80 Years Ago, Saturday, 14 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—While TF 38 remains nearby to provide cover for the ongoing salvage of crippled heavy cruiser Canberra (CA‑70) that had been damaged the previous day, Japanese aerial counterattacks continue, inflicting damage on carrier Hancock (CV‑19), 23°30'N, 121°30'E; light cruiser Reno (CL‑96) (suicide plane); and destroyer Cassin Young (DD‑793) (strafing), 22°30'N, 124°50'E. Light cruiser Houston (CL‑81) is damaged by aerial torpedo, and destroyer Cowell (DD‑547) is damaged when she fouls Houston as Cowell lies alongside assisting in salvage efforts, 22°27'N,124°01'E. Heavy cruiser Boston (CA‑69)--later relieved by fleet tug Pawnee (ATF‑74)--takes Houston in tow. At this juncture, heavy air attacks on TF 38, together with enemy radio propaganda broadcasts that reflect a vast overestimation of the destruction wreaked by attacking Japanese aircraft, prompts Commander Third Fleet to withdraw TG 38.2 (Rear Admiral Gerald F. Bogan) and TG 38.3 (Rear Admiral Frederick C. Sherman) to the eastward to set upon any important Japanese fleet units that would attempt to finish off the "crippled remnants" of TF 38. The enemy, however, does not take the bait.

            During TF 38 operations against Japanese shipping and installations on Formosa, Navy carrier-based planes damage coastal minelayer Enoshima and auxiliary submarine chasers Cha 7 and Cha 151 off Takao.

            Submarine Angler (SS‑240) sinks Japanese army transport Nanrei Maru south of Tablas Strait, 11°53'N, 121°39'E.

            Submarine Bonefish (SS‑223) sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Fushimi Maru in South China Sea off west coast of Luzon, 16°12'N, 119°45'E.

            Submarine Dace (SS‑247) sinks Japanese merchant tankers Eikyo Maru and Nittetsu Maru and damages merchant ore carrier Taizen Maru off North Borneo, 06°05'N, 115°55'E.

            British submarine HMS Sturdy sinks Japanese Communication Vessel No.128 in Gulf of Boni.

            Carrier Saratoga (CV‑3) and destroyer escort Howard F. Clark (DE‑533) are damaged in collision during maneuvers off Oahu.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—About 1,100 heavy bombers bomb 7 marshalling yards at Saarbrucken, Kaiserslautern, and Cologne, city of Euskirchen, and targets of opportunity in the Cologne area. 15 fighter groups give escort.

NINTH AF—Bad weather grounds 9th Bomb division. Fighters escort leaflet mission, fly sweeps and rail cutting operations, armed reconnaissance over Eastern France and Western Germany, and support US Third Army.

TWELFTH AF—Bad weather cancels all medium bomber operations. Over 100 fighters and fighter bombers pound troop concentrations, gun positions, supplies, bridges, roads, and rail lines South of Bologna where hard fighting is taking place in Monterumici, Livergnano, and Gesso ridge areas.

FIFTEENTH AF—317 B‑17’s and B‑24’s hampered by bad weather, bomb oil refineries at Blechhammer and Odertal, and several targets of opportunity including marshalling yards at Bratislava, Nove Zamky, Komarom, Komarom and Nove Zamky railroad bridges, Borzavar industrial area, and Ugod military garrison. Escorting fighters strafe airfields, rail and road traffic and other targets of opportunity in target areas. 52 B‑24’s bomb railroad bridge and marshalling yard at Maribor. 54 P‑51’s on strafing mission in Balaton Lake area attack airfields at Szekesfehervar and Seregelyes. 55 P‑38’s escort MATAF C‑47’s carrying airborne forces to Megara airfield.

TENTH AF—Transport aircraft fly more than 200 sorties, delivering men and supplies to various points in CBI.

FOURTEENTH AF—32 P‑51’s and P‑40’s on armed reconnaissance attack troops, town areas, and river traffic around Samshui, Mangshih, Kweiping, Hsinganhsien, Konghow and Tajungchiang.

FEAF—B‑24’s again bomb oil refineries and associated industries in Balikpapan area. Others bomb Pombelaa mine. A‑20’s, B‑25’s, and fighter bombers again hit Laha and Haroekoe airfields.

TWENTIETH AF—103 Chengtu‑based B‑29’s bomb aircraft plant at Okayama. 12 more hit last‑resort targets and targets of opportunity. This is first Twentieth AF mission during which over 100 very heavy bombers attack targets and the first of a series of missions against Formosa in conjunction with US invasion of Leyte.

SEVENTH AF—3 B‑24’s on armed reconnaissance from Saipan bomb Marcus. P‑47’s on sweep over Pagan bomb and strafe storage caves. 1 B‑24 from the Marshalls bombs Wake during 14/15 Oct.

ELEVENTH AF—4 B‑25’s bomb and strafe buildings at Otomae Bay.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Canadian 2 Corps area, the land approach to Breskens Pocket from the east is secured by Canadian 3d Division at Isabella, tip of Savojaards Plaat.

            12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 26th Infantry of 1st Division continues to make slow progress in Aachen and on Observatory Hill. 9th Division commits elements of 47th Infantry to insure safety of Road Junction 471 in Huertgen Forest.

            6th Army Group: In French 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, 3d Algerian Division finishes clearing Forêt de Gehan and takes Cornimont, but by this time is so weakened that offensive is broken off.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, South African 6th Armored Division finds Grizzana undefended. In II Corps area, enemy clings to Monterumici defenses despite attacks by 135th Infantry of 34th Division and Combat Command A of 1st Armored Division. At noon 1st Armored Division takes command of 135th Infantry and Combat Command A. 133d Infantry shifts eastward to 91st Division zone. 91st Division improves positions in Livergnano area and takes Querceta. Germans abandon Livergnano village. 339th Infantry, 85th Division, pushes northward from Hill 578. 2d Battalion of 350th Infantry, 88th Division, takes Hill 373, north of Hill 339; 351st Infantry, ordered to consolidate on Gesso ridge, breaks off attacks. In British 13 Corps area, 78th Division continues attacks toward Mont la Pieve.

            In British Eighth Army area, 2 Polish Corps takes command of 10 Corps sector and troops on left flank of army with orders to drive on Forlì. 5 Corps continues to clear heights east of the Savio, 46th Division seizing Mont dei Pini, beyond Carpineta. In Canadian 1 Corps area, 1st Division takes village of Bulgaria. Elements of New Zealand 2d Division clear south. Angelo, night 14–15.

YUGOSLAVIA—Soviet and Yugoslavia forces are converging on Belgrade, which is encircled.

CBI—Gen Stilwell flies to east China, where Chinese are preparing to take the offensive.

FORMOSA—TF 38 achieves its purpose of neutralizing Formosa, where some 280 enemy planes have been destroyed since 12th, but another cruiser, Houston, is damaged by Japanese torpedo. Part of the TF withdraws from Formosa area in effort to lure enemy fleet into the open.

SWPA—III Amphibious Force, with elements of Leyte invasion force that have reached Manus from Hawaii aboard, sail for Leyte.

POA—CG, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, designates CG, V Amphibious Corps (Gen Schmidt, USMC) as Landing Force Commander (CTG 56.1) for Iwo Jima operation and directs him to prepare plans.

PALAUS—Adm Fort turns over control of all operations in the Palaus to Adm Hoover, heading Forward Area Central Pacific (TF 57). On Peleliu, 81st Division prepares to relieve marines at Umurbrogol Pocket while defending eastern arm of the island, recalling 2d Battalion of 321st Infantry from offshore islands. On Angaur, attack and occupation phase is terminated by III Amphibious Corps, although pocket still remains at North West tip.

 

US MARINE CORPS

V Amphibious Corps directed to prepare plans for Iwo Jima operation.

80 Years Ago, Friday, 13 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—During Japanese aerial counterattacks in the wake of TF 38 strikes on Formosa (see 12 October), carrier Franklin (CV‑13) is damaged when a kamikaze slides across her flight deck and crashes nearby, 22°55'N, 123°12'E; heavy cruiser Canberra (CA‑70), in TG 38.1, is damaged by aerial torpedo only 85 miles from Formosa, 22°48'N, 123°01'E. While heavy cruiser Wichita (CA‑45) takes Canberra in tow, Cruiser Division 13 (three light cruisers under Rear Admiral Laurance T. DuBose), four destroyers from TG 38.3, and two from TG 38.1 are detached to provide cover. Fleet tug Munsee (ATF‑107) relieves Wichita of towing Canberra and the group sets course for Ulithi.

            Submarine Bergall (SS‑320) sinks Japanese merchant tanker Shinshu Maru off Nha Trang, French Indochian,11°52'N, 109°20'E.

            British submarine HMS Sturdy sinks Japanese merchant coasters Kosei Maru and Hansei Maru in Gulf of Boni, south of Celebes.

            Peleliu Island, Palaus, is secured.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

NINTH AF—9th Bomb division hits bridges at Saarlouis, Roermond, Venlo, Euskirchen, and Mayen, plus several targets of opportunity. Escorting fighters also fly armed reconnaissance over areas of Metz and extensively over western Germany, attacking railroads and other targets, and support US First, Third, and Seventh Armies.

TWELFTH AF—Weather cancels all medium bomber operations except for attacks on 4 targets (bridges and supply dumps) in the battle area south of Bologna. Fighter bombers support US Fifth Army operations more successfully in the area, hitting gun emplacements, troop concentrations, supply dumps, bridges, and vehicles.

FIFTEENTH AF—More than 650 fighter escorted heavy bombers bomb oil refineries at Blechhammer and Vienna/Floridsdorf, motor works, locomotive shops, and marshalling yard at Vienna, Graz, Banhida, Szekesfehervar, Papa, Hranice and Mezirici. Some of the escorting fighters strafe railroads, roads, and airfield in areas of Balaton and Neusiedler Lakes, Vienna, and Prostejov. Other fighters strafe roads, railroads, and Danube River traffic in Vienna-Gyor-Budapest areas.

TENTH AF—38 P‑47’s strike Okkyin, Yebyangale, and Theinlon, and hit troops in Myothit area. 8 P‑47’s support ground forces in Mohnyin area, 12 attack and considerably damage Wanling bridge and 4 hit targets of opportunity in the area. Transports fly over 280 sorties hauling troops and supplies to CBI terminals.

FOURTEENTH AF—138 P‑40’s and P‑51’s on numerous armed reconnaissance missions throughout southern China and into western Burma attack troop areas, rivercraft, town areas, bridges, trucks, and other targets of opportunity. 71 of the fighter bombers hit targets in Kweiping area while the others attack targets around Chuanhsien, Litou, Shepchung, Tengyun, Lungfukwan, Kingshan, Mangshih, and Chefang.

FEAF—B‑25’s bomb Menado and surrounding area. P‑38’s hit AA positions, enemy concentrations, and other targets in northeastern Celebes and Halmaheras. A‑20’s and fighter bombers attack Boela oil installations and airfields at Amahai, Kairatoe, and Namlea.

SEVENTH AF—B‑24’s from Saipan bomb Yap. From the Marshalls B‑24’s pound Truk. Gilberts‑based B‑25’s bomb Nauru.

ELEVENTH AF—4 B‑25’s bomb Kurabu airfield and bomb and strafe buildings on Tomari Cape, scoring hits on canneries, warehouses, and barracks. Later, 4 B‑24’s photograph and bomb targets at Kashiwabara.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—Germans launch first V bomb against Antwerp, which, next to London, proves to be the primary target for these weapons.

21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, 3d Division attacks from Overloon toward Venray, 3 miles distant, against strong opposition.

            12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 116th Infantry of 29th Division, having turned over positions west of the Wurm at Kerkrade to 1104th Combat Engineer Group, takes over attack to close Aachen gap: reinforced by tanks from 2d Armored Division, 116th begins frontal assaults against Wuerselen on narrow front that invites concentrated enemy fire; little progress is made during this and the next two days. In VII Corps area, 26th Infantry of 1st Division begins all-out assault on Aachen: while 2d Battalion fights from house to house within the city, 3d pushes to base of Observatory Hill, one of 3 heights commanding the city from the north, the others being Salvator Hill and the Lousberg. In Huertgen Forest, 60th Infantry, 9th Division, gains its objective, Road Junction 471; 39th seals off enemy penetration and begins drive to recover lost ground.

            In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps’ plan for stronger assault on Maizières-lès-Metz is abandoned as result of Third Army order freezing all artillery ammunition above 3-inch.

            6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 79th Division, working eastward from Forêt de Parroy, takes Emberménil.

EASTERN EUROPE—Soviet troops of Second and Third Baltic Fronts overrun Riga, capital of Latvia and important naval base on Gulf of Riga. This success, coupled with recent drive to the Baltic in Memel area of Lithuania, has trapped a large German force in west Latvia. Soviet offensive on Baltic front is soon suspended.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, 12th Motorized Brigade of South African 6th Armored Division renews attack on Mont Stanco early in morning after artillery preparation and, assisted by diversionary thrust to east of Grizzana, captures objective; Combat Command B, on left flank, takes Bombiana, on Highway 64. In II Corps area, 34th Division partially outflanks enemy on Monterumici hill mass from east; 168th Infantry is shifting eastward to Mont delle Formiche. Enemy hold on Livergnano area is beginning to weaken under blows of 91st Division and artillery and aerial bombardment. 361st Infantry of 91st Division gains Hill 603, above Livergnano, and village of Casalino, northwest of Livergnano; 363d Infantry nears east part of the plateau. 337th Infantry, 85th Division, at last takes Hill 578 and reduces opposition on Monterenzio hill mass; during night 13–14, is relieved by 339th Infantry. 2d Battalion of 350th Infantry, 88th Division, crosses Sillaro River west of Hill 339, night 13–14, and drives northward through weak spot in enemy defenses; 351st Infantry thrusts toward Mont Spadura from Gesso ridge until stopped by counterattack. In British 13 Corps area, 78th Division begins attack on Mont la Pieve.

            In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Division takes Sorrivoli but is held up near Mont delle Vacche. 46th Division seizes Carpineta, night 13–14. In Canadian 1 Corps area, some elements of New Zealand 2d Division are held up by strongpoint at south. Angelo, but others patrol to the Rigossa.

GREECE—British commandos (9th Cdo) and Squadron B of Greek Sacred Regiment land at Piraeus and secure Kalamata airfield in preparation for main landing on 15th. Rest of 4th Parachute Battalion and Royal Engineer force are dropped at Megara; after securing the airfield these forces move overland to Athens and Kalamata without opposition. U.S. 51st Troop Carrier Wing participates in British occupation of south Greece (Operation MANNA) during period 13–18 October, taking in personnel and equipment.

CBI—Gen Hurley recommends to President Roosevelt that Gen Stilwell be relieved and that another U.S. officer be named to command Chinese Army.

FORMOSA—TF 38 continues air strikes to neutralize Formosa. Cruiser Canberra is badly damaged by enemy torpedo.

SWPA—VII Amphibious Force, with elements of Leyte invasion force embarked, sails from Hollandia for target. GHQ issues instructions for capture of air base in San Jose area of Mindoro, from which further operations against the Philippines will be supported and small shore-to-shore operations will be conducted to deceive enemy on Luzon. For this task, Sixth Army forms Western Visayan Task Force under Brig Gen William C. Dunckel during early November. The force eventually consists primarily of Regimental Combat Team 19 of 24th Division and 503d Parachute Regimental Combat Team, a separate unit. 21st Infantry of 24th Division, less 3d Battalion, is allocated as the reserve force; 3d Battalion is to conduct deceptive operations.

MOROTAI—Medium bombers begin operations from the island.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, Regimental Combat Team 321 is alerted to relieve marines at Umurbrogol Pocket, where some progress is being made against west side. On Angaur, 322d Infantry begins final push to eliminate enemy pocket on north Angaur.

 

US MARINE CORPS

80 Years Ago, Thursday, 12 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—TF 38 (Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher) hurls heavy air strikes against Japanese shipping, aerodromes, and industrial plants on Formosa, regarded as the strongest and best-developed base south of the homeland proper, and on northern Luzon. Strikes draw heavy Japanese aerial counterattacks off Formosa during which destroyer Prichett (DD‑561) is damaged by friendly fire, 22°08'N, 123°19'E. TF 38 planes sink transport Asaka Maru, cargo ship Shirotai Maru, army cargo ship Mitsuki Maru, and merchant tankers No.6 Horai Maru, No.23 Nanshin Maru, and No.26 Nanshin Maru off the Pescadores, 23°30'N, 119°34'E; and transports Bujo Maru and Joshu Maru, army cargo ship Yamahagi Maru, merchant cargo ships Gyoun Maru, Hakko Maru, No.11 Tenjin Maru, and No.1 Takatomi Maru, and merchant tankers No.5 Nanshin Maru, No.11 Nanshin Maru and No.20 Nanshin Maru, dredge Niitaka Maru, and damage tanker Eiho Maru and army cargo ship Shinto Maru off Takao, 22°37'N, 119°34'E. Also damaged at Takao is German ship Havenstein, Japanese cargo vessels Taisho Maru, Taihoku Maru, and, at Keelung, Hakozaki Maru.

            TF 38 planes also sink merchant cargo ship Shinan Maru in Putai harbor, 23°22'N, 120°10'E. Destruction of Japanese air power on Formosa paves way for USAAF B-29 bomber strikes on aircraft plant and airfield facilities on the island on 14 and 16 October 1944. Air strikes on the Formosa area sink Japanese transport Josho Maru, and army cargo ship Yamahagi Maru, off Takao; army ship Mitsuki Maru and merchant tanker No.6 Horai Maru, off Mako; Japanese cargo ship Shirotai Maru is sunk by mine off Mako.

            Motor torpedo boat PT‑368, damaged by grounding, western New Guinea, 01°59'N, 127°57'E, is scuttled by demolition charges.

            Submarine Ray (SS‑271) sinks Japanese transport Toko Maru near Cape Cavalite, Mindoro, 13°32'N, 120°21'E, and survives counterattack by Hiyodosi and Coast Defense Vessel No.2.

            Submarine Trepang (SS‑412) damages Japanese destroyer Fuyuzuki off Omaesuki, 33°56'N, 138°09'E.

            British submarine HMS Strongbow sinks Japanese cargo ship Manryo Maru in Strait of Malacca, 02°50'N, 100°50'E.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—Over 500 heavy bombers attack marshalling yard at Osnabruck, aircraft industries at Bremen, and targets of opportunity including Diepholz airfield. 11 fighter groups escort heavy bombers, claiming 18 fighters downed.

NINTH AF—Ninth AF is delegated administrative (in addition to operational) control over XII Tactical Air Command hitherto assumed by USSTAF. Advanced HQ XIX Tactical Air Command arrives at Nancy, following the advance of US Third Army. Almost 250 medium bombers and light bombers bomb Camp‑de‑Bitche military camp, rail bridges at Grevenbroich and Ahrweiler, city areas of Langerwehe, Aldenhoven, and Venraij, and various targets of opportunity. Escorting fighters fly also armed reconnaissance and rail cutting in Dusseldorf, Aachen, and Belfort areas, and support VIII, XII, XV, and XX Corps in eastern France and western Germany.

TWELFTH AF—Medium bombers, supporting US Fifth Army, attack communications, supply dumps, and bivouac and barracks areas south of Bologna. Fighter bombers and XII Fighter Command fighters, mainly in support of US Fifth Army, blast supply dumps, gun positions, troop concentrations, and communications in the high country south of Bologna (while Desert AF gives similar support to British Eighth Army in Rimini area).

FIFTEENTH AF—Around 700 heavy bombers, with fighter support, pound ammo and fuel dumps and depots, bivouac area, barracks, vehicle repair shop, munitions factory and targets of opportunity in Bologna area (Operation PANCAKE) supporting US Fifth Army offensive in that sector. 160 P‑51’s strafe mainline railroad and Danube River traffic in Vienna-Gyor-Budapest areas and strafe Seregelyes airfield, disrupting traffic and destroying many enemy airplanes.

TENTH AF—18 P‑47’s bomb railroad targets in the Naba-Mawlu rail corridor damaging a bridge approach, and strike troops and stores near Nayakaung. 12 other P‑47’s hit various targets at Pintha and Nyaunggon. 4 B‑26’s knock out a bridge just north of Lashio. 3 others knock out bridge at Kawlin and damage tracks near Man Pwe bridge.

FOURTEENTH AF—3 B‑25’s and 12 P‑40’s hit Chefang storage area and bridge and general targets of opportunity in Mangshih area. 40‑plus P‑40’s and P‑51’s on armed reconnaissance covering wide areas of southern China and extending into western Burma attack troop concentrations, river traffic, storage areas, and buildings in areas around Taochuan, Kweiping, Hsinganhsien, Yuncheng, Tanchuk, and Hsenwi.

FEAF—B‑24’s bomb Ambesia, Langoan, Mapanget, and Sidate airfields. B‑25’s, A‑20’s, and P‑47’s again pound airfields at Liang, Laha, Namlea, Kairatoe and Haroekoe, and town of Boela. P‑38’s hit numerous targets of opportunity on Halmahera Island. Fighter bombers hit Manokwari and Urarom and A‑20’s bomb pillboxes in Sarmi area.

TWENTIETH AF—First B‑29 (Joltin’ Josie, the Pacific Pioneer) arrives at Saipan, piloted by Gen Hansell, CG XXI Bomber Command, for whom temporary HQ are set up on Saipan. Also the regular air echelon of 73d Bomb wing arrives at Saipan on this date, followed during Oct and first week in Nov by 4 bomb groups and 4 air service groups. (313th Bomb wing will be established in the theater in Dec 44, 314th in Jan 45, 58th in Mar, and 315th in Apr. In Mar 45 VII Fighter Command will be established at Iwo Jima from where some of its units escort B‑29 missions).

SEVENTH AF—B‑24’s from Saipan bomb harbor and shipping at Chichi Jima, shipping south of Haha Jima, AA positions on Marcus, and airfield area on Pagan. P‑47’s hit Pagan airfield area with bombs and rockets. B‑24’s from Kwajalein bomb Wake during 12/13 Oct.

ELEVENTH AF—3 B‑24’s hit airfield and shipping targets in the Matsuwa-Onnekotan area.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, 3d Division attacks southward against Peel Marshes salient, clearing Overloon. U.S. 7th Armored Division provides diversionary demonstration along Deurne–Venray road.

            12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 30th Division with objective of taking Wuerselen and closing Aachen gap, is prevented from doing this by series of enemy counterattacks aimed at widening the Aachen corridor and forcing corps back to line Bardenberg–Euchen. Germans are thrown back at Birk, southeast of Bardenberg, and at North Wuerselen with aid of aircraft and artillery, but new panzer units are identified, indicating major reinforcement of the region. Corps regroups to meet this threat. In VII Corps area, in preparation for main assault on Aachen, 3d Battalion of 26th Infantry, 1st Division, nears factory district between Aachen and Haaren. Air and artillery bombardment of Aachen continues.

            In Huertgen Forest, German counterattack severs main supply route of 39th Infantry, 9th Division, on east–west trail leading into Germeter. Forward elements north of Vossenack, although not under attack, are recalled to help restore situation. In V Corps area, Combat Command A of 5th Armored Division leaves for XIX Corps sector, where it will be held in army reserve.

            In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 3d Battalion of 357th Infantry, 90th Division, moves into Maizières-lès-Metz to bolster weary 2d Battalion. Last elements of 5th Division withdraw from Forêt Driant, night 12–13. In XII Corps area, 26th Division relieves 4th Armored Division on right flank of corps.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Second Ukrainian Front take Oradea (Transylvania), continue battle for Debrecen (Hungary), and cut Belgrade–Budapest RR at Subotica (Yugoslavia).

ITALY—AAI: In U.S Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 92 pushes to crest of Mont Cauala but is again forced to retire. Efforts to take Mont Cauala are suspended for next few days. In II Corps area, 135th Infantry of 34th Division extends eastward as it continues, in conjunction with Combat Command A of 1st Armored Division, to attack Monterumici hill mass. 91st Division get additional elements up Livergnano escarpment but is unable to clear it. 3d Battalion of 338th Infantry, 85th Division, attacks north through 2d Battalion on crest of Mont delle Formiche; Germans defend Hill 578 against attacks of 337th Infantry. 88th Division continues to attack Mont delle Tombe and clears Gesso ridge. In British 13 Corps area, Indian 8th Division is assigned positions southwest of Mont Ceco to ease strain on 1st Division. British Eighth Army is ordered to release Indian 4th Division and Greek 3d Mountain Brigade for service outside Italy.

            In 5 Corps area, corps presses from the Rubicone toward the Savio and Cesena. Indian 10th Division advances its left flank to Mont dell’Erta, east of the Savio; elements crossing the Rubicone to north are held up in Sorrivoli. Attacking across the Rubicone on right flank of corps, 46th Division takes Casale.

CORFU‑ALBANIA—British commando force from Land Forces, Adriatic, lands on Corfu and in Sarande area of south Albania.

GREECE—Advance detachment of British 4th Parachute Battalion and Royal Engineer s is dropped in Megara area to secure and repair airfield. Piraeus and Kalamata are found to be clear of enemy.

FORMOSA—In preparation for invasion of Leyte, TF 38, Third Fleet, begins series of powerful carrier aircraft strikes against Formosa to neutralize enemy air and naval power, evoking strong opposition.

SWPA—Gen MacArthur issues orders for invasion of Luzon, to be undertaken by U.S. Sixth Army’s Island Corps (6th and 43d Divisions, reinforced) and XIV Corps (37th and 40th Divisions, reinforced). 25th Infantry and 11th Airborne Divisions, Regimental Combat Team 158, 6th Ranger Battalion, and 13th Armored Group constitute reserve and follow-up forces. Various service units are assigned as army and corps troops.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, Gen Geiger opens III Amphibious Corps CP ashore and declares assault and occupation phase at an end. 1st Marine Division is now responsible only for the Umurbrogol Pocket. 321st Infantry takes responsibility for eastern arm of the island and begins relieving Marine units. Island Garrison Force takes over region south of the Umurbrogol Pocket.

 

US MARINE CORPS

Peleliu becomes a Marine island command similar to Guam and Tinian.

80 Years Ago, Wednesday, 11 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—In preparation for operations against Formosa, TG 38.1 (Vice Admiral John S. McCain) and TG 38.4 (Rear Admiral Ralph E. Davison) attack Japanese airfields and other facilities on the north coast of Luzon; task group planes damage escort destroyer Yashiro off San Vicente and cargo vessel No.6 Banei Maru off Aparri.

            Submarine Tang (SS‑306) sinks Japanese merchant cargo ships Joshu Go and Oita Maru in Formosa Strait, 25°00'N,121°00'E.

            Submarine Trepang (SS‑412) sinks Japanese landing ship T.105 off Honshu, 33°18'N, 137°42'E.

            USAAF B-24 sinks Japanese motor sail ship Hashu Maru of Tacloban, P.I.

            Japanese merchant vessel Sumiei Maru is damaged by aircraft, Takao, Formosa.

ATLANTIC—Tank landing craft LCT‑293 founders and sinks in heavy weather in English Channel.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—130 B‑17’s bomb Wesseling synthetic oil plant and Koblenz marshalling yard. 3 P‑47 groups give support.

NINTH AF—99 medium bombers and light bombers sent to bomb Camp‑de‑Bitche military camp are recalled when Pathfinder equipment malfunctions and weather prevents visual bombing. Fighters escort bombers, fly armed reconnaissance, cut rail lines in Aachen‑Rhine area, and support US VII and XIX Corps in Aachen area, and US XII, XV, and XX Corps in Metz‑Saarlautern area.

TWELFTH AF—Despite bad weather medium bombers attack bridges and supply dumps in Po Valley. Fighter bombers and fighters closely support ground forces in Apennine Mountains between Florence and Bologna where fierce fighting rages on Monte delle Formiche, Livergnano escarpment, Monte delle Tombe, Gesso ridge, and Monte Battaglia. Also hit are communications behind battle area and as far Western and Northern as Genoa, Turin, and Savona.

FIFTEENTH AF—About 180 B‑17’s and B‑24’s, with fighter escort, bomb Vienna Southern ordnance depot, Graz motor works, Southern and SW areas of Vienna, towns of Hirtenberg and Enzesfeld, marshalling yard at Zeltweg, Dravograd railroad bridge on Yugoslav-Hungarian boundary, railroad and highway bridges at Cesara, and Trieste harbor. Over 250 heavy bombers fail to complete missions because of bad weather. 18 P‑51’s strafe targets in Bratislava and Budapest areas, including supply dumps, and trains and destroy 17 airplanes at Esztergom landing ground. 37 other P‑51’s strafe Prostejov airfield and targets of opportunity in surrounding area, destroying nearly 30 aircraft and trucks, locomotives, and railroad cars.

TENTH AF—15 P‑47’s hit guns and enemy positions near Pinhe while 9 attack town of Manwein and hit targets of opportunity in the area. 8 others hit towns of Nayakaung and Nansiaung. 8 B‑25’s attack bridges at Man Pwe, Tahpalai, and Namyao damaging only Man Pwe bridge. 23 P‑47’s hit troops and stores near Tawbon and at Hkawan, knock out Kawnghka bridge and damage Wanling bridge. Transport flights continue to points throughout CBI.

FOURTEENTH AF—2 B‑25’s knock out bridge South of Mangshih. 3 P‑40’s attack sampans from Tanchuk to Tengyun while 8 hit general targets of opportunity North of Mangshih.

FEAF—B‑24’s bomb Koeandang and Langoan area. P‑38’s pound Miti airfield. A‑20’s and fighter bombers attack Liang, Kairatoe, Laha, Haroekoe, and Namlea airfield. Langgoer airfield is bombed by P‑47’s. P‑47’s hit Babo airfield while A‑20’s attack Sarmi troop concentrations. At night B‑24’s bomb Sasa Matina and Buayoan airfield.

SEVENTH AF—Saipan‑based P‑47’s hit buildings on Pagan with rockets and bombs. A Kwajalein‑based B‑24 bombs Wake during the night.

ELEVENTH AF—4 B‑25’s over Shimushiru and parachutemushiru blow up 3 buildings and damage 2 others at Cape Namikawa.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, reserve battalion of 120th Infantry, 30th Division, captures Bardenberg with little difficulty, opening route to North Wuerselen. In VII Corps area, with expiration of surrender ultimatum, Aachen is subjected to heavy aerial and artillery bombardment; patrols of 1st Division probe enemy defenses. 60th Infantry, 9th Division, holds road junction in Huertgen Forest against counterattack and tries unsuccessfully to take another, between first junction and forester’s lodge of Jaegerhaus. Enemy resistance to rear is weakening. 39th Infantry tries in vain to cross open ground between Germeter and Vossenack; elements, moving along draw from Wittscheidt, gain positions North of Vossenack.

            In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 83d Division reverts to VIII Corps, Ninth Army, in place and XX Corps’ North boundary is moved South to Sierck-les Bains. TF Polk is given mission of defending North flank of corps West of the Moselle.

            6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, VI Corps issues instructions for drive to the Meurthe, calling for capture of Bruyères and Brouvelieures, followed by attack on St Dié. To deceive enemy, heavy program of fire is begun against approaches to Gerardmer.

            In French 1st Army area, the 2d Corps concentrates on clearing region South of the Moselotte.

EASTERN EUROPE—Soviet troops of Second Ukrainian Front force the Tisza (Tisa) River on broad front at Szeged, Hungary’s second largest city, seriously threatening Budapest; others are battering Debrecen, in region East of Budapest; still others, assisted by Rumanians, take Cluj, capital of Transylvania.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 92 begins another assault on Mont Cauala in evening. Regimental Combat Team 6, BEF, takes Barga. In II Corps area, 133d Infantry of 34th Division withdraws to reserve upon relief by Combat Command A, 1st Armored Division. Further efforts to clear Monterumici hill mass accomplish little. 91st Division strengthens its assault on Livergnano escarpment, committing 363d on right, but makes slow progress; elements of 363d reach top of escarpment. 2d Battalion of 338th Infantry, 85th Division, gains crest of Mont delle Formiche in costly fighting while 3d Battalion clears East slopes; 337th Infantry inches forward toward Hill 578 of Monterenzio hill mass. 350th Infantry, 88th Division, gains foothold on Mont delle Tombe; 351st continues efforts to clear Gesso ridge. In British 13 Corps area final enemy counterattack against Mont Battaglia is repelled.

            In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 56th Division, upon relief on right flank of corps by 1st Division of Canadian 1 Corps, is withdrawn to reserve and reduced to a skeleton force. Boundary between 5 Corps and Canadian 1 Corps is altered to place Highway 9 within zone of Canadian 1 Corps. Indian 10th Division and 46th Division continue toward the Savio and Cesena, seizing Montecodruzzo, heights East of the Rubicone at Montiano, and Montenovo. In Canadian 1 Corps area, 1st Division strengthens and expands bridgehead across the Fiumicino, moving along Highway 9 almost to the Rigossa. New Zealand 2d Division establishes 2 bridgeheads across the Fiumicino North of Savignano without opposition and, during night 11–12, takes Gatteo.

CBI—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek asks that President Roosevelt recall Gen Stilwell immediately.

P.I.—Carrier aircraft of Third Fleet attack Luzon to neutralize enemy airpower there.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

80 Years Ago, Tuesday, 10 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—In the first occasion since the Marianas campaign in which all four carrier task groups operate together as one unit, TF38 (Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher) pounds Japanese shipping and installations on Okinawa and other islands in the Ryukyus. TF 38 planes sink submarine depot ship Jingei, landing ship T.158, minelayer Takashima and auxiliary submarine chaser Cha 87, north-northwest of Okinawa, 26°39'N, 127°52'E. In or near Naha harbor, Navy carrier-based aircraft sink auxiliary minesweeper Shimpo Maru, 26°13'N, 127°40'E, and No.6 Hakata Maru, guard boats No.26 Nansatsu Maru and No.5 Daisei Maru, 26°13'N, 127°41'E; guardboat Yuki Maru and motor torpedo boats Gyoraitei No.493, Gyoraitei No.496, Gyoraitei No.498, Gyoraitei No.500, Gyoraitei No.805, Gyoraitei No.806,Gyoraitei No.810, Gyoraitei No.812, Gyoraitei No.813, Gyoraitei No.814, Gyoraitei No.820 and Gyoraitei No.820,26°30'N, 128°00'E; army cargo ship Horai Maru, 26°38'N, 127°54'E; merchant cargo ships Taikai Maru, Fukura Maru, Koryu Maru, and Tetsuzan Maru, 26°13'N, 127°39'E. Elsewhere in the vicinity, Navy planes sink auxiliary minesweeper No.1 Takunan Maru off Okino Daito Jima, 25°30'N, 131°00'E, and army cargo ship Hirota Maru off Miyako Jima, 24°26'N, 125°20'E, and merchant cargo ship Nanyo Maru off Kume Jima. TF 38 planes damage Coast Defense Ship No.5 and submarine chaser Ch 58 off Okinawa; and guardboat No.6 Daisei Maru, cargo ship Toyosaka Maru, and merchant cargo ship No.7 Takashima Maru outside Koniya harbor.

            Motor torpedo boat PT‑368 is damaged by grounding off western New Guinea, 01°59'N, 127°57'E.

            Submarine Barb (SS‑220) sinks Japanese transport Gokuku Maru northwest of Hirado Jima, Kyushu, 33°31'N,129°10'E.

            Submarine Lapon (SS‑260) sinks Japanese army transport Ejiri Maru in South China Sea west of Luzon, 16°10'N,119°44'E.

            Dutch submarine Zwaardvisch sinks Japanese guardboat Koei Maru southwest of Bawean Island, N.E.I., 05°57'S,112°29'E.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

NINTH AF—Weather cancels daytime bomber and fighter operations. IX Air Defense Command during 10/11 Oct flies patrol over Belgium and Western Germany.

TWELFTH AF—Medium bombers are again grounded due to weather. Fighter bombers, though also hampered by weather, manage to closely support ground forces, particularly at Monte delle Formiche where US 85th infantry division elements are stopped short of the crest, and attack communications North of battle area in the Northern Apennines.

FIFTEENTH AF—Almost 170 B‑17’s and B‑24’s attack 4 marshalling yards at Treviso and Mestre and bridges at Susegana and San Dona di Piave plus rail lines in surrounding areas. About 90 fighters provide support in Udine‑Treviso area. 350‑plus other heavy bombers are forced to abort because of weather.

TENTH AF—28 P‑47’s support ground forces near Pinhe, bomb towns of Tawbon and Man Naung, and hit targets of opportunity in and near Momauk. Transport operations to various points in CBI continue at the rate of 250‑plus sorties.

FOURTEENTH AF—12 B‑25’s bomb and considerably damage Kunlong ferry. 38 P‑40’s and P‑51’s on armed reconnaissance attack bridge and other targets of opportunity near Mangshih, hit troop areas around Tanchuk and Wuchou, river traffic near Dosing, and locomotives and barges along Northern Indochina coast.

FEAF—B‑24’s strike oil refineries and an airfield in Balikpapan area. The heavy bombers and escorting P‑47’s and P‑38’s claim over 30 Japanese fighters downed. P‑38’s and B‑25’s bomb Djailolo, Kaoe, and Hate Tabako airfield and Wasile town area. P‑47’s hit Liang airfield. A‑20’s hit Sarmi area. A‑20’s and B‑25’s bomb Urarom airfield.

SEVENTH AF—14 B‑24’s from Saipan bomb airfield at Iwo Jima and shipping off the Eastern shore. 24 P‑47’s pound buildings and storage caves on Pagan. Later a B‑24 bombs the radio station North of Pagan airfield. 12 B‑25’s from Makin bomb runways and adjacent AA positions on Nauru.

ELEVENTH AF—4 B‑24’s abort a strike at Kashiwabara due to weather.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, after further efforts to clear Bardenberg, reserve battalion of 119th Infantry, 30th Division, withdraws at night to permit shelling of enemy there; 120th Indian seizes Birk crossroads, which controls road to Bardenberg, thus jeopardizing enemy forces at Bardenberg; 30th Division claims 20 German tanks during fighting on 9th and 10th. In VII Corps area, so favorable do the prospects of closing the Aachen gap appear that 1st Division delivers ultimatum calling for surrender of the city within 24 hours. In Huertgen Forest, Germans overrun the 2 forward platoons of 39th Infantry of 9th Division in Wittscheidt area early in day; 39th Infantry later recovers lost ground and takes Germeter without opposition;

60th Infantry units re-enter the woods and seize road junction almost a mile South West of Richelskaul.

            In U.S. Third Army area, III Corps hq (Maj Gen John Milliken), which has recently arrived on the Continent, is assigned to Third Army. In XII Corps area, 35th Division clears enemy from Fossieux.

            6th Army Group: In French 1st Army area, the 2d Corps expands Moselotte bridgehead to Planois, on East–West road to La Bresse. Hopes of a quick lateral thrust to secure that communications center are dashed when corps is asked to extend northward to line Fougerolles–Remiremont–Le Tholy–Gerardmer, effective on 14th, to relieve South flank units of U.S. Seventh Army. No further effort is made at this time to extend holdings along North bank of the Moselotte.

EASTERN EUROPE—Soviet troops of First Baltic Front break through to the Baltic Sea near Memel (Lithuania), which is being invested; to left thrust to Niemen River at North East border of Prussia. Forces of Third Ukrainian Front cut Nis–Belgrade RR at Velika Plana (Yugoslavia).

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, South African 6th Armored Division makes another futile attempt to take Mont Stanco, getting almost to crest before being driven back. II Corps opens third phase of offensive toward Bologna. 34th Division tries in vain to outflank the Monterumici hill mass. In 91st Division zone, 361st Infantry makes main effort against Livergnano escarpment’ without appreciable gains. Efforts to relieve Company K in Livergnano fail; most of the co is captured by enemy. 2d Battalion of 338th Infantry, 85th Division, its left flank protected by 2d Battalion of 363d Infantry, 91st Division, attacks lofty Mont delle Formiche but, although strongly supported by air and artillery, is stopped short of crest; 337th, reinforced by 1st Battalion of 338th, makes some progress toward Hill 578 of Monterenzio hill mass. In 88th Division zone, 350th Infantry attacks through 349th on left flank of division in effort to come abreast 85th Division to left, reaching Hill 339, above II Falchetto Hill, on left and positions near Mont delle Tombe on right; 351st Infantry makes little headway against Gesso ridge. In British 13 Corps area, 2d Brigade of 1st Division takes command of division front, relieving 3d Brigade. Indian 8th Division gains positions near top of Mont Casalino.

            In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, German opposition along the Fiumicino collapses with capture of Spaccato by Indian 10th Division. 46th Division takes Longiano and La Crocetta. 56th Division patrols across the river on right flank of corps. Canadian 1 Corps regroups for drive across the Fiumicino. Reconnaissance elements of 1st Division cross at Savignano di Romagna without opposition; bridging is begun at the crossing site. RYUKYU Is.—Fast carrier task force of Third Fleet successfully attacks Okinawa, depleting enemy’s air and surface strength there and damaging airfields and facilities. Aerial photographs of the island are obtained.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, 5th Marines makes limited progress against Umurbrogol Pocket.

 

US MARINE CORPS

First U. S. carrier raid on Okinawa.

 

80 Years Ago, Monday, 9 October 1944

 US NAVY

PACIFIC—In an operation timed to precede a fast carrier task force operations against Okinawa, three heavy cruisers and six destroyers of TG 30.2 (Rear Admiral Allan E. Smith) conduct a diversionary bombardment of Japanese installations on Marcus Island. Enemy return fire is intense and accurate at the outset, with Japanese gunners repeatedly straddling U.S. ships. In related operations, Saipan-based Navy PB4Ys, on interdiction patrols in the path of TF 58 as it approaches the Ryukyus, damage Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser Sankyo Maru off Okinawa.

            Special Air Task Force (STAG 1) operations continue in Southwest Pacific as four TDRs are launched against Matupi Bridge, Simpson Harbor, Rabaul. Antiaircraft fire, however, downs three of the TDRs; one is lost enroute to the target.

            One company of the U.S. Army 321st Infantry is landed on Garekayo Island, north of Ngesebus, and quickly overruns the island.

            In wide-ranging U.S. submarine operations against Japanese shipping in the South China Sea, Becuna (SS‑319)damages tanker San Luis Maru, 12°45'N, 118°00'E; and teams with Hawkbill (SS‑366) to sink merchant tanker Tokuwa Maru, 12°43'N, 118°05'E; Croaker (SS‑246) sinks merchant cargo ship Shinki Maru west of Kyushu,32°08'N, 129°51'E; Sawfish (SS‑276) sinks merchant tanker Tachibana Maru at 19°33'N, 116°38'E.

MEDITERRANEAN—Destroyer Eberle (DD‑430) bombards ammunition dump and buildings, later Eberle and destroyer Jouett (DD‑396), and planes from light cruiser Brooklyn (CL‑40), destroy several floating mines in the vicinity.

            Tank landing craft LCT‑459 sinks after running aground off western coast of France.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

INTERNATIONAL—Churchill and Eden, with Harriman, US presidential representative, as observer, arrive in Moscow. Polish PM arrives later. Talks with Soviets deal with spheres of influence, the Balkans, and Poland’s position.

EIGHTH AF—Over 1,000 heavy bombers strike 2 marshalling yards and an engine plant at Mainz, and hit Koblenz, Gustavsburg, Schweinfurt, and 2 targets of opportunity in Western Germany. 19 fighter groups, including 2 from Ninth AF, provide support.

NINTH AF—HQ gives the Tactical Air Commands an initial attack list of 10 bridges on US front. Other lists follow. 309th Bomb division aircraft attack rail bridge at Euskirchen. Fighters provide escort and fly uneventful armed reconnaissance. Dive bombers sent against airfields in Germany are recalled because of bad weather.

TWELFTH AF—Weather again grounds medium bombers. Fighter bombers, and fighters hit roads, rail crossing, transport and other targets in Bologna and Sabbioso areas.

FIFTEENTH AF—Bad weather restricts operations to weather reconnaissance missions.

TENTH AF—50‑plus P‑47’s knock out bridge at Manyut and thoroughly pound town area, bomb enemy positions at Nyaunggon, Pinhe, and near Mawhun, damage bridge near Mawlu, and hit a variety of targets in Katha area. 9 B‑25’s attack road bridges SW of Lashio, knocking out Na‑lang and Nampawng bridges. The medium bombers hit several targets of opportunity in the area. Transport aircraft continue steady supply of various points in CBI.

FOURTEENTH AF—2 B‑25’s bomb area North of Mangshih. 3 B‑24’s hit shipping along lower Yangtze River. 29 P‑51’s and P‑40’s on armed reconnaissance attack river traffic, troops, bridges, and other targets of opportunity in areas around Tanchuk, Tengyun, Anking, and Amoy. Airstrip at Tanchuk is temporarily put out of commission.

FEAF—B‑25’s, A‑20’s, and fighter bombers attack Boela, Namlea, Kairatoe, and Liang, concentrating on oil tanks and airfields. B‑25’s and fighter bombers hit Lolobata and Hate Tabako airfields and nearby barges, supplies, and other targets of opportunity. A‑20’s and fighter bombers strike Faan and Langgoer airfields. P‑40’s hit Manokwari and B‑25’s bomb Samate.

SEVENTH AF—18 B‑24’s from Saipan pound Iwo Jima. 25 B‑25’s from the Marshalls bomb Truk.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Canadian First Army area, 2 Corps continues clearing Breskens Pocket. Amphibious assault force of Canadian 3d Division lands at East end of the pocket, taking enemy by surprise and establishing bridgehead; other elements of division expand holdings North of Leopold Canal in Maldegem area. 4th Armored Division exerts pressure on enemy positions at East end of the canal. Germans continue vigorous defense of Zuid Beveland causeway, holding 2d Division to slight gains in Woensdrecht area.

            In British Second Army area, 1 Airborne Corps returns to United Kingdom.

            12th Army Group: Gen Bradley decides to shift Ninth Army hq to North flank of army group, where it is to take command of XIX Corps of First Army in place; leave VIII Corps in current positions and attach it to First Army. These changes are to become effective on 22 October. 12th Army Group takes direct control of 94th Division from Ninth Army.

            In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 119th Infantry of 30th Division drives through Bardenberg to North Wuerselen; 120th is kept from Euchen and Beek, villages astride road to Bardenberg, by enemy force crossing its front en route to Bardenberg; 117th clears Schaufenberg and tries unsuccessfully to reach Mariadorf, then is authorized to go on the defensive in Alsdorf–Schaufenberg region. At night, enemy force reaches Bardenberg and routs small holding force of 119th Infantry, isolating main body of that regiment in North Wuerselen; 119th Infantry reserves attempt to regain Bardenberg from the North but are stopped at the village. In VII Corps area, 1st Division continues operations against Aachen. 9th Division attacks to break out of Huertgen Forest; assisted by tanks, forward battalion of 60th Infantry emerges in Richelskaul area and 2 platoons of 39th Infantry at Wittscheidt. In V Corps area, planned attack on West Wall is postponed until 11 October.

            In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, it is decided to break off costly action against Fort Driant. Indecisive fighting continues within Maizières-lès-Metz.

            In XII Corps area, Combat Command A of 6th Armored Division, attacking through Combat Command B attempts to take final objective of division, plateau West of Létricourt; elements clear woods South West of Létricourt but column to right comes under heavy fire from Chenicourt and cannot reach Létricourt; Combat Command B sends reinforcements forward. To left, 80th Division advances abreast or nearly so of armor. This ends corps’ offensive toward the Seille. 80th Division gradually takes over positions won by armor and improves them. Germans retain Létricourt and from time to time mount small, ineffective counterattacks. Enemy force breaks into Fossieux, where it is engaged by 35th Division. Corps front is largely quiet for rest of month and early days of November. Regrouping and rotation of front-line troops is thus possible.

            6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 79th Division makes all-out effort to clear rest of Forêt de Parroy, gaining main road junction in center and thereby making enemy positions untenable. Germans withdraw from the forest after nightfall.

            In French 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, the 3d Algerian Division forces the Moselotte in Thiéfosse–Saulxures region and takes village of Trougemont.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, boundary between U.S. II and British 13 Corps is altered to permit 88th Division, on right flank of II Corps, to concentrate fully on northward drive and to give 13 Corps for Santerno River valley. South African 6th Armored Division regroups for another effort against Mont Stanco, giving Combat Command B responsibility for left flank along Highway 64. In IV Corps area, TF 92 pushes to top of Mont Cauala without opposition but later in day is forced to withdraw. Next 2 days are devoted to preparations for another assault. Regimental Combat Team 6 of BEF, pushing northward along the Serchio, halts near Barga to avoid possible enemy counterattack. In II Corps area, 34th Division continues to make slow progress against Monterumici hill mass. 91st Division repels counterattack from Livergnano, mops up, and prepares for co-ordinated effort against formidable Livergnano escarpment: Company K of 361st Infantry reconnoiters to edge of Livergnano, where it is cut off from main body; Cos East and G move to positions above Bigallo and are pinned down. 338th Infantry, 85th Division, now well ahead of 337th, prepares to attack Mont delle Formiche in conjunction with attack of 91st Division; 1st Battalion outflanks La Villa. 337th Infantry prepares for full-scale effort against Hill 578, peak of Monterenzio hill mass. 349th Infantry, 88th Division, begins clearing ridge leading to Mont delle Tombe; 351st reaches edge of Gesso. In British 13 Corps area, 78th Division, reinforced, takes responsibility for Mont Battaglia and Mont Cappello, on left flank of corps; 1st Guards Brigade, 6th Armored Division, remains on Mont Battaglia but comes under command of 78th Division. Indian 8th Division gets into position for attack on Mont Casalino.

            In British Eighth Army area, 10 Corps, upon regrouping in connection with arrival of 1st Armored Division hq, pursues retreating enemy northward along Highway 71; reconnaissance elements find Mont Castello and Mercato Saraceno clear. In 5 Corps area, hard fighting develops at South. Paola as Germans make unsuccessful attempt to recover it. 138th Brigade, 46th Division, relieves 25th Brigade, Indian 10th Division, on ridge North of Roncofreddo.

SEAC—Prime Minister Churchill asks Adm Mountbatten to meet him in Cairo to consider premonsoon operations. T. V. Soong presents to Gen Hurley an aide memoire from Chiang Kai-shek denouncing Allied strategy in southeast Asia. Gen Stilwell is blamed for loss of East China but the criticism falls indirectly upon President Roosevelt.

POA—In Warning Order for invasion of Iwo Jima, CINCPOA designates Fifth Fleet Commander, Adm Spruance, as commander of the operation (CTF 50); Vice Adm Richmond K. Turner, Commander Amphibious Forces, Pacific, to command joint Expeditionary Force (TF 51); Lt Gen Holland Mont Smith, USMC, CG, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, as commander of Expeditionary Troops (TF 56). 20 January 1945 is set tentatively as invasion date. Expeditionary troops are to be mounted in Hawaiian area and in the Marianas.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, 5th Marines renews attack on Umurbrogol Pocket but makes little headway.

MARCUS ISLAND—Bombarded by warships of Third Fleet task group.

 

US MARINE CORPS

Admiral Nimitz informs General Smith that Iwo Jima is to be the objective in the Volcano-Bonins.

Third Fleet bombards Marcus Island.

CinCPOA issues warning order for ICEBERG.

 

80 Years Ago, Sunday, 8 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Land-based aircraft from the Marianas increase tempo of air strikes on Iwo Jima.

            Submarine Becuna (SS‑319) damages Japanese seaplane carrier Kimikawa Maru in South China Sea, 14°05'N,115°38'E.

            Submarine Hoe (SS‑258) sinks Japanese army transport Kohoku Maru and damages Coast Defense Vessel No.8 in South China Sea east of Hainan, 18°32'N, 116°13'E.

MEDITERRANEAN—Destroyer Eberle (DD‑430), with spot provided by aircraft from light cruiser Brooklyn (CL‑40), bombards vessels in Maurizio harbor; enemy shore battery fire is accurate in return.

            Destroyer Jouett (DD‑396) is attacked by six small, fast craft, but suffers no damage in the encounter. The next morning Jouett will sink several floating mines.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

NINTH AF—Revision and elaboration (from 28 Sep‑8 Oct) of Ninth AF interdiction program against railroads connected with Rhine River results in issue of a new interdiction program. It includes rail lines further to the East and requires attacks by all 4 Tactical Air Commands of the Ninth AF, plus aid from British Second Tactical AF. More than 300 medium bombers and light bombers hit strongpoints and bridges over wide areas of Eastern France and Western Germany. Fighters support ground forces of US VII, XV, XIX, and XX Corps in Eastern France and Western Germany, escort 9th Bomb division, and attack airfields, railroads, and numerous military targets in forward areas.

TWELFTH AF—Bad weather forces medium bombers to cancel missions. XII Fighter Command fighters are airborne to support ground forces over battle area and abort all missions.

FIFTEENTH AF—Bad weather limits operations to reconnaissance and sea‑search missions.

TENTH AF—20‑plus P‑47’s hit targets of opportunity in Mawhun and Manyut areas, knock out bridge at Seywa, and bomb railroad tracks in Northern Burma. 5 B‑26’s damage 1 bridge and score hits on the other bridge approaches at Namhkai and knock out 2 bridges at Wuntho and Kawlin.

FOURTEENTH AF—12 P‑40’s and P‑51’s hit locomotives, trucks, and river traffic at Yuncheng and North East of Pengtse.

FEAF—P‑47’s bomb Amahai and Boela. P‑38’s hit Dodinga Bay barge hideouts, supplies and targets of opportunity along Wasile and Kaoe Bays. B‑25’s, A‑20’s, and fighter bombers hit Sorong, Doom Island, runways and targets of opportunity at Efman and Samate, and gun positions, bivouacs, and supplies at Simora Point.

SEVENTH AF—3 Saipan‑based B‑24’s hit Pagan and Marcus. 24 P‑47’s hit buildings, beach defenses, and gun positions on Pagan. During the day and 8/9 Oct B‑24’s from the Marshalls bomb Wake.

ELEVENTH AF—Photo missions to Paramushiru, Matsuwa, Onnekotan and Shasukotan turn back due to weather.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—Boundary between 21 and 12th Army Groups is moved back to former position, giving British responsibility for Peel Marshes corridor West of the Maas.

            21 Army Group: In British Second Army Area, 8 Corps takes command of U.S. 7th Armored Division and Belgian 1st Brigade, including U.S. attachments. These units, upon relief in current positions by 11th Armored Division, start relief of British units within their zone.

            12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 30th Division’s hopes of making a speedy junction with VII Corps at Wuerselen are soon dashed by enemy opposition on East flank. 119th Infantry, following Wurm River valley southward, gets 1 1/2 miles beyond Herzogenrath; 120th Infantry, whose relief at Kerkrade has been completed by 29th Division, is committed between 119th and 117th and takes 2 hamlets; 117th Infantry, upon reaching railroad West of Mariadorf, is counterattacked strongly by fresh enemy forces from Mariadorf, part of whom push to Alsdorf, where they are halted. Both sides suffer heavy losses and 117th Infantry pulls back to edge of Alsdorf; battalion of 120th Infantry moves up to reinforce 117th Infantry. Combat Command A, 2d Armored Division, seizes Oidtweiler, North East of Alsdorf. In VII Corps area, 1st Division begins attack to encircle Aachen in conjunction with XIX Corps: while 18th Infantry pushes northward through Verlautenheide, 26th is getting into position to drive through heart of the city from East; 16th Infantry holds defensive line near Eilendorf. Tanks and Tank Destroyer’s arrive by nightfall to help assault regiments of 9th Division break out of Huertgen Forest toward Schmidt. In V Corps area, 28th Division encounters outlying positions of enemy’s West Wall defenses.

            In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 2d Battalion of 357th Infantry, 90th Division, fights from house to house within Maizières-lès-Metz for some time to come without clearing rest of the town. Confused and bitter fighting continues at Fort Driant without much change in positions. In XII Corps area, after an hour of preparatory bombardment, corps begins concerted drive toward Seille River at 0615. 6th Armored Division, making main effort, takes Moivron, where it is relieved by 80th Division; in conjunction with 80th Division envelops and takes Jeandelincourt, clears Bois de Chenicourt, though enemy retains town of Chenicourt, and seizes Arraye-et-Han. To left, 80th Division’s 318th Infantry takes Manoncourt; 319th seizes Lixières, Mt Toulon, and Sivry; 317th clears Mt St Jean. 35th Division closes up the Seille on its left flank, taking Ajoncourt and Fossieux. P‑47’s assist with attacks on heights between Moivron and Jeandelincourt.

            6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 7th Infantry of 3d Division moves from Vagney North East to Sapois.

            In French 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, the 3d Algerian Division gains crest of Longegoutte heights after several days of bitter fighting.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 92 reaches slopes of Mont Cauala but is forced back by enemy fire. In II Corps area, Combat Command A of 1st Armored Division is attached to 34th Division. 34th Division continues attack on Monterumici hill mass, 135th Infantry working slowly forward from South and 133d from West. 362d Infantry, 91st Division, gets elements to crest of Mont Castellari, night 8–9; 361st makes substantial progress to East, clearing villages East of Mont Castellari, cutting Highway 65 at La Fortuna, and pushing to edge of Livergnano escarpment, a feature strongly favored by nature for defense. 338th Infantry, 85th Division, forces enemy back to Mont delle Formiche; 337th is still unable to progress appreciably from Hill 566. 349th Infantry, 88th Division, upon reaching crest of Hill 587, finds it undefended; elements seize Il Falchetto Hill. In British 13 Corps area, 3d Brigade of 1st Division gains summit of Mont Ceco, but enemy retains heights nearby. On right flank of corps, 6th Armored Division thrusts along Highway 67 to edge of Portico but cannot force an entrance; elements probe toward Tredozio.

            In British Eighth Army’s 10 Corps area, hq, 1st Armored Division, arrives and takes command of corps forces. In 5 Corps area, since 20th Brigade of Indian 10th Division is still held up on Mont Farneto, 10th Brigade is committed to outflank enemy, some elements pressing toward Montecodruzzo on left and others taking South Paola on right. Indian 25th Brigade takes South. Lorenzo and drives toward Roncofreddo. 46th Division is working toward Longiano.

GREECE—British forces from Araxos have reconnoitered along North coast of the Peloponnesus to Corinth, which is free of enemy; elements of 9th Commandos are in Nauplia, on Gulf of Nauplia South of Corinth.

 

US MARINE CORPS