E China, attacking numerous targets of opportunity, mainly river, road, and railroad targets, storage areas, gun positions, and troops, concentrating around Changsha, Changanyi, and a bridge at Puchi.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 20 P-47s support the British 36 Division; 40 fighter-bombers hit troop concentrations and supply areas along the battlefront and behind the enemy lines; 39 others sweep roads S of the bomb line, attacking gun positions and other targets of opportunity. Transports fly 554 sorties to advanced bases and over frontline areas.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 14 B-24s from Guam bomb Susaki Airfield through heavy cloud layers; 5 more B-24s hit the airfield again in 5 individual harassment strikes during the night of 8/9 Mar.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA: B-24s pound the Zamboanga area on Mindanao . On Luzon , B-24s hit road targets at Balete Pass while A-20s support guerrilla forces in the San Fernando area; fighter-bombers hit fuel dumps, gun positions, and other targets near Angat and Ipo dam and numerous targets of opportunity in the Antipolo area, personnel and storage areas near Baguio, and several targets in the Cagayan Valley (including the town of Caggay, the Dummun River area, and barges at Naguilian). The 6th Combat Cargo Squadron, 2d Combat Cargo Group, based on Biak with C-46s, begins operating from Guiuan Airfield; and the 550th Night Fighter Squadron, XIII Fighter Command, based on Morotai with P-38s, P-61s and P-70s, sends a detachment to operate from Tacloban, Leyte.

USA: Phyliss M. Daley became the first Black nurse sworn in as a US Navy Ensign. She was a graduate of Lincoln School for Nurses, New York, and was the first of 4 Black Navy nurses to serve on active duty in WW 2.

 

[syscom3]

March 9th 1945

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 3 B-24s fly a negative shipping search.

CHINA THEATER (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 32 B-24s, escorted by 5 P-51s, bomb railroad yards at Sinsiang; 15 B-25s and 2 P-40s knock out 2 bridges at Hwaiyuanchen and E of Jungtse, and hit railroad targets and other targets of opportunity at Yehhsien, Chowkiakow, Hsuchang, and E of Junan; 50+ fighter-bombers on armed reconnaissance attack railroad targets, river and road traffic, bridges, gun positions, and troops at several locations, particularly around Kweiyi, Hengyang, Nanking, and Sinyang.

INDIA-BURMA THEATER (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 16 P-47s support elements of the Chinese 50th Division near Mansam; 80+ fighter-bombers operating over and behind enemy lines attack trucks, horses and carts, troops, and artillery pieces. 568 air supply sorties are flown to forward areas.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 13 Guam based B-24s fly a daylight strike on Susaki Airfield while 5 more on single bomber raids, hit the airfield during the night of 9/10 Mar. 24 Angaur Airfield based B-24s pound the town of Zamboanga on Mindanao.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb Zamboanga on Mindanao . B-25s, in cooperation with PT boats, attack targets on Basilan , Philippine s. B-24s hit the Ipo area, B-25s and fighter-bombers support ground forces E of Manila Bay, hit Japanese-occupied areas at Mabiga, Lipa Bay, and Ternate, and bomb and strafe targets of opportunity on Caballo in Manila Bay; B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers hit bridges at Bayombong, the town of Makati, Cabugao, and Cauayan, San Fernando and the Solvec Cove areas on the NW coast, the town of Cauayan, and Aparri Airfield. B-24s pound the dock area at Takao, Formosa.
JAPAN: US B-29s raid Tokyo with 1650 tons of incendiary bombs. This is the first of many fire bombing raids on various Japanese Cities.
This was the XXI Bomber Command's Mission Number 40 flown by the 73d, 313th and 314th Bombardment Wings (Very Heavy). During the night of 9/10 March, 325 B-29s are dispatched from the Mariana Islands to hit the Tokyo urban area; the bombers flew in a stream rather than in bomber formation. The bombers carry neither bomb bay fuel tanks nor guns and ammunition except for the tail turret guns. The bombers departed at sunset and attacked Japan between 0100 and 0300 hours on 10 March; 279 bombers hit the primary target with 1,665 tons of incendiary bombs from an altitute between 4,900 and 9,200 feet. Twenty B-29s hit secondary targets and targets of opportunity. Fourteen B-29s are lost, one to AA, five ditched, one made it back but was scrapped and seven were missing. This is the first of the night fire bomb raids on Japanese cities and results in 15.8 square miles of Tokyo being burned out and an estimated 83,000 Japanese killed.