80 Years Ago, Monday 12 June 1944

USN

Pacific

Planes from 15 carriers (CV-and CVL) of TF 58 (Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher) work over Japanese air facilities and coast defenses on Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Rota, and Pagan Islands, Marianas. Carrier strikes are repeated on 13 and14 June in preparation for the landings on Saipan. Aircraft from carrier Essex (CV-9) and small carriers Langley (CVL-27) and Cowpens (CVL- 25) (TG 58.4) smash Japanese convoy (which had sailed from Tanapag harbor for Japan the previous day) northwest of Saipan, sinking torpedo boat Otori, 17°32'N, 144°00'E, auxiliary netlayer Kokku Maru, 17°32'N, 144°01'E, transports Batavia Maru, 17°32'N, 143°17'E, Hinko Maru, 17°28'N, 144°19'E, Kamishima Maru and Imizu Maru, 17°32'N, 144°10'E, Nitcho Maru, 17°32'N, 143°10'E, Reikai Maru, 17°30'N, 144°00'E, and Tenryugawa Maru, 17°32'N, 144°01'E, cargo ship Bokuyo Maru, army cargo ships Fukoku Maru and Moji Maru, and merchant vessel Tsushima Maru; and damaging transport Tatsutakawa Maru (see 15 June 1944), Coast Defense Vessel No.4, 17°20'N, 144°10'E, submarine chaser Ch 50, 17°32'N, 144°10', and submarine chasers Ch 33 and Ch 51, auxiliary submarine chaser Cha 20 and auxiliary minesweeper Wa 6.15 Japanese minelayer Nichiyu Maru [torpedoed by submarine Halibut (SS-232) on 3 March 1943] is further damaged by carrier planes in Apra Harbor.

Destroyer Kalk (DD-611) is damaged by horizontal bomber off western New Guinea, 01°19'S, 136°19'E.

British submarine HMS Stoic attacks Japanese convoy, and sinks transport Kainan Maru off Phuket, Siam, 07°54'N,98°27'E

AAF

Eighth AF

With bad weather over top priority targets in Germany, Heavy Bomber efforts are directed against airfields and landing grounds in NE France and rail and road bridges on the Brest Peninsula. 1,278 Heavy Bombers, including 25 Pathfinders, drop 3,295 tons of bombs on 22 of the primary targets and on secondary and targets of opportunity. 8 Heavy Bombers are lost, mostly to ground fire. VIII FC furnishes support for Heavy Bomber missions and Ninth AF Medium Bombers, and attacks enemy communications and troop movements. Fighters damage MARSHALLING YARDs at Juvisy-sur-Orge and Melun and several freight trains, and destroy 108 locomotives, train cars, trucks, tanks, and other vehicles. One group of P-47’s is attacked by 50 German fighters in a fierce battle, 8 P-47’s and 5 Me-109’s being shot down. During the day VIII FC flies 1,002 sorties and claims 26 aircraft destroyed. Losses total 17.

Ninth AF

509 B-26’s and A-20’s bomb marshalling yards, road and rail junctions, bridges, arty, town areas, troop concentrations, and various Targets of opportunity in France. Aircraft of more than 15 fighter groups fly close and area support for bombers and bomb and strafe rail lines, gun batteries, bridges, fortifications, radar installation, tanks, ammo dumps, town areas and strong points in battle area of France.

Twelfth AF

Medium Bombers hit bridges, viaducts, and rail lines at Collazone, Perugia, Foligno, Massa Lombarda, Pietrasanta, Cattolica, Pesaro, Arezzo, and Bucine. Light Bombers hit Arcidosso and motor transport in the area. Fighter Bombers are restricted by bad weather but attack several bridges and roads in line of enemy retreat which at its farthest point is N and W of Viterbo.

Tenth AF

More than 30 B-25’s continue to supply troops at Imphal with ammo. 16 P-40’s hit Mogaung and targets of opportunity in N Burma.

Fourteenth AF

50 P-40’s, P-51’s, and B-25’s hit troop concentrations in Yellow R area at Lingroupao and S of Loyang. In Tungting Lake area about 100 P-40’s and P-51’s attack numerous supply boats and other river and lake traffic, and hit dock areas and warehouses at Lanchi, Yuankiang, and at scattered points. Also hit are villages and troops in Changsha and Kuanchuang areas.

Fifth AF

Fierce ground fighting continues on Biak I while Japanese airplanes attack Allied ground forces and shipping offshore; P-47’s battle attacking aircraft, shooting down several. P-47’s and A-20’s hit troop concentrations, comm, and various other targets in Wewak and Hansa Bay areas. B-24’s bomb Peleliu airfield and Dublon I.

Thirteenth AF

6 B-24’s bomb runways at Tobera and Rapopo. 22 P-39’s and 10 P-38’s join 20-plus Navy airplanes in attacks on supply dumps near Ralum. 20 B-25’s pound Malapau village. 44 P-39’s hit Baku airfield, Tsirogei plantation, barges and pier S of Kleine I, and occupied area W of Komai.

Seventh AF

Eniwetok-based B-24’s hit Truk during 11/12 Jun and again during the day.

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 39th Inf of 9th Div, attached to 4th Div, is given part of 22d Inf’s sector along coast and takes Crisbecq, from which enemy has withdrawn, as well as Dangueville and Fontenay-sur-Mer, forcing enemy back to his MLR on Quinéville ridge. With strong fire support, including naval, 22d Inf makes concerted assault on Ozeville and captures it; 12th Inf moves forward again to Les Fieffes Dancel, at W end of Quinéville ridge; 8th Inf makes limited attack on Montebourg, but finds it strongly held and pulls back. W of the Merderet, 90th Div commits 359th Inf, which is returned to it by 4th Div, between 357th and 358th but is still unable to make much headway; night attack, 12–13, on Pont l’Abbé by 358th overruns the town, which has been leveled by artillery and aerial bombardment. 508th Para Inf of 82d A/B Div, reinf and organized as a TF, crosses the Douve at Beuzeville-la-Bastille, night 12– 13, in effort to make contact with 101st A/B Div at Baupte. 101st A/B Div envelops and captures Carentan: Brig Gen Anthony McAuliffe coordinates final assault, which is made by 506th Para Inf, replacing 502d, on right and 327th Gli and to its E 501st Para Regts on left; after 501st and 506th Regts close circle about Carentan, elements of latter and 327th Gli Inf drive rapidly into the town and eliminate stragglers; to secure approaches to Carentan, 506th and 501st Regts thrust toward Baupte and Priers, respectively, but are soon stopped; 327th Gli Inf pushes SE to Montmartin-en-Graignes region and makes contact with elements of V Corps. In V Corps area, 29th Div TF (2 cos of 115th Inf) crosses the Vire to reconnoiter in Montmartin-en-Graignes area and take bridges over Vire–Taute Canal but is halted by strong opposition in Montmartin-en- Graignes region. To meet expected enemy counterattack in weak sector between VII and V Corps, elements of 2d Armd Div are ordered to Montmartinen- Graignes area. V Corps begins attack toward St. Lô and is vigorously opposed on right. 115th Inf, 29th Div, makes futile attempt to cross Elie R SE of Ste Marguerite-d’Elle; 3d Bn crosses but is driven back with severe casualties. 116th Inf attacks through 115th in evening and succeeds in crossing. 23d Inf, 2d Div, attempts to reach Hill 192, which commands approaches to St. Lô from N and E, but is stopped at Elie R; 9th Inf, on div left, against lighter resistance, advances in conjunction with 1st Div and takes Litteau ridge. On left flank of V Corps, 1st Div, with 18th Inf on right and 26th on left, thrusts to edge of Caumont.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 50th Div maintains pressure on enemy near Tilly-sur-Seulles. 7th Armd Div begins flanking attack on right flank of corps and pushes through Livry to positions E of Caumont.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, Civitavecchia port is opened to LST traffic. IV Corps continues pursuit of enemy northward, advancing a little less rapidly than VI Corps had, against gradually increasing resistance. 36th Div, reinf by 361st Inf of 91st Div and tanks and tank destroyer units, is in assault, its advance screened by 117th Cav Recon Sq. TF Ramey, under Brig Gen Rufus S. Ramey, consisting of 91st Cav Recon Sq, reinf by 141st Inf of 36th Div and supporting units, is formed to screen right flank of IV Corps and maintain contact with French. Enemy is offering delaying opposition in vicinity of Orbetello.

CBI—On Salween front, Ch 115th Inf recovers Hongmoshu, in Huei-jen Bridge area.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, 2d Bn of 163d Inf, 41st Div, arrives; 186th Inf remains on first phase line patrolling actively while awaiting forward movement of 162d Inf to right. Regimental boundary is extended 300 yards on N; 162d Inf is still furiously opposed on right, where 3d Bn works slowly forward, advance elements gaining but 300 yards; gap of almost 900 yards exists between 3d and 2d Bns at end of day. Engineers begin repairs on Mokmer airdrome. In Wakde-Sarmi area, Gen Sibert takes command of TF TORNADO. Hq, 6th Div, becomes headquarters of TF TORNADO, replacing Hq, RCT 158.

MARIANAS—Aircraft of TF 58 continue attacks to complete destruction of enemy planes and wreck airfields; attack enemy convoy attempting to escape, sinking 10–14 ships; sink a cargo vessel just off Saipan and severely damage another; sink enemy vessel in Tanapag harbor.

East Coast Santa Fe Modeler's Mini Meet

 I hope to see many of you in person this Saturday at the ECSFM Mini Meet in Doylestown PA.  I will be making a presentation on finding Santa Fe history in odd places.  I will guide attendees to some of the less known corners of the internet and the real world where I've found info on the Santa Fe.

John Barry,

Lovettsville, VA

80 Years Ago, Sunday, 11 Jun 1944

USN

Pacific

Naval Base, Biak Island, Schoeten Islands, is established.

F6Fs from TF 58 (Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher), 16 from each carrier and 12 from each small carrier, accompanied by a TBF or SB2C from each task group (the latter to lead the fighters in and out), blankets Japanese airfields in the Marianas. This move, which achieves complete surprise, also assures control of the air over the Marianas. Combat air patrol F6Fs from TF 58 begin to intercept and down Japanese planes in the vicinity of TF 58. F6Fs also damage Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser No.8 Shonan Maru and cargo vessel Keiyo Maru (see 13 June).14

Submarine Barb (SS-220) sinks Japanese merchant fishing vessels Chihaya Maru and Toten Maru in Sea of Okhotsk, east of Karafuto, 46°50'N, 144°05'E.

Submarine Redfin (SS-272), despite presence of escort vessel, sinks Japanese tanker Asanagi Maru west of Jolo,06°02'N, 120°50'E.

Atlantic

U.S. battleships off Normandy provide gunfire support to U.S. Army forces ten miles inland at Carentan, France.

Off the invasion beaches, German torpedo boats S 130, S 144, S 146, S 150 and S 167 launch torpedo attacks on U.S. invasion shipping, sinking Landing Ship Tank LST-496 and tug Partridge (ATO-138), 49°30'N, 00°50'N and damaging Landing Ship Tank LST-538, 49°48'N, 00°31'W. German motor torpedo boat S 138 torpedoes and damages destroyer Nelson (DD-623), 49°31'N, 00°50'W; Landing Craft Infantry LCI-219 is sunk by aircraft.

Aircraft (VC 95) from escort carrier Croatan (CVE-25) teams with destroyer escorts Frost (DE-144), Huse (DE-145),and Inch (DE-146) sink German submarine U-490 midway between Flores Island and Flemish Cap, 42°47'N,40°08'W.

AAF

Eighth AF

Weather prevents operations against priority targets in Germany 90 the Heavy Bombers attack bridges on the Loire, bridges and airfields on Brest Peninsula and near Paris, and coastal defenses in Pas de Calais area. Of 1,043 Heavy Bombers airborne, over 400 abort or fail to bomb due to clouds and absence or malfunction of Pathfinders. 640 Heavy Bombers bomb targets, including 10 airfields and landing grounds, several bridges, and various Targets of opportunity. 3 Heavy Bombers are lost. VIII FC supports Heavy Bombers over NW France and Ninth AF Medium Bombers attack Paris area. Fighter Bombers attack over 60 targets, including railroad yards, sidings, junctions, bridges, trains, airfields, convoys, an oil tanker, a power station, and warehouses. Fighters destroy 5 aircraft. VIII FC loses 8 fighters.

Ninth AF

129 B-26’s and A-20’s bomb rail and road bridges and intersections, rail lines, oil tanks, arty, and town areas, in morning operations. Bad weather prevents afternoon operations. 10 fighter groups fly escort and strafe and bomb bridges, railroads, gun emplacements, rail and road traffic, and marshalling yards in support of Allied ground troops in France.

Twelfth AF

Weather cancels all Light Bomber and Medium Bomber operations. Fighter Bombers and fighters, operating on a reduced scale, hit vehicles, roads, and bridges N of battleline which US Fifth Army’s VI Corps has extended 65 mi N of Rome.

Fifteenth AF

126 B-17’s and 60 P-51’s depart Russian shuttle bases for Italy to complete the first FRANTIC operation. On the way 121 B-17’s bomb airfield at Focsani; 1 B-17 is lost. 540-plus other B-17’s and B-24’s attack oil installations at Constanta and Giurgiu (both raids having fighter escorts) oil refinery and marshalling yard at Smederovo. The Heavy Bombers and fighters claim total of 50 airplanes destroyed during the day’s missions.

Tenth AF

30 B-25’s continue flying ammo to Imphal area. 55 A-36’s, P-51’s, and P-40’s attack targets at Myitkyina, Mogaung, Indawgyi Lake, and Padaung.

Fourteenth AF

In China’s Tungting Lake area 80-plus P-40’s, P-51’s, and P-38’s pound towns of Lanchi and Anking, hit cavalry compound at Kintsing, attack Japanese HQ, positions, and river traffic N of Changsha, destroy or damage several boats, barges, and sampans at Changsha, and strafe numerous targets of opportunity throughout the entire region. In Yellow R area, 27 B-25’s and P-40’s pound barracks, fortifications, tank concentration, several armored vehicles, and cavalry forces at Iching and Lingroupao. 3 B-25’s on sea sweep in S China Sea claim 1 600ft freighter sunk.

Fifth AF

B-24’s bomb Sorido airfield and surrounding areas as US carrier forces attack Saipan, Tinian and Guam. B-25’s, A-20’s, and P-47’s continue to saturate Wewak-Hansa Bay coastline with bombs. Other B-24’s bomb Dublon and Peleliu airfield.

Thirteenth AF

130-plus B-25’s, P-38’s P-39’s, and Navy dive bombers pound AA positions S and SW of Rapopo. P-39’s fly 44 sorties against occupied areas at Komai, Kakaura, and Quaga, AA guns at Kangu Hill, and plantations at Arigua and Tsirogei.

Seventh AF

B-24’s from Eniwetok hit Truk during 11/12 Jun. B-25’s follow with raid against Ponape during the morning.

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 4th Div’s TF Barber continues futile efforts to break through Azeville gap to Quinéville ridge in coastal sector; 12th Inf gains its objective— W end of Montebourg–Quinéville ridge—but pulls back behind Montebourg–St Floxel road since its flanks are exposed; 8th Inf digs in along Le Ham– Montebourg road when enemy fire prevents forward movement to the RR. 82d A/B Div’s 505th Para Inf, making main effort with 2d Bn of 325th Gli Inf, thrusts into Le Ham under heavy fire and finds Le Ham deserted. 90th Div continues to make slow progress W of the Merderet, but partly surrounds Pont l’Abbé. 101st A/B Div presses in slowly on Carentan against unabated opposition: On right, 3d Bn of 502d Para Inf, after crossing the Madeleine R and clearing enemy strong points, is joined by 1st Bn; determined counterattacks are repelled and 2d Bn, 502d Para Inf, takes over line, night 11–12. While main body of 327th Gli Inf conducts holding action along canal on left, elements move in to outskirts of Carentan along Bassin Flot. Destructive fire is placed on Carentan during night 11–12, and Germans quietly abandon the town. In V Corps area, elements of 2d Armd Div (3d Bn, 41st Armd Inf Regt) are committed to strengthen bridgehead at Auville-sur-le-Vey, since VII Corps’ 101st A/B is fully occupied with battle for Carentan. V Corps front is quiet except at tip of Fôret de Cerisy, where elements of 2d Div reduce strong point at Haute Littée crossroads.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 7th Armd Div breaks into Tilly-sur-Seulle but is forced out by enemy.

USSR-FINLAND—Continuing offensive against Mannerheim Line, Soviet forces drive wedge 15 miles deep on 30-mile front in Finnish positions.

FRANTIC—U.S. Fifteenth Air Force planes attack Focsani airfield while returning to Italy from their first shuttle bombing mission between there and USSR.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV Corps (Gen Crittenberger) takes command of VI Corps sector and of 36th Div. VI Corps, which is to participate in Operation ANVIL under U.S. Seventh Army, has driven nearly 65 miles N of Rome with little difficulty, but there are indications that rear-guard opposition will soon increase. In FEC area, Montefiascone falls to 1st Motorized Div. 3d Algerian Inf Div secures Valentano.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div is unable to break through enemy delaying line below Bagnoregio. In 10 Corps area, Br 6th Armd Div crosses Galantina R, from which enemy has departed, and takes Cantalupo.

CHINA—Japanese attack in strength across Liuyang R and meet little opposition from Chinese of IX War Area.

NEW GUINEA—U.S. 6th Div commander, Maj Gen Franklin C. Sibert, his hq, 20th Inf, and miscellaneous units of 6th Div arrive at Toem. On Biak, TF HURRICANE opens assault with 2 regts abreast to clear region N and W of Mokmer airfield. 186th Inf, on left along coast, easily reaches first phase line, about 1,350 yards beyond W end of runway. 162d Inf gets left flank to first phase line but is halted a little short of line of departure, extending inland from coast at Monoebaboe, on right. Japanese laborers bring news of Japanese West Caves strong point, some 1,000 yards NW of 3d Bn, 162d Inf. Elements of TF HURRICANE probing toward East Caves are recalled to Mokmer airdrome. Japanese in Parai Defile finally yield to pressure from E and W.

MARIANAS—As invasion convoy, after rendezvousing off the Marshalls, sails for Saipan, carrier planes of TF 58 begin preinvasion softening of the Marianas, a day ahead of schedule, with fighter sweep in afternoon that gains control of the air. Enemy losses through destruction or serious damage are estimated to be from 147 to 215 planes. Of 225 U.S. aircraft launched, only 12 are lost.

USMC

Carrier planes of TF 58 begin preinvasion softening of Marianas. Northern Attack Force departs Eniwetok for Saipan.

80 Years Ago, Saturday 10 June 1944

USN

Pacific

PB4Ys (VB 108, VB 109) sweep ahead of TF 58 (Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher) as it approaches the Marianas, to intercept and destroy any Japanese aircraft in the path of the fast carriers. These sweeps will be repeated on 11 June. During these two days of operations, a Privateer from each squadron will shoot down a Japanese plane at some distance away from the task force. The use of PB4Ys is decided upon because sightings of these long-range planes in that region is a commonplace occurrence and would thus arouse no enemy suspicions that a carrier task force is in the area.

High speed transport Talbot (APD-7) is damaged in collision with battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38), en route to the Marianas.

Destroyer Taylor (DD-468) sinks Japanese submarine RO-111, 210 miles north-northwest of Kavieng, New Ireland,00°26'N, 149°16'E.

Destroyer escort Bangust (DE-739) sinks Japanese submarine RO-42, 70 miles northeast of Kwajalein, Marshalls,10°05'N, 168°22'E.

British submarine HMS Tantalus sinks Japanese army cargo ship Hiyoshi Maru in Strait of Malacca, 03°05'N,99°56'E.

USAAF B-25s bomb Japanese shipping off Manokwari, sinking auxiliary sailing vessel Shinei Maru.

Mine damages Japanese cargo vessel Yozan Maru off Manila.

Japanese cargo vessel Kinmon Maru is sunk by accidental fire, Singapore, 01°17'N, 103°51'E.

Atlantic

German shore battery sinks Destroyer Glennon (DD-620) off Normandy by, 50°32'N, 01°12'W; Landing Craft Tank LCT-209 sinks after running aground off beachhead. U.S. freighter Charles Morgan is damaged by bomb off UTAH Beach that kills 7 of the 64-man Army stevedore unit on board and one merchant crewman; there are no casualties among the 27-man Armed Guard. Fleet tug Kiowa (ATF-72) takes on board the survivors. Despite strenuous efforts to save her, Charles Morgan, is ultimately declared a total loss.

Mediterranean

Heaviest German air raid since 3 May occurs off Anzio against U.S. shipping off the beachhead. Minesweeper Symbol (AM-123), tank landing ship LST-211, infantry landing craft LCI-41, and U.S. freighter Tarleton Brown are all damaged by near-misses of bombs.

AAF

Eighth AF

Bad weather restricts operations to NW France. 873 Heavy Bombers are airborne but over 200 abort due to cloud conditions. 589 including 31 Pathfinders, attack 8 airfields in France and 9 coastal installations in Pas de Calais area. One B-24 is downed by AA at Evreux. VIII FC, flying over 1,600 sorties, supports Heavy Bomber missions and launches attacks against about 80 targets, including railroad facilities, convoys, tank column, trucks, radar station, tunnels, gun emplacement, supply dump, and a power plant. About 225 vehicles, including train engines and cars, are destroyed, along with 16 enemy aircraft. 25 fighters are lost.

Ninth AF

IX TAC establishes its first station on the Continent, at au Guay. 500-plus B-26’s and A-20’s bomb targets in assault area in France. Targets include military concentrations, road and rail bridges and junctions, artillery batteries, marshalling yards, and town areas. Aircraft of more than 15 fighter groups fly escort to bombers and transports, and bomb numerous targets in support of ground assault, including rail facilities, roads, troop concentrations, artillery, and town areas.

Twelfth AF

Medium Bombers attack bridges, railroads, and roads N, NE, and NW of Rome. Light Bombers hit motor transport in town of Arcidosso. Fighter Bombers and fighters bomb and strafe motor transport and roads N of battle area, destroying numerous vehicles, especially along the roads between Rome and Vetralla. In ground action Indian 4th Div takes Pescara and Chieti, while 2d NZ Div reaches Avezzano E of Rome. XII BC is disbanded in Corsica.

Fifteenth AF

More than 550 B-17’s and B-24’s attack oil stores at Porto Marghera, oil refinery at Trieste, marshalling yards at Mestre, Trieste, and Ancona, and airfield at Ferrara. P-51’s and P-38’s fly escort, strafe Targets of opportunity between Bucharest and Danube R and S of Craiova, and dive-bomb an oil refinery at Ploesti

Tenth AF

23 B-24’s bomb targets at Chauk, Lonywa, and Yenangyaung while 29 others supply ammo to Imphal area. 50 A-36’s, P-51’s, and P-40’s blast targets at Myitkyina, Mogaung and Tapo.

Fourteenth AF

23 P-40’s and P-51’s hit railroad traffic and tracks at Linfen and Loning and tank concentration at Lingroupao. 6 P-40’s hit bridge at Tasa. B-25’s, P-40’s, P-51’s, and P-38’s carry out 150-plus sorties against numerous targets throughout Tungting Lake area. Numerous rivercraft are destroyed or damaged, Kukang and other villages NE of Changsha are bombed, Hankow-Wuchang airfield revetments and buildings are pounded, Changshowkai area is blasted, and several river landings and storage installations in the lake area are attacked. 3 B-24’s on S China Sea sweep claim 1 small cargo ship sunk.

Fifth AF

A-20’s hit airfield at Babo, destroying grounded aircraft, fuel dump, several buildings, and a gun position. A-20’s, B-25’s, and RAAF airplanes hit Wewak area with more than 100 tons of bombs.

Thirteenth AF

8 P-38’s skip-bomb supply tunnels at Keravia Bay while 4 others strafe nearby AA positions. AA guns S of Rapopo are attacked by 12 B-25’s, 20 P-39’s, and 20-plus Navy dive bombers. Other B-25’s bomb Ratawul. 31 P-39’s and 20-plus Navy aircraft hit Chinatown at Buka and a supply area NE of the airstrip, a barge at Sohano I, trucks near Tsirogei, and a ford near Monoitu.

Seventh AF

B-24’s, staging through Eniwetok, bomb Truk and Ponape during 9/10 Jun. B-25’s from Makin hit Nauru during the day.

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VII and V Corps establish contact at Auvillesur- le-Vey, but enemy remains in Carentan. In VII Corps area, TF BARBER, on 4th Div right, makes little headway through Azeville gap toward enemy’s MLR on Quinéville ridge, since enemy is disposed in strength on the TF flanks; efforts to reduce Ozeville and Château de Fontenay are futile; 12th Inf reaches positions just below Montebourg–Quinéville highway in region E of Montebourg and is well ahead of rest of 4th Div; 8th Inf gains its objectives along Le Ham–Montebourg highway. 505th Para Inf, 82d A/B Div, takes one of its objectives, Montebourg Station, but is halted a little short of the other, Le Ham. 60th Div (less 359th Inf, attached to 4th Div) attacks W toward the Douve through 82d A/B Div’s Merderet bridgehead but makes little headway; 357th Inf crosses at La Fière and pushes toward Les Landes; 358th crosses at Chef-du-Pont and moves on Pont l’Abbé, getting a little beyond Picauville. 101st A/B Div begins envelopment of Carentan: 327th Gli Inf moves in from NE upon crossing the Douve near Brévands and cuts E exits from the town; bitter battle develops on W, where 3d Bn, 502d Para Inf, inches across causeway NW of Carentan under enemy fire, which supporting arty is unable to silence; elements of 401st Gli Inf make contact with V Corps units at Auville-sur-le- Vey. 9th Div arrives and begins to debark. V Corps gains its objectives with little difficulty since German lines above Caumont have given way and gap 10 miles wide is virtually undefended. 29th Div’s 115th Inf reaches Elle R line. 38th and 9th Regts of 2d Div speed through Fret de Cerisy to objectives. 18th Inf, 1st Div, reaches St Lô–Bayeux highway.

In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps commits 7th Armd Div to action in Tilly-sur-Seulles region, where enemy is resisting strongly. I Corps continues to press toward Caen.

ITALY—AAI: Br 5 Corps pursues enemy up Adriatic coast, Ind 4th Div taking Pescara and Chieti.

In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 1st Armd Div, relieved by 36th Div on left and FEC on right, is withdrawn from line. 36th Div is responsible for entire VI Corps zone. In II Corps area, final elements of corps are withdrawn from line. In FEC area, Lt Gen Edgar de Larminat, as head of Pursuit Corps, directs advance of 3d Algerian Div on W and 1st Motorized Div on E in narrow sector, largely W of Highway 2, on Fifth Army right flank.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, enemy rear guards are slowing S African 6th Armd Div below Bagnoregio. 4th Div reverts to corps from Br 10 Corps upon relief E of the Tiber by Ind 8th Div. 10 Corps is meeting considerable resistance below Terni. NZ 2d Div reaches Avezzano.

CBI—In NCAC area, Allied troops launch coordinated attack on Myitkyina but make little progress. In Mogaung Valley, Ch forces are pushing closer to Kamaing, which is besieged.

On Salween front, Ch 87th and 88th Divs are supplied with ammunition by air as they continue to attack hills in Lung-ling. In China, Japanese have 5 divs along the Liu-yang R and are threatening Changsha.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, Gen Krueger again urges Gen Fuller to secure airfields as quickly as possible. Bulk of 162d Inf, TF HURRICANE, advances cautiously W toward Mokmer airdrome. Enemy continues to resist in Parai Defile. AT Co of 162d Inf and Co A, 186th, are recalled from ridges extending W from trail inland, which they have been trying in vain to clear since 7th. In Hollandia– Aitape area, hq of TF PERSECUTION orders positions along the Driniumor improved quickly; in the event of attack, enemy is to be delayed first along line X-ray R–Koronal Creek and second at the Nigia. Main line of resistance about the airfields is to be held. Japanese patrol activity is decreasing in Driniumor area but increasing along S branches of Niumen Creek, about 3,000 yards E of the Driniumor.

U.S.—U.S. Eighth Army is activated at Memphis, Tennessee.

80 Years Ago Friday 9 June 1944

Pacific

Destroyers bombard Japanese repair facilities at Fangelawa Bay, New Ireland.

Submarine Harder (SS-257) sinks Japanese destroyer Tanikaze in Sibitu Passage, 90 miles southwest of Basilan Island, 04°50'N, 119°40'E.

Submarine Swordfish (SS-193) attacks Japanese convoy east of the Bonins, sinking destroyer Matsukaze 55 miles east of Chichi Jima, 27°14'N, 142°55'E.

USAAF A-20s bomb Japanese shipping off Manokwari, sinking cargo vessels No.10 Fuku Maru, No.12 Fuku Maru, Ebisu Maru, Fukuda Maru, Atarashi Maru, and Shosei Maru.

Atlantic

Off Normandy, destroyer Meredith (DD-726) is sunk by horizontal bomber and as a result of mine damage suffered off the invasion beaches on 8 June, 49°26'N, 01°04'W. German schnellbootes S 172, S 174, S 175 and S 187 attack convoy in English channel, torpedoing and sinking tank landing ship LST-314, 49°43'N, 00°52'W, and damaging tank landing ship LST-376. The latter is later scuttled by escorts, 49°43'N, 00°53'W. Infantry landing craft LCI-416 is sunk by mine; motor minesweeper YMS-305 is damaged by shore battery, 49°31'N, 00°50'W. U.S. freighter Ezra Weston is damaged by shore battery fire that kills 5 and wounds 11 of her 600 embarked troops; there are no other casualties among the ship's complement, including the 26-man Armed Guard.

AAF

Eighth AF

Bad weather prevents Heavy Bomber operations. One fighter squadron attacks shipping and another squadron flies escort for photo recon mission (not completed), losing 2 fighters.

Twelfth AF

Medium Bombers again hit enemy comm, bombing bridges with good results. Light Bombers hit targets of opportunity in Acquapendente area. Fighter Bombers and fighters continue to pound motor transport retreating up Italian peninsula, and to bomb roads and railways in path of enemy retreat, as US Fifth Army reaches Viterbo, where British Eighth Army shortly makes contact with it.

Fifteenth AF

Around 500 B-24’s and B-17’s bomb industrial targets and an airfield around Munich and attack oil storage at Porto Marghera. P-47’s, P-38’s, and P-51’s fly over 250 sorties in support of the Munich raids. Heavy Bombers and fighters claim over 30 aircraft destroyed. 13 US airplanes are lost.

Tenth AF

5 B-25’s carry out strike on Imphal-Tiddim road while 20-plus others continue to supply ammo to Imphal area. More than 40 A-36’s, P-51’s, and P-40’s hit Myitkyina, Mogaung, and Kadu.

Fourteenth AF

P-40’s, P-51’s, and B-25’s fly more than 200 sorties against numerous targets throughout the Tungting Lake area. River shipping of all description is pounded, several troop concentrations are attacked, airfields at Hankow and Wuchang are bombed, and towns of Ichang, Siangyin, Yuankiang, and Kiaotow are hit. 4 Heavy Bomber and Fighter Bomber sorties over S China Sea result in claims of 3 sea going vessels, a tug, and a barge sunk.

Fifth AF

B-24’s bomb Peleliu airfield. A-20’s bomb shipping in Manokwari harbor. B-24’s, A-20’s, B-25’s, and P- 39’s, along with RAAF planes, drop about 140 tons of bombs on various targets in Wewak area. B-24’s of Thirteenth Air TF bomb Alet airfield and targets of opportunity in Truk.

Thirteenth AF

32 B-25’s, 20 P-39’s, and 5 P-38’s pound supplies and gun positions in Ratawul-Talili Bay area. other B-25’s attack pier at New Massava Plantation and railroad to Mandres Saw Mill. P-39’s hit town of Buka, supply area to the N of the airfield, and Arigua Plantation.

Seventh AF

During 8/9 Jun B-24’s from Eniwetok bomb Truk.

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 4th Div makes significant progress at some points as it continues drive on Cherbourg: on right flank, 22d Inf forces German garrison of Azeville fortifications to surrender and organizes TF Barber to drive on Quinéville through Azeville gap; 12th Inf thrusts quickly northward from Edmondeville, reducing strongroupoint at Joganville; during hard and costly fighting, 8th Inf overruns enemy positions at Magneville and drives to Ecausseville, from which enemy withdraws after nightfall. 505th Para Inf, 82d A/B Div, reinf by bn of 327th Gli Inf, makes limited progress W of Magneville; 82d A/B Div makes main effort at La Fière, where 2 bns of 325th Gli Inf, followed by 1st Bn of 508th Para Inf, cross the Merderet and secure bridgehead of sufficient depth to include all units that had been isolated W of the Merderet. 101st A/B Div prepares for 2-pronged attack on Carentan via causeway and Brévands, but its jump-off is delayed awaiting bridge repairs. V Corps attacks S toward Fôret de Cerisy on 3-div front, committing 2d Div in narrow zone between 29th and 1st. From Isigny, main body of 175th Inf, 29th Div, thrusts S to its objectives, reaching La Fotelaie, while Co K, reinf by Rcn Tr and tanks, forces crossing of the Vire R at Auville-sur-le Vey; 115th Inf crosses the Aure S of Canchy and fans out to Bricqueville, La Folie, and Le Carrefour. In center of V Corps, 2d Div’s 38th Inf pushes into Trévières and begins clearing it while 9th, to E, thrusts to Rubercy. 1st Div, attacking with 18th Inf on right and 26th on left, reaches its left flank objectives, Agy and Dodigny. 2d Armd Div begins landing.

Br Second Army is pushing forward toward Tillysur- Seulles in 30 Corps zone and Caen in 1 Corps zone against strong opposition.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 133d Inf of 34th Div overruns Tarquinia. 361st Inf of 91st Div enters line, taking over coastal sector under command of 36th Div. Viterbo falls without a fight to CCA, 1st Armd Div, early in day. II Corps is being relieved by FEC.

Br Eighth Army establishes new boundary between 13 and 10 Corps along Tiber R. Elements of 13 Corps E of the river (Br 6th Armd and 4th Inf Divs) pass to command of 10 Corps. In 13 Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div makes contact with U.S. Fifth Army at Viterbo and pushes on toward Orvieto. In 10 Corps area, Br 6th Armd Div continues toward Terni. Ind 8th Div reaches Arsoli.

USSR-FINLAND—As prelude to main summer offensive, Soviet troops of Leningrad Front launch attacks to eliminate Finnish threat on Karelian Isthmus, between Lake Ladoga and Gulf of Finland, striking at Finnish Mannerheim Line after 3-hour preparatory bombardment.

CBI—Adm Mountbatten directs Gen Giffard, CG 11 Army Group, to clear Dimapur–Kohima– Imphal road not later than mid-July; to clear Dimapur–Kohima–Imphal Plain–Yuwa–Tamanthi region; to prepare to attack across the Chindwin in Yuwa–Tamanthi area after the monsoon.

On Salween front, Ch 71st Army begins attack on 2 of 3 hills in Lung-ling. 9th Div of Ch 2d Army blocks Burma Road 4 miles S of Mang-shih; because of disagreement between army and group army commanders, 9th Div later withdraws the block and confines its activities to patrolling.

NEW GUINEA—Engr aviation bns begin building strip on Owi. On Biak, main body of 162d Inf, TF HURRICANE continues W along coast toward Mokmer airfield against heavy fire from East Caves; makes contact with 2d Bn, which reverts to regt. Efforts are being made to discover limits of the East Caves position. In Hollandia–Aitape area, 1st and 2d Bns of 158th Inf, TF TORNADO, continue to Tirfoam R, overrunning enemy defenses en route. Forward movement from there is halted since 158th Inf is to be prepared to attack Noemfoor I. at short notice. A second RCT of 6th Div is to relieve 158th Inf. In sector of TF PERSECUTION, Japanese are found to have withdrawn from Afua–Palauru trail. Sq of RAAF Beaufighters of Wing 71 arrives at Tadji, where only 110th Rcn Sq of U.S. Fifth Air Force has been stationed from 25 May to date.

80 Years Ago Thursday 8 June 1944

Pacific

USAAF B-25s (17th Reconnaissance Squadron), escorted by P-38s (475th Fighter Group), attack Japanese Biak-bound reinforcement convoy (seven destroyers, each towing a large landing barge), sinking Harusame 30 miles northwest of Manokwari, 00°05'S, 132°45'E, and damaging Shiratsuyu and Shikinami; three barges are lost. Later that same day, Allied surface forces, TF 74 and TF 75 (Rear Admiral Victor A.C. Crutchley, RN), including two U.S. light cruisers and accompanying destroyers, intercept the remaining six enemy ships and engage them; the battle continues into 9 June. Although Hamakaze claims damage to a U.S. cruiser none of the Allied ships are damaged; TF 74/TF 75 gunfire, however, damages Shigure, and Crutchley's force turns back the Japanese before they can accomplish their mission.

Submarine Hake (SS-256) sinks Japanese destroyer Kazagumo at mouth of Davao Gulf, about 20 miles southwest of Cape San Augustin, Mindanao, 06°04'N, 125°56'E.

Submarine Harder (SS-257) evacuates coast-watchers from northeast coast of North Borneo.

Submarine Rasher (SS-269) attacks Japanese convoy in the Celebes Sea, sinking underway replenishment vessel Shioya northwest of Menado, 03°15'N, 124°03'E.

Submarine Whale (SS-239) is damaged by depth charges north of the Bonins, 31°00'N, 143°55'E, but remains on patrol.

Aircraft sink Japanese army tanker No.5 Nippo Maru off northwest coast of New Guinea, 00°33'S, 132°53'E.

Atlantic

Off Normandy, mines continue to take their toll: destroyer escort Rich (DE-695), 49°31'N, 01°10'W, and tank landing ship LST-499, 49°30'N, 01°10'W, are sunk; destroyers Glennon (DD-620), 50°32'N, 01°12'W, and Meredith (DD-726),49°33'N, 01°06'W, are damaged.

AAF

USSTAF

Gen Spaatz, CG, places oil in first priority as target for USSTAF as result of the destructive effect achieved by several missions against oil centers in May.

Eighth AF

Attacks are made on comm to isolate German forward elements, and airfields are bombed to prevent German air support. Cloud conditions prevent over 400 Heavy Bombers from executing assignments but 735 attack targets including airfields at Rennes and Le Mans and bridges, marshalling yards and other railroad facilities, and various targets of opportunity at or near Tours, Nantes, Cinq Marsla-Pile, Pontaubalt, La Vicomte-sur-Rance, Angers, Orleans, la Friliere, Etampes, and Morigny. 3 bombers are lost. VIII FC, flying 1,405 fighter sorties on this day, sends Fighter Bomber attacks against nearly 75 targets, including railroad facilities, bridges, convoys, airfields, barges, radio towers, troop concentration, a transformer, and a coastal gun. Ftrs and Fighter Bombers destroy nearly 400 rail, ground transport, and military vehicles and claim 46 airplanes destroyed. 22 fighters of VIII FC are lost.

Ninth AF

Around 400 Medium Bombers attack rail and road bridges and junctions, rail sidings, marshalling yards, town areas, fuel storage tanks, ammunition dumps, troop concentration and strong points in the Calais area. Around 1,300 fighters provide support to Medium Bombers and high cover over assault area, and bomb and strafe bridges, marshalling yards, gun batteries, rail facilities, vehicles, towns, and troop concentrations.

Twelfth AF

Weather again restricts activity. Many Medium Bomber missions are abortive, though several bridges, railroad lines, and guns are attacked. A-20’s hit town of Bolsena and targets in surrounding areas. Fighter Bombers and fighters continue to patrol battle areas destroying motor transport, and attacking train cars, roads, rail-lines, and enemy concentrations, as US Fifth Army approaches Viterbo and British Eighth Army pushes toward Orvieto.

Fifteenth AF

52 B-17’s, with P-47 escort, bomb navy yard and dry-docks at Pola.

Tenth AF

B-24’s mine Bangkok and Mergui areas. B-25’s maintain ammo supply to Imphal. 9 B-25’s pound Imphal-Tiddim road and a few A-36’s and P-51’s hit the enemy in Mogaung area.

Fourteenth AF

19 P-40’s bomb docks, warehouses, and military installations at Ichang and Shasi and strafe 2 cav units at Nanying. 4 P-51’s attack railroad traffic in Singtai-Chengting area.

Fifth AF

B-25’s, P-38’s, B-24’s, and A-20’s battle enemy fighters over Manokwari and Efman-Schouten Is areas, bomb small freighter off Manokwari, and hit gun emplacements and occupied areas at Kamiri, at Namber, and near Sorido. P-40’s hit supply areas and villages in vicinity of Sarmi. A-20’s again hit Wewak area. B-24’s from the Admiralties hit Truk.

Thirteenth AF

24 B-25’s bomb supply area at Ratawul. 32 P-39’s bomb Tsirogei and supply area N of Buka. 6 P-38’s hit Monoitu Mission.

Seventh AF

During 7/8 Jun, B-24’s from Eniwetok bomb Truk and Ponape. B-25’s from Makin follow up during day with strike against Nauru.

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: Contact is established between U.S. First and Br Second Armies near Port-en-Bessin.

In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps begins all-out. drive on Cherbourg with 4 refits—505th Para Inf (82d A/B Div) and 8th Inf (4th Div) on W and 4th Div’s 12th and 22d Regts on E. Enemy again halts assault of 22d Inf at edge of Azeville–Crisbecq fortifications; 12th Inf fights bitterly for Edmondeville. On W, attack reaches general line from Montebourg highway through Magneville to the Merderet. 82d A/B Div remains under strong enemy pressure along the Merderet. On VII Corps S flank, 101st A/B Div opens battle for Carentan in effort to effect speedy junction with V Corps: 506th Inf ( — ), strongly reinf, forces enemy from St. Cômedu- Mont; div then regroups along the Douve with orders to cross in vicinity of Brévands. V Corps secures D Day objectives. 116th Inf of 29th Div and Rangers succeed in relieving hard-pressed units of 2d Ranger Bn on Pointe du Hoe and push on to Grandcamp; 175th Inf continues rapid drive on Isigny and takes it with ease, night 8–9; 115th drives S to the Aure through Longueville. In 1st Div sector, Formigny falls to elements of 18th Inf from Engranville; 26th Inf, making main effort to trap enemy between U.S. and Br bridgeheads, overruns Tour-en-Bessin and, night 8–9, Ste Anne; 16th attempts to block enemy escape from Port-en-Bessin, but enemy retains escape corridor and withdraws bulk of his forces through it, night 8–9.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, Port-en- Bessin falls to 47th Royal Mar Cdo early in day. 50th Div compresses enemy’s escape corridor in conjunction with U.S. V Corps, taking Sully and château at Fosse Soucy, but pulls back under enemy pressure.

ITALY—AAI: Br 5 Corps, holding Adriatic coastal sector, finds that enemy is withdrawing and moves forward.

In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 133d Inf, leading 34th Div’s pursuit up Highway 1, encounters delaying opposition S of Tarquinia. II Corps, to speed advance, commits 2 TF’s ahead of 85th and 88th Divs—TF Howze on left and TF Ellis (91st Cav Rcn Sq, reinf) on right. Forward elements get to within 6 miles of Viterbo before corps is halted in order to give S African 6th Armd Div right of way. Shift of interarmy boundary to left greatly narrows zone of 88th Div.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div makes rapid progress toward Orvieto on left flank. E of the Tiber, Br 6th Armd Div encounters enemy positions extending W from Monte Maggiore and is held up at Passo Corese; puts infantry in the lead, night 8–9.

CBI—On Salween front, Ch 88th Div of 71st Army penetrates outer defenses of Lung-ling. Ch 87th Div reaches North Gate of the city and blocks Japanese supply route at Manio Bridge, on Tengchung- Lung-ling road.

NEW GUINEA—Seventh Fleet PT boats begin operating from Mios Woendi. On Biak, 186th Inf of TF HURRICANE improves and consolidates positions in Mokmer airdrome area. 2d Bn of 162d Inf meets heavy fire as it advances E to rejoin parent unit and halts on ridge N of East Caves. 162d Inf completes movement of bulk of its 1st and 3d Bns to Parai. Japanese continue to resist stubbornly in Parai Defile despite pressure from W and E by elements of 163d, 186th, and 162d Regts. Elements of 162d Inf pushing W from Parai toward Mokmer airfield are strongly opposed but reach positions near Mokmer village. In Hollandia–Aitape area, 1st and 2d Bns of 158th Inf, TF TORNADO, with tank support, attack W after brief arty preparation. Considerable resistance develops, but attack progresses to within 1,500 yards of the Tirfoam.

80 Years Ago Wednesday 7 June 1944

USN

Pacific

Naval Advanced Base, Hollandia, New Guinea, is established.

Submarine Harder (SS-257) sinks Japanese destroyer Hayanami as the latter patrols south of the Japanese Fleet anchorage at Tawi Tawi, southeast of Sibitu Passage, Borneo, 04°43'N, 120°03'E.

Submarine Whale (SS-239) damages Japanese transports Shinroku Maru and Sugiyama Maru north-northeast of the Bonins, 31°06'N, 142°34'E.

Remnants of Japanese convoy 3530 reach Saipan, but because of the work of Shark (SS-314) and Pintado (SS-387),the Imperial Army's 118th Regiment arrives at its destination at half-strength, its weapons and equipment at the bottom of the Pacific.

Atlantic

Construction of artificial harbors and sheltered anchorages ("Mulberries") from sunken blockships and concrete caissons begins off Normandy. Off the beach-heads minesweeper Tide (AM-125) is sunk by a mine. As minesweeper Pheasant (AM-61) rescues Tide's survivors, she fouls the stricken minecraft and is damaged, 49°37'N, 01°05'W. Mines also sink transport Susan B. Anthony (AP-72), 49°33'N, 00°49'W, and tank landing craft LCT-458 and LCT-586; motor torpedo boat PT-505 is damaged by a mine, 49°30'N, 01°09'W, and destroyer Harding (DD-625) is damaged when she runs aground, 49°31'N, 00°50'W. U.S. freighter Francis Harrington, in OMAHA Beach-bound convoy EMB 2, is damaged by mine at 50°10'N, 00°40'W, but manages to discharge her cargo and disembark the troops she is bringing to the beachhead, although 6 of the 515 soldiers perish in the mining, There were no other casualties among the men on board, who include a 28-man Armed Guard.

US

Naval Academy Class of 1945 graduates one year early because of the national emergency.

AAF

Eighth AF

AEAF directs air attacks against congested points to delay movement of more enemy forces into assault area. In first mission 402 Heavy Bombers, including 20 Pathfinders, attack targets at Flers, Conde-sur- Noireau, Falaise, Argentan, L’Aigle, and Lisieux. Second mission is directed at Kerlin/Bastard airfield and at bridges, railroad junctions, depots, and station at Nantes, Angers, Tours, and adjacent areas. 498 Heavy Bombers attack; heavy cloud prevents almost 100 others from bombing targets. VIII FC furnishes area support for beachhead areas in early morning and to Heavy Bomber operations at midday and in late afternoon, at the same time maintaining harassment of comm and flying shipping patrol. The fighters encounter about 150 aircraft during the day, destroying 31. Enemy fighters account for 4 fighters lost. Fighter Bomber attacks are flown against about 50 targets, including marshalling yards, sidings, trains, tunnels, bridges, convoys, airfields, and railroads. In almost 1,000 sorties, 25 fighters are lost.

Ninth AF

600-plus Medium Bombers hit bridges, junctions, trestles, coastal and field batteries, and marshalling yards in France in support of invasion. Over 1,100 fighters support ground troops by dive bombing and strafing, escort Medium Bombers and transports, and make sweeps throughout the battle area as Bayeux is liberated and the BayeuxCaen road is cut. 400-plus C-47’s, C-53’s, and gliders resupply paratroops in the assault area.

Twelfth AF

Weather hampers Medium Bomber operation but several rail and road bridges and viaducts are attacked. Fighter Bombers blast retreating motor transport and troops, and hit bridges N of Rome. Numerous vehicles are destroyed immediately N of Rome and especially in Subiaco area near Rome. Many hits are scored on roads and railroads, and several railroad cars and gun emplacements are destroyed. US Fifth Army captures Civitavecchia.

Fifteenth AF

Fifteenth AF reaches its planned operational strength of 21 Heavy Bomber groups and 7 fighter groups as 332d FG (P- 47) begins operations. 340 B-17’s and B-24’s, some with fighter cover, hit Leghorn dock and harbor installations, Voltri shipyards, Savona railroad junction, and Vado Ligure marshalling yard, Antheor viaduct, and Var R bridge. 42 P-38’s bomb Recco viaduct and 32 P-47’s fly uneventful sweep over Ferrara-Bologna area.

Tenth AF

11 B-24’s bomb Wuntho and Kalemyo. 9 B-25’s hit Wuntho-Shwebo railroad and bridge at Thityabin. Other B-25’s continue flying ammo to Imphal. A few P-51’s hit Lachigahtawng.

Fourteenth AF

10 B-25’s bomb Lashio and targets of opportunity along Salween front. 3 B-25’s and 15 Fighter Bombers bomb tank concentrations at Taying, destroy several locomotives at Linfen, and pound railroad yards at Chenghsien. P-40’s and B-25’s strafe sampans at Ft Bayard and sink a schooner off Nampang I. 2 rocket-firing P-40’s damage processing building at carbide mines at Na Duong.

Fifth AF

B-25’s bomb Biak I, hitting gun positions near Bosnik, airstrip at Sorido, and Borokoe road. A-20’s hit shipping in Manokwari area. B-25’s blast supply areas near Orai R. Fighter Bombers and A-20’s continue pounding Wewak-Hansa Bay coast. Thirteenth Air TF B-24’s hit various targets on Truk Atoll (weather permits only 10 of 48-airplane force to reach target area).

Thirteenth AF

All scheduled strikes in Rabaul area are weathered out. P-39’s and P-38’s hit several targets of opportunity on Bougainville, including occupied areas at Monoitu.

Seventh AF

B-25’s from Makin bomb Ponape

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: U.S. First Army continues attack toward D Day objectives. Gen Eisenhower, visiting the front, orders VII and V Corps to make speedy junction through Isigny and Carentan. VII Corps gives 101st A/B Div task of clearing Carentan. V Corps makes 29th Div responsible for seizing Isigny. In VII Corps area, 4th Div, with 22d Inf on right and 12th on left, drives northward toward line Quinéville–Montebourg until halted by strong opposition from permanent fortifications at Crisbecq and Azeville; 8th Inf columns converge on Ste Mère-Eglise, where they assist elements of 82d A/B Div in throwing back major enemy counterattack from N. Tanks of 10th and 746th Tank Bns also give valuable assistance. Other elements of 82d A/B Div clear E bank of the Merderet but are violently opposed at La Fire bridge across it and are unable to relieve isolated elements W of the river. 82d A/B Div is strengthened by arrival of 325th Gli Inf Regt in gliders and by sea. Seaborne elements (1st Bn) move forward with 8th Inf of 4th Div; the other bns are committed at La Fière and N of Ste Mère-Eglise. To S, 101st A/B Div units on N bank of the Douve temporarily suspend efforts to establish bridgeheads but receive surrender of enemy detachments from Le Port and La Barquette; 506th Para Inf ( — 3d Bn) moves S from Culoville to reconnoiter in force toward the Douve but is stopped near St Côme-du-Mont. V Corps continues toward initial objectives with 29th Div on right and 1st on left. 116th Inf of 29th Div and Rangers are clearing bluffs on V Corps right f lank; relief force pushing toward Rangers on Pointe du Hoe reaches St Pierre-du-Mont area. 175th Inf of 29th Div, upon landing, is given task of taking Isigny; moving between 116th and 115th Regts, advances quickly along Longueville–Isigny road, taking La Cambe before dawn of 8th; 115th Inf clears St Laurent region and pushes SW toward Louviéres and Montigny. Elements of 26th Inf, 1st Div, on right flank of div, make futile attempt to reach Formigny; 18th Inf, in center, thrusts to En-granville, Mandeville, and Mosles; 16th, on left, takes Huppain. Enemy retains narrow corridor between U.S. and Br bridgeheads along Drome R to its junction with Aure R. 2d Div begins landing in evening.

In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 50th Div overruns Bayeux and gets 2 regts S of Bayeux–Caen highway. 47th Royal Mar Cdo begins battle for Port-en-Bessin in afternoon. In 1 Corps area, Cdn 3d Div brig pushes S of Bayeux–Caen highway.

ITALY—AAI: Gen Alexander issues new orders for pursuit of enemy. U.S. Fifth Army is to advance to general area Pisa–Lucca–Pistoia, while Eighth Army is to push toward line Florence–Bibbiena– Arezzo as rapidly as possible. 5 Corps is to remain on the defensive in Adriatic coastal sector. 2 Pol Corps will be committed only if enemy cannot be cleared from Ancona.

In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 168th Inf of 34th Div, advancing through night 6–7, seizes Civitavecchia and its port, 40 miles NW of Rome. This port, although damaged, soon becomes valuable in supplying assault forces.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps shifts axis of advance from N to NW. S African 6th Armd Div, followed by 78th Div, turns toward Orvieto, important road center, on Viterbo–Bagnoregio road. E of the Tiber, Br 6th Armd Div swings toward Terni instead of Rieti.

CBI—In NCAC area, Chinese commanders call Gen Boatner’s attention to the dangerously reduced strength of Chinese forces in Myitkyina area. Limited operations are continued there while preparations are being made for offensive on 10th.

On Salween front, Ch 88th Div of 71st Army reaches East Gate of Lung-ling. Ch 87th Div, moving along Burma Road, is approaching the city.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, 186th Inf, assisted by arty and aircraft, drives quickly across Mokmer airfield to beach without opposition, but Japanese then subject entire area to intense fire. Supply of 186th Inf by sea is begun under fire. 162d Inf begins movement by sea of bulk of its troops in coastal sector to Mokmer airdrome via Parai in order to exert pressure against Parai Defile from Was well as E and open it to coastal traffic. Limited effort is being made against Ibdi Pocket area. Enemy’s East Caves position, E of Mokmer airfield, is being neutralized by fire. In Hollandia–Aitape area, 2d Bn joins 1st Bn of 158th Inf, TF TORNADO, in Tor R bridgehead. Both patrol uneventfully toward Maffin No. 1. In TF PERSECUTION’S sector, Japanese become active about 1,300 yards W of Afua on Afua–Palauru supply line. Gap exists in outer defense line along the Driniumor, where regrouping is conducted. 1st Bn, 128th Inf, replaces 1st Bn, 126th, in N part of line.

U.S.—Gen Marshall rejects request, made by Gen Stilwell at instigation of Chiang Kai-shek and Gen Chennault, that B–29 stocks be used by Fourteenth Air Force in the event of an emergency in China.

80 Years Ago Tuesday 6 June 1944

Today, everyone remembers and commemorates the events of OVERLORD, as well they should.  But a lot more happened in the global struggle of the United Nations Allies against their Axis foes.  D-Day properly caught and retained the public's attention, but that attention blinded us to other significant events.  Who remembers the date of the first B-29 combat mission?  5 June 1944 striking the Bangkok rail shops.  The employment of the Very Heavy Bomber had just begun, its deployment in process since the Roosevelt Churchill-Chiang Kai-shek Cairo Conference and its development long before that.  

USN

Pacific

Submarine Harder (SS-257) attacks Japanese convoy in the Celebes Sea, and sinks destroyer Minazuki 120 miles east-northeast of Tarakan, Borneo, 04°05'N, 119°30'E; counterattacks by destroyer Wakatsuki prove unsuccessful.

TG 17.12's operations against Japanese convoy 3530 come to a close as submarine Pintado (SS-387) sinks cargo ship Kashimasan Maru and army transport Havre Maru west-northwest of the Marianas, 16°28'N, 142°16'E.

Submarine Raton (SS-270) attacks Japanese convoy, and sinks Coast Defense Vessel No.15 about 160 miles off CapeSt. Jacques, French Indochina, 08°57'N, 109°17'E. Raton is damaged by depth charges, but remains on patrol.

USAAF A-20s attack Japanese shipping off Manokwari, sinking motor sailships No.1 Asahi Maru, No.1 KasugaMaru, and No.5 Taifuku Maru.

Aircraft damage Japanese minelayer Yurishima southeast of Woleai, 07°46'N, 147°30'E.

Atlantic

Allied Expeditionary Force under the supreme command of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, USA, invades Western Europe in Operation OVERLORD. Landings are made on the beaches of Normandy, France, following preinvasion minesweeping and bombardment by Allied warships, and under cover of Allied aircraft and naval gunfire. The invasion fleet of thousands of warships, merchantmen, and landing craft under the command of Admiral Sir Bertram H. Ramsay, RN, is divided into a Western (American) Task Force and an Eastern (British) Task Force. The Western Task Force, commanded by Rear Admiral Alan G. Kirk and composed of two assault forces, "O" under command of Rear Admiral John L. Hall and "U" under command of Rear Admiral Donald P. Moon, lands the First U.S. Army commanded by Lieutenant General Omar N. Bradley, USA, on OMAHA and UTAH beaches, respectively. Naval gunfire support groups commanded by Rear Admiral Carlton F. Bryant prevent the Germans from moving up reinforcements and cover the Allied troops advancing inland. After the beachheads are established, the primary naval responsibility is the landing of men and supplies. The success of the Normandy landings virtually assures victory in the European theater.

Off Normandy, mines sink destroyer Corry (DD-463), 49°31'N, 01°11'W; submarine chaser PC-1261, 49°30'N,01°10'W; tank landing craft LCT-25, LCT-197, LCT-294, LCT-305, LCT-332, LCT-364, LCT-555, LCT-593, LCT-597, LCT-703, and LCT-777; and infantry landing craft LCI-85, LCI-91, LCI-92, LCI-232, and LCI-497.

LCT-27 and LCT-30 sink after running aground.

LCT-362 founders and sinks. LCT-612 and LCI-93 and LCI-553 are sunk by shore batteries.

Destroyer Harding (DD-625) sends armed whaleboat in to shore, landing small arms to help the 2d Ranger Battalion; the destroyermen relieve a number of soldiers as guards for German POWs, permitting the rangers to reinforce their comrades.

AAF

Eighth AF

Eighth reaches its top strength as 493d Bomb Gp (H) becomes operational, making a total of 40 Heavy Bomber groups now operational. Heavy Bombers fly 4 missions in support of the invasion of Normandy. 1,361 Heavy Bombers are dispatched on first mission of the day. 1,015 of the Heavy Bombers attack the beach installations, 47 bomb transportation chokepoints in town of Caen, and 21 bomb alternate targets. Overcast and inability of Heavy Bombers to locate (or absence of) Pathfinder leaders causes failure of some units to attack. The second mission strikes at transportation chokepoints in towns immediately around the assault area. Total cloud cover causes most of the 528 Heavy Bombers dispatched to return with their bombs but 37 bombers manage to bomb secondary target of Argentan. The third mission is dispatched against the important comm center of Caen. 56 B-24’s bomb through overcast skies. Transportation chokepoints in towns immediately S and E of assault area are the objectives of the fourth mission for the Eighth. 553 Heavy Bombers bomb targets including Vire, Saint- Lo, Coutances, Falaise, Lisieux, Thury-Harcourt, Pont-l’Eveque, Argentan, and Conde-sur-Noireau. In all, 1,729 Heavy Bombers of Eighth AF drop 3,596 tons of bombs during D-Day, suffering only 3 losses (to ground fire and a collision). VIII FC has threefold mission of escorting Heavy Bombers, attacking any movement toward assault area, and protecting Allied shipping. The fighters fly 1,880 sorties including Fighter Bomber attacks against 17 bridges, 10 marshalling yards, and a variety of other targets including convoy, railroad cars, siding, rail and highway junctions, tunnel, and a dam. Very little air opposition is encountered. The fighters claim 28 German aircraft destroyed and 14 damaged. Also destroyed are 21 locomotives and two carloads of ammunition. Numerous targets are damaged including locomotives, trucks, tank cars, armored vehicles, goods carriers, barges, and tugboats. Tgts attacked with unreported results include warehouses, radar towers, barracks, troops, arty, staff cars, 85 trains, and a variety of other targets. 25 VIII FC aircraft are lost.

Ninth AF

More than 800 A-20’s and B-26’s bomb coastal def batteries, rail and road junctions and bridges, and marshalling yards in support of the invasion forces landing in Normandy. Over 2,000 fighters fly sweeps, escort for Medium Bombers and TCs, ground support, and divebombing missions over W France. During the preceding fight and during the day over 1,400 C-47’s, C-53’s, and gliders deliver glider troops and paratroops, including 3 full airborne divs, which are to secure beach exits to facilitate inland movement of seaborne assault troops. A total of about 30 airplanes Medium Bombers, (fighters and transports) are lost.

Twelfth AF

Medium Bombers, Light Bombers, Fighter Bombers, and fighters all hit comm lines N of Rome to slow enemy retreat. Bridges, road junctions, rail lines, roads, and motor transport are continually attacked throughout the day, as British Eighth Army forces W of Tiber reach Civita Castellana and US Fifth Army forces push N and W toward Viterbo and Civitavecchia.

Fifteenth AF

Shuttle-bombing (FRANTIC) continues as 104 B-17’s and 42 P-51’s (having flown to USSR from Italy on 2 Jun) attack airfield at Galati and return to Soviet shuttle bases. 8 enemy fighters are shot down and 2 P- 51’s are lost. 570-plus other Heavy Bombers, with fighter escorts, bomb oil refineries in Ploesti area, marshalling yards at Brasov and Pitesti, Brasov wagon and armament works, Turnu-Severin canal, and marshalling yard at Belgrade.

Tenth AF

24 B-25’s attack Waingmaw, Wuntho-Hopin area, and Imphal-Tiddim road. Others maintain ammo lift into Imphal. 24 A-36’s, 11 P-51’s, and 45 P-40’s pound Myitkyina. About 40 A-36’s and P-40’s hit Mogaung, Mohnyin, Lachigahtawng, Pakhren-Sakan, and Kadu areas.

Fourteenth AF

50 P-40’s attack shipping, horses, and troops in Fulinpu Kweiyi vicinity, 10 P-51’s and 6 B-25’s pound Tayang Chiang, and 5 B-25’s bomb Pailochi airfield. 9 P-40’s hit road and rail targets of opportunity in Yellow R area. 2 others sink a junk and damage others at Kwangchow Wan.

Fifth AF

B-24’s and B-25’s bomb shipping near Efman and Waigeo Is. A-20’s hit airfield at Babo, and A-20’s and B-25’s hit Namber airfield and tanks near Mokmer. P-39’s, A-20’s, and RAAF airplanes continue to pound Wewak-Hansa Bay area, hitting supply dumps and hideouts. B-24’s hit islands in Truk Atoll.

Thirteenth AF

P-38’s bomb supply dump near Nordup. P-39’s and Navy aircraft hit vehicles near Hari. Other P-39’s pound pier and buildings in SE Kahili.

Seventh AF

B-24’s returning to Eniwetok from Los Negros (where they rearmed after bombing Guam the previous day) hit Ponape.

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group (Gen Montgomery, CG): Allied forces invade France, landing on coast of Normandy. Although OVERLORD is under supreme command of Gen Eisenhower, Gen Montgomery heads all land forces, Air Chief Marshal Leigh- Mallory the air forces, and Adm Ramsay the naval forces. Powerful air and naval bombardment precedes and follows landings. Strategic aircraft join with tactical in pounding assault zone. Surprise as to time and place of invasion is achieved and casualties are extremely light on all beaches except OMAHA. Naval opposition is absent and air reaction is feeble. Seaborne assault—H Hour being 0630 for Americans and a little later for British—is preceded 4–5 hours by the largest airborne operation yet attempted. 3 divs are dropped to facilitate inland movement of seaborne assault forces. Drops are scattered, but paratroopers largely accomplish their mission of securing beach exits, advancing in small groups across hedgerow country.

In Gen Bradley’s U.S. First Army area, VII Corps (Gen Collins), on extreme right, lands W of Vire Estuary on UTAH Beach. Its primary mission is to seize port of Cherbourg as quickly as possible. 101st and 82d A/B Divs are dropped behind UTAH Beach in region between Ste Mère-Eglise and Carentan. 101st secures beach exits in St Martinde- Varreville–Pouppeville region and makes contact with seaborne 4th Div; blocks roads at Foucarville, which enemy surrenders night 6–7; takes lock at La Barquette, N of Carentan, but is unable to secure crossings of the Douve on either side of Carentan as planned. Enemy is resisting strongly in Carentan–St Côme-du-Mont area. 82d A/B Div, upon dropping astride the Merderet, takes Ste Mère- Eglise but fails to gain its other objectives—crossings of the Merderet and Douve, and making contact with 101st A/B Div in Beuzeville-au-Plain area— small groups are isolated W of the Merderet. At H–2, 4th Cav Gp detachment makes unopposed landings on Iles St Marcouf. 4th Div, reinf by 359th Inf of 90th Div, lands at H Hour, 8th Inf leading, and against relatively light opposition secures beachhead; 8th Inf gets some elements to Les Forges crossroads and others to Turqueville area, but enemy retains salient between these and 82d A/B Div units at Ste Mère-Eglise. Tank-infantry TF (from 325th Gli Inf of 82d A/B Div and 746th Tank Bn) arrives in Les Forges area but is unable to break through to 82d A/B Div. 12th Inf, 4th Div, reaches Beuzeville-au-Plain area to left of foist A/B Div, and 22d advances along coast to general line Hamelde- Cruttes–St-Germain-de-Varreville. V Corps (Maj Gen Leonard T. Gerow) lands to E of VII Corps on OMAHA Beach at H Hour but suffers heavy losses in men and equipment because of adverse surf conditions and raking fire delivered from sharply rising bluffs that command the narrow beach. 1st Div, reinf by 116th Inf of 29th Div, initially puts 116th and 16th Regts ashore; rest of 1st Div and 115th Inf of 29th land later in day. 2d and 5th Ranger Bns are attached to 116th Inf to clear Pointe du Hoe. 3 cos of 2d Ranger Bn, supported by fire from naval vessels offshore, scale steep cliff of Pointe du Hoe and take coastal battery, which enemy has abandoned; during next 2 days withstand series of sharp counterattacks against their isolated position. Other Rangers and 116th Inf ( — ) land between Vierville-sur-Mer and Les Moulins and overrun former. Elements of 116th Inf land E of Les Moulins and make futile effort to reach St Laurent-sur-Mer. On left flank of V Corps, 16th Inf and follow-up regts (115th, 18th, 26th) make maximum penetration of about 11/2 miles between St Laurent-sur-Mer and Colleville; 3d Bn of 16th Inf, on extreme left, takes Le Grand Hameau.

Br Second Army (Lt Gen Myles C. Dempsey) lands to E of U.S. First Army on 3 beaches (GOLD, JUNO, and SWORD) between Le Hamel and Ouistreham and presses inland toward Bayeux and Caen. In 30 Corps area, 50th Div, reinf by 8th Armd Brig, elements of 79th Armd Div, and 47th Royal Mar Cdo, lands on GOLD Beach in Le Hamel— La Rivière sector; against strong opposition at Le Hamel, drives inland toward Bayeux, reaching general line Vaux-sur-Aure–St Sulpice-Vaux-sur-Seulles– Brécy–Creuilly; makes contact with Cdn 3d Div to left. Preparations are made for attack on Bayeux at daylight. I Corps puts troops ashore on JUNO and SWORD and drives on Caen from NW and N. Well before the seaborne assault, 6th A/B Div ( — ) is dropped E of the Orne in Caen area; secures bridges over Orne R and Caen Canal at Bénouville and destroys coastal battery at Merville. Cdn 3d Div, reinf, lands on JUNO in Courseulles area and thrusts rapidly inland 3–6 miles; armored patrols reach Bayeux–Caen highway at Bretteville-l’Orgueilleuse. Br 3d Div, reinf, lands to left on SWORD and drives inland to Biéville, within about 2 miles of Caen, but gap exists between it and Cdn 3d Div. Germans make their only major counterattack of the day through the gap but are forced back almost to starting line.

FRANTIC—104 B–17’s and 42 P–51’s of U.S. Fifteenth Air Force attack airfield at Galati (Rumania), staging from bases in USSR.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps races northward, CCB of 1st Armd Div reaching positions about 25 miles from Rome where it is passed through at 2200 by 168th Inf, 34th Div.

In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps progresses rapidly W of the Tiber; S African 6th Armd Div reaches Civita Castellana. Stronger opposition E of the river makes going slower, but Br 6th Armd Div reaches Monterotondo. In 10 Corps area, Ind 8th Div pursues enemy to Subiaco.

CBI—Because of Japanese offensive in China, Gen Stilwell increases Hump allocation to Fourteenth Air Force to 8,325 tons. 1,500 more tons from B–29 allocation bring total tonnage for Fourteenth Air Force to the 10,000 Gen Chennault requested.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, upon orders from Gen Fuller to clear Mokmer airfield at once and drive on to coast S of there, 186th Inf of TF HURRICANE prepares to drive on the airfield instead of clearing heights commanding it as planned. Attack is postponed until 7th in order to amass sufficient supplies. After receiving supply of water, 3d Bn, followed by 1st, moves down W slope of ridge in preparation for attack on airfield. 162d Inf continues to meet lively opposition in coastal sector.

POA—TF 58 sails from the Marshalls for the Marianas.

U.S.—JWPC issues study, “Operations Against Japan, Subsequent to Formosa,” in which the following schedule for 1945 is suggested for planning purposes: Phase 1—take Bonins and Ryukyus and attack China coast (1 April–30 June); Phase 2—consolidate and exploit (30 June–30 September); Phase 3—invade Japanese home islands, Kyushu on 1 October and Honshu on 31 December.

USMC

Allied forces invade the continent of Europe at Normandy. Joint War Plans Committee issues study establishing 1945 Pacific invasion schedule for planning purposes.

80 Years Ago, Monday 5 June 1944

USN

Pacific

Submarine Nautilus (SS-168) lands supplies at Tucuran, Mindanao.

Submarine Puffer (SS-268) attacks Japanese convoy in the Sulu Sea and sinks underway replenishment vessel Ashizuri and oiler Takasaki and damages tanker No.2 Hishi Maru, northeast of Borneo, 06°44'N, 120°54'E.

TG 17.12's operations against Japanese convoy 3530 continue as submarine Shark (SS-314) sinks transport TamahimeMaru and army transport Takaoka Maru west of the Marianas, 17°37'N, 140°32'E.

Atlantic

Off Normandy, France, mines sink minesweeper Osprey (AM-56), 50°12'N, 01°20'W, and damage tank landing ship LST-981, 50°45'N, 00°43'E.

AAF

Eighth AF

629 Heavy Bombers attack 6 coastal def installations in Cherbourg-Caen area and 8 in Pas de Calais area, along with 3 V-weapon sites and a railroad bridge. 6 bombers are lost. 7 P-51 Fighter Bombers attack truck convoy near Lille, destroying 2 trucks.

Ninth AF

Over 100 B-26’s bomb coastal def batteries in France. More than 100 P-47’s dive-bomb targets in same area.

Twelfth AF

Medium Bombers pound road bridges just N of forces retreating from Rome while Fighter Bombers continue attacks against motor transport, railway lines and roads in battle areas and N of Rome, destroying many vehicles and train cars, and scoring numerous hits on bridges, tracks, and roads, as most of US Fifth Army assault forces cross the Tiber in pursuit of enemy and British Eighth Army forces E of Rome prepare to advance astride the Tiber against Terni and Rieti.

Fifteenth AF

440-plus Heavy Bombers attack marshalling yards at Ferrara, Forli, Faenza, Castel Maggiore, and Bologna, bomb bridges, bridge approaches, and surrounding areas at Rimini, Fornovo di Taro, and Pioppi, and attack viaduct at Vado Ligure. P-38’s and P-51’s fly escort. 53 P-38’s strafe Ferrara and Poggio Renatico airfields and 40 strafe and dive-bomb airfields at Bologna and Reggio Emilia.

Tenth AF

9 B-25’s bomb Bhamo and 4 hit bridge at Ledan Chaung, while others continue ammo haul into Imphal. 50 Fighter Bombers pound Myitkyina area and 20-plus others hit Loilaw, Tagwin, Namti, and Mogaung. 12 P-40’s support ground forces at Watien and Lameng on Salween front. 18 P-24’s and 12 P-40’s bomb Lashio. 7 B-24’s blast barracks and warehouse area at Namhkam. 8 P-40’s hit 15 tanks at Taying. 29 P-40’s attack numerous oil barges near Yuankiang, leaving 16 of them burning.

Fifth AF

P-39’s and RAAF airplanes attack Wewak area. B-24’s bomb area N of Sorido airfield. During 5/6 Jun an all-night series of harassing raids by Japanese airplanes destroy several Allied aircraft on Wakde.

Thirteenth AF

23 B-25’s bomb truck park at Rabaul. 22 P-39’s strike Ratawul. 11 P-38’s hit barges and buildings in Vulcan Crater area. 30-plus P-39’s hit vehicles in Komai Tobago vicinity, a wooded supply area N of Buka airfield, and Cape Tanabom and Kangu Hill areas.

Twentieth AF

The Twentieth flies its first Very Heavy Bomber combat mission. Of 98 B-29’s airborne from India, 77 bomb primary target—the railroad shops at Bangkok. 5 Very Heavy Bombers are lost to nonbattle causes.

Seventh AF

B-25’s from Makin hit Nauru. B-24’s from Eniwetok escort photo aircraft over Guam, bomb the island, and proceed to Los Negros for rearming. B-25’s from Engebi strike Ponape.

USA

SWPA—Gen MacArthur tells Gen Krueger that ALAMO Force will direct the Noemfoor operation.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, Gen Krueger urges TF HURRICANE to intensify efforts to take airfields quickly. 186th Inf resumes westward attack without opposition and reaches main ridge, NE of Mokmer airfield, which 3d Bn scales. In Ibdi area, 162d Inf succeeds in clearing trail inland and making contact with 186th Inf but, despite support of naval vessels offshore, can make little headway in Parai Defile. In Hollandia–Aitape area, initial elements of 6th Div arrive at Toem and begin relief of 158th Inf, TF TORNADO. TF PERSECUTION’S Herrick Force is withdrawn from Yakamul to beachhead by water. Bailey Force completes arduous trek via perimeter of Co G, 127th Inf, 2 miles W of Yakamul, and is sent W along coast to the Driniumor, to which Co G and its supporting arty also retire. During action in Yakamul area, 1st Bn, 126th Inf, has suffered 18 killed, 75 wounded, and 8 missing and has killed 200–250 Japanese. 1st Bn of 127th Inf, which has been trying for several days to drive enemy from ridge N of Afua, makes stronger effort and finds that Japanese have abandoned the ridge.

CBI—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, conferring with Gen. Stilwell, asks that B–29 tonnage be diverted to meet Japanese threat in E China. Gen Stilwell agrees to request permission if situation grows worse.

On Salween front, 20,000 troops of Ch 71st Army have crossed to W bank of the Salween. Drive on Lung-ling continues. 11 Army Group: In 33 Corps sector of Br Fourteenth Army area, battle of Kohima is successfully concluded as Br 2d Div clears Aradura Spur, S of Kohima, but Kohima–Imphal road must still be opened by 33 Corps working S and 4 Corps pushing N.

THAILAND—B–29’s of U.S. XX Bomber Command, on their first mission, attack Bangkok in force.

ITALY—AAI: Gen Alexander orders vigorous pursuit of enemy to line Rimini–Pisa. Fifth Army, on W, is to seize Viterbo airfield and port of Civitavecchia, then advance on Leghorn. Br Eighth Army is to advance astride the Tiber to clear Terni and Rieti.

U.S. Fifth Army gets most of assault forces across the Tiber and pursues enemy as rapidly as possible, VI Corps using Highway 1 and II Corps, Highway 2. Fifth Army takes control of 3d Div for garrison duty within Rome. In VI Corps area, Br 5th and 1st Divs in coastal sector get advance elements to lower Tiber, where bridges must be built. 1st Armd Div’s CCB spearheads advance of 36th Div and CCA, that of 34th Div. II Corps employs 85th Div on left and 88th on right as it speeds northward. 91st and 117th Cav Rcn Sqs provide flank protection. FEC crosses the Aniene and drives to the Tiber, then suspends forward movement until S African 6th Armd Div of Br Eighth Army can cross its front.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div concentrates E of Rome in preparation for pursuing enemy northward along Route 3 (Via Flaminia) W of the Tiber. Br 6th Armd Div, advancing along Route 4 (Via Salaria) E of the river, makes contact with enemy outposts N of Rome. 10 Corps, which is initially to advance on Rieti, takes command of Ind 8th Div.

80 Years Ago Sunday 4 June 1944

Today was heard a command not heard since the days of sail, “Away Boarders!”  U-505, the objectivw of that order, can now be seen at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.

USN

Pacific

Japanese horizontal bombers attack Allied cruiser and destroyer forces TF 74 and TF 75 (Rear Admiral Victor A.C. Crutchley, RN) off Biak, New Guinea, damaging light cruisers Nashville (CL-43), 01°05'S, 136°05'E, and Phoenix (CL-46), 01°00'S, 136°00'E.

Submarine Flier (SS-250) sinks Japanese troopship Hakusan Maru about 375 miles southwest of Chichi Jima, Bonins,22°45'N, 136°50'E.

Submarine Golet (SS-361) sinks Japanese guardboat No.10 Shinko Maru east of Japan, 35°47'N, 154°54'E.

Coordinated submarine attack group, TG 17.12, makes contact with Japanese convoy 3530 (see 29 May). Two of the group's three boats, Shark (SS-314) and Pintado (SS-387), will obtain favorable attack positions; the third, Pilotfish (SS-386), will not. Shark sinks army transport Katsukawa Maru about 475 miles northwest of Saipan, 19°45'N,138°15'E (see 5 June).

USAAF B-24s sink Japanese landing ship T.128, 110 miles northeast of Morotai, 04°09'N, 129°45'E.

USAAF A-20s bomb Manokwari, New Guinea, and Japanese shipping in Geelvink Bay, sinking auxiliary submarine chaser No.2 Hakusan Maru and guardboats Shimane Maru, No.3 Tokyo Maru, and Gongen Maru.

Atlantic

TG 22.3 (Captain Daniel V. Gallery), a hunter-killer group comprising escort carrier Guadalcanal (CVE-60) and destroyer escorts Pillsbury (DE-133), Pope (DE-134), Flaherty (DE-135), Chatelain (DE-149), and Jenks (DE-665), forces German submarine U-505 to the surface 150 miles off the coast of Rio de Oro, Africa. Lieutenant (j.g.) Albert L. David leads a boarding party from Pillsbury (which is damaged in collision with the out-of-control U-boat during salvage operations) that saves the ship despite the dangers posed by scuttling charges. He later assists more well-equipped salvage parties that make the captured U-boat seaworthy for the tow to Trinidad. For his "gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty," David is awarded the Medal of Honor.

AAF

Eighth AF

In the first mission of the day the escort is to be divided between Pas de Calais (COVER) area and the Normandy assault (NEPTUNE ) area. However, D-Day is postponed 24 hrs and the NEPTUNE force is cancelled. 231 Heavy Bombers attack 7 targets in Pas de Calais area. In the second mission 283 aircraft bomb 8 coastal def positions in same area. Third mission of the day consists of attacks by 400 Heavy Bombers on 10 targets including airfields, railway junctions and bridges. No bombers are lost on any of the missions.

Ninth AF

Over 300 B-26’s and A-20’s bomb highway bridges and coastal batteries in France. Almost 200 P-47’s and P-51’s dive-bomb bridges, railroad junction, rolling stock and targets of opportunity in France.

Twelfth AF

Medium Bombers hit railroad bridges in NC Italy. Fighter Bombers concentrate on motor transport on roads N of Rome over which enemy is retreating as US Fifth Army columns converge on the city amidst enthusiastic welcome by the populace. A record number of over 600 motor transport are claimed destroyed and almost as many more damaged by Twelfth AF and RAF units of MATAF.

Fifteenth AF

More than 650 B-17’s and B-24’s attack comm in NW Italy and on both sides of Franco-Italian frontier, hitting marshalling yard and repair works at Turin, marshalling yards at Genoa and Novi Ligure, bridges at Gad and Orelle, and viaducts at Recco and Antheor. Fighters fly over 200 sorties in support of the Heavy Bombers.

Tenth AF

20-plus P-40’s hit Myitkyina area while 19 others hit various points in N Burma, including Haka, Kamaing, Kamasaing, Tagwin, and Bilumyo. B-25’s continue ammo lift to Imphal.

Fourteenth AF

P-40’s bomb arty positions and targets of opportunity in Watien area of Salween battle front. Others bomb railroad targets of opportunity in NE Indochina.

Fifth AF

A-20’s bomb town and harbor at Manokwari and shipping to the E in Geelvink Bay. B-24’s bomb Namber and Borokoe airfields while fighters battle enemy airplanes in general area. B-24’s bomb area near Orai R mouth while A-20’s hit Wewak and Fighter Bombers pound Hansa Bay coast.

Thirteenth AF

Bad weather again prevents strikes against Rabaul area. P-39’s flying a total of 55 sorties, blast truck park near Komai, strafe huts at Doure, and attack pier at Tunuru. 8 P-38’s weathered out of Rabaul strike Tonolai supply area. A lone B-25 bombs Kahili.

Seventh AF

During the night B-24’s, staging through Eniwetok, hit Truk. B-25’s from Engebi follow with daylight raid on Ponape.

Eleventh AF

2 B-24’s fly uneventful recon over Shimushiru. Fuel shortage and equipment failure prevent flying to Matsuwa (secondary). Later, a B-25 and 2 P-38’s fly a guardship cover mission.

USA

SWPA—GHQ begins preparations for seizure of Noemfoor I., between Biak and Manokwari. The island, containing 3 airdromes, can be used as a staging area and also as base from which to cover sea lanes W of Biak.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, 186th Inf of TF HURRICANE halts westward drive because of possible enemy attack and spends rest of day in uneventful patrolling. In Ibdi area, 162d Inf makes limited progress in clearing trail leading inland and ridge lines extending from it. In Hollandia–Aitape area, Japanese, after preparatory bombardment, counterattack Herrick Force of TF PERSECUTION in Yakamul area, forcing elements on far side of stream to retire. Bailey Force is ordered to relieve Herrick Force and starts N toward Yakamul, bypassing enemy block on trail.

CBI—On Salween front, Chinese silence enemy fire on heights commanding Huei-jen Bridge. 88th and 87th Divs, Ch 71st Army, are converging on Lung-ling, 88th from Pingka and 87th along Burma Road. Elements of Ch New 28th Div take Lameng; others are containing Sung Shan garrison.

ITALY—AAI: U.S. Fifth Army columns, some motorized, converge on Rome against rear-guard opposition and are enthusiastically welcomed by the populace. Elements of 88th Rcn Tr of II Corps are the first to enter but cannot deepen penetration. Gen Clark designates garrison of the Eternal City: 3d Div, less one regt that will remain in the city as Fifth Army reserve; Br 1st Bn, the Duke of Wellington’s Regt; 1 composite bn of FEC. 3d Div is to command the garrison forces. In VI Corps area, 1st Armd Div takes Albano and drives up Highway 7 into Rome while 36th Div, to E, advances into E suburbs. 45th and 34th Div task forces secure crossing sites below Rome. In II Corps area, 1st SSF and 88th Div columns, making main effort, 1st SSF along Highway 6 and 88th Div along Via Prenestina, are delayed W of Centocelle for about 9 hours but push on through to city. 1st SSF fans out within Rome to take Tiber bridges N of Ponte Margherita. 88th Div TF’s, based on 1st Bns of 351st and 350th Regts, drive through the city and seize Ponte Milvio and Ponte del Duca d’Aosta. On left flank of II Corps, one 85th Div force drives through Frascati and along Via Tuscolana to Rome, taking Ponte Cavour there; another cuts Highway 7. FEC completes relief of 3d Div on right flank of II Corps. Forward elements of 3d Algerian Div reach Aniene R at Lunghezza. 1st Motorized Div is committed to right.

Br Eighth Army regroups in order to place 2 fresh armd divs, Br 6th and S African 6th, in van of pursuit that 13 Corps is to lead. 13 Corps takes command of S African 6th Armd Div from Cdn 1 Corps. Cdn 1 Corps is withdrawn into reserve.

U.K.—At SHAEF, Gen Eisenhower postpones D Day 24 hours, to 6 June, because of unfavorable weather forecasts.

80 Years Ago Saturday 3 June 1944

USN

Pacific

Destroyer Reid (DD-369) is damaged by dive bomber off western New Guinea, 01°13'S, 136°13'E.

In operations against Japanese shipping off New Guinea, a PBY (VPB 52) damages torpedo boat Kiji 23 miles northwest of Manokwari, 00°40'S, 134°00'E; USAAF A-20s sink fishing boat No.96 Banshu Maru west of Manokwari.

AAF

Eighth AF

In Operation COVER, 338 Heavy Bombers attack coastal defenses in the Pas de Calais area, bombing a total of 22 assigned targets. In second mission of the day 215 Heavy Bombers attack 16 of the targets bombed during the first mission. No bombers are lost on either mission.

Ninth AF

Over 250 B-26’s and A-20’s bomb airfields, highway bridges, and coastal def batteries in N France. Over 400 P-38’s and P-47’s divebomb targets in NW Europe.

Twelfth AF

Medium Bombers pound bridges in C Italy, further damaging the enemy’s comm system. Fighter Bombers continue close support of embattled ground forces immediately S of Rome and attack several bridges N of the city to hinder a possible withdrawal of enemy forces. Light Bombers attack ammo and fuel dumps.

Fifteenth AF

Bad weather drastically curtails operations. 36 B-24’s bomb waterfront area of Omis and 38 hit port area and W part of Split. Fighters sent to strafe targets of opportunity in target areas abandon mission because of low clouds over targets.

Tenth AF

15 B-25’s pound Imphal-Tiddim road while a few P-40’s hit Mogaung area. B-25 ammo lift to Imphal area continues.

Fourteenth AF

P-40’s support ground forces at Watien and Tatangtzu, destroy 2 barges and damage others in Gulf on Tonkin, and strafe 40 barges carrying horses and troops in Tungting Lake area N of Nanhsien. B-25’s, P-40’s, and P-51’s pound Pingkiang area.

Fifth AF

B-25’s, A-20’s, and B-24’s hit Timoeka airfield and nearby villages, shipping off Manokwari, Seroei Village on Japen I, and positions N of Mokmer, and strafe Mokmer, Sorido and Kamiri airfields. P-38’s and P-47’s battle fighters over Biak I and over Babo area. P-47’s and P-40’s hit Sawar airfield, supplies and fuel dumps in Sarmi and Orai R areas, and hideouts and occupied areas along coast. B-24’s and Fighter Bombers maintain consistent pounding of numerous targets in Wewak-Hansa Bay coastal region. B-24’s of Thirteenth Air TF bomb Eten and Dublon.

Thirteenth AF

All scheduled strikes on Rabaul area are cancelled due to weather conditions. 20-plus P-39’s, turned back from Rabaul area, hit Tsundawan-Porton road, vehicles in Komai area, and AA position at Kara.

Seventh AF

B-24’s, staging through Eniwetok, strike Truk in predawn raid. B-25’s from Engebi bomb Nauru.

Eleventh AF

2 B-25’s and 2 P-38’s fly guardship cover. 2 other B-25’s fly a negative shipping search.

USA

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, TF HURRICANE’s 186th Inf continues W on broad front to positions N of Parai. Japanese do not oppose advance, but terrain makes progress slow. Supply line is tenuous and water must be brought inland from coast. 162d Inf ( — ) attempts unsuccessfully to push W through Parai Defile. It is decided that the Ibdi Pocket must be cleared before westward attacks can continue. Engineer, AA, radar, and arty units move to Owi I. In Hollandia–Aitape area, Japanese in TF PERSECUTION zone are still active around Yakamul and bypass Herrick Force to reach positions W of Yakamul.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Ch 42d and 150th Regts and 1st Bn of 89th continue attack on Myitkyina; suffering 320 casualties. Operations are to be temporarily suspended in order to avoid further casualties and to train U.S. troops.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 45th and 34th Divs push toward Albano from S and SE. 45th drives N to RR and is followed by 1st Armd Div, reinf by 135th Inf of 34th Div, which is to continue attack through 45th Div. In 34th Div sector, 168th Inf takes Lanuvio early in day; 100th Bn (Nisei) overcomes rear-guard opposition on M. du Torri by 0100 on 4th; 133d Inf overruns Genzano before dawn of 4th. 157th Inf is attached to 34th Div upon entering its sector; bypassing M. du Torri, seizes road junction on Albano road north of RR, night 3–4. 36th Div’s 141st Inf takes Nemi and road junction E of Lake Albano; 142d clears crest of M. Cavo; 143d eliminates strongroupoint on Tano Hill. II Corps, having regrouped extensively in order to swing W on Rome, gets into position for final assault. 85th Div pushes toward Frascati, elements reaching hills NE of town. 88th Div column drives through Colonna to final phase line S of Tor Sapienza by 0400 on 4th. 349th Inf, guarding Highway 6 near Zagarolo, is attached to 3d Div. TF Howze, which is reinf and attached to 1st SSF, drives up Highway 6 against rear-guard resistance and secures Osteria Finocchio road center. 1st SSF, upon relief on right flank by FEC, moves forward to right of TF Howze. 3d Div guards right flank while awaiting relief by FEC. 15th Inf, the first unit to be relieved, takes up positions NE of Osteria Finocchio. 7th Inf moves W in region N of Highway 6. FEC moves forward to rear of II Corps. 3d Algerian Div advances along Highway 6, relieving right flank elements of II Corps. 2d Moroccan Div takes up positions facing Paliano and Genazzano to defend right rear of FEC.

In Br Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps takes Anagni.

U.K.—Loading of cross-Channel assault forces is completed.