80 Years Ago, Wednesday 31 May 1944

 USN

Pacific

Operations against the Japanese NA line continue: destroyer escort England (DE-635), assisted by destroyers McCord (DD-534) and Hazelwood (DD-531) and destroyer escorts George (DE-697), Raby (DE-698), and Spangler (DE-696),sink submarine RO-105 200 miles north-northwest of Kavieng, 00°47'N, 151°30'E.

Submarines Barb (SS-220) and Herring (SS-233) rendezvous in Sea of Okhotsk about 150 miles west of Matsuwa Island, Kurils, to plan operations against Japanese shipping in the vicinity. Subsequently, Herring attacks convoy NE, sinking escort vessel Ishigaki and army cargo ship Hokuyo Maru west of Matsuwa Island, 48°00'N, 153°00'E' (see 1June 1944); Barb comes across convoy NE and sinks army cargo ship Madras Maru, 48°21'N, 151°20'E, and transport Koto Maru southwest of Paramushiro, 47°55'N, 151°42'E.

Chinese aircraft sink Japanese river gunboat Kotaka in the Yangtze River.

AAF

Eighth AF

371 Heavy Bombers attack marshalling yards at Schwerte, Hamm, Osnabruck, Geseke, and Roosendaal; airfields at Luxeuil-les- Bains, Gilze-Rijen, and Florennes; and 5 bridges in France. The mission against the bridges, using radio-controlled bombs, is unsuccessful. 6 combat wgs sent to bomb airfields, marshalling yards, and factories in France are recalled because of bad weather. 79 P-47’s using dive bombing and ‘Droopsnoot’ (fighter equipped with bombsight) tactics attack Gutersloh airfield. 35 P-38’s, unable to locate primary target of Lingen airfield, bomb airfield NE of Rheine, believed to be Hopsten.

Ninth AF

About 200 B-26’s bomb lock and highway bridges at Bennecourt, Courcelles-sur-Seine, and Rouen.

Twelfth AF

Medium Bombers of 43d and 57th Bomb Wings give close support to ground forces in fierce fighting S of Rome, hitting numerous troop concentrations, roads and town areas, including points in or near Albano Laziale, Genzano di Roma, Ariccia, Frascati, Civitella Roveta, Subiaco, Cave, Nettuno, and Grottaferrata. XII TAC A-20’s and Fighter Bombers blast targets in same general area, hitting troops bridges, supplies, guns, and vehicles at or near Rocca di Papa, Ariccia, Marino, Frascati, Grottaferrata, Lanuvio, Montalto di Castro, and Manciano. C-47’s evacuate casualties from Anzio.

Fifteenth AF

480-plus B-17’s and B-24’s bomb oil refineries and comm targets in Ploesti area. Fighters fly over 200 sorties in support. 15 Heavy Bombers are lost to flak and fighters. Over 40 enemy airplanes are shot down.

Tenth AF

12 B-25’s hit Tiddim road while 36 A-31’s hit supply dumps, villages, and gun positions in the Ukhrul- Moirang area. 130-plus B-25’s, A-36’s, P-51’s, and P-40’s hit troops, defensive positions, arty emplacements, boats, railroad facilities, and villages in Myitkyina-Mogaung area, buildings at Tahona, river boats at Lonkin and Kamaing, docks at Bhamo, railroad cars at Namti, and positions NW of Mohnyin. 21 other B-25’s and Fighter Bombers pound the Bhamo town area and airfield. 10 B-24’s bomb Ye-u, demolishing several buildings.

Fourteenth AF

51 P-51’s and P-40’s pound shipping along the Yangtze, claiming direct hits on 5 small ships. 16 P- 51’s and P-40’s bomb Kweiyi and Yoyang and installations on river to the S. 10 P-38’s bomb bridge and warehouse area at Nanchang. 12 P-40’s bomb Pingkiang. 4 B-25’s bomb Hankow airfield, Pailochi, and motor convoy at Yoyang. 6 other B-25’s knock out bridge at Kengluang. 13 B-24’s pound town of Lungling, causing big fires, while 14 B-24’s, supported by P-40’s blast warehouse area at Lashio. 4 P- 40’s destroy several aircraft during strafing runs on Linfen and Hohsien airfields.

Fifth AF

B-25’s and A-20’s hit Babo area, bomb airfield near Ransiki R, cover beachhead on Biak I, and attack fishing boats on shore of Japen I. P-47’s and B-25’s pound villages, barges, and gun positions in WakdeSarmi battle area. B-24’s, P-39’s, and RAAF airplanes continue to hit Wewak and Hansa Bay areas.

Thirteenth AF

12 P-38’s bomb Vulcan Crater barge hideout. 22 P-39’s and 12 P-40’s blast supply dumps near Ratawul. 33 B-25’s pound Rabaul truck concentrations, wharf area, and NE section of town. 5 B-25’s bomb targets of opportunity along NW New Ireland coast. P-39’s bomb several targets, including Soraken, Arigua, and several barges and vehicles.

Eleventh AF

During the morning 2 B-25’s and 4 P-38’s fly guardship cover. A bmr flies a weather mission while another reconnoiters and hits Buroton Bay.

USA

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, TF HURRICANE continues patrolling and regroups in preparation for renewing attack. 1st and 3d Bns of 163d Inf arrive. In Wakde-Sarmi area, Gen Patrick reduces defense perimeter of TF TORNADO. Main position is between the Tor and Tementoe, but bridgehead is retained across the Tor. In Hollandia–Aitape area, Co G of 127th Inf relieves Nyaparake Force. 1st Bn, 126th Inf, begins offensive from East Sector to drive enemy back across the Drindarai, advancing against light resistance through Yakamul to Parakovio. Japanese are becoming aggressive in 127th Inf sector along the Driniumor and begin crossing the river.

CBI—On Salween Front, Ch 53d Army’s supplies are replenished during period 28–31 by 27th Troop Carrier Sq.

ITALY—AAI: U.S. Fifth Army orders offensive for Colli Laziali by VI and II Corps. In VI Corps area enemy continues stout defense of Albano. 1st Armd Div is withdrawn to reserve. 34th Div is still stalled by stubborn resistance below Lanuvio. Germans thin out between Lanuvio and Velletri after nightfall. 36th Div makes substantial progress on right flank: 142d Inf takes Maschio d’Ariano and positions commanding Velletri–Nemi road; 143d moves forward to M. Artemisio; 141st pushes slowly toward Velletri. II Corps attacks toward line of departure for main offensive, 1 June. 85th Div, which takes over left half of II Corps line leaving right half to 3d Div, attacks with 337th Inf on left and 338th on right, securing positions on M. Artemisio, clearing Lariano, and reaching positions across Velletri–Artena road. 88th Div is attached to II Corps. IV Corps sector is taken over by 4th Mtn Div, FEC. FEC extends positions northward in Lepini Mountains to Supino and Carpineto.

In Br Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps finds Frosinone undefended. 10 Corps seizes Sora.

80 Years Ago, Monday 1 May 1944

USN

Pacific

Supported by carrier planes from TG 58.1, TG 58.7 (Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee), consisting of seven battleships screened by 14 destroyers, bombards wharf areas, seaplane base, and other Japanese installations on Ponape Island, Carolines.

District patrol craft YP-95 sinks after running aground in Beyer Bay, south shore of Adak, Aleutian Islands, while assisting in a minesweeping mission.

Submarine Bluegill (SS-242) sinks Japanese army cargo ship Asosan Maru [repaired after her encounter with Trigger (SS-237) on 19 April] east of Mindanao, 07°05'N, 130°00'E.

PB4Y damages Japanese cargo vessel Anshu Maru off Biak.

AAF

Eighth AF

More than 500 Heavy Bombers are dispatched on an early morning mission to attack 23 V-weapon sites in Pas de Calais area. Bad weather causes many aborts. 129 of these Heavy Bombers manage to attack V-weapon sites at Marquise/Mimoyecques, Watten, and Bois de l’Enfer and airfields at Paix, Montdidier, and Roye/Amy. In afternoon raid 328 B-17’s and B-24’s bomb marshalling yards at Troyes, Reims, Sarreguemines, Metz, Liege, and Brussels.

Ninth AF

The last of the 11 bomb groups (8 medium and 3 light) of IX BC becomes operational. 450 B-26’s and A-20’s attack numerous marshalling yards and industrial targets in France and Belgium.

Twelfth AF

Medium Bombers attack bridges at Albinia Station, NW of Chiusi, in and near Grosseto, near Monte Molino, Calafuria, and at Pontedera. Also attacked are viaduct at Monte Catellana and marshalling yards at Florence/Campo di Marte and Florence, with particularly good results at Florence. LBs hit ammo dump at Fara in Sabina. P-40’s and P-47’s hit rail tracks in Rome area, Priverno station, guns N of Anzio, dumps at Frascati, stations at Colleferro and Frosinone, tracks at Orbetello and Orvieto, bridge and tunnel N of Todi, road in Canino, dump and factory at Stimigliano, vessels E of Piombino, factory E of Cecina, bridge approaches at Grosseto and Arezzo, dump at Grosseto, and tunnel at Rignano sull ‘Arno.

Tenth AF

18 P-38’s and A-31’s hit troop positions and supply dumps. 7 P-40’s over Mogaung Valley hit Kamaing and attack positions N of Nanyaseik. 30-plus B-24’s bomb Maymyo, Mandalay marshalling yard, and oil facilities at Yenangyaung.

Fourteenth AF

32 P-40’s hit targets over wide areas of S China, Burma and Indochina. The Fighter Bombers knock out bridge at Wan Lai-Kam, pound motor pool at Wan Pa-Hsa, and strafe railroad station and airfield at Yuncheng, damage 3 bridges and hit numerous boxcars at Bac Le, Dinh Ca, and Dong Mo, and bomb carbide mines at Loc Binh. Dong Dang and Na Cham railroad yards are also strafed. 7 B-25’s and 8 P-40’s bomb Tangyang airfield and nearby cavalry post. 2 B-25’s over Amoy claim a small freighter sunk. 15 enemy airplanes bomb airstrips at Ankang and Hengyang.

Fifth AF

180-plus Medium Bombers, LBs, and fighters pound Wewak and Hansa Bay areas throughout the day. Numerous coastline targets are hit, including airfields, vehicles, comm, villages, AA positions, bivouacs, supplies, barges, and offshore islands. B-24’s of Thirteenth Air TF hit Woleai and Eauriprik Is.

Thirteenth AF

24 B-24’s over Borpop area attack coastal guns. 40-plus Fighter Bombers and more than 30 Navy dive bombers pound Vunakambi Plantation. 38 P-39’s, flying 18 different missions, hit a variety of targets on SW Bougainville, including missions at Tinputs, Koromira, and Tsimba, Hongorai R crossing, Numa Numa bridge, and huts at Aravia and Kunapaupau.

Twentieth AF

By this date all 4 Very Heavy Bomber fields in Chengtu area are open to B-29 traffic.

Seventh AF

Shore-based AF Forward Area (TF 59) is activated to control all Army, Navy, and Marine shore-based aircraft in the C Pacific forward area. The cmd is headed by Gen Hale, former CG of the Seventh. B-25’s from Makin bomb Jaluit.

Eleventh AF

A single weather sortie is flown.

USA

CAROLINE Is.—TF 58 completes 2-day action against Truk, during which some 120 Japanese aircraft are destroyed, about half of them on the ground.

NEW GUINEA—Upon returning to Kamti village, Co I of 163d Inf finds that Japanese have withdrawn. Little contact is made with enemy on W flank after this. Nyaparake Force moves back to Nyaparake by water and sets up outposts at Charov and Jalup.

BURMA—Air supply situation improves as Air Marshal Sir John Baldwin becomes responsible for co-ordination of activities of Troop Carrier Command with those of 3d TAF.

In NCAC area, SOS takes responsibility for Y-FOS.

ITALY—AAI: Final details of plans for drive on Rome are ironed out at meeting at Caserta.

80 Years Ago, Tuesday 2 May 1944

 USN

Pacific

Submarine Tautog (SS-199) completes destruction of Japanese army transport Ryoyo Maru Matsuwa Jima, Kurils,48°04'N, 153°16'E.

Atlantic

Destroyer Parrott (DD-218) is damaged in collision with U.S. merchantman John Morton off Norfolk, Virginia,36°51'N, 76°18'W.

AAF

Eighth AF

50 B-24’s bomb V-weapon installation at Saint-Pol/Siracourt.

Ninth AF

More than 250 B-26’s and A-20’s bomb marshalling yards at Busigny, Valenciennes, and Blanc-Misseron. Over 400 P-47’s and P-51’s divebomb airfields and marshalling yards in France and the Low Countries.

Twelfth AF

Attacks against rail lines and bridges in N Italy continue. Medium Bombers bomb approach to bridge in N Oriveto, bridges in S Ficulle and in Marsciano, and marshalling yards in Florence/ Campo di Marte and W and NW Florence. Light Bombers hit ammunition dump NE of Rome. P-40’s and P-47’s hit rail lines N of Rome, bridges SW of Rome, guns N of Anzio, road at Montefiascone, road bridge at Cecina, trucks and planes at Malignano landing ground, and several other dumps, roads, and rail lines in N Italy.

Fifteenth AF

More than 250 B-24’s, most with fighter escort, attack La Spezia dock and harbor installations, marshalling yards at Castel Maggiore and Parma, railroad bridges at Faenza and Orbetello, and several targets of opportunity. Over 300 other Heavy Bombers are forced to abort because of weather.

EAC

TCC, until this date a major subordinate component of EAC, is placed under Third Tac AF, another EAC component.

Tenth AF

24 A-31’s hit villages and defensive positions near Buthidaung.

Fourteenth AF

3 B-24’s claim 2 freighters sunk in S end of Formosa straits.

Fifth AF

140-plus A-20’s and Fighter Bombers it bridges, barges, gun positions, roads, personnel, supplies, huts, and tent areas from Wewak to Hansa Bay throughout the day. 2 B-25’s bomb airfields at Wewak and Boram. 8 others it Wakde I oil stores, huts, AA positions, trucks, and other targets of opportunity. airfield on Biak I is bombed by 2 B-24’s.

Thirteenth AF

22 P-39’s bomb village N of Kieta, airstrip and buildings of Koromira and Rigu Missions. P-40’s also hit Kieta area. Ftr sweeps over Rabaul area continue. Fighter Bombers hit Vunakambi Plantation supply area with incendiaries. B-25’s pound Talili area.

Seventh AF

B-24’s, staging through Eniwetok from Kwajalein, bomb Truk during the night. During the day B-25’s based at Makin hit Jaluit and Wotje, using Majuro as a shuttle base to rearm between strikes. B-25’s from Engebi pound Ponape.

USA

U.S.—JCS directive orders Gen Stilwell to stockpile supplies in China in order to support Pacific operations. Hump tonnage at this time is inadequate for current U.S. operations in China.

ADMIRALTY Is.—8th Cav withdraws to Hauwei I., having accounted for 285 enemy dead and sustained losses of 4 killed and 7 wounded.

80 Years Ago, Wednesday 3 May 1944

USN

Pacific

Submarine Flasher (SS-249) sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Teisen Maru in the South China Sea about 300 miles east of Cape Varella, French Indochina, 12°54'N, 114°07'E.

Submarine Sand Lance (SS-381) sinks Japanese transport Kenan Maru about 15 miles northwest of Saipan, 15°20'N,145°34'E.

Submarine Tautog (SS-199) sinks Japanese army cargo ship Fushimi Maru off south coast of Uruppu Island, Kurils,45°28'N, 149°56'E.

Submarine Tinosa (SS-283) sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Toyohi Maru west of Bashi Channel between Formosa and Luzon, 20°51'N, 118°02'E.

British submarine HMS Tantalus sinks Japanese army cargo ship Amagi Maru 40 miles south of Port Blair, 11°00'N,92°00'E.

USAAF B-24s (14th Air Force) attack Japanese convoy southwest of Takao, Formosa, sinking cargo ship Shingu Maru, 22°05'N, 117°50'E

Atlantic

Destroyer escort Donnell (DE-56) is damaged by German submarine U-765, 450 miles southwest of Cape Clear, Ireland.

Mediterranean

As convoy GUS 38 heads west toward the Straits of Gibraltar, German submarine U-371 closes in; destroyer escort Menges (DE-320) locates the enemy but is torpedoed and damaged by her quarry off Bougie, Algeria. Consequently, destroyer escorts Pride (DE-323) and Joseph E. Campbell (DE-70) hunt for U-371, joined by British destroyer HMS Blankney, French destroyer L'Alycon and destroyer escort Senegalais, and minesweeper Sustain (AM-119). U-371, however, escapes (see 4 May).

AAF

Eighth AF

47 B-24’s bomb V-weapon site at Wizernes.

Twelfth AF

B-25’s and B-26’s pound railway bridges at Monte Molino, Orvieto, and Taggia, bridge approaches at Ficulle and Imperia, and Ventimiglia marshalling yards. A-20’s attack ammo dumps. P-40’s and P-47’s attack rail lines, bridge, dump, guns, and building in battle area and score 4 direct hits on observation post S of Cassino; vessels and docks at Civitavecchia and Montalto di Castro, and road bridges and rail lines in the area; town of Fondi and rail lines and bridges nearby; railway bridges at Foligno, Sant’ Elpidio a Mare, and Grosseto; viaduct at Terni; and numerous vehicles, dumps, railroads, vessels, and other targets in battle areas and in N Italy.

Tenth AF

18 A-31’s again hit defensive positions near Buthidaung. 12 B-25’s and 40-plus A-31’s hit Kohima and Kalewa. 28 Fighter Bombers pound ammo dumps and other supplies at Mohnyin and N of Nanyaseik. 9 P-38’s hit airfields in Meiktila area. 7 P-40’s attack Lakatkawng and support ground forces in the area.

Fourteenth AF

7 CACW B-25’s bomb Mihsien town area and also hit numerous vehicles and troops NE of Mihsien, between Yochou and Hsuchang, at Chihsien and N of Yenling. The Medium Bombers also strafe town of Hsiangcheng. 4 B-26’s and 8 P-40’s pound storage area at Tangyang airfield. 10 CACW P-40’s score 11 direct hits on bridge over the Yellow R NW of Chenghsien, and destroy 15 trucks and many troops between Loyang and Luchou. 10 other P-40’s on armed recon sink 3 sampans near Cat Ba I, knock out bridge at Bac Le, damage another at Kep, and pound Na Cham railroad yards.

Fifth AF

72 B-24’s, B-25’s, and A-20’s thoroughly blast Wewak and Boram airfields in a single raid. About 120 A- 20’s, B-25’s, and Fighter Bombers, operating throughout the day, hit Wewak and Hansa Bay areas, including targets at Nubia, Uligan, Mushu I, Wewak, and Boram. airfields at Maffin Bay is bombed by B-25’s.

Thirteenth AF

8 P-39’s bomb buildings at Monoitu. 17 others, in the course of 6 missions, hit targets of opportunity, including Japanese-occupied huts and buildings at Toiemonapu, Tinputs, and Sisiruai, and bivouacs at Tarlena, Ratsua, and Mawareka. 24 B-25’s bomb Kulon Plantation and a personnel concentration to the NE. Allied fighter sweeps over N Solomons and the Bismarcks continue. P-40’s returning from New Britain area bomb Pororan.

Seventh AF

B-25’s from Kwajalein bomb Wotje while others, based at Makin, strike both Jaluit and Wotje, using Majuro as a rearming base between raids.

USA

BURMA—In NCAC area, as 65th Regt and elements of 66th Regt, Ch 22 Div, continue push down Kamaing road toward Inkangahtawng, 64th Regt, Ch 22 Div, cuts Kamaing road about 500 yards S of Hwelon Stream.

80 Years Ago, Thursday 4 May 1944

USN

Pacific

Naval Base and Naval Air Facility, Majuro, are established.

Submarines Bang (SS-385), Parche (SS-384) and Tinosa (SS-283) attack Japanese convoy of merchant cargo ships in Luzon Strait. Bang sinks Kinrei Maru, 20°58'N, 117°59'E; Parche sinks Shoryu Maru and Taiyoku Maru, 20°48'N,118°03'E, and Tinosa sinks Taibu Maru and Toyohi Maru, 20°55'N, 118°12'E.

Submarine Pargo (SS-264) sinks Japanese auxiliary net layer Eiryo Maru east of Mindanao, 07°14'N, 129°12'E.

Submarine Tuna (SS-203) sinks Japanese guard boat Tajima Maru north of Wake Island, 22°06'N, 166°47'E. At Truk, Japanese guard boat Sapporo Maru is sunk by aircraft; gunboat No.2 Hino Maru sinks as the result of damage inflicted by TF 58 planes on 30 April. Japanese merchant vessel Akira Maru is sunk by gunfire, 00°53'S, 134°55'E. Japanese convoy No.3503 (ten Marus and six escort vessels) leaves Tateyama, bound for the Marshalls (see 10-20 May 1944).

Mediterranean

While convoy GUS 38 continues on its way, destroyer escorts Joseph E. Campbell (DE-70) and Pride (DE-323), French destroyer escort Senegalais, and British destroyer HMS Blankney continue the hunt for German submarine U-371 in the western Mediterranean. Senegalais attacks the U-boat, 37°49'N, 05°39'E, which is scuttled by her crew and abandoned, but not before U-371 has torpedoed and damaged Senegalais.

AAF

Eighth AF

851 B-17’s and B-24’s (13 combat wings) take off to bomb industries at Brunswick and Berlin. Because of thick cloud conditions less than 300 Heavy Bombers proceed and these are forced to abandon mission over the Low Countries. 48 B-17’s manage to attack Bergen/Alkmaar airfield during withdrawal.

Ninth AF

More than 170 B-26’s and 36 A-20’s bomb gun emplacements and other military targets at Etretat/Sainte-Marie-Au-Bosc, Etaples, Le Treport, Ault, Fecamp, and Ouistreham.

Twelfth AF

Main effort again is against lines of comm. MBs hit bridges, tracks, and marshalling yards. P-40’s, A-36’s, and P- 47’s hit rail lines in and around Priverno, guns and radar station N of Anzio, railroad cars, rail lines, and bridge in Orte-Attigliano and Orte-Narni areas, motor transport and stores E of Frascati, marshalling yards at Colleferro and Follonica, and trucks and personnel on Fondi-Pico road. Vessels at Leghorn and numerous railroad targets at scattered points are attacked.

Tenth AF

12 A-31’s bomb Kaladan while a single B-24 bombs Akyab. 12 B-25’s damage bridge at Kalemyo and bomb Tiddim, while 24 A-31’s hit Kohima. 24 B-24’s bomb Mandalay marshalling yard and barracks and general area at Maymyo. 2 P-51’s knock out bypass bridge near Shweli.

Fourteenth AF

8 P-40’s hit gun positions at Pailochi. 2 B-25’s strafe 12 sampans between Hong Kong and Luichow Peninsula, killing many soldiers on board.

Fifth AF

26 B-24’s of Thirteenth Air TF bomb Mokmer airfield. 60-plus B-24’s, B-25’s, A-20’s, and P-47’s pound airfields, road, bridges, shipping, barges and other targets in Wewak area. A-20’s attack bridges over Awar R and targets of opportunity in Hansa Bay area while Fighter Bombers hit targets of opportunity in Ramu R Valley and on Hansa Bay coast.

Thirteenth AF

24 B-25’s bomb Talili Bay area. 43 Fighter Bombers hit Vunakanau airfield. Allied fighter sweeps over the Bismarcks continue. 38 P-39’s, flying 18 missions, hit several targets on Bougainville, including buildings at Sovele, Tinputs, Reboine Bay area, Monoitu, and in area N of Taki. targets of opportunity in Koromira area are also attacked.

Seventh AF

12 B-25’s, based at Makin, pound Jaluit and Wotje, using Majuro as a shuttle base for rearming between the strikes. 39 B-24’s from Kwajalein and Eniwetok hit Ponape.

USA

NEW GUINEA—32d Div’s RCT 726 and other div troops arrive at Blue Beach; div CG assumes command of TF PERSECUTION. From 22 April to date, Japanese casualties in Aitape area are estimated at 525 killed and 25 captured as against Allied losses of 19 killed and 40 wounded. Admiral Barbey proposes that D Day for Wakde-Sarmi operation be postponed until 21 May in order to take advantage of higher tides and to have more time to complete preparations.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Ch 22d Div overruns Inkangahtawng, on road to Kamaing, in co-ordinated effort by air, armor, and arty. Chinese then halt in this region for some time.

80 Years Ago, Friday 5 May 1944

USN

Pacific

Appointment of Admiral Toyoda Soemu as Commander in Chief of the Combined Fleet is announced. U.S. motor torpedo boats blockading the southeastern coast of Bougainville encounter five or more heavily armed Japanese barges. In the ensuing action, the barges and enemy shore batteries on Rantan and Bougainville catch the three PTs in a cross fire, sinking PT-247, 06°38'S, 156°01'E.

Submarine Pogy (SS-266) attacks Japanese convoy, sinks transport Shirane Maru off Shionomisaki, Honshu, 33°27'N,135°32'E.

Mediterranean

During convoy GUS 38's continued passage westward, destroyer escort Laning (DE-159) locates German submarine U-967, but the U-boat torpedoes and sinks destroyer escort Fechteler (DE-157) 120 miles northwest of Oran, Algeria,36°07'N, 02°40'W.

AAF

Eighth AF

33 B-24’s bomb V-weapon installation at Sottevast.

Ninth AF

Gen Wood assumes command of IX AF Service Command.

Twelfth AF

A-20’s bomb supply dump W of Albano Laziale. XII TAC A-36’s, P-47’s, and P-40’s fly 24 missions cutting rail lines N and NE of Rome, and hitting guns N of Anzio beachhead and N of Gaeta, and a dump near Frascati. Bridges at Orvieto and W of Lake Bolsena are damaged by direct hits, a barge at San Stefano al Mare is hit, several trucks destroyed or damaged, rail lines are cut in several places near Sesti Bagni, and airplanes are hit at Canino landing ground. DAF P-47’s attacks S of Pisa.

Fifteenth AF

465th Bomb Gp (B-24) becomes operational, making total of 20 Heavy Bomber gps operational in Fifteenth AF.

640-plus B-24’s and B-17’s (the largest force of Heavy Bombers dispatched by Fifteenth AF to date) attack marshalling yard at Ploesti and troop concentrations and town area at Podrorica. Ftrs fly over 240 sorties in support.

Tenth AF

18 A-31’s hit concentrations SE of Buthidaung. 15 P-38’s hit targets along Tiddim road while 40-plus A- 31’s pound gun positions, camps, villages, and supply dumps SW of Bishenpur and at Kalewa. 3 B- 25’s bomb Thayaung airfield area. More than 80 P-40’s, P-51’s, A-36’s, and B-25’s carry out support of ground forces, hit gun positions and supply dumps, attack troop concentrations, and blast numerous targets of opportunity throughout the Mogaung Valley. 11 A-31’s bomb Naba and vicinity while 3 B-25’s and 6 Fighter Bombers hit ammo dump N of Mohnyin. 12 P-38’s bomb large warehouse E of Monywa. 6 B-24’s lay mines in harbor off Koh Si Chang I.

Fourteenth AF

11 B-24’s bomb docks and shipping at Haiphong. 14 P-40’s damage bridges at Hsenwi and Wan Pa- Hsa and hit barracks and destroy several trucks at Kentung. 8 B-25’s and 23 Fighter Bombers attack warehouse area at Chiuchiang, causing large fires. 25 CACW B-25’s and P-40’s thoroughly pound Sinyang M/ Y and storage area. 10 P-40’s sweep road from Loyang to Juchou, claiming 40-50 vehicles and numerous troops destroyed.

Fifth AF

B-24’s bomb Mokmer A/ F while B-25’s hit supply areas at Wakde I and along coast of Maffin Bay. A- 20’s and Fighter Bombers again pound targets around Wewak and along coast of Hansa Bay, hitting supply and personnel areas, warehouses, and occupied villages.

Thirteenth AF

24 B-25’s bomb gun positions at Buka. 34 P-39’s hit various targets on Bougainville and Buka, including buildings at Porton, Chabai, and Kohiso, pillbox at Pau I, and road near Tsundawan. Supply area at Chabai is bombed by 12 other P-39’s. P-40’s bomb buildings at Kieta and at nearby Rigu Mission. Ftr patrols continue over N Solomons and the Bismarcks.

Seventh AF

During 4/5 May B-24’s from Kwajalein stage through Eniwetok and bomb Truk. During the day B-25’s from Eniwetok strike Ponape, and 10 from Makin hit Jaluit and Wotje, using Majuro as rearming base between the attacks.

USA

ADMIRALTY Is.—8th Cav begins final mop up of Manus, which is largely clear of enemy.

BURMA—In NCAC area, K Force of TF END RUN reaches trail junction N of Ritpong; patrol starts cutting trail through jungle so that enemy can be taken by surprise from rear.

ITALY—AAI: Gen Alexander issues Operation Order No. 1, AAI, for drive through Gustav Line to Rome and pursuit of enemy thereafter to line Rimini–Pisa.

80 Years Ago, Saturday 6 May 1944

USN

Pacific

Submarine Crevalle (SS-291) attacks Japanese convoy off northern Borneo, sinking fleet tanker Nisshin Maru about40 miles west of Kalutan Island, 07°19'N,116°52'E.

Submarine Gurnard (SS-254) encounters Japanese TAKE No.1 convoy in the Celebes Sea, sinking Manokwari-bound troop-carrying army cargo ships Aden Maru, Amatsuzan Maru and Tajima Maru, 02°42'N, 124°07'E.

Submarine Spearfish (SS-190) attacks Japanese shipping in East China Sea west of Kyushu, and sinks merchant cargo ship Toyoura Maru and damages supply ship Mamiya, 32°16'N, 127°08'E.

Atlantic

Destroyer escort Buckley (DE-51) is damaged when she intentionally rams German submarine U-66, which has been damaged by aircraft (VC 55) from escort carrier Block Island (CVE-21), about 390 miles west of the Cape Verdes. The battle echoes close-quarters fights of the age of sail, as Buckley's sailors employ small arms, hand grenades, fists and even coffee mugs. U-66 sinks as the result of the multi-faceted pounding she has taken in mid-Atlantic, 17°17'N,32°29'W.

AAF

Eighth AF

70 B-24’s bomb V-weapon site at Siracourt. Over 90 others, scheduled to attack similar installations at Sottevast and La Glacerie, fail to bomb because of total overcast at targets.

Ninth AF

76 B-26’s and A-20’s dispatched to attack coastal defenses abort mission because of weather.

Twelfth AF

A-20’s pound storage area at Itri. A-36’s hit rail lines in Viterbo area. P-40’s hit guns, tracks, and railroad station in and around Frosinone, and rail lines, stations, roads, and town area in and near Itri, Colleferro, and Sezze. P-47’s hit Certaldo marshalling yard and numerous railroad and highway targets, including several bridges.

Fifteenth AF

About 300 B-17’s and B-24’s, escorted by P-51’s and P-38’s, bomb airfield, aircraft factory, and marshalling yard at Brasov.

Tenth AF

24 A-31’s continue pounding positions near Buthidaung. 14 B-25’s bomb Indainggyi, destroy Sibong bridge, and damage road at Hpaungzeik. 40-plus A-31’s bomb troop concentrations NE of Palel and hit Thaungdut area. 90-plus P-40’s, A-31’s, P-51’s, and B-25’s attack wide variety of targets throughout Mogaung Valley. 18 Fighter Bombers and 6 B-25’s support ground forces at Mawlu while 3 B-25’s and 4 P-51’s hit positions at Nalong.

Fourteenth AF

61 P-40’s and 5 B-25’s attack targets throughout S China and Indochina. Numerous vehicles and troops are destroyed in Hsiangcheng, Loyang, and Luchou areas. 8 boxcars are destroyed and 70 more damaged between Thanh Moi and Bac Le and between Phu Lang Thuong and Lang Son. A barge is sunk at Campha Port and numerous sampans and small craft sunk or damaged at Cat Ba I. Main buildings at Nanchang mines are destroyed, Sienning bridge is damaged, and several railroad cars and vehicles are destroyed near Puchi. 14 B-25’s and 28 Fighter Bombers pound airfield and surrounding area at Hankow.

Fifth AF

B-24’s bomb Penfoei and Biak I. 150-plus B-25’s, A-20’s, and Fighter Bombers, operating almost continuously throughout the day, blast a variety of targets from Wewak to the shores of Hansa Bay. B-24’s of Thirteenth Air TF again bomb Woleai.

Thirteenth AF

24 B-25’s and 12 P-39’s pound the Talili Bay area. 37 P-39’s and 19 P-40’s attack targets in Porton area.

Seventh AF

B-25’s from Makin and Kwajalein hit Wotje and Jaluit. B-24’s, staging through Eniwetok, escort Navy airplanes on photo recon of Guam. The B-24’s bomb Guam from 20,000 ft, scoring hits on 2 airfields and a town area and proceed to Los Negros to prepare for return flight. The Heavy Bombers claim 4 interceptors shot down.

USA

NEW GUINEA—At conference of military leaders to consider Adm Barbey’s proposal that the Wakde-Sarmi operation be postponed, it is agreed that 21 May for D Day is preferable to 15 May and that the operation cannot be undertaken earlier than 16 May. Gen MacArthur, informed of this by Gen Krueger, proposes a major change: Wakde I., from which aircraft can cover future move to Biak, should be taken as planned but the Sarmi part of the operation should be cancelled, since terrain there does not appear to be of a suitable type to support heavy bomber operations. 32d Div staff becomes Hq, PERSECUTION TF. Aitape defenses are reorganized; E and W sectors, separated by Waitanan Creek, are to be held respectively by RCT 127 and RCT 726.

BURMA—In NCAC area, KHAKI CT, followed closely by ORANGE CT, cuts its way around Ritpong and emerges on trail S of village. 88th Regt, Ch 30th Div, makes unsuccessful attack on Ritpong from N. Elements of 114th Regt, Ch 38th Div, cross Nawngmi Stream.

ITALY—AAI: Gen Alexander sets 11 May as D Day for offensive.

 

80 Years Ago, Sunday 7 May 1944

USN

Pacific

Submarines Bonefish (SS-223) and Flasher (SS-249) damage Japanese army cargo ship Aobasan Maru in Sulu Sea off Zamboanga, 07°07'N, 121°50'E.

Submarine Burrfish (SS-312) sinks German oiler Rossbach, bound for Balikpapan, south of Murotosaki, Japan,33°15'N, 134°11'E.

Japanese TAKE No.1 convoy reaches Bangka Island, Celebes, where it will pause before continuing on toward Halmahera, while efforts continue to rescue survivors of the three ships (army cargo ships Aden Maru, Amatsuzan Maru and Tajima Maru sunk by Gurnard (SS-254) the day before.

AAF

Eighth AF

549 B-17’s bomb city of Berlin, 167 B-24’s bomb industrial center of Osnabruck, 145 B-24’s strike industrial area of Munster, and around 30 other Heavy Bombers bomb various targets of opportunity in Germany in morning raids. During the afternoon 19 B-24’s bomb marshalling yards at Liege and 9 bomb targets of opportunity. This is the first day in which over 900 Eighth AF Heavy Bombers attack targets and the second time in which over 1,000 are airborne on a single day’s operations. 9 bombers are lost.

Twelfth AF

Weather remains poor and precludes Medium Bomber operations. A-20’s hit dump SW of Albano Laziale. Fighter Bombers hit comm, especially roads, with excellent results. Roads, motor transports, trains, gun positions, bridges, tracks, marshalling yards, harbor areas, and other targets are attacked in areas around Stimigliano, Vetralla, Viterbo, Bracciano, Anzio, Manziana, Acquapendente, Civitavecchia, Terracina, Rome, and Elba I.

Fifteenth AF

420-plus B-17’s and B-24’s bomb marshalling yards in Bucharest. 62 P-51’s escort Heavy Bombers to target and 53 provide withdrawal escort. 84 P-38’s and P-51’s fly target cover. 38 B-17’s attack bridge at Belgrade.

Tenth AF

35 A-31’s pound area around Bishenpur. 15 P-38’s hit Kangaung area. 4 P-40’s hit targets of opportunity along road from N of Nanyaseik to Kamaing. 4 B-24’s lay mines in Gulf of Siam off Sattahib.

Fourteenth AF

4 B-25’s hit vehicle concentrations W and NW of Hsiangcheng and bomb town of Chiahsien, and 4 P-40’s destroy at least 25 trucks between the 2 towns. 8 P-40’s destroy or damage 40-60 trucks, tanks, and other vehicles during road sweeps from Loyang to Yenshih and from Yehhsien to Paofeng. 8 P- 40’s strafe forces and equipment E of Luchou, while 4 hit railroad targets of opportunity at Lang Son.

Fifth AF

B-24’s, B-25’s, and P-40’s hit Urarom, Biak I, HollandiaWakde coast, and Sawar-Maffin Bay area. A- 20’s, B-25’s, and Fighter Bombers again attack targets of opportunity from Wewak to area around Hansa Bay and strafe villages along Sepik R.

Thirteenth AF

15 B-25’s, hampered by bad weather, attack coastal gun on Cape Friendship and bomb W coast of

Rantan I. 70-plus P-39’s, P-38’s, and P-40’s bomb numerous targets throughout Buka and Bougainville,

including shipping and supply area at Chabai and Tsirogei, huts at Hiru Hiru, near Tonu, and at

Monoitu, and bridges W of Haigi and on Miwo R.

Seventh AF

B-24’s, staging through Eniwetok, bomb Truk during 6/7 May. B-25’s from Engebi hit Ponape during the following day. Makin-based B-25’s bomb Jaluit and Wotje.

USA

NEW GUINEA—Nyaparake Force patrol, after clashing with strong enemy patrol across the Dandriwad R, withdraws to W bank.

NEW BRITAIN—Elements of 40th Div occupy Cape Hoskins airdrome without opposition.

BURMA—In NCAC area, TF END RUN blocks exits from Ritpong from S and during night 7–8 frustrates efforts of Japanese to withdraw.

80 Years Ago, Monday 8 May 1944

USN

Pacific

Submarine Hoe (SS-258) damages Japanese escort vessel Sado and army tanker Akane Maru in South China Sea west of Luzon Strait, 19°22'N, 120°13'E.

Submarine Tautog (SS-199) attacks Japanese convoy in Tsugaru Strait, sinking army cargo ship Miyazaki Maru off Ominato, northern Honshu, 41°52'N, 141°12'E.

AAF

Eighth AF

During the morning 378 B-17’s bomb Berlin, 287 B-24’s and 49 B-17’s strike aircraft factories near Brunswick, and 29 Heavy Bombers attack Brandenburg and scattered targets of opportunity in the area; 36 bombers are lost on these raids. In afternoon 52 B-17’s bomb 1 V-weapon site at Sottevast, 29 B-17’s bomb sites at La Glacerie, and 56 B-24’s bomb M/Ys at Brussels, with 5 Heavy Bombers being lost in these afternoon operations. About 450 B-26’s and A-20’s bomb M/Ys, coastal defenses, bridges, airfields, and V-weapons sites in France and Belgium.

Twelfth AF

Fighter Bombers hit roads and railroads N of Rome, supply dump N of Anzio beachhead, and station at Colleferro. Numerous trucks and railroad cars are destroyed and many troops killed. Attacks against rolling stock on Rome-Orte rail line are especially effective.

Tenth AF

12 A-31’s continue attacks on sector SE of Buthidaung. 9 B-24’s and 9 B-25’s bomb Moirang and a village to the N, causing considerable damage including the destruction of a road bridge. 12 P-38’s hit Kangaung airfield.

Fifth AF

B-24’s and P-40’s operating in Geelvink Bay area attack Mokmer airfield and nearby shipping. A-20’s and Fighter Bombers continue to pound targets of opportunity along NE New Guinea coast from Wewak to Hansa Bay and along Sepik R.

Thirteenth AF

Fighter Bombers pound Tobera airfield and strafe targets of opportunity in the area. 2 sqs of B-24’s bomb gun positions at Sohano I and Hahilia while 30-plus P-39’s and P-40’s hit areas around Porton, Tsimba, Tarara, Kieta, Numa Numa, Tsirogei, and at several other points. B-25’s blast coast near Banin, hit Sohano I, and bomb airfield areas at Bonis and Buka.

Seventh AF

B-25’s from Engebi strike Ponape while Makin-based B-25’s pound Jaluit and Wotje, using Majuro as a shuttle base between strikes. B-24’s that landed at Los Negros after Guam strike on 6 May return to the Marshalls, bombing Ponape en route.

USA

NEW GUINEA—126th Inf completes relief of 163d in W sector of Aitape perimeter. Nyaparake Force is strengthened by arrival of rif le platoon and light MG section from Co A.

BURMA—In NCAC area, TF END RUN provides fire support for another attack by 88th Regt, Ch 30th Div, on Ritpong, but enemy retains the village. 114th Regt, Ch 38th Div, begins general advance on Kamaing, while 112th prepares to attack Warong.

ETO—Gen Eisenhower sets D Day for Normandy invasion as 5 June. This is subsequently postponed to 6 June.

80 Years Ago, Tuesday 9 May 1944

USN

Mediterranean

Submarine chaser PC-558 is sunk by German submarine U-230, 28 miles northeast by north of Palermo, Sicily.

Japanese TAKE No.1 convoy reaches Wasile Bay, Halmahera, having lost four of its original nine Marus during its passage to its destination.

AAF

Eighth AF

A total of 797 B-17’s and B-24’s bomb airfields at Saint Dizier Robinson, Thionville, Juvincourt-et-Damary, Laon/Athies, Laon/Couvron, Lille, Nivelles, Saint-Trond, and Florennes; and marshalling yards at Liege, Thionville, and Luxembourg. This is start of an offensive against airfields, set within a month of Normandy invasion so that the GAF will not have time to recover before D-Day.

Ninth AF

The 367th and 406th FGs become operational, bringing the fighter group total of the Ninth AF to 18. Over 40 Medium Bombers attack marshalling yards, railway batteries, coastal defense batteries, bridges, and NOBALL sites in France.

Twelfth AF

B-26’s hit Incisa in Valdarno railroad bridge and viaduct while A-20’s attack fuel dumps. Fighter Bombers again blast roads and railroads and other targets at various locations N of Rome, including Lake Bolsena, Civitavecchia, Colleferro, Civita Castel-lana, Orte, and San Giovanni Valdarno.

USSR

Soviet Army captures Sevastopol.

Tenth AF

20-plus A-31’s continue attacks on Buthidaung area, hitting troop concentrations and supply dumps Myothit, and SE of Palel, and severely damage bridge over Uyu R near Nawngpuawng. Mogaung Valley targets, including targets in support of ground forces near Kamaing, are pounded by more than 60 B-25’s, A-36’s, P-51’s, and P-40’s. 9 P-51’s hit troops and gun positions at Mawlu and Namkwin and hit Nalong area. 3 B-24’s blast barracks area at Nagorn Sawarn while 3 P-51’s hit Anisakan airfield, destroying or damaging 20-plus trucks, 2 airplanes, and a locomotive. 8 B-24’s lay mines in Moulmein area, 2 others make diversionary strike on Martaban, and 5 mine Mergui waterfront.

Fifth AF

More than 50 B-24’s and B-25’s bomb Langgoer and Faan airstrips, and Bosnik supply area and Mokmer airfield. 220-plus A-20’s and Fighter Bombers continue to blast numerous targets of opportunity along NE New Guinea coastline from Wewak to Hansa Bay area. 12 B-24’s of Thirteenth Air TF bomb Woleai.

Thirteenth AF

33 Fighter Bombers pound A/ F at Lakunai. Fighter sweeps over New Ireland and New Britain continue. On Bougainville 30-plus P-39’s and P-38’s hit barges in Porton-Chabai area, huts at Kieta, and ammo dump S of Aitara Mission. 10 other P-38’s and 12 B-25’s bomb Bonis airfield and nearby targets of opportunity in Buka Passage.

Seventh AF

During 8/9 May B-24’s stage through Kwajalein to bomb Truk. Makin-based B-25’s hit Wotje and Jaluit, using Majuro as a rearming point between attacks.

USA

NEW GUINEA—Planners meeting at ALAMO Force hq decide to undertake the Wakde-Biak operation as proposed by Gen MacArthur with forces originally assigned to the Wakde-Sarmi operation. D Day for Wakde is set for 17 May and Z Day for Biak for 27 May. Japanese withdraw their MLR to line Sorong–Halmahera. Nyaparake Force patrols, using coastal trail and an inland one paralleling it, advance almost 5,000 yards E of the Dandriwad against some resistance and retire to Babiang at dusk.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Ch 198th Div, Y– Force, is ordered to move forward to crossing site over Salween. Salween crossings are to be made night 10 or 11 May. Japanese are driven from Ritpong, and Chinese troops remain there to mop up while Marauders move S to Lazu and block trail. 114th Regt, Ch 38th Div, overruns East Wala and Hlagyi and is approaching 112th Regt’s outposts just N of Manpin.

USSR—Sevastopol falls to Soviet forces.

FRANCE-BELGIUM—U.S. Eighth Air Force begins large-scale attacks on airfields, striking at Laon, Florennes, Thionville, St Dizier, Juvincourt, Orleans, Bourges, and Avord. The offensive against airfields, in which RAF BC, AEAF, and U.S. Eighth Air Force are to participate, is started less than a month before Normandy invasion so the enemy will not have time to recover by D Day.

80 Years Ago, Wednesday10 May 1944

 USN

Pacific

Naval Base, Eniwetok, Marshalls, is established.

Motor torpedo boat PT-79 is damaged in collision, Cold Bay.

Submarine Cod (SS-224) attacks large Japanese convoy off west coast of Luzon, sinking destroyer Karukaya and transport Shohei Maru about 150 miles northwest of Manila, 15°38'N, 119°32'E.

Submarine Silversides (SS-236) attacks Japanese convoy about 120 miles south-southwest of Guam, sinking auxiliary cable ship Okinawa Maru, gunboat No.2 Choan Maru, and collier No.18 Mikage Maru, 11°26'N, 143°46'E, and forces it to return whence it comes. Silversides survives depth-charging by one or more of the following ships: escort vessel Momi, submarine chaser Ch 30, auxiliary submarine chaser Cha 66 and auxiliary minelayer Wa 5.

Submarine Tambor (SS-198) encounters Japanese convoy 3503 (see 4 May 1944), and torpedoes aircraft transport Keiyo Maru about 420 miles northwest of Saipan, 19°26'N, 140°19'E.

Mediterranean

Off Anzio, submarine chaser PC-556 is damaged by bomb; destroyers Charles F. Hughes (DD-428) and Hilary P. Jones (DD-427) bombard German supply dumps.

AAF

Ninth AF

About 300 Medium Bombers attack marshalling yards, airfields, and NOBALL targets in France and Belgium. P-47’s and P-51’s divebomb targets in NW Europe for the sixth straight day. Bad weather causes large number of aborts.

Twelfth AF

Weather permits Medium Bomber operations for first time in several days. B-25’s hit bridges near San Giovanni Valdarno, Orvieto, and Monte Molino, and Terni viaduct. B-26’s attack bridges W of Arezzo. Fighter Bombers continue attacks on roads and railroads N of Rome. Tgts in areas of Avezzano, Civitavecchia, Furbara, Terni, Todi, Orvieto, Manciano, Perugia, Monte San Savino, and La Spezia, and near Rome are attacked.

Fifteenth AF

485th BG (B-24) is declared operational, giving Fifteenth AF its planned operational strength of 21 Heavy Bomber gps. The 52d FG (P-51) also begins operations with the Fifteenth on this date, making a total of 6 fighter gps. Around 400 Heavy Bombers attack airfield and industrial complex at Wiener-Neustadt. Over 200 fighters provide support. 19 Heavy Bombers hit Knin railroad center. Over 300 Heavy Bombers are forced to abort due to bad weather which has halted operations for the past few days. Opposition is fierce against the Wiener-Neustadt missions. 21 Heavy Bombers and 1 fighter are lost. US aircraft claim 50 combat victories.

CBI

In drive to free the Burma Road, Chinese troops cross Salween R on a 100-mi front and attack Japanese positions in N Burma.

Tenth AF

12 A-31’s hit Buthidaung area. More than 70 B-25’s, A-36’s, P-51’s, P-40’s, and 10 B-24’s blast numerous targets, concentrating on barracks and storage in Myitkyina-Mogaung vicinity and also hitting gun positions and bridges at Kamaing, and railroad siding and buildings at Mohnyin. 60-plus A-31’s hit Kohima and Bishenpur, and damage bridge near Kalewa. 16 P-38’s destroy several aircraft in strikes on Aungban and Kangaung airfields.

Fourteenth AF

P-40’s sink 6 large junks and damage several others in Fan Tou Bay, and destroy several trucks between Wan Pa-Hsa and Mong Ho Pung. 28 P-40’s bomb Tengchung town area, strafe nearby truck convoy, damage bridges at Tingka, Bac Le and Hsenwi, hit power dam at Tasa, bomb tank and truck dispersal area at Hsiangcheng, and hit 30-plus railroad cars at Lang Giai, Dong Dang, and Na Cham.

Fifth AF

120-plus B-24’s, A-20’s, and Fighter Bombers, along with RAAF airplanes, maintain attacks on targets of opportunity along NE New Guinea coast from Hansa Bay area to Wewak. 2 B-24’s hit Mokmer airfield. 45 B-24’s of Thirteenth Air TF bomb airfield on Eten I and warehouse area at Dublon.

Thirteenth AF

41 Fighter Bombers attack Tobera airfield. 11 B-25’s hit Matupi I. Ftrs on sweep hit trucks W of Keravat. 4 B-25’s bomb Muguai Mission. 61 P-39’s (some back from Tobera strike) and 12 P-40’s attack targets throughout Buka-Bougainville area, including bridge over Crepers R, supply area at Mawareka, barge at Chabai, village on Schwarze Pt, pillbox at Gohi, and general area of Porton Plantations.

Seventh AF

B-24’s from Kwajalein bomb Wake during 9/10 May. During the day, B-25’s from Engebi bomb Ponape while Makin-based B-25’s raid Jaluit and Wotje.

Eleventh AF

The Eleventh directs its components to place more emphasis on photographing and bombing of specific targets instead of general recon.

USA

U.S.—James V. Forrestal is appointed Secretary of the Navy.

NEW GUINEA—GHQ SWPA issues instructions for Wakde-Biak operation. After air strike by RAAF, Nyaparake Force pushes E from Babiang and takes Marubian without opposition.

CBI—In NCAC area, H and K Forces are now concentrated at Lazu. On Salween front Y–Force begins crossing the Sal-ween without incident, night 10–11.

ITALY—AAI: On eve of offensive, Allied dispositions are as follows: U.S. Fifth Army, with II Corps on left and FEC on right, holds sector from Tyrrhenian Sea to confluence of Liri and Gari Rivers; 36th Div is in Fifth Army reserve. Br Eighth Army has 13 Corps on left and Cdn 1 Corps behind it; Pol 2 Corps and then 10 Corps to right, and 5 Corps in Adriatic coastal sector; S African 6th Armd Div is in Eighth Army reserve.

80 Years Ago, 11 May 1944 Thursday

USN

Pacific

Submarine Crevalle (SS-291) evacuates 28 women and children from Negros, P.I.

Submarine Rasher (SS-269) attacks Japanese convoy, sinking auxiliary vessel Choi Maru in the Molucca Sea northwest of Boeroe Island, 03°30'S, 126°06'E.

Submarine Sand Lance (SS-381) attacks Japanese convoy, sinking transport Mitakesan Maru off Tinian, 14°57'N,145°15'E.

Submarine Sturgeon (SS-187) attacks Japanese convoy, sinking army cargo ship Seiryu Maru about 140 miles north of Chichi Jima, 29°41'N, 141°35'E.

Europe

Naval Advanced Amphibious Base, Southhampton, England, is established.

Atlantic

Covered lighter YF-415 is destroyed by explosion of undetermined origin in North Atlantic off east coast of the United States, 42°24'N, 70°36'W.

AAF

Eighth AF

164 B-24’s bomb marshalling yards at Mulhouse, Belfort, and Epinal; 24 bomb secondary targets of marshalling yards at Chaumont; 66 attack Orleans/Bricy and other targets of last resort. 5 bombers are lost in these early afternoon raids. In late afternoon 2 forces, totaling 549 B-17’s, bomb marshalling yards at Saarbrucken, Ehrang, Volkingen, KonzKarthaus, Thionville, Liege, Brussels/Midi, Brussels/Schaerbeek, Bettembourg, and elsewhere in Luxembourg. 8 bombers are lost.

Ninth AF

More than 330 Medium Bombers attack airfields at Beaumont-le-Roger and Cormeilles-en-Vexin and marshalling yards at Aerschot and Mezieres/Charleville. Bad visibility and failure to rendezvous with fighters cause over 100 aborts. This is start of Ninth’s participation in AAF pre-invasion offensive against airfields.

Twelfth AF

Medium Bombers, hampered by weather, attack Portoferraio, bridges near Orvieto and Ficulle, tracks at Piombino, viaduct at Poggibonsi, and bridges at Certaldo and Signa. Fighter Bombers hit Fondi, rail lines NE of Rome, airfield at Littoria, rail facilities in Perugia area, barge, harbor area, and factory in Portoferraio area, and tracks near Castiglione d’Orcia. Other Fighter Bombers attack numerous positions along main front as US Fifth and British Eighth Armies begin assault through the Gustav Line and the drive toward Rome.

Tenth AF

24 A-31’s hit Japanese positions at Labawa and SE of Maungdaw. 36 A-31’s hit positions at Kohima and Potsangbam. In Mogaung Valley 70-plus B-25’s, A-36’s, P-51’s, and P-40’s, attack Myitkyina and Pinbaw areas, Sahmaw, targets NW of Kamaing, gun positions at Nsopzup, and targets of opportunity along road from Inkangahtawng to Kamaing. 24 P-51’s attack airfield at Meiktila, Anisakan, and Heho, shooting down 13 airplanes in the area. 14 B-24’s pound Maymyo railroad station. 12 B-25’s attack railroad in Shwebo- Sagaing area. 12 other B-25’s knock out bridges at Pyu, Thawatti, Ela, and 7 mi S of Ela.

Fourteenth AF

24 P-40’s knock out main bridge N of Mangshih, bomb town area of Lungchwanchiang, damage radio station on Cat Ba I and destroy several large junks off shore, and attack power dam W of Cao Bang, buildings at Dong Dang, and boxcars and oil drums at Lang Giai. 6 B-25’s and 24 P-40’s (some firing rockets) pound railroad yards and depot at Sinyang, blast warehouse area 30 mi to the N, and sink a small freighter, 3 motor launches, and several sampans between Siaokan and Chienli. 2 B-25’s and 4 P-40’s hit troops, tanks, and trucks in Yenshih-Tengfeng-Mihsien area and in Luchou-Hsiangcheng vicinity. 6 P-40’s pound supply dumps at Mienchih and 13 P-40’s sink at least 5 supply boats on the Yangtze in the Hosueh area.

Fifth AF

130-plus B-24’s and B-25’s bomb gun emplacements and supply areas on Wakde and Mokmer airfield and targets of opportunity on Biak. 220-plus Fighter Bombers, A-20’s, B-24’s, and B-25’s continue to pound coastal bridges and villages, fuel dumps, vehicles, gun positions, supply areas, bivouacs, and various targets along the shoreline from Hansa Bay to Wewak.

Thirteenth AF

8 P-38’s bomb supply-personnel area W of Tobera. 12 B-25’s, 12 P-40’s and 3 B-24’s hit Vunakanau airfield. Ftrs on sweeps and bombing missions over the Bismarcks hit various targets at Kabanga Plantation, Gazelle Peninsula area, N of Sae R, and at Labout. 70-plus P-39’s, P-40’s, and P-38’s (flying total of 18 missions) attack variety of targets, including piers at Chabai, Ratsua, and Porton, wooded area near Pipipaia, town of Siruluna, bridge at Tokinotu, and airfield at Buka.

Seventh AF

B-24’s, staging through Eniwetok, bomb Truk during 10/11 May. During day B-25’s from Engebi hit Ponape while others, based at Makin, pound Jaluit.

USA

CBI—In NCAC area, Chinese Y–Force continues crossing the Salween under cover of darkness. Three regts of 36th Div and 346th Regt, 116th Div, cross at Mengta Ferry. K Marauder Force starts toward Ngao Ga. 11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area, 4 Corps regroups. Ind 23d Div is given responsibility for Palel–Tamu road. Ind 20th Div drives N in 2 columns toward Ukhrul.

ITALY—AAI: AAI opens drive on Rome at 2300 with tremendous arty bombardment of Gustav Line by weapons of U.S. Fifth and Br Eighth Armies. While 5 Corps, under direct control of AAI, contains Adriatic coastal sector, U.S. Fifth Army’s II U.S. Corps and FEC and Br Eighth Army’s 13 and Pol 2 Corps attack, night 11–12. Tactical surprise is achieved, but enemy rallies quickly. U.S. Fifth Army jumps off first, moving forward under cover of arty bombardment. U.S. II Corps, in Gulf of Gaeta coastal sector, attacks with 85th Div on left and 88th on right. 85th Div’s 339th Inf makes limited progress above Scauri: elements secure positions on slopes of M. dei Pensieri and part of S. Martino Hill, but others make no progress against S. Domenico Ridge, SW of Tremensuoli. 338th Inf, co-ordinating its attack for S Ridge—so-called because of its shape—which extends SW from Tamo to Solacciano, with that of 88th Div’s 351st Inf toward S. Maria Infante, is unable to take Solacciano or advance up draw between S Ridge and S. Maria Ridge. Pushing N along S. Maria Ridge from Minturno area, 351st Inf gets forward elements to Hills 146 and 150. 350th Inf, 88th Div, in co-operation with FEC to right, attacks hills SW of Castelforte and clears 3—413,316, and Ceracoli. On left flank of FEC Corps, 4th Moroccan Mtn Div attacks toward Castelforte in conjunction with left flank elements of II Corps. To right, 2d Moroccan Div overruns M. Faito and Cerasola Hill.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps attacks across the Rapido in force in region between the Liri and Cassino, employing 4th Div on N and Ind 8th Div on S. Enemy vigorously opposes crossings but bridgehead is established. Pol 2 Corps begins attack in Cassino area to right of 13 Corps at 0100, 12th. 10 Corps, on extreme right of Eighth Army, secures right flank of assault forces and demonstrates to mislead enemy.

FRANCE—Ninth Air Force begins program of attacks on selected airfields within range of Caen, hitting those at Beaumont-le-Roger and Cormeillesen-Vexin.

80 Years Ago, Monday 1 May 194

 USN

Pacific

Supported by carrier planes from TG 58.1, TG 58.7 (Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee), consisting of seven battleships screened by 14 destroyers, bombards wharf areas, seaplane base, and other Japanese installations on Ponape Island, Carolines.

District patrol craft YP-95 sinks after running aground in Beyer Bay, south shore of Adak, Aleutian Islands, while assisting in a minesweeping mission.

Submarine Bluegill (SS-242) sinks Japanese army cargo ship Asosan Maru [repaired after her encounter with Trigger (SS-237) on 19 April] east of Mindanao, 07°05'N, 130°00'E.

PB4Y damages Japanese cargo vessel Anshu Maru off Biak.

AAF

Eighth AF

More than 500 Heavy Bombers are dispatched on an early morning mission to attack 23 V-weapon sites in Pas de Calais area. Bad weather causes many aborts. 129 of these Heavy Bombers manage to attack V-weapon sites at Marquise/Mimoyecques, Watten, and Bois de l’Enfer and airfields at Paix, Montdidier, and Roye/Amy. In afternoon raid 328 B-17’s and B-24’s bomb marshalling yards at Troyes, Reims, Sarreguemines, Metz, Liege, and Brussels.

Ninth AF

The last of the 11 bomb groups (8 medium and 3 light) of IX BC becomes operational. 450 B-26’s and A-20’s attack numerous marshalling yards and industrial targets in France and Belgium.

Twelfth AF

Medium Bombers attack bridges at Albinia Station, NW of Chiusi, in and near Grosseto, near Monte Molino, Calafuria, and at Pontedera. Also attacked are viaduct at Monte Catellana and marshalling yards at Florence/Campo di Marte and Florence, with particularly good results at Florence. LBs hit ammo dump at Fara in Sabina. P-40’s and P-47’s hit rail tracks in Rome area, Priverno station, guns N of Anzio, dumps at Frascati, stations at Colleferro and Frosinone, tracks at Orbetello and Orvieto, bridge and tunnel N of Todi, road in Canino, dump and factory at Stimigliano, vessels E of Piombino, factory E of Cecina, bridge approaches at Grosseto and Arezzo, dump at Grosseto, and tunnel at Rignano sull ‘Arno.

Tenth AF

18 P-38’s and A-31’s hit troop positions and supply dumps. 7 P-40’s over Mogaung Valley hit Kamaing and attack positions N of Nanyaseik. 30-plus B-24’s bomb Maymyo, Mandalay marshalling yard, and oil facilities at Yenangyaung.

Fourteenth AF

32 P-40’s hit targets over wide areas of S China, Burma and Indochina. The Fighter Bombers knock out bridge at Wan Lai-Kam, pound motor pool at Wan Pa-Hsa, and strafe railroad station and airfield at Yuncheng, damage 3 bridges and hit numerous boxcars at Bac Le, Dinh Ca, and Dong Mo, and bomb carbide mines at Loc Binh. Dong Dang and Na Cham railroad yards are also strafed. 7 B-25’s and 8 P-40’s bomb Tangyang airfield and nearby cavalry post. 2 B-25’s over Amoy claim a small freighter sunk. 15 enemy airplanes bomb airstrips at Ankang and Hengyang.

Fifth AF

180-plus Medium Bombers, LBs, and fighters pound Wewak and Hansa Bay areas throughout the day. Numerous coastline targets are hit, including airfields, vehicles, comm, villages, AA positions, bivouacs, supplies, barges, and offshore islands. B-24’s of Thirteenth Air TF hit Woleai and Eauriprik Is.

Thirteenth AF

24 B-24’s over Borpop area attack coastal guns. 40-plus Fighter Bombers and more than 30 Navy dive bombers pound Vunakambi Plantation. 38 P-39’s, flying 18 different missions, hit a variety of targets on SW Bougainville, including missions at Tinputs, Koromira, and Tsimba, Hongorai R crossing, Numa Numa bridge, and huts at Aravia and Kunapaupau.

Twentieth AF

By this date all 4 Very Heavy Bomber fields in Chengtu area are open to B-29 traffic.

Seventh AF

Shore-based AF Forward Area (TF 59) is activated to control all Army, Navy, and Marine shore-based aircraft in the C Pacific forward area. The cmd is headed by Gen Hale, former CG of the Seventh. B-25’s from Makin bomb Jaluit.

Eleventh AF

A single weather sortie is flown.

USA

CAROLINE Is.—TF 58 completes 2-day action against Truk, during which some 120 Japanese aircraft are destroyed, about half of them on the ground.

NEW GUINEA—Upon returning to Kamti village, Co I of 163d Inf finds that Japanese have withdrawn. Little contact is made with enemy on W flank after this. Nyaparake Force moves back to Nyaparake by water and sets up outposts at Charov and Jalup.

BURMA—Air supply situation improves as Air Marshal Sir John Baldwin becomes responsible for co-ordination of activities of Troop Carrier Command with those of 3d TAF.

In NCAC area, SOS takes responsibility for Y-FOS.

ITALY—AAI: Final details of plans for drive on Rome are ironed out at meeting at Caserta.

80 Years Ago, Tuesday 30 May 1944

USN

Pacific

Submarine Guitarro (SS-363), despite proximity of at least three escort vessels, sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Shisen Maru 60 miles southeast of Keelung, Formosa, 24°32'N, 123°24'E.

Submarine Pompon (SS-267) sinks Japanese merchant passenger/cargo ship Shiga Maru off Murotosaki, Japan,33°15'N, 134°11'E.

Submarine Rasher (SS-269) continues attack on Japanese convoy in the eastern Celebes Sea, sinking gunboat AnshuMaru about 110 miles north-northwest of Halmahera, 03°40'N, 126°58'E.

USAAF B-25s (11th Air Force) sink Japanese guardboat Shinyo Maru northeast of Paramushiro, Kurils, and damageguardboat No.3 Showa Maru east of the Kurils.

USAAF B-25s damage Japanese cargo vessel Nansei Maru west of Manokwari.

AAF

UK

Loading of assault forces for OVERLORD begins.

Eighth AF

911 Heavy Bombers operating in 6 forces attack aircraft factories, A/Fs, and depots at Dessau, Oschersleben, Halberstadt, Rotenburg, Zwischenahn, Oldenburg, Diepholz, and Handorf; marshalling yards at Brussels, Troyes, and Reims; V-weapon sites at Watten and Siracourt; and various targets of opportunity.

Ninth AF

Over 320 Medium Bombers attack A/Fs at Denain/Prouvy and Mantes/ Limay, and highway bridges at Meulan and Rouen. Nearly 400 P-47’s dive-bomb targets in NW Europe.

Twelfth AF

B-26’s and B-25’s destroy or damage 10 bridges, bridge approaches, and viaducts which affect supply routes to battlefronts across C Italy. Light Bombers and Fighter Bombers blast motor transports and gun positions in battle area and hit targets in and around towns in the area, including Guidonia, Ariccia, Alatri, and Veroli. Transport airplanes evacuate wounded from Nettuno.

Fifteenth AF

Nearly 500 B-17’s and B-24’s attack A/F and aircraft factory at Wels, factories at Pottendorf, Neudorfl, and Neunkirchen and marshalling yard at Zagreb. P-38’s and P-51’s provide escort. Many of the fighters strafe targets of opportunity in areas around Zut, Brod, Susak, Bihac, Medak, and along Karlovac-Livno road.

Tenth AF

9 B-25’s attack railroad between Namma and Hopin. B-25’s and Fighter Bombers fly 100 sorties against railroad targets, hitting tracks, rolling stock, stations, and bridges in vicinities of Mogaung, Myitkyina, Hopin, and Loilaw. Imphal-Tiddim road is bombed by 3 B-24’s.

Fourteenth AF

48 fighters support ground forces in Mamien Pass-Watien-Chiangtso area. 31 supply airplanes drop food and ammo to friendly forces in Mamien Pass area. 13 B-25’s damage Wan Pa-Hsa bridge and bomb town of Lungling, destroying 6 warehouses and starting several big fires. 8 P-51’s hit railroad targets of opportunity on sweeps from Peking, Chengting, Pingting, Linfen, and Puchou. 16 P-38’s and P-51’s dive-bomb installations at W end of Nanchang bridge, causing much damage. 5 B-25’s and 12 P-40’s strafe troops, supplies, and occupied strongpoints at Loyang and at several locations along Yangtze and Yellow Rivers. Japanese air strikes on Hengyang and Liangshan A/Fs destroy 4 US airplanes, damage several others, and blow up a fuel dump.

Fifth AF

B-25’s hit enemy positions as fighting on Biak I slacks temporarily. Other B-25’s bomb A/F and nearby AA guns and fuel at Timoeka. B-24’s and A-20’s hit Japen I. In Wakde-Sarmi battle area, B-25’s bomb and strafe shoreline from NW of Sawar to Sarmi Pt. Wewak area is again blasted by 70-plus A-20’s, B-24’s, and B-25’s, along with RAAF aircraft. Thirteenth Air TF B-24’s hit Truk Atoll, Woleai, and Puluwat group.

Thirteenth AF

23 B-26’s bomb personnel areas NE of Tobera. 40-plus P-38’s, P-40’s, and P-39’s bomb supply dump near Ratawul. 33 P-39’s and 8 P-40’s demolish bridges at Kirinani and over the Siaibai R. Log ramp over Miwo R is damaged and road between Puriata R and Kiaraba is hit. The Fighter Bombers also attack Buka runway, Chabai barge anchorage, and Soraken supply area.

Seventh AF

B-25’s from Engebi bomb Ponape, which is also hit by B-24’s returning from shuttle base at Los Negros. 2 forces of B-24’s from Kwajalein strike Truk and Wake.

Eleventh AF

1 B-25 and 2 P-38’s fly guardship cover.

USA

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, 186th Inf meets few enemy as it patrols from Parai Defile eastward. 162d Inf patrols evoke opposition from Japanese in Ibdi pocket, on ridge NW of Ibdi. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 158th Inf organizes new defense line along Tirfoam R. 1st and 3d Bns, 163d Inf, leave for Biak. Japanese attack Arare perimeter after nightfall.

BURMA—Gen Boatner replaces Col John E. Mc- Cammon as head of Myitkyina TF.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, enemy continues stubborn defense of Albano, Velletri, and Lanuvio. CCB, 1st Armd Div, reaches Campoleone Creek and is reinf by 157th Inf. 135th Inf, 34th Div, reduces small enemy position SW of Lanuvio 36th Div continues holding action below Velletri and at night attacks toward M. Artemisio. 1st Br Div is attached to corps at midnight. II Corps continues movement to new zone. During night 30–31, 85th Div relieves elements of 3d Div. 349th Inf, 88th Div, arrives SW of Cori and is attached to 85th Div. In FEC area, elements of 3d Moroccan Div move into Palombara Pass.

In Br Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps continues toward Frosinone and makes contact with French at Ceccano.

U.K.—Loading of assault forces for OVERLORD begins.

USMC

Remainder of the FORAGER Northern Troops and Landing Force not embarked in LSTs departs Pearl Harbor.

80 Years Ago, Monday 29 May 1944

 USN

Pacific

Destroyers (Destroyer Squadron 41) bombard Japanese installations on northern coast of New Ireland, shelling the Medina Plantation area.

Submarine Rasher (SS-269) attacks Japanese convoy in the eastern Celebes Sea, damaging gunboat Anshu Maru about 110 miles north-northwest of Halmahera, 03°32'N, 127°07'E (see 30 May 1944).

Submarine Silversides (SS-236), despite the proximity of four escort vessels and aircraft, sinks Japanese transports Horaisan Maru and Shoken Maru about 100 miles north-northwest of Saipan, 16°23'N, 144°59'E.

Japanese convoy no. 3530 sails from Yokohama, bound for Saipan. The seven transports/cargo ships carry men and equipment of the Japanese Army's 118th Infantry (see 4- 7 June 1944).

Atlantic

German submarine U-549 sinks escort carrier Block Island (CVE-21) and damages destroyer escort Barr (DE-576) but is sunk by destroyer escorts Ahrens (DE-575) and Eugene E. Elmore (DE-686) northwest of Canary Islands,31°13'N, 23°03'W.

AAF

Eighth AF

881 Heavy Bombers attack synthetic oil plant at Politz, airfields at Hohn and Schneidemuhl, airfield and aircraft assembly plant at Tutow, and aircraft factories and assembly plants at Leipzig, Cottbus, Sorau, Krzesiny, and Poznan. 34 Heavy Bombers are lost on mission.

Ninth AF

Over 450 B-26’s and A-20’s bomb airfield, marshalling yards, railroad bridges, coastal battery, and NOBALL targets in France and Belgium. Over 200 P-47’s bomb targets in same area.

Twelfth AF

B-25’s bomb rail bridges near Bucine and at Poggibonsi and Lisciano. B-26’s hit viaducts at Terni and near Stifone, railroad junction and marshalling yard at Terentola, Castiglion Fiorentino bridge, the Voltri shipyards, and a bridge nearby. A-20’s hit troops in bivouac and bomb supply dump. Fighter Bombers continue to blast motor transport between battlelines and Rome. Transports evacuate over 400 wounded from Anzio area.

Fifteenth AF

829 B-17’s and B-24’s (largest number of Fifteenth AF Heavy Bombers completing attacks in a single day up to this time) bomb airfields and aircraft factories at Wollersdorf, Wiener-Neustadt, and Atzgersdorf, and attack airfields, troops, and supply concentrations at Zegar, Zavalje, Prijedor, Bosanski Novi, Knin, Banjaluka, Drvar, Livno, and Basanska Krupa. P-38’s and P-51’s escort the Austrian missions while P- 38’s accompany the Heavy Bombers to Yugoslav targets and afterwards strafe numerous targets of opportunity. Fighter opposition over Yugoslavia is negligible but around 150 fighters attempt interception over Austria, principally in Wiener- Neustadt area. 23 US aircraft are lost. Heavy Bombers and fighters claim over 60 fighters shot down.

Tenth AF

27 B-25’s and 40-plus Fighter Bombers pound troops and positions at Bhamo and Mohnyin, railroad at Mogaung, and warehouses at Sahmaw.

Fourteenth AF

7 B-24’s pound areas along Burma Road, 3 bomb town of Wanling, and 2 attack convoy of Hainan, claiming a 250-ft freighter sunk. 26 P-40’s and P-38’s attack troops at Lushan, pound barracks and demolish 7 trucks at Yuanchu, bomb and strafe general area at Nanchang, and destroy several buildings along Hsiang R N of Changsha.

Fifth AF

B-24’s pound gun positions, defense areas, and troops, as first tank battle of SWPA is fought W of Parai on Biak I. Other B-24’s pound airfields on nearby mainland at Timoeka and Babo. A-20’s, B-25’s, and P-47’s, along with RAAF airplanes and a few Heavy Bombers from the Biak strike, saturating Wewak area with continuous air strikes. In Wakde Sarmi battle zone, B-25’s and P-40’s hit forces in Mount Saskin area. B-24’s of Thirteenth Air TF bomb Woleai and other nearby islands in the Carolines.

SOPAC

Gen Moore, USMC, takes over as COMAIRSOLS.

Thirteenth AF

Almost 100 B-25’s, P-38’s, P-39’s, and a variety of Navy airplanes pound the Rabaul area, with AAF aircraft concentrating on Nordup supply area and the others concentrating on Hospital Pt AA positions. 24 P-39’s and 16 P-40’s blast occupied areas W of Tinputs Harbor and at Arigua Plantation.

Seventh AF

Operations are restricted to photo missions over Wotje, Mille, and Jaluit.

Eleventh AF

At dawn 2 B-25’s photograph and bomb Shimushu and Matsuwa (secondary). During early afternoon 2 B-25’s escorted by 4 P-38’s strafe, bomb and sink a patrol boat in the Kurils. Later 4 other B-25’s unsuccessfully attack 2 vessels off Shimushu.

USA

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, first tank battle of SWPA is fought as Japanese attempt to dislodge 2d Bn, 162d Inf, from positions W of Parai. Enemy cuts road E of Parai but counterattack restores situation. Since opposition cannot be neutralized, 162d Inf withdraws by land and sea, 2d and 3d Bns to Bosnek and Mandom and rest of RCT 162 to small defense perimeter near Ibdi. Japanese move back into Parai Defile, but achieve this success at cost of more than 500 dead. Gen Krueger orders 2 bns of 163d Inf to Biak, although Toem–Arare beachhead on the mainland is still threatened. In Wakde-Sarmi area, Gen Patrick directs 158th Inf to send I bn back across Tor R; 1st Bn is replaced by 3d and returns to relieve 3d Bn, 163d Inf, at Arare.

CBI—Gen Chennault warns of serious Japanese threat to objectives in E China and asks that Fourteenth Air Force supplies be increased so that enemy can be stopped. On Salween front, supply situation of Chinese improves as footbridge is repaired. This is later found to be inadequate and air supply is required for Chinese in Mamien Pass.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 1st Armd Div attacks up Albano road with CCB on left and CCA on right, passing through 45th Div; clears Campoleone Station by noon but is slowed beyond there by firm opposition and suffers heavy tank losses. 45th Div’s 180th Inf follows CCB northward while 179th pushes N in region E of Albano road; 157th is withdrawn into reserve. 36th Div continues holding action below Velletri. Enemy continues effective defense of Lanuvio area and inflicts heavy casualties On 34th Div. II Corps takes over sector E of Frascati between VI Corps and Br Eighth Army; assumes command of 3d Div. 337th Inf, 85th Div, closes in Rocca Mass ima–Giulianello area. In IV Corps area, relief of 88th Div is begun by FEC. 349th Inf is relieved and departs for Anzio beachhead. In FEC area, 2d Moroccan Div is taking over Siserno hill mass from 4th Mtn Div and repels enemy attack to keep Palombara Pass open until withdrawal is completed.

In Br Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps begins drive on Frosinone from Ceprano and takes Pofi. 13 Corps finds Arce undefended; establishes bridgehead across upper Liri. 10 Corps takes over inactive zone of Pol 2 Corps, which is to relieve 10 Corps in Adriatic coastal sector and continue drive under AAI control.

USMC

Portion of the FORAGER Northern Troops and Landing Force not embarked in LSTs departs Pearl Harbor.

 

80 Years Ago, Sunday 28 May 1944

 USN

Pacific

Destroyer Stockton (DD-646) is damaged by shore battery, Biak Island, Schouten Islands, New Guinea, 01°00'S,136°00'E.

PV-1 (VB 148) accidentally bombs submarine Permit (SS-178) off Truk, 06°45'N, 151°52'E, but the damage sustained by Permit does not prevent her from continuing her war patrol.

Mediterranean

U.S. motor torpedo boats sink German corvette UJ.2210 in Ligurian Sea.

AAF

Eighth AF

Almost 900 Heavy Bombers attack aircraft works, synthetic oil plants, military vehicle plants and repair depots at Ruhland, Dessau, Cologne, Merseburg, Zeitz, Konigsberg, Lutzkendorf, Magdeburg, and nearly 30 different targets of opportunity. An estimated 450 fighters oppose the mission with about 350 concentrating in Magdeburg area. 32 US bombers are lost.

Ninth AF

Over 600 B-26’s and A-20’s bomb marshalling yards, naval yards, railway bridges, and V-weapon sites in France and Belgium. 8 aircraft are lost. P-47’s dive-bomb several targets in same general area.

Twelfth AF

Medium Bombers hit bridges, viaducts, and railroad lines at several locations in C Italy, including Narni, Cortona, Terni, Ladispoli, Torrita di Siena, Magnano, Recco, Arezzo, Rapallo, Vado, Bucine, and Castiglion Fiorentino. Light Bombers hit ammo dump while Fighter Bombers continue close support to advancing ground forces, encountering considerably less enemy motor transport behind lines because of the heavy attrition of recent days. Many roads, railroads, and bridges are hit as well as numerous other targets along the battlefront which now stretches from W coast SW of Carroceto to the NE almost to Valmontone, then SW to just above Sezze, and from there rambles E to NE to E coast below Pescara.

Fifteenth AF

More than 100 B-24’s bomb Genoa harbor and Vercelli marshalling yard. P-38’s fly fighter sweeps against airfields in Kurilovec area and vehicles, comm lines, and targets of opportunity in Knin-Bihac-Banjaluka area.

Tenth AF

10 B-24’s pound Kalemyo while 3 B-25’s hit Tiddim road. 50-plus Fighter Bombers and a few B-25’s hit various targets at or near Mogaung, Myitkyina, Hopin, and Sahmaw. 76 Fighter Bombers and 24 B-25’s bomb marshalling yards at Namma and Katha, hit several targets in Mohnyin-Hopin area, and bomb railroad between Naba and Namma.

Fourteenth AF

14 P-40’s in support of ground forces in Salween area strafe oil storage at Hsiangta, bomb and strafe Watien area, and destroy 1 bridge and damage another on Shweli R N of Tengchung. 2 B-25’s sink a patrol boat and damage another near Saint John I.

Fifth AF

In support of ground forces on Biak I, B-24’s and B-25’s hit villages, supply areas, troop concentrations, and gun positions on Biak, Noemfoor, and Japen Is. A-20’s, B-25’s, and Fighter Bombers blast troop concentrations, AA positions, and supply dumps in Wewak area. A-20’s supporting ground forces in heavy fighting in Sarmi area, hit positions with minimum-level strikes. B-24’s bomb Boela. Thirteenth Air TF B- 24’s bomb airfield on Woleai.

Thirteenth AF

3 B-24’s, followed by 23 B-25’s and 12 P-38’s, blast airfield at Lakunai. 33 P-39’s and P-40’s join 40-plus dive bombers in strike on Tobera airstrip. 5 Medium Bombers hit Namatanai supply and personnel area. Fighter Bombers hit Tsundawan supply area, huts and buildings at Gohi, Nova, and Monoitu, suspected barge hideout near Tonolai, and AA guns at Ballale I.

Seventh AF

29 B-25’s stage from Eniwetok, bomb Jaluit, and land at Makin. B-24’s from Eniwetok bomb Saipan and Guam. Those bombing Guam turn S to Los Negros to rearm while the others return to Eniwetok. B-25’s flying from Engebi bomb Mille. Heavy Bombers escort Navy photo planes over the Marianas.

Eleventh AF

2 B-24’s fly recon and drop bombs on Shimushu and Matsuwa. 1 B-25 and P-38’s fly guardship coverage mission, 2 other B-25’s fly a negative anti-shipping sweep.

USA

NEW GUINEA—While 186th Inf expands beachhead on Biak, 162d continues W toward airfields. Strong opposition develops at road junction W of Mokmer village, but leading elements (3d Bn) of 162d Inf get to within 200 yards of Mokmer airfield. Japanese counterattack strongly, forcing 3d Bn back and splitting it. 2d and 1st Bns try to clear terrace behind 3d but make little headway under fire from East Caves on dominating cliff N of Mokmer village. Small craft take ammunition and medical supplies to 3d Bn, and platoon of tanks is sent W along coastal road. Deciding that the position is untenable, Gen Fuller recalls 3d Bn to positions held night of 27th and requests reinforcements. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 158th Inf continues costly efforts to advance after preparatory arty bombardment. When forward positions become untenable, attack is halted, and assault forces are ordered back to Snaky R line. Gen Patrick requests RCT 163, scheduled for Biak, kept in Wakde area pending arrival of elements of 6th Div.

BURMA—On Salween front, Gen Wei, having decided to commit Ch 71st Army, less 88th Div already over the Salween, across the river below Hwei-tung Bridge to seize Lung-ling while a containing force attacks Japanese on Sung Shan, prepares for ferrying operations at Shihtien, 8 miles S of Hwei-tung Bridge. The Salween is rising sharply because of monsoon rains.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps meets increased resistance on left flank. 180th and 157th Regts, 45th Div, advance to RR W of Albano road, but 157th is forced back in counterattack. 179th Inf moves forward to fill gap along RR between 45th and 34th Divs. 34th Div, with 133d Inf on left and 168th on right, battles enemy strongpoints below Lanuvio. 3d Div patrols actively on right flank of VI Corps. 1st SSF repels enemy thrust down Valmontone road. FEC continues clearing Lepini Mountains. On right, 2d Moroccan Div is approaching Ceccano.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, Germans withdraw from Arce, night 28–29. In 10 Corps area, NZ 2d Div reaches the Melfa and establishes bridgehead.

80 Years Ago, Saturday 27 May 1944

On this Memorial Day 2024, please pause to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by the valiant men and women of our armed forces who died gaining and defending our freedom.  The military forces of United States are different than those of most of the world in that the members take an oath not to a sovereign as in the United Kingdom (where they all took a new oath to King Charles after Queen Elizabeth's passing) or to a supreme leader as they did in nazi Germany and do in today's North Korea.  That loyalty to the constitution spans the political spectrum with members of both major and many minor parties serving faithfully throughout our history.  Those we honor today include the conscientious objectors who could not bear arms account their beliefs, but still served and sacrificed as medics and corpsmen, caring for those wounded in battle.  The courage of these men an women have made it possible for us to express our opinions freely today.  They laid down their lives so that all Americans could continue to enjoy the privileges and rights guaranteed by the constitution.  Today, please take a moment to honor them and express gratitude for the freedoms that they fought and died to defend.

John C. Barry

Major, US Air Force (Retired)

Lovettsville, Virginia, 27 May 2024 

USN

Pacific

TF 77 (Rear Admiral William M. Fechteler) lands U.S. Army 41st Division (Major General Horace H. Fuller, USA) on Biak in the Schouten Islands off New Guinea, in Operation HORLICKS. Heavy and light cruisers and destroyers of TG 77.2 (Rear Admiral Victor A.C. Crutchley, RN) and TG 77.3 (Rear Admiral Russell S. Berkey) provide gunfire support.

Motor torpedo boat PT-339, damaged by grounding off Pur Pur, western New Guinea, 04°01'S, 144°41'E, is scuttled by her crew to prevent capture.

Submarine chaser SC-699 is damaged by crashing Japanese plane off western New Guinea, 01°12'S, 136°13'E.

British submarine HMS Templar sinks Japanese cargo ship Tyokai Maru in Strait of Malacca.

Mediterranean

U.S. motor torpedo boats attack three German F-lighters in vicinity of Vada Rocks, sinking two and damaging one; PTs also attack an enemy motor vessel.

AAF

Eighth AF

923 B-17’s and B-24’s bomb marshalling yards, aircraft industries, and airfield at Ludwigshafen, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Konz-Karthaus, Neunkirchen, Saarbrucken, Lachen/Speyerdorf, Strasbourg, and Woippy. Coastal batteries at Fecamp and Saint-Valeryen-Caux also are bombed. Opposition is heavy and 24 Heavy Bombers are lost on mission.

Ninth AF

About 690 Medium Bombers attack railroad, bridges, and marshalling yards in France. P-47’s bomb targets in NW Europe.

Twelfth AF

Medium Bombers concentrate efforts against lines of comm in Orvieto area. A-20’s bomb storage area. Fighter Bombers pound a much reduced flow of motor transport behind enemy lines and hit railroads, gun positions, bridges, and targets of opportunity in and behind battle area, hitting targets at Subiaco, Sora, Tivoli, Frosinone, Capena, and Orvieto, W of Bracciano Lake, between Sulmona and San Benedetto de Marsi, and at several other points.

Fifteenth AF

Almost 700 B-17’s and B-24’s, with P-38 and P-51 escorts, bomb marshalling yards at Avignon, Montpellier- Frejorgues, Nimes, Marseilles-Blancarde, and Marseille-SaintCharles, airfield at Salon-de-Provence, and port of Razanac.

Tenth AF

15 B-24’s bomb Pakokku and Nyaung-u.

Fourteenth AF

24 rocket-firing P-40’s hit barracks area W of Sinyang, military installations and trucks at Nanchang, and troops, trucks, barracks, and warehouse area in Puchi vicinity.

Fifth AF

Babo airfield and Biak I are pounded by 170-plus B-24’s and B-25’s. After the aerial and naval bombardment, Allied amphibious forces land on Biak in the Bosnik area, secure beachhead, and gain control of trail over ridges to inland plateau to the N. About 170 A-20’s, P-38’s, P-40’s, and B-25’s blast Wewak area.

Thirteenth AF

About 200 AAF, Marine, and Navy aircraft (Fighters, dive bombers, and B-25’s) are sent against gun positions on Hospital Pt. 160-plus aircraft bomb the targets with more than 90 tons of explosives, destroying or damaging several of the guns. Other Fighters hit targets of opportunity in Rabaul area and a barge off SW New Ireland. 4 B-24’s bomb Tobera. AAF Fighters attack beached barges in Chabai area and in Buka Passage, Aku and Nova Plantation, and bridge over Oamai R.

Seventh AF

24 B-24’s from Kwajalein and 52 B-25’s from Engebi pound Ponape.

Eleventh AF

2 bombers fly weather and armed photo recon and bomb Ushishiru I.

USA

NEW GUINEA—TF HURRICANE, consisting largely of 41st Div ( - RCT 163), lands on Biak I. in Bosnek area after naval and air preparation. Against token resistance 186th Inf secures initial beachhead and trail over ridges to inland plateau N of Bosnek. 162d Inf starts W toward airfields, overcoming opposition in Parai Defile to reach Parai. Gen Fuller, commander of 41st Div and of TF HURRICANE, takes command ashore. Japanese air attack causes little damage. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 158th Inf continues drive on Lone Tree Hill and gains positions on it. Japanese begin series of attacks against beachhead—some 200 are committed against Toem, night 27–28.

CBI—In NCAC’s Myitkyina area, 2d Marauder Bn, reinforced by 209th Engr Combat Bn, completely spends its strength in battle just S of Charpate while endeavoring to reach Radhapur.

On Salween front, Ch force securing Huei-jen Bridge area has elements within 5 miles of Hongmoshu. Monsoon rains are restricting activities of both sides.

In China, Japanese begin second phase (TOGO) of ICHI GO operation, moving 2 divs S in region E

of Hsiang R.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S, Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 45th and 34th Divs gain ground on left flank of corps against spotty resistance. 1st Armd Div is alerted for breakthrough attempt. 142d Inf, 36th Div, is to exploit breakthrough if it is achieved by armor. 36th Div commits 141st Inf NE of Velletri to plug gap existing between 143d Inf and 3d Div. On right flank of VI Corps, 3d Div’s 15th Inf clears Artena. TF Howze again fails to reach Highway 6 north of Artena but holds positions dominating it. 1st SSF emplaces arty on crest of hill above Artena on extreme right. 3d Div organizes Artena area for defense and repels tank-infantry counterattacks. II Corps turns over its sector and troops, except for organic units and 85th Div, to IV Corps, night 27– 28. 85th Div troops move into Sezze and hills S of Roccagorga. 350th Inf, 88th Div, seizes Roccagorga. 351st relieves 85th Div on left of 350th. FEC clears Amaseno, M. Siserno, and Castro dei Volsci.

In Br Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps crosses elements over the Liri in assault boats under fire and occupies Ceprano. In 13 Corps area, elements of 78th Div start toward Ceprano to pursue enemy toward Frosinone from there. 6th Armd Div, assisted by Ind 8th Div, continues efforts to take Arce. In 10 Corps area, Italian Corps of Liberation seizes M. Cavallo from enemy rear guards. NZ 2d Div gets elements to Atina.