80 Years Ago, 14 July 1944 Friday

USN

PACIFIC–PB4Ys (VB 109) bomb Iwo Jima in the first strike by land-based planes on that Japanese island base.

            Supported by two destroyers and four infantry landing craft (gunboat), Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) 3, in highspeed transport Dickerson (APD-21), begins reconnoitering prospective landing beaches at Asan, Guam.

            Destroyer escort William C. Miller (DE-259) sinks Japanese submarine RO-48, 75 miles east of Saipan, 15°18'N,144°26'E, and teams with high-speed transport Gilmer (APD-11) to sink Japanese submarine I-6 70 miles west of Tinian, 15°18'N, 144°26'E.

            Submarine Sand Lance (SS-381) attacks Japanese convoy in the Banda Sea, sinking gunboat Taik_ Maru east of Salajar, 05°56'S, 121°34'E.

            Aircraft damage Japanese Coast Defense Vessel No.12 off Bonins.

 

AAF

EIGHTH AF–With conversion of 55th Fighter Gp from P-38’s to P-51’s, the Eighth acquires majority of P-51 groups to provide longer-range high-altitude escort for the Heavy Bombers. Conversion to P-51’s will continue until by the end of the year every group except 1 will be equipped with them. In morning mission 319 B-17’s drop supplies to French interior forces in S France. 4 P-51 groups fly 499 sorties in support. No bombers or fighters are lost. Heavy Bombers claim 9 enemy fighters destroyed and the fighters claim 4. During the evening 93 B-24’s bomb airfields at Peronne and Montdidier. Nearly 40 other Heavy Bombers do not bomb because of failure of blindbombing equipment. Fighters fly 83 uneventful sorties in support. No aircraft are lost.

NINTH AF–Weather again curtails operations. 62 B-26’s and A-20’s, using Oboe, bomb railway embankment at Bourth and rail bridge at Merey. Fighters provide escort and fly armed recon over widespread areas of W France, attacking bridges, trains, rail lines, and military transport targets. 85 enemy fighters give battle near Brezolles and Alencon. 6 fighters are claimed by US fighters, against 5 missing from IX FC. IX TAC strafes and bombs defended positions ahead of US First Army. Fighters cut rail lines in L’Aigle-Alencon area, bomb troop concentrations near Periers, and marshalling yards at Chateaudun and Aube-sur-Rile.

TWELFTH AF–Medium Bombers concentrate on Po R Valley bridges. 600 ft (2 center spans) of Taglio di Po road bridge and 1 span of Piacenza rail bridge are destroyed, and damaging hits are scored on Corbola road and railroad bridges. Fighter Bombers again hit gun positions and lines of comm in and N of battle areas while Light Bombers attack supplies.

FIFTEENTH AF–430-plus Heavy Bombers attack 4 oil refineries at Budapest and Petfurdo and marshalling yard at Mantua. P-51’s and P-38’s provide escort. P-51’s fly uneventful sweep of Budapest area. P-38’s strafe trains N of La Spezia and dive-bomb Ghedi airfield.

TENTH AF–49 P-40’s pound enemy forces in Myitkyina vicinity. 38 P-51’s and P-47’s hit bridges at Mohnyin, Kadu, Henu, and Mawlu, bomb supplies at Nyaungbintha, support ground forces near Myitkyina, bomb rice mill at Mohnyin, and hit several buildings at Hopin.

FOURTEENTH AF–Fighter Bombers and Medium Bombers hit fighter strip N of Changsha, artillery positions at Leiyang, town of Sungroupai, and road and river trafflc from Hengyang to Yuhsien and from Sienning to Tungshan; also attacked are various targets of opportunity around towns of Hengyang, Changsha, and Chaling. During the night Fighter Bombers blast Pailochi airfield, destroying more than 20 enemy airplanes. B-25’s bomb roads in Tengchung area. B-25’s and P-40’s pound railroad yards at Siangsiang.

FEAF–B-24’s continue to blast Yap. Oil reservoirs and wells at Boela are bombed and strafed by A-20’s. B- 24’s and B-25’s attack barge facilities and gun positions at Lautem. On Vogelkop Peninsula night fighters hit airfields while B-25’s bomb barge terminal at Kokas. A-20’s hit Japanese forces at Sauri and bomb airfield at But. Fighter Bombers support ground forces in Aitape area along Driniumor R and Koronal Creek and blast troop concentrations near Afua.

SEVENTH AF–P-47’s again hit Tinian.

 

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps closes along Ay and Sèves Rivers, where forward movement is stopped by army order. In VII Corps area, 9th Div continues to clear Les Champs-de-Losque–Le Désert area against tenacious resistance. In XIX Corps area, 119th Inf of 30th Div captures Pont Hébert, concluding bitter struggle for this objective. Just across the Vire, 35th Div breaks through to Pont Hébert–St Lô highway. 29th Div maintains positions NE and E of St Lô. In V Corps area, commander of 5th Div assumes responsibility for former zone of 1st Div on left flank of corps.

USSR—Broadening offensive southward, troops of First Ukrainian Front attack above and below Brody, in region E of Lwow. Pinsk falls to First White Russian forces.

ITALY—AAI: Directs Br Eighth Army to take Ancona and Florence and U.S. Fifth Army, Leghorn; later, attack is to carry through the Gothic Line between Dicomano and Pistoia to the Po R line, where bridgeheads are to be established. In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 135th Inf of 34th Div meets little opposition as it continues toward Leghorn; 442d takes S. Pieve di Luce; 133d is approaching Usigliano. Elements of 91st Div’s 363d Inf take Chianni without opposition early in day; patrols of 362d find that enemy has abandoned Terricciola. 88th Div gains about 4 miles on right flank of IV Corps, overrunning key positions at Belvedere and Villamagna. In FEC area, as enemy resistance collapses, French take Poggibonsi and continue toward Certaldo.

            In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, NZ troops gain summit of M. Carmucino, but German opposition then stiffens all along line.

CBI—In NCAC area, request by Maj Gen Lentaigne for withdrawal of Morris Force (of Ind 3d Div) from positions across the Irrawaddy from Myitkyina is denied. By this time the force has only 3 platoons left. 11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army area, 33 Corps completes envelopment and elimination of Japanese force on Ukhrul–Imphal road, completely clearing Ukhrul area. 4 Corps, pressing down Tiddim road, has been stubbornly opposed thus far, but Japanese are beginning to weaken under attacks of Ind 5th and 17th Divs and aircraft.

POA—CINCPAC-CINCPOA issue Joint Staff Study for STALEMATE (invasion of the Palaus).

NEW GUINEA—Gen MacArthur orders TF CYCLONE to have Kornasoren airdrome ready to receive 50 P–38’s by 25 July in preparation for invasion of Vogelkop Peninsula. Rcn party moves by PT boat from Noemfoor to Cape Opmarai, N coast of the Vogelkop, where it stays for 3 days gathering information upon which final plans for the operation are made. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 31st Div (less RCT 124) begins unloading at Maffin Bay to relieve 6th Div. In Aitape area, South Force narrows gap between it and North Force along the Driniumor by moving 3d Bn of 127th Inf northward, but the 2 forces are still out of contact with each other. 3d Bn of 124th Inf, North Force, kills about 135 Japanese in the gap, night 14–15.

 

USMC

Joint Staff Study for Operation STALEMATE (invasion of the Palaus) issued.

 

80 Years Ago, Thursday, 13 July 1944

USN

PACIFIC–Submarine Cobia (SS-245) attacks Japanese convoy, sinking cargo ship Taishi Maru about 190 miles northwest of Chichi Jima, Bonins, 27°25'N, 140°30'E. Among cargo lost on board Taishi Maru are 28 tanks (26th Tank Regiment).

            USAAF B-25s attack Japanese cargo ships off Halmahera, sinking Tokai Maru, 01°25'N, 128°42'E, and damaging Taimei Maru, 01°00'N, 128°00'E.

            British submarine HMS Stoic sinks Japanese fishing boat No.55 Nanyo Maru 18 miles from Muka Cape, 05°28'N,100°11'E.

 

AAF

EIGHTH AF–888 Heavy Bombers, flying in 3 forces, bomb Saarbrucken marshalling yards and aircraft engine plant at Munich. 548 fighters execute escort assignments. In addition 1 flight of P-47’s strafes a marshalling yard N of Karlsruhe, destroying 4 locomotives. 10 Heavy Bombers are lost, along with 5 fighters. 12 enemy aircraft are claimed destroyed.

NINTH AF–Bad weather prevents bomber operations and restricts fighters. Fighters fly armed recon in Sens-Montargis area, hitting rail and highway traffic, warehouses, barracks, and armored cars and tanks. Rail lines and bridges are hit in Saint-Florentin-Dreux-Evreux-Chartres-Mamers-Gassicourt areas. IX TAC fighters furnish area cover, bomb troop concentrations, vehicles, and gun positions in Lessay-Coutances area, and attack rail traffic W of Angers, landing field W of Alencon, marshalling yard at Vendome, and bridge at Tours.

TWELFTH AF–Medium Bombers again bomb bridges in the Po Valley. A-20’s hit ammo plant. Fighter Bombers attack targets, mainly railroads, in areas N of Arno R in adv of the battlefront.

FIFTEENTH AF–581 B-17’s and B-24’s attack targets in NE Italy, hitting marshalling yards at Verona, Mestre, Brescia, and Mantua, Pinzano al Tagliamento railroad bridge, and oil storage at Porto Marghera and Trieste. P-38’s and P- 51’s fly escort. Other P-51’s carry out sweep over Po Valley.

TENTH AF–44 P-40’s and P-51’s support ground forces in Myitkyina area. 40 more A-36’s, P-51’s, and P-47’s hit bridges at Nyaunggon, Mohnyin, Myothit, Mawlu, and Henu, and attack Hopin, Lashio, and Indawgyi Lake areas.

FOURTEENTH AF–16 B-25’s bomb Pailochi airfield, causing large fires and considerable damage. 45 P-40’s attack trucks, compounds, river shipping, and troop concentrations between Hengyang and Siangtan, pound town of Liling and Siangtan airfield, and strafe shipping from Changsha S along Siang Chiang R. 8 B-25’s bomb Chenghsien railroad yards and storage area. 12 B-25’s bomb Tengchung and Mangshih.

FEAF–B-24’s again bomb Yap and Sorol. B-24’s, B-25’s, and A-20’s bomb gun positions and airfield at Babo and in Manokwari area and hit supply depot at Kokas. Fighter Bombers support Allied ground forces in Aitape area while A-20’s and Fighter Bombers pound occupied areas and gun positions in Wewak area and on Mushu I. B-24’s also hit Amahai airfield.

SEVENTH AF–P-47’s continue to hit Tinian. Kwajalein-based B-24’s bomb Truk. B-25’s from Makin pound Nauru.

 

USA

FRANCE—4th Armd Div arrives on Continent. 21 Army Group: U.S. First Army commander approves Outline Plan for COBRA—breakout attack in St. Lô area. Minor amendments altering boundaries are subsequently made. VIII Corps continues steadily southward all along line. VII Corps makes progress on left flank, where 9th Div gets almost to crossroads at Les Champs-de-Losque. Offensive on rest of VII Corps front is virtually suspended. XIX Corps continues costly battle for St Lô. On E, 29th Div passes 175th Inf through 116th in vain attempt to drive W along highway ridge toward the city. In V Corps area, 5th Div replaces 1st Div in line. 1st Div withdraws to Colombières area in preparation for movement to VII Corps zone. In Br Second Army area, Cdn 2 Corps becomes operational with Cdn 2d and 3d Divs under its command. 12 Corps takes command of 8 Corps sector and of 43d, 15th, and 53d Inf Divs; 11th Armd Div; 4th Armd Brig; and 31st Tank Brig. USSR—After several days of street fighting, Vilna falls to troops of Third White Russian Front.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 34th Div gains about 3 miles toward Leghorn and to E overruns Pastina and Hill 529. 91st Div is committed in center of corps front and attacks toward the Arno with 363d Inf on left and 362d on right; presses close to Chianni and heights to E despite strong opposition. 88th Div, on IV Corps right flank, makes substantial progress against decreasing resistance. In FEC area, 4th Mtn Div overruns S Gimignano and commanding ground nearby as enemy begins withdrawal in that region. Against diminishing resistance, 2d Moroccan Div drives almost to Poggibonsi on W and to outskirts of Castellina in Chianti on E.

            In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, NZ 2d Div pursues enemy northward toward Arezzo, taking crest of M. Castiglione Maggiore without opposition. Corps is directed to press NW to Alpe di Poti with Ind 4th Div while Ind 10th Div protects right flank.

NEW GUINEA—On Noemfoor, 1st Bn of 503d Para Inf encounters main enemy forces remaining on Noemfoor at Hill 670, some 3 miles NE of Namber airdrome. In Aitape area, PERSECUTION Covering Force attacks to restore positions along the Driniumor. North and South Forces succeed in reaching the river, but broad gap exists between them. 1st Bn of 128th Inf, while clearing coastal sector from Anamo to the Driniumor, on N flank of North Force, decisively defeats enemy’s Coastal Attack Force and destroys most of its arty. In region W of the Driniumor, Japanese make a number of small attacks on 2d Bn of 128th Inf, in Tiber area, and are driven off.

SAIPAN—3d Bn of 6th Marines, 2d Mar Div, occupies Maniagassa I., in Tanapag Harbor without serious opposition. This concludes Marine activities on Saipan.

U.S.—President Roosevelt, preparing to depart for Hawaii to discuss Pacific strategy with Gen Mac- Arthur and Adm Nimitz, replies to Chiang Kaishek’s letter of 8th, agreeing to choose a political representative and urging that the way be quickly cleared for Gen Stilwell to take command of Ch forces.

 

USMC

 

 

80 Years Ago, Wednesday, 12 July 1944

USN

PACIFIC–TG 17.16 (Captain William V. O'Regan) engages the enemy off north coast of Luzon; submarine Apogon (SS-308) attacks what is most likely army cargo ship Nichiran Maru but is damaged when she is rammed by what is probably cargo ship Mayasan Maru, 19°51'N, 123°04'E; Apogon is forced to terminate her patrol. Submarine Guardfish (SS-217) makes no attacks. Later, however, Piranha (SS-389) sinks Nichiran Maru, 18°50'N, 122°40'E.

ATLANTIC–Convoy UGS 46 is attacked at dawn by 30 German aircraft off Cape Ivi, but no bombs are dropped and only two torpedoes are sighted; U.S. forces suffer no damage. U.S. freighter Toltec is hit by friendly fire; destroyer escort Leslie L. B. Knox (DE-580) provides medical assistance for the six Armed Guard sailors wounded by shell fragments.

 

AAF

EIGHTH AF–131 B-24’s, with escort by 144 RAF Spitfires, are dispatched against 10 V-weapon sites in Rouen area but abort because of thick blanket of low cloud over target area. 1,117 Heavy Bombers bomb marshalling yards, aero engine plant, and airfield at Munich. 754 fighters support the Heavy Bombers. 24 Heavy Bombers are lost, 13 to AA fire and the rest to accidents and unknown causes.

NINTH AF–Over 300 Medium Bombers and Light Bombers fly morning and afternoon missions against fuel dumps at Foret d’Andaine and Foret d’Ecouves, military concentrations at Foret de Cinglais, rail bridges at Merey, Cinq Mars-la-Pile, Saumur, Nantes, and Nogent-le-Roi, and other rail and road targets. Fighters furnish escort, cover battle area, and fly armed recon over wide areas, attacking rail lines S and W of Rambouillet, bridges and fuel dump in Nantes vicinity, trains and military transport at Vitry-le-Francois, and grounded airplanes S of Chateaubriant, bridges at Craon, Le Mans, Pontorson, Mayenne, S of Rennes, N of Angers, and Tours, rail traffic S of Fougeres, and inf and artillery positions near Periers.

TWELFTH AF–A-20’s bomb scattered motor transport in Florence-Leghorn area during 11/12 Jul. Medium Bombers begin air offensive (MALLORY MAJOR) against road and rail bridges over the Pa R during the day. A-20’s continue attacking ammo supplies. Fighter Bombers hit barges and small boats on Arno R and attack roads, ammo dumps, gun positions, tracks, vehicles, and a number of other targets in that general area N of battleline.

FIFTEENTH AF–More than 420 B-24’s attack targets in SE France, scoring numerous hits on Nimes and Miramas marshalling yards and cutting rail lines at Theoule-sur-Mer bridge and Var R bridge in Provence. Around 50 enemy fighters oppose the missions. Heavy Bombers and escorting fighters claim 14 shot down. 7 US aircraft are lost.

TENTH AF–44 P-40’s support ground forces in Myitkyina area. 28 P-51’s and P-47’s hit bridge and other targets in Hopin, bomb Maingna pagoda, and hit Alanbo and Tagwin areas. 13 B-25’s bomb bridges at Mongyin and hit targets of opportunity in Myitkyina area.

FOURTEENTH AF–60-plus P-40’s hit towns of Liling and Yuhsien, river shipping at Hengyang, troop concentrations at Leiyang and near Yuhsien, airfield at Siangtan, and fuel dumps NW of Changsha. 34 P-51’s bomb Tsingyun and pound Japanese concentrations at Lienchiangkou. 11 P-40’s bomb railroad yards at Yuncheng and hit radio station N of Tungkuan with rocket fire. 12 B-25’s bomb Tengchung and 15 P- 40’s bomb and strafe storage areas, villages, troop areas, and general targets of opportunity in Lungling and Mangshih areas.

FEAF–B-24’s hit Manokwari airfield; weather curtails further operations in Geelvink Bay area. A-20’s, Medium Bombers, and Fighter Bombers again hit troop concentrations and barges in Wewak area. Smaller strikes by B-24’s and B-25’s are flown against airfield at Laha, Dili, and on Koer I. B-24’s pounds Yap.

SEVENTH AF–During 11/12 Jul B-24’s stage through Eniwetok to bomb Truk. During the day B-24’s hit Truk again. P- 47’s on Saipan continue to hit Tinian.

 

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: U.S. First Army relinquishes command of 101st A/B Div, which is to return to England for rest and training. VIII Corps makes substantial progress southward toward the Ay and Sèves Rivers as enemy opposition diminishes. 8th Div, in center, overruns Hill 92. VII Corps makes limited gains toward Raids, on Carentan– Périers road, and toward Les Champs-de-Losque crossroads against strong resistance. XIX Corps continues attack on St Lô, moving in slowly. 30th Div is still held up in Pont Hébert area. 35th makes negligible progress N of St Lô. 29th advances its right flank (115th Inf) to villages of La Luzerne and Belle-Fontaine, NE of St Lô, but 116th is practically halted on ridge leading W to St Lô. In V Corps area, 2d Div, against light resistance, finishes clearing all assigned objectives in Hill 192 area and gains firm control of highway to St Lô from Bérigny to La Calvaire. Br Second Army is largely engaged in regrouping.

USSR—Soviet offensive is broadening. Moscow announces opening of attacks in region between Nevel and Ostrov by Second Baltic Front, which overruns Idritsa, on rail line to Riga.

ITALY—Air offensive against Po R bridges, MALLORY MAJOR, is begun by TAF medium bombers under ideal weather conditions.

    AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, U.S. armored units driving on Leghorn along Highway 1 in coastal sector get beyond Castiglioncello. 34th Div makes limited progress to right: 442d Inf pushes into outskirts of Pastina, but 133d battles in vain for Hill 529, from which enemy begins withdrawing after nightfall. 363d Inf reverts to 91st Div as that div prepares to enter action. 88th Div’s 351st Inf, with strong arty and mortar support, overruns Laiatico.

    In FEC area, 4th Mtn Div drives forward almost to S. Gimignano.

CBI—In NCAC area, Myitkyina TF, with air support, makes major effort against Myitkyina, but the attack fails. As result of poor air-ground liaison some bombs hit friendly forces. On Salween front, Japanese continue to repel Chinese efforts to clear Sung Shan, although 2 Ch regts are committed to this task. 2-week lull ensues and Ch 8th Army breaks off attacks.

NEW GUINEA—In Aitape area, Gen Gill, CG of 32d Div and of Eastern Sector, takes control of PERSECUTION Covering Force, relieving Gen Martin, who becomes commander of Eastern Sector. Gen Gill sets up hq at Tiber and prepares for attack to recover positions along the Driniumor, dividing covering force into 2 groups: North Force, consisting of 124th Inf (less 2d Bn) reinf by 1st Bn of 128th Inf; South Force, consisting of 112th Cav and 3d Bn of 127th Inf. 2d Bn of 128th Inf, holding Tiber while reorganizing, is held in reserve. Co B, 128th Inf, moves from Tiber to Anamo in preparation for general attack. After dark, Japanese attack 2d Bn, 128th Inf, but are forced to withdraw. On Biak, about 200 Japanese escape from Ibdi Pocket.

 

USMC

FMFPac activated with Lt-Gen Holland M. Smith as commander.

 

80 Years Ago, Tuesday, 11 July 1944

USN

PACIFIC–Submarine attack group TG 17.16 (Captain William V. O'Regan), as it patrols the South China Sea near Formosa, locates the first of five convoys it will engage in the next two weeks; Thresher (SS-200) makes the initial contact with a seven-ship Japanese convoy bound from Keelung to the Philippines (see 12 July 1944).

            Submarine Sealion (SS-315), in the Yellow Sea off the west coast of Korea, near Shosei Jima, sinks Japanese merchant cargo ships No.2 Taiun Maru 37°30'N, 124°34'E, and No.2 Tsukushi Maru, 37°24'N, 124°31'E.

            U.S. motor torpedo boats sink small Japanese cargo vessel Yawata Maru off Babo.

            Aircraft sink Japanese merchant cargo ship Senyo Maru, Yangtze River, China.

 

AAF

INTERNATIONAL–Roosevelt announces that US will recognize French Committee of National Liberation as defacto administrative authority in France.

EIGHTH AF–969 Heavy Bombers attack Munich while 38 others bomb Augsburg and marshalling yards at Eppingen. Fighters fly 762 sorties in support. Overcast hinders strafing attacks but fighters manage to destroy a parked airplane and a locomotive, and hit Worms marshalling yard. 20 Heavy Bombers and 4 fighters fail to return to base.

NINTH AF–A-20’s and B-26’s strike fuel dumps at Foret d’Andaine, Chateau-de-Tertu, Flers, and Foret d’ Ecouves; NOBALL sites at Chateau d’Helicourt and Chateau d’Ansenne; and a rail bridge at Bourth. Fighters escort IX BC, patrol battle area, and attack trains, gun positions, ammo dumps, and other targets in areas around Lessay, Periers, Saint-Lo, Lonrai, Tours and Folligny.

TWELFTH AF–Weather again hampers operations. Medium Bombers attack marshalling yard at Alessandria, hit approach to railroad bridge at Chiavari, and score near misses on other bridges. Fighter Bombers hit airfield at Rimini and attack fuel dumps, rail lines, gun positions, bridges, and targets of opportunity N of battleline as US Fifth Army engages in hard fighting in Pastina and Laiatico area.

FIFTEENTH AF–Bad weather curtails Heavy Bomber effort. The only target attacked is Toulon harbor, where 87 B-24’s hit jetties, oil stores, nearby telegraph cable factory, barracks, repair shops, adjoining marshalling yard, and submarines in drydock.

TENTH AF–70-plus Fighter Bombers pound barracks at Myitkyina, bridges at Nam kwin and Mohnyin, airfield at Lashio, and targets of opportunity at several other locations, including Nanyinbya, Indaw, Katha, Bhamo, and Anisakan-Shwebo area. 11 B-25’s hit bridges at Hsenwi.

FOURTEENTH AF–28 B-24’s bomb storage base at Sinshih. 24 P-40’s hit river traffic at Hengyang and E of Siangsiang. 22 other P-40’s attack town of Hengyang, hitting Japanese occupied buildings and a bridge. 33 more P-40’s attack villages, road traffic, and targets of opportunity at Leiyang and from Chuchou to Hengyang to Yungfengshih. 3 B-25’s bomb Liling and Yuhsien. 14 P-51’s bomb town of Pakmoi Hu and hit gun positions at Lupao. 8 B-25’s pound railroad yards at Sinyang. 12 B-25’s and 14 Fighter Bombers bomb Mangshih on Burma Road and support Chinese ground forces between Tengchung and Lungling.

FEAF–B-24’s pound airfield at Babo while A-20’s hit supply dumps at Kokas. B-25’s bomb airfields at Manokwari, Waren, and Moemi during the night. A-20’s, Medium Bombers, and Fighter Bombers support ground forces in Sarmi-Sawar area and bomb airfields, shipping, and various occupied areas and installations on Halmahera, in Schouten Is, on Boeroe, and the Palau group, and at Woleai.

SEVENTH AF–P-47’s pound forces on Tinian and Pagan.

 

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: U.S. First Army attacks with 4 corps abreast as V Corps joins in offensive on extreme E. VIII Corps makes further progress below La Haye-du-Puits. VII Corps bears brunt of strong German counterattack on its left flank and on right flank of XIX Corps. Enemy tanks penetrate 9th Div lines in Le Désert area, but positions are restored by combined efforts of infantry, tanks, TD’s, arty, and aircraft. Germans lose a number of tanks in this action. To W, 83d and 4th Divs continue forward slowly. XIX Corps opens attack on St Lô with 30th Div W of the Vire and 35th and 29th Divs E of the river. 30th Div, with less difficulty than 9th, checks enemy counterattack NW of Pont Hébert; attached CCB, 3d Armd Div, secures Hauts-Vents crossroads; 119th Inf meets increasingly strong opposition in Pont Hébert area. 35th Div attacks with 137th Inf along the Vire and 320th on left from La Méauffe–Villiers-Fossard region, but makes little headway; strongpoint at St Gilles stops 137th Inf well above Pont Hébert. 29th Div attacks on left flank of XIX Corps in conjunction with V Corps: 115th Inf progresses slowly toward La Luzerne against stubborn resistance; 116th, penetrating enemy positions, drives S through St André-de-l’Epine and then W along Martinville ridge toward St Lô. V Corps renews attack on Hill 192, NE of St Lô. 2d Div, employing 38th and 23d Regts, makes the final assault and with tremendous arty support overcomes opposition on this important feature that has withstood vigorous attacks during June; crushes enemy defense in St Georges-d’Elle area; cuts Bayeux–St Lô highway at La Calvaire. In Br Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 50th Div improves positions near Hottot against lively resistance. In 8 Corps area, 43d Div holds Hill 112 against counterattack. In I Corps area, 51st Div tries in vain to advance on Colombelles, E of the Orne.

ITALY—AAI: Orders MALLORY MAJOR, air offensive against Po R bridges, to go forward. In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 442d Inf, in 34th Div sector, gets almost to Pastina; 133d Inf bypasses Pastina to E but is stopped short of Hill 529; limited progress is made in other sectors of div front. 351st Inf, 88th Div, is released from reserve to continue attack on Laiatico but is pinned down short of objective.

In Br Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, NZ 2d Div begins concentrating within corps zone to assist in drive on Arezzo.

CHINA—Japanese, having completed preparations for stronger assault on Heng-yang, renew attack, and are stoutly opposed by Chinese garrison, which is assisted by aircraft.

NEW GUINEA—On Noemfoor, TF CYCLONE starts regrouping for systematic mopping up operations. 158th Inf is given N sector and 503d Para Inf the S. 2d Bn of 503d arrives, having moved by air from Hollandia to Biak and thence by sea to Namber airdrome. In Aitape area, PERSECUTION Covering Force begins general withdrawal from Driniumor R line to next delaying positions, along line of X-ray R and Koronal Creek, after futile attempt by 1st Bn, 128th Inf, to reopen Anamo–Afua trail. Gen Krueger orders positions along the Driniumor restored. On Biak, 3d Bn of 163d Inf begins steadily compressing Japanese in Ibdi Pocket.

 

USMC

FMFPac activated with Lt-Gen Holland M. Smith as commander.

 

80 Years Ago, Monday, 10 July 1944

USN

PACIFIC–Submarine Tinosa (SS-283) sinks Japanese merchant fishing boat No.5 Shosei Maru 30 miles west of Danjo Island,32°12'N, 127°00'E.

            British submarine HMS Tally Ho damages Japanese auxiliary sailing vessel No.3 Choun Maru off Bernam River, Malaya.

            RNZAF Corsairs, in strike on Japanese shipping in Keravia Bay, Rabaul, sink auxiliary submarine chaser Cha 23,04°13'S, 152°11'E.

EUROPE–Command designated U.S. Ports and Bases, France (Rear Admiral John Wilkes) is established with headquarters at Cherbourg.

 

AAF

NINTH AF–Fighters bomb and strafe gun positions, bridges, rail overpass, inf concentrations, and highway junctions, and cover battle area.

TWELFTH AF–Medium Bombers successfully hit marshalling yards, railroad bridges, and viaducts in NC Italy. Weather restricts Fighter Bombers and fighters but several targets are hit, including airfield at Modena and scattered gun positions, rail lines, and roads.

TENTH AF–24 P-40’s and P-51’s support ground forces at Myitkyina. 20-plus A-36’s P-51’s, P-47’s, and P-40’s hit Mogaung, buildings and boxcars at Mohnyin, trucks at Sahmaw, factory at Loiwing, and Punga pagoda. Railroad supply area at Mohnyin is bombed by 6 B-25’s.

FOURTEENTH AF–70 P-40’s and 6 B-25’s hit river shipping between Siangtan and Siangsiang, between Changsha and Chuchou, and N of Hengyang; strafe and bomb posts and trucks in Pingkiang, Tungcheng, and Tsungyang areas and in Changsha-Kweilin area; and bomb airfields at Hankow and Wuchang.

FEAF–B-24’s attack Laha, Namlea, and targets of opportunity in Boeroe-Ceram-Amboina area. A-20’s, Fighter Bombers, and a B-25 hit troops, villages, and barges in Wewak area. B-24’s bomb airfields and town areas at Yap, Gagil-Tomil I and Sorol. Operations also include smallscale strikes in Wakde area and snooper and armed recon missions over the Carolines.

SEVENTH AF–P-47’s hit troops and gun positions on Tinian. B-24’s, staging through Eniwetok, pound Truk during 9/10 Jul and again during the day.

 

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: Gen Montgomery issues orders for offensive, calling for strong southward drive (COBRA) by U.S. First Army, which will be assisted by Br Second Army attack E and S of Caen. In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps advances some 3,000 yards beyond La Haye-du-Puits, 90th Div overrunning Mont Castre Forest. VII Corps continues attack with 3 divs—4th, 83d, and 9th, from W to E—and reaches general vicinity of St Eny, Tribehou, and Le Désert. In XIX Corps area, CCB of 3d Armd Div renews efforts to reach Hauts-Vents but is stopped a little short. 120th Inf, 30th Div, pulls up almost abreast CCB, forward elements reaching village of Le Rocher; 119th Inf, on 30th Div left flank, reaches positions just short of Belle-Lande. In Br Second Army area, 1 Corps mops up within Caen. 8 Corps begins drive toward Thury Harcourt, attacking between the Odon and the Orne. 43d Div takes Eterville and Hill 112, between Eterville and Evrecy, but is unable to secure Maltot. USSR—Field Marshal Walter Model, who has replaced Field Marshal Ernst Busch as commander of German Army Group Center, proposes that Army Group North be withdrawn behind the Dvina in order to employ elements on central front, but Hitler refuses. By this time, German 9th and 4th Armies have been virtually destroyed on central front. Troops of Third White Russian Front encircle Vilno.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 135th and 442d Regts, on 34th Div left flank, make slow progress toward Leghorn; on right, 133d Inf attacks through Casale and 363d moves forward abreast it. Progress on right flank of IV Corps is negligible.

CBI—On Salween front, 307th Regt of 103d Div, Ch 8th Army, is continuing costly efforts to clear enemy from Sung Shan. 11 Army Group: In Br Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, Japanese have been cleared from immediate vicinity of Ukhrul.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, Cos K and L of 163d Inf push into Ibdi Pocket. In Aitape area, TF PERSECUTION begins rcn in force E of the Driniumor. 1st Bn, 128th Inf, crosses at mouth of river and drives along coast almost to Yakamul, dispersing 2 enemy groups en route. 2d Sq, 112th Cav, crosses to S and moves cautiously through jungle about a mile, making no contact with enemy. Rest of TF PERSECUTION forces in Driniumor area regroup. During night 10– 11, enemy attacks W across the Driniumor in force, breaking through line of PERSECUTION Covering Force on 1,300-yard front and threatening Paup villages along coast. Co E, 128th Inf, is overwhelmed and suffers heavy casualties. Co G is also heavily hit but checks enemy onslaughts. Rcn forces E of the river are ordered to withdraw to river line.

 

USMC

 

 

80 Years Ago, Sunday, 9 July 1944

USN

PACIFIC–Organized Japanese resistance ceases on Saipan.

            Submarine Dace (SS-247) carries out unsuccessful attack on Japanese cargo vessel Gokoku Maru 06°22'N, 126°18'E

            Submarine Nautilus (SS-168) lands men and supplies on Pandan Island off west coast of Mindoro, P.I.

            Submarine Sunfish (SS-281) attacks Japanese convoy in the Kurils, sinking army cargo ship Taihei Maru north of Raito Island, 51°19'N, 155°43'E.

            Submarine Tautog (SS-199) sinks Japanese fishing boat Yawata Maru southwest of Kushiro, 43°06'N, 144°08'E.

            USAAF B-25s (5th Air Force) sink Japanese cargo vessel Oyashima Maru near Halmahera Island, 00°34'N, 128°30'E.

            Aircraft damage auxiliary submarine chaser Cha 9, Rabaul.

MEDITERRANEAN–Minesweeper Swerve (AM-121) is sunk by mine about 16 miles southwest of Nettuno, Italy, 41°31'N, 12°285'E.

 

AAF

EIGHTH AF–During morning mission 140 B-17’s bomb 2 railroad bridges, a railroad viaduct, a road bridge, and an airfield in France. 1 Heavy Bomber and 2 supporting fighters are lost. Later, 24 B-17’s and 35 B-24’s bomb 3 CROSSBOW installations and 2 airfields in France; bad weather causes over 100 other Heavy Bombers to abort. 168 fighters escort the Heavy Bombers. 1 P-47 group afterwards joins RAF Spitfires in aerial battle against 15 Me 109’s. The P- 47’s claim 5 fighters destroyed against no losses; Spitfires down 6 Germans.

NINTH AF–Of more than 250 Medium Bombers and Light Bombers dispatched, about 60 bomb targets in France; bad weather prevents others from bombing. Targets hit are rail bridge, crossing, overpass and highway bridge at Ablis, Orleans, Vendome, and Montfort-sur-Risle. Fighters escort IX BC, provide area cover over battle area, and bomb and strafe gun positions, vehicles, rail cars, bridges, and tanks.

TWELFTH AF–Weather greatly curtails operations. Fighter Bombers attack rail lines between Empoli and Montelupo Fiorentino with good results. Other targets include roads, bridges and gun positions.

FIFTEENTH AF–In the Fifteenth’s first Pathfinder-led mission, 222 B-17’s and B-24’s bomb Xenia and Concordia Vega oil refineries at Ploesti. P-38’s and P-51’s fly escort. Other P-51’s sweep Ploesti area during the attacks. Heavy Bombers and fighters claim destruction of 14 of the 40-50 opposing fighters. 6 US aircraft are shot down.

TENTH AF–60-plus A-36’s, P-51’s, P-47’s, and P-40’s support ground forces and hit bridge in Myitkyina area, strafe gun positions at Shwebo and targets along the Irrawaddy in Katha area, and attack targets of opportunity in areas around Loilaw, Hopin, Mohnyin, Maingna, Anisakan, and Onbauk. 19 B-25’s hit storage sheds at Waingmaw and railroads and bridges at Mohnyin, Naba, and Hopin.

FOURTEENTH AF–40 P-40’s and 8 B-25’s hit town area, trucks, and supply sampans at Shayang and damage tunnel entrances and highway bridge at Sinyang. 5 B-25’s bomb power plant and building area at Tinh Soc.

FEAF–A-20’s and Fighter Bombers pound shipping, airfields, troops, and other targets at Babo, Manokwari, Efman, Biak and various points along coastline of Geelvink Bay. B-25’s and Fighter Bombers sink a 3,000-ton vessel and several barges around Halmahera I. Dumps at Marubian, Kairiru, and Niap and bridge at But are bombed by B-25’s, A-20’s, and Fighter Bombers. B-24’s bomb Namlea airfield and attack Yap and Woleai.

SEVENTH AF–P-47’s hit remnants of Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, as organized resistance on Saipan ends. Saipan will become a base from which B-29’s will bomb Japan. Makinbased B-25’s bomb Jaluit.

 

USA

FRANCE—U.S. 5th Div arrives on Continent. 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps attempts to push beyond La Haye-du-Puits but makes little headway against dual handicaps of stubborn enemy and hedgerow terrain. In VII Corps area, 4th and 83d Divs gain several hundred yards toward Périers in violent fighting, 83d overrunning St Eny. 9th Div arrives from Cherbourg and is given sector E of the Taute, previously right flank of 30th Div’s zone. Boundary between VII and XIX Corps is adjusted accordingly. In XIX Corps area, while 113th Cav Gp and CCA of 3d Armd Div hold on right flank of corps, 30th Div and attached CCB continue offensive toward Hauts-Vents, immediate objective. Strong enemy counterattack in region W of main road to St Lô is checked, largely by arty fire. CCB, attacking between assault regts of 30th Div, thrusts rapidly toward Hauts-Vents along main highway until stopped short of objective by div order. Late in day CCA, 3d Armd Div, is attached to 9th Div, VII Corps. In Br Second Army’s I Corps area, Caen falls as 3d Div, driving S into the city, meets Cdn 3d Div, which enters from W. Elements of Cdn 3d Div at last take Carpiquet airfield, which enemy has defended stubbornly, and Bretteville-sur-Odon.

USSR—Lida falls to Third White Russian Front.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 34th Div’s 135th and attached 442d Regts make slow progress above Rosignano; with recapture of Hill 634 (M. Vase) by 363d Inf on div right, 363d and 168th are able to continue northward; 168th thrusts into Casale and clears it before dawn of 10th. On right flank of IV Corps, 88th Div’s progress is also limited by strong opposition. TF Ramey is given mission of protecting right flank of corps along Highway 68 and maintaining contact with FEC. The TF, consisting entirely of armd units, begins slow advance on road net E of Villamagna. In FEC. area, enemy forces 4th Gp of Tabors from Hill 380 after seesaw battle. 1st and 6th Moroccan Inf relieve goumiers and start toward Hill 380, regaining it before dawn of 10th. Germans apply pressure against other units, forcing back Fr salient on Highway 2.

            In Br Eighth Army area, plans are made for attack by 13 Corps on Arezzo on 15th, by which time N7, 2d Div of Cdn 1 Corps will have moved forward to strengthen the assault. 13 Corps will meantime maintain pressure on limited scale against enemy below Arezzo. In Pol 2 Corps area, Italians take Filottrano after about a week of hard fighting.

NEW GUINEA—On Biak, AAF joins in bombardment of Ibdi Pocket. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 1st Bns of 1st and 63d Regts complete battle for crest of Hill 265, SW of Hill 225. This is the last enemy strongpoint in Maffin Bay region.

SAIPAN—2d Mar Div mops up additional enemy on W flank of corps; attached 165th Inf reaches coast except for company that remains behind to mop up Paradise Valley. 4th Mar Div attacks with 2d Marines of 2d Mar Div and 24th and 25th Marines and quickly reaches Marpi Pt, final objective. Saipan is declared secure by Adm Turner at 1615. Final mop up of stragglers is assigned to 2d and 4th Mar Divs, with 165th Inf still attached to latter. During the Saipan operation, Northern Troops and Landing Force suffers 14,111 casualties, about 20% of its total strength of 71,034. Of the 14,000 casualties, 3,674 are Army and 10,437 are Marine Corps. Japanese garrison of about 30,000 is virtually destroyed. Saipan is within bombing range of Japan and is to become base for B–29’s.

 

USMC

Saipan declared secure. Japanese garrison of about 22,000 is virtually destroyed.

 

 

80 Years Ago, Saturday, 8 July 1944

USN

PACIFIC–Cruisers and destroyers of TG 53.18 (Rear Admiral C. Turner Joy) begin daily bombardment of Japanese defenses on Guam; battleships join the bombardment group beginning 14 July.

            Submarine Bonefish (SS-223) sinks Japanese guard boat Moji Maru east of Borneo, 02°25'N, 118°14'E.

            Submarine Tautog (SS-199) sinks Japanese army cargo ship Matsu Maru off Honshu, 41°17'N, 141°30'E.

            U.S. aircraft sink Japanese guard boats No.11 Ebisu Maru, No.3 Fukuei Maru, No.1 Hosei Maru, Kofuku Maru, No.1Kofuku Maru, No.3 Kofuku Maru, and No.3 Sachitaka Maru off Saipan.

            Japanese auxiliary submarine chasers No.19 Nitto Maru and No.20 Nitto Maru are sunk by aircraft off Rabaul, New Britain.

ATLANTIC–Tank landing ships LST-312 and LST-384 are damaged by V-1 rocket-bomb while moored at Naval Advance Amphibious Base, Deptford, England.

CARIBBEAN–Submarine chaser SC-1299 rescues 18 survivors from U.S. tanker Esso Harrisburg, sunk by German submarine U-516 on 6 July. Dutch escort vessel Queen Wilhelmina rescues 31 Esso Harrisburg survivors that same day. Subsequently, the last group of survivors reaches the Colombian coast.

 

AAF

EIGHTH AF–467 Heavy Bombers, operating in 4 forces, bomb 13 railroad facilities (bridges, junctions, sidings, lines, viaducts, and embankments), 3 marshalling yards, a highway junction, 5 airfields, and 10 V-weapon installations, all in France. Nearly 450 others are forced to abort, mainly because of very heavy cloud conditions. 9 Heavy Bombers are lost. 14 fighter groups support day’s operations. 596 fighters complete sorties, claiming 20 aircraft, 15 locomotives, and several railroad cars and road vehicles destroyed by strafing and bombing. 1 fighter is lost.

NINTH AF–About 280 Medium Bombers and Light Bombers bomb V-weapon HQ at Chateau-de Ribeaucourt, numerous strongoints in Caen battle area, rail bridges at Mantes-La-Jolie, Saumur, Nogent-leRoi, and Caen and (late in evening) fuel dumps in Rennes and bridge at Nantes. Fighters escort the bombers and fly armed recon throughout wide areas of France, concentrating on front-line area. Targets hit include marshalling yards, bridges, ammo and supply dumps, troop concentrations and tanks.

TWELFTH AF–During 7/8 Jul A-20’s bomb areas in or near Empoli, Agliana, and Lucca, and hit fuel dumps the following day. Medium Bombers pound marshalling yards at Novi Ligure, Piacenza, Mantua, and Ferrara and tracks near Parma. Fighter Bombers again blast railroads, roads, and bridges N of battleline, which is advancing N from above Cecina toward Leghorn.

FIFTEENTH AF–520-plus Heavy Bombers attack targets in Vienna area, bombing refineries at Vosendorf and Korneuburg, airfield at Zwolfaxing, Markersdorf, and Munchendorf, and marshalling yard and oil storage at Vienna/Floridsdorf, and airfield at Veszprem. Fighters fly well over 200 sorties in support of Heavy Bomber missions which are opposed by more than 100 fighters. 14 US aircraft are lost. Heavy Bombers and fighters claim more than 50 fighters shot down.

TENTH AF–30-plus A-36’s and P-40’s hit bridge at Myitkyina and support ground forces in the area. 12 B-25’s also pound Myitkyina.

FOURTEENTH AF–Medium Bombers and Fighter Bombers fly nearly 100 sorties against targets in Tungting Lake area. River shipping is hit hard throughout the whole lake area. Trucks, bridges, warehouses, supply dumps, troop concentrations, Japanese posts, and targets of opportunity are attacked at Sinshih, Sinyang, Leiyang, Liling, Chuchou, Puchi, Siangsiang, and Yuhsien. 18 B-24’s bomb military area near Canton, and 37 P-40’s attack Japaneseheld villages and river shipping NW of Canton. In Indochina 10 P-40’s hit shipping all along coast while 5 B-26’s knock out 2 bridges at Cam Lo. 20 Japanese airplanes bomb Suichwan airfield, rendering it temporarily unusable. Enemy airplanes also damage Kanchou airfield.

FEAF–Medium Bombers and Fighter Bombers hit fuel dumps, barges, villages, and various other targets at Babo, Fak Fak, Sagan, Kokas, at mouth of Maroe R, along Cape Kariensore, and W of Namber. B-25’s, A-20’s, Fighter Bombers and a few Heavy Bombers attack Woleai, hitting barges, gun positions, and comm targets.

SEVENTH AF–P-47’s fly Fighter Bomber operations against troops on Saipan, Pagan, and Tinian. During 7/8 Jul B-24’s stage through Eniwetok and bomb Truk. More B-24’s follow with another raid during the day.

 

USA

FRANCE—21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps overruns La Haye-du-Puits during attack from W by 79th Div. Newly arrived 8th Div enters line between 79th and 90th Divs. VII Corps continues efforts to advance down Carentan– Priers road against strong opposition. In XIX Corps area, 113th Cav GP, 30th Div, and 3d Armd Div expand bridgehead despite difficulty in co-ordinating movement of infantry and armor within limited sector. On W, 113th Cav Gp overruns villages of Goucherie and Le Mesnil-Veneron; late in day the group is attached to CCA, 3d Armd Div, which has crossed into bridgehead and is pushing toward Le Desert. 30th Div, with 120th Inf on right, 117th in center, and 119th on left, advances toward Le Désert and Cavigny. CCB, 3d Armd Div, gets almost to La Bernardrie; is attached to 30th Div late in day. 35th Div, which has completed landing on the Continent, is attached to XIX Corps. In Br Second Army area, I Corps opens assault Caen at 0420, employing Cdn 3d Div on right, 59th Div in center, and 3d Div on left. Br troops penetrate into the city at NE corner. U.S. heavy bombers provide close support for the attack.

USSR—Units of First White Russian Front overrun Baranovichi.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 34th Div continues drive on Leghorn and makes some headway. 88th Div takes command of zone previously held by 1st Armd Div and attacks with 350th Inf on left and 349th on right: bypassing Volterra, div gains heights N and E of the town; 350th presses toward Laiatico, commanding strongpoint, and 349th overruns Roncalla. In FEC area, 4th Gp of Tabors attacks toward S. Gimignano, W of Poggibonsi, and takes Hill 380, 2 miles N of Highway 68.

            In Br Eighth Army area, 13 Corps undergoes further enemy counterattacks. In 10 Corps area, Ind 4th Div takes command of sector W of the Tiber.

CBI—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek agrees in principle to President Roosevelt’s request that Gen Stilwell be permitted to command Ch forces, but asks that an influential personal representative of the President’s be sent to China. On Salween front, 5 Ch divs have encircled Tengchung.

NEW GUINEA—During conference at Gen Krueger’s CP, plans are made for operations in Sansapor-Mar region of the Vogelkop but on a tentative basis since terrain information is lacking. In Aitape area, Gen Krueger orders Gen Hall to reconnoiter in force across the Driniumor. The 3 commands of TF PERSECUTION are renamed to avoid confusion, Western Defense Area becoming Western Sector, Eastern Defense Area becoming Eastern Sector, and Eastern Defense Command becoming PERSECUTION Covering Force.

SAIPAN—2d Mar Div ( — ), with 165th Inf attached, attacks through 27th Div to clear remaining enemy from Saipan. 6th Marines reaches beach by 1830 against little opposition; 8th Marines, to E, mops up in hills and ravines. 165th Inf attacks on right from positions above Harakiri Gulch, driving through Paradise Valley. 4th Mar Div attacks toward N tip of Saipan. 23d Marines drives through Karaberra Pass to the sea by 1205. To right, 2d and 24th Marines reach assigned positions in afternoon. 25th Marines is unopposed as it continues up E coast about 600 yards.

GUAM—Warships of Southern Attack Force begin naval bombardment of Guam coastal defenses.

 

USMC