80 Years Ago, Monday, 26 June 1944

USN

Pacific

Cruiser and destroyers (Rear Admiral Ernest G. Small) bombard Japanese positions at Kurabu Zaki, Paramushiro, Kurils.

Infantry landing craft (gunboat) LCI(G)-438 and LCI(G)-456 repel attack by Japanese barges (some of which fire torpedoes) off Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, but both gunboats are damaged in the battle. Elsewhere off Saipan, cargo ship Mercury (AK-42) is damaged by low- flying Japanese aircraft that flies into cargo boom, and is hit by dud aerial torpedo, 15°10'N, 145°58'E.

British submarine HMS Truculent attacks Japanese convoy, sinking cargo ship Harugiku Maru about 60 miles southeast of Medan, Sumatra, 03°15'N, 99°46'E.

USAAF P-38s sink Japanese army cargo ship Hokushin Maru east of Halmahera Island, 01°03'N, 131°08'E.

USAAF B-25s sink Japanese fishing boat No.1 Daisen Maru off Manokwari.

Europe

German garrison at Cherbourg, France, surrenders.

AAF

Eighth AF

72 B-17’s leave Poltava and Mirgorod, rendezvous with 55 P-51’s from Piryatin, bomb oil refinery and marshalling yard at Drohobycz (1 returns to USSR because of mechanical trouble), and then proceed to Foggia. Fifteenth AF P-51’s meet formation an hr after the attack and escort the B-17’s to Italy. It is planned to return the Heavy Bombers to bases in UK on 27 Jun but bad weather delays this move until 5 Jul.

Ninth AF

Weather cancels all Ninth AF operations save a few fighter sorties which result in claims against a few military vehicles and 3 airplanes as US ground forces capture Cherbourg. 3 US fighters are lost.

Twelfth AF

Bad weather grounds Medium Bombers. Fighter Bombers, operating on reduced schedule, hit railroad targets and other targets in battle area S of Gothic Line.

Fifteenth AF

677 B-17’s and B-24’s attack targets in Vienna area, hitting aircraft factory at Schwechat, marshalling yard at Vienna/Floridsdorf, and refineries at Korneuburg, Vienna/Floridsdorf, Moosbierbaum, Schwechat, Winterhafen, and Lobau. Ftrs fly over 260 sorties in support. An estimated 150 to 175 enemy fighters attack formations. Nearly 30 US aircraft (mostly Heavy Bombers) are lost. US claims total more than 60 enemy fighters.

Tenth AF

30-plus B-25’s fly ammo to Imphal. More than 80 A-36’s, P-51’s, and P-40’s pound Myitkyina. 7 Other Fighter Bombers hit Waingmaw, Loilaw, and Pyindaw.

Fourteenth AF

14 B-24’s blast Hankow, causing heavy damage and fires. 180-plus Medium Bombers and Fighter Bombers attack river shipping and several villages in Tungting Lake area. Towns of Yuankiang, Sinshih, Siangtan, Liling, and Hengshan are bombed, as is warehouse area at Yuhsien. Numerous troop and truck concentrations and other targets of opportunity throughout the entire region are attacked. In Salween area 14 B-25’s and 36 P-40’s knock out bridge at Tingka, damage another near Mangshih, bomb military installations at Tengchung, strafe Japanese positions at Lungling, and hit targets of opportunity between Lungling and Tengchung. Japanese bomb Lingling airfield, damaging runway and destroying a P-51.

FEAF

Wewak area is hit throughout the day by Fifth AF B-24’s and P-39’s, along with US Navy and RAAF airplanes: P-38’s, P-47’s, A-20’s, A-26’s, B-24’s, and B-25’s attack airfields, shipping, villages, town areas, roads, and numerous other targets at Efman, Noemfoor, Japen, and Biak Is, at Manokwari and Ransiki, and near Sarmi. B-24’s bomb targets on Yap and Sorol Is; others on armed rcn bomb airstrips at Woleai and Peleliu. AAF and other Allied aircraft hit airfields, AA positions, and other targets in Rabaul and Cape Orford areas.

Seventh AF

Saipan-based P-47’s continue to hit enemy forces remaining on Saipan and on Tinian while P-61’s carry out night patrols over Saipan. B-25’s from Makin pound Ponape and Nauru.

Eleventh AF

12 B-25’s fly 3 4- plane air cover missions for Naval TF on withdrawal following shelling of Kurabu Cape installations.

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 47th Inf of 9th Div attempts to clear NW section of Cherbourg but cannot gain the arsenal; 39th drives through Octeville and Cherbourg to coast, taking Gen Schlieben, fortress commander, and Rear Adm Walther Hennecke, enemy’s naval commander, prisoner at St Sauveur-le- Vicomte. Schlieben refuses to surrender the entire fortress, however. 79th Div completes capture of Fort du Roule and its assigned portion of Cherbourg. 22d Inf, 4th Div, begins attack on Maupertus airfield.

Br Second Army continues limited offensive within 30 Corps zone while beginning main attack with 8 Corps. In 30 Corps zone 8th Armd Brig, spearheading attack of 49th Div, drives to outskirts of Rauray. 8 Corps attacks to E of 30 Corps with 15th and 43d Inf and 11th Armd Divs. 15th Div gets elements to Colleville and patrols to Grainvillesur- Odon. 11th Armd Div thrusts to Mouen.

FRANTIC—Eighth Air Force planes leave USSR for Italy, bombing oil plant at Drohobycz, Poland, on the way. Upon reaching Italy, the planes remain long enough to fly one mission with Fifteenth Air Force before returning to England.

USSR—Vitebsk and Zhlobin fall to Red Army as offensive continues on central front. Vitebsk is one of 3 key positions generally E of Minsk, the others being Orsha and Mogilev, which Hitler has ordered to be held at all cost.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 34th Div takes control of coastal sector, releasing 36th Div for Operation ANVIL. Para RCT 517 Is. also withdrawn from line. 34th Div has under its command RCT 442 (Nisei) ( — 1st Bn), 100th Bn, 804th TD Bn, and other units. FEC completes crossing the Orcia and pushes on toward Siena. The battle along the Orcia has been costly to the French. In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div enters Chiusi. 4th Div moves forward to positions almost abreast 78th Div, on 13 Corps right flank, then halts to await 4th Div. 10 Corps is reinf by Ind 10th Div, which arrives to replace 6th Armd Div. Latter is to shift to 13 Corps front a little later. Ind 8th Div takes M. Pilonica.

CBI—In NCAC area, Brig Gen Theodore F. Wessels, USA, takes command of Myitkyina TF, replacing Gen Boatner who has malaria. Mogaung falls to 114th Regt, Ch 38th Div, and 77th Brig, Ind 3d Div. 77th Brig is withdrawn from action by its commander soon afterward on grounds of exhaustion despite orders from Gen Stilwell, who has operational control of the unit, for it to prevent Japanese from reinforcing Myitkyina. Fall of Mogaung permits Chinese to link up with Myitkyina TF, which thus far has been isolated from other friendly forces in Burma. On Salween front, offensive against Tengchung is begun with air attacks by B–25’s from Yun-nan-i. In China, Japanese seize Heng-yang airfield.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, mopping up W of Mokmer begins. 1st Bn of 34th Inf (less Co C, which is ambushed en route) seizes abandoned positions on ridge extending N from NW corner of the Teardrop. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 3d Bn of 63d Inf replaces battle-worn 2d and 3d Bns, 20th Inf, on Lone Tree Hill.

SAIPAN—In early morning, 2 LCI(G)’s attack enemy barges moving from Tanapag Harbor, sinking 1 and damaging 1. This concludes enemy attempts to counterland. In 2d Mar Div zone, 6th Marines bypasses and later reduces the stubborn pocket that has been barring advance N of Mt. Tipo Pale; 8th Marines consolidates positions on Mt. Tapotchau. 27th Div continues attack in center of corps with 106th Inf and 2d Bn of 165th. On div left, 1st Bn of 106th is held up by strongpoint, called “Hell’s Pocket,” at SW end of Death Valley. On right, 3d Bn of 106th and 2d Bn of 165th batter at Purple Heart Ridge from W and E slopes, respectively; enemy there is beginning to weaken. CO of 106th Inf is replaced. 4th Mar Div, to which 165th Inf ( — 2d Bn) and 1st Bn of 105th are attached at night, mops up on right flank of corps. On S Saipan, 2d Bn of 105th Inf closes in on enemy in Nafutan Pt area. After nightfall, Japanese make futile breakout attempt.

USMC

 

80 Years Ago, Sunday, 25 June 1944

USN

Pacific

Submarine Bashaw (SS-241) attacks Japanese convoy, and sinks army cargo ship Yamamiya Maru between Taland Island and Halmahera, 03°28'N, 127°06'E.

Submarine Jack (SS-259) attacks Japanese convoy, and sinks merchant tanker San Pedro Maru off northwest coast ofLuzon, 16°17'N, 119°40'E.

Japanese minelayer Nichiyu Maru (see 3 March 1943 and 12 June 1944) is further damaged by naval gunfire in Apra Harbor, Guam.

Europe

Battleship, cruiser, and destroyer force (Rear Admiral Morton L. Deyo) duels with German shore batteries and coastal defenses at Cherbourg, France; battleship Texas (BB-35) and destroyers Barton (DD-722), Laffey (DD- 724), and O'Brien (DD-725) are all damaged by the enemy gunfire.

AAF

Eighth AF

During the morning 236 B-17’s bomb Toulouse/Francazal and Toulouse/Blagnac airfield’s and oil dumps at Montbartier. 10 B-17’s bomb scattered targets of opportunity. 107 B-24’s bomb Avord and Bourges airfields. 176 B-17’s drop supplies to French interior forces. A total of 8 Heavy Bombers are lost. VIII FC flies 639 sorties in supporting operations. In addition 5 fighter groups carry out strafing activities, claiming numerous ground targets including 6 airplanes on a landing ground and the airfield at Bourges. 19 enemy fighters are claimed destroyed in aerial combat. During midday 153 B-24’s bomb 17 power and transformer stations in effort to disrupt flow of electric power to V-weapon stations. 64 B-24’s, hampered by cloud over primary aiming points, bomb miscellaneous last resort targets, including airfields at Peronne and Nuncq. Fighter support is provided by 3 groups. All airplanes return safely. In night mission 300 B-17’s and B-24’s bomb 7 railway bridges and 2 airfields in Paris area. 69 Heavy Bombers attack alternate targets, including airfields of Orly, Romilly-sur-Seine, and Etampes/Mondesir. Fighters fly 346 sorties in escort and target area support. A P-38 group strafes ground targets in Angers, Le Mans-Laval area, and a P-47 group bombs and strafes an alternate landing ground near Evreux/Fauville airfield. Heavy Bomber losses total 7. Fighters claim 6 airplanes destroyed against no losses. In USSR, Eighth AF Heavy Bombers and fighters are flown, at daybreak, from dispersal bases to Poltava and Mirgorod and loaded and fueled with intentions of bombing oil refinery at Drohobycz and proceeding to base in Italy. Bad weather cancels the mission until the following day. The aircraft return to dispersal bases for the night as precaution against air attacks.

Ninth AF

400-plus B-26’s and A-20’s hit fuel dumps at Foret d’Andaine, Foret d’Ecouves, and Senonches, and rail bridges at Cherisy, Chartres, Oiseme and Epernon. 14 fighter groups send airplanes on escort, and on armed recon and dive bombing missions over Chartres, Dreux, Argentan, Tours, and Orleans areas. Transports fly supply and evacuation missions to France.

Twelfth AF

Bad weather again prevents operations by Medium Bombers. Light Bombers hit enemy ammo supply. Fighter Bombers bomb towns of San Quirico di Moriano and Castelfiorentino and several rail lines and bridges in battle area near Gothic Line. Piombino falls to US Fifth Army during the day, and the enemy withdraws from Chiusi during 25/ 26 Jun after several days of resisting British Eighth Army forces attacking the town.

Fifteenth AF

650-plus B-17’s and B-24’s attack marshalling yard and oil installations at Sete and Balaruc-le-Vieux, telephone exchange at Le Pontet, railroad bridges at Tarascon and Arles, marshalling yards and bridges at Avignon, and harbor facilities along S coast of France. Fighters fly almost 200 sorties in support. 1 fighter group strafes targets along Fiume-Senje road and at other points on Istrian peninsula.

Tenth AF

More than 50 B-25’s make ammo run to Imphal. 60-plus A-36’s, P-51’s, and P-40’s pound Myitkyina and Mogaung. 2 B-25’s bomb Mohnyin-Mawhun railroad.

Fourteenth AF

31 B-25’s, P-40’s, and P-51’s hit towns of Siangtan and Ichang, attack sampans at Wukou, destroy about 50 trucks and strafe concentrations of troops and horses in Tangyang-Pingkiang and Siangtan- Yungfengshih areas, and pound river dock and sampans at Siangsiang. 7 CACW B-25’s bomb Shayang storage area. 23 B-25’s and P-40’s bomb storage area and damage bridge at Chenghsien.

FEAF

Wewak area continues under attack of Fifth AF and RAAF aircraft. Personnel areas at But, Dagua, and Suain and barges at Mushu and Kairiru Is are hit. P-40’s and B-24’s strike Kamiri airfield while A- 20’s, P-47’s, and B-25’s hit villages along Tor R and P-47’s hit tanks along Wiske R. B-24’s pound Yap and Sorol. Medium Bombers and fighters, along with other Allied airplanes, hit AA positions near Wunapope and blast plantations along Wide Bay.

Seventh AF

P-47’s based on Saipan carry out recon and strafing missions over Saipan and Tinian. B-24’s based on Kwajalein hit Truk and Wotje.

Eleventh AF

Two B-24’s bomb the airfield at Kurabu Cape.

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, naval gunfire supplements aerial and ground bombardment as battle for Cherbourg nears its end. 9th Div’s 47th Inf drives into W suburbs of Cherbourg, overrunning fort at Equeurdreville, Hameau de Tot, and Redoute des Fourches; elements reach coast but are withdrawn. 39th Inf attacks Octeville, where enemy continues to hold out. 79th Div’s 314th Inf gains upper defenses of Fort du Roule against stubborn resistance; 313th gets advance elements into outskirts of Cherbourg. In 4th Div zone, 12th Inf gains its objective with drive to coast E of Cherbourg; when orders are changed to permit div to participate in capture of Cherbourg, 12th Inf enters the city and clears assigned portion in E part; 22d Inf is ordered to take Maupertus airfield.

Br Second Army opens offensive in 30 Corps zone for commanding ground in Rauray area. 49th Div, reinf by 8th Armd Brig, attacks S in region E of Tilly-sur-Seulles and makes limited progress against strong resistance. Some elements reach Fontenay; others thrust to Tessel–Bretteville area.

USSR—Soviet forces envelop Vitebsk, trapping 5 enemy divs, and cut Smolensk–Minsk highway.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, port of Piombino falls without opposition to 39th Engineers. This is last day of action in Italy for 36th Div. FEC begins crossing the Orcia in strength as enemy opposition diminishes.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, 78th Div expands its Pescia bridgehead slowly. 4th Div forces enemy rear guards from Vaiano. Enemy retains Chiusi throughout day but withdraws after nightfall, blocking exits.

CBI—On Salween front, Chinese reluctantly admit to U.S. liaison personnel with 71st Army that Japanese have routed 261st Regt, 87th Div, and that the 87th Div commander has attempted suicide. Although 8th Army is moving forward from Indochina border to reinforce troops in Lung-ling area, the battle has already been lost to small enemy force of 1,500. Ch effectives in this region have totaled 10,000. Failure at Lung-ling brings orders from Chiang Kai-shek to take Teng-chung and Sung Shan at all costs in preparation for renewing attack on Lung-ling.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, 1st Bn of 162d Inf makes limited penetration into underground positions of West Caves. Co L, 186th Inf, seizes the enemy guns that have been firing from positions NW of perimeter. Elements of 2d and 1st Bns, 186th Inf, overrun the Teardrop, which has been largely evacuated by enemy, killing 38 Japanese. In Wakde-Sarmi area, under combined attacks of 2d and 3d Bns, 20th Inf, and 3d Bn of 1st, Japanese begin withdrawing from Lone Tree Hill, having received and inflicted heavy casualties there. 3d Bns of 63d and 1st Regts are to mop up on N while 1st Bns of 20th and 1st Regts conduct holding and mopping up operations to S.

SAIPAN—6th Marines, 2d Mar Div, is still held up by strongpoint N of Mt. Tipo Pale. To right, 8th Marines and attached elements of 29th Marines gain crest of Mt. Tapotchau, whose 1,554-foot height commands the island. Some elements of 27th Div’s 106th Inf begin wide outflanking movement eastward while others continue northward pressure on enemy in Death Valley, but progress is slow. 165th Inf makes futile efforts to scale Purple Heart Ridge. On right flank of corps, 4th Mar Div easily secures all of Kagman Peninsula, sharply reducing corps front; elements are now on 0–6 line. Turning point in Nafutan battle on S Saipan comes as 2d Bn, 105th Inf, succeeds in crushing Japanese MLR on Ridge 300, which controls Nafutan Pt. Enemy’s position on Saipan is by now hopeless, but fanatic resistance continues.

 USMC

80 Years Ago, Saturday, 24 June 1944

USN

Pacific

Japanese planes conclude night high-level bombing attack on U.S. amphibious shipping off Saipan. Battle damage repair ship Phaon (ARB-3), submarine chasers PC(S)-1401 and PC(S)-1461, and tank landing craft LCT-998 are all damaged by near-misses.

Aircraft from carrier task groups (Rear Admiral Joseph J. Clark and Rear Admiral Alfred E. Montgomery) strike Japanese airfields and facilities on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, and Pagan Island, Marianas.

Motor torpedo boat PT-193, irreparably damaged by grounding, western New Guinea, 00°55'S, 134°52'E, is burned by her crew.

Submarine Grouper (SS-214) attacks Japanese convoy off coast of central Japan, and sinks cargo ship Kumanoyama Maru and merchant tanker No.6 Nanmei Maru south of Yokosuka, 34°45'N, 139°30'E.

Submarine Redfin (SS-272) attacks Japanese convoy off southern coast of Leyte, and sinks army cargo ship Aso Maru southwest of Surigao Strait, 09°51'N, 125°06'E.

Submarine Tang (SS-306) attacks Japanese convoy leaving Koshiki Straits, and sinks army cargo ships Tamahoko Maru and Kennichi Maru, and merchant tanker Nasuzan Maru and cargo ship Tainan Maru outside Nagasaki harbor, Kyushu, 32°24'N, 129°38'E. Coast Defense Vessel No.1 does not prove fast enough to pursue Tang to counterattack.

Atlantic

TBM (VC 69) from escort carrier Bogue (CVE-9) sinks Japanese submarine I-52, 800 miles southwest of Fayal, Azores, 15°16'N, 39°55'W.

AAF

Eighth AF

During the morning 317 B-17’s bomb dock area, aircraft factory, steelworks, and coke oven plant at Bremen, and shipyard, railroad station and warehouses at Warnemunde. 6 fighter groups provide escort: 1 group strafes airfield and rail transport in the Munster and Hamm areas. A second force of 334 B-24’s attack targets in France, including railway bridges at Saumur and Tours/La Riche, airfields and landing strip at Toussus-Le-Noble, Orleans/Bricy, Chateaudun, and Foret-de-Bourse, and targets of opportunity at Conches, Dreux, and Pont-Audemer. 288 fighters fly escort, part of which afterwards strafe road and rail transport, destroying 4 locomotives and a rail tank car, along with 4 enemy fighters in aerial combat. 4 Heavy Bombers and 1 fighter are lost, all to AA fire. 145 Heavy Bombers airborne to attack 12 CROSSBOW sites in Pas de Calais area are prevented by overcast from bombing the sites, but 12 fly S and release bombs near the industrial area of Rouen losing 1 B-17 to AA fire. During the afternoon 163 Heavy Bombers attack 5 electrical stations, 7 V-weapon sites, Saint-Pol-sur-Mer marshalling yards, and a missile platform. 118 sorties are flown by supporting fighters which, after Heavy Bombers withdraw, attack ground targets destroying 1 airplane a locomotive, and a truck.

Ninth AF

430-plus B-26’s and A-20’s attack targets in France, including 4 gun positions, 3 V-weapon sites, 3 fuel dumps, 2 marshalling yards, and a railroad bridge. Over 200 transports fly supplies to the Continent. 11 fighter groups provide escort, attack fuel dumps, rail targets and bridges W of Paris and S of the Loire, and fly armed recon S of Cherbourg Peninsula and SW of Paris.

Twelfth AF

Weather cancels Medium Bomber operations. Fighter Bomber activity is restricted but P-47’s attack several bridges, railway lines, guns, and other targets in Lucca area and other points along and N of battleline.

Fifteenth AF

335 B-17’s and B-24’s bomb railroad repair depot at Craiova, railroad bridge at Piatra, and oil refinery at Ploesti. 33 P-51’s sweep Ploesti-Bucharest area while other P-51’s, P-38’s, and P-47’s fly 220-plus sorties in support of Heavy Bombers. Heavy Bombers and fighters claim over 20 aircraft shot down. 10 US airplanes are downed and several others are missing.

Tenth AF

11 B-24’s fly gasoline to Kamaing while 35 B-25’s supply Imphal with ammo. 60-plus A-36’s, P-51’s, P- 40’s, and P-38’s attack Myitkyina, Mogaung, Mawlaik-Kin area, Pinbaw, and Hopin.

Fourteenth AF

60-plus P-40’s and P-38’s bomb towns of Siangsiang and Yuankiang, attack cav forces in Hengyang area, and damage a pontoon bridge between Tungcheng and Pingkiang. 4 B-25’s and a few P-40’s knock out bridge N of Chenghsien.

FEAF Fifth AF and RAAF airplanes continue to blast stores, personnel areas, roads, and bridges in general area of Wewak. B-25’s, A-26’s, and A-20’s hit enemy positions in caves E of Mokmer airfield, attack shipping in Babo area (on MacCluer Gulf), and bomb Kamiri and Kornasoren airfields. Heavy Bombers, Medium Bombers, and fighters, along with other Allied airplanes, hit Tobera airfield, AA guns at Wunapope, and buildings at Nordup.

Seventh AF

P-47’s, based on Saipan, strafe remnants of enemy forces on the island and also hit forces left on Tinian.

Eleventh AF

3 B-24’s at dawn bomb area N of airfield at Kurabu Cape. Later 2 B-25’s fly a negative shipping search.

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps closes in on Cherbourg. While 9th Div’s 60th Inf clears N flank, 47th and 39th Regts move in on the city, 47th toward Equeurdreville fort and Redoute des Fourches and 39th toward Octeville. In 79th Div zone, 314th Inf overruns La Mare à Canards and pushes toward Fort du Roule, while 313th, to right, keeps abreast and takes Hameau Gringer; 315th, on div left, is still clearing Hardinvast region, far to rear. 12th Inf continues to make main effort of 4th Div. Reinforced by bn of 22d, the regt overcomes strong resistance in Digosville area and enters Tourlaville unopposed at night. 8th Inf reduces strong positions E of La Glacerie, on div left. 22d Inf, on div right, contains enemy in Maupertus area. 3d Armd Div, XIX Corps, arrives on Continent.

ITALY—AAI: 1st Motorized Div is the first of the French units to leave Italy for Operation ANVIL. In Fifth Army area, IV Corps continues northward against strong rear-guard opposition, 117th Cav Rcn Sq on coast overrunning Follonica. In FEC area, Guillaume Group, reinf with light armor, crosses Ombrone R in order to continue advance in contact with 1st Armd Div of IV Corps.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps opens concerted drive northward with 3 divs. 78th Div, on 13 Corps right flank, establishes bridgehead across Pescia R with infantry, but armor is unable to follow. In center, 4th Div battles in vain for Vaiano throughout day; Germans abandon the hamlet, night 24–25. S African 6th Armd Div continues to meet stubborn opposition on left flank of 13 Corps at Chiusi. In 10 Corps area, enemy has shortened his line, which now runs through Magione, in order to shift armor W to oppose 13 Corps. Br progress up the Tiber Valley is very slow because of mountainous terrain.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, TF HURRICANE cuts exits from the Teardrop. 2d Bn, 186th Inf, moves N and E to reach NW corner; Co K of 163d Inf blocks N exits and Co C, 163d, guards E side. In Wakde-Sarmi area, TF TORNADO begins outflanking attacks on Lone Tree Hill. Cos K and L, 1st Inf, move by sea to coast just W of the hill and establish small beachhead; try in vain to push inland to clear W side of the hill. 2d and 3d Bns, 20th Inf, assisted by Co L of 1st, make slow progress against numerous enemy defenses on top of the hill and open supply route. Co M, 1st Inf, moves along coast to assist.

SAIPAN—On W flank of V Amph Corps, 2d Marines of 2d Mar Div reaches 0–6 line at S outskirts of Garapan, where the regt must remain for some days awaiting units to right. 6th Marines is battling enemy strongpoint N of Mt. Tipo Pale. On div right, 8th Marines, reinf by bn of 29th Marines, reaches ridge within MG range of top of Mt. Tapotchau. 27th Div’s zone is broadened eastward as 165th Inf is given responsibility for clearing valley E of Purple Heart Ridge; 106th Inf alone is thus responsible for clearing Death Valley. Further efforts of 27th Div to move forward are futile. 4th Mar Div veers E to clear Kagman Peninsula, 23d Marines pivoting about 24th Marines. Gap develops between marines and 27th Div because of turning movement. Against moderate resistance, div overruns Laulau and Chacha villages. Failure of 27th Div to advance, despite urging of Gen Holland Smith, results in replacement of its commander, Gen Ralph Smith. Maj Gen Sanderford Jarman, Island Commander, assumes command temporarily, pending arrival of a permanent commander. Gen Jarman’s chief of staff takes control of 27th Div elements on S Saipan, where no progress is made during day, and the force on Mt. Nafutan is recalled.

USMC

2d Marines reach outskirts of Garapan.

U. S. Navy carrier task force again hits Volcano-Bonin Islands, including Iwo Jima

80 Years Ago, Friday, 23 June 1944

USN

Pacific

Aircraft from carrier task group (Rear Admiral Joseph J. Clark) bomb Japanese air facilities and shipping in the Marianas, sinking guardboat Haruta Maru off Pagan Island and cargo ship Shoun Maru off Rota, 14°10'N, 145°10'E.

SB2C crew (VB 14) is rescued by PBM (VH-1); the two men picked up by the flying boat are the last to be recovered in the wake of the "Mission Beyond Darkness" of 20 June 1944. Ironically, the PBM is off course when it recovers the men.

Japanese planes begin night high-level bombing attack on U.S. amphibious shipping off Saipan.

AAF

Eighth AF

At midday 211 Heavy Bombers attack 12 CROSSBOW installations, damaging at least 6 of them. Fighter support is furnished by 4 P-51 groups (161 aircraft) all of which afterward strafe transportation targets in Paris area, destroying 3 locomotives, 100 pieces of rolling stock, and 14 motor vehicles. An exploding ammo train causes a low-flying P-51 to crash, the only airplane lost on the mission. During the late afternoon 196 Heavy Bombers attack airfields at Juvincourt-et-Damary. Laon/Athies, and Coulommiers, and a railroad bridge at Nanteuil-sur-Marne. Over 100 Heavy Bombers abort because of heavy clouds over targets. 226 P-47’s and P-51’s provide support. Afterwards part of a P-47 group bombs and strafes a marshalling yard while the remainder of the group bombs and strafes a train carrying trucks and armored cars, destroying the locomotive, 3 trucks, and an armored car, and damaging 20 freight cars. Total losses are 7 Heavy Bombers, mostly to AA fire.

Ninth AF

Bad weather prevents Medium Bomber and Light Bomber missions during morning. In the afternoon over 175 B-26’s and A-20’s bomb 7 V-weapon sites in France. Around 630 fighters provide escort and also bomb and strafe rail and road traffic and communications centers. 200 C-47’s and C-53’s fly supplies to the Continent.

Twelfth AF

Weather cancels Medium Bomber operations. A-20’s continue to attack ammo supplies. Fighter Bomber operations are restricted but P-47’s hit rail communications at 4 different points in battle area as fierce struggle for Chiusi takes place.

Fifteenth AF

More than 400 B-17’s and B-24’s attack oil storage at Giurgiu, 2 oil refineries at Ploesti, and marshalling yard at Nish. More than 100 US aircraft are shot down. Heavy Bombers and escorting fighters claim more than 30 aircraft destroyed.

Tenth AF

12 B-24’s fly gasoline to Kamaing while 29 B-25’s make ammo run to Imphal. About 80 A-36’s, P-51’s, and P-40’s attack Mogaung, Myitkyina, Taungni, and bridge at Namkwi.

Fourteenth AF

20 B-24’s bomb docks at Hankow. In Tungting Lake area 70-plus B-25’s and Fighter Bombers attack wide variety of river shipping at several locations, bomb runway at Hengyang, strafe cav troops in the area, and hit towns and villages of Chuchou, Ikiawan, Chuting, Chwanchishih, and Siangtan. 30 B-25’s and Fighter Bombers hit various targets of opportunity along Yellow R.

FEAF

Wewak area is again pounded throughout the day by A-20’s, P-39’s, P-47’s, and RAAF airplanes. A few A-20’s and A-26’s on barge search bomb offshore islands near Manokwari. This marks SWPA debut of the A-26. P-47’s on sweeps strafe areas E of Maffln. B-24’s hit airfield at Yap and Woleai. Heavy Bombers on armed recon bomb Dublon, Koror, and Peleliu. B-24’s bomb Tobera airfield. B-25’s along with other Allied airplanes, hit AA positions S and SW of Rapopo.

Seventh AF

Eniwetok-based B-24’s strike Truk. B-25’s from Engebi pound Ponape. During the evening, B-24’s from Kwajalein also attack Ponape.

Eleventh AF

2 B-25’s fly a negative shipping sweep.

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: Unloading is resumed as storm abates. In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps penetrates outer defenses of Cherbourg. On left, 9th Div’s 60th Inf overruns Flottemanville area, and 47th completes capture of Hill 171; 39th overcomes bypassed resistance near Beaudienville. 79th Div makes limited progress in vicinity of La Mare à Canards but is unable to reduce this strongpoint. In 4th Div zone, 12th Inf, assisted by tanks, advances steadily toward Tourlaville, but units flanking it make little progress. In Br Second Army’s I Corps area, 51st Div, in limited offensive, takes Ste Honorine, NE of Caen and E of the Orne. 1 Corps subsequently exerts limited pressure against enemy N of Caen without making decisive gains.

USSR—Red Army opens summer offensive on central front, where main attack, on 350-mile front, is made by First Baltic and 3 White Russian Fronts against enemy’s Minsk salient in White Russia. Particularly strong pressure is applied near Vitebsk and Bobruisk. Soviet aircraft and arty lend powerful support to troops. Both German and Soviet forces have by this time completed extensive reorganization, but enemy is spread thin and lacks adequate reserves.

ITALY—AAI: Gen Alexander, meeting with his commanders, proposes that AAI advance through Ljubljana gap into S Germany.

In Br Eighth Army area, elements of 13 Corps break into Chiusi after hard battle, but German counterattack isolates the troops. 4th Div takes command of sector in center of 13 Corps, between Vaiano and Lake Chiusi, relieving elements of 78th Div. In 10 Corps area, King’s Dragoon Gds gain foothold on M. S. Croce.

CHINA—At meeting between Mr. Wallace and Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, a proposal is presented that a U.S. observer group be sent to Chinese communists to secure information and assist pilots shot down over N China. When approval is gained, the project (coded DIXIE Mission) is undertaken by 16 officers and enlisted men and 2 civilians.

NEW GUINEA—TF CYCLONE Issues FO 1 for Noemfoor operation. On Biak, 1st Bn of 162d Inf continues to probe West Caves area. 3d Bn, 163d, makes patrol contact with 186th Inf at the Teardrop. Photographs of the Teardrop indicate that Japanese are concentrated on W of the position and preparations are made for attack. 186th Inf is still unable to seize weapons firing on it from NW. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 2d Bn of 20th Inf repels dawn attack against its perimeter on Lone Tree Hill in costly fighting; after unsuccessful attempt to push N to make contact with 3d Bn, moves back down hill and up again, along route used by 3d Bn, to positions just NW of 3d Bn’s perimeter. Some supplies are obtained from volunteer groups and from Co L, 1st Inf, which arrives after hard fight. Japanese make determined attempt to destroy forces on Lone Tree Hill in evening; attack in small groups through night 23–24. Gen Sibert decides to try to outflank enemy on the hill.

SAIPAN—VAC attacks northward on 3-div front as 27th Div enters center of line. 2d Mar Div’s left and center regts remain in place until more progress can be made to right; 8th Marines, on div right, gains cliff commanding most practical route to crest of Mt. Tapotchau. 27th Div is slow in accomplishing relief of left flank elements of 4th Mar Div and consequently slow in opening attack up valley, called “Death Valley,” which is flanked on left by hill mass of Mt. Tapotchau and on right by ridge, called “Purple Heart Ridge.” Upon attacking, with 106th Inf on left and 165th on right, div meets intense opposition from cave-studded heights; progress is slow and costly, particularly on left. On right flank, 4th Mar Div attacks with 23d Marines on left and 24th on right: 23d Marines is slowed by inability of 165th Inf to advance but gets to top of Hill 600; 24th continues to make rapid progress along Magicienne Bay and reaches 0–5 line just E of Laulau. Enemy tank supported counterattacks down Death Valley and against Hill 600 are repelled, night 23–24. On S Saipan, 2d Bn of 105th Inf, after reorganizing throughout morning, continues attack on Nafutan position, getting platoon to top of Mt. Nafutan; rest of bn, after small initial gains, pulls back to starting line.

USMC

 

80 Years Ago, Thursday, 22 June 1944

USN

Pacific

Battleship Maryland (BB-46) is damaged by aerial torpedo off Garapan, Saipan, 15°13'N, 145°39'E; tank landing ship LST-119 is damaged by Tinian shore battery, Saipan, 15°10'N, 145°58'E; transport Prince Georges (AP-165) is damaged by near-miss of bomb off Saipan.

Submarine Batfish (SS-310) sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Nagaragawa Maru off Honshu, 34°36'N, 137°56'E.

Submarine Flier (SS-250) torpedoes Japanese army cargo ship Belgium Maru west of Mindoro, 13°11'N, 120°27'E.

Submarine Narwhal (SS-167) damages Japanese tanker Itsukushima Maru in Sulu Sea, 09°00'N, 120°55'E.

USAAF aircraft damage Japanese cargo vessel Shoyu Maru off Sorong Island.

Atlantic

U.S. freighter Cyrus H.K. Curtis is damaged by mines off SWORD Beach, Normandy, but discharges her cargo; there are no casualties among the 43-man merchant complement, the 27-man Armed Guard, or the 250 U.S. troops onboard.

AAF

Eighth AF

In morning mission 216 Heavy Bombers attack 12 CROSSBOW installations in Pas de Calais area. Some of the 212 support fighters strafe coastal defenses. During the afternoon 718 Heavy Bombers attack 22 targets in France and Belgium, including marshalling yards transformer stations, airfields, bridges, fuel storage facilities, railroad facilities, CROSSBOW supply site, and numerous targets of opportunity. Fighters escort the mission and 3 P-47 groups strafe and bomb transportation targets, destroying an ammo train, 6 other freight cars, and a truck. 8 Heavy Bombers are lost, mostly to ground fire. Because of attack on B-17’s at Poltava on shuttle mission, the B-17’s at Mirgorod and P-51’s at Piryatin are moved farther E into USSR. They are to be returned to Mirgorod and Piryatin to be dispatched to bases in Italy as soon as weather permits. The move is fortunate as German bombers strike both Piryatin and Mirgorod during 22/23 Jun.

Ninth AF

Around 600 B-26’s and A-20’s and over 1,200 fighters fly missions during the day. The main effort consists of an attack on tip of Cherbourg Peninsula in support of US VII Corps assault on port of Cherbourg. Beginning 1 hr before ground attack and continuing until attack begins fighters and Fighter Bombers pound whole area S of city from low level. As ground assault begins, B-26’s and A-20’s strike series of strongpoints selected by US First Army, forming a 55-min aerial barrage moving N in advance of ground forces. Later in the day Medium Bombers attack marshalling yards, fuel dumps and a German HQ. Fighter Bombers fly armed recon over various railroads and bomb rail facilities, trains, road traffic, and gun emplacements in France. 25 Fighter Bombers are lost during the day’s operations.

Twelfth AF

Medium Bombers attack railway bridges and viaducts in NC Italy, at Marzabotto, Boccheto, and Gricigliana, A-20’s again hit ammo supplies. Fighter Bombers pound road and rail bridges, mainly in Pisa area, and cut rail lines between Bologna and Pistoia.

Fifteenth AF

Following 5 consecutive days of bad weather more than 600 Heavy Bombers bomb targets in N Italy, hitting motor transport works at Turin and Chivasso, marshalling yards at Parma, Modena, Fornovo di Taro, Bologna, Castel Maggiore, and Ferrara, oil storage at Fornovo di Taro, harbor at Pola, airfield at Poggio Renatico, and highway and railroad bridges at Nervesa della Battaglia and Rimini. Fighters fly more than 250 sorties in support of the missions.

Tenth AF

6 B-24’s fly fuel to Kamaing while 40 B-25’s supply Imphal with ammo. 40 A-36’s, P-51’s, and P-40’s hit Mogaung and Myitkyina while 10 others hit targets at Hopin, Namma, and Sahmaw.

Fourteenth AF

18 P-40’s destroy 20-plus trucks between Hsuchang and Lohochai. 4 P-40’s damage a troop steamer in Tungting Lake. 13 B-24’s bomb Bakli harbor, damaging dock facilities and claiming 1 freighter sunk.

FEAF

B-25’s, A-20’s, and P-47’s hit shipping at Efman I and airfields and targets of opportunity on Noemfoor, attack Manokwari, and hit villages in the Sarmi area. Attacks by A-20’s and fighters, along with RAAF airplanes, on wide coastal area around Wewak continue. B-24’s bomb Yap, Sorol, and Woleai. B-25’s join the Allied aircraft in pounding Nordup and Ralum.

Seventh AF

B-24’s, staging through Eniwetok from Kwajalein, hit Truk; 1 bombs Ponape. First fighters of Seventh AF arrive in Marianas; 22 aircraft of 19th Fighter Sq, taking off from aircraft carrier, land on Saipan.

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps, receiving no reply to ultimatum begins final assault on Cherbourg fortress. Intense air preparation, beginning at 1240, does more to demoralize enemy than to damage his positions. VII Corps attack opens at 1400. On left flank, 9th Div presses NE toward Cherbourg with 60th Inf on left and 47th on right; 60th quickly takes Acqueville but is halted at edge of Flottemanville fortifications; 47th gets forward elements to slopes of Hill 171, just W of Bois du Mont du Roc. In center, 79th Div attacks with 3 regts: while 315th is clearing Hardinvast region and 314th the draws E of Tollevast, 313th makes main effort on div right astride Valognes– Cherbourg highway and thrusts to positions just S of La Mare a Canards, an enemy strongpoint. On right flank of VII Corps, 4th Div also attacks with 3 regts: on left, 8th Inf makes limited progress toward La Glacerie; 12th, in center, makes main effort toward Tourlaville but is held to small gains; to right, 22d Inf, with mission of clearing Digosville, becomes surrounded by enemy and is unable to advance.

USSR—German Air Force makes night attack on base at Mirgorod, but U.S. planes escape before the raid. Dumps and supplies are considerably damaged.

ITALY—AAI: Pol 2 Corps is forced to abandon its small bridgehead across the Chienti in Adriatic coastal sector. Activity along the river subsides to patrolling as corps moves troops and supplies forward in preparation for stronger assault.

U.S. Fifth Army continues to advance slowly, particularly in sector of FEC, where it is decided to outflank enemy holding Orcia R line. On right flank in IV Corps area, 1st Armd Div commits TF Howze between CCA on right and CCB on left.

CBI—In NCAC area, Chindits of 77th Brig, Ind 3d Div, begin assault on Mogaung and are joined by 114th Regt, Ch 38th Div. On Salween front, Japanese fall back hastily from Chiangtso toward Teng-chung, harassed by Allied planes. Ch XX Group Army has firm control of Shweli Valley, and is ready for drive on Teng-chung.

11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area, 4 and 33 Corps troops meet, reopening Dimapur– Kohima–Imphal road. Enemy offensive has failed, and Japanese are obliged to withdraw as best they can under difficult monsoon weather conditions.

NEW GUINEA—PT’s land Allied rcn party on Noemfoor, night 22–23. First big cargo ships arrive at Biak. Fifth Air Force P–40’s begin operations from Mokmer airdrome. 1st Bn, 162d Inf, continues to work on West Caves, using TNT charges and flame throwers, and at 1555 reports them clear. However, small groups of Japanese emerge from caves during night 22–23 and have to be eliminated by 1st Bn and 186th Inf to N. 186th Inf continues to probe the Teardrop; attempts unsuccessfully to seize 3 enemy guns that are firing from new positions NW of perimeter. In Wakde-Sarmi area, RCT 158 is relieved in preparation for Noemfoor I. operation. RCT 158 has had 70 killed, 257 wounded, and 4 missing during Wakde-Sarmi action; has killed an estimated 920 Japanese and captured 11. After air attack by P–47’s from Wakde and intense arty preparation, 3d Bn of 20th Inf drives to crest of Lone Tree Hill and establishes defense perimeter. 2d Bn also reaches the crest but gap exists between the two bns. Japanese counterattack 3d Bn in evening, isolating both it and 2d Bn. Co L, 1st Inf, starts forward with supplies for 3d Bn. On Aitape front, 3d Bn of 127th Inf replaces 1st Bn at Afua.

SAIPAN—2d and 4th Mar Divs begin northward attack toward 0–5 line, extending from W coast below Garapan across Mt. Tapotchau to Laulau village on Kagman Peninsula on E. On W, left flank of 2d Mar Div, 2d Marines remains in place since it is already on 0–5; in center, 6th Marines gets elements to top of Mt. Tipo Pale, about 1,200 yards SW of top of Mt. Tapotchau, achieving greatest div gain for day; on right, 8th Marines makes slow progress toward Mt. Tapotchau, which commands entire island, over extremely difficult terrain. 4th Mar Div attacks with 25th Marines on left and 24th on right; commits 23d in center during day. 25th and 23d Regts drive almost to objective, while 24th advances rapidly along E coast. 27th Div (less 105th Inf) is ordered to attack between 2d and 4th Mar Divs, relieving left flank elements of latter to permit 4th Mar Div to shift E to cover Kagman Peninsula. 27th Div regroups units about the Nafutan position. 3d Bn of 105th Inf shifts N, relieving 1st Bn on right flank, while 2d Bn replaces 3d Bn of 165th on left. No advance is made against the strongpoint and a little ground is lost on left, where relief is accomplished with difficulty. Late in day, 2d Bn of 105th Inf is ordered to continue mop up of Nafutan Pt, a task still believed to be an easy one.

USMC

V AC attacks northward on Saipan.

80 Years Ago, Wednesday, 21 June 1944

USN

Pacific

Destroyer Newcomb (DD-586) and high speed minesweeper Chandler (DMS-9) sink Japanese submarine I-185, 90miles east-northeast of Saipan, 15°50'N, 145°08'E; Japanese guardboat Kompira Maru is sunk by gunfire off Tinian.

Submarine Bluefish (SS-222), despite presence of escort, sinks Japanese army cargo ship Kanan Maru off southernapproaches to Makassar Strait, 03°58'S, 116°35'E.

Submarine Narwhal (SS-167) sinks Japanese powered sailboat No.2 Shinshu Maru 12 miles southwest of Culasi,11°22'N, 121°52'E.

Dutch submarine K 14 damages Japanese minelayer Tsugaru between Sorong, New Guinea, and Kau Roads,Moluccas, 01°10'S, 130°30'E.

TBF/Ms and F4Fs from escort carrier White Plains (CVE- 66) sink Japanese cargo ship Shoun Maru off Rota, Saipan,14°10'N, 145°10'E.

Atlantic

Off Normandy, destroyer Davis (DD-395) is damaged by mine, 49°23'N, 00°46'W; Coast Guard cutters 83415 and83471 are sunk by storm.

Mediterranean

German torpedo boat TA 25 (ex-Italian Navy Ardito), damaged by U.S. motor torpedo boats southwest of Viareggio,Italy, 43°49'N, 10°12'E, is scuttled by German torpedo boat TA 29 (ex-Italian Navy).  

AAF

Eighth AF

The Eighth begins shuttle bombing missions (FRANTIC) between UK and bases in USSR. P-47’s (2 groups) escort the Heavy Bombers from just off German coast to Stendal where a P-51 group continues escort to, and support over, the target (synthetic oil plant at Ruhland). 123 B-17’s bomb primary target, 21 bomb Elsterwerda, and a lone B-17 bombs Riesa due to a bomb rack malfunction. After the attack, the supporting P-51 group is relieved 50 mi SE of Poznan by 65 other P-51’s which are to accompany the Heavy Bombers to USSR. 50 mi SE of Brest Litovsk 20 to 30 fighters attack the force. In the resulting battle 1 US and 6 German fighters are destroyed. A single B-17 is lost (to unknown causes) on the flight. 144 Heavy Bombers land in USSR, 73 at Poltava, and the rest at Mirgorod. The 64 remaining P-51’s land at Piryatin. The shuttle run is made in conjunction with a large-scale effort against targets in Berlin area. 935 Heavy Bombers attack city areas, motor industries, and targets of opportunity in and near Berlin, Genshagen, Basdorf, Rangsdorf, Trebbin, Belzig, Potsdam, Stendal, and surrounding areas. 19 Heavy Bombers are lost. Fighters fly 902 sorties in support of this mission, claiming 18 fighters destroyed, with a loss of 6. In late afternoon 31 B-24’s bomb CROSSBOW supply sites at Oisemont/Neuville and Saint-MartinL’Hortier and 39 bomb rocket site at Siracourt. AA fire shoots down 1 B-24. 3 fighter groups fly 101 sorties, meeting no enemy aircraft, but 1 group strafes railroad and canal targets. During 21/22 Jun the 73 B-17’s which earlier landed at Poltava are attacked for 2 hrs by an estimated 75 German bombers led by airplanes dropping flares. 47 Heavy Bombers are destroyed and most of the remainder severely damaged. Heavy damage is also suffered by stores of fuel and ammo.

Ninth AF

Over 250 B-26’s and A-20’s bomb 13 V-weapon sites in Pas de Calais area. Over 700 fighters escort Eighth AF Heavy Bombers over Germany, bomb bridges S and W of Paris, and strafe rail and road traffic and comm centers N and W of Paris.

Twelfth AF

Medium Bombers have excellent results against rail bridges in N and NC Italy, also hitting viaducts, road bridges, and other comm targets, and bombing ships at Leghorn harbor. Light Bombers again hit ammo supply while Fighter Bombers concentrate on rail and road bridges over large area including locations in vicinity of Gothic Line and at points to the N.

Tenth AF

34 B-25’s maintain ammo run to Imphal. 61 A-36’s, P-51’s, and P-40’s pound Myitkyina and Mogaung.

Fourteenth AF

11 Fighter Bombers hit river shipping, barracks, and cav forces at Siangtan and Hengshan.

FEAF

P-39’s and RAAF airplanes hit dumps and bivouacs at Suain and attack other targets in Wewak area. A- 20’s attack various targets of opportunity in Paniai Lakes area while B-25’s hit villages on coast of Netherlands New Guinea E of Maffin Bay. B-24’s bomb Kamiri airfield and other targets on Noemfoor and attack shipping in Palau Is and at Dublon.

Seventh AF

B-24’s based on Kwajalein, bomb Truk.

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, while 9th and 79th Divs patrol and reorganize for final assault on Cherbourg, 4th Div closes along the city’s main defenses to right— Hill 178—NW edge of Bois du Coudray–Hill 158. 22d Inf gets bn on Hill 158, cutting lateral road between Cherbourg and St Pierre-Eglise. At night, Gen Collins issues ultimatum to the German garrison commander, Maj Gen Karl-Wilhelm von Schlieben to surrender by 0900 22d.

USSR-FINLAND—Soviet forces of Karelian Front begin offensive on both sides of Lake Onega.

FRANTIC—U.S. Eighth Air Force begins shuttle raids between Br and Soviet bases. 114 B–17’s and 70 P–51’s, after bombing oil targets at Ruhland, S of Berlin, land at Soviet bases. Enemy discovers the base at Poltava and makes highly destructive attack on it by light of flares, night 21–22, causing heavy damage to aircraft and stores of ammunition and gasoline.

ITALY—AAI: In Pol 2 Corps area, advance elements reach Chienti R line, behind which enemy is prepared to make a stand, and establish small bridgehead.

In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV Corps commits 1st Armd Div, reinf by 361st Inf of 91st Div, to right of 36th Div in sector previously held by TF Ramey, since IV Corps zone is widening and resistance is increasing. 36th Div continues slowly along Highway I. FEC is held up by determined opposition along Orcia R line.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps battles outlying positions of enemy’s Trasimeno line. 78th Div takes Sanfatucchio after hard fighting but is unable to progress against hamlet of Vaiano. S African 6th Armd Div reaches heights leading to Chiusi but cannot break into the town. 13 Corps commander decides to commit reserves—4th Div and Cdn 1st Armd Brig—and continue advance on 3-div front; orders 4th Div to relieve 78th Div of positions below Vaiano on night 22–23 and be prepared to relieve rest of 78th, which is scheduled to leave the theater at end of June.

SWPA—TF CYCLONE Is. formally organized to take Noemfoor. Gen Patrick sets up temporary CP at Finschhafen.

NEW GUINEA—Owi airfield is put into use by fighters of Fifth Air Force. On Biak, 1st Bn of 162d Inf continues attack on West Caves without avail, although tanks and flame throwers are used. Japanese efforts to withdraw from the position through 186th Inf lines to NW are frustrated. 186th Inf probes enemy position, called the Teardrop, just NW of Hill 320. 3d Bn, 163d Inf, which was to have driven into the Teardrop from NW and N in conjunction with 186th Inf’s pressure from S and SW, is too far N to reach it. In Wakde-Sarmi area, after probing to locate strongpoints, 3d Bn of 20th Inf renews attack toward Lone Tree Hill but meets such heavy fire from well-organized positions that it pulls back to E bank of Snaky R. Arty and mortar fire are placed on Lone Tree Hill, night 21–22.

SAIPAN—Marine action is confined to patrolling. Gen Holland Smith, preparing to make main attack on N and being informed that only 300–500 Japanese remain on Nafutan Pt, orders most of 27th Div to assemble in corps reserve and places its arty under control of XXIV Corps Arty; directs single infantry bn and platoon of tanks to continue clearing S Saipan and protect the airfield. Gen Ralph Smith requests use of RCT 105 and Gen Holland Smith agrees, but orders to this effect do not reach 27th Div until 22d. Meanwhile, 27th Div continues assault on Nafutan Pt, replacing 2d Bn of 165th Inf with 2d Bn of 105th on left of line. Day’s action gains little ground. 3d Bn, 105th, reduces cave strongpoint while continuing E along S coast and at end of day is only a short distance from troops moving down from N. At 2000, before receiving word that 105th Inf may be retained, Gen Ralph Smith orders RCT 105 to conduct holding action facing Nafutan Pt and to relieve RCT 165 units by 0630 22d; upon reorganization of lines, not later than 1100 22d, to continue offensive. Gen Holland Smith orders 27th Div to reconnoiter northward toward Marines.  

USMC

3d Def Bn, which landed 1 Nov 43 on Bougainvillea and was last FMF ground unit in active SoPac area, withdrawn to Guadalcanal.

80 Years Ago, Tuesday 20 June 1944

USN

Pacific

Battle of the Philippine Sea concludes as planes from TF 58 (Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher), launched late in the afternoon from carriers Hornet (CV-12), Yorktown (CV-10), Bunker Hill (CV-17), and Lexington (CV-16), and small carriers Belleau Wood (CVL-24), Monterey (CVL- 26) and San Jacinto (CVL-30), strike Japanese fleet in what becomes known as the "Mission Beyond Darkness." TBFs from Belleau Wood (VT 24) sink carrier Hiyo northwest of Yap Island, 15°30'N, 133°50'E. Fleet tanker Gen'yo Maru, damaged by F6Fs, SB2Cs and TBFs from Wasp, is scuttled by destroyer Uzuki, west of Saipan; likewise, oiler Seiyo Maru, damaged by F6Fs, SB2Cs and TBFs from Wasp, is scuttled by destroyer Yukikaze, 15°35'N, 133°30'E. TF 58 planes also damage carrier Zuikaku, small carriers Chiyoda and Ryuho, battleship Haruna, heavy cruiser Maya, destroyers Samidare and Shigure, and fast fleet tanker/seaplane carrier Hayasui. Vice Admiral Mitscher orders the ships of TF 58 to show lights in order to guide returning strike groups home. In the two-day Battle of the Philippine Sea the Japanese Fleet loses 395 (92%) of its carrier planes, and 12 float planes remain operational. Besides the losses afloat, an estimated 50 land-based Japanese aircraft from Guam are destroyed. The U.S. Fleet loss is 130 planes and 76 pilots and crewmen for the two days, predominantly from the "Mission Beyond Darkness" on 20 June 1944 (see 23 June 1944).

Destroyer Phelps (DD-360) is damaged by shore battery, Saipan, 15°10'N, 145°58'E.

Submarine Hake (SS-256) attacks Japanese convoy off south coast of Mindanao, and sinks army cargo ship Nichibi Maru in Saragan Strait, 05°36'N, 125°17'E.

Submarines Narwhal (SS-167) and Nautilus (SS-168) land supplies and evacuate people from Negros and Panay, P.I.

USAAF A-20s raid New Guinea coastline, sinking Japanese fishing vessels Shinei Maru and No.3 Kompira Maru at Manokwari and No.31 Taikoko Maru at Windessi.

AAF

Eighth AF

In the morning 1,257 B-17’s and B-24’s attack 14 strategic targets in N Germany, including oil refineries, synthetic oil plants, a tank ordnance depot, and a military vehicle manufacturing plant. The Heavy Bombers are escorted by 760 fighters of which nearly half strafe 6 airfields and several other ground targets, with claims of 13 aircraft and 10 locomotives destroyed. Also during the morning 130 B-24’s bomb 10 V-weapon sites in Pas de Calais area; 42 P-47’s provide support, destroying 3 aircraft. During the afternoon 216 Heavy Bombers attack 10 V-weapon sites in same area and Targets of opportunity which are mainly airfields in France and Belgium. 108 P-47’s and P-51’s provide uneventful escort. Total losses for the day are 50 Heavy Bombers and 7 fighters. Heavy Bombers and fighters claim 76 aircraft destroyed.

Ninth AF

About 370 B-26’s and A-20’s bomb 9 V-weapon sites in France and a coastal def battery at Houlgate. Over 1,000 fighters operating over front-line areas, Cherbourg Peninsula, and S to Dreux, bomb and strafe rail lines, MARSHALLING YARDs, bridges, troop concentrations and other targets.

Twelfth AF

Weather continues to hamper operations but 60-plus Medium Bombers manage to attack rail targets between Genoa and La Spezia. Fighter Bombers destroy several road bridges in battle area and to the N, and damage several other road and rail bridges as Allies’ rapid adv slows down due to enemy’s ability to strengthen his position and form a delaying line across Italy to S of Gothic Line (Pisa-Rimini) where he is prepared to make a stand. Fighter Bombers also damage a 20,000-ton aircraft carrier in Genoa harbor.

EAC

AC Mellersh assumes command of Strategic Air Force, EAC.

Tenth AF

5 B-24’s fly fuel to Kamaing while 13 B-25’s supply ammo to Imphal. 2 B-25’s hit bridge at Banchaung. 8 A-36’s and 3 P-40’s attack targets at Myitkyina.

Fourteenth AF

In Yangtze R Tungting Lake area about 120 B-25’s and Fighter Bombers again attack a wide variety of targets, pound river shipping at numerous points, hit villages and supply lines in Pinkiang area, and bomb towns of Changsha, Pingsiang and Ikiawan. In Salween R area 24 B-25’s pound Lungling and 16 P-40’s hit troops and positions at Tengchung and Chenanso. In Yellow R area 8 P-40’s pound railroad yards and strafe about 75 trucks, destroying more than 20 of them. 3 B-24’s over S China Sea attack shipping, claiming a 5,000-ton commercial ship sunk.

FEAF

A-20’s, P-39’s, and RAAF aircraft, pound areas along coast in general area of Wewak. B-24’s bomb Kamiri airfield and attack Woleai and Dublon. B-25’s, P-38’s, and other Allied airplanes (including some of RNZAF) blast AA positions S and SW of Rapopo.

Seventh AF

B-25’s from Makin strike Ponape. Kwajalein based B-24’s bomb Truk.

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: Gen Montgomery decides that Br offensive cannot begin before 25 June since arrival of VIII Corps units has been delayed.

In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps continues rapidly toward Cherbourg, 9th and 79th Divs coming up against semicircular belt of fortifications 4–6 miles from the city. 9th Div’s 60th Inf moves quickly N through Vasteville to positions just short of its objective— Hill 170—E of Haut Biville; 47th follows to Vasteville, then turns E and advances short distance toward Bois du Mont du Roc. 79th Div reaches positions between St Martin-le-Gréard and Bois de Roudou. 4th Div is virtually unopposed as it moves to line from Le Thiel to Bois de Roudou, just short of enemy’s MLR within its sector. In XIX Corps area, 29th Div elements, assisted by tanks and engineers, make limited and futile effort to reduce Villiers- Fossard salient.

USSR-FINLAND—Viipuri falls to Soviet forces of Leningrad Front, insuring safety of Leningrad and opening Gulf of Finland to Soviet fleet.

ITALY—AAI: Period of rapid advance northward comes to a close about this time since enemy has been able to re-form his units and strengthen his positions. Delaying line is disposed across Italy below Gothic Line, where enemy is prepared to make a stand. Pol 2 Corps, across Aso R, seizes Fermo and Pedaso.

U.S. Fifth Army is about half way between the Tiber and the Arno. IV Corps, which has met increased rear-guard opposition during past 10 days, holds line extending E from junction of Highways 1 and 73. FEC gets forward elements to Orcia R, a tributary of the Ombrone, where it is halted. 1st Motorized Div, which is to participate in ANVIL, is replaced in line by 2d Moroccan Div at midnight,

20–21.

In Br Eighth Army’s 10 Corps area, 6th Armd Div enters Perugia without opposition. 13 Corps, in center and on right flank, encounters forward positions of enemy delaying line extending from Lake Trasimeno W to Chiusi.

CBI—Gen Stilwell and his force of NCAC are transferred from operational control of Fourteenth Army commander to direct control of Supreme Allied Commander. GALAHAD situation is now critical because of battle exhaustion and disease, and it is apparent that Myitkyina cannot be taken quickly. Personnel from rear area are forced to return to the battle when at all fit for duty.

On Salween front, Ch 36th Div seizes Watien, in Shweli Valley.

Vice President Henry A. Wallace arrives in Chungking, China, for talks with Chiang Kai-shek and Gen Chennault.

SWPA—During planning conference at Gen Krueger’s hq, it is decided that D Day for Noemfoor should be postponed to 2 July.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, 1st Bn of 162d Inf begins attack on West Caves strongroupoint but makes little headway. 163d Inf establishes outpost on Hill 320. 34th Inf occupies Borokoe and Sorido airdromes and the village of Sorido against negligible resistance; establishes blocking positions to prevent enemy from reinforcing main battle area. On Aitape front, Japanese strengthen positions in Yakamul area and halt patrolling in this region by 128th Inf. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 6th Div begins westward attack from the Tirfoam toward Lone Tree Hill. 20th Inf drives along coast to Snaky R without difficulty but is stopped by heavy fire from defile between Lone Tree Hill and E nose of Mt. Saksin.

SAIPAN—Marines complete pivoting movement for northward drive, 4th Div coming up to right of 2d, and are on 0–4 line, a little below enemy’s MLR, which crosses island from just below Garapan to NW corner of Magicienne Bay. As 4th Div swings around 2d, 25th Marines encounters and reduces well-organized enemy positions on Hill 500, just W of Tsutsuuran village. 27th Div begins converging drives on Nafutan from N and W. 165th Inf, reinf by 1st Bn of 105th, attacks S toward Nafutan Pt at noon after preparatory fire and gains about 1,000 yards. 3d Bn, 105th, continues E along S coast for about 600 yards; it is then but 100 yards from 165th Inf force. 106th Inf lands on Saipan and is placed in corps reserve. 2d Bn, 105th Inf, reverts to 27th Div.

BATTLE OF THE PHILIPPINE SEA—In final phase of this major sea action, planes from TF 58 attack strong Japanese naval force well W of Saipan and sink 2 carriers, 2 DD’s, and 1 tanker; severely damage 3 carriers, 1 BB, 3 cruisers, 1 DD, and 3 tankers. 16 U.S. planes are destroyed by enemy; 73 others are lost because they cannot locate carriers in darkness or because they run out of fuel. Subsequent efforts to overtake the enemy fleet are unsuccessful.

USMC

Battle of the Philippine Sea. Carrier aircraft of TF 58 engage planes from enemy carriers and inflict crippling losses.