80 Years Ago, Tuesday, 24 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Battle for Leyte Gulf continues as planes from TG 38.2, TG 38.3, and TG 38.4 attack the Japanese "Center Force"(Vice Admiral Kurita Takeo) in the Sibuyan Sea. Planes from carriers Enterprise (CV‑6), Intrepid (CV‑11), and Franklin (CV‑13), and light carrier Cabot (CVL‑29) sink battleship Musashi south of Luzon, 12°50'N, 122°35'E. Aircraft from the three task groups also damage battleships Yamato and Nagato, heavy cruiser Tone, and destroyers Kiyoshimo, Fujinami and Uranami. TG 38.4 planes attack Japanese "Southern Force" (Vice Admiral Nishimura Shoji and Vice Admiral Shima Kiyohide) as it proceeds through the Sulu Sea; planes from Franklin sink destroyer Wakaba off the west coast of Panay, 11°50'N, 121°25'E; aircraft from Enterprise and Franklin damage battleships Fuso and Yamashiro. Japanese planes, however, attack TG 38.3; combat air patrol and effective use of rain squalls as cover limits the damage to light carrier Princeton (CVL‑23), hit by bomb from dive bomber, 15°21'N, 123°31'E. In trying to save Princeton, however, light cruiser Birmingham (CL‑62) and destroyers Morrison (DD‑560), Gatling (DD‑671), and Irwin (DD‑794) are damaged by rolling against the stricken carrier or by fragments from the explosion of Princeton’s magazines when fires gain the upper hand; in addition, Morrison's bridge is damaged by a jeep (used to tow aircraft) falling from Princeton's flight deck. Birmingham suffers the greatest destruction because she is alongside the carrier when the latter's magazines explode. The cruiser's decks literally run red with blood: 229 men killed, four missing, 211 seriously wounded and 215 with minor wounds. Ultimately, light cruiser Reno and Irwin scuttle Princeton.

            During the aerial action that day, Commander David McCampbell, Commander Air Group 15, flying from carrier Essex (CV‑9), again distinguishes himself in combat. With only one wingman, McCampbell attacks what is estimated as being over 60 hostile aircraft and downs nine, breaking up the attacking formation before it even reaches the fleet.

            For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life" on this occasion and on 19 June, McCampbell is awarded the Medal of Honor.

            Elsewhere off Leyte, Japanese planes damage destroyer Leutze (DD‑481), 10°50'N, 125°25'E; tank landing ship LST‑552, 11°11'N, 125°05'E; and infantry landing craft LCI‑1065. Oiler Ashtabula (AO-51) is damaged by aerial torpedo,11°03'N, 125°22'E.

            U.S. freighter Augustus Thomas, anchored in San Pedro Bay, Leyte, is attacked by a Japanese plane. The ship's Armed Guard gunfire sets the aircraft ablaze but the kamikaze presses home his attack, a wing striking the stack of the nearby tug Sonoma (ATO-12) before it crashes the freighter's starboard side. The bombs detonate in the water between the two ships, and the exploding suicider sets Sonoma afire. There are no casualties on board Augustus Thomas (41-manmerchant complement, 27-man Armed Guard and 480 troop passengers), which is subsequently beached by tugs Chowanoc (ATF‑100) and Whippoorwill (ATO-169). Sonoma subsequently sinks off Dio Island, 10°57'N, 125°02'E.

            U.S. freighter David Dudley Field is damaged by kamikaze off Tacloban, Leyte; there are no fatalities among the 40-man merchant complement, 30-man Armed Guard, 50 stevedores embarked to work cargo and 10 Army passengers. After repairs, the freighter will resume active service.

            Late on 24 October, Commander Third Fleet (Admiral William F. Halsey Jr.) orders TF 38 (Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher) to proceed north to be in position to strike the "Northern Force" (Vice Admiral Ozawa Jisaburo) on the morning of 25 October, but does not inform Commander Seventh Fleet (Vice Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid) of his action. Unbeknown to the Americans, remnants of the "Center Force" transit San Bernadino Strait and head for Leyte Gulf. Commander Seventh Fleet meanwhile makes his dispositions to meet the expected enemy onslaught: bombardment and support group TG 77.2 (Rear Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf) is augmented by close covering group TG 77.3 (Rear Admiral Russell S. Berkey).

            Local airfields, however, are not yet ready to base night reconnaissance aircraft, and the only carrier equipped to operate such planes, light carrier Independence (CVL‑22), is proceeding north with TF 38.

            Coordinated submarine attack group TG 17.15 (Commander Alan B. Banister), meanwhile, operates against Japanese shipping in South China Sea west of Luzon Strait: Drum (SS‑228) sinks merchant cargo ship Shikisan Maru, 20°27'N,118°31'E; Icefish (SS‑367) sinks army cargo ship Tenshin Maru, 19°31'N, 118°10'E; Seadragon (SS‑194) sinks transport Eiko Maru and cargo ship Daiten Maru, 20°31'N, 118°33'E, and merchant passenger/cargo ship Kokuryu Maru, 20°27'N, 118°31'E.

            Hospital ship Comfort (AH-6), fully illuminated in accordance with the dictates of the Geneva Convention, is bombed22 miles southeast of Leyte.

            Tank landing ship LST‑695 is damaged by Japanese submarine I‑56 in Philippine Sea, west of Mindanao, 08°31'N,128°34'E.

            Destroyer escort Richard Mont Rowell (DE‑403) sinks Japanese submarine I‑54, 70 miles east of Surigao, 09°45'N,126°45'E.

            Submarine Besugo (SS‑321) damages Japanese Coast Defense Vessel No.132 south of Ashizuri Saki, Japan, 30°19'N,132°49'E.

            Submarine Croaker (SS‑246) sinks Japanese army cargo ship Mikage Maru and passenger/cargo ship Gassan Maru southwest of Quelpart Island, 33°00'N, 125°49'E.

            Submarine Darter (SS‑227), damaged by grounding on Bombay Shoal, Palawan Passage, P.I. is scuttled by submarines Nautilus (SS‑168) and Dace (SS‑247) to avoid the boat's falling into enemy hands.

            Submarine Kingfish (SS‑234) sinks Japanese cargo ship Ikutagawa Maru east of Chichi Jima, 27°08'N, 143°13'E.

            Submarine Shark (SS‑314) is sunk, probably by Japanese destroyer Harukaze, in Luzon Strait, 20°41'N, 118°27'E.24

            Submarine Snook (SS‑279) sinks army cargo ships Arisan Maru, 20°54'N, 118°19'E, and No.1 Shinsei Maru, 20°10'N,118°17'E. Merchant tanker Kikusui Maru sinks as the result of damage inflicted by Snook the day before, 19°46'N,118°30'E.

            Submarine Tang (SS‑306) sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Ebara Maru in Formosa Strait, 25°03'N, 119°35'E, and damages tanker Matsumoto Maru, 25°04'N, 119°35'E, but is herself sunk by the circular run of one of her own torpedoes, 25°06'N, 119°31'E.

            TF 38 planes damage Japanese light cruiser Kinu and destroyer Uranami at Manila, and sink Japanese army ore carrier Fuyukawa Maru off Luzon, 16°30'N, 120°15'E.

            USAAF aircraft sink army cargo ship Taimei Maru off Sandakan, Borneo, 05°50'N, 118°07'E.

MEDITERRANEAN—Motor torpedo boats patrolling off Monte Grosso attack five south-bound targets, firing six torpedoes. No definite claims are made.

            Destroyer Woolsey (DD‑437) and British destroyer HMS Fortune sink two abandoned German explosive boats 16miles off Cap Ferrat; Woolsey and minesweeper Sway (AM‑120) recover prisoners.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—By this date, all Pathfinder aircraft of 482d Bomb group (engaged in H2X and other radar training at RAF—Alconbury) have been dispersed to heavy bomber groups within the bomb divisions, which set up their own H2X training. Over 400 fighter bombers are dispatched to attack aircraft and ground targets in Hannover‑Kassel area. 73 bomb flak positions at Elburg, factory near Nienburg, and miscellaneous ground targets. Bad weather causes other fighter bombers to jettison bombs in Channel and Zuider Zee. The fighter bombers strafe transportation and other ground targets with good results.

NINTH AF—Bad weather cancels all operations except fighter patrols by IX and XXIX Tactical Air Command over Western Germany. The fighters attack rail targets.

TWELFTH AF—Weather grounds medium bombers. Over 300 XXII Tactical Air Command fighters and fighter bombers attack targets in support of US Fifth Army South of Bologna and hit communications and shipping in Turin‑Genoa and Eastern Po Valley areas, destroying 14 locomotives and over 100 railroad cars. During 23/24 Oct light bombers attack targets of opportunity in Po Valley.

FIFTEENTH AF—Weather cancels all offensive operations.

TENTH AF—From 24 Oct through 27 Oct fighter bombers and medium bombers steadily support Allied troops on the Northern Burma front, pounding road and rail communications, troop concentrations and supply dumps, and sweeping airfields. The strikes include close support of British troops advancing on the right flank of the front known as the ‘Rail Corridor’, and of Chinese forces pushing down the left flank along the Myitkyina‑Bhamo road. CBI is split into 2 theaters—India‑Burma and China.

FOURTEENTH AF—About 80 P‑40’s, P‑51’s, and P‑38’s on armed reconnaissance over SE China, SW China, and Eastern Burma hit runways, storage facilities, town areas, troops, horses, gun positions, and other targets of opportunity around Amoy, Lohochai, Tanchuk, Sinthe, Menghsu Pingnam, Mangshih, Chefang, and Lashio.

FEAF—B‑24’s bomb Buayoan airfield while B‑25’s on armed reconnaissance hit small shipping and troops. B‑24’s, B‑25’s, and fighter bombers hit Sandakan area. P‑38’s bomb Amboina reservoir areas. A‑20’s and fighter bombers again pound Babo, Moemi, Sagan, Manokwari, Otawiri, and other Vogelkop Peninsula area targets.

SEVENTH AF—Guam‑based B‑24’s bomb Yap while Saipan‑based P‑47’s hit Pagan.

ELEVENTH AF—3 B‑24’s bomb Kashiwabara and Kurabu Cape. 4 B‑25’s weather‑abort a photo mission to Paramushiru. 2 others on a shipping sweep off Kurabu hit a freighter, which is observed listing and smoking, and strafe 2 subchasers.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Canadian First Army’s 2 Corps area, methodical reduction of Breskens Pocket continues. Canadian 2d Division begins drive along Beveland Isthmus, leaving containing forces at its neck.

            12th Army Group: Front remains generally static.

            6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Division, committing 324th Infantry, completes relief of 79th Division. In VI Corps area, 3d Division commits its full strength to drive on St Dié as 30th Infantry, having moved North, joins in attack to right of 7th. 179th Infantry, 45th Division, takes town of Mortagne, on enemy side of Mortagne River.

            In French 1st Army area, Gen de Lattre issues secret instructions to 1st Corps for offensive toward Belfort, INDEPENDENCE. 1st Corps is to be strongly reinforced for the operation. Extensive deceptive measures are taken to conceal place of projected attack and take enemy by surprise.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, Mont Termine falls to South African 6th Armored Division. In II Corps area, Germans regain Vedriano and capture most of Company G, 351st Infantry, 88th Division, there. 88th and 85th Divisions continue attack on right flank of corps during night 24–25 but make little headway. In British 13 Corps area, 78th Division consolidates positions on Mont Spadura. 61st Brigade, 6th Armored Division, pushes toward Mont Taverna, reaching Orsara.

            In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Division drives quickly toward Ronco River on South flank of corps; 4th Division advances its left flank to road junction of Madonna di Cerbiano and its right, along Highway 9, to Castellaccio. Canadian 1 Corps pursues retreating enemy toward Ronco River.

CBI—Theater is split in two theaters, IndiaBurma Theater (IBT) and China Theater (CT), to be headed respectively by Lt Gen Daniel Island. Sultan and Maj Gen Albert C. Wedemeyer. Gen Chennault is temporarily in charge of China Theater, pending assumption of command by Gen Wedemeyer.

BATTLE OF LEYTE GULF—Seventh Fleet units engage and destroy Japanese naval force moving against Leyte via Surigao Strait, night 24–25. Third Fleet elements, after crippling another Japanese naval force, moving toward San Bernardino Strait, sails northward to attack enemy decoy force that has been sighted, thus leaving San Bernardino Strait unguarded.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Squadron of 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, moves by water to Babatngon and sets up defense perimeter, from which patrols move along North coast. Troop C, reinforced, of 8th Cavalry, after delay because of Japanese air attack on shipping in Tacloban harbor, which causes minor damage, sails to La Paz, Samar; establishes beachhead and blocks road to Basey; after nightfall repels enemy thrust against the block. Main body of 1st Squadron, 8th Cavalry, begins overland journey northward along Highway 1 and reach Guintiguian. Control of Juanico Strait is thus secured. In Palo area, 1st Battalion of 34th Infantry takes Hill Nan without opposition; is passed through by 3d Battalion, which takes the next Hill, Mike—before Hill C—also without opposition, preliminary fires having been highly effective. 2d Battalion, 19th Infantry, continues efforts to take Hill B, finding enemy well entrenched on a crest higher than its own. Company K, 19th Infantry, moving South along Highway 1 in effort to make contract with XXIV Corps, takes San Joaquin, South of Palo. In XXIV Corps area, 96th Division’s 383d Infantry, still beset by supply problems, holds current positions and patrols to locate possible supply routes to rear. Patrol finds enemy established at Tabontabon. 382d takes Anibung and Hindang.

            In 7th Division zone 17th Infantry clears Burauen and, after brief pause, starts toward Dagami. 1st Battalion, 32d Infantry, turns North West toward Buri airstrip from San Pablo airfield but is so strongly opposed that it falls back to San Pablo with assistance of 3d Battalion.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

41 Years Ago, Sunday, 23 October 1983

BEIRUIT—Marine Barracks destroyed by truck bomb, killing 299 Marines and French peacekeepers.

POPE AFB—317 Tactical Airlift Wing provides an AWADS C-130E to airdrop a SEAL recon team off Grenada overnight.  SOLL II crews from 39th and 40th Tactical Airlift Squadrons are placed into crew rest, told to pack a bag for a week long deployment in "warm weather".

 

80 Years Ago, Monday, 23 October 1944

 US NAVY

PACIFIC—Battle for Leyte Gulf (a succession of distinct fleet engagements) opens. While Darter (SS‑227) continues to trail Japanese ships detected the previous day, submarine Bream (SS‑243) torpedoes heavy cruiser Aoba off Manila Bay,14°06'N, 119°37'E. Subsequently, Darter and Dace (SS‑247) attack what proves to be the "Center Force" (Vice Admiral Kurita Takeo), one of the three main bodies of the Japanese fleet moving toward Leyte in a major effort to drive U.S. forces from the Philippines. Dace sinks heavy cruiser Maya, 09°28'N, 117°20'E, while Darter sinks heavy cruiser Atago and damages her sistership Takao, 09°24'N, 117°11'E.

            Destroyer escort Gilligan (DE‑508) bombards Emidj Island, Jaluit Atoll.

            Submarine Croaker (SS‑246) sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Hakuran Maru in Yellow Sea, off west coast of Korea, 35°29'N, 126°05'E.

            Submarine Nautilus (SS‑168) lands men and supplies on east coast of Luzon; she will repeat the operation on 24 and25 October 1944.

            Submarine Sawfish (SS‑276) sinks Japanese seaplane carrier Kimikawa Maru west of Luzon, 18°58'N, 118°31'E.

            Submarine Snook (SS‑279) damages Japanese merchant tanker Kikusui Maru in South China Sea, west of Luzon Strait, 19°44'N, 118°25'E.

            Submarine Tang (SS‑306) sinks Japanese cargo ships Toun Maru and Tatsuju Maru and transport Wakatake Maru,24°49'N, 120°26'E, and merchant cargo ship Kori Go, 24°42'N, 120°21'E, in Formosa Strait.

            Special Air Task Force (STAG 1) operations continue in two missions (three TDRs each) flown against beached Japanese ships in Moisuru Bay and off the south end of the Kahili airstrip. In the first mission, one TDR scores a direct hit on "Kahili Maru"; in the second, one TDR scores a direct hit on "Kahili Maru" while another hits a beached merchantman in Moisuru Bay.

MEDITERRANEAN—U.S. motor torpedo boats attack German southbound convoy in Ligurian Sea south of Sestri Levanti with no success; a subsequent attack, however, results in the sinking of one F‑lighter.

            Destroyer Woolsey (DD‑437) shells German targets in San Remo area; she repeats bombardment mission the next day.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

NINTH AF—Weather prevents all commands, including 9th Bomb division, from flight operations.

TWELFTH AF—Bad weather grounds medium bombers. Fighters and fighter bombers although cancelling many operations, cause much damage to transportation, destroying or damaging numerous locomotives, railroad cars, and motor transport, and damaging vessels in Savona, Turin, Padua, and Genoa areas.

FIFTEENTH AF—Around 500 B‑24’s and B‑17’s bomb Skoda armament works at Plzen, Rosenheim marshalling yard, Plauen industrial area, Munich airplane engine plant, Augsburg diesel engine factory, and Regensburg oil storage depot, and communications targets in northern Italy including marshalling yard at Bressanone, bridges at or near Casarsa della Delizia, Pordenone, Santo Stino di Livenza, and Maniago, and rail line running north to Brenner area. Fighters escort missions to Germany and Czechoslovakia.

TENTH AF—20 P‑47’s hit Japanese concentrations at Nanhlaing and Kyungyi. 16 support ground forces at Mawlu and Henu and in nearby areas. Bivouac area south of Indaw is pounded by 4 fighter bombers while 7 knock out bypass bridge at Panghkam. 3 B‑25’s blast train cars and sidings at Kyaukme, 3 hit nearby motor pool, 2 hit motor pool at Namhsim, and 1 blasts rail line at Nawngpeng. Transports fly 270‑plus sorties in CBI.

FOURTEENTH AF—3 B‑25’s knock out bridge at Lohochai while 7 P‑40’s hit trucks and locomotives nearby. 6 B‑25’s and 11 P‑51’s pound town area of Menghsu. 50‑plus P‑40’s and P‑51’s hit small towns and other targets of opportunity in Menghsu area. 40‑plus others attack shipping, bridges, and general targets of opportunity around Anfu, Kweiping, Shepchung, Kuanyang, Ssuwangshu, Mangshih, Chefang, Panghkam, Wanling, Takhing, Tanchuk, Dosing, Wuchou, and Tengyun.

FEAF—B‑24’s and P‑38’s maintain shipping sweeps in Makassar area. B‑25’s, A‑20’s, and fighter bombers hit Boela oil storage, Amboina town, 2 airfields, and other targets in Amboina‑Ceram‑Boeroe area. Fighter bombers hit Sagan while A‑20’s support ground forces further east in Sawar River‑Orai River area. Vehicles and small vessels in Mindanao area are attacked by fighter bombers while B‑25’s attack small shipping in Sulu Archipelago. Fighter bombers over Halmahera Island hit scattered bivouacs.

SEVENTH AF—8 B‑24’s from Guam bomb Yap. 2 from Saipan hit Pagan and, during 23/24 Oct, 1 bombs Iwo Jima.

ELEVENTH AF—3 B‑24’s hit Kashiwabara targets. 3 more B‑24’s bomb Otomari and fly a photo mission over Onnekotan. 5 B‑25’s bomb Asahi Bay area.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Canadian First Army’s British I Corps area, U.S. 104th Division, inexperienced in combat, begins moving into line along Antwerp–Breda highway between 49th Division and Polish 1st Armored Division. On left flank of corps, Canadian 4th Armored Division swings west from Esschen toward Bergen-op–Zoom to seal off Beveland Isthmus, along which Canadian 2d Division of 2 Corps is preparing to drive.

            12th Army Group: Front is generally quiet as preparations for offensive in November continue.

            6th Army Group: Gen Eisenhower, in personal letter to Gen Devers, orders Sixth Army Group to protect south flank of 12th Army Group in coming offensive toward the Rhine.

            In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Division commits 71st Infantry to action, relieving elements of 79th Division of newly won positions east of Forêt de Parroy. In VI Corps area, 3d Division is meeting stronger resistance as it approaches Les Rouges Eaux, on road to St Dié. To left, 180th Infantry of 45th Division succeeds in establishing bridgehead across Mortagne River east of Fremifontaine, from which to push northeast toward Raon-l’Etape. On right flank, 36th Division extends positions east of Bruyères to Biffontaine; 1st Battalion of 141st, attempting to secure heights north of La Houssière, becomes isolated in Forêt Domaniale de Champ.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, South African 6th Division, attacking in force toward Mont Salvaro, drives to summit; elements to right begin assault on Mont Termine. In IV Corps area, TF 92, after unsuccessful attempt to push northeast from Mont Cauala, goes on the defensive in coastal sector. In II Corps area, enemy counterattacks and recovers Hill 459 from 85th Division. Elsewhere on right flank of corps, counterattacks are repulsed and bypassed pockets cleared. At night, 2d Battalion of 351st Infantry, 88th Division, attacks toward Vedriano and Company G takes Vedriano by dawn of 24th. 133d Infantry, 34th Division, seizes Mont Belmonte. In British 13 Corps area, 78th Division, renewing assault on Mont Spadura with 11th and 38th Brigades, clears this feature. 1st Division takes Mont Cornazzano without opposition; gains ground north of Mont Ceco. 21st Brigade, Indian 8th Division, seizes Mont Giro and pushes on toward Mont Colombo; 17th takes Mont Casalino.

            In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Division reaches crest of Mont Cavallo ridge, which extends northward to Bertinoro, commanding Highway 9; enemy begins to pull back. Savio River is subsiding and reinforcements are crossed into 4th Division’s bridgehead.

            In Canadian 1 Corps area, Canadian 1st Division maintains bridgehead across the Savio but is unable to strengthen it. 11th Brigade, Canadian 5th Armored Division, reaches the Savio to River.

BATTLE OF LEYTE GULF—Major 3-day naval battle opens as submarines discover and attack elements of Japanese Combined Fleet steaming toward the Philippines to eliminate U.S. threat to Leyte. Surface vessels and carrier aircraft of Third and Seventh Fleets and Japanese land-based planes later join in the action.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: At ceremony in Tacloban, Gen MacArthur restores Philippine Civil Government under President Sergio Osmena. In X Corps area, 8th Cavalry of 2d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, charged with task of securing control of San Juanico Strait between Leyte and Samar and cutting off Japanese movement, begins operations toward this end. Reconnaissance party moves by LCI from Tacloban through San Juanico Strait to Babatngon, on north coast, and on return reconnoiters ferry termini that connect Leyte and Samar, the Leyte terminus being at Guintiguian and the Samar terminus at La Paz, without incident. Other elements of the regiment move to Diit River and secure bridge in preparation for drive on Santa Cruz, on Carigara Bay. Japanese party raids Palo at night, using Filipinos to deceive Americans, but is dispersed and leave behind 60 dead. 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry, begins attack on Hill C, blocking passage into Leyte Valley on north side of Highway 2 at west edge of Palo, a strongly defended feature. 2d Battalion, 19th Infantry, reaches what it believes to be crest of Hill B, which also blocks entrance into Leyte Valley. 2d Squadron of 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, relieves 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry, on Hill 522; 1st Battalion of 19th Infantry is ordered to attack Hill 85, south of Palo. XXIV Corps area, 96th Division is facing acute supply shortage, which limits forward movement. 383d Infantry, less 1st Battalion, attacking at noon, crosses Guinarona River and reaches positions west of Pikas. 382d is largely engaged in patrolling. Tanks of 767th Tank Battalion act as spearhead for 7th Division as it continues drive on Burauen in effort to take San Pablo airfield. 17th Infantry ( — ), reinforced by 2d Battalion of 184th, leads troops, attacking through 32d and 184th Regiments, which then follow. Tanks arrive at Burauen and scatter enemy forces. Infantrymen drive through Julita and San Pablo and seize San Pablo airfield.

PALAUS—Anti-Tank and Cannon Companies  relieve infantry of responsibility for eliminating the few remaining enemy on Angaur.

 

US MARINE CORPS

23-26 Oct 1944          Battle of Leyte Gulf which ends in U. S. naval victory.

 

80 Years Ago, Sunday, 22 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—TF 38 planes sink Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser Cha 15 west of Tabals, P.I., 12°55'N, 121°35'E.

            Navy carrier-based planes (TF 77°) sink Japanese motor sailships No.3 Akebono Maru and No.5 Taihei Maru

            Submarine Darter (SS‑227) detects a group of Japanese warships northwest of Borneo, 07°31'N, 115°22'E, and trails them (see 23 October 1944).

            Submarine Sea Dog (SS‑401) sinks Japanese supply ship Muroto south-southwest of Kagoshima, 29°19'N, 129°44'E, and gunboat Tomitsu Maru south of Akuseki Jima, 29°18'N, 129°44'E.

            British submarine HMS Tantivy sinks Japanese Communication Ship No.137 in Makassar Strait.

            U.S. freighter Augustus Thomas is strafed in San Pedro Bay, Leyte; one man of the 27-man Armed Guard is wounded.

MEDITERRANEAN—Destroyer Jouett (DD‑396) conducts two bombardment missions on German positions in the Franco-Italian border region while destroyer Madison (DD‑425) supports minesweeping operations in the vicinity.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—492d Bomb group (CARPETBAGGER group under control of VIII Fighter Command) is transferred to 1st Bomb division to operate as night bombing group, one squadron remaining on CARPETBAGGER duty. This reduction of supply dropping to forces results from recapture of major portions of France. The remaining squadron will supply underground forces in Scandinavia, the Low Countries, and Germany until V‑E Day. More than 1,000 heavy bombers attack 2 military vehicle plants at Brunswick and Hannover, 2 marshalling yards at Hamm and Munster, and 11 targets of opportunity. 15 fighter groups fly support.

NINTH AF—Advance HQ XXIX Tactical Air Command (Provisional) moves from Arlon to Maastricht to maintain close association with Ninth Army. Weather forbids bomber operations. Fighter sweeps and armed reconnaissance support US Third and Seventh Army elements in eastern France and western Germany.

TWELFTH AF—Bad weather grounds all medium bombers and light bombers. Fighters and fighter bombers, flying less than 20 sorties, hit rail lines and trains in northern  Italy.

FIFTEENTH AF—Bad weather limits operations to reconnaissance flights.

TENTH AF—40‑plus P‑47’s hit a variety of targets including bridges at Panghkam, and at 2 other points along northern Burma rail corridor, towns of Manna and Kyaungle, bivouac in Indaw area, and various targets of opportunity.

FOURTEENTH AF—2 B‑25’s knock out 2 railroad bridges at Pingnam while 8 P‑51’s pound town area. 54 P‑40’s and P‑51’s on armed reconnaissance attack town areas and general targets of opportunity at Nampang, Wanling, Kuanyang, Shekpo, Pingnam, Kweiping, and near Menghsu.

FEAF—B‑25’s and P‑38’s attack shipping in Sulu Archipelago and Jolo and Zamboanga harbors while B‑24’s hit Opon and Lahug airfields. B‑25’s hit Ternate and B‑24’s pound Matina airfield, Cagayan, and Likanan. B‑25’s hit Piroe Bay supply dumps and gun positions and fighter bombers hit Kairatoe and Amahai airfields and targets of opportunity in Binnen Bay. A‑20’s blast pillboxes and occupied areas in Metimedan‑Sawar Rivers sector.

SEVENTH AF—Guam‑based B‑24’s hit Yap with harassment raids during the day, operating singly or in groups of 2 or 3. Makin‑based B‑25’s bomb Nauru.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Canadian First Army’s 2 Corps area, Breskens falls to Canadian 3d Division. Breskens Pocket is now less than half its original size. In British I Corps area Canadian 4th Armored Division reaches Esschen.

            In British Second Army area, 12 Corps begins westward offensive to clear region west of the Maas. 15th Division heads for Tilburg and 7th Armored and 53d Infantry Divisions, followed by 51st Infantry Division, towards Hertogenbosch.

            12th Army Group: Major regrouping is begun in preparation for offensive toward the Rhine. Ninth Army hq moves from positions in Luxembourg between First and Third Armies to left flank of First Army, where it takes command of zone and troops of XIX Corps. north boundary of VII Corps thus becomes north boundary of First Army. First Army takes control of zone and troops of VIII Corps, placing new south boundary of First Army along previous boundary between Ninth and Third Armies.

            In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, 26th Division, untried in combat as a unit, makes limited attack to gain experience and to improve positions east of Arracourt, securing ground west of Moncourt with support of troops from 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion.

            6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 79th Division finishes clearing high ground east of Forêt de Parroy. In VI Corps area, 3d Division advances steadily northeast along Mortagne River toward St Dié. 179th Infantry, 45th Division, completes mop up of Brouvelieures; 180th forces the Mortagne east of Fremifontaine but falls back under enemy fire.

FINLAND—From Petsamo, troops of Soviet Karelian Front drive on to Norwegian frontier.

EAST PRUSSIA—Soviet forces, after penetrating outer defense lines along northeast frontier of East Prussia, are brought to a halt short of Insterburg. Activity in this area soon subsides and positions remain about the same until January 1945

YUGOSLAVIA—With the fall of Sombor, southwest of Subotica, Allied forces control most of east bank of the Danube as far north as Hungarian town of Baja.

MEDITERRANEAN—Lt Gen Joseph T. McNarney replaces Gen Devers as head of NATOUSA.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, South African 6th Armored Division continues toward crest of Mont Salvaro in drenching rain. II Corps receives verbal orders to continue offensive on right flank to line Ribano Hill–Mont Castelazzo, then to Highway 9. Accordingly, 88th and 85th Divisions jump off, night 22–23, and get about a mile beyond Mont Grande by dawn, taking Hill 568, Mont Castellaro, and Hill 459. Rest of corps regroups to provide reserve force. 91st Division is reinforced by 135th Infantry of 34th Division; 362d and 363d Regiments are withdrawn from line and Division zone is narrowed. 34th Division is gradually to extend its front, under cover of darkness, to include part of that formerly held by 91st Division. British 13 Corps is ordered to take Mont Spadura and continue northward between Imola and Castel San Pietro roads. 78th Division places fire on Mont Spadura. Enemy withdrawal to east permits other units of corps to advance. 21st Brigade, Indian 8th Division, takes Mont Romano without opposition.

            In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Division expands its Savio bridgeheads westward, 20th Brigade pushing almost to crest of Mont Cavallo. 4th Division is unable to progress from its bridgehead until heavy equipment can be crossed to it. In Canadian 1 Corps area, Canadian 1st Division is handicapped by the swollen Savio and is unable to cross supporting weapons into bridgehead. Canadian 5th Armored Division relieves New Zealand 2d Division in line and resumes command of 5th Armored Brigade, previously known as Cumberland Force; elements moving up coast take Cervia and Pisignano.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 7th Cavalry of 2d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, mops up Tacloban and takes rest of hill to southwest. 8th Cavalry is placed under control of 2d Brigade and takes up positions west of 7th Cavalry, except for Troop C, which moves to Anibong Pt. 5th Cavalry of 1st Brigade, after laborious effort to advance over difficult terrain west of Caibaan, is ordered to halt and maintain current positions. 34th Infantry, 24th Division, assisted by artillery fire and naval aircraft, secures Pawing area with capture of hill to west. 19th Infantry repels counterattacks against Palo, killing 91 Japanese, and mops up. In XXIV Corps area, after nightlong shelling of Labiranan Head, 1st Battalion of 383d Infantry, 96th Division, recaptures it while other elements of regiment seize San Roque on Highway 1. 382d Infantry takes Tigbao and Canmangui and sets up 3 night perimeters: one at Mati, one 800 yards east of Bolongtohan, and one 500 yards southeast of Tigbao. 32d Infantry, 7th Division, gets about halfway to Burauen against sporadic resistance. 184th, assisted by aircraft of Seventh Fleet, advances more rapidly, gaining 2,800 yards before being ordered to halt until 32d Infantry can come abreast. 17th Infantry, less 3d Battalion, assembles in Dulag airfield area.

 

US MARINE CORPS

80 Years Ago, Saturday, 21 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Leyte landings continue. Off invasion beaches, transport Warhawk (AP‑168) is damaged in collision with battleship Tennessee (BB-43), 10°57'N, 125°02'E, while Japanese mortar fire damages tank landing ships LST‑269, LST‑483, andLST‑704, 10°50'N, 125°25'E.

            TG 38.2 (Rear Admiral Gerald F. Bogan) attacks Japanese shipping and installations near Panay, Cebu, Negros, and Masbate, Navy carrier-based planes sinking auxiliary minesweeper Wa.8, 11°30'N, 123°20'E; auxiliary submarine chaser Cha 15, 12°55'N, 121°35'E; and army tanker Doko Maru, 12°35'N, 122°16'E.

            British submarine HMS Tantivy sinks Japanese merchant cargo ships No.2 Chokyu Maru, No.3 Takasago Maru, and Otori Maru in Makassar Strait.

MEDITERRANEAN—Destroyer Eberle (DD‑430) bombards targets near San Remo, Italy.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

NINTH AF—Bad weather grounds bombers. Fighters fly armed reconnaissance and attack railroads in western Germany and support elements of US Third and Seventh Armies in eastern France and western Germany.

TWELFTH AF—B‑26’s, in the day’s only medium bomber mission, attack Nervesa della Battaglia railroad bridge and causeway. Fighters and fighter bombers operate in close support of US Fifth Army forces south of Bologna and fighter bombers also hit communications in northern  Italy as far north  as Verona and as far west as Turin. During 20/21 Oct light bombers bomb targets of opportunity during intruder missions north of battle area.

FIFTEENTH AF—104 B‑24’s with fighter escort attack marshalling yards at Gyor and Szombathely. Almost 100 P‑38’s and P‑51’s strafe Szombathely and Seregelyes airfields and rail lines between Sajoszentpeter to Ipolyszog.

TENTH AF—15 P‑47’s damage at least 3 bridges throughout the railroad corridor in northern  Burma. 15 other P‑47’s support ground forces in Mohnyin area, hitting gun positions and defensive works at Ywathit. 12 others attack positions and occupied areas around Bhamo and Muse, 6 knock out Paungni River bridge, and 4 attack town of Mawhun. About 270 sorties are flown by Tenth AF transports in CBI.

FOURTEENTH AF—3 B‑25’s and 130‑plus P‑40’s and P‑51’s attack shipping, gun positions, troop areas, bridges, town areas, road traffic, and other targets of opportunity around Yuma, Takhing, Dosing, Konghow, Shawan, Kuanyang, Kweiping, Tungpingchi, Tingka, Muse, Wan Lai‑Kam, Shekpo, Menghsu, and Amoy.

FEAF—B‑24’s bomb Cagayan and Parepare. B‑25’s and fighter bombers hit Misamis and blast truck convoy near Kibawe. Other fighter bombers hit Kaoe Bay supply areas. Fighter bombers hit Boela airfield and Amboina town area. Mongosah and Sagan airfields are also bombed.

SEVENTH AF—28 B‑24’s from Saipan bomb Iwo Jima. 2 B‑24’s, in first US air strike from Guam, hit Yap.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: Gen Bradley orders Ninth, First, and Third Armies to prepare for drive to the Rhine, 5 November target date for Ninth and First and 10 November for Third.

            In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, German commander of Aachen garrison surrenders at 1205, concluding struggle that has cost enemy heavily in badly needed reserve strength.

            6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 9th Division launches full scale assault on heights east of Forêt de Parroy, with 313th Infantry on left, 315th in center, and 314th on right. Some progress is made against strong opposition. In VI Corps area, 179th Infantry of 45th Division enters Brouvelieures after main body of enemy has withdrawn and begins to clear rear-guard opposition. As 7th Infantry continues toward St Dié, clearing Domfaing, 3d Division commits 15th Infantry to left; 15th Infantry pressure south of Brouvelieures aids 45th Division. 36th Division is improving positions east of Bruyères.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, South African 6th Armored Division commits fresh troops on Mont Salvaro and completes capture of Mont Alcino. II Corps positions remain virtually the same. In British 13 Corps area, 38th Brigade of 78th Division makes another unsuccessful attempt to take Mont Spadura. 21st Brigade, Indian 8th Division, pushes almost to summit of Mont Romano.

            In British Eighth Army’s Polish 2 Corps area, 5th Kresowa Division, pressing northwest toward Route 67, which leads to Forlì, takes Strada San Zeno in Rabbi River valley and summit of Mont Grosso. 5 Corps expands its 3 bridgeheads across the Savio despite heavy rainfall and rapidly rising water. Indian 10th Division’s 20th Brigade pushes toward Mont Cavallo on left flank of corps while 25th Brigade attacks to expand bridgehead from San Carlo. 4th Division completes capture of Cesena and crosses additional forces over the Savio there, although handicapped by lack of permanent bridge.

            In Canadian 1 Corps area, Canadian 1st Division at 2000 begins attack across the Savio with 2d Brigade, supported by diversionary fire of 3d Brigade, and secures bridgehead.

HUNGARY—Elements of Second Ukrainian Front pushing west from Szeged reach the Danube at Baja, south of Budapest.

LEYTE—Japanese decide to make a strong effort to defeat Americans instead of fighting delaying action as planned.

            U.S. Sixth Army: Generals Krueger, Sibert, and Hodge take command ashore of Sixth Army, X Corps, and XXIV Corps, respectively. In X Corps area, 2d Brigade (7th Cavalry) of 1st Cavalry Division seizes Tacloban and south half of hill to southwest; 1st Brigade (12th Cavalry on right and 5th on left) drives west, taking Utap and Caibaan. 34th Infantry, on north flank of 24th Division, undergoes determined enemy counterattack, beginning at 0100, in Pawing area. Artillery and Seventh Fleet aircraft assist after daylight in routing enemy, more than 600 of whom are killed. 2d Battalion then attacks ridge to west but cannot take it. 19th Infantry clears far slope of Hill 522 and, with strong fire support, takes Palo. In XXIV Corps area, 96th Division’s 383d Infantry begins working around Catmon Hill, which is actually a series of hill positions. 1st Battalion secures Labiranan Head but, since Japanese remain in this area, pulls back to Labiranan River. 2d Battalion gains positions 300 yards north of Tigbao and 3d Battalion, positions 1,110 yards northeast of the barrio. 382d Infantry drives an Tigbao but is slowed by pillboxes as well as swampy terrain. 7th Division attacks toward Dulag and Burauen airfields with 32d and 184th Regiments. 32d, against considerable opposition, gets forward elements (2d and 3d Battalions) to regimental beachhead line. 184th Infantry easily takes Dulag airstrip by 0900 and continues west to positions about 1,000 yards beyond beachhead line, but gap exists between it and 32d Regiment.

PALAUS—On Angaur, opposition, except from stragglers, is overcome by this time. Airfield is ready for bombers. About 1,300 Japanese have been killed and 45 captured on Angaur to date. Total U.S. casualties through this date are 264 killed and 1,355 wounded or injured.

 

US MARINE CORPS

Marine Carrier Groups, Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, established at Santa Barbara, California, under Colonel Albert D. Cooley.  Marine 5th and 11th 155mm Artillery Battalions as part of XXIV Corps Artillery in general support of the U. S. Army 7th Infantry Division on Leyte.

80 Years Ago, Friday, 20 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Naval Operating Base, Guam, is established.

            Under the overall command of General Douglas MacArthur, who makes good on his promise to "return" to the Philippines, and Vice Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid, Commander Seventh Fleet, TF 78 (Rear Admiral Daniel E. Barbey) and TF 79 (Vice Admiral Theodore S. Wilkinson) land four divisions of the U.S. Sixth Army (Lieutenant General Walter Krueger) on Leyte. Fast carriers and battleships of the Third Fleet provide support, as do the older battleships and escort carriers of the Seventh Fleet.

            Japanese aerial counterattacks (horizontal bombers) result in damage to escort carrier Sangamon (CVE‑26), 10°46'N,126°23'E, and salvage vessel Preserver (ARS‑8), 10°50'N, 125°25'E, and (aerial torpedo) to light cruiser Honolulu (CL‑48), 11°01'N, 125°07'E. Japanese shore batteries damage destroyer Bennion (DD662), 10°50'N, 125°25'E, and tank landing ship LST‑452, 11°01'N, 125°01'E.

            Submarine Hammerhead (SS‑364) sinks Japanese transport Oyo Maru, 04°41'N, 113°22'E, and army cargo ship Ugo Maru, 04°52'N, 113°24'E, off Borneo.

            Special Air Task Force (STAG 1) operations continue: three TDRs are launched against Japanese gun positions west of Ballale: one is lost, one makes a hit with its bomb but crashes before it can be directed into its ultimate target (the beached Japanese freighter serving as an antiaircraft gun site off the Kahili airstrip and christened the "Kahili Maru"), the last achieves a bomb hit and crashes into "Kahili Maru" as planned.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

NINTH AF—9th Bomb division hits Geertruidenberg/Parenboom and Moerdijke rail bridges. Attacks on other targets are aborted because of bad weather. Fighters fly armed reconnaissance over eastern France and widespread areas of western Germany, attack railroads and various military targets, and support US Third and Seventh Armies’ elements in eastern France.

TWELFTH AF—Weather clears, permitting for the first time in several days a maximum effort by medium bombers which attack 12 bridges and railroad fills in Po Valley. Fighter bombers of XXII Tactical Air Command, operating on full scale, blast gun positions, troop concentrations, supply dumps, and communications targets in close support of US Fifth Army’s drive on Bologna from the south. The fighter bombers concentrate on approaches to Monte Grande area to prevent counterattacks.

FIFTEENTH AF—480‑plus heavy bombers attack oil refinery at Brux, oil storage at Regensburg, airfield at Bad Aibling, marshalling yards at Rosenheim and Innsbruck, motor transport, armament plants, and ordnance works at Milan, plus scattered targets of opportunity. P‑38’s and P‑51’s escort Brux and Regensburg missions.

TENTH AF—9 P‑47’s hit encampments and stores near Naba. 5 others knock out road bridge near Wanling and hit supply dump in the area, while 4 more attack troops and supplies in Nansiaung area. Transports fly over 200 sorties in the CBI.

FOURTEENTH AF—18 B‑25’s bomb docks and storage area at Samshui and town of Kweiping. 28 P‑51’s and P‑40’s join attack on Samshui area. 77 P‑40’s and P‑51’s on armed reconnaissance pound road, river, and rail traffic, town and village areas and other targets of opportunity around Kweiping, Menghsu, Shawan, Kaotienhsu, Pingnam, Hsenwi, Wuchou, Dosing, Tanchuk, and coastal areas of Indochina including Hongay.

FEAF—B‑24’s bomb Davao. B‑25’s hit Amboina town.

SEVENTH AF—6 Saipan‑based P‑47’s bomb and strafe Pagan. Later in the day 4 B‑24’s hit the island. During 20/21 Oct a B‑24 on a snooper mission bombs Iwo Jima.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Canadian First Army area, British 1 Corps, protecting right flank of I Corps, opens drive toward Bergen-op-Zoom–Tilburg highway with Canadian 4th Armored Division on left, 49th Division in center, and Polish 1st Armored Division on right.

            12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 26th Infantry of 1st Division, which is being assisted by elements of 110th Infantry, 28th Division, forces enemy to west and southwest suburbs of Aachen.

            In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, enemy heavily shells 90th Division elements at Maizières-lèsMetz. In XII Corps area, P‑47’s of XIX Tactical Air Command breach dam and release waters of Etang de Lindre to forestall later flooding of Seine River by Germans.

            6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, two fresh U.S. divisions (100th and 103d) arrive at Marseille. In VI Corps area 179th Infantry of 45th Division attacks for Brouvelieures after preparatory fire and gains heights commanding the town; 180th Infantry, which has been pushing toward the Mortagne River from Fremifontaine area, tries in vain to break through enemy defenses along the river. 3d Division begins drive on St Dié, employing 7th Infantry, which heads for Vervezelle, northeast of Bruyères.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, South African 6th Armored Division maintains positions on Mont Salvaro under repeated enemy counterattacks and gains slopes of Mont Alcino. In II Corps area, 88th Division continues offensive on right flank of corps, 350th Infantry reaching top of Mont Cuccoli and taking Farneto. To forestall enemy counterattacks against Mont Grande hill mass, aircraft and artillery interdict all approaches. 88th Division is reinforced by 337th Infantry of 85th Division, which gradually relieves 350th Infantry of positions on ridge west of Farneto. Rest of corps front is virtually static.

            In British 13 Corps area, Germans recapture Mont Spadura from 8th Division. 21st Brigade, Indian 8th Division, begins drive on Mont Romano.

            In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Germans destroy bridge in Cesano as 4th Division reaches it, but elements of 12th Brigade wade the river near bridge site. 25th Brigade, Indian 10th Division, strengthens bridgehead in Castiglione area and takes south. Carlo; to south, elements of 20th Brigade secretly cross the Borello.

            In Canadian 1 Corps area, Canadian 1st Division attacks across the Savio with 2 companies but cannot hold bridgehead.

            In coastal sector, Cesenatico is occupied after enemy withdraws.

HUNGARY—Germans are forced from Debrecen.

YUGOSLAVIA—Belgrade falls under combined blows of Third Ukrainian Front and Marshal Tito’s Yugoslav Army. Yugoslavs announce capture of Dalmatian port of Dubrovnik.

EGYPT—Prime Minister Churchill arrives in Cairo from Moscow and discusses strategy for southeast Asia with Adm Mountbatten.

PALAUS—Gen Mueller, 81st Division commander, takes responsibility for ground operations in the Palaus from III Amphibious Corps. Elements of 81st Division seize Pulo Anna Island, in Sosoral Group, between Palaus and Morotai.

P.I.—U.S. Sixth Army invades Leyte, landing on east coast in vicinity of Tacloban, the capital, and Dulag at approximately 1000. Two firm beachheads are established, but at end of day they are nearly 10 miles apart. In a preliminary operation, 21st Infantry of 24th Division lands well to south in vicinity of Panaon Strait at 0930 and secures the strait without opposition. Before landings, naval guns pound assault zone, beginning at 0600, and lifting for a time at 0850 for air strike on Dulag area. Aircraft provide close support throughout day. Advance echelon of GHQ opens on Leyte at noon. X Corps lands 2 divisions abreast on north in vicinity of Tacloban. On north flank, 1st Cavalry Division, with 7th Cavalry of 2d Brigade and 12th and 5th Cavalry of 1st Brigade, lands and clears San Jose, Tacloban airstrip, and Cataisan Peninsula; makes contact with 24th Division to left. 24th Division, with 34th Infantry on north and 19th on south, meets heavy fire after initial waves have landed; against strong opposition seizes Hill 522, key terrain feature north of Palo commanding north entrance to Leyte Valley, and secures bridgehead averaging a mile in depth. XXIV Corps lands near Dulag with 96th Division on north and 7th on south. 96th, with 383d Infantry on north and 382d on south, is slowed by harassing fire and difficult terrain but takes San Jose, positions astride Labiranan River, and Hill 120; pushes inland about 2,500 yards on north and 1,300 on south; makes contact with 7th Division to left. 7th Division lands with 32d Infantry on north and 184th on south; gets forward elements on north across Highway 1 and on south takes Dulag and reaches edge of airstrip, where counterattacks are repelled, night 20–21. 3d Battalion, 17th Infantry, lands in afternoon and secures right flank by establishing bridgehead south of Daguitan River at Dao.

 

US MARINE CORPS

U.S. Army troops invade Leyte. U.S. Army 81st Infantry Division relieves the 1st Marine Division (Rein) on Peleliu.

80 Years Ago, Thursday, 19 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—TG 38.1 (Vice Admiral John S. McCain) and TG 38.4 (Rear Admiral Ralph E. Davison) continue attacks on principal Japanese airfields near Manila and shipping in the harbor. Navy carrier-based planes sink army cargo ship Belgium Maru and merchant cargo ships Jogu Maru and Toshikawa Maru, 14°35'N, 120°55'E, and Kurugane Maru and Tsukubasan Maru, damage oiler Ondo (damaged by Bluefish in November 1943), and damage cargo ship Urado Maruso severely that that ship is run aground. TG 38.1 and TG 38.4 then proceed south to provide direct support for the landings at Leyte.

            Off Leyte, mine damages destroyer Ross (DD‑563), 10°17'N, 125°40'E; shore battery damages destroyer Aulick (DD‑569), 11°13'N, 125°02'E.

            Seventh Fleet aircraft sink Japanese ships Kosei Maru, Kafuku Maru, Koei Maru, No.8 Kanekichi Maru, No.11 Akita Maru, and No.18 Taigyo Maru at Cebu.

            Submarine Narwhal (SS‑167) lands men and supplies on southwest coast of Negros, P.I.

            Special Air Task Force (STAG 1) operations continue in Southwest Pacific in two flights (one TDR each) conducted this date against Japanese gun positions west of Ballale. In the first, one drone misses its target during its run; in the second, the drone drops part of its ordnance (the two four-100-pound bomb clusters) on the target before it crashes.

            Destroyer escort Gilligan (DE‑508) bombards Mille Atoll.

            USAAF B-24 sinks Japanese weather ship Shonan Maru in northern waters of Makassar Strait.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—More than 900 heavy bombers attack Gustavsburg diesel engine and armored vehicle plant, Mainz marshalling yard, artillery tractor plant at Mannheim, and several nearby towns and targets of opportunity. 15 fighter groups fly escort.

NINTH AF—Weather prevents bomber operations. Fighters attack tank concentration east of Luneville, strafe targets northwest of Kaiserslautern, fly reconnaissance in western Germany, and provide cover for US Third and Seventh Army forces in eastern France.

TWELFTH AF—XII AF redesignates XII Fighter Command as XXII Tactical Air Command following a reorganization period during which the XXII Tactical Air Command was temporarily referred to as ‘X’Tactical Air Command and ‘X‑Ray’Tactical Air Command, to distinguish it from XII Fighter Command HQ around which it was formed. B‑26’s attack Mantua causeway, railway fill at Ossenigo, and bridges at Calcinato and Peschiera del Garda. Fighter attack northwest of Mantua accounts for 2 medium bombers lost and 1 missing. At least 2 of the attacking fighters are destroyed. B‑25’s attack bridges in Milan area at Lonate Pozzolo, Cameri, and Magenta. Fighter bombers of XXII Tactical Air Command hit targets in support of ground forces, concentrating on Monte Grande area, and attack rail lines and bridges north of battle zone. On 18/19 Oct light bombers hit targets of opportunity during armed reconnaissance in Genoa and Bologna areas.

FIFTEENTH AF—Bad weather restricts operations to reconnaissance missions.

TENTH AF—10 P‑47’s blast approaches to 2 bridges in Mawlu are and 15 support ground forces in Mohnyin area, hitting village of Nyaunggaing and damaging nearby bridge and pounding railroad station at Kadu.

FOURTEENTH AF—More than 100 P‑51’s and P‑40’s on armed reconnaissance over southern China hit numerous targets of opportunity from Tungting Lake area to Luichow Peninsula. The fighter bombers concentrate on rivercraft, troop compounds, and building areas.

FEAF—B‑24’s hit Parepare. Fighter bombers hit Amboina and Boela airfield and shipping from Zamboanga south in Sulu-Mindanao area, pound Cebu airfield, hit nearby shipping, and strafe Miti, Djailolo, and Hate Tabako. A‑20’s and fighter bombers blast airfields at Urarom, Sagan, and Babo.

SEVENTH AF—B‑24’s on armed reconnaissance from Saipan bomb bridge, pier, and town area at Yap.

ELEVENTH AF—A B‑24 bombs Kurabu Cape.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Canadian First Army’s 2 Corps area, newly arrived 52d Division enters action, taking over Canadian 3d Division’s bridgehead north of Leopold Canal and continuing reduction of Breskens Pocket. Junction is made between Leopold Canal and Savojaards Plaat bridgehead forces.

            12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, German resistance at Aachen is diminishing rapidly; efforts to break encirclement from outside the city cease and the garrison is told to fight to the finish. 26th Infantry, 1st Division, continues to clear the city and takes Salvator Hill. TF Hogan, 3d Armored Division, seizes Lousberg heights and is given task of cutting Aachen–Laurensberg highway.

            6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 36th Division completes capture of Bruyères. 3d Division-less 30th Infantry, which remains in Le Tholy area-closes in assembly area behind 45th Division in preparation for drive on St Dié.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, elements of 6th South African Armored Division gain positions on slopes of Mont Salvaro, though elements to right are still short of Mont Alcino, southeast of Mont Salvaro. In II Corps area, since 34th Division has been unable to break through in center of corps front, main effort is shifted to right flank toward Mont Grande and Mont Cerere. After reaching favorable positions for attack and saturation bombardment of Mont Grande area by aircraft and artillery, 88th Division attacks in evening, taking Mont Cerere with ease and reaching crest of Mont Grande by dawn of 20th, 24 hours ahead of schedule. 85th Division assists 88th and gains lower slopes of Mont Fano. 34th Division, still short of Mont Belmonte and to rear of 85th Division, pauses to regroup. Positions of 91st Infantry and 1st Armored Divisions on left flank of corps are virtually unchanged. In British 13 Corps area, 78th Division attacks toward Mont Spadura and Mont dell’Acqua Saluta with 38th and 36th Brigades, respectively, taking latter and gaining precarious hold on Mont Spadura. 21st Brigade, Indian 8th Division, clears Mont Pianoreno. 77th Brigade gets elements to top on Mont Casalino, but they are driven off. 1st Division’s 66th Brigade gains firm hold on Mont Ceco and pushes toward Mont delle Valle.

            In British Eighth Army’s Polish 2 Corps area, 5th Kresowa Division finds Civitella di Romagna undefended.

            In 5 Corps area, 46th Division closes in on Cesena; elements push into south part of the city in vain effort to take bridge. 4th Division takes command of 46th Division sector, but elements of 46th Division remain in south part of Cesena. Indian 10th Division moves rest of 20th Brigade across the Savio to Falcino area; establishes another small bridgehead across the Savio with elements of 25th Brigade from Roversano, night 19–20. Canadian 1 Corps releases Greek 3d Mountain Brigade to Eighth Army control. Rapid progress is made all along front except in coastal region. While Canadian 1st Division is closing in on Cesano, New Zealand 2d Division reaches road extending northeast from there.

BURMA—In NCAC area, 29th Brigade of British 26th Division takes Mohnyin, where enemy has abandoned large supplies of stores and ammunition.

P.I.—Leyte assault convoy moves safely to Leyte under protection of Seventh Fleet. Underwater demolition teams complete reconnaissance of assault areas. Preinvasion bombardment continues.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

80 Years Ago, Wednesday, 18 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—TG 38.1 (Vice Admiral John S. McCain) and TG 38.4 (Rear Admiral Ralph E. Davison) attack principal Japanese airfields near Manila and shipping in the harbor, sinking passenger-cargo ship Hoeisan Maru, 14°35'N, 120°50'E, and army cargo ship Urato Maru and merchant cargo ship Tempi Maru, 14°35'N, 120°55'E. Meanwhile, TG 38.2 (Rear Admiral Gerald F. Bogan) pounds enemy shipping off northern Luzon, sinking auxiliary submarine chaser Cha 95,transports Taiho Maru and Hokurei Maru (damaged on 5 October by Cabrilla), and merchant cargo ships Hoten Maru, Terukuni Maru, and Tsingtao Maru off Camiguin, northern Luzon, 18°54'N, 121°51'E; cargo ship Shinko Marunear Babuyan Channel, 18°35'N, 121°40'E; and landing ships T.135 and T.136 and minelayer/netlayer Maeshima off northeastern Luzon, 17°46'N, 120°25'E. Cargo ship No.3 Taibi Maru may have also been lost in these attacks at this time.

            The first bombardment ships begin shelling Japanese installations on Leyte.

            Seventh Fleet aircraft, meanwhile, sink Japanese ships Daikoku Maru, No.2 Gokuku Mar, No.8 Nankai Maru, Rinkyu Maru, Yoto Maru, and Zuin Maru in the Cebu area.

            Submarine Bluegill (SS‑242) sinks Japanese army cargo ships Arabia Maru and Chinzei Maru, and merchant cargo ship Hakushika Maru in South China Sea, west-southwest of Manila, 14°06'N, 119°40'E.

            Submarine Raton (SS‑270) sinks Japanese army cargo ship Taikai Maru and army cargo ship Shiranesan Maru in South China Sea, southwest of Luzon, 12°37'N, 118°46'E. Special Air Task Force (STAG 1) operations continue in Southwest Pacific as three TDRs are launched against lighthouse on Cape St. George, New Ireland. None hit the target.

ATLANTIC—Naval Advanced Base, La Havre, France, is established.

MEDITERRANEAN—Motor torpedo boat PT‑558 is damaged in engagement with two German R-boats west of Portofino; while retiring to Leghorn, Italy, PT‑561 is damaged by heavy seas. Tank landing ship LST‑906 drags anchor and is damaged when heavy seas drive her ashore, Leghorn.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—Over 450 heavy bombers hit aircraft plants at Kassel, motor plant and marshalling yard at Cologne, and chemical works at Leverkusen, along with nearby targets of opportunity. 12 fighter groups provide escort and 2 groups later strafe rail traffic between Cologne and Kassel.

NINTH AF—Weather prevents operations of all commands (including 9th Bomb division) except IX Tactical Air Command fighters which fly sweeps, rail cutting missions, and night patrols, and provide air cover for US 1st Infantry division in Aachen area.

TWELFTH AF—Most medium bomber missions are aborted because of weather, but B‑26’s effectively hit Castel San Pietro dell’Emilia warehouses and railroad bridge at Padua. Fighters and fighter bombers, operating on restricted schedule due to weather, offer effective close support to ground forces in mountains south of Bologna and hit communications targets in Bologna and Modena areas. On 17/18 Oct light bombers on armed reconnaissance bomb lights and vehicles east of Bologna.

FIFTEENTH AF—38 P‑38’s dive‑bomb Vinkovci. 41 P‑51’s escort C‑47’s to Greece.

TENTH AF—13 P‑47’s attack Mingaladon airfield, 21 support ground forces in Mohnyin area, 8 knock out 2 bridges at Wanting, and 6 hit troops near Hwemun. 6 B‑25’s damage approaches to 2 road bridges at Wuntho. 6 other B‑25’s damage approaches to 2 bridges at Namhkai and Meza. Transports again fly nearly 300 sorties to several locations in CBI.

FOURTEENTH AF—100‑plus P‑40’s and P‑51’s fly armed reconnaissance over vast areas of China south of the Yangtze River, attack town areas, troops, rivercraft, gun positions, supply facilities, airfields, and other targets of opportunity around Kweiping, Shangkaishow, Tajungchiang, Konghow, Wuchou, Shepchung, Hsinganhsien, Tengyun, Liutu, Tanchuk, and Takhing. Railroad targets at Lang Son are also attacked.

FEAF—Bad weather curtails major strike on Balikpapan. Of 120‑plus heavy bombers and fighters, only 8 B‑24’s and 8 P‑38’s reach the target. P‑38’s hit barges, small shipping, and vehicles on western coast of Mindanao. B‑24’s attack Sagan and Babo airfields. Medium bombers and fighter bombers again hit Namlea, Amboina, Liang, and nearby targets, attack targets of opportunity at Djailolo and in Wasile Bay area, and pound Urarom, Manokwari, Babo, Sagan, Otawiri, and other Vogelkop area targets.

SEVENTH AF—B‑24’s out of Saipan bomb Haha Jima while P‑47’s bomb and strafe Pagan.

ELEVENTH AF—4 B‑25’s bomb Kurabu Cape airfield and Suribachi. 8‑12 interceptors attack the B‑25’s, which claim 2 victories.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—At conference in Brussels, Gen Eisenhower issues plan for offensive, with tentative dates. First priority for 21 Army Group is to open Antwerp port. British Second Army is to be prepared to drive southeast between the Meuse and Rhine about 10 November to support U.S. advance across the Rhine. U.S. First Army is to cross the Rhine in Cologne area between 1 and 5 November. U.S. Ninth Army, after covering north flank of First Army while it is pushing to the Rhine, is to help First Army envelop and clear the Ruhr. U.S. Third Army will cover right flank of First Army and refrain from offensive operations until it has sufficient logistical support.

            12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, Maj Gen Raymond S. McLain succeeds Gen Corlett, whose health is impaired, as Commanding General XIX Corps. In VII Corps area, Germans are making strenuous efforts to break encirclement of Aachen. 1st Division, strongly reinforced, renews assault on Aachen; 26th Infantry takes Observatory Hill and is methodically clearing heart of the city. TF Hogan, 3d Armored Division, is committed to help 26th Infantry clear commanding ground overlooking the city. Battalion of 110th Infantry, 28th Division, is brought from V Corps sector to reinforce 1st Division and close gap between 26th Infantry elements within Aachen and 1106th Engineers south of the city. Although this battalion is given a defensive role, it is soon drawn into battle for the city.

            6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 36th Division breaks into Bruyères and clears most of town.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps area, 34th Division makes limited progress on slopes of Mont della Vigna but cannot break through enemy positions on Mont Belmonte. 339th Infantry, 85th Division, reaches fork in main ridge between Idice and Sillaro Rivers north of Monterenzio. 88th Division is slowly clearing approaches to Mont Cuccoli–M. Grande ridge and bringing reserves forward. In British 13 Corps area, 6th Armored Division, turning over responsibility for right flank of corps along Highway 67 to 26th Armored Brigade Group, takes over right flank of 78th Division sector from Mont Battaglia to the Imola road and resumes command of 1st Guards Brigade, already disposed on Mont Battaglia; 61st Brigade relieves 38th Brigade of 78th Division on Mont Cappello and latter moves to Gesso ridge. 36th Brigade, 78th Division, finds Mont la Pieve undefended. 21st Brigade, Indian 8th Division, gains ground south of Mont Pianoreno, from which enemy has withdrawn.

            In British Eighth Army’s Polish 2 Corps area, 5th Kresowa Division takes Galeata without opposition. In 5 Corps area Acquarola and Celincordia fall to Indian 10th Division and 46th Division, respectively. Indian 10th Division is ordered to attack across the Savio. In Canadian 1 Corps area, New Zealand 2d Division begins crossing the Pisciatello at 2300. Canadian 1st Division takes Ponte della Pietra. Greek 3d Mountain Brigade is withdrawn from line in preparation for departure from Italy.

CZECHOSLOVAKIA—Fourth Ukrainian Front pours into east Czechoslovakia on broad front from Poland, driving through Carpathian passes.

GREECE—Greek Government returns to Athens.

CBI—Gen Stilwell is ordered to return to Washington. President Roosevelt informs Chiang Kai-shek of Stilwell’s recall, adding that while no other U.S. officer will be named to command Chinese forces, Gen Wedemeyer is available to act as the Generalissimo’s chief of staff, a proposal that is acceptable to Chiang Kai-shek.

BURMA—11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, after hard fighting on approaches to Tiddim earlier in the month, Indian 5th Division enters the town without opposition.

JAPAN—Tokyo orders major counter offensive, SHO, against forces threatening inner defense of Japan to begin upon spotting U.S. invasion force en route to Leyte, P.I. This is to affect operations not only in the Pacific but on the Asiatic mainland as well.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, 321st Infantry completes relief of 1st Marine Division elements at Umurbrogol Pocket and continues attacks to reduce it. The pocket is now about 400 yards from east to west and about 850 yards from north to south, 1st Marine Division has suffered 6,526 casualties on the island, a large portion of them at the pocket. On Angaur, enemy pocket on northwest tip of island is compressed into small zone about 100 yards long and 50 yards wide.

P.I.—Company B, 6th Ranger Battalion, lands on Homonhon Island., without opposition and sets up channel light. Underwater demolition teams begin uneventful reconnaissance of landing areas under cover of naval gunfire bombardment. Seventh Fleet protects assault convoy as it approaches Leyte and begins preinvasion bombardment. Third Fleet continues neutralization of Luzon and guards San Bernardino and Surigao Straits.

 

US MARINE CORPS

Landing on Homonhon Island.