80 Years Ago, Sunday, 29 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Naval Operating Base, Leyte, and Naval Air Station, Samar, are established.

            TG 38.2 (Rear Admiral Gerald F. Bogan) attacks Japanese airfields in the Manila area and shipping in Manila Bay, damaging heavy cruiser Nachi. During Japanese air attacks on the fast carriers operating off Leyte, a kamikaze crashes Intrepid (CV‑11), 15°07'N, 124°01'E.

            Japanese guardboat No.3 Kyoei Maru is also lost on this date off Luzon; although the agent of her demise is unspecified, it is most likely Navy carrier-based aircraft, given the level of U.S. naval aviation activity in that area.

            PB4Y (VPB 115) sinks Japanese tanker Itsukushima Maru off Brunei Bay, 05°04'N, 119°47'E. Destroyer Shigure rescues survivors.

            Japanese army tanker Kokko Maru is sunk by RAAF mine off Balikpapan, Borneo, 01°17'S, 116°48'E.

            U.S. aircraft sink Japanese guardboat No.16 Kiku Maru at Rabaul.

            U.S. freighter John A. Johnson is torpedoed by Japanese submarine I‑12 1,000 miles northeast of Oahu, 29°36'30"N,141°43'W, and is abandoned when she breaks in two. I‑12 surfaces, shells the wreck, setting both halves ablaze, before bearing down on the lifeboats and rafts and firing on them with machine guns and pistols. These brutal actions result in the death of 4 of the 41 merchant sailors, the Army security officer and 4 of the 28-man Armed Guard (see 30 October and 13 November 1944).

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

NINTH AF—About 170 medium bombers and light bombers bomb rail bridges at Mayen, Konz Karthaus, Ellern, Moerdijke, and Euskirchen. Fighters fly escort to bombers, sweeps, defensive patrols, armed reconnaissance over wide areas of Eastern France, the Netherlands, and Germany, bomb rail targets and bridges, and fly cover for US XIX Corps in Belgium.

TWELFTH AF—Weather again restricts operations. XXII Tactical Air Command fighter bombers fly 16 sorties against railroad targets in Po Valley.

FIFTEENTH AF—35 B‑24’s of over 165 heavy bombers dispatched with fighter escort, bomb Munich Western marshalling yard. The remainder and 670 other heavy bombers, dispatched against targets in Southern Germany, abort mission due to bad weather. 30 P‑38’s, after escort duty, strafe communications lines from Wels to Kienberg, destroying 17 locomotives and several other road and rail transportation targets.

TENTH AF—80‑plus fighter bombers again attack a wide variety of targets including troop concentrations, bridges, supply dumps, and numerous targets of opportunity at Kawlin, Wingnang, Hsenwi, Bhamo, Shwegu, Kyungon, Tugyaung, Yebyangale, Henu, and Kayin.

FOURTEENTH AF—Fighters in support of Chinese ground forces blast hill positions in Lungling and Mangshih areas. Others damage bridge at Sinshih, bomb Kweiyi and Paoching, hit railroad targets between Siaokan and Sinyang, and strafe airfields at Chingmen, Tangyang, and Ichang.

FEAF—Fighter bombers and B‑26’s, operating in small forces, are active against airfields, AA positions, and targets of opportunity on Halmahera Island. Fighter bombers also hit Ransiki while fighter bombers, A‑20’s, and B‑25’s bomb Urarom and Soeli and strafe targets of opportunity throughout Urarom‑Kaimana area.

THIRTEENTH AF—Thirteenth AF moves from Noemfoor Island to Morotai Island.

SEVENTH AF—19 B‑24’s from Saipan bomb Chichi Jima. 2 from Guam strike Yap.

ELEVENTH AF—4 B‑25’s on reconnaissance hit Tomari Cape buildings and a freighter which is left listing.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Canadian First Army area, 2 Corps is rapidly clearing South Beveland and completing reduction of Breskens Pocket. 52d Division and Canadian 2d Division establish contact on South Beveland and 52d Division takes Goes. British 1 Corps, upon reaching Bergen-op–Zoom–Tilburg road, is directed northward to secure crossings of Mark River. Breda falls to Polish 1st Armored Division.

            In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, Germans attack in force from Meijel toward Liesel and Asten, taking Liesel from Combat Command B, U.S. 7th Armored Division, and pushing Combat Command R units back about halfway up road toward Asten. During night, 15th Division (which has completed its mission with 12 Corps) and a tank brigade are sent to reinforce corps. 75th Division relieves Combat Command B near Liesel and Combat Command R South East of Asten. U.S. 7th Armored Division, upon relief, concentrates about Nederweert and Weert.

            12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 3 companies of 357th Infantry, 90th Division, omitting artillery preparation, attack from factory area at Maizièreslès-Metz into section South of Hôtel de Ville; 2 others attack from North. Most of the town is cleared by dark.

            6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 45th Division moves into Bru and Jeanménil, which enemy has successfully defended for the past month, without opposition. Drive on Raonl’Etape continues to right. 3d Division improves positions near St Dié. In 36th Division zone, 442d Infantry pushes closer to isolated 1st Battalion of 141st Infantry in Forêt Domaniale de Champ.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, elements of Combat Command B, South African 6th Armored Division, on left flank of division, take Palazzo, West of Highway 64.

            In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, enemy garrison at Meldola is threatened with encirclement as Indian 10th Division begins attacks from bridgeheads and South of the town. 4th Division prepares for another attack across the river since flood waters are subsiding.

INDIA‑BURMA—On Salween front, Gen Wei Lihuang’s Chinese Expeditionary Force, closely supported by U.S. Fourteenth Air Force, renews offensive, attacking toward Lung-ling with Chinese 200th Division in the lead. Japanese have been thinning out.

            In NCAC area, British 36th Division, having paused briefly at Mawpin, resumes southward drive down RR corridor.

LEYTE—Since 77th Division will apparently not be needed on Leyte, Gen MacArthur transfers it from control of Gen Krueger to that of Adm Nimitz. U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 3d Battalion of 34th Infantry, 24th Division, takes the lead in drive to Jaro, reaching the town at 1700 after having cleared opposition en route to Galotan. 19th Infantry defends South flank of div; Company K establishes roadblock at Ypad. 2d Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, continues assembling in Barugo area, 1st Squadron joining Troop C there. In XXIV Corps area, 2d Battalion of 381st Infantry, 96th Division, takes Labir and Catmon Hills with ease. 1st Battalion jumps off at noon and makes contact with 2d Battalion. 1st Battalion, 383d Infantry, is relieved on Labiranan Head and passes to Sixth Army reserve. Withdrawing depleted 2d Battalion to reserve, 17th Infantry of 7th Division continues attack toward Dagami with 1st and 3d Battalions and breaks into South part of town. From Burauen, 2d Battalion of 32d Infantry moves without incident along Highway 1 to Abuyog. 7th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, preceding it, pushes on toward Baybay.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

80 Years Ago, Saturday, 28 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—TG 38.4 (Rear Admiral Ralph E. Davison) bomb Japanese shipping near Cebu, damaging landing ship T.101 off Ormoc, Leyte, 11°00'N, 123°00'E.

            Destroyer escort Dempsey (DE‑26), assisted by tank landing craft LCT‑406, sinks a Japanese torpedo-carrying craft off the main unloading beach, Peleliu. U.S. freighter United Victory is damaged by gunfire from Japanese surface craft; there are no casualties to United Victory's complement, which includes a 27-man Armed Guard.

            Destroyer Helm (DD‑388), assisted by Gridley (DD‑380) and TBF from light carrier Belleau Wood (CVL‑24), sinks Japanese submarine I‑46, 120 miles northeast of Surigao, 10°56'N, 127°13'E.

            Light cruiser Denver (CL‑58) is damaged by kamikaze off Leyte, 10°57'N, 125°02'E. During Japanese air attack on U.S. shipping in San Pedro Bay, Leyte, freighter Cape Romano is damaged by bombs exploding close aboard; bomb fragments injure two of the 26-man Armed Guard and two of the 47-man merchant complement.

            Destroyer escort Eversole (DE‑404) is torpedoed and sunk by Japanese submarine I‑45 off Leyte, 10° 18'N, 127° 37'E; I‑45, however, is in turn sunk by destroyer escort Whitehurst (DE‑634) 120 miles east-northeast of Surigao, 10°10'N,127°28'E.26

            Netlaying ship Viburnum (AN-57) is damaged by mine at Ulithi.

            Japanese transport Sumatra Maru is sunk by swimmer vehicles ("Chariots") launched from British submarine HMS Trenchant, Phuket Harbor, 07°54'N, 98°28'E.

            Japanese merchant tanker Baiei Maru is sunk by Japanese mine in Brunei Bay, 05°0825'N, 115°05'E.

MEDITERRANEAN—Destroyer Gleaves (DD‑423) bombards troop concentrations, barracks, and gun emplacements; she achieves excellent results. Enemy shore battery fire is inaccurate.

            U.S. motor torpedo boats attack northbound convoy--four F‑lighters with escorts--and sink two F‑lighters.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—350‑plus B‑17’s escorted by 4 fighter groups bomb marshalling yards at Hamm and Munster.

NINTH AF—HQ 9th Bomb division transfers to Reims. 45 9th Bomb division aircraft bomb rail bridges at Sinzig, Kempenich, and Ahrweiler, and airfield at Euskirchen. Fighters escort bombers, fly sweeps and armed reconnaissance over western Germany, attack 6 bridges and 1 tunnel, and support US XIX Corps in Belgium near German border.

TWELFTH AF—Bad weather again grounds medium bombers, and restricts XXII Tactical Air Command. Fighter bombers and fighters, flying 65 sorties, attack vehicles and trains in Turin‑Milan‑Genoa area.

FIFTEENTH AF—Bad weather again limits operations. 10 B‑17’s bomb Klagenfurt aircraft factory. 6 P‑38’s fly reconnaissance missions, during early part of the night. 8 B‑17’s bomb Munich western marshalling yard. 1 bombs Erlsbach.

TENTH AF—80‑plus fighter bombers pound numerous targets including town areas, troops, railroad facilities, and a variety of targets of opportunity at Mannaun, Manoi, Sinkan, Winwa, Man Mao, Myazedi, Pinwe, Naba, Yebawgyi, and Kangon.

FOURTEENTH AF—Fighters strafe villages, troops, and horses in Menghsu‑Konghow area, pound bridges around Kaotienhsu, and hit Yangtong airfield and shipping at Hongay and Wuchou.

FEAF—B‑24’s, fighting bad weather, bomb airfield at Puerto Princesa. During 28/29 Oct, B‑24’s bomb Wilhelmina Docks area. B‑25’s and P‑38’s blast town of Amboina.

TWENTIETH AF—Marianas‑based XXI Bomber Command flies its first combat mission when 14 B‑29’s attack sub pens on Dublon Island. 4 others (1 carrying Gen Hansell, Commanding General XXI Bomber Command) abort. About a third of the bombs fall in general target area.

SEVENTH AF—B‑24’s from Saipan bomb Haha Jima while others, from Guam, hit Yap. Saipan‑based P‑47’s bomb Pagan.

ELEVENTH AF—8 B‑25’s fly cover for naval TF.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—Gen Eisenhower issues directive for November offensive, calling for destruction of enemy west of the Rhine, establishment of bridgeheads across the river, and drive into Germany.

            21 Army Group: In Canadian First Army’s British 1 Corps area, U.S. 104th Division takes Rijsbergen, about halfway between Zundert and Breda, and pushes toward Rosendaal–Breda highway.

            In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, Tilburg falls to 15th Division. In 8 Corps area, U.S. 7th Armored Division begins two-pronged attack to recover Meijel, Combat Command B driving southeast along Deurne–Meijel highway and Combat Command R TF moving along Asten–Meijel road. Small gains are made against severe opposition.

            12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, while one company of 357th Infantry, 90th Division, makes diversionary attack north of Hotel de Ville in Maizières-lès-Metz, while 3 companies enter factory area in preparation for attack.

            6th Army Group: Issues letter of instruction for reduction of enemy west of the Rhine and capture of Strasbourg.

            In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, enemy makes limited withdrawal, night 28–29, pulling back to line Leintrey–Blémerey.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, Regimental Combat Team 6 of BEF outflank Gallicano, in Serchio Valley. II Corps, now greatly understrength after six weeks of hard fighting, is ordered in writing to halt offensive and establish defensive positions.

            In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Division crosses more elements over the Ronco, night 28–29, and begins attack from bridgehead south of Meldola. Canadian 1 Corps is withdrawn into reserve as 12th Lancers, under 5 Corps command, relieves Canadian 1st Division on left flank and TF known as Porter Force, under Eighth Army command, takes over coastal sector from Canadian 5th Armored Division.

BULGARIA—Signs armistice with Allies. By its terms, Bulgaria will relinquish portions of Greece and Yugoslavia acquired in 1941, make certain reparations yet to be determined, and place armed forces at the disposal of the Soviet high command.

YUGOSLAVIA—Announces capture of Split, capital of Dalmatia and Adriatic port, to Partisan forces.

BURMA—In NCAC area, 713th Regiment of Chinese 38th Division encounters patrols from enemy’s OPL along Taping River near Bhamo but routs them in order to reach the river at Myothit. 112th and 114th Regiments are to make wide enveloping maneuver in order to turn the enemy line.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Battalion of 34th Infantry, 24th Division, followed by 2d Battalion, drives through Alangalang to Mainit River and dislodges enemy from steel bridges spanning it. 3d Battalion makes contacts with 79th Infantry south of Santa Fe. 1st Battalion, 79th Infantry, blocks road north of Binahaan River near Macalpe; 2d establishes perimeter at Tingib. 1st Cavalry Division regroups: 1st Squadron of 12th Cavalry moves to Castilla to relieve 24th Division of responsibility for rear areas so that latter may drive on Jaro; 2d Cavalry Brigade is ordered to advance on Carigara; 2d Squadron of 8th Cavalry is to establish base at San Miguel, secure Cavite, and patrol as far north and northwest as Barugo road, maintaining contact with 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry; 1st Squadron of 7th Cavalry, while holding positions at Santa Cruz and Babatngon, is to concentrate in Barugo–Carigara area and patrol south and southeast. Troop C of 7th Cavalry moves by water from Babatngon to Barugo and overland to Carigara, where prolonged fire fight ensues; withdraws to Barugo late in afternoon. In XXIV Corps area, 2d Battalion of 382d Infantry, 96th Division, finishes clearing Tabontabon and continues toward Kiling. 381st Infantry begins attack on east slopes of Catmon Hill at noon. 2d Battalion gets almost to Labir Hill, but 1st receives such accurate fire at foot of the hill that it pulls back to vicinity of line of departure. 2d Battalion of 32d Infantry, 7th Division, is alerted for drive on Abuyog on 29th. 3d Battalion is ordered to Guinarona. 17th Infantry makes slow progress toward Dagami. 2d Battalion, in the lead, suffers heavy casualties.

 

US MARINE CORPS

CNO directs the formation of the Marine Air Support Division.

80 Years Ago, Friday, 27 October 1944

 

US NAVY

PACIFIC—TG 38.3 (Rear Admiral Frederick C. Sherman) and TG 38.4 (Rear Admiral Ralph E. Davison) attack Japanese ships and installations in the Visayas and northern Luzon area. Navy carrier-based planes sink destroyer Fujinami 80 miles north of Iloilo, Panay, 12°00'N, 122°30'E; TF 77 planes sink destroyer Shiranui 80 miles north of Iloilo, Panay,12°00'N, 122°30'E.

            Off Leyte, battleship California (BB-44) is damaged by strafing off Leyte, 16°57'N, 125°02'E; submarine chaser(rescue) PCER-848 is damaged by horizontal bomber, 11°11'N, 125°05'E; and motor torpedo boat PT‑523 is damaged by dive bomber. 11°15'N, 124°59'E.

            U.S. freighter Benjamin Ide Wheeler is damaged by kamikaze that crashes the ship, killing one merchant sailor and one of the 27-man Armed Guard (whose heavy gunfire damages the inbound suicider) and sets fire to the gasoline cargo; salvage ship Cable (ARS‑19) comes alongside and extinguishes the blaze while some of the ship's complement and passengers are transferred temporarily to nearby amphibious command ship Wasatch (AGC-9).

            Damaged heavy cruiser Canberra (CA‑70) and light cruiser Houston (CL‑81) (see 13-16 October 1944) reach Ulithi with their supporting ships, their Odyssey over.

            Submarine Bergall (SS‑320) attacks Japanese convoy and sinks oiler Nichiho Maru and fleet tanker Itsukushima Maru to the west of Balabac Strait, 07°09'N, 116°40'E.

            Submarine Cero (SS‑225) drives Japanese guardboat No.3 Kyoei Maru ashore, Luzon, 17°00'N, 119°00'E.

            Submarine Kingfish (SS‑234) sinks Japanese landing ship T.138 and army cargo vessel No.4 Tokai Maru 30 miles north-northeast of Iwo Jima, 25°22'N, 141°31'E.

            Submarine Nautilus (SS‑168) lands men and supplies on east coast off Luzon.

            U.S. motor torpedo boats sink Japanese motor sail ship Kyoei Maru off Ormoc Bay.

            USAAF P‑38s and P‑47s sink Japanese motor sink sail ship Senshin Maru off Mactan Island.

            USAAF aircraft (14th Air Force) damage Japanese ship Kashii Maru in South China Sea, 14°25'N, 110°38'E.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

NINTH AF—Gen Robert C Richardson reassumes command of IX Air Defense Command. Adverse weather prevents all operations except patrols by XIX Tactical Air Command and supply dropping missions (to VI Corps near Saint‑Die) by XII Tactical Air Command.

TWELFTH AF—Weather curtails operations. Fighter bombers on armed reconnaissance in Genoa‑Novi Ligure‑Turin area hit communications and transportation targets.

FIFTEENTH AF—Bad weather limits operations to 5 weather reconnaissance flights.

FOURTEENTH AF—Fighters bomb and strafe town of Mengmao and nearby hill positions, river traffic, troops, and horses from Tanchuk to Tengyun, bridges northeast of Hsinganhsien, town of Kaotienhsu, troops in Kweilin area, rail traffic west of Puchi, and airfields at Siangtan and Changsha.

FEAF—40‑plus fighter bombers, operating in 3 waves, hit shipping off Cebu and west of Mactan Island. B‑24’s attack Malili and Palopo.

SEVENTH AF—2 B‑24’s on armed reconnaissance from Saipan bomb Yap. During 27/28 Oct a B‑24 on snooper mission hits Iwo Jima.

ELEVENTH AF—7 B‑24’s weather abort an attempt to fly cover for naval TF.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Canadian First Army’s 2 Corps area, forward elements of Canadian 2d Division reach Beveland Canal, at west end of Beveland Isthmus, and cross during night 27–28. 52d Division expands Baarland bridgehead to Oudelande.

            In British 1 Corps area, Bergen-op–Zoom falls to Canadian 4th Armored Division, 413th Infantry of U.S. 104th Division, assisted by effective artillery preparation and attached British tanks, takes Zundert by storm.

            In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, Germans, following heavy artillery barrage, open strong tankinfantry attack toward Asten in effort to divert Allied strength from main battle front, penetrating lightly held positions of U.S. 7th Armored Division along Canal de Deurne and Canal du Nord, west of Venlo. Germans take Meijel, near junction of the two canals, and penetrate line at Heitrak, on Meijel–Deurne highway, and near Nederweert. Combat Command A of U.S. 7th Armored Division seals off penetration pear Nederweert; Combat Command B is relieved by British 11th Armored Division in order to counterattack on 28th.

            12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 357th Infantry of 80th Division, employing 4 small teams, again attempts in vain to take Hôtel de Ville in Maizières-lès-Metz.

            6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 3d Division presses slowly in on St Dié against heavy fire. 36th Division’s isolated battalion is too weak to break out, but some progress toward it is made by Nisei troops. First efforts to drop supplies by air fail. Subsequent attempts achieve some success.

            In French 1st Army area, Gen de Lattre, at conference with Gen Devers at Vittel, presents his plan for offensive toward Belfort and gains Gen Devers’ approval. The French drive is to coincide with general Allied offensive in November and is to open on 13th.

HUNGARY—Troops of Fourth Ukrainian Front take Ungvar (Uzhorod) on northeast border. This completes Soviet conquest of Carpatho–Ukraine (Ruthenia before March 1939).

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, 26th Armored Brigade Group, following up enemy withdrawal on right flank of corps, occupies Rocca South. Casciano, on Highway 67.

            In British Eighth Army’s Polish 2 Corps area, elements of 5th Kresowa Division recapture Predappio Nuovo. In 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Division crosses additional elements over the Ronco, night 27–28. In Canadian 1 Corps area, plans to relieve Canadian 1st Division and Canadian 5th Armored Division cannot be carried out at this time because of weather conditions. Advance elements of corps across the Bevano in coastal sector are withdrawn.

BURMA—In NCAC area, U.S. 124th Cavalry arrives in training area.

CHINA—Japanese renew offensive to take U.S. air bases in east China (ICHIGO), heading toward Kweilin and Liuchow.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Battalion of 34th Infantry, 24th Division, advances through 2d Battalion to Mudburon River without opposition. After night-long shelling of Pastrana, 3d Battalion of 19th Infantry enters the town and with assistance of 1st Battalion mops up. In XXIV Corps area, 382d Infantry of 96th Division again attacks Tabontabon. 1st and 3d Battalions push through northwest part of the town to positions about a mile to northwest, but 2d Battalion is held up in the town and establishes night perimeter in center of it. 383d Infantry patrols in vicinity of San Vicente and San Vicente Hill in effort to locate enemy positions. Sixth Army releases 381st Infantry from reserve to corps. 32d Infantry, 7th Division, against surprisingly light resistance, clears Buri airstrip by 1130. 17th Infantry, reinforced by platoon of engineers to repair bridges, continues drive on Dagami, reaching positions some 2,200 yards South of the town.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

80 Years Ago, Thursday, 26 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Battle for Leyte Gulf concludes as Navy carrier-based and USAAF land-based planes attack retiring Japanese ships that have survived the previous days' action. TF 38 planes sink light cruiser Kinu southwest of Masbate, 11°46'N, 123°11'E; destroyer Hayashimo 40 miles south of Mindoro, 12°05'N, 121°50'E. Aircraft from carriers Hornet (CV‑12) and Wasp (CV‑18) sink light cruiser Noshiro south of Mindoro, 11°35'N, 121°45'E; planes from carrier Hancock (CV‑19) sink landing ship T.102 in the Guimaras Straits, 11°00'N, 123°00'E; TF 38 planes damage heavy cruiser Kumano; destroyer Okinami in Sibuyan Sea. Planes from TU 77.4.2 sink destroyer Uranami 70 miles north-northeast of Iloilo, Panay, 11°50'N, 123°00'E. USAAF B-24s sink light cruiser Abukuma southwest of Negros Island, 09°20'N, 122°30'E; battleship Haruna is damaged by near-misses. In related action, U.S. cruisers and destroyers sink destroyer Nowaki 65miles south-southeast of Legaspi, Luzon, 13°00'N, 124°54'E.

            Motor torpedo boat PT‑132 is damaged by dive bomber, 09°00'N, 125°00'E.

            U.S. freighter Benjamin Ide Wheeler is attacked by Japanese plane off Leyte, and damaged by near-miss of bomb that wounds three of the ship's embarked troops.

            Submarines Drum (SS‑228) and Icefish (SS‑367) attack Japanese convoy MOMA 05 off northwest coast of Luzon, P.I.  Drum sinks, and merchant passenger/cargo ship Taishu Maru and cargo ship Taihaku Maru 19°21'N, 120°50'E and damages transports Aoki Maru and Tatsura Maru, 19°07'N, 120°42'E. Icefish sinks freighter Taiyo Maru west of Luzon Strait, 19°04'N,120°36'E, but is damaged by depth charges and is forced to terminate her patrol.

            Submarine Rock (SS‑274) sinks Japanese merchant tanker No.7 Takasago Maru near Balabac Strait, 10°18'N,117°47'E.

            British submarine HMS Tantivy damages Japanese ship No.2 Katsuma Maru.

            U.S. Navy carrier-based aircraft sink merchant tanker No.31 Nanshin Maru west of Balabac Strait, 08°22'N, 116°55'E.

            Special Air Task Force (STAG 1) operations in the southwest Pacific conclude as four TDRs are flown against lighthouse on Cape St. George, New Ireland. One of the four hits squarely and demolishes the structure.

            USAAF aircraft sink merchant cargo ships Kaiko Maru and Doei Maru off South China coast, 20°50'N, 111°50'E.

            Other Japanese casualties include merchant cargo ship Seito Maru sunk by Australian mine off Sumatra, 03°12'S,116°15'E; and merchant cargo ship Kompira Maru sunk by aircraft, Shimushuri Island.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—Over 1,100 heavy bombers attack synthetic oil plant at Bottrop, ordnance and storage depot at Bielefeld, aircraft repair works and marshalling yard at Munster, military vehicle plant near Hannover, aqueduct and Mittelland Canal at Minden, and other targets including city of Hannover. 14 fighter groups provide escort.

NINTH AF—No bomber operations as bad weather prevails. Fighters sweep areas of Eastern France and Western Germany from Metz to Cologne, attacking rail and road traffic, rail bridges, and marshalling yards.

TWELFTH AF—Weather suspends all Twelfth AF operations.

FIFTEENTH AF—Weather curtails operations. 7 B‑17’s bomb marshalling yard at Innsbruck.

FOURTEENTH AF—B‑24’s and B‑25’s attack shipping off Eastern Luichow Peninsula. B‑25’s also hit river shipping from Dosing to Takhing and Yellow River bridge. Fighters attack town of Menghsu, hit targets of opportunity around Menghsu and Kweiping, and make armed reconnaissance attack on Hongay. B‑25’s and fighters bomb railroad yards at Hsuchang.

FEAF—B‑24’s attack naval force of 2 battleships, 5 carriers, and 5 destroyers West of Panay Island. P‑38’s hit vehicles in Davao area and B‑25’s bomb Iligan. Hits are claimed on a battleship and 2 carriers. P‑40’s attack targets of opportunity in Dodinga‑Kaoe Bay area, Djailolo, supply area South of Galela, and guns South of Doro. A‑20’s and B‑25’s bomb Urarom.

SEVENTH AF—8 Saipan‑based P‑47’s bomb and strafe Pagan. 15 B‑25’s based in the Gilberts, bomb airfield area on Nauru.

ELEVENTH AF—Of 6 B‑24’s which abort a naval TF cover mission after failing to find the ships, 2 bomb installations on Onnekotan Island.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Canadian First Army’s 2 Corps area, brigade of 52d Division makes amphibious assault on Beveland from Terneuzen landing on South coast near Baarland and establishing bridgehead. Canadian 2d Division continues to push West along Beveland Isthmus. Canadian 3d Division is steadily reducing Breskens Pocket. In British 1 Corps area, U.S. 104th Division gets into position for attack on Zundert.

            In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 53 Division overruns ‘s Hertogenbosch.

            12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, troops of 102d Division enter combat for first time, 406th Infantry attached to 30th Division, 405th to 2d Armored, and 407th to 29th Division.

            In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, 28th Division takes responsibility for zone previously held by 39th and 60th Regiments of 9th Division. 9th Division ( — ) goes back to Camp Elsenborn. 5th Armored Division, to which Combat Command A reverts from attachment to XIX Corps, moves to rear of 4th Division.

            In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, action at Maizières-lès-Metz centers about strongly held Hôtel de Ville. Company K of 357th Infantry, 90th Division, reaches the hotel but is driven back.

            6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 3d Division continues toward St Dié under exceptionally heavy artillery fire, 7th Infantry, in center, overrunning Les Rouges Eaux. On left flank of corps, 45th Division is clearing Forêt d’Housseras and working toward Raon-l’Etape. 36th Division, on South flank, is relieving its isolated 141st Infantry force, which begins drive to West in effort to break out.

HUNGARY—Soviet forces of Fourth and Second Ukrainian Fronts link up near Mukacevo in East Hungary.

ITALY—AAI: Heavy rains and flooding slow operations all along line.

            In U.S. Fifth Army area, South African 6th Division halts efforts to take Mont Sole; elements on Hill 501 are virtually isolated. In II Corps area, flash flood prevents commitment of 362d Infantry across the Sillaro as planned. 88th and 85th Divisions are given verbal orders to break off offensive and organize defensive positions on more tenable ground. In British 13 Corps area, 17th Brigade of Indian 8th Division pushes to Lutirano and Tredozio. 61st Brigade, 6th Armored Division, after repelling attack against Orsara and making another futile attempt to take Mont Taverna, confines its activities to patrolling.

            In British Eighth Army’s Polish 2 Corps area, 5th Kresowa Division, having cleared Mont Mirabello–M. Colombo ridge, sends elements into Predappio Nuovo, on Rabbi R, but is forced back. In 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Division consolidates bridgeheads across the Ronco, but 4th Division is unable to hold on without tank support and suffers heavy losses while withdrawing. Since the river is now in flood, corps operations temporarily come to a standstill. Canadian 1 Corps makes little progress because of flooding.

BURMA—In NCAC area, Chinese 22d Division, attacking in center of NCAC front, reaches old Chindit airstrip, BROADWAY, 27 miles South East of Hopin, where it remains for a few days to recover from arduous march over hills.

BATTLE OF LEYTE GULF—Battle ends as Japanese Fleet retires with the following losses: 3 BB’s, 1 large and 3 light carriers, 6 heavy and 4 light cruisers, and 9 DD’s. U.S. losses are 1 light carrier (Princeton), 2 escort carriers, 2 DD’s, and 1 DE.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 24th Division, having cleared northern approaches to Leyte Valley, attacks inland. 2d Battalion, 34th Infantry, drives steadily along Highway 2 to Santa Fe. From Castilla, 3d Battalion of 19th continues to outskirts of Pastrana, where entrance into the town is barred by a strong fortress. In XXIV Corps area, 382d Infantry of 96th Division attempts to take Tabontabon, Japanese supply center, but after reaching edge of the barrio is forced back to Guinarona River. Division artillery shells the barrio through night 26–27. 383d Infantry’s Company E conducts reconnaissance in force against San Vicente Hill, North tip of Catmon Hill, but is forced to withdraw. Japanese withdraw main body of troops from Catmon Hill. 3d Battalion, 381st Infantry, starts North along Highway 1 toward Tanauan to secure North flank of beachhead along road Tanauan–Dagami. 32d Infantry, 7th Division, continues battle for Buri airfield with 2d and 1st Battalions, moving through fortifications to positions around edge of the field. 17th Infantry, leaving 2d Battalion of 184th Infantry behind to contain enemy on ridge and moving its 3d Battalion forward by truck from Dao, attacks with 1st, 2d, and 3d Battalions toward Dagami, reaching positions about 600 yards South of Guinarona.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, Regimental Combat Team 323 takes control of operations against Umurbrogol Pocket. 321st Infantry has lost 146 killed and 469 wounded on Peleliu. Umurbrogol Pocket now averages about 600 yards from North to South; although about 475 yards wide on North, deep salients have been driven southward into it; Japanese retain a few caves along East side; South part of the pocket is less than 350 yards wide. A period of unfavorable weather conditions begins, during which Regimental Combat Team 323 improves defenses.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

80 Years Ago, Wednesday, 25 October 1944

US NAVY

INTERNATIONAL—Unites States and Great Britain resume diplomatic relations with Italy.

PACIFIC—Battle for Leyte Gulf continues as TG 77.2 (Rear Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf), augmented by TG 77.3 (Rear Admiral Russell S. Berkey) and TG 70.1 (39 motor torpedo boats) execute the classic maneuver of "crossing the tee" of the Japanese "Southern Force" (Vice Admiral Nishimura Shoji and Vice Admiral Shima Kiyohide) in the Battle of Surigao Strait. TG 70.1 begins the action against the Japanese ships. PT‑137 torpedoes light cruiser Abukuma, but PT‑493 is sunk by enemy secondary battery gunfire, 10°15'N, 125°23'E. DESRON 54 (Captain Jesse G. Coward) then attacks; McDermut (DD‑677) sinks destroyer Yamagumo, 10°25'N, 125°20'E, and damages destroyers Asagumo and Michisio. Subsequently, light cruiser Denver (CL‑58) sinks Asagumo at entrance of Surigao Strait, 10°04'N, 125°21'E. DESRON 24 (Captain Kenmore Mont McManes) enters the fray and Hutchins (DD‑476) (McManes's flagship) sinks Michisio, 10°25'N, 123°25'E; DESRON 56 (Captain Roland Mont Smoot) attacks; Albert W. Grant (DD‑649) is damaged by both friendly and Japanese gunfire at this phase of the battle, 10°27'N, 125°25'E. Two Australian warships take part in this fleet action--heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (in TG 77.3) and destroyer HMAS Arunta (in DESRON 24)--that see the destruction of battleships Fuso and Yamashiro, 10°25'N, 125°20'E. Heavy cruiser Mogami and destroyer Shigure are damaged.

            Meanwhile, the "Center Force" (Vice Admiral Kurita Takeo), which includes four battleships and five heavy cruisers, having passed into the Philippine Sea during the night, surprises TG 77.4 (Rear Admiral Thomas L. Sprague) off Samar. Kurita's force wreaks havoc on the six escort carriers, three destroyers, and four destroyer escorts of TU 77.4.3(northernmost carrier force) (Rear Admiral Clifton A. F. Sprague). In this battle, which becomes a precipitate flight in the face of an overwhelming enemy force, Kurita's ships inflict severe damage but emerge bloodied by the Homeric efforts of the "small boys" (destroyers and destroyer escorts) and planes from the escort carriers that compel Kurita to retire, inexplicably, without destroying the CVEs and their consorts in detail. In the Battle off Samar, Japanese surface gunfire sinks destroyers Hoel, 11°46'N, 126°33'E; Johnston, 11°46'N, 126°09'E; and destroyer escort Samuel B. Roberts (DE‑413), 11°40'N, 126°20'E; and damages destroyer Heermann (DD‑523), 11°40'N, 126°15'E; and destroyer escort Dennis (DE‑405), 11°40'N, 126°20'E. Johnston damages heavy cruiser Kumano.

            Japanese surface gunfire (either battleship Haruna or Kongo) straddles escort carrier White Plains (CVE‑66), 11°40'N,126°20'E, St. Lo (CVE‑63), and Kitkun Bay (CVE‑ 71) but scores no direct hits. Heavy cruisers Chikuma, Haguro, and Chokai; light cruiser Noshiro; and a destroyer sink escort carrier Gambier Bay (CVE‑73), 11°31'N, 126°12'E. Japanese surface gunfire also damages Fanshaw Bay (CVE‑70) and Kalinin Bay (CVE‑68), 11°40'N, 126°20'E; the latter claims one hit on a Japanese heavy cruiser with her single 5-inch gun. Navy carrier-based aircraft damage battleships Kongo (from near-misses) and Yamato and heavy cruisers Chikuma, Chokai, and Suzuya.

            Subsequently, Japanese planes attack escort carriers of TU 77.4.1 (Rear Admiral Thomas L. Sprague). Suwannee (CVE‑27) is damaged by kamikazes, 09°45'N, 126°42'E, and Santee (CVE‑29) by suicide plane and Japanese submarine I‑56, 09°45'N, 126°20'E. Kamikazes near-miss Sangamon, 09°45'N, 126°42'E, and Petrof Bay (CVE‑80). Destroyer escort Richard Mont Rowell is damaged by strafing, 10°05'N, 127°10'E.

            Following its ordeal off Samar, TU 77.4.3 (Rear Admiral Clifton A.F. Sprague) comes under Japanese air attack. Kamikazes sink St. Lo, 11°13'N, 126°05'E, and damage Kalinin Bay and Kitkun Bay, 11°10'N, 126°20'E. At the same time, in the Battle off Cape Engano, carrier aircraft from the Third Fleet (Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr.) strike the Japanese "Northern Force" (Vice Admiral Ozawa Jisaburo). Planes from carriers Essex and Lexington sink carrier Zuikaku 220 nautical miles east-northeast of Cape Engano, 19°20'N, 125°51'E, and carrier Chitose 235 nautical miles east of Cape Engano, 19°20'N, 125°20'E; carrier Chiyoda, damaged by planes from carriers Lexington and Franklin and light carrier Langley, is sunk by heavy cruisers New Orleans and Wichita and light cruisers Santa Fe and Mobile(CL‑63) 260 nautical miles southeast of Cape Engano, 18°37'N, 126°45'E. Carrier Zuiho is sunk by planes from Essex, Franklin, Lexington, Enterprise, and light carrier San Jacinto east-northeast of Cape Engano, 19°20'N,125°51'E.

            U.S. aircraft, during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, damage Japanese battleships Yamato and Nagato and heavy cruiser Myoko in San Jose Strait; battleship Haruna, east of Samar; light cruiser Yahagi off Leyte; destroyer Kiyoshimo off Leyte. Heavy cruiser Chikuma, damaged by carrier-based aircraft (TU 77.4.2) off Samar, is scuttled by destroyer Nowaki, 11°22'N, 126°16'E; heavy cruiser Suzuya, damaged by carrier- based aircraft off Samar, is scuttled by destroyer Okinami, 11°50'N, 126°25'E; heavy cruiser Chokai, damaged by carrier-based aircraft (TU 77.4.2) off Samar, is scuttled by destroyer Fujinami, 11°26'N, 126°15'E; heavy cruiser Mogami, damaged by heavy cruisers Minneapolis, Portland (CA‑33), Louisville (CA‑28), light cruisers Columbia (CL‑56) and Denver, and collision with heavy cruiser Nachi, south of Bohol Island, P.I., is scuttled by destroyer Akebono, 09°40'N, 124°50'E; light cruiser Tama is sunk by aircraft from Essex and Lexington and submarine Jallao (SS‑368), east of Luzon Strait, 21°23'N,127°19'E; destroyer Hatsuzuki is sunk by the gunfire of four heavy cruisers and twelve destroyers east north-east of Cape Engano, 20°24'N, 126°20'E.

            Japanese air attacks continue against shipping off Leyte: U.S. freighter Adoniram Judson is attacked by Japanese planes off Tacloban; Armed Guard gunners claim splashing six. One bomb explodes close aboard, causing fragmentation damage and wounding two of the embarked stevedores. There are no casualties to the ship's company:43 merchant seamen and 28 Armed Guards. Freighter John W. Foster, anchored in San Pedro Bay, is strafed; 7 of the 27-man Armed Guard, 3 of 170 embarked troops, and 1 officer, are wounded.

            Submarine Halibut (SS‑232) sinks Japanese destroyer Akizuki east-northeast of Cape Engaño, 20°29'N, 126°36'E.

            Submarine Nautilus (SS‑168) lands men and supplies on east coast of Luzon.

            Submarine Seal (SS‑183) sinks Japanese transport Hakuyo Maru, north of Urup, Kurils, 50°18'N, 150°50'E.

            Submarine Sterlet (SS‑392) sinks Japanese merchant tanker Jinei Maru south of Yaku Jima, 30°15'N, 129°45'E.

            Fleet tanker Matsumoto Maru sinks as the result of damage inflicted by submarine Tang (SS‑306) in Formosa Strait the day before, 25°07'N, 119°45'E.

            British submarine HMS Tantivy sinks Japanese motor sail ship No.47 Tachibana Maru in Flores Sea.

            Navy F4Us sink Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser Cha 62 north of Palaus.

            Other Japanese casualties include auxiliary submarine chaser Cha 52 sunk at Palau, 07°30'N, 134°40'E; and merchant tanker Shoho Maru sunk by USAAF aircraft in South China Sea, 11°18'N, 114°50'E.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—Nearly 1,200 heavy bombers in 5 forces attack 3 oil refineries, Neumunster airfield and aircraft repair works, synthetic oil targets at Gelsenkirchen and Scholven/Buer, and several other targets including marshalling yards at Munster and Hamm. 11 fighter groups provide support.

NINTH AF—First Tactical AF (Provisional) is established, but not yet organized, therefore Ninth AF continues to administer, supply, and control all XII Tactical Air Command and assigned units until mid‑Nov when First Tactical AF assumes full control. 9th Bomb division’s missions are cancelled because of bad weather. Fighters fly sweeps, hit rail and military targets in Saarbrucken area, and support US XIX Corps in Western Germany.

TWELFTH AF—Weather again grounds medium bombers. Fighter bombers blast guns, vehicles, and communications in battle area South of Bologna while fighters destroy over 20 locomotives in Piacenza area.

FIFTEENTH AF—Weather again limits operations. 3 B‑17’s bomb Klagenfurt aircraft factory and Sankt Veit and der Glan marshalling yard. 5 P‑38’s complete 3 weather reconnaissance missions.

FOURTEENTH AF—6 B‑25’s and 4 P‑38’s damage railroad tracks at Dara bridge. 7 P‑38’s and P‑51’s hit Mongyu bridges and destroy Kawnghka bridge. 4 others strafe Nawnghkio airfield. 20‑plus P‑51’s and P‑40’s on armed reconnaissance attack targets of opportunity at Tengyun, Kweiping, and Ssuanghsu, and about 50 strike targets throughout Menghsu area.

FEAF—50‑plus B‑24’s, supported by P‑38’s and P‑47’s, attack naval forces in Mindanao Sea, firing small vessels and claiming a light cruiser damaged. B‑24’s bomb Ambesia airfield and attack shipping in Makassar— Kendari area. Fighter bombers hit barges and villages in areas of Dodinga and Wasile Bays. B‑25’s, A‑20’s, and fighter bombers hit Piroe, Boela, Halong, Amboina, Saparoea, Haroekoe, and Northern Ceram coastal targets. A‑20’s pound supply and fuel dumps in Sarmi area.

TWENTIETH AF—59 B‑29’s, flying out of Chengtu, bomb aircraft plant at Omura. Several other very heavy bombers hit alternate targets and targets of opportunity.

SEVENTH AF—29 Saipan‑based B‑24’s bomb Iwo Jima during the morning. Later during the day 4 B‑24’s from Saipan and Guam, on armed reconnaissance missions, bomb Yap. 8 P‑47’s from Saipan bomb Pagan.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Canadian First Army’s 2 Corps area, Canadian 2d Division, working slowly West along Beveland Isthmus, reaches Rilland.

            In British 1 Corps area, U.S. 104th Division drives North with 3 regiments abreast toward Zundert.

            12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, boundary between VII and V Corps is temporarily altered to give V Corps responsibility for Schmidt. V Corps takes command of 9th Division, less 47th Infantry which is at Schevenhuette. 28th Division begins relief of battle-worn 9th Division in preparation for drive on Schmidt.

            6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Division withstands repeated counterattacks against its positions East of Forêt de Parroy. French 2d Armored Division is ordered to attack on right flank of corps in support of VI Corps before 1 November.

            In VI Corps area, Gen Brooks, former commander of V Corps, takes command of corps, replacing Gen Truscott. 36th Division attempts in vain to relieve isolated battalion of 141st Infantry North of La Houssière.

NORWAY—Driving into Norway from Finland, Soviet forces of Karelian Front clear Kirkenes.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, elements of South African 6th Armored Division wade Setta Creek and take Hill 501, below Mont Sole. In II Corps area, further efforts to deepen Mont Grande salient, night 25–26, are costly failures. 362d Infantry, 91st Division, is attached to 88th Division and prepares to assist in attack.

            In British 13 Corps area, 61st Brigade of 6th Armored Division gets elements to Mont Taverna, night 25–26, but withdraws them because of tenuous supply situation.

            In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps reaches the Ronco from heights across from Meldola to Highway 9. 4th Division, which replaces 12th Brigade with 10th, takes Forlimpopoli without a fight. Attack across the Ronco begins night 25–26, Indian 10th Division establishing small bridgeheads South and North of Meldola and 4th Division crossing 2 companies North West of Selbagnone and 2 others at Highway 9. Canadian r Corps continues to pursue enemy toward the Ronco, coastal elements reaching the Bevano.

BURMA—NCAC offensive continues against light resistance. 29th Brigade of British 36th Division, which has progressed 23 miles from Namma against negligible opposition, skirmishes with enemy in Mawpin area.

BATTLE OF LEYTE GULF—Aircraft and surface forces of Third and Seventh Fleets decisively defeat Japanese Combined Fleet and continue to attack it as it begins to retire. Seventh Fleet units defeat a force that has moved through San Bernardino Strait while Third Fleet turns back the decoy force to North.

LEYTE—U.S. Sixth Army: Patrol contact is established between X and XXIV Corps at 1430. In X Corps area, on North Leyte, Japanese aircraft attack Babatngon harbor. 1st Squadron of 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, during the next few days explores coast of Carigara Bay and finds few Japanese there. 8th Cavalry is consolidating and improving positions in Juanico Strait area. 2d Squadron of 8th Cavalry, because of supply difficulties, is ordered to remain in position along Diit River and patrol rather than continue drive toward Santa Cruz. In Palo area, 3d Battalion of 34th Infantry takes Hill C. 2d Battalion, 19th Infantry, gains crest of Hill B after enemy defenders have followed their customary practice of retiring from it for the night. 1st Battalion, 19th, takes Hill 85. Reduction of these heights clears entrance into North Leyte Valley. 3d Battalion, 19th Infantry, starts toward Pastrana, reaching Castilla. In XXIV Corps area, patrol of 383d Infantry, 96th Division, moves North through Tanauan and makes contact with Company K of 19th Infantry, 24th Division. Co. K, reinforced, attacks Tabontabon but withdraws when it finds the town too strongly held to take. 382d Infantry seizes Aslom and Kanmonhag. After preparatory bombardment, 2d and 3d Battalions of 32d Infantry, 7th Division, preceded by tanks, continue attack toward Buri airstrip. 3d Battalion reaches edge of the field but 2d is halted by elaborate defenses at edge of woods to North. 17th Infantry, opposed from ridge North of Burauen and East of the road to Dagami, makes limited advance while concentrating for another drive toward Dagami, clearing East spur of the ridge and probing road to barrio of Buri.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, 323d Infantry, which has arrived from Ulithi begins relieving 321st Infantry.

 

US MARINE CORPS

CinCPOA issues Joint Staff Study outlining plans for Okinawa operation.

 

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