80 Years Ago, Friday, 7 July 1944

USN

PACIFIC–Submarine Bonefish (SS-223) sinks Japanese guard boat Ryuei Maru off Tarakan, Borneo, 02°40'N, 118°22'E.

            Submarine Flasher (SS-249), despite presence of escort vessel, sinks Japanese transport No.2 Koto Maru off Cape Varella, French Indochina, 13°08'N, 109°28'E.

            Submarine Mingo (SS-261) sinks Japanese destroyer Tamanami 150 miles west-southwest of Manila, 14°16'N,119°50'E.

            Submarine Skate (SS-305) attacks Japanese convoy in the southern Sea of Okhotsk, sinking destroyer Usugumo and damaging cargo vessel Kasado Maru about 160 miles north of Etorofu Jima, 47°43'N, 147°55'E.

            Submarine Sunfish (SS-281) attacks Japanese fishing boats en route from Matsuwa to Uruppu, sinking No.105 Hokuyo Maru, No.5 Kannon Maru, Ebisu Maru, and Kinei Maru, 47°29'E, 152°29'E.

 

AAF

EIGHTH AF–Over 1,000 Heavy Bombers attack 3 synthetic oil plants, 8 aircraft assembly plants and engine works, 2 airfields and an equipment depot, 2 marshalling yards a railway station, railway repair shops, and city of Hameln, all in Germany. 37 Heavy Bombers are lost during the day’s operations, 649 fighters escort Heavy Bombers. 42 P-38’s and 124 P-47’s make strafing attacks, destroying parked aircraft, locomotives, and rolling stock. Fighters claim 77 aircraft destroyed in aerial combat and 4 on ground. 6 fighters are lost.

NINTH AF–100-plus A-20’s and B-26’s bomb rail bridge near Tours, and targets of opportunity in Lisieux and Beuzeville areas. Over 500 fighters fly escort and area cover, carry out armed recon of comm and troop activity, and bomb railroads, rolling stock, marshalling yards, ammo dumps, and bridges in front-line areas and wide areas of W France.

TWELFTH AF–During 6/7 Jul A-20’s bomb La Spezia harbor and motor transport in the area, and resume attack on fuel supplies during the day. B-26’s and B-25’s score direct hits on railway bridges at Reggio Emilia, and over the Fratta R and possible hits on Santa Maria di Mugnano bridge and 2 other bridges in the area; they also hit Collecchio fuel dump, causing many fires and explosions. Fighter Bombers attack Ferrara airfield, town of Empoli, and rail lines, bridges, fuel and ammo dumps, motor transport, and numerous other targets in battle area as US Fifth Army forces complete clearing of Rosignano.

FIFTEENTH AF–560-plus B-24’s and B-17’s bomb 2 synthetic oil plants at Blechhammer, synthetic oil and coking plant at Odertal, and Zagreb airfield and marshalling yard. Heavy Bombers and fighter escorts claim more than 50 aircraft shot down during fierce battle with 275-300 fighters mainly in Vienna-Budapest area. 18 US aircraft are listed as destroyed and a larger number missing.

TENTH AF–20 Fighter Bombers hit targets of opportunity at Okkyin and Namkwin and strafe trucks near Myitkyina. 4 B-25’s attack bridges and railroad tracks at Hopin and Naba.

FOURTEENTH AF–In Tungting Lake area B-25’s and Fighter Bombers hit Yoyang, Siangtan, Liling, and Yungfengshih, strafe cavalry forces N of Yuhsien, hit river shipping, troops, and pontoon bridge at Siangsiang, attack compounds in Leiyang area, and bomb storage at Shihshow. 10 mi E of Ichang on the Yangtze P-40’s thoroughly blast Japanese post. B-25’s and P-51’s bomb Tien Ho and White Cloud airfields and pound town of Tsingyun.

FEAF–B-24’s and A-20’s bomb Moemi and Nabire airfields; supply dumps along Wiske R are also attacked. A few Fighter Bombers and RAAF aircraft attack barges, gun positions, and troops along coast in Wewak area. B- 24’s bomb Yap, Sorol I radio station, and runway on Woleai.

TWENTIETH AF–14 B-29’s, operating out of Chengtu during 7/8 Jul, bomb Sasebo, Omura, and Tobata (most of the planes hitting Sasebo area). 3 others attack secondary and last resort targets at Laoyao and in Hankow area.

SEVENTH AF–P-61’s carry out interceptor missions over Guam, Saipan, and Rota during 6/7 Jul.

 

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In preparation for all-out assault on Caen by Br Second Army, heavy bombers of RAF BC attack in force, night 7–8, dropping 2,662 tons of bombs on military targets. In U.S. First Army’s VIII Corps area, 79th and 90th Divs continue efforts to break through enemy positions in La Haye-du-Puits–Mont Castre Forest area and repel several counterattacks. VII Corps inches forward down Carentan–Périers road against steadily increasing resistance. XIX Corps, to E of VII Corps, opens attack with 30th Div that establishes bridgehead in St Jean-de-Day area and takes that town: after preparatory bombardment, 117th Inf forces the Vire on div left at 0430 and 120th attacks across Vire–Taute Canal to W at 1345. After nightfall, CCB, 3d Armd Div, crosses into bridgehead at Airel with mission of expanding it toward St Gilles; 113th Cav Gp moves forward on 30th Div’s right flank.

ITALY—AAF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 135th Inf of 34th Div completes clearing Rosignano, but enemy is holding out just beyond the town; after heavy concentrations of fire on M. Vase, enemy counterattacks and recovers it from 3d Bn, 363d Inf. FEC gets forward elements beyond Highway 68. 4th Mtn Div takes Colle di Val d’Elsa, SW of Poggibonsi. Offensive operations of FEC later subside as preparations are made for its movement to Naples area upon relief by Br 13 Corps.

            In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div retains foothold on slopes of M. Lignano against strong counterthrusts. In 10 Corps area, Ind 4th Div, which has been trained recently in mountain warfare, is concentrating S of Umbertide to re-inforce corps as it continues advance on Sansepolcro.

CBI—Br 36 Div, which has moved forward to replace 77th LRP Brig, Ind 3d Div, is transferred to command of Gen Stilwell. In NCAC area, Myitkyina TF begins training on program for forces in reserve and those in contact with enemy. On Salween front, Ch 8th Army continues operations to clear Sung Shan with night attack, 7–8, by 246th Regt of 82d Div. Although peak is seized, Japanese counterattack and drive Chinese off, causing 200 casualties.

JAPAN—Small force of B–29’s attacks Kyushu I., night 7–8, most of planes concentrating on Sasebo naval targets. This is the third B–29 mission and the second against Japanese homeland.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, co of 163d Inf attempts to move into Ibdi Pocket but finds enemy repairing old fortifications and building new ones. Bombardment of the position is resumed.

POA—Adm Nimitz orders his commanders to prepare for invasion of S Palaus (Angaur, Peleliu, Ngesebus) on 15 September and of Yap and Ulithi, NE of the Palaus, on 5 October.

SAIPAN—Japanese remnants, estimated to number about 3,000, make a last desperate counterattack, which overwhelms most of 105th Inf, on 27th Div left flank, as well as guns of 3d Bn, 10th Marines, before it is stemmed at 105th Inf CP. 106th Inf is committed to relieve 105th and recovers most of the lost ground, but stops a little short of 105th, isolated remnants of which are withdrawn by water. Meanwhile, 165th Inf clears Harakiri Gulch without serious opposition. 4th Mar Div continues to make rapid progress on right. U.S.—Gen Marshall informs Gen Stilwell of action taken by President Roosevelt and urges Stilwell to maintain friendly relations with Chiang Kai-shek.

 

USMC

 

 

80 Years Ago, Thursday, 6 July 1944

USN

USA–SS John Barry arrives in Philadelphia where she will load 3 million newly minted silver Saudi Rials and $26,000,000 in silver bullion.

PACIFIC–Carrier-based aircraft commence daily bombings of Japanese coastal and antiaircraft guns, supply dumps, and airfield installations on Guam and Rota, Marianas.

            Submarine Cobia (SS-245) sinks Japanese guard boat Takamiya Maru I-Go east of Ogasawara-gunto, 28°54'N,150°50'E.

            Submarine Paddle (SS-263) attacks Japanese convoy northwest of Halmahera, and sinks destroyer Hokaze off SangiIsland, 03°30'N, 125°25'E.

            Submarine Sealion (SS-315) attacks Japanese convoy in East China Sea and sinks merchant passenger/cargo ship Setsuzan Maru off Ningpo, China, 29°55'N, 122°55'E.

            Submarine Tang (SS-306) sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Dori Maru in Chosen Bay, 38°50'N, 123°35'E.

CARIBBEAN–U.S. tanker Esso Harrisburg, en route from Cartagena, Colombia, to New York, is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-516 at 13°56'N, 70°59'W; four of the 44-man merchant complement and four of the 28-man Armed Guard perish (see 8 July).

 

AAF

EIGHTH AF–231 B-24’s bomb dock area at Kiel during morning while 687 Heavy Bombers bomb 18 V-weapon sites, 7 airfields, a marshalling yard and a highway intersection. 3 Heavy Bombers and 2 fighters are lost. In the late afternoon 220 Heavy Bombers strike 6 Vweapon sites and supply installations, 3 railroad bridges, a highway bridge, and an airfield in N France 471 fighters escort the Heavy Bombers. Afterwards a squadron of P-47’s dive-bombs 3 airfields in Conches area. No aircraft are lost on afternoon mission.

NINTH AF–During the morning around 500 B-26’s and A-20’s bomb bridges and rail lines at 8 locations in France. In afternoon 5 targets are attacked, including bridges, fuel dumps, railroad tracks, and V-weapon location. Over 15 fighter groups escort bombers, fly armed recon of rail lines, roads, and marshalling yards, damaging or destroying tracks, trains, tunnel, building, and supply dump. Fighters also cover beach and bomb and strafe troop concentrations and gun positions.

TWELFTH AF–A-20’s hit ammo ship at La Spezia during 5/6 Jul and continue attacks on fuel supplies during the day. Medium Bombers again hit comm, concentrating on bridges N of battleline, and attack enemy warehouses and HQ. Fighter Bombers hit rail lines (with especially good results between Viareggio and Massa Lombarda ) and damage several bridges just N of battle area as US Fifth Army continues clearing Rosignano and takes Castellina Marittima and Mount Vaso.

FIFTEENTH AF–530-plus B-17’s and B-24’s attack Verona marshalling yard, Bergamo steel works, Avisio viaduct, Tagliamento- Casarsa della Delizia railroad bridge, Aviano oil and gasoline storage, Porto Marghera oil storage, and Trieste oil refinery. P-51’s and P-38’s provide escort.

TENTH AF–12 P-40’s attack bridge near Myitkyina while 40-plus others support ground forces in the area. Several other P-40’s attack Maingna, barracks at Sahmaw, train at Taungni, and troops at Sakangyi. 6 B-25’s bomb Maingna and 2 hit Mohnyin.

FOURTEENTH AF–B-25’s, P-40’s, and P-51’s continue to pound river shipping, bridges, troop concentrations, road traffic, and general targets of opportunity throughout wide area around Tungting Lake and along the Yangtze. Hit particularly hard are town area and supply depot at Sinshih. B-25’s near Burma border cause considerable damage at Tengchung and drop supplies to Chinese ground forces on Salween front, and during 6/7 Jul bomb Tien Ho airfield at Canton.

FEAF–B-25’s, A-20’s, and Fighter Bombers continue to pound Wewak area, concentrating on troops S of Matapau. B-25’s and Fighter Bombers sweep N coast of Vogelkop Peninsula and offshore islands, hitting targets of opportunity. Other Fighter Bombers hit Manokwari area and buildings at Ransiki, Moari, and Oransbari. airfields, gun positions, comm targets, and supply dumps in area around Babo are hit by B-24’s, A-26’s, A-20’s, and P-38’s. B-24’s bomb town and warehouse area of Yap and a few hit airfield at Woleai.

TWENTIETH AF–Gen Saunders becomes CG XX BC.

SEVENTH AF–P-47’s bomb and strafe forces on Saipan, Rota, and Tinian. B-24’s, staging through Eniwetok, pound Truk during 5/6 Jul and follow with another raid during the day. B-25’s, based at Makin, hit Nauru.

 

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: U.S. Third Army establishes hq in France at Nehou. Corps assigned to it are: VIII (now with U.S. First Army), XII, XV, and XX. In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps continues to close in on La Haye-du-Puits, which is nearly enveloped, but enemy is putting up a staunch defense. VII Corps commits 4th Div to W of 83d as attack toward Priers continues against unabated opposition.

USSR—Elements of First White Russian Front occupy Kovel, from which Germans have withdrawn.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 135th Inf of 34th Div continues clearing Rosignano; 168th breaks into Castellina and takes it; cuts road from there to Chianni; 363d overruns Hill 634 (M. Vase) NE of Castellina. In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps is still meeting strong opposition below Arezzo, but 4th Div takes Poggio all’Olmo. 10 Corps advances rapidly until halted by new enemy delaying line. In Pol 2 Corps area, 3d Carpathian Div seizes Osima.

NEW GUINEA—On Noemfoor, after naval and air preparation, 2d Bn of 158th Inf makes amphibious assault on Namber airfield and takes it without opposition by 1240. Arty liaison plane lands there soon afterward. Aus P–40 sq arrives at Kamiri airdrome for operations. Vigorous patrolling of Noemfoor discloses few enemy. On Biak, loudspeakers are moved into East Caves in effort to induce Japanese to surrender. The few remaining alive are found to have abandoned their positions there. RCT 124 of 31st Div completes movement to Aitape from Oro Bay.

MARIANAS—In preparation for invasion of Guam, Gen Holland Smith attaches 77th Div to III Amphib Corps.

SAIPAN—After futile attempt by 27th Div to draw abreast 4th Mar Div, new orders are issued at 0900. 27th Div zone is limited in W coastal area to point just beyond Makunsha village; extends inland to include valley running S of it, dubbed Paradise Valley, and Harakiri Gulch. Marines are given responsibility for rest of island to NE. Some progress is made toward Makunsha on left, but efforts to overrun Harakiri Gulch and push to coast via Paradise Valley are largely futile. 4th Mar Div attacks with 23d, 24th, and 25th Regts abreast, from left to right, in expanded zone, making rapid progress against sporadic resistance except on left, where 23d Marines is strongly opposed while attempting to push into Paradise Valley from W and is out of contact with 24th Marines. 24th Marines gains 1,400–1,800 yards. 25th Marines moves quickly up E coast, assisted by naval gunfire, to Mt. Petosukara; accepts surrender of 700–800 civilians.

U.S.—President Roosevelt, accepting recommendations of JCS of 4th, radios Chiang Kai-shek as suggested.

 

USMC

Southern Attack Force begins naval bombardment of Guam.

 

 

80 Years Ago, Wednesday, 5 July 1944

USN

PACIFIC–Submarine Plaice (SS-390) sinks Japanese auxiliary net layer Kogi Maru off Ototo Jima, 27°43'N, 141°02'E.

            Submarine Sunfish (SS-281) sinks Japanese merchant passenger/cargo ship Shinmei Maru off Paramushiro, Kurils,51°28'N, 156°28'E.

            USAAF B-24 sinks Japanese cargo vessel No.1 Koshu Maru off Gorong Island, 04°54'S, 131°28'E. Japanese army cargo ship No.1 Koshu Maru is sunk by aircraft in Java Sea south of Celebes Island, 04°00'S, 121°28'E.

ATLANTIC–Destroyer escorts Thomas (DE-102) and Baker (DE-190), from TG 22.5, sink German minelayer submarine U-233 off Halifax, Nova Scotia, 42°16'N, 59°49'W.

EUROPE–U.S. freighter Sea Porpoise, en route from Utah Beach, Normandy, to Southampton, England, is torpedoed by German submarine U-390 at 4937'N, 0051'W. There are no fatalities among the 90-man merchant complement, 45- man Armed Guard and 24 passengers, and the ship is ultimately repaired and returned to service.

CARIBBEAN–U.S. tanker Kittanning, torpedoed the previous day by German submarine U-539, is taken in tow by tug Woodcock (ATO-145) before engine trouble compels the ship to abandon the attempt. Panama Canal tugs Tavernilla and Cardenas, and, ultimately, Maritime Commission tug Jupiter Inlet bring the damaged vessel to Cristobal.

MEDITERRANEAN–USAAF B-17s and B-24s bomb Montpellier and Beziers marshalling yards, as well as submarine pens and harbor installations at Toulon; German submarines U-586 and U-642 are sunk at the latter port.

 

AAF

EIGHTH AF–233 Heavy Bombers attack 3 airfields in the Netherlands and 2 in Belgium, a factory near Mol, and 3 V-weapon supply sites in France. 184 fighters fly sorties in support of the Heavy Bombers. 70 B-17’s on shuttle mission (UK-USSR-Italy UK) attack marshalling yard at Beziers (with Fifteenth AF B-24’s) while on last leg from Italy to UK. 42 VIII FC P- 51’s return to UK with the B-17’s. (Of the 11 P-51’s remaining in Italy, 10 return to UK the following day and the last several days later.)”

NINTH AF–About 180 Medium Bombers and Light Bombers bomb bridges at Caen and also rail sidings, tracks, and rolling stock. In the afternoon 4 NOBALL HQ are hit. 600-plus fighters escort IX BC, carry out armed recon of comm and enemy movements, attack rail lines, rolling stock, marshalling yards, bridges, supply dumps, and cover beach area.

TWELFTH AF–B-25’s bomb Villafranca di Verona marshalling yard, Aulla railroad bridge, and Ostiglia fuel dumps while A-20’s blast supply dump and rail lines. Fighter Bombers hit tracks, bridges, roads, and other targets in battle area as US Fifth Army continues fierce fighting around Rosignano.

FIFTEENTH AF–Almost 500 B-17’s and B-24’s bomb Montpellier and Beziers marshalling yards and Toulon submarine pens and harbor installations. Close to 200 fighter sorties are flown in support of the missions.

TENTH AF–20-plus P-40’s and A-36’s continue support in Myitkyina sector while 12 other airplanes fly armed recon in same area. 20-plus other P-40’s, P-51’s, and A-36’s hit targets of opportunity in areas around Hopin, Namma, and Naungtalaw. The town area of Naungtalaw also is pounded by 11 B-25’s.

FOURTEENTH AF–136 Fighter Bombers and 64 Medium Bombers attack targets throughout Tungting Lake area. Targets include river shipping, warehouses, troops, artillery, trucks, and other targets of opportunity at Liling, Lukou, Pingkiang, Yungfengshih, Siangyin, and Chuting. Hengyang airfield is bombed, and supplies are dropped to Chinese forces in the vicinity. In Salween area 40 transports drop supplies to Chinese forces on battleline, and 4 Fighter Bombers pound town and vicinity of Tengchung. 22 B-24’s bomb supply and ammo depot at Canton. 6 Medium Bombers attack airfields in the area. 5 B-24’s lay mines in Shanghai harbor.

FEAF–In area around Wewak A-20’s and Fighter Bombers hit dumps at Dagua and attack barges during 4/5 Jul. B-24’s bomb airstrips and AA guns at Yap and Woleai; Sorol and Paliau I are also hit. Light strikes are flown in support of troops on Noemfoor I and against barges, airfields, and troop concentrations at Efman and Biak Is and at Moemi, Manokwari, and in Wakde area.

SEVENTH AF–P-47’s fly Fighter Bomber operations over Saipan, Rota, and Tinian.

 

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, 35th Div begins landing on the Continent. VIII Corps overruns RR stations of La Haye-du- Puits. VII Corps continues to make slow progress toward Priers.

ITALY—AAI: Gen Wilson, as result of decision to undertake ANVIL, issues new directive calling for AAI to advance to Po R line and from there to line Venice–Padua–Verona–Brescia; promises that U.S. 92d Div and a Brazilian div may be expected as reinforcements, former about 15 September and latter by end of October. In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 135th Inf of 34th Div gains about half of Rosignano as stubborn fighting continues; 442d secures positions on ridge some 2 miles E and 1 mile N of Rosignano; 168th and 363d Regts maintain and consolidate positions to right.

            In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps meets stiffening resistance all along line. Efforts to break through to cut Highway 69 W of Arezzo fail. 4th Div takes Tuori. In 10 Corps area, Ind 10th Div reaches Umbertide. Germans are again withdrawing in front of corps. In Pol 2 Corps area, Badia falls to 3d Carpathian Div.

CBI—On Salween front, Ch 8th Army (82d, 103d, and Hon 1st Divs), which has assembled E and S of Sung Shan, begins assault on that enemy stronghold after night-long arty preparation. 2 Ch regts attack at dawn and make limited gains, which they lose to Japanese counterattack.

NEW GUINEA—On Noemfoor, 1st Bn ( — ) of 158th Inf, on Hill 201, repels the only major counterattack offered by Japanese during the Noemfoor operation early in morning and virtually annihilates the enemy force of 350–400. 2d Bn, 158th, prepares to land at Namber airdrome, on SW coast, while other elements of TF CYCLONE continue search for enemy. In Wakde-Sarmi area, elements of 63d Inf take crest of Mt. Saksin.

SAIPAN—VAC begins final phase of assault on island with 27th Div on left and 4th Mar Div on right. 27th Div’s 105th Inf pushes slowly forward along coast and in coconut grove to E, but is stopped on right by deep canyon, called Harakiri Gulch, ideally suited for defense. 165th Inf tries in vain to enter the canyon on left but has little action on right. 4th Mar Div advances with 24th Regt on left and 25th on right, after 23d clears to line of departure in morning; is almost unopposed as it drives about 1,200 yards from line of departure to its objective for day, since enemy has been unable to establish line in this region.

 

USMC

 

 

80 Years Ago, Tuesday, 4 July 1944

USN

PACIFIC–Carrier-based aircraft and naval gunfire from two task groups (Rear Admiral Joseph J. Clark and Rear Admiral Ralph E. Davison) hit Japanese installations on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, and Chichi Jima and Haha Jima, Bonins.

            Carrier planes sink submarine chaser Ch 16 at Chichi Jima; coastal minelayer Sarushima in the Bonins, 27°10'N,140°10'E; landing ships T.103, 108 miles off Chichi Jima Retto, 27°05'N, 140°09'E; and T.130 off east coast of IwoJima, 24°47'N, 140°20'E; auxiliary net layer Taiko Maru off Onagawa Retto; minesweeper W.25 [where°]28°35'N,141°04'E; auxiliary minesweeper No.5 Toshi Maru off Haha Jima, 26°20'N, 141°50'E; transports Shozui Maru, Shima Maru, and Tatsuei Maru, 27°07'N, 142°12'E, and No.8 Un'yo Maru, 27°05'N, 142°09'E, in Takinoura Bay; planes damage landing ship T.153 and victualling stores ship Kaiko Maru off Ani Jima, and submarine chaser Ch 18 off Chichi Jima.

            Destroyer David W. Taylor (DD-551) and destroyer escort Riddle (DE-185) sink Japanese submarine I-10, attempting an evacuation mission to Saipan, 100 miles east-northeast of her destination, 15°26'N, 147°48'E.

            Submarine Guavina (SS-362), despite presence of four escort vessels, sinks Japanese transport Tama Maru 60 miles northwest of Palau, 07°44'N, 133°17'E.

            Submarine Seahorse (SS-304) attacks Japanese convoy in South China Sea and sinks army cargo ship Gyoyu Maru, cargo ship No.28 Kyodo Maru, and merchant cargo ship Nitt_ Maru about 140 miles south of Hong Kong, 20°18'N,115°02'E.

            Submarine Tang (SS-306), operating in the Yellow Sea off the west coast of Korea, sinks Japanese merchant cargo ships Asukasan Maru at 35°22'N, 125°56'E, and Yamaoka Maru at 36°05'N, 125°48'E,

            RAAF Mitchells damage Japanese cargo vessel No.1 Koshu Maru north of the Kai Islands, 05°05'S, 136°38'E.

Submarine S-28 (SS-133) is lost to unknown cause during training exercises off Oahu.

INDIAN OCEAN–Indian Navy trawler Hoxa rescues survivors (10 of the freighter's merchant complement, ten Armed Guard sailors, and three passengers) of U.S. freighter Jean Nicolet, scourged by Japanese submarine I-8 on 2 July 1944; 18 of Jean Nicolet’s 28-man Armed Guard perish in the atrocity wrought by the Japanese. Of the three Americans taken prisoner and retained on board I 8, only one, the passenger, will survive internment.

CARIBBEAN–U.S. tanker Kittanning is torpedoed by German submarine U-539 while returning to Cristobal, Canal Zone, at09°50'N, 79°40'W; there are no casualties among the 49- man merchant complement or the 25-man Armed Guard, who are rescued by Coast Guard cutter Marion (WPC-145) which, along with cutter Crawford (WPC-134), arrive to provide assistance. Crawford attempts, unsuccessfully, to tow the crippled ship (see 5 July).

 

AAF

EIGHTH AF–256 Heavy Bombers attack 7 airfields N and W of Paris, plus several targets of opportunity. Bad weather and mechanical failures cause over 350 others to abort. VIII FC flies 594 sorties during Heavy Bomber escort and strafing assignments against transportation targets.

NINTH AF–Although bad weather curtails bomber operations, 95 B-26’s and A-20’s bomb rail bridge at Oissel and strongly defended positions N of Anneville-sur-Mer, using Pathfinder technique. More than 900 fighters strafe and bomb numerous targets in France including troop concentrations, gun positions, rail lines, marshalling yards, tunnel, radio station, bridges, highways, and a command post. Fighters also fly escort and cover beach and assault areas.

TWELFTH AF–Weather cancels Light Bomber and Medium Bomber operations. Fighter Bomber operations are greatly reduced but attacks are made on bridges, rail lines, roads, and guns in and N of battle area as US Fifth Army elements clear parts of Rosignano, overrun Mount Vitalba and area to its E, and push into Casole d’Elsa.

FIFTEENTH AF–250-plus B-17’s and B-24’s bomb bridge and railroad repair works at Pitesti and oil refinery at Brasov. 350-plus fighters escort Heavy Bombers and carry out sweeps in target area. Claims of enemy fighters destroyed total 17. 1 fighter group strafes 2 landing grounds and a troop train in Yugoslavia on return trip to base.

TENTH AF–30-plus P-40’s continue support of ground forces near Myitkyina. 20-plus P-47’s and P-51’s fly offensive sweep over Lashio area, patrol Mogaung area, and bomb targets of opportunity at Taungni, Nampadaung, and Mogaung. 4 B-25’s hit bridges and railroad tracks in Hopin and Naba areas.

FOURTEENTH AF–38 Medium Bombers and 74 Fighter Bombers pound targets throughout Tungting Lake-Yangtze R region and in Yellow R and Canton areas. River shipping is hit hard, particularly along Siang-Chiang R. Troop concentrations, road traffic, and general targets of opportunity are hit at many locations. Towns bombed include Shasi, Lukou, Yungfengshih, Liling, Siangtan, and Yuhsien. airfield at Hengyang is bombed and supplies are dropped to Chinese troops in the area. airfields and warehouses in Canton area are bombed and targets of opportunity at Linfen, Wenhsi, and Puchou in Yellow R region are strafed.

FEAF–A-20’s continue support of Allied ground forces pushing E and SE from Kamiri airfield area of Noemfoor I and taking Kamiri village and Kornasoren airfield. P-47’s strafe targets of opportunity at nearby Biak I while B-24’s bomb airfield at Efman I. Other aircraft bomb and strafe troops E of Maffin Bay. Personnel areas at But and Dagua and barges at Wewak Pt are also attacked. B-24’s hit shipping and airfields in Amboina-Ceram area. B- 24’s bomb Yap and hit airstrips on Woleai, Sorol, and Peleliu.

SEVENTH AF–P-47’s on Saipan continue Fighter Bomber operations against forces on Saipan, Tinian, Aguijan and Rota Is. B- 24’s, staging through Eniwetok, pound Truk.

 

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps continues to make slow progress southward on W flank of army. 82d A/B Div takes Hill 95, overlooking La Haye-du-Puits from NE, where it remains until pinched out by 79th and 90th Divs on its flanks. VII Corps opens attack to E of VIII Corps on narrow front between swamps of Prairies Marcagéuses and Taute R. 83d Div, in action for first time, leads off toward Priers but meets firm resistance that makes progress negligible. In Br Second Army’s I Corps area, in preparation for all-out assault on Caen, Cdn 3d Div seizes Carpiquet but is held up short of its airfield for some time by enemy defenders. In 8 Corps area, 43d Div is attacking NE astride the Odon to ease pressure on 1 Corps.

USSR—Troops of First Baltic Front overrun Polotsk.

ITALY—U.S. Seventh Army moves to Naples in preparation for invasion of S France. AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 135th Inf, on 34th Div’s W flank, clears about a third of Rosignano; 442d Inf slightly improves positions in center; to right, 168th attempts in vain to reach Castellina, key enemy position, but overruns Hill 675 (M. Vitalba); 363d Inf is committed to right of 168th and gains ground on heights E of Hill 675. CCA, 1st Armd Div, gets elements of 361st Inf into Casole d’Elsa before dawn after most of the enemy garrison has withdrawn. After this action 361st Inf is detached from 1st Armd Div and reverts to 91st Div. Subsequent action of 1st Armd Div on right flank of IV Corps is limited until time of its relief.

            In FEC area, 3d Algerian Div completes withdrawal from corps zone to Naples and is replaced by 4th Mtn Div.

            In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps, with S African 6th Armd Div on left, Br 4th Div in center, and Br 6th Armd Div on right, moves forward to M. Lignano hill mass below Arezzo against sporadic resistance. 6th Armd Div, using Highway 71, most direct route to Arezzo, quickly reaches Castiglion Fiorentino but is slowed soon afterward by demolitions.

NEW GUINEA—On Noemfoor, 3d Bn of 158th Inf, continuing along N coast unopposed, takes Kornasoren airfield. 1st Bn ( — ) crosses Kamiri R and seizes Kamiri village without enemy interference; continues SE against scattered fire to large Japanese garden area, some 1,700 yards distant, where defensive perimeter is established for night on Hill 201. 3d Bn, 503d Para Inf, drops on Kamiri airfield, suffering casualties exceeding 8%, and relieves elements of 3d Bn, 158th Inf. Because of high casualty rate during airdrops, it is decided to f ly rest of 503d Para Inf to Kamiri airfield when the field can receive C–47’s safely. In Wakde-Sarmi area, Hill 225 falls to elements of 63d Inf.

POA—CINCPOA, in radio message to COMINCH, rejects suggestion of 13 June that target dates for operations in the Pacific be advanced; states that air forces should be established on Mindanao before Formosa is invaded; expresses doubt that Gen MacArthur can reach Mindanao by 25 October as hoped.

SAIPAN—VAC completes drive to northern neck of Saipan and prepares for final phase of battle in which 2 divs will advance NE on Marpi Pt and its airfield. 2d Mar Div’s 2d Marines completes mop up of Garapan and forces enemy remnants into tip of Mutcho Pt, but 6th Marines is checked on ridge about 1,000 yards from coast. 27th Div, after fire fight with large group of retreating enemy, completes drive to Tanapag Plain. 106th Inf reaches seaplane base at Flores Pt and is joined by 8th Marines; eliminates the cave strongpoint to rear; in center, 1st Bn of 105th Inf reaches beach; on right, 1st Bn of 165th Inf quickly gains last ridge overlooking Flores Pt seaplane base. 4th Mar Div drives forward to Hill 767 area, taking Hill 721 and the nose from it with ease. In preparation for 2-div assault on 5th, 2 bns of 165th Inf, 27th Div, relieve 2 left flank bns of 4th Mar Div in late afternoon; during the relief, gap develops in line through which almost a hundred Japanese infiltrate, but the hole is later filled and Japanese are driven back or killed.

U.S.—JCS, in memorandum to President Roosevelt, recommend that Gen Stilwell be promoted from rank of Lt Gen to General; that Chiang Kai-shek be urged to place Gen Stilwell in command of all Chinese forces; that Gen Sultan be given command of Chinese Corps in Burma; and that Gen Wheeler replace Stilwell as Deputy to Adm Mountbatten.

 

USMC

Renewed carrier attacks against Volcano-Bonins.

 

80 Years Ago, Monday, 3 July 1944

USN

USA–Joseph Ellerwald joins SS John Barry as her new Master in New York.

PACIFIC–Submarine Albacore (SS-218) sinks Japanese steamer Taimei Maru, en route from Yap to Palau, 08°10'N, 136°18'E.

            Submarine Sturgeon (SS-187), in attack on Japanese convoy, sinks Japanese army transport Tairin Maru north of the Nansei Shoto, 28°58'N, 129°51'E.

            Submarine Tinosa (SS-283) attacks Japanese convoy in the East China Sea, and sinks merchant passenger/cargo ship Kamo Maru and tanker Konzan Maru west of Kyushu, 32°25'N, 128°46'E.

ATLANTIC–Destroyer escorts Frost (DE-144) and Inch (DE-146) sink German submarine U-154 off Madeira, 34°00'N, 19°30'W.

 

AAF

EIGHTH AF–55 B-17’s in Italy on USSR shuttle mission join Fifteenth AF Heavy Bombers in bombing marshalling yards at Arad. 38 P-51’s of VIII FC, also on shuttle run, fly escort on the mission.

NINTH AF–Nearly 275 fighters strafe and bomb strongoints, gun positions, fuel dump, comm lines, bridges, and patrol beach in vicinity of Lessay and Periers, S of US First Army’s adv.

TWELFTH AF–B-26’s and A-20’s pound enemy fuel dumps while B-25’s hit bridges tunnels, and viaducts at Pietrasanta, Canneto sull’Oglio and Saviano, and fuel storage tanks in Pontelagoscuro area. Fighter Bombers blast motor transport and bridges in battle area as US Fifth Army begins drive on Leghorn. Vehicle park, ammo dump, and a barge are also hit.

FIFTEENTH AF–More than 600 B-24’s and B-17’s attack oil storage, oil refinery, and locomotive works at Bucharest, oil storage at Giurgiu, railroad targets at Turnu-Severin, bridge at Piatra, marshalling yards at Arad and Timisoara, bridge at Szeged, and oil storage at Belgrade. Fighters fly over 250 sorties in support of missions.

TENTH AF–20-plus Fighter Bombers support ground forces in Myitkyina area, which also is covered by 10-plane combat patrol.

FOURTEENTH AF–In Tungting Lake area 4 B-24’s bomb Yoyang railroad yards. B-25’s and P-40’s pound river shipping, bridges, gun sites, compounds, and villages at several locations, including Leiyang, Ssutang, Yungfengshih, and Tsungyang. B-25’s drop ammo to Chinese ground forces at Hengyang. P-40’s damage bridge at Phu Lang Thuong and hit nearby targets of opportunity.

FEAF–P-38’s and B-25’s hit personnel and supply areas S of Kamiri and support invading ground forces as they push E along N coast of Noemfoor I. Efman I, Manokwari, and Biak I are attacked by B-24’s, A-20’s, and fighters. Wewak coastal area continues under sustained air attack as Allied airplanes pound targets including forces at Brandi Plantation and supplies and a bridge near But. Heavy Bombers hit airstrips, AA positions, and targets of opportunity in Yap group, at Woleai, and at Peleliu. Larat and Saumlakki are also bombed.

SEVENTH AF–P-47’s continue to hit troops remaining on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. B-24’s, staging through Eniwetok, bomb Truk.

 

USA

FRANCE—Field Marshal Guenther von Kluge relieves Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt as German Commander in Chief West. 21 Army Group: U.S. First Army opens general offensive, to become known as the Battle of the Hedgerows, on W flank. VIII Corps, in driving rain that prevents air support and hampers movement, attacks southward down W coast of Cotentin Peninsula toward La Haye-du-Puits with 79th, 82d A/B, and 90th Divs, from W to E, abreast. Progress is limited by firm opposition in hedgerow country, but 82d A/B Div gains Hill 131, NE of La Hayedu- Puits. USSR—Minsk falls to Third and First White Russian Fronts.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 34th Div begins drive on Leghorn, employing 135th Inf on left, 442d in center, and 168th on right, and meets strong resistance. 3d Bn, 135th Inf, pushes into S edge of Rosignano, beginning bitter battle for this enemy stronghold SE of Leghorn. In zone of CCA, 1st Armd Div, Cos K and L of attached 361st Inf take over attack on Casole d’Elsa but are unable to enter the town. In FEC area, Siena falls to 3d Algerian Div during morning. In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, 78th Div finds Cortona undefended and is passed through by 6th Armd Div.

CBI—Gen Stilwell, replying to Gen Marshall’s inquiry of 1st, expresses no eagerness for a field assignment in China and comments on situation in China. 11 Army Group: In 33 Corps sector of Br Fourteenth Army area, Ukhrul falls to troops of Ind 7th Div and 23d LRP Brig, but enemy remains near this important communications center.

NEW GUINEA—On Noemfoor, moving E along N coast, 2d and 3d Bns of 158th Inf extend beachhead perimeter some 1,800 yards toward Kornasoren airfield. 1st Bn of 158th Inf patrols S of Kamiri R, eliminating some stragglers. 1st Bn, 503d Para Inf, moving from Hollandia in C–47’s, drops on Kamiri airfield and takes responsibility for central sector of the airfield defenses. Casualties during the airdrop are extremely high, almost 10%, although enemy offers no opposition. On Biak, elements of Co E, 542d Engr Boat & Shore Regt, and Co E of 163d Inf push into East Caves with unexpected ease. Patrolling throughout the caves is continued during next few days. Japanese 18th Army issues plan for attack in force across Driniumor R on the mainland, beginning night 10–11. RCT 124, 31st Div, begins landing at Aitape, final elements going ashore on 6 July.

SAIPAN—VAC pushes quickly toward 0–7 line. On left flank, 2d Mar Div is being pinched out as 27th Div, making main effort, veers NW toward Tanapag Harbor. Attacking with 106th Inf on left, 1st Bn of 105th in center, and 3d Bn of 165th on right, 27th Div gains positions commanding Tanapag, although enemy strongpoint is delaying elements of 106th Inf near boundary of 2d Mar Div. 4th Mar Div encounters heavy fire from Hill 721 and nose jutting S from it, which holds up 3d Bn of 23d Marines on div right. Heavy fire is placed on this position, night 3–4.

VOLCANO-BONIN Is.—TF 58 makes destructive attacks on ground installations and shipping at Iwo Jima in Volcano Is. and Haha Jima and Chichi Jima in Bonin Is., employing naval gunfire as well as carrier aircraft.

 

USMC

 

 

80 Years Ago, Sunday, 2 July 1944

 USN

PACIFIC–TF 77 (Rear Admiral William M. Fechteler, USN) lands U.S. Army troops (the reinforced 168th Infantry) on Noemfoor Island off Netherlands New Guinea, in Operation TABLETENNIS, in order to secure the island's three airstrips that will support operations in New Guinea. TF 74 (Commodore John A. Collins, RAN) and TF 75 (Rear Admiral Russell S. Berkey), composed of heavy and light cruisers and destroyers, provide gunfire support.

            Japanese landing ship T.150 is damaged by mine off Amoy, China.

INDIAN OCEAN–U.S. freighter Jean Nicolet is torpedoed by Japanese submarine I-8 at 03°00'S, 74°30'E and abandoned. I-8 then shells the ship, setting it afire. Survivors (41-man merchant complement, 28-man Armed Guard, and 30 passengers) are then taken on board the submarine, where their captors search them, bind them, and question them. At least one man is shot; some of the POWs are made to run a gauntlet; some are beaten. In the meantime, the Japanese destroy the lifeboats with gunfire. I-8 retains the master, radio operator, and a civilian passenger, and then submerges, leaving the remainder of the survivors on deck to drown. Some of the survivors, however, return to the burning Jean Nicolet (which sinks the following day) to launch rafts (see 4 July).

ATLANTIC–TBM (VC 58) from escort carrier Wake Island (CVE-65) sinks German submarine U-543 southeast of Azores,25°34'N, 21°36'W.

            Transport General W.A. Mann (AP-112), escorted by Brazilian destroyers Marcilio Dias, Mariz e Barros and Greenhalgh, sails from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with the first elements of the Italy-bound Brazilian Expeditionary Force.

EUROPE–Motor minesweeper YMS-350 is sunk by mine off Cherbourg, France, 49°38'N, 01°35'W.

 

AAF

EIGHTH AF–280 Heavy Bombers attack 13 V-weapon sites in Pas de Calais area. 41 P-51’s, temporarily in Italy while en route from USSR to UK during shuttle mission, join Fifteenth AF fighters in escorting Fifteenth AF Heavy Bombers against targets in Budapest area, claiming 9 aircraft destroyed and suffering 4 losses.

NINTH AF–All IX BC missions cancelled due to bad weather. Fighters of 7 groups of IX TAC fly interception missions in Caen area and cover over beach area, attack rail lines along the Loire, and hit a HQ and supply dumps and strongoints near La Haye-du-Puits.

TWELFTH AF–Medium Bombers and Light Bombers continue to pound enemy comm lines N of battle area (mainly along and N of Pisa- Florence line) and hit several fuel dumps with good results. Fighter Bombers are active against motor transport and bridges immediately N of battleline.

TENTH AF–7 P-40’s continue support of ground forces in Myitkyina area. 2 B-25’s hit railroad tracks at Pinwe and Katha.

FOURTEENTH AF–11 B-25’s and 42 Fighter Bombers again attack river shipping, compounds, and troop concentrations in Tungting Lake region. Also town of Hengshan is bombed. B-25’s and P-51’s pound airfield and town area at Lupao.

FEAF–B-24’s, B-25’s, and A-20’s, and Fighter Bombers, along with naval guns, bombard Kamiri area of Noemfoor I, after which Allied amphibious forces land with little opposition and secure beachhead. Other B-25’s attack barges near Manokwari.

SEVENTH AF–P-47’s on Saipan bomb and strafe forces on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

 

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: Regroups in preparation for renewing offensive. U.S. First Army commits VII Corps, with 4th, 9th, and 83d Divs under its command, between VIII and XIX Corps. VIII Corps commands 8th, 79th, 82d A/B, and Both Divs. XIX Corps retains 29th and 30th Divs. V Corps has command of 1st and 2d Inf and 2d Armd Divs. 3d Armd and 101st A/B Divs are held in First Army reserve.

USSR—Third and First White Russian forces are enveloping Minsk; latter cuts Minsk–Baranovichi RR.

ITALY—AAI: Chief of Staff, AAI, issues “Appreciation” concerning course of action after the necessary forces for ANVIL have withdrawn from Italy; concludes that offensive in Italy can be continued on a limited scale but recommends that AAI be reinf if possible in order to secure Ljubljana Gap and invade S Germany.

            In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 133d Inf of 34th Div closes along the Cecina and takes Cecina Marine at its mouth, concluding bloody action on left flank of corps. 135th consolidates and strengthens bridgehead across the Cecina then moves W, pinching out 133d. CCA, 1st Armd Div, suffers heavy losses in tanks and personnel during futile attempts to enter Casole d’Elsa. FEC takes Simignano, SW of Siena, and pushes on toward Siena.

            In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, patrols reach junction of Highways 71 and 75 without opposition. S African 6th Armd Div advances through Sinalunga, from which enemy has withdrawn. 4th Div takes Fojano without opposition. 10 Corps is unopposed throughout day but regains contact with enemy after nightfall.

CBI—In NCAC’s Myitkyina area, Gen Wessels withdraws the Chinese forces directed toward Sitapur in order to strengthen N flank, toward which enemy is reported to be moving in strength. Fighting during the past week has resulted in little change in positions, although Ch 150th Regt and 236th Engrs have gained a few hundred yards. On Salween front, Chinese troops begin assault on Teng-chung in violent monsoon rainfall. 348th Inf of Ch 116th Div, 53d Army, reduces 7 pillboxes 41/2 miles NW of the city. Previous medium-level and skip-bombing attacks on the city have done little harm to enemy in dugouts. In E China, Japanese halt attack on Heng-yang to await arrival of arty at front.

NEW GUINEA—At Noemfoor, after extremely heavy and effective naval gunfire and air bombardment of assault zone, which started 80 minutes before H Hour, TF CYCLONE (RCT 158, reinf) lands at 0800 on N part of island in Kamiri airfield region without opposition. Gen Patrick assumes command ashore, relieving Adm Fechteler, who directed the amphibious phase; after inspecting Kamiri airdrome, requests that reserves—503d Para Inf—be dropped there. Light resistance develops as assault bns of 158th Inf move cautiously inland, mopping up as they go, but beachhead—800 yards deep and 3,000 yards wide—is secured. Arty is landed and put into use, and work is begun on Kamiri airdrome. TF CYCLONE inflicts over 100 casualties on enemy while suffering only 3 men killed, one of them accidentally. At Aitape, RCT 124 of 31st Div is assigned to TF PERSECUTION as reserve.

SAIPAN—On extreme left of corps, 2d Marines, 2d Mar Div, easily seizes Garapan, which has been leveled by bombardment. Gains of 800–1,200 yards are made in div center and on right. In 27th Div zone, 106th Inf advances some 400 yards on left flank and 3d Bn of 165th about 1,700 yards on right flank, but 3d Bn of 105th is held up by enemy strongpoint in center. 1st Bn, 105th, released from reserve, bypasses the strongpoint and makes contact with right flank units. Assault elements of 4th Mar Div advance right flank 1,500 yards against negligible resistance. After nightfall, Japanese fall back to their final defense line on N Saipan.

USMC

2d Marines seize Garapan. Japanese fall back to final defense line in northern Saipan.

80 Years Ago, Saturday, 1 July 1944

USN

PACIFIC–Submarine Batfish (SS-310) sinks Japanese guard boats Kamoi Maru and No.5 Isuzugawa Maru northwest of Mariana Islands, 31°26'N, 141°11'E.

            Submarine Tang (SS-306) sinks Japanese fleet tanker No.1 Takatori Maru off Mokpo, Korea, 34°21'N, 123°55'E, and merchant cargo ship No.2 Taiun Maru, 34°42'N, 125°25'E.

            Japanese merchant cargo ship Nikko Maru is sunk by mine, possibly laid by submarine Kingfish (SS-234) on 10 October 1943, off Makassar, 05°38'S, 119°28'E.

 

AAF

EIGHTH AF–325 Heavy Bombers are dispatched to bomb 14 V-weapon sites in N France but are recalled because of clouds. Recall messages by mistake are not sent to 3 squadrons; 2 of these abort on decision of squadron leaders; the other continues on mission and 9 of its planes bomb a V-weapon site at Mont Louis Ferme. P-51’s, relieved of escort duty by recall of Heavy Bombers, claim 5 aircraft destroyed in aerial engagements.

NINTH AF–IX ADC is activated in UK by Ninth AF to provide air defense behind the advancing Allied ground forces in N Europe. CG is Gen Richardson. Weather prevents operations by IX BC. 47 fighters escort Troop Carriers and fly sweeps in Vire area where about 20 fighters bomb tac targets.

TWELFTH AF–Light Bombers and Medium Bombers hit fuel dumps, rail bridges, viaducts, and docks in NC Italy. Fighter Bombers concentrate on road and rail bridges behind battle area, destroy several fighters in combat over Reggio Emilia airfield, and hit guns S of Carsoli.

TENTH AF–8 P-40’s fly ground support missions in Myitkyina area. 2 B-25’s bomb rail targets at Mohnyin and Naba.

FOURTEENTH AF–B-25’s and Fighter Bombers again pound targets throughout Tungting Lake region. River shipping is attacked on large scale at numerous locations and 250-300 trucks are strafed between Tungcheng and Pingkiang. Hengyang airfield is bombed as are towns of Pingkiang, Hengshan, Liling, and Yuhsien. Pontoon bridge and Japanese positions at Leiyang are also hit. B-24’s lay mines in river at Canton during the night.

FEAF–B-24’s bomb airfield at Namlea and hit shipping throughout the Amboina-Ceram-Boeroe area. Other B- 24’s, B-25’s, A-20’s and Fighter Bombers hit airfield, AA guns, bivouacs, supplies, and Japanese defenses on Noemfoor I in preparation for Allied landings on 2 Jul. airfield at Manokwari is also bombed. Bombers and fighters continue to pound Wewak coastal area; many of the strikes are in conjunction with Navy PT boats. A few B-24’s on armed recon bomb targets on Yap and Peleliu.

SEVENTH AF–P-47’s fly bombing and strafing missions over Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. B-24’s, staging through Eniwetok, hit Truk during 1/2 Jul and follow up with another raid during the day. Makin-based B-25’s bomb Ponape.

ELEVENTH AF–At dawn 4 B-24’s radar-bomb southern Shimushu and Kurabu Cape airfield through overcast.

 

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: U.S. First Army’s Field Order No. I, as amended, prescribes general offensive to be opened on 3 July by VIII Corps on W flank of army and extended progressively eastward by other corps upon order. In VII Corps area, organized resistance on Cherbourg Peninsula ceases as 9th Div pushes to tip of Cap de la Hague. V Corps improves positions slightly in limited attack by elements of 38th Inf, 2d Div. Br Second Army repels determined counterattacks against its salient between Tilly-sur-Seulles and Caen. 30 and 8 Corps, supported by massed arty concentrations, throw enemy back and inflict heavy tank losses.

USSR—Third White Russian troops take Borisov by storm.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 34th Div’s 133d Inf gets forward elements to Cecina R and clears Cecina town; 135th maintains its small bridgehead E of Cecina despite enemy efforts to destroy it; 168th crosses 3d Bn over the Cecina on div right flank before dawn. 1st Armd Div makes limited progress on right flank of corps: CCA, on E, is near Casole d’Elsa, where enemy is disposed for strong defense. FEC pushes forward toward Siena.

In Br Eighth Army area, 10 Corps, which is virtually out of contact with enemy, replaces 6th Armd Div in line with Ind 10th Div. 9th Armd Brig is arriving.

NEW GUINEA—As TF 77 (Adm Fechteler), consisting of most of combat elements of VII Amphib Force, U.S. Seventh Fleet, plus Aus units, steams toward Noemfoor with TF CYCLONE, Allied aircraft pound the island with over 200 tons of bombs, continuing a program of aerial bombardment of enemy bases there and on Vogelkop Peninsula. On Biak, TF HURRICANE begins aggressive patrolling to prevent enemy remnants from organizing for guerrilla warfare. In Wakde-Sarmi area, to insure safety of Maffin Bay staging sector, TF TORNADO begins clearing inland between the Woske and Tor Rivers. 1st Inf pushes along coast to the Woske.

SAIPAN—VAC drives toward next phase line, 0–7, which extends across northern neck of Saipan. On W flank of corps, 2d Mar Div gains about 800 yards in center and on right. In center, 27th Div gains about 600 yards on left and 400 on right against moderate opposition. 4th Mar Div maintains positions on right flank of corps and patrols uneventfully.

U.S.—Gen Marshall asks Gen Stilwell for his reaction to a possible split of CBI into two theaters, with Gen Sultan commanding in Burma and Gen Stilwell leading Chinese forces in China proper.

USMC

 

 

80 Years Ago, Friday, 30 June 1944

 USN

FY44 END STRENGTH–Naval vessels on hand (all types)--46,032. Personnel: Navy--2,981,365; Marine Corps--472,582; Coast Guard--169,258. Total personnel--3,623,205.

PACIFIC–Submarine Jack (SS-259) attacks Japanese convoy about 70 miles west of Manila, and sinks army cargo ships Tsurushima Maru and Matsukawa Maru, 14°15'N, 119°40'E.

Submarine Plaice (SS-390) (despite a debilitating epidemic of intenstinal influenza on board) sinks Japanese gunboat Hyakafuku Maru northwest of Chichi Jima, 28°20'N, 141°23'E. Auxiliary netlayer Kogi Maru's counterattack is unsuccessful.

Submarine Tang (SS-306) sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Nikkin Maru in the Yellow Sea off Mokpo, Korea,35°05'N, 125°00'E.

Japanese guard boat Aikoku Maru is sunk by shore battery off Kwajalein Atoll.

ATLANTIC–Off Normandy during the month of June 1944 (exact dates unknown), tank landing craft LCT-572, LCT-713, and LCT-714 are sunk by mines; LCT-147 sinks after running aground; LCT-200, LCT-244, and LCT-413 are lost to the rigors of amphibious operations.

MEDITERRANEAN–Motor torpedo boat PT-306 captures Italian motor torpedo boat MAS 562 off Elba and tows it into Bastia, Corsica.

AAF

EIGHTH AF–136 Heavy Bombers attack airfields at Montdidier, Evreux/Fauville, Conches, Le Culot, and Coxyde/Furnes. P-51’s furnish escort and afterwards strafe marshalling yards, airfields, barges, barracks, a train, a factory, and a warehouse with good results. No enemy aircraft are encountered and no airplanes are lost.

NINTH AF–125-plus B-26’s and A-20’s, using blind-bombing methods in bad weather, bomb fuel dumps and road junctions at Conde-sur-Vire, Foret de Conches, Conde-sur-Noireau, and Thury-Harcourt. Around 250 others are forced to abort due to weather. 600-plus fighters escort bombers, fly cover over the beach, and bomb marshalling yards at Chartres and Verneuil-sur-Avres, bridges E of Paris, and Evreux-Bueil, and Breux-sur- Avre-Trappes rail lines. The fighters fly armed rcn in Seine-Loire gap and along the Loire, and Continentbased fighters of IX TAC attack comm targets in adv of US and British positions.

TWELFTH AF–Weather again restricts Medium Bomber operations but B-25’s attack Pietrasanta railway bridge and Marradi viaduct and tunnel. Fighter Bombers hit rail lines, bridges, railroad cars, guns, motor transport, and other targets along battleline and area to the N in Pistoia area.

FIFTEENTH AF–Bad weather causes over 450 Heavy Bombers and more than 150 fighters to abort missions. 188 Heavy Bombers, escorted by 138 fighters, hit airfield at Zagreb and targets of opportunity in Hungary and Yugoslavia, including marshalling yards at Kaposvar, Osztopan and Split, highway bridge at Brac I, airfield at Banjaluka, and city of Budapest. 130-plus fighters provide escort.

TENTH AF–47 B-25’s continue Imphal ammo run while 17 B-25’s haul gasoline to Kamaing. 18 B-25’s bomb Tamu and 6 hit Wainggyo. 11 P-38’s attack Myitnge bridge.

FOURTEENTH AF–Medium Bombers and Fighter Bombers again pound numerous targets in Tungting Lake area, concentrating on river shipping, town areas, troop concentrations, and road traffic. Towns bombed include Pingkiang, Hengshan, Liling, Yuhsien, Siangyin, and Chuchou. Also hit is airfield at Hengyang and bridges at Leiyang and Liling. 15 P- 40’s over NE Indochina damage bridge approaches at Phu Lang Thuong and blast 3 trains.

FEAF–Barges, troop concentrations, and other targets of opportunity near Nyaparake and Suain are attacked. Kamiri and Namber airfields, supply areas, and defensive positions on Noemfoor I are hit. Tobera and Erventa I are also bombed.

SEVENTH AF–P-47’s on Saipan continue to pound entry forces remaining on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: Gen Montgomery, CG, orders U.S. First Army to make breakout attack while Br Second Army continues efforts to take Caen and contains enemy between there and Villers-Bocage.

In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, enemy’s defense line on Cap de la Hague Peninsula collapses under 9th Div’s attacks. 39th Inf begins exploring tip of the peninsula after nightfall. 101st A/B Div relieves 4th Div at Cherbourg and latter starts S for coming offensive. In XIX Corps area, CCA of 3d Armd Div gains its limited objectives NE of St Lô and is relieved there by 115th Inf, 29th Div.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 34th Div continues battle for Cecina: bn of 135th Inf establishes bridgehead across the Cecina R and, with assistance of tanks, defends it successfully; 133d Inf makes main effort against town of Cecina, which is still stoutly defended; to protect right flank, 168th Inf is moved forward to Cecina R by truck, and 3d Bn begins crossing without opposition.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, 4th Div overruns Petrignano in lively fighting.

NEW GUINEA—Main body of Noemfoor attack forces leaves Toem at 1800. On Biak, 34th Inf finishes mopping up its sector, ending main phase of action on Biak, and withdraws to beach. 162d and 186th Regts move into assigned positions on main and reserve lines. In Wakde-Sarmi area, TF TORNADO completes mop up of Lone Tree Hill and surrounding region.

SAIPAN—At commander’s conference on Saipan, it is decided to land on Guam on 21 July and to reinforce Southern Troops and Landing Force (III Amphib Corps) for this purpose with 77th Div. Postponement of Guam invasion allows time for 77th Div to arrive from Hawaii and permits stronger and more prolonged preliminary bombardment. 2d Mar Div continues to advance its center and right flank over difficult terrain above Tipo Pale and Mt. Tapotchau. 27th Div finishes clearing Death Valley and Purple Heart Ridge; makes contact with Marines on either flank. This successfully concludes battle for central Saipan. 4th Mar Div continues to consolidate on Kagman Peninsula and patrols deeply beyond 0–6 line.

USMC

Commanders’ conference on Saipan decides landings on 21 Jul 44. Conclusion of battle for central Saipan.

 

80 Years Ago, Thursday, 29 June 1944

USN

PACIFIC–Submarine Bang (SS-385) damages Japanese fleet tanker Miri Maru (see 15 January 1945), and merchant tanker Sarawak Maru west of Luzon, 17°13'N, 118°22'E.

Submarine Darter (SS-227) attacks Japanese convoy off northern tip of Halmahera Island, and sinks minelayerTsugaru, 02°10'N, 128°05'E.

Submarine Flasher (SS-249) attacks Japanese convoy, sinking merchant cargo ship Niho Maru and damaging oiler Notoro about 125 miles southeast of Singapore, 00°44'N, 105°45'E.

Submarine Growler (SS-215), despite presence of three escort vessels, sinks Japanese transport Katori Maru in Luzon Strait, 19°00'N, 121°42'E.

Submarine Sturgeon (SS-187) attacks Japanese convoy, sinking army cargo ship Toyama Maru in the Nansei Shoto, off Taira Jima, 27°47'N, 129°05'E.

ATLANTIC–Coastal minesweeper Valor (AMc-108) is sunk in collision with destroyer escort Richard W. Suesens (DE-342) off Newport, R.I., 41°128'N, 70°57'W.

EUROPE–German submarine U-984 attacks Omaha Beach-bound convoy EMC 17 about 30 miles south of the Isle of Wight, torpedoing U.S. freighters Edward M. House, H.G. Blasdel, and James A. Farrell at 50°07'N, 00°47'W, and John A.Treutlen at 50°11'50'N, 00°45'35'W. Edward M. House resumes her voyage and reaches the beachhead to discharge cargo and disembark troops; she suffers only two men injured (one of whom is from the 28-man Armed Guard). H.G. Blasdel suffers the loss of 76 of her embarked troops (180 are wounded) of the 436 on board; tank landing ship LST-326 takes off the surviving troops. The ship is later towed to Southampton where she is written off as a total loss. James A. Farrell is abandoned, survivors transferring to tank landing ship LST-50; four soldiers are killed and 45wounded from among the 421 embarked on board. There are no casualties among the 42-man merchant complement or the 31-man Armed Guard, but the ship, towed to Spithead, is written off as a total loss. John A. Treutlen is abandoned save for a skeleton crew, the merchant complement and 31-man Armed Guard being picked up by Canadian corvette HMCS Buctouche and tank landing ship LST-336. John A. Treutlen is subsequently written off as a total loss.

MEDITERRANEAN–Motor torpedo boats PT-308 and PT-309 (Lieutenant John Newell, USNR), patrolling between Cape Falcone on the Italian mainland and the island of Elba, engage two Italian motor torpedo boats, damaging MAS 562 and forcing its abandonment (see 30 June).

AAF

EIGHTH AF–82 B-17’s bomb synthetic oil plant at Bohlen, 61 strike aircraft components factory at Wittenberg, 31 bomb aero engine works at Leipzig/Taucha, 39 hit fighter assembly plant at Leipzig/Heiterblick, and 42 bomb targets of opportunity at Wittenberg, Quakenbruck, and Limbach-Oberfrohna. 390 B-24’s bomb aircraft assembly plant at Bernburg, fighter assembly factory at Oschersleben, aero engine works at Magdeburg-Neustadt, aircraft components factory at Aschersleben, airpark at Stendal, and targets of opportunity including airfields at Burg and Gardelegen and marshalling yard at Oebisfelde-Kaltendorf. 51 B-24’s bomb motor transport plant at Fallersleben and personnel camp S of Mittelland Canal. Clouds cause assembly problems and over 400 Heavy Bombers abort without reaching enemy territory. Total Heavy Bombers losses for the day number 15.14 groups from VIII FC and 1 from Ninth AF escort the Heavy Bombers. Flights from 9 of these groups afterwards strafe parked aircraft, trains, barges, a factory, road vehicles, and soldiers. 3 fighters are lost. 33 enemy airplanes are claimed destroyed.

NINTH AF–Almost 200 B-26’s and A-20’s bomb gun batteries on Cap de la Hague, bridges and rail lines in Rennes-Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcourt-Vitre areas, and rail bridge at Oissel. Ftrs fly armed rcn and attack enemy airplanes, road and rail traffic, gun positions, bridges and other targets in wide areas throughout NW France.

TWELFTH AF–Fighter Bombers, Medium Bombers, and Light Bombers attack ammo dumps, viaducts, bridges, railroad cars, landing grounds, roads, motor transport, and other targets along battleline in NC Italy and at various points to the N.

TENTH AF–16 B-24’s continue fuel lift to Kamaing. 45 B-25’s haul ammo to Imphal. 23 other B-25’s bomb Tamu. 19 A-36’s, P-51’s, and P-38’s hit Myitkyina and Myitnge bridge. A B-25 bombs targets in Mohnyin-Naba area.

FOURTEENTH AF–In Tungting Lake area 60-plus Medium Bombers and Fighter Bombers hit shipping, gun positions, troop concentrations, and general targets of opportunity at several locations, including Lingyang, Liling, Hengyang, Yuhsien, Hengshan, Siangsiang, Chaling, and Yiyang. 3 B-24’s bomb Takao docks. P-40’s damage bridge and attack rail traffic at Phu Lang Thuong.

FEAF–Japanese concentrations at Aitape and a variety of targets of opportunity including barges, villages and bivouacs in Wewak area are hit by A-20’s, B-25’s, and Fighter Bombers. B-24’s, B-25’s, A-20’s, and Fighter Bombers attack airfields and AA guns at Babo, Manokwari, Waren, and Moemi, barges at Noemfoor, and villages E of Maffln Bay. AA positions S of Ralum are bombed.

SEVENTH AF–P-47’s carry out bombing and strafing missions over Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. B-24’s, staging through Eniwetok, pound Truk while B-25’s based at Makin hit Ponape.

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

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 9th Div—employing 47th Inf on right, 60th in center, and 4th Cav Gp ( - ) on left— attacks to clear Cap de la Hague; comes to a halt before enemy line through Gruchy, Gréville, and crossroads SE of Beaumont-Hague. Forts in Cherbourg harbor surrender. In VIII Corps area, 101st A/B Div is detached from corps and starts from St Sauveur-le-Vicomte to Cherbourg. In XIX Corps area, first elements of 3d Armd Div enter combat: CCA begins limited action to reduce Villiers- Fossard salient in 29th Div’s line NE of St Lô in preparation for renewing drive on St Lô. In Br Second Army area, 8 Corps, as it continues action to expand Odon bridgehead and corridor leading to it, undergoes determined counterattacks by enemy armor against W flank, which temporarily gain some ground but leave the attackers exhausted. In view of the strong concentration of enemy armor in front of 8 Corps, it is decided to break off offensive and consolidate present positions.

USSR—Germans yield Bobruisk to First White Russian troops.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 442d Inf, which has recently cleared villages of Belvedere and Sassetta, is withdrawn from center of 34th Div line and replaced by 135th Inf; 133d Inf, driving along Highway 1, is stubbornly opposed but gets to within a mile of Cecina. Br Eighth Army takes command of Pol 2 Corps in Adriatic coastal sector. Germans begin general withdrawal in front of Eighth Army. 13 Corps commander orders 6th Armd Div to relieve 78th Div, night 3–4 July; 9th Armd Brig to move to 10 Corps sector between 30 June and 4 July. S African 6th Armd Div takes Acquaviva and Montepulciano. 4th Div advances to ridge through Petrignano and Valiano, which enemy rear guards are defending. 78th Div takes Castiglione del Lago, former enemy strongpoint N of the Pescia, without opposition.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Col Charles N. Hunter takes command of all U.S. troops at Myitkyina. 1st Bn of 42d Regt, Ch 14th Div, after making considerable progress through enemy territory, is halted by fire. Co F, NEW GALAHAD, attempts to support the bn but loses its way and is destroyed as a fighting body.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, 34th Inf continues mopping up in region N of 186th Inf against little opposition. Mortars and tanks fire on East Caves, from which engineers have recently received fire. On Aitape front, Gen Hall reorganizes TF PERSECUTION into 3 commands—Western Defense Area (Brig Gen Alexander N. Stark, Jr.), Eastern Defense Area (Gen Gill), and Eastern Defense Command (Gen Clarence Martin). Gen Martin’s command, holding outer defense line along Driniumor R, includes 3d Bn of 127th Inf, 128th Inf (less 3d Bn), and Cav RCT 112.

SAIPAN—6th and 8th Marines, 2d Mar Div, continue to clear rugged terrain on left flank of corps. 27th Div’s 106th Inf, after regrouping, drives northward in Death Valley with 1st and 2d Bns of 106th Inf and 3d Bn of 105th abreast, gaining about 1,000 yards. To right, 2d Bn of 165th tries in vain to take northernmost hill of Purple Heart Ridge. 4th Mar Div, with elements of 165th Inf still attached, consolidates and improves positions on right flank of corps, meeting strong opposition on left.

USMC