CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 99, AUGUST 1, 1944

 

During July 31 (West Longitude Date) troops of the Second and Fourth Marine Divisions moved ahead against moderate enemy resistance and through difficult terrain and occupied the cliffs overlooking the beaches at the ex­treme southern tip of Tinian Island. During the night of July 30‑31 the Japanese attempted several small scale counterattacks which were beaten back at a cost to the enemy of 300 dead. Our attack was launched in the morning of July 31 and carried to the southern beaches by late afternoon. The enemy on Tinian now has little means of resistance and no means of escape.

During the night of July 29‑30 Seventh Army Air Force Liberators

 

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bombed Truk Atoll, and neutralization raids against enemy positions in the Marshall and Caroline Islands were carried out by aircraft of the Central Pacific shore‑based air force before dawn and during the day on July 30.

 

 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 100, AUGUST 1, 1944

 

U. S. forces continued to advance rapidly in Guam Island during July 31 (West Longitude Date), driving northward from two and one half to three miles in the center and on the right flank, and advancing about a half mile on the left flank. In the advance the towns of Utana, Pado, Pulan, and Matte were occupied. On the west coast our line is anchored about a mile and a half south of Saupon Point, and on the east coast we are less than a mile from Fadian Point. On Orote Peninsula mopping up operations have been completed and in the southern half of Guam these operations are con­tinuing. Carrier aircraft of a fast carrier task group directed bombs and rocket fire against enemy troop concentrations in northern Guam during July 31.

 

 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 101, AUGUST 1, 1944

 

Organized Japanese resistance on Tinian Island ceased during the night of July 31 (West Longitude Date). The Second and Fourth Marine Divisions are continuing mopping up operations.

 

 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 102, AUGUST 2, 1944

 

Marine and Army troops on Guam, fighting through dense underbrush and against mounting enemy resistance, advanced more than a mile to the north during August 1 (West Longitude Date). The towns of Saucio, Toto, and Timoneng and the airfield at Tyan were occupied in the advance. On the west coast our line is anchored on the southern shore of Tumon Bay, and on the east coast it is anchored approximately three miles south of Sassayan Point. Our casualties through August 1 were 1022 killed in action, 4,946 wounded in action and 305 missing in action. Our troops have counted 7,419 enemy dead.

Carrier aircraft from a fast carrier task group attacked enemy Installa­tions on Guam on August 1 with bombs and rockets. Additional bombs and strafing attacks were delivered against troop concentrations.

Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith, USMC, Commanding General, Fleet Marine Forces, Pacific, has sent the following despatch to Major Gen­eral A. D. Bruce, U.S.A., Commanding General, Seventy‑Seventh Infantry Division

 

"The Seventy‑Seventh Infantry Division has shown commendable ability of high order in operation against the enemy on Guam. Its complete cooperation with other fighting elements has been noted with much pleasure. It has shown marked tactical ability in moving its forces into position over unfavorable terrain and in the face of great difficulties."

 

Late reports indicate that during the ground action on July 27, Mount Tenjo was occupied by the Seventy‑Seventh Infantry Division.

On Tinian Island mopping up operations are in progress. Ravines and caves at the southern tip of the island were partially cleaned out during

 

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August 1. Our troops have buried 2,075 enemy dead, and have interned many civilians. Large numbers of the enemy have yet to be buried. Our casualties as of August 1 were 208 killed in action, 1,121 wounded in action and 32 missing in action.

On July 30 and 31 Seventh Army Air Force Liberators dropped 60 tons of bombs on an airfield and installations at Truk. Six to eight Japanese fighters attempted to intercept. Three of the fighters were shot down and three more damaged. Five of our Liberators were damaged but all returned to base.

Mitchell bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Nauru Island on July 30 with more than 12 tons of bombs, scoring hits on the airfield and on gun positions.

On July 30 and 31 aircraft of the Central Pacific shore‑based air force harassed enemy positions in the Marshall Islands.

 

 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ  NO. 103, AUGUST 3, 1944

 

Additional gains averaging nearly two miles were made by Marine and Army forces driving northward on Guam during August 2 (West Longitude Date). On the West Coast our line was advanced further along the shore of Tumon Bay and on the East Coast we are about one and a half miles from Sassayan Point. As a result of the day's advances an important road junc­tion near the town of Finegayan was brought under our control. Stiffened enemy resistance is being encountered. As of August 2, our troops had counted 7,893 enemy dead. A large number of civilians have sought protec­tion behind our lines and currently 7,000 are being cared for.

Carrier aircraft, attacking from an altitude of 100 feet, directed bombs and rocket fire against enemy fortifications and storage areas in Northern Guam during August 2.

The American flag was formally raised over Tinian Island on August 2. Scattered remnants of the enemy, hiding in caves and dugouts, are being dealt with by Marines. Approximately 4,000 civilians have been interned. The number of enemy troops killed is now estimated at more than 5,000.

Ponape Island was attacked by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers on August 1, and on the same day further neutralization raids against enemy positions in the Marshall Islands were carried out by Dauntless dive bomb­ers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.

 

 

AUGUST 3, 1944

 

GERMAN SUBMARINE SUNK BY TWO COAST GUARD AND ONE NAVY DESTROYER ESCORTS

 

The sinking of a German submarine by ramming and gunfire off the Atlantic coast recently through a coordinated attack by three destroyer es­corts, two of them manned by Coast Guard personnel and one by the Navy, was described today by Lieutenant (junior grade) William D. Draper, USCGR, of 1408 Owen Street, Saginaw, Michigan, an officer aboard one of the Coast Guard vessels.

The underseas raider was tracked down as a convoy maneuvered into zig‑zag formation upon an alarm that a U‑Boat was attacking.

Contact was made by one of the Coast Guard ships and depth charges

 

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forced the enemy craft to the surface, where it was rammed by the Navy vessel, Lieutenant (junior grade) Draper said.

Submarine crewmen poured from the conning tower, rushing for their deck gun, but were swept back by concentrated gunfire from the second Coast Guard escort, which had moved in from the opposite direction.

As the Nazi raider started sinking, the crew leaped into the water. The Coast Guard officer said a dozen survivors, including the U‑Boat commander, were taken aboard his vessel. The entire action required but one hour and 30 minutes.

 

 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 104, AUGUST 4, 1944

 

Our forces on Guam made slight gains on the right flank and in the center during August 3 (West Longitude Date). On the east coast our line is anchored about one mile south of Sassayan Point. There was no ap­preciable advance along the west coast and our anchor there remains on the shore of Tumon Bay. All road junctions in the vicinity of Finegayan were brought under our control.

Enemy resistance on Mount Barrigada has been eliminated and we now control the 674‑foot height.

In close support of ground troops, aircraft from a fast carrier task group on August 3 dropped bombs, fire rockets and strafed Japanese‑held posi­tions, roads, storehouses and troop areas on Guam.

Mopping up operations on Tinian Island continued during August 3, and additional numbers of civilians were interned. Scattered Japanese troops are still being hunted down on Saipan Island, and an average of 50 a day are being eliminated or taken prisoner.

Ventura search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, attacked Nauru Island on August 2. Antiaircraft fire was moderate. Catalina patrol bombers of the same air wing bombed Japanese positions in the Marshall Islands on the night of August 1‑2.

 

 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 105, AUGUST 5, 1944

 

Troops of the Army's Seventy‑Seventh Division advanced approximately three miles northward along the eastern shore of Guam to Lumuna Point on August 4 (West Longitude Date). On the western coast Marines pushed more than one and one‑half miles northward to Amantes Point.

During the night of August 3‑4 a small enemy force identified as Navy troops were repulsed in an attempt to counterattack. Eleven of the enemy were killed, bringing the total counted Japanese dead to 8,129.

As of August 4 approximately 22,000 civilians on Guam had found refuge within our lines.

More than 25 tons of bombs were dropped on Wotje in the Marshall Islands on August 3 by Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.

More than 60 tons of bombs were dropped on Truk Atoll by Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force at dusk on August 3. One ship near Dublon Island was left burning. Other hits were observed at the Dublon Naval Base, and on gun emplacements and barracks. There was no interception and only moderate antiaircraft fire. All of our planes returned.

 

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AUGUST 5, 1944

 

COAST GUARD‑MANNED DESTROYER ESCORT SINKS GERMAN SUBMARINE

 

A Coast Guard‑manned Destroyer Escort won a stirring battle with a German U‑boat in the Atlantic recently when it blasted the undersea raider to the bottom. Location of the action was undisclosed.

The duel between the Coast Guard ship and its elusive quarry brought pitted Coast Guard Commander Ralph R. Curry, against a 26‑year‑old Nazi skipper in a game of wits.

The Destroyer Escort made contact with the German submarine when coming to the assistance of another American ship. It immediately laid depth charges around the sub.

A Navy DE and a French DE joined the Coast Guard vessel in the final stages of the battle.

Finally, the submarine surfaced and the Coast Guardsmen got in their lethal, finishing blow. As the submersible, badly blasted, was about to make its final plunge, its crew took to the sea and were picked up by the Coast Guard ship as prisoners of war.

Several were wounded and given medical care. The Nazis were taken to an Allied port and removed from the DE for transfer to an internment camp.

Commander Curry, holder of the Legion of Merit award, lives at 1648 Preston Road, Alexandria, Virginia. He is married and has two small daughters.

 

 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 106, AUGUST 6, 1944

 

Air and surface units of a fast carrier task force on August 3 and 4 (West Longitude Dates) virtually wiped out a Japanese convoy and raided airfields, towns, and ground installations in the Bonin and Volcano Islands groups. On August 3 our planes sank four cargo ships of approximately 4,000 tons each, three escorting destroyers or destroyer escorts, and four barges. One cargo vessel and the balance of the escorting warships were damaged. On the same day our surface vessels sank one large destroyer, one cargo ship, one small oiler and several barges. One damaged escort vessel escaped. On August 4 our forces continued the sweep. Carrier‑based planes sank one escort vessel and two other small craft. Damage was inflicted on five barges, two of which were carry troops, one landing craft and three smaller vessels. One light cruiser and five smaller vessels were possibly sunk. All six of these ships were left burning. Also damaged were one destroyer escort and 10 small craft. Two landing ships were grounded and a large cargo vessel damaged in the preceding attack was hit again. In the attack on ground installations our surface craft shelled shipping and shore facilities at Chichi lima. Omura Town on Chichi Jima was destroyed. Ground installations on Muko Jima, Ant Jima, Haha Jima and Iwo Jima were hit. At Iwo Jima six airborne enemy planes were shot down and six others were destroyed and five damaged on the ground. One plane was destroyed on the ground at Chichi Jima. We lost from enemy antiaircraft fire 16 planes and 19 flight personnel.

 

 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 107, AUGUST 6, 1944

 

Further gains were made during August 5 (West Longitude Date) by U. S. troops driving northward on Guam Island. On the left flank our troops moved ahead more than two miles almost to Haputo Point. There was no

 

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substantial change in our line on the right flank and our positions there re­main near Lumuna Point. In the day's gains the towns of Ukudu and Liguan were occupied. Strong defensive positions along roads paralleling the western shore were wiped out by our advancing ground forces, and nine field guns and two tanks were destroyed. Artillery destroyed several trucks laden with enemy troops.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing are now operating from the airfield on Orote Peninsula.

Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Air­craft Wing and Catalina search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, bombed remaining enemy positions in the Marshall Islands on August 4. Mitchells of the Seventh Army Air Force hit Ponape and a Navy Liberator attacked Wake Island on the same day. In these attacks moderate antiair­craft fire was encountered but all of our aircraft returned.

 

 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 108, AUGUST 7, 1944

 

One‑third of the remaining enemy‑held area at the northern end of Guam was brought within our lines on August 6 (West Longitude Date). In the central sector we advanced north nearly three miles, occupying the village of Yigo. Near Yigo we captured several strong positions and a considerable amount of supplies and equipment.

In the area occupied on August 6 our troops found a large cemetery in which there was evidence of mass burial of enemy dead.

Supporting our ground forces, carrier aircraft on August 6 bombed and strafed enemy positions and troop concentrations near Mount Santa Rosa.

On the western coast our line is anchored near Haputo Point and on the east coast at Lumuna Point.

Navy Liberators of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, and Army Liber­ators of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Truk on August 5 with about 30 tons of bombs. Two of eight to 12 enemy interceptors probably were dam­aged. Navy search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, bombed Param in the Truk Atoll and raided Ponape on August 4. Nauru was attacked on August 4 and 5. All of our planes returned from these missions.

 

 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 109, AUGUST 8, 1944

 

Rapid advances during August 7 (West Longitude Date) drove Japanese forces on Guam Island into the northeast corner of the island. On the west coast our troops advanced nearly six and one half miles to Ritidian Point at the northern tip of the island. On the east coast we advanced more than three miles almost to Anao Point. The center of our line running in a gen­erally southeasterly direction from Ritidian Point to Anao Point curves sharply inward and is less than a mile from the shoreline at the point of deepest penetration. The Japanese defenders are thus threatened with being cut into two groups. Mount Santa Rosa, the highest elevation in Northern Guam, was occupied by our forces in the day's advances. Our troops have counted more than 10,000 enemy dead.

Navy carrier aircraft of a fast carrier task group on August 7 supported ground operations on Guam by bombing, strafing and firing rockets into enemy troop concentrations and installations.

 

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Central Pacific land‑based aircraft on August 5, 6, and 7 attacked enemy fields and installations from Nauru Island to Wake Island.

On August 5 Navy Liberators of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Wake Island, scoring bits on the runways. Several small craft were strafed and one left sinking.

On the same day and also on August 6 Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two attacked Nauru Island, bombing airfields and the phosphate plant.

Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells and Navy Liberators of Fleet Air Wing Two hit Ponape on August 6, encountering medium antiaircraft fire.

Remaining Japanese positions in the Marshall Islands were attacked on August 6 and 7 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators, Catalinas of Fleet Air Wing Two, and by Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.

All our planes returned from these missions.

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four attacked enemy objectives in the Northern Kuriles during daylight of August 4 (West Longitude Date). Airfields and adjacent installations were bombed. Antiaircraft fire was mod­erate. Small craft near Paramushiru were bombed and strafed. Several of our aircraft were damaged by antiaircraft fire from the vessels but all re­turned safely.

 

 

JOINT STATEMENT, AUGUST 9, 1944

 

The following joint Anglo‑American statement on submarine and anti­submarine operations is issued under the authority of the President and the Prime Minister:

 

The number of German U‑boats sunk during the war now exceeds 500. It is therefore understandable that the U‑boats still operating are extremely cautious. Their efforts have been ineffective during July, a month which has been so important for the success of continental opera­tions.

The number of U‑boats destroyed has been substantially greater than the number of merchant ships sunk. Seventeen U‑boats have been sunk while attempting to interfere with our cross‑channel traffic since the first landing of the Army of Liberation.

The U‑boat fleet is still of impressive size, nevertheless the U‑boat remain the hunted rather than the hunters. They have been attacked from the Arctic to the Indian Ocean, aircraft playing a great part with the surface forces. This pressure will be maintained until all chances of revival of the U‑boat campaign are killed, whatever may be the new devices and methods developed by the enemy.

The Nazi claims of sinkings continue to be grossly exaggerated. For instance, their claim for June, the latest month for which complete figures are available, was an exaggeration of a 1,000 per cent.

 

 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 110, AUGUST 9, 1944

 

All of Guam Island with the exception of a small area inland from Pati Point on the east coast was occupied by U. S. forces on August 8 (West Longitude Date). The remaining pocket of enemy resistance is surrounded and is under heavy pressure. A Naval patrol maintained off the northern

 

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coasts of Guam since our troops began their northward drive is believed to have prevented virtually all enemy attempts at escape.

Nauru Island was attacked several times from the afternoon of August 6 to the early morning of August 7 by Ventura search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two. Runways were the principal targets. Moderate anti­aircraft fire was encountered. A Liberator search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two strafed buildings and antiaircraft guns at Wake Island, another Navy Liberator bombed Truk, and two search Liberators bombed the airfield at Ponape on August 7. Wotje, Jaluit, and Maloelap Atolls in the Marshalls were attacked by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on August 7. We lost no planes in these operations.

 

 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 535, AUGUST 10, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

 

1. U. S. submarines have reported sinking 16 vessels, including one com­batant ship, as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters, as follows:

 

1 large cargo transport

7 medium cargo vessels

4 medium cargo transports

2 small cargo vessels

1 medium tanker

1 escort vessel

 

2. These actions have not been reported in any previous Navy Depart­ment communiqué.

 

 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 536, AUGUST 10, 1944

European Theater.

 

1. The following vessels participating in the Allied operations for Eur­ope's liberation were lost due to enemy action:

 

USS Osprey (Minesweeper)

USS PC 1261

 

2. The next of kin of all casualties of the Osprey and PC 1261 have been notified.

 

 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 111, AUGUST 10, 1944

 

Organized Japanese resistance on Guam Island ceased during the after­noon of August 9 (West Longitude Date). The First Provisional Marine Brigade, Third Marine Division, and Seventy‑Seventh Infantry Division are engaged in mopping up operations.

Nearly 60 tons of bombs were dropped on Truk Atoll during daylight on August 8 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. Approximately 10 enemy fighters intercepted our force, damaging two Liberators. One enemy fighter was shot down and two damaged. Antiaircraft fire was meager. Ventura search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, attacked Nauru Island be­fore dawn on August 8, striking at gun emplacements. Nauru was also hit by Venturas during daylight on August 8. Mitchell bombers of the Seventh

 

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Army Air Force bombed Ponape Island on the same day, and neutralization raids against Maloelap Atoll were carried out by Liberator and Catalina search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two. All of our planes returned from these operations.

 

 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 112, AUGUST 10, 1944

 

Casualties suffered by American forces on Guam Island through August 9 (West Longitude Date), the day on which organized Japanese resistance ended, were 1,214 killed in action, 5,704 wounded in action, and 329 missing in action. Our troops have counted 10,971 enemy dead. Elimination of scat­tered remnants of the enemy continues.

Final figures covering our casualties on Tinian Island indicate 190 killed in action, 1,515 wounded in action, and 24 missing in action. On Tinian our troops have buried 5,544 enemy dead to date, and have taken more than 400 prisoners of war.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 506, AUGUST 11, 1944

 

1. Iwo Jima in the Volcano group was bombed by Liberators of the 7th AAF on 9 August (West Longitude Date). Forty‑seven tons of bombs were dropped on the airfield and adjacent installations, and fires were started. Several enemy fighters attempted to intercept our force but did no damage, although anti‑aircraft fire caused minor damage to three Liberators.

2. On the same day more than a hundred Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Mille atoll, dive bombing and strafing defense installations. Antiaircraft fire was meager. Catalina search planes during the night of 8‑9 August conducted harassing raids against other enemy positions in the Marshalls.

3. Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Nauru Island on 9 August.

 

 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 537, AUGUST 12, 1944

Atlantic Ocean.

 

1. The USS Fiske (DE 143) was sunk recently in the Atlantic by a sub­marine torpedo.

2. The next of kin of the casualties aboard the Fiske have been notified.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 507, AUGUST 13, 1944

 

1. Extensive bombing raids were carried out by the Central Pacific and North Pacific shore based air forces on 10 and 11 August (West Longitude Dates).

2. One enemy patrol vessel was sunk and another damaged near Paramu­shiro Island by two Liberators of the 11th AAF during daylight on 10 Au­gust.

3. Chichi Jima in the Bonins was attacked by Liberators of the 7th AAF on 11 August, which bombed the airfield and a cargo ship in the harbor. The enemy made no attempt at interception and antiaircraft fire was meager.

4. Pagan Island in the northern Marianas was hit by Mitchell medium bombers of the 7th AAF on 11 August, damaging gun positions and runways.

 

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During the day a single 7th AAF Liberator also bombed the Island. Anti­aircraft fire was moderate.

5. Gun positions on Rota Island were bombed and strafed by 7th AAF Thunderbolt fighters on 11 August. More than 50 tons of bombs were dropped.

6. A single Navy Liberator bombed Truk atoll, and 7th AAF Mitchells bombed Ponape in the Caroline Islands on 11 August.

7. In the Marshall Islands, more than eighty tons of bombs were dropped on remaining enemy positions by Dauntless dive bombers and Cor­sair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on 10 August, hitting coastal defense guns and other defense installations. On the same day Wotje in the Marshalls was attacked by 7th AAF Liberators. In the foregoing operations one Dauntless dive bomber and one Liberator were damaged but all of our planes returned.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 508, AUGUST 15, 1944

 

1. Paramushiro Island was attacked by 11th AAF Liberators on 11 August (west longitude date). Shipping near the island and the airstrip at Suribachi were bombed. Of 15 to 20 enemy fighters which attempted inter­ception, three were shot down, five were probably shot down, and two were damaged. On 12 August Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed defense installations at Araido Island, and sunk a nearby patrol vessel by strafing. On the same day a single Ventura bombed Shimushu. Several enemy fighters attempted to intercept our force but did not press home their attacks, although damaging three Venturas. One enemy fighter was damaged.

2. Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was attacked by 7th AAF Liber­ators on 13 August. More than 35 tons were dropped on the airfield and ad­jacent installations. Antiaircraft fire was meager but an aggressive group of enemy fighters intercepted our force and one Liberator was lost.

3. Pagan Island in the northern Marianas was hit by Mitchell bombers of the 7th AAF on 13 August, hitting gun positions and runways. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

4. Rota Island was bombed and strafed on the same day.

5. Nauru Island was bombed by Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two, on 13 August, and Marine Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters hit remaining enemy positions in the Marshalls on the same day.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 510, AUGUST 16, 1944

 

1. Fifty‑seven tons of bombs were dropped on defense installations at Eten and Moen Islands in Truk atoll by 7th AAF Liberators on 13 August (west longitude date). Seven to nine enemy fighters intercepted and one of these was destroyed and 3 damaged. All of our planes returned although several suffered damage. There were no casualties.

2. Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed the airstrips at Nauru on 13 and 14 August, and on 13 August a Catalina harassed bivouac areas at Wotje and Maloelap. On 14 August Mitchell bombers of the 7th AAF attacked the airfield and gun positions at Ponape, and on the same day Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters hit coastal defense positions r at Mille atoll. All of our planes returned from these operations.

 

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CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 511, AUGUST 17, 1944

 

1. Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands was attacked by Liberators of the 7th AAF on 15 August (West Longitude Date). The seaplane base and ad­jacent installations were bombed. Antiaircraft fire ranged from moderate to intense.

2. Maug Island in the northern Marianas was bombed on 15 August. Pagan Island was also bombed and strafed the same day.

3. Before daylight on 13 August Liberators of the 11th AAF bombed enemy supply facilities at Paramushiru Island. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

4. Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed the runways at Nauru Island, and Corsair fighters of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing at­tacked Maloelap atoll on 15 August.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 515, AUGUST 18, 1944

 

1. Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was attacked by 7th AAF Liberators on 16 August (West Longitude Date). Buildings, storage facilities, and in­stallations near the airfield were bombed. Several enemy fighters were air­borne but did not succeed in intercepting our force. Antiaircraft fire was meager. All of our aircraft returned. On the night of 15‑16 August a single Liberator bombed Iwo.

2. Fighter planes attacked Rota and Pagan Islands on 16 August, bomb­ing and strafing gun positions and the airstrips. Antiaircraft fire was light at Rota and moderate at Pagan.

3. Warehouse areas on Dublon Island in Truk atoll were bombed by 7th AAF Liberators the same day, causing large explosions and fires. One of six intercepting fighters was shot down, and 3 were damaged. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

4. Nauru Island was attacked by Navy Venturas on 16 August, while Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing hit defense installations at Mille atoll in the Marshalls on the same day.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 517, AUGUST 20, 1944

 

1. Nauru Island was attacked on 17 August (West Longitude Date) by Mitchell medium bombers of the 7th AAF and Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two. Venturas again hit Nauru on 18 August. The airfield and gun emplacements were bombed. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

2. Rota and Pagan Islands in the Marianas were bombed and strafed by fighters on 17 and 18 August. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

3. Mille and Wotje in the Marshall Islands were bombed on 17 and 18 August by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing.

4. All of our planes returned from these operations.

 

 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 538, AUGUST 21, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

 

1. U. S. Submarines have reported sinking nineteen vessels, including two combatant ships, as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters, as follows:

 

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1 light cruiser

1 escort vessel

1 large tanker

3 medium cargo transports

11 medium cargo vessels

2 small cargo vessels

 

2. These actions have not been announced in any previous Navy Depart­ment communiqué.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 519, AUGUST 21, 1944

 

1. Yap Island in the western Carolines was bombed by Liberators of the 7th AAF on 19 August (West Longitude Date). The airfield and adjacent installations were bombed. No attempt was made to intercept our force, and antiaircraft fire was meager.

2. On the same day our aircraft obtained direct hits on gun emplace­ments and the dock at Pagan Island, and bombed Alamagan Island in the Marianas. Intense antiaircraft fire was encountered at Pagan Island.

3. Nauru Island was attacked on 18 and 19 August by Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two, hitting runways and gun positions. In the Marshall Islands on 19 August, Wotje and Mille atolls were bombed and strafed by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing against light opposition.

4. All of our aircraft returned from these operations.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 520, AUGUST 21, 1944

 

1. Paramushiru Island in the Northern Kuriles was attacked by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four on 19 August (West Longitude Date). The airfields were bombed and strafed. Three enemy fighters were airborne but did not attempt to intercept our force. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

2. Mopping up operations have continued in the Marianas since 9 August (west longitude date). During the period 11‑17 August an additional 593 Japanese were killed on Guam Island. We lost 12 killed and 61 wounded in action during this period. With these additional losses inflicted on the enemy, plus the number buried and not previously announced, 14,067 of the enemy have been killed in the Guam campaign through 17 August, and more than a hundred made prisoner. During the same period an additional 187 Japanese were killed on Saipan Island, and 15 prisoners of war were taken, at a cost to us of 5 wounded and 1 missing. A total of 25,144 of the enemy had been buried through 16 August on Saipan. On Tinian Island 201 Japanese were killed during the period 11‑17 August, and 15 prisoners taken. We lost 5 killed in action and 11 wounded in action. Enemy dead on Tinian now number 5,745.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 521, AUGUST 22, 1944

 

1. On 20 August (West Longitude Date) two Navy Liberator search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two, found two enemy ships proceeding toward Marcus Island and carried out attacks at mast head level which resulted in setting fire to a medium cargo ship, left dead in the water and burning, and a small cargo ship, which was noticeably slowed and left

 

209

 

heavily smoking. One Liberator suffered minor damage from antiaircraft fire.

2. On the same day Liberators of the 7th AAF bombed Yap Island, causing large fires and explosions among bivouac areas and buildings near the airfield. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

3. Truk atoll was attacked on 20 August, Liberators of the 7th AAF bombing warehouses and antiaircraft batteries at Dublon Island and other buildings on Moen Island. Seven to 8 enemy fighters intercepted. Two enemy fighters were damaged and two of our bombers were damaged. All of our planes returned.

4. Pagan and Rota Islands in the Marianas were bombed and strafed by our aircraft on 20 August.

5. Search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Wake Island and the airstrip at Ponape on 20 August. On the same day Mitchell medium bombers of the 7th AAF dropped twelve tons of bombs on the Ponape airstrip.

6. Nauru Island was attacked by Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two, hitting runways on 20 August.

7. Catalina search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two and Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing continued neutralization raids against enemy positions in the Marshalls on 20 August, hitting Maloelap, Wotje and Mille atolls.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 527, AUGUST 23, 1944

 

A Japanese convoy consisting of three cargo ships escorted by two de­stroyers was attacked by two Navy search Liberators of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, on August 22 (West Longitude Date) near Chichi Jima in the Bonins. A bombing attack conducted at low level resulted in sinking two of the enemy cargo ships, and the third was left on fire. One Liberator was lost in this action.

Liberator bombers of the Seventh Army Air Force attacked Yap Island during daylight on August 21, bombing bivouac areas and airfield installa­tions. Antiaircraft fire was meager. A single Seventh Army Air Force Liberator bombed Asor in the Ulithi Islands on the same day, encountering no opposition. All of our aircraft returned.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 528, AUGUST 24, 1944

 

1. Paramushiru Island in the northern Kuriles was bombed by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four on 20 August (West Longitude Date). Direct hits were obtained in storage areas, a small vessel offshore was sunk aped another damaged. One of 7 intercepting enemy fighters was shot down. Antiaircraft fire was meager, and all of our aircraft returned.

2. Yap Island in the western Carolines was attacked by 7th AAF Liber­ators on 22 August. Bivouac areas and facilities near the airfield were bombed through meager antiaircraft fire.

3. Pagan and Rota Islands in the Marianas were attacked by our air­craft on 21 and 22 August, and Aguijan Island was hit on 22 August.

4. Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Nauru island on 21 and 22 August, concentrating on the airstrips.

5. Neutralization raids against enemy positions in the Marshalls con‑

 

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tinued, with Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing striking at Wotje on 21 and 22 August and at Mille atoll on 21 August.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 530 AUGUST 25, 1944

 

1. Iwo Jima in the Bonin Islands was bombed by Liberators of the 7th AAF during the night of 23‑24 August (West Longitude Dates). Meager anti­aircraft fire was encountered and there was no interception.

2. Pagan and Aguijan Islands in the Marianas were attacked on 23 August. Gun positions, storage facilities and buildings were bombed. Several fires were started.

3. Ponape Island was bombed on 23 August by Mitchell medium bombers of the 7th AAF, and on 22 and 23 August Navy Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two, attacked enemy installations at Nauru Island. A Search Liberator of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed Ponape on 22 August.

4. Wake Island was bombed on 22 August by a Fleet Air Wing Two search plane, and further neutralization raids were carried out against enemy ob­jectives in the Marshalls by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, and by 7th AAF Liberators.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 531, AUGUST 26, 1944

 

1. Forty‑seven tons of bombs were dropped on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands by Liberators of the 7th AAF during daylight on 24 August (West Longitude Date). Three of approximately ten intercepting enemy fighters were destroyed, and one was damaged. Two Liberators were damaged. Antiaircraft fire ranged from moderate to intense.

2. In the Marianas, Rota Island was attacked by our aircraft on 23 August, and Pagan and Aguijan Islands were bombed on 24 August. Gun positions and other defense installations were the targets.

3. A single 7th AAF Liberator bombed barracks on Yap Island in the western Carolines on 24 August, encountering meager anti‑aircraft fire.

4. Nauru Island was attacked by Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two on 23 August, and on 24 August Venturas and 7th AAF Mitchells again heavily bombed the runways, gun positions, and the town.

5. In the Marshalls, Corsair fighters of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed barracks and gun emplacements at Mille atoll on 23 August.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 533, AUGUST 27, 1944

 

1. Liberators of the 7th AAF bombed the airfield and defense Installa­tions at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on 25 August (West Longitude Date). More than 42 tons of bombs were dropped while the Liberators fought off 8 to 10 enemy fighters. Two fighters were destroyed and two damaged, and several Liberators were damaged. Antiaircraft fire was intense.

2. A single 7th AAF Liberator bombed Yap and Woleai Islands on 25 August. There was no opposition at Woleai, and only light antiaircraft fire at Yap.

3. Truk atoll was bombed by Liberators of the 7th AAF on 24 August.

 

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Sixty‑four tons of bombs were dropped on defense installations. Eight enemy fighters intercepted, and one fighter was damaged. All of our planes returned.

4. In the Marshall Islands, Wotje and Mille were attacked on 24 August by Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. Harassing raids were carried out during the night of 24 25 August against Wotje, Maloelap, Jaluit, and Mile. On 25 August Corsairs again bomber and strafed Mille and Maloelap.

5. Aguijan Island in the Marianas was bombed and strafed by our air­craft on 25 August, starting several fires.

6. Ponape and Nauru Islands were attacked on 25 August, Ponape by Mitchell medium bombers of the 7th AAF and Nauru by Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 535, AUGUST 28, 1944

 

1. Liberators of the 11th AAF and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Onekotan Island in the Kuriles in separate strikes on 26 August (West Longitude Date). In the first raid by Navy Venturas buildings on the island and several small craft offshore were bombed. Several enemy planes were airborne but did not attempt interception. Antiaircraft fire was meager. In the second raid by 11th AAF Liberators, warehouse facilities and piers were bombed. Several fires were started. All of our planes returned. On 25 August an enemy patrol vessel was sunk near Paramushiru Island by two Mitchell bombers of the 11th AAF. Two enemy fighters attacked the Mitchells, which probably destroyed one fighter. Both of our planes returned safely.

2. Pagan and Alamagan Islands in the Marianas were attacked by our aircraft on 26 August.

3. Yap and Woleai in the western Carolines were attacked by Navy Liberators of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two on 26 August. Fires were started in a supply area at Woleai. On the same day a single 7th AAF Liberator bombed Yap.

4. Runways and gun emplacements at Nauru Island were attacked by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two on 25 and 26 August. Antiaircraft fire was meager.

5. In the Marshalls, Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers of the 6th Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Mille atoll on 25 and 26 August. On 26 august Mille was bombed by Navy Catalina search planes, and a small motor launch near the atoll was sunk. Jaluit atoll was harassed by bombing during :he night of 25‑26 August.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 536, AUGUST 29, 1944

 

1. The airfield at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was bombed on 27 August (West Longitude Date) by 7th AAF Liberators. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. During the night of 26‑27 August a single Liberator of the 7th AAF bombed Iwo Jima, encountering no opposition.

2. Pagan Island in the Marianas was attacked on 27 August by 7th AAF Liberators and in a separate strike on the same day was bombed and strafed fighter planes. Buildings and gun emplacements were the principal targets. Alamagan Island was also bombed on 27 August.

3. Yap Island in the western Carolines was attacked on 27 August by a single 7th AAF Liberator. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.

 

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4. Further neutralization raids against enemy positions in the Marshalls were conducted by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing on 27 August.

5. On 26 August Liberators of the 11th AAF bombed Paramushiru in the Kurile Islands, starting several fires.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 539, AUGUST 30, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

 

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 17 vessels, including two combatant ships, as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters, as follows:

 

2 destroyers

3 small cargo transports

3 medium cargo transports

1 medium tanker

6 medium cargo vessels

1 small cargo vessel

1 small tanker

 

2. These actions have not been announced in any previous Navy Depart­ment communiqué.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE 537, AUGUST 30, 1944

 

1. Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four attacked Paramushiru Island in the Kuriles and several enemy vessels discovered near the island on 27 August (West Longitude Date). One of the Venturas obtained a direct hit on a medium tanker, setting it afire. Another Ventura bombed a large cargo ship at Suribachi, causing a heavy explosion, while a third attacked an enemy patrol vessel. One Ventura was damaged in an engagement with three enemy fighters. On the same day two 11th AAF Liberators sank an enemy patrol vessel and badly damaged another near Paramushiro. Neither Liber­ator was damaged.

2. During the night of 27‑28 August Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was attacked by 7th AAF Liberators which bombed the airfield. Two enemy fighters were airborne but did not attempt interception. In a second strike on 27 August 7th AAF Liberators attacked Pagan Island, causing fires. Fighter planes bombed and strafed Pagan on 28 August.

3. Nauru Island was attacked on 27 August by Ventura search planes of Group 1, Fleet Air Wing Two.

4. The airfields at Moen Island in Truk atoll were bombed by 7th AAF Liberators on 28 August. Seven enemy fighters intercepted our force and damaged one Liberator, but all of our planes returned.

5. Mitchells of the 7th AAF attacked Ponape Island on 28 August, while Corsair fighters and Dauntless diva bombers conducted further neutralization raids against Mille and Maloelap in the Marshalls on the same day.

 

 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 538, AUGUST 31, 1944

 

Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force and Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four attacked installations at Paramushiru Island in the Kuriles on the night of August 27 (West Longitude Date). Antiaircraft fire was meager and all of our aircraft returned.

 

213

 

Yap and Woleai Islands in the Western Carolines were bombed by a single Seventh Army Air Force Liberator on August 28 and 29. On both days antiaircraft fire was meager.

During the night of August 28‑29 Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands.

Pagan Island in the Marianas was bombed on the night of August 28‑29 and on August 29. Gun positions and storage facilities were hit and several fires started.

Mitchells of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed the airfield at Nauru Island on August 29. During the preceding night Nauru was attacked by a Catalina search plane of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two.

Mille Atoll in the Marshalls was attacked on August 29 by Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.

 

 

CINCPAC RELEASE NO. 539, AUGUST 31, 1944

 

Lieutenant General Millard F. Harmon, USA, has assumed command of all Army Air Force units operating in the Pacific Ocean Areas.

His jurisdiction extends throughout the theater commanded by Admiral C. W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas.