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WWII - 70 Years Ago


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Monday, April 9, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 935 – 1,252 bombers and 846 fighters are dispatched to attack underground oil storage, an ammunition plant and 10 jet airfields.

 

During the night, the RAF dispatches 591 Lancasters and eight Mosquitos to Kiel.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force dispatches a force of over 700 A-20s, A-26s and B-26s to attack the marshalling yards at Jena and Saalfeld, oil targets at Bad Berka and Dedenhausen, ordnance depots at Naumburg and Amberg-Kummersbruck, and several targets of opportunity.

 

In the British Second Army area, XXX Corps advances east and northeast of Lingen, with the Guards Armoured Division reaching positions beyond Fuerstenau and the 43rd Division crossing the Hase River.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 7th Armored Division reaches the Weser River, in the Hoya area, and establishes a bridgehead.

 

VIII Corps crosses the Leine River, making contact with US forces to the right, and starts toward the Aller River, at Celle.

 

In the US Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, Combat Command R, of the 5th Armored Division, crosses the Leine River, south of Hannover, and drives rapidly toward a line from Uetze to Peine, en route to the Oker River, cutting the autobahn near Vohrum.

 

XVI Corps, now commanding all Ninth Army forces operating against the Ruhr, further compresses the pocket.

 

In the US First Army’s XVIII Corps (Airborne) area, the 97th Division further expands and strengthens its bridgehead, north of the Sieg River, on the left flank, crossing the rest of the 387th Infantry into it at dawn and 303rd Infantry at 1800 hours.

 

In the VII Corps area, the 3rd Armored Division passes infantry through the bridgehead across the Weser River and drives quickly toward Nordhausen.

 

In the US Third Army’s VIII Corps area, the 89th and 87th Divisions continue their attack abreast, reaching positions generally along the planned restraining line, and are ordered to make limited attacks eastward, from there on April 10.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, the 255th Infantry reaches the Kocher River, at Weissbach, and establishes a bridgehead.

 

In the French 1st Army area, II Corps expands the Enz bridgehead and, to the west, gains ground in spurs of the Black Mountains, southeast of Ettlingen.

 

Eastern Europe

Organized resistance in East Prussia virtually ends, as the Koenigsberg fortress falls to troops of the Third White Russian Front, and the Germans fall back to the Samland Peninsula.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends a force of 825 B-24s and B-17s, in close coordination with the British Eighth Army, to bomb gun positions and other forward military targets southeast of Bologna, in the area immediately west and southwest of Lugo.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

12th Air Force B-25s and XXII Tactical Air Command fighter-bombers, in conjunction with RAF Desert Air Force (DAF) fighter-bombers and Mediterranean Allied Strategic Air Force (MASAF) heavy bombers, blast gun positions, troop concentrations, enemy headquarters, and strongpoints in the Lugo-Imola area, in support of a British Eighth Army offensive.

 

The British Eighth Army opens its final offensive in Italy, attacking in the evening with Polish 2 Corps and British V Corps. Flame throwers are used along the Senio River, just ahead of infantry and assist materially in reducing the opposition at the river banks.

 

X Corps, with the Italian Friuli Group and the Jewish Brigade under its command, attacks across the Senio River, during the night, to divert the enemy from the main action, establishing a bridgehead in the Cuffiana area, by dawn.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

Far East Air Force (FEAF) A-20s and fighter-bombers support ground forces on Luzon Island, in the Balete Pass, Baguio, and Solvec Cove areas, and at several points in southwestern Luzon Island, and attack Japanese forces in the Legaspi area.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s Legaspi sector, Regimental Combat Team 158 overcomes resistance near Daraga and secures the junction of Highways 1 and 160.

 

In the US Eighth Army area, the Americal Division gets into position on Cebu Island to place enfilade fire on enemy positions in the mountainous interior. On Negros, the 40th Division begins a concerted effort to eliminate the enemy in the mountains. The 2nd Battalion, of the 186th Infantry (41st Division), begins shore-to-shore operations to clear the Calamian Islands, north of Palawan, with an unopposed landing on Busuanga Island.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, in the US Tenth Army’s XXIV Corps area, the battle for Kakazu Ridge, a key feature in the enemy’s Shuri defense system, starts as two battalions, of the 383rd Infantry (96th Division), storm up the ridge in a surprise attack, beginning before dawn. Both sides suffer heavy casualties.

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Tuesday, April 10, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 938 – 1,315 bombers and 905 fighters are dispatched to attack airfields known or suspected to be used by jet aircraft. The formations are attacked by about 60 jets and a few conventional fighters, but the bombers and fighter escorts destroy 328 Luftwaffe aircraft.

 

The RAF sends 134 Lancasters, 90 Halifaxes, and six Mosquitos to attack the Engelsdorf and Mockau railway yards, at Leipzig.

 

During the night, the RAF dispatches 307 Lancasters and eight Mosquitos to Plauen.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force sends a force of 423 A-20s, A-26s, and B-26s to attack oil storage and ordnance depots, a rail bridge and a viaduct and several other targets including a marshalling yard and an industrial area.

 

In the US Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, the 5th Armored Division, spearheading a drive toward their final objective, the Elbe River, reaches and crosses Oker River.

 

In the XVI Corps area, the 75th Division progresses steadily south, toward the Witten sector of the Ruhr River, against slackening resistance, with forward elements taking Dueren and Stockum.

 

In the US First Army’s XVIII Corps (Airborne) area, the 13th Armored Division begins crossing the Sieg River, in the Siegburg area.

 

In the III Corps area, Regimental Combat Team 10, of the 5th Division, continues rapidly west, to the Wenne River, and takes a bridge intact near Berge. Regimental Combat Team 2 secures a bridgehead across the Wenne River, on the high ground east of Grevenstein.

 

In the US Third Army area, XX Corps continues east, with the 76th Division on the left and the 80th Division on the right, and prepares to commit its armor to spearhead a drive to the Elbe River.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XXI Corps area, the 42nd Division, supported by a powerful medium bomber attack and continuous artillery fire, drives to within three miles of Schweinfurt, against tenacious resistance.

 

In the VI Corps area, the 100th Division gets its two bridgeheads in Heilbronn to within a city block of each other.

 

In the French 1st Army area, II Corps expands its bridgehead, south of the Enz River, and to the right reaches the Neuenburg and Dobel plateau. Valluy Groupement breaks through enemy defenses, south of Karlsruhe.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends a force of 648 B-24s and B-17s, covered by 88 P-51s, in support of British Eighth Army forces, blast artillery positions, machinegun nests, and infantry defenses along the Santerno River in Italy.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the US Fifth Army area, the 92nd Division enters Massa, from which the enemy has withdrawn.

 

In the British Eighth Army’s V Corps area, a 78th Division force crosses the Senio River, between the two, at Cotignola.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In the British Fourteenth Army’s IV Corps area, columns of the Indian 17th Division and the 255th Tank Brigade converge on Pyawbwe and, with air assistance, capture this key point on the Mandalay–Rangoon railway.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s bomb the town of Koshun, Formosa. A-20s and fighter-bombers again support ground forces on southwestern Luzon Island and in the Balete Pass, Baguio, and Solvec Cove areas, and pound the Legaspi area. B-24s and fighter-bombers support ground forces on central Cebu Island. B-24s bomb Liang Airfield, on Ambon Island, in the Moluccas Islands, and the Bingkalapa Airfield, on Celebes Island.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s I Corps’ Baguio area, Salacsac Pass No. 2 falls to the 128th Infantry, of the 32nd Division, concluding a prolonged and costly battle for this gateway to the Cagayan Valley.

 

XIV Corps columns drive to the coast, at Lamon Bay, sealing off Japanese forces in the Bicol region.

 

In the US Eighth Army area, General Suzuki is lost at sea, while withdrawing from Cebu Island, toward Mindanao. Hill 26 on Cebu Island falls to elements of the 132nd Infantry.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, the 3rd Battalion, of the 105th Infantry (27th Division), under the command of the Eastern Islands Attack and Fire Support Group, Task Group 51.19, lands on Tsugen Shima, after preparatory aerial and naval gunfire bombardment, and begins a search for isolated enemy groups.

 

In the US Tenth Army’s III Amphibious Corps area, on Okinawa, the 29th Marines, of the 6th Marine Division is enveloping Japanese positions on the Yae-Take hill mass, in the Motobu Peninsula.

 

North Pacific Area

In coordinated operations with US Navy aircraft, seven B-24s, from the 11th Air Force, napalm-bomb the Kataoka naval base, on Shimushu Island, in the Kurile Islands.

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Wednesday, April 11, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 941 – 1,303 bombers and 913 fighters are dispatched to hit a variety of targets in Germany.

 

The RAF sends 129 Halifaxes and 14 Pathfinder Lancasters to attack the railway yards at Nuremberg. 100 Halifaxes, 14 Lancasters and eight Mosquitos also hit the railway yards at Bayreuth.

 

During the night, the RAF dispatches 107 Mosquitos, in three waves, to attack Berlin. Meanwhile, eight Mosquitos attack Munich. One Mosquito is lost.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force dispatches a force of 689 A-20s, A-26s and B-26s to attack the marshalling yards at Bernburg, Oschersleben, Zwickau, and Kothen, the Naumburg ordnance depot, a Bamberg motor transport plant, and several other targets.

 

In the Canadian First Army’s Canadian II Corps area, the Canadian 1st Division attacks west, across the Ijssel River, toward Apeldoorn, while the rest of II Corps continues northward, on a broad front.

 

In the British Second Army’s XII Corps area, some 53rd Division elements cross Leine River, at Westen, but others are held up in the Rethem area.

 

In the US Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, advance elements of Combat Command B, of the 2nd Armored Division, in a record drive of 57 miles, reach the Elbe River, south of Magdeburg.

 

In the XVI Corps area, the 75th Division, employing the 289th, 290th, 291st, and 320th Regiments, during course of the day, reaches the Ruhr River, at Witten and takes two bridges intact, then clears Witten, Armen, Eichlinghofen, and Brechten.

 

In the US First Army’s XVIII Corps (Airborne) area, Combat Command R, of the 13th Armored Division, crosses the Sieg River.

 

In the US Third Army area, XX Corps passes armor through infantry and drives quickly to the Saale River. During the day’s advance, the Buchenwald concentration camp, near Weimar, and the Allied prisoner camp, in the Bad Sulza area, are overrun.

 

In the US Seventh Army area, XV Corps opens a drive southeast of Nuremberg at 1500 hours, with the 45th Division on the left and the 3rd Division on the right, and rapidly progresses.

 

In the XXI Corps area, 42nd Division regiments converge on Schweinfurt and clear the city.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force dispatches a force of 544 B-24s and B-17s to bomb communications in northern Italy, concentrating on the transportation system feeding into the Brenner area, in an effort to hamper the enemy's supply and escape routes.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the US Fifth Army area, the 442nd Infantry, of the 92nd Division, takes Carrara, from which the enemy has withdrawn.

 

In the British Eighth Army area, X Corps finds that enemy positions covering the Senio River have been abandoned and moves forward in pursuit.

 

China Theater

Six ration purchasing commissions are sent into the field, beginning at this time, to procure supplies for Operation ALPHA.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s bomb Cotabato on Mindanao. On Negros Island, B-24s hit Japanese defenses, northwest of Guadalupe, and A-20s hit a bivouac, east of Negritos. On Luzon Island, B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers bomb numerous targets, including Fuga Island, the Cagayan Valley areas, Santa Fe, bridges and other communications in Iligan, Naguilian, Manga, and Tuguegarao, and troops and supply concentration north of Imugan.

 

In the US Sixth Army area, one column of the 158th Infantry moves by truck to Malabog and then by foot to Camalig, which is undefended. Another column moves to the southwestern slopes of Tagaytay Ridge. These advances place the regiment in position for an assault on the Cituinan Hill mass, from the north and south.

 

In the I Corps area, the 129th Infantry, of the 37th Division, pushes forward along Highway 9, toward Baguio, and reduces the opposition on Three Peaks.

 

In the XI Corps area, the 38th Division has largely accomplished its mission of destroying the enemy, west of Clark Field and Fort Stotsenburg, where over 5,500 enemy dead have been counted.

 

In the US Eighth Army area, on Cebu Island, elements of the Americal Division secure Coconut Hill and prepare for an assault on Babay Ridge. On Bohol Island, the 3rd Battalion, of the 164th Infantry (Americal Division), lands at Tagbilaran, without opposition.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, the enemy begins a strong, two-day air effort against US shipping, in a bid to regain Okinawa. Task Force 58, receiving the weight of the attacks, abandons support missions to fend off attackers. A suicide plane damages the CV Enterprise, which must withdraw to Ulithi for repairs.

 

North Pacific Area

11th Air Force P-38s, together with US Navy aircraft, pick up bomb-filled paper balloons over Attu Island and east of the Adak Islands, in the Aleutian Islands. One balloon over Attu is shot down and portions of the gondola are recovered in Massacre Bay.

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Thursday, April 12, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

US Home Front

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt suddenly dies in Warm Springs, Georgia. Harry S. Truman is sworn in as the new President.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force dispatches a force of 167 A-20s, A-26s and B-26s to attack the Hof rail bridge, a Kempten ordnance depot, and the Goppingen marshalling yard, plus a town area and a casual target of opportunity. Over 275 other planes abort because of bad weather.

 

In the Canadian First Army area, Canadian I Corps opens an assault on Arnhem.

 

The US Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, the 5th Armored Division completes their dash to the Elbe River, with Combat Command R reaching the river at Wittenberge and Werben, and Combat Command A in the Tangermuende area, but is unable to secure bridges as hoped.

 

In the XIX Corps area, Combat Command B, of the 2nd Armored Division, establishes a small infantry bridgehead across the Elbe River, in the Randau area, south of Magdeburg.

 

In the XVI Corps area, the 75th Division continues to clear the region north of the Ruhr River, between Witten and Westhofen.

 

In the US First Army’s XVIII Corps (Airborne) area, as the enemy withdrawal becomes increasingly hasty, and more and more prisoners are being taken, presaging a speedy end of the Ruhr pocket, XVIII Corps establishes a stop line and extends the boundaries of the 97th, 78th, and 8th Divisions to it.

 

In the III Corps area, the 7th Armored Division speeds west some 15 miles, passing through the 5th Division, on the right, and cutting across the front of the 99th Division on the left.

 

In the V Corps area, Combat Command R crosses the Saale River, near Naumberg, and drives east, through Naumberg, to the Weissenfels–Zeitz road, then southeast, toward Zeitz. The 2nd and 69th Divisions, following armor, gain 25 to 30 miles.

 

In the US Third Army’s XX Corps area, the 6th Armored Division continues east, from the Saale River, to the Weisse-Elster River and gains crossings.

 

VIII Corps drives east to the Saale River, against decreasing resistance.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 11th Armored Division, with Combat Command A on the left and Combat Command B on the right, drives southeast from Coburg to the Hasslach River, against light opposition, and establishes bridgeheads at Kronach and Marktzeuln. Continuing to protect XII Corps’ right flank, the 42nd Squadron, of the 2nd Cavalry Group, reconnoiters to the Main River, in the Schney area, and establishes a small bridgehead at Miehelau.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, Heilbronn falls to the 100th Division, after a nine-day battle.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends a force of over 400 B-17s and B-24s to hit communications in northern Italy and southern Austria, attacking railroad bridges at Padua, Ponte di Piave and Nervesa della Bataglia, in Italy, and Sankt Veit an der Glan, in Austria, an ammunition dump at Malcontenta, and supply dump at Peschiera del Garda, also in Italy.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

The US Fifth Army postpones its offensive, scheduled for this date, by 24 hours because of weather conditions.

 

In the British Eighth Army’s Polish 2 Corps area, the 3rd Carpathian Division establishes a bridgehead across the Santerno River.

 

V Corps takes many prisoners as the enemy line along the Santerno River collapses and Germans withdraw beyond Massa Lombardo.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In the British Fourteenth Army’s XXXIII Corps area, Kyaukpadaung, a communications center between Chauk and Meiktila, falls to the 33rd Brigade, of the Indian 7th Division.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

Far East Air Force (FEAF) P-38s and A-20s support ground troops on Cebu and Negros islands. On Mindanao Island, B-24s bomb Sapakan, Kabacan and the Davao Bay areas, and P-38s hit Cotabato and Kabacan. On Luzon Island, B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers pound targets throughout the Cagayan Valley, blast defenses at Balete Pass and in the Baguio area, and hit troops, communications targets, and defenses at numerous points in southwestern and southeastern Luzon Island. On Formosa, B-24s attack Tainan and bomb the Okayama Airfield.

 

On Luzon, the General Headquarters of the Southwest Pacific Area (GHQ SWPA) establishes a Command Post in Manila.

 

In the US Sixth Army area, the 1st and 3rd Battalions, of the Regimental Combat Team 158, begin a two-pronged assault on the Cituinan Hill mass, which the enemy is stubbornly defending.

 

In the US Eighth Army area, the Americal Division, on Cebu Island, begins their final drive on Babay Ridge. On Bohol Island, the 3rd Battalion, less Company I, of 164th Infantry, moves toward Sierra Bullones, in central Bohol, where the main Japanese forces are reported to be disposed.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, the enemy air effort shifts from Task Force 58 to ships anchored at Okinawa and the picket line, with suicide planes still playing a major role.

 

In the US Tenth Army’s area, after an intense preparatory bombardment, the Japanese begin a series of counterattacks in the evening, mainly against the 96th Division. American lines hold, but some enemy succeed in infiltrating.

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Friday, April 13, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 945 – 595 aircraft take to the air, in an effort to hit a marshalling yard and destroy as many enemy fighters as possible.

 

During the night, the RAF dispatches 377 Lancasters and 105 Halifaxes to the port area at Kiel, targeting the U-boat yards.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

A special mission is flown by IX Tactical Air Command fighter-bombers against the headquarters of Field Marshall Walter Model's Army Group B, at Haus Waldesruh, in the Ruhr pocket. The air attack is followed by an artillery barrage, and, as a result, the headquarters is moved to Haan. For the first time, IX Tactical Air Command pilots sight Soviet fighters in the air.

 

In the Canadian First Army area, Canadian I Corps continues the battle for Arnhem.

 

In the US First Army area, XVIII Corps (Airborne) rapidly pursues the withdrawing enemy.

 

In the VII Corps area, the 3rd Armored Division drives east, to the Saale River, at Alsleben, Nelben, and Friedeburg, crosses dismounted elements, and constructs bridges during the night. The 1st Division and the attached 4th Cavalry Group begin a systematic clearing of the Harz Mountains.

 

In the V Corps area, Combat Command R, upon securing a bridge northeast of Zeitz, abandons their attack on Zeitz, and crosses to reach positions south of Leipzig.

 

In the US Third Army’s XX Corps area, the 6th Armored Division continues to cross the Weisse-Elster River and secures additional bridges.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 11th Armored Division, continuing rapidly southeast along muddy, secondary roads, takes Kulmbach and cuts the Kulmbach– Bayreuth road, before it is ordered to halt.

 

In the US Seventh Army area, VI Corps advances rapidly all along the battle line as resistance weakens. The 253rd Infantry crosses the Kocher River and reaches the Brettach River, in the Neuenstadt Langenbeutingen area.

 

In the French 1st Army area, Valluy Groupement, reinforced by Combat Command 3, of the 1st Armored Division, speeds south, over the Baden Plain, east of the Rhine River, overrunning Buehl.

 

Eastern Europe

Soviet forces of the Third Ukrainian Front, supported by those of the Second Ukrainian Front, complete the capture of Vienna.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

The US Fifth Army again postpones its offensive because of unfavorable weather.

 

In the British Eighth Army’s V Corps area, the New Zealand 2nd Division and the 36th Brigade, of the 78th Division, rapidly push west, toward Bastia, in conjunction with the 56th Division, to the right.

 

China Theater

The Japanese open a full-scale drive on Chihchiang, making the main effort along the road from Paoching.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

In the US Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area, the 5th Cavalry, of the 1st Cavalry Division, advancing southeast, toward Calaug, finds prepared enemy positions that are unoccupied.

 

In the US Eighth Army area, on Cebu, the Americal Division continues the battle for Babay Ridge. The Japanese are ordered to abandon their Cebu City defenses on the night of April 16. On Negros, the 185th Infantry, of the 40th Division, repels a predawn counterattack by about 50 Japanese, in the vicinity of San Juan, killing most of the force.

 

Central Pacific Area

20th Air Force Mission 67 – During the night, 327 B-29s bomb the Tokyo arsenal area, and hit targets of opportunity. Seven B-29s and their crews are lost.

 

North Pacific Area

At Attu Island, a group of 27 P-38s and P-40s, from the 11th Air Force, scramble, following radar reports of unidentified plots. Later, they shoot down nine of the 11 Japanese paper bomb-balloons sighted over the west Aleutians.

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Saturday, April 14, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 948 – 1,167 bombers are dispatched, without escort, to visually attack enemy pockets on the French Gironde estuary. The air attacks precede a ground assault on the defense pockets which deny the Allies use of port facilities in the Bordeaux area.

 

During the night, the RAF dispatches 500 Lancasters and 12 Mosquitos to attacked Potsdam.

 

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the US Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, the 11th Cavalry Group races eastward, to the Elbe River, screening XIII Corps’ northern flank, which is becoming exposed as the British swerve northward.

 

In the XIX Corps area, Combat Command R, upon relief in the Magdeburg area by Combat Command A, crosses the Elbe River, at Barby, and takes over the left flank of the 83rd Division’s bridgehead.

 

XVI Corps concludes operations against the Ruhr pocket, within its zone.

 

In the US First Army’s XVIII Corps (Airborne) area, the 13th Armored Division begins the final phase of its Ruhr assault.

 

In the III Corps area, Combat Command A, of the 7th Armored Division, reaches the edge of Hemet, by noon, but suspends their assault until 2030 hours, in a futile effort to negotiate a peaceful entry, then attacks and clears the town.

 

In the VII Corps area, the 3rd Armored Division, when bridges across the Saale River are completed in morning, finishes crossing and drives rapidly northeast toward the line of the Elbe and Mulde rivers, in vicinity of Dessau.

 

In the US Third Army’s XX Corps area, the 6th Armored Division breaks through the enemy defenses, along the Weisse-Elster River, and drives east, to the Zwick Mulde River, bypassing resistance in towns and villages.

 

In the XII Corps area, when surrender negotiations fail, Bayreuth is softened, by an intense air and artillery bombardment, and entered on the north by a Combat Command B column.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XXI Corps area, using a ford, at Lenkersheim, and bridge, at Ipsheim, the 101st Cavalry Group gains a bridgehead across the Aisch River.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends a force of 318 B-17s and B-24s to bomb ammunition factories at Avigliana, Spilimbergo, Malcontenta, and Palmanova, and a motor transport depot at Osoppo, all in Italy, and the Klagenfurt marshalling yard, in Austria, a target of opportunity.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

The US Fifth Army opens its final offensive in the IV Corps zone.

 

In the British Eighth Army area, X Corps extends west, to take over the zone vacated by XIII Corps, on the Eighth Army’s left flank. This thinning of forces brings to an end the planning for offensive operations, but elements of X Corps cross the Santerno River, to assist Polish 2 Corps’ attack in the Imola area.

 

China Theater

The Japanese China Expeditionary Force is ordered by Tokyo to move four divisions to central and northern China. As a result, it is decided to withdraw from the Hunan–Kwangsi railroad, which links Hengyang, Kweilin, Liuchow, and Yung-ning air bases, in eastern China.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-25s sweep the Canton-Hong Kong waterways, in China, hitting shipping and other targets, and B-24s bomb four airfields on Formosa. In the Philippine Islands, B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers fly numerous strikes in support of ground forces and against airfields, gun positions, defenses, and troop concentrations throughout Luzon, Cebu, Negros, and Mindanao islands.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s I Corps area, after an aerial bombardment, the 148th Infantry, of the 37th Division, attacks southeast, through the 129th Infantry, to Monglo, on Highway 9.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, in US Tenth Army’s III Amphibious Corps area, the 6th Marine Division, assisted by aircraft, ground fire, and naval vessels, opens a two-pronged assault, against the Yae-Take hill mass, on the Motobu Peninsula.

 

On the XXIV Corps front, action subsides, after a final Japanese counterattack is repulsed before dawn.

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Sunday, April 15, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 951 – 1,348 unescorted bombers are dispatched to visually attack strongpoints on the French Atlantic coast.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force dispatches a force of 258 B-26s and A-26s to bomb marshalling yards at Gunzburg and Ulm and several other targets including three other marshalling yards.

 

In the Canadian First Army’s Canadian I Corps area, the 49th Division completes the capture of Arnhem.

 

In the US First Army’s XVIII Corps (Airborne) area, closely following armor, the 97th Division’s 303rd Infantry takes the large I.G. Farben chemical works, near Leverkusen, and continues to the Wupper River.

 

In the III Corps area, the 5th Division completes their offensive operations in the Ruhr pocket.

 

In the VII Corps area, Combat Command B, of the 3rd Armored Division, establishes a shallow bridgehead across the Mulde River, near Torten, using wreckage of another bridge. The 1st and 9th Divisions continue the methodical elimination of the enemy in the Harz Mountains, for next few days.

 

In the V Corps area, the 2nd Division clears Merseburg and Leuna, by 0800 hours, then crosses the 23rd Infantry over the Saale River, at Merseburg, and moves the 9th Infantry south, after dark, to clear German anti-aircraft positions, in the 69th Division’s zone.

 

In the US Third Army’s XX Corps area, the 6th Armored Division crosses the Mulde River.

 

The 6th Cavalry Group crosses the Weisse-Elster River, on VIII Corps’ left flank.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XXI Corps area, Combat Command B, of the 12th Armored Division, completes its crossing of the Aisch River, at Dietersheim, and thrusts southeast, to Scheller and Kotzenaurach.

 

VI Corps attacks southeast, with the 100th Division on the right and the 63rd Division on the left, and each division employing three regiments abreast.

 

In the French 1st Army area, II Corps continues to clear the Black Forest, in conjunction with Valluy Groupement, and is thrusting toward the Nagold River.

 

I Corps crosses elements over the Rhine river, north of Kehl, without opposition.

 

Mediterranean Theater

1,142 bombers are dispatched, in the largest of effort of World War II by the 15th Air Force, to hit various targets and in support of ground operations

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

12th Air Force medium bombers and fighter-bombers concentrate on direct support of the US Fifth and British Eighth Army drives.

 

In the US Fifth Army area, II Corps joins in the offensive after an intensive aerial preparation, attacking toward Bologna, in the region east of Highway 64, during the night.

 

In British Eighth Army area, Polish 2 Corps reaches the Sillaro River and begins crossing.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

On Luzon Island, B-24s and fighter-bombers bomb island fortifications in Manila Bay, fighter-bombers hit bivouacs and other targets in northern Luzon and support ground forces east of Manila and on Carabao Island.

 

In US Sixth Army area, the main body of Regimental Combat Team 158 continues almost futile attacks on the Cituinan Hill mass from north and south.

 

In the I Corps area, troops of the 148th Infantry (37th Division), clear Hairpin Hill, after an air strike, and push forward on Highway 9, beyond Quioeng. Elements of the 130th Infantry (33rd Division), attack unsuccessfully toward the ridge west of the Asin Tunnels.

 

In the US Eighth Army area, Americal Division troops on Cebu Island continue a battle to destroy the enemy on the heights commanding Cebu City.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, artillery lands on Minna Island to support the invasion of Ie Shima. The air and naval bombardment of Ie Shima continues.

 

In the US Tenth Army’s III Amphibious Corps area on Okinawa, fighting on the Motobu Peninsula is bitter and costly, as the 6th Marine Division continues to press in on the Yae-Take hill mass, under heavy and effective fire from dominating terrain.

 

Carrier planes of Task Force 58 attack Kyushu airfields with good effect, but are unable to neutralize them completely.

 

Central Pacific Area

20th Air Force Mission 68 – During the night, 194 B-29s bomb the Kawasaki urban area, while eight others hit targets of opportunity. 12 B-29s are lost.

 

20th Air Force Mission 69 – During the night, 109 B-29s hit the urban area of Tokyo. One B-29 is lost.

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Monday, 16 April , 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 954 – In the afternoon, 1,252 bombers and 913 fighters are dispatched to attack rail targets in Germany, destroying 727 Luftwaffe aircraft.

 

8th Air Force Mission 955 – During the morning, 489 B-17s bomb the tank ditch defense line at Pointe de Grave, on the south side of the Gironde Estuary, in the Bordeaux area, in support of the ground assault in that area.

 

During the night, the RAF dispatches 222 Lancasters and 11 Mosquitos to attack the railway yards at Pilsen. 167 Lancasters and eight Mosquitos attack the railway yards at Schwandorf.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force sends a force of about 450 A-20s, A-26s and B-26s to bomb the Zerbst communications center, Gunzenhausen marshalling yard, Kempten ordnance depot, and Wittenberg marshalling yard and gun positions.

 

In the US First Army’s XVIII Corps (Airborne) area, 13th Armored Division columns, preceded by the 93rd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, drive north across the Wupper River, in the vicinity of Opladen. Crossing the Wupper River to rear of armor, the 97th Division drives rapidly north, to a general line from Hilden to Solingen, but the enemy retains Solingen.

 

In the III Corps area, resistance in the eastern part of the Ruhr pocket collapses early in day, as the Germans indicate desire to surrender en masse. The 7th Armored Division, with Combat Command R again in assault, starts west toward the Lenne River, but halts at 0630 hours, to await surrender negotiations. The 99th Division also renews their attack, with three regiments in line, but halts at 0850 hours, pending the surrender of enemy forces, the last of which, the Iserlohn garrison, capitulates by 1230 hours. Each of the two assault divisions take more than 20,000 prisoners during the day.

 

VII Corps is directed to halt along the line of Elbe River and the Mulde River, pending arrival of Soviet forces.

 

In the V Corps area, a Combat Command R column crosses the Mulde River and clears Colditz.

 

In the US Third Army’s VIII Corps area, assault forces of the 87th Division cross the Weisse-Elster River, on VIII Corps’ right flank, and forward elements reach positions beyond the autobahn, VIII Corps restraining line. Task Force Sundt drives southeast, across the Weisse-Elster River, to Mechelgruen, east of the limiting line.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, the 45th and 3rd Divisions continue their drive on Nuremberg and the 45th Division breaks into the suburbs.

 

In the XXI Corps area, the 42nd Division, crossing the Aisch River, overruns Neustadt and drives rapidly toward Fuerth.

 

In the French 1st Army’s I Corps area, in the Detachment d’Armée de l’Atlantique (DA ATL) region, the French overrun Royan, on the north side of the Gironde Estuary, and begin clearing northwest between the Gironde and Le Seudre rivers.

 

Eastern Europe

The Red Army opens all-out offensive toward Berlin, in early morning hours, attacking along the Oder and Neisse rivers.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the US Fifth Army area, IV Corps makes substantial gains as the enemy begins to fall back.

 

In the British Eighth Army’s V Corps area, the enemy is at last forced to yield Bastia and a lively battle for the Argenta Gap begins.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

Fighter bombers hit northern Luzon Island bivouacs and other targets. Support strikes and sweeps are flown over Cebu, Negros, and Mindanao islands, with B-25s hitting highways on Mindanao Island, and B-24s hitting defenses on Carabao Island.

 

In the US Sixth Army area, the 2nd Battalion of Regimental Combat Team 158, after repulsing a determined counterattack on San Francisco, attacks and clears the entire area. With the southern tip of the Bicol Peninsula clear, the northern exits of the San Bernardino Strait are safe for Allied shipping.

 

In the XI Corps area, after two days of preparatory air and naval bombardment, the 1st Battalion, of the 151st Infantry, reinforced, lands on Carabao Island, without opposition.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, the Japanese make a major air effort against Okinawa and Task Force 58, despite further attacks by planes of Task Force 58, on Kyushu airfields. Suicide planes sink the destroyer USS Pringle and damage a number of other ships, among them the carrier USS Intrepid. After preparatory bombardment by warships and aircraft, the 77th Division, less the 307th Infantry, begins landing on the southern and southwestern coast of Ie Shima, about 0800 hours. Assault forces move rapidly inland, hampered more by numerous mines than by enemy opposition, take the airfield and clear about two thirds of the island.

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Tuesday, April 17, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 957 – 1,054 bombers and 816 fighters are dispatched to hit rail targets in eastern Germany and western Czechoslovakia. They are only met by about 50 Luftwaffe fighters, mostly jets, with the US aircraft destroying 300 aircraft

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force attacks the defended city of Magdeburg, including numerous gun positions in the area, the marshalling yard and ordnance depot at Aalen, the marshalling yard and ordnance depot at Tubingen, and the ordnance depot at Ravensburg.

 

In the Canadian First Army’s Canadian I Corps area, Apeldoorn falls to the Canadian 1st Division.

 

In the US Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, after preparatory aerial bombardment, the 30th Division and Combat Command A, of the 2nd Armored Division, open an assault on Magdeburg, at about 1500 hours.

 

In the US First Army’s XVIII Corps (Airborne) area, Combat Command A, of the 13th Armored Division, takes the German Command Post west of Mettmann and halts for night, near Ratingen.

 

III Corps continues to round up prisoners.

 

In the VII Corps area, negotiations for surrender of Halle having failed, the 104th Division’s Task Force Kelleher renews its assault on the city, with some elements continuing south and others moving into city from the east. By the end of day, about two thirds of the city is clear.

 

In the US Third Army’s VIII Corps area, the 89th Division completes the capture of Werdau and establishes a bridgehead across Zwick Mulde River, in the vicinity of Zwickau.

 

In the Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, the 45th and 3rd Divisions converge on Nuremberg and begin clearing it, against furious opposition.

 

In the French 1st Army area, II Corps overruns Freudenstadt, splitting the German 19th Army.

 

In the I Corps area, the Germans hastily withdraw from the Roya River Valley.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends a force of 751 B-24s and B-17s, in support of ground forces, hit troop concentrations, supply dumps, gun positions, and a headquarters immediately south and southwest of Bologna

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In US Fifth Army area, the 92nd Division continues to pin down enemy forces in the Ligurian coastal sector.

 

In the IV Corps area, the 10th Mountain Division makes rapid progress, taking Monte Ferra, San Prospero, and Monte Moscoso. The 88th Division gains the summit of Monterumici.

 

The British Eighth Army’s X Corps pursues the enemy to the Gaiana River, where contact is regained.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

The Far East Air Force (FEAF) flies numerous sweeps and sorties are flown in support of ground forces over Luzon, Cebu, Negros, and Mindanao islands, and the Sulu Archipelago.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s I Corps area, the 148th Infantry, of the 37th Division, comes up against the enemy’s final defensive line, before Baguio, as elements reach the Irisan River, where the bridge is out.

 

In the XI Corps area, the 63rd Infantry, of the 6th Division, clears the northern tip of Mt. Mataba, eliminating the final resistance in this area.

 

In the US Eighth Army area, after preparatory naval gunfire and aerial bombardment, the VICTOR V Attack Group, Task Group 78.2, Commanded by Admiral Noble, lands assault units of X Corps’ 24th Division, on Mindanao, without opposition. On Negros Island, the 160th Infantry advances about 1,000 yards. In the Sulu Archipelago, Jolo Island is now clear, except for Mt. Daho.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, on Ie Shima Island, the 2nd and 3rd Battalions, of the 307th Infantry, land on the southern coast and attack northeast, through elements of the 305th Infantry. The 2nd and 3rd Battalions meet tenacious resistance from strong Japanese defenses, organized in depth on a ridge called “Bloody Ridge” and a rise on it known as “Government House Hill.” On Okinawa, III Amphibious Corps’ 6th Marine Division breaks organized enemy resistance on the Motobu Peninsula.

 

Central Pacific Area

20th Air Force Missions 70 to 75 – 118 B-29s bomb airfields at Tachiarai, Kokubu, Izumi, Nittagahara, and two at Kanoya, Japan. Five others attack targets of opportunity.

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Wednesday, April 18, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 959 – 767 bombers and 705 fighters are dispatched to hit rail targets in Czechoslovakia and southeastern Bavaria.

 

The RAF sends 617 Lancasters, 332 Halifaxes, and 20 Mosquitos to attack the naval base at Heligoland, and the airfield and the town on this small island.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force sends a force of about 590 B-26s, A-26s, and A-20s to attack oil storage at Neuburg an der Donau, marshalling yards at Juterbog and Nordlingen, and rail junctions at Falkenburg and Juterbog.

 

In the Canadian First Army’s Canadian I Corps area, the Canadian 5th Armoured Division reaches the Zuider Zee, isolating enemy forces and virtually ending I Corps’ offensive operations.

 

In the US Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, organized resistance in Magdeburg ceases, after assault elements of the 30th Infantry and 2nd Armored Divisions clear their respective portions and make contact.

 

In the US First Army area, XVIII Corps (Airborne) overcomes organized resistance in the Ruhr pocket and begins mopping-up stragglers.

 

In the VII Corps area, Task Force Kelleher, of the 104th Division, continues house-to-house fighting in the southern part of Halle, clearing most of the city.

 

In the V Corps area, the 2nd and 69th Divisions begin a coordinated assault on Leipzig.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, the 45th and 3rd Divisions deepen their penetration into Nuremberg, against stiff resistance.

 

In the XXI Corps area, the 42nd Division enters Fuerth and, in conjunction with elements of XV Corps, blocks all exits from Nuremberg.

 

In the VI Corps area, the 10th Armored Division advances nine miles, as enemy resistance slackens.

 

In the French 1st Army area, II Corps begins a drive on Stuttgart.

 

In the I Corps area, Detachment d’Armée de l’Atlantique (DA ATL) completes the reduction of the Royan pocket and, in the Pointe de Grave sector, crosses the antitank ditch and reaches Soulac.

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force dispatches a force of 473 B-24s and B-17s, with an escort of 89 P-51s, to support the US Fifth Army offensive in the Bologna area, and to bomb defensive positions and communications in areas around the city.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

12th Air Force medium bombers hit two railroad fills and a bridge on the south Brenner line and troop concentrations on the US Fifth and British Eighth Army fronts.

 

In the US Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, the 10th Mountain Division reaches the Sulmonte-Santa Chierlo area, astride Lavino Creek, and takes almost 3,000 prisoners. Forces flanking it are regrouped to enable the mountain troops to concentrate in the center for rapid pursuit.

 

In the II Corps area, the enemy is retreating all along the line. The South African 6th Armoured Division finds Santa Barbara ridge undefended and patrols to the junction of the Reno River and Setta Creek, without incident.

 

In the British Eighth Army’s XIII Corps area, the New Zealand 2nd Division establishes a bridgehead across the Gaiano River.

 

V Corps gains the Argenta Gap, through which it is to force the enemy back across the Po River.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

On Formosa B-25s bomb Karenko Airfield, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s bit the Tainan, Giran, Toyohara, Hobi, and Soton airfields, and P-38s on sweeps hit rail and road transportation. Fighter-bombers and A-20s hit the Balete Pass area and support ground forces on Luzon, Negros, and Cebu Islands. B-24s bomb Piso Point, on Mindanao Island. On Borneo, B-25s and P-38s hit Tarakan and Sandakan.

 

In the US Sixth Army area, assault forces of Regimental Combat Team 158 attacking Cituinan Hill from the north and south are 2,000 yards apart.

 

In the XI Corps area, on El Fraile Island, a 38th Division patrol enters Fort Drum, a burned out shell, and finds 69 enemy dead.

 

In the US Eighth Army area, the 2nd Battalion, of the 21st Infantry, and a force from the 533rd Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment, divided into two groups, make amphibious drives up two branches of the Mindanao River and take Cotabato and Tamontaca, without opposition. Elements continue upstream and seize undefended Lomopog, 22 miles from Cotabato.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, on le Shima Island, war correspondent Ernie Pyle is killed by an enemy sniper.

 

A disabled B–29 lands on Okinawa.

 

Central Pacific Area

20th Air Force Missions 76 to 81 – 112 B-29s hit Japanese airfields at Tachiarai, Izumi, Kokubu, Nittagahara, and two at Kanoya, the same targets attacked the day before. 13 other B-29s hit targets of opportunity. Two B-29s are lost.

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Thursday, April 19, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 961 – 605 B-17s and 584 P-51s are dispatched to make visual attacks on rail targets in southeastern Germany and northwestern Czechoslovakia

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force dispatches over 450 bombers to hit the marshalling yards at Ulm, Neu Ulm, and Gunzburg, all primary targets.

 

In the British Second Army’s XII Corps area, the 7th Armoured Division, driving rapidly north, cuts the Bremen–Hamburg Autobahn.

 

In the US Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, the 5th Armored Division is assisted by artillery and aircraft in destroying enemy troops attempting to escape through its zone.

 

In the US First Army’s V Corps area, the 2nd and 69th Divisions complete the capture of Leipzig.

 

In the US Seventh Army area, XV Corps continues their assault on Nuremberg, breaking into the inner walled city.

 

In the VI Corps area, the 10th Armored Division, achieving a complete breakthrough, speeds almost 20 miles southward. Combat Command A crosses the Rems River, at Lorch, and continues to the Fils River, taking the bridge at Faurndau, near Goeppingen. Combat Command B, bypassing Schwaebisch Gmuend, crosses the Rems River, west of that city, and pushes eastward. The 398th Infantry, of the 100th Division, crosses the Murr River, at Murrhardt. The 397th Infantry reaches the Murr River, at Sulzbach, and begins an assault on that town.

 

Eastern Europe

Some Red Army forces are thrusting toward Berlin from the Oder bridgehead, west of Kuestrin. Others have put forces across the Neisse River, between Cottbus and Goerlitz, and are advancing in the direction of Dresden.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force dispatches a force of 619 B-17s and B-24s to attack rail communications in southern Germany, Austria, and northern Italy.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign 12th Air Force

Medium bombers bomb bridges in the Brenner Pass and support ground forces at several points including Budrio, Vignola, and San Martino, in the Soverzano areas.

 

In the US Fifth Army area, IV Corps pursues the enemy, now in full retreat, toward the Po River.

 

II Corps shifts west, while continuing their pursuit against spotty, but skillful, rear-guard action, in order to make a main effort west of the Reno River, with the South African 6th Armoured Division and the 88th Division.

 

In the British Eighth Army area, Polish 2 Corps breaks through positions along the Gaiana River and pursues the enemy.

 

XIII Corps drives to within sight of Budria, and is ordered to continue their attack across the Idice River.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In the British Fourteenth Army’s XXXIII Corps area, Indian 20th Division columns reach the Irrawaddy River, and take Magwe and Myingun.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s over Formosa bomb Tainan Airfield and Shinchiku town. Numerous missions are flown in support of ground forces on Luzon, Cebu, and Negros islands. On Mindanao Island, other B-24s bomb personnel areas at Kabacan, Cagayan, and along the Davao River.

 

In the US Sixth Army area, in I Corps’ Highway 9 sector, the 148th Infantry, of the 37th Division, clears all the ridges south and northwest of the Irisan River bridge site, but the enemy retains ridge positions to the northeast.

 

In the XIV Corps area, on Mt. Macolod, the Japanese are compressed into a small pocket during a two-battalion assault by the 187th Infantry, of the 11th Airborne Division.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, on le Shima, the 307th and 305th Regiments, of the 77th Division, continue their futile efforts to take Bloody Ridge and le town.

 

In the US Tenth Army area, XXIV Corps launches a general assault on Okinawa against the outer belt of the Shuri defenses, after tremendous preparatory bombardment, in which naval vessels, 27 battalions of artillery, and aircraft participate. Aircraft make the largest single strike of the campaign. A landing force conducts a diversionary feint off southeastern coast. Bombardment has little effect against the well-organized network of cave and tunnel positions, and XXIV Corps gains are modest and costly.

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Friday, April 20, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 962 – 837 bombers and 890 fighters are dispatched to hit rail targets northwest to southwest of Berlin, Bavaria and Czechoslovakia.

 

The RAF sends 100 Lancasters to bomb the fuel-storage depot at Regensburg.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force sends a force of 564 A-20s, A-26s and B-26s to attack oil storage at Deggendorf and Annaburg, the marshalling yards at Memmingen and Wittenberg, ordnance depots at Nordlingen and Straubing, and other targets, including flak positions.

 

In the US Ninth Army, the 8th Armored Division, with Combat Command A on the west and Combat Command B on the east, attacks to clear the eastern edge of the Harz Mountains.

 

In the US First Army’s VII Corps area, Combat Command R, of the 3rd Armored Division, clears Bobbau-Steinfurth, the western part of Jessnitz, Wolfen, and Greppin, and moves elements northward, to Klein Kuehnau, just west of Dessau.

 

In the US Third Army area, XX Corps attacks southeast, through elements of XV Corps, toward the Danube, in the Regensburg area, with the 71st and 65th Divisions abreast.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, Nuremberg falls under coordinated blows of the 42nd, 3rd, and 45th Divisions.

 

In the XXI Corps area, Combat Command B and Combat Command R, of the 12th Armored Division, converge on Feuchtwangen, which Combat Command B clears with ease.

 

In the VI Corps area, Combat Command A and Combat Command B, of the 10th Armored Division, thrusting southwest across the Fils River, converge on Kirchheim, the division objective, and clear it.

 

In the French 1st Army area, II Corps, in conjunction with the US Seventh Army’s VI Corps, almost completes the investment of Stuttgart.

 

Detachment d’Armée de l’Atlantique (DA ATL) completes the reduction of the Pointe de Grave pocket.

 

Mediterranean Theater

A force of over 700 B-24s and B-17s, from the 15th Air Force, hit railroad bridges at Campodazzo, Ponte Gardena, and Campo di Trens, a viaduct at Avisio, marshalling yards at Vipiteno, Fortezza, and Brennero, and road bridges at Lusia, la Carrare, and Boara Pisani, in Italy.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

 

The US Fifth Army emerges from the Apennines onto Po plain.

 

In IV Corps area, the 10th Mountain Division, still in the lead, crosses Route 9, in the vicinity of Ponte Samoggia, where the highway crosses the Samoggia River.

 

The 88th Division, attacking on II Corps’ west flank, west of the Reno River, reaches positions between Casalecchio and Gesso. The South African 6th Armoured Division crosses to the west side of the Reno River and speeds northward, to the vicinity of Casalecchio.

 

In the British Eighth Army’s Polish 2 Corps area, during the night, forward elements cross the Idice River, in the vicinity of Highway 9, and speed toward Bologna.

 

In the XIII Corps area, the New Zealand 2nd Division, leading XIII Corps’ advance, reaches the Idice River and establishes a bridgehead across it.

 

In the V Corps area, the enemy begins hastily retreating.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In the British Fourteenth Army’s XXXIII Corps area, the British 2nd Division and the Indian 268th Brigade complete the envelopment and reduction of a stubborn enemy pocket in the Mt. Popa region.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

On Formosa, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s bomb Tainan Airfield, while P-51s attack the Koshun Airfield. Large-scale FEAF support of ground forces on Luzon, Cebu, and Negros islands continues.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s I Corps area, elements of the 148th Infantry, of the 37th Division, seize the ridge northeast of the Irisan River bridge site, in a flanking attack.

 

XIV Corps clears Mt. Macolod, except for one pocket.

 

In the US Eighth Army area, on Cebu Island, the 3rd Battalion, of the 132nd Infantry (Americal Division), in an amphibious move up the coast from Cebu City, lands near Danao, without opposition, and begins extensive patrolling to intercept retreating enemy groups.

 

On Bohol Island, the 3rd Battalion, of the 164th Infantry (Americal Division), materially assisted by preparatory mortar fire, routs the Japanese in the area.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, in the US Tenth Army area, on Okinawa, XXIV Corps inches forward in some sectors against furious opposition. The 96th Division clears the rest of Tombstone Ridge and continues their attack for the Nishibaru Ridge.

 

In the III Amphibious Corps area, the 6th Marine Division finishes clearing the Motobu Peninsula. Except for small enemy groups, III Corps’ zone, on northern Okinawa is now clear.

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Saturday, April 21, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 963 – 532 bombers and 444 fighters attack jet fighter airfields and rail targets in southeastern Germany.

 

During the night, the RAF dispatches 107 Mosquitos to Kiel, and 16 to the Eggebek Airfield, near Flensburg.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In Germany, 121 bombers, from the 9th Air Force, hit the Attnang-Puchheim marshalling yard.

 

In the US First Army’s VII Corps area, the 3rd Armored Division, with maximum artillery support, begins an assault on Dessau, employing elements of three combat commands, and clears the southwestern part of city, in a house-to-house battle.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XXI Corps area, the 4th Division continues south, gaining six to eight miles along the entire front. The 63rd Division makes substantial gains on XXI Corps’ right flank, against light resistance.

 

In the VI Corps area, on the western flank, the 100th Division seizes the bridges across the Rems River and drives to within two miles of Stuttgart.

 

In the French 1st Army’s II Corps area, the 5th Armored Division enters Stuttgart, from the south, and quickly occupies the city.

 

In the I Corps area, the 1st Armored Division speeds southeast, to the Danube, on I Corps left flank. A left column reaches Sigmaringen, while the right column crosses the Danube, in the Tuttlingen area, and drives to Stockach, within a mile or so of Lake Constance. Groupement Le Bel reaches the Swiss frontier, at Schaffhausen. Elements of Groupement Valluy overrun Emmendingen and Frieburg. Other French forces cross the Rhine River and seize Vieux Brisach.

 

Eastern Europe

The Red Army is developing a pincers movement against Berlin. Forces of the First White Russian Front, constituting the right prong, continue a broad frontal assault on the city, from the east, penetrating into the suburbs. Elements of the First Ukrainian Front, that form the left prong, wheel northward, toward the German capital, while others of the front continue west toward Dresden and Leipzig.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force dispatches a force of 240 B-17s and B-24s, with P-51 escort, to bomb the marshalling yards at Rosenheim, Germany, and Attnang-Puchheim, Spittal an der Drau, and Vocklabruck, in Austria. Another force of over 400 B-24s and their fighter escorts, sent to attack communications in northern Italy, abort due to bad weather.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

The US Fifth Army drives into Bologna, its objective for many months, and races toward the Po River, across open ground containing an excellent road network.

 

In the IV Corps area, Task Force Duff, commanded by Brigadier General Robinson Duff, consisting of tanks, tank destroyers, engineers, and infantry, spearheads a pursuit by the 10th Mountain Division, reaching the Panaro River, at Bomporto, and taking the bridge intact.

 

In the II Corps area, the 3rd Battalion, of the 133rd Infantry (34th Division), mounted on tanks, drives into Bologna, during morning, shortly after the city has been entered by Polish forces.

 

In the British Eighth Army’s Polish 2 Corps area, the 9th Battalion, of the 3rd Brigade (3rd Carpathian Division), reaches the center of Bologna by 0600 hours.

 

China Theater

Air movement of the Chinese 22nd Division to Chihchiang, Operation ROOSTER, is begun. The Japanese are progressing westward, toward Chihchiang, making their main effort along the road from Paoching. Their spearheads are being engaged in the Keosha Tungkow area. On the flanks, enemy forces are threatening Wukang, northwest of Hsinning, and hold positions on a mountain called Paima Shan.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In the British Fourteenth Army’s XXXIII Corps area, the Indian 7th Division surrounds Yenangyaung, where an enemy delaying force is prepared to make a firm stand to cover the withdrawal to Allanmyo.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

The Far East Air Force (FEAF) continues large scale support of ground forces on Luzon, Cebu, Negros, and Jolo islands.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s I Corps area, the battle of the Irisan River bridge site ends, as the 148th Infantry, of the 37th Division, takes the last of the ridges. Upon completion of a temporary bridge, the 148th Infantry crosses to continue their drive on Baguio.

 

In the XI Corps area, after heavy strikes and massed artillery fire, the 6th Division begins an assault on Mt. Pacawagan, with the attached 145th Infantry.

 

In the XIV Corps area, the 187th Infantry, of the 11th Airborne Division, eliminates the final enemy pocket in the Mt. Macolod area and turns this region over to guerrilla forces. Route 417 is now clear.

 

In the US Eighth Army area, X Corps seizes undefended Fort Pikit, on Mindanao.

 

On Negros Island, the 160th Infantry gains the military crest of Hill 3155.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, on le Shima, the 77th Division captures the Pinnacle and holds Bloody Ridge against a final counterattack, crushing organized resistance on the island, which is declared secure at 1730 hours.

 

Central Pacific Area

20th Air Force Missions 82 to 90 – 217 B-29s blast airfields at Oita, Usa, Kokubu, Kushira, Tachiarai, Izumi, Nittagahara and two at Kanoya. Targets of opportunity are also hit, including the city of Kagoshima.

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Sunday, April 22, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

The RAF sends 651 Lancasters, 100 Halifaxes, 16 Mosquitos to Bremen, as part of the preparation for an attack by the British XXX Corps. Two Lancasters are lost.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the US Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, the 29th Infantry and 5th Armored Divisions continue rapidly toward the Elbe River.

 

In the US Third Army’s XII Corps area, Combat Command B, to the right, reaches Schwarzenfeld and establishes a bridgehead across the Naab River.

 

The 3rd Cavalry Group, reinforced, organized as a combat team, spearheads XX Corps’ attack toward the Danube, driving southeast through the 71st and 65th Divisions, in four columns, with the 3rd Squadron on left and the 43rd Squadron on the right. The 3rd Squadron seizes the Naab River bridge at Burglengenfeld, and establishes a bridgehead. The 43rd overruns a concentration camp, north of Hohenfels.

 

In US Seventh Army’s XXI Corps area, Combat Command A Task Forces, of the 12th Armored Division, reach the Danube River, at Lauingen and Dillingen. They seize a bridge prepared for demolition at Dillingen and establish a bridgehead on the south bank.

 

In the VI Corps area, forward elements of the 10th Armored Division’s Combat Command B column reach the Danube River, at Ehingen, where the bridges are out.

 

Eastern Europe

Troops of the First White Russian Front gain additional ground in the eastern suburbs of Berlin.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign 12th Air Force

The 12th Air Force concentrate their efforts on German forces retreating north, across the Po River.

 

In the US Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, Task Force Duff races to Santa Benedetto Po. Combat Command B, of the 1st Armored Division, protects the left flank and, against rear-guard opposition, crosses the Panaro River, southeast of Modena. The 85th Division reaches the Panaro River, at Camposanto, and takes the bridge before the enemy can destroy it.

 

In the II Corps area, the South African 6th Armoured Division spearheads the pursuit, moving columns toward the Panaro River, at Camposanto on the left and Finale on the right, in an effort to secure the crossings. The 351st Infantry, of the 88th Division, crosses the Panaro River, between Camposanto and Finale, and establishes a bridgehead, during the night.

 

In the British Eighth Army area, XIII Corps get forward elements to the Reno River.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

Lt. General Kimura orders the withdrawal of the bulk of Japanese forces from Rangoon to Pegu and Moulmein.

 

In the British Fourteenth Army’s XXXIII Corps area, Yenangyaung, the largest of the Burmese oilfields, falls to the Indian 7th Division.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

The Far East Air Force (FEAF) flies numerous missions in support of ground forces on Luzon, Cebu, and Negros islands.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s I Corps area, the 129th Infantry, of the 37th Division, attacks through the 148th Infantry, toward Baguio, gaining about 4,000 yards, then suspends the attack while the approaches are being cleared, to prevent enemy reinforcement of the city. Meanwhile Company G, of the 27th Infantry, makes a wide enveloping move, to the base of Lone Tree Hill, at the junction of the Kapintalan and Balete ridges, 2,000 yards from the Balete Pass.

 

XIV Corps has by now virtually surrounded Mt. Mataasna Bundoc.

 

In the US Eighth Army’s X Corps area, the 19th Infantry, of the 24th Division, continues along Highway 1, to a point about three miles southeast of Balabac. From Fort Pikit, the 3rd Battalion, of the 34th Infantry, moves overland, to the junction of Highway 1 and the Sayre Highway, which it takes, and continues to the vicinity of Kabacan. Japanese forces on Mindanao are thus divided.

 

In the Sulu Archipelago, troops of Regimental Combat Team 163, of the 41st Division, overrun Mt. Daho, the last organized enemy position on Jolo Island.

 

On Palawan Island, a reinforced platoon of Company G, of the 186th Infantry (41st Division), makes an unopposed landing on Pandanan Island, off the southern tip of Palawan. The liberation of Palawan Province is virtually completed.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, Japanese air activity against shipping in the Okinawa area increases.

 

In the US Tenth Army area, the 27th Division slightly improves their positions on XXIV Corps’ west flank, but the Japanese retain Item Pocket, Kakazu, and most of the Urasoe-Mura Escarpment.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force flies 99 effective sorties during a fighter attack, from Iwo Jima Island, against the Akenogahara and Suzuko airfields, in Japan. They shoot down 10 aircraft and destroy 15 more on the ground.

 

20th Air Force Missions 91to 95 – Strikes against Japanese airfields continue, as 93 B-29s bomb the airfields at Izumi, Kushira, Miyazaki, Tomitaka, and Kanoya, and targets of opportunity. One B-29 is lost.

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Monday, April 23, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

Germany

During a conference at the Swedish consulate in Luebeck, Germany, Heinrich Himmler offers to surrender German forces to the Western Allies. Himmler’s offer would still allow Nazi forces to battle the Soviet’s on the Eastern Front. The offer is subsequently rejected by the Allies, who call for an unconditional surrender on all fronts.

 

European Theater

The RAF dispatches 148 Lancasters to attack the railway yards and port area at Flensburg, but the operation is abandoned because of cloud cover over the target.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the US Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, the 29th Division continues toward the Elbe River, against light opposition.

 

Enemy resistance in VII Corps’ zone ceases at 2100 hours, by which time the 3rd Armored Division has cleared Dessau and its entire sector.

 

In the US Third Army’s XII Corps area, Combat Command B and Combat Command A, of the 11th Armored Division, quickly drive from the Naab River to Cham, which Combat Command B clears with ease, thus completing the 11th Armored Division’s current mission. The roads in the 11th Armored Division’s zone are clogged with thousands of prisoners and slave laborers. The 104th Infantry, of the 26th Division, advances, unopposed, to the Dautersdorf– Neuenburg area.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XXI Corps area, Combat Command A, of the 12th Armored Division, reinforced by elements of Combat Command B, strengthens and expands their Dillingen bridgehead. Combat Command R overruns Lauchheim. The 4th Division gains its objectives and is ordered to continue to the Danube River. The 63rd Division, clearing the region north of the Rems River, is ordered to continue as rapidly as possible to the Danube River.

 

In the VI Corps area, the 10th Armored Division continues closing in along the Danube River and begins crossing, near Ehingen and Erbach, shortly after midnight. The 44th Division follows the 10th Armored Division to the Danube River, which the 71st Infantry crosses near Ehingen. Against lively opposition, the 103rd Division closes the enemy’s escape corridor, southeast from Stuttgart.

 

Eastern Europe

Red Army forces break into Berlin proper and, to the south, reach the Elbe River, where a junction with Allied forces of the Western Front is imminent. First White Russian troops enter Berlin from the east, while those of the First Ukrainian Front enter from the south.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force dispatches a force of 719 B-24s and B-17s to attack bridges over the Brenta and Adige rivers, at Bonavigo, Zevio, Albaredo d'Adige, Badia, Cavarzere, two at Legnano, and three at Padua.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

12th Air Force medium bombers pound Po River crossings, road bridges over the Brenta River, and hit the Brenner rail line at four points.

 

In the US Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, the 10th Mountain Division crosses the Po River, in assault boats, and establishes a bridgehead on the north bank.

 

In the II Corps area, after securing a bridgehead across the Panaro River, at Camposanto, and driving quickly northward, toward the Po River, the South African 6th Armoured Division is directed toward the Po River, at Felonica, on II Corps’ right flank, and turns northeast. Pursuit continues with three divisions abreast.

 

In the British Eighth Army’s area, XIII Corps establishes a bridgehead across the Reno River.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

Far East Air Force (FEAF) fighter bombers continue to support ground forces in the northern and southern parts of Luzon Island, pounding numerous artillery positions, supply areas, and general targets of opportunity.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s I Corps area, some elements of the 130th Infantry, of the 33rd Division, clear the heights over the second Asin tunnel, while others motor to Irisan and march toward Asin.

 

In the US Eighth Army’s X Corps area, the 19th Infantry reaches Fort Pikit and relieves the 34th Infantry units already there.

 

On Cebu Island, the 2nd Battalion, of the 132nd Infantry, moves by water, to the southeast coast near Tooc, and patrols to locate the enemy. The 2nd and 3rd Battalions enter Danao and overcome organized resistance in this region.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, in the US Tenth Army’s XXIV Corps area on Okinawa, the 27th Division completes the capture of the Urasoe-Mura Escarpment, within its sector, and wipes out a counterattacking force. Resistance to the 96th Division slackens and the division gains most of the high ground within its zone.

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Tuesday, April 24, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the US Third Army’s XII Corps area, Combat Command B, of the 11th Armored Division, drives southeast, from Cham, along the Alpine highway to Regen, and clears the city, with the help of air and artillery. The 26th Division continues southeast, unopposed, to the Ragen River line, west of Chain, and crosses the 104th Infantry, at Roding, and the 328th Infantry, in the Walderbach–Reichenbach area.

 

In the XX Corps area, the 3rd Cavalry Group reaches the Danube River, with the 3rd Squadron between the Naab and Regen rivers, and the 43rd Squadron in the Riegling–Poikam area, and finds the bridges destroyed. In an effort to take the Regen River bridge, at Regenstauf, motorized Regimental Combat Team 14, of the 71st Division, speeds southeast, from Amberg, crosses the Naab River, at Burglengenfeld, and reaches the bridge, which the enemy succeeds in destroying. Crossing, at first in assault boats and later by a newly constructed treadway bridge, Regimental Combat Team 14 captures Regenstauf. The 5th Infantry reaches the Regen River, to the left of Regimental Combat Team 14 and, since no vehicular crossings are found, crosses the Regenstauf bridge behind Regimental Combat Team 14, during the night.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, the 45th and 42nd Divisions rapidly continue southward, toward the Danube River.

 

In the XXI Corps area, Combat Command A, of the 12th Armored Division, which is reinforced in the Dillingen bridgehead by the 15th Infantry, of the 3rd Division, and which releases attached elements of Combat Command B, overruns Binswangen and begins an attack on Wertingen. Combat Command B crosses the Danube River, at Dillingen, and pushes south, to positions near Burgau.

 

In the VI Corps area, Combat Command A and Combat Command B, of the 10th Armored Division, and the 71st Infantry, of the 44th Division, drive quickly from the Danube River to the Iller River and Canal, where blown bridges halt the advance.

 

In the French 1st Army’s I Corps area, destruction of the enemy in the Black Forest continues. Forces of the 10th Military Region cross the Rhine River and seize the Kembs Dam intact.

 

Eastern Europe

The First White Russian and First Ukrainian Fronts join forces inside Berlin and deepen their penetration toward the heart of the city.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force dispatches a force of about 700 B-24s and B-17s to attack railroad bridges at Malborghetto Kolbnitz, Drauburg and Arnoldstein, in Austria, and railroad bridges at Valbruna, Fermata di Brondolo, Casarsa della Delizia, and Latisana, in Italy.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the US Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, the 85th Division establishes a bridgehead across the Po River, at Quingentole, without opposition.

 

In the II Corps area, the 88th Division crosses two regiments over the Po River.

 

In the British Eighth Army area, during the night, XIII Corps establish bridgeheads across the Po River, with the 2nd New Zealand Division at Gaiaba and the 6th Armoured at Stienta.

 

During the night, the Indian 8th Division leads a V Corps attack across the Po River, crossing at and to west of Pontelagoscuro.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

Far East Air Force (FEAF) A-20s and fighter-bombers continue to strike in support of ground forces on Luzon Island.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s I Corps area, the 3rd Battalion, of the 33rd Division’s 130th Infantry, drives east, to within about 2,000 yards of Baguio, while the 2nd Battalion, of the 37th Division’s 129th Infantry, clears the cemetery on approaches to Mt. Mirador. The 1st Battalion, of the 129th Infantry, moves about 300 yards along Highway 9, coming under heavy fire.

 

In US the Eighth Army area, the 24th Division launches a drive on Mindanao, toward Digos, on Davao Gulf. The 34th Infantry, leading, reaches Saguing, 30 miles east of Digos.

 

On Bohol Island, the 3rd Battalion, of the 164th Infantry, is systematically searching the island to destroy disorganized enemy remnants.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, on le Shima, systematic mopping-up continues. American casualties through this date total 172 killed, 902 wounded, and 46 missing in action.

 

In the US Tenth Army area, XXIV Corps pushes through the first line of the enemy’s Shuri defenses, on Okinawa, with ease. Except on the west flank, the Japanese withdrew southward, during the night.

 

Central Pacific Area

20th Air Force Mission 96 – 122 B-29s strike the Hitahi aircraft plant, at Tachikawa, as well as alternate targets and targets of opportunity. They shoot down 16 Japanese aircraft. Five B-29s are lost.

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Wednesday, April 25, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 968 – 589 bombers and 486 fighters fly the final heavy bomber mission against an industrial target, airfields and rail targets in southeastern Germany and Czechoslovakia.

 

The RAF sends 308 Halifaxes, 158 Lancasters, and 16 Mosquitos to Wangerooge.

 

During the night, the RAF dispatches 107 Lancasters and 12 Mosquitos to attack the oil refinery at Tonsberg, in southern Norway, in the last raid flown by heavy bombers.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force sends a force of 296 A-20s, A-26s and B-26s to attack the Erding Airfield and Freilassing ordnance depot.

 

In the British Second Army area, XXX Corps enters Bremen and begins to clear the city.

 

In the US First Army’s V Corps area, the 69th Division makes patrol contact with Soviet forces, in the vicinity of Riesa and Torgau.

 

In the US Third Army’s XII Corps area, Combat Command B, of the 11th Armored Division, drives southwest, from Regen to Tittling, west of Ilz River, crosses the Ilz and seizes Perlesreut and the bridges across Ohe River, near Prombach.

 

In the XX Corps area, the 71st Division is ordered to attack across the Danube River, during the night, and assist the 65th Division’s assault on Regensburg, with fire. The 14th Infantry reaches the Danube River and clears Donaustauf and Walhalla. On the 71st Division’s left flank, the 66th Infantry reaches the Danube River, at Regensburg, and begins clearing that portion of the city north of the river. The 65th Division prepares for an assault crossing of the Danube River, at 0200 hours, on April 26.

 

In the III Corps area, the 14th Cavalry Group seizes Kelheim, where the Danube bridge is down, and searches for a crossing site over Ludwigs Kanal. The 99th Division reaches the Altmuhl River, clearing Dietfurt and Kinding, and starts across the river. The 342nd Infantry, of the 86th Division, captures Eichstatt and establishes a small bridgehead over the Altmuhl River.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, the 45th and 42nd Divisions reach the Danube River, with the 42nd Division clearing Donauwoerth.

 

In the XXI Corps area, forward elements of the 4th and 63rd Divisions reach the Danube River and start crossing. Most of the 8th and 12th Regiments, of the 4th Division, are across the Danube River, at Lauingen, by the end of the day. The 1st and 2nd Battalions, of the 63rd Division’s 254th Infantry, cross by a damaged bridge, near Riedheim, and take Leipheim, and repel a tank-supported counterattack.

 

In the VI Corps area, the 324th Infantry, of the 44th Division, and Combat Command R, of the 10th Armored Division, cross the Danube River, at Ulm, and clear Neu Ulm. Upon completion of a bridge at Dietenheim, Combat Command B crosses the Iller River and speeds south to the Kellmunz area. The 71st Infantry, of the 44th Division, crosses the Iller River, at Dietenheim, and drives north, clearing Voehringen.

 

In the French 1st Army’s I Corps area, the Germans make a desperate effort to escape to the Bavarian Alps, mustering their forces in the Black Forest and attacking between Villingen and the Swiss frontier.

 

Eastern Europe

Germany is split into two separate parts, as patrols of the First Ukrainian Front establish contact with US forces of the Western Front, on the Elbe River, near Torgau.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends a force of 467 B-17s and B-24s to bomb the main marshalling yard, station, and sidings, the north and south main marshalling yards and the freight yard at Linz, the major Austrian traffic center, along the railline running north to Prague, Czechoslovakia.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In Italy, all 12th Air Force combat operations are aimed at plugging retreat routes and disrupting transport in the northern Po River Valley and points to the north.

 

In the US Fifth Army area, the 92nd Division completes the reduction of Gothic Line positions, in the Ligurian coastal sector, with the capture of Aulla.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In the British Fourteenth Army’s IV Corps area, the 5th Indian Division captures Pyu and is passed through by the 17th Indian Division, which is to continue an overland drive on Rangoon.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s bomb the harbor at Saigon, in French Indochina, Balete Pass bridges, on Luzon Island, the airfields at Boeloedowang on Celebes Island, and Basco, on Batan Island.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s I Corps area, the 2nd Battalion, of the 37th Division’s 129th Infantry, begins an assault on Mt. Mirador.

 

The Japanese order the withdrawal of forces to Mt. Banahao, about 18 miles from the Malepunyo hill mass, beginning on April 27.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, in the US Tenth Army area, XXIV Corps is largely occupied with preparations for a coordinated attack on Okinawa, against the enemy’s next line of defense, improving positions, and extensively patrolling.

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Thursday, April 26, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

Starting this date, and continuing through May 7, the RAF executes Operation Exodus, as Bomber Command sends Lancasters to Brussels, and later to other airfields, to collect British prisoners of war recently liberated from their camps.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force dispatches 125 bombers to attack the Plattling Airfield.

 

In the Canadian First Army area, Canadian II Corps reports that northeast Holland is clear, except for a small region of the coast at the Ems estuary.

 

In the British Second Army area, XXX Corps completes the capture of Bremen.

 

In the US First Army’s VII Corps area, a 104th Division patrol makes contact with Soviet forces, at Pretzsch.

 

In the V Corps area, US and Soviet forces make firm contact at Torgau, when the regimental commander of the 273rd Infantry, of the 69th Division, meets the commanding officer of the 173rd Regiment, of the Soviet 58th Guard Division.

 

In the US Third Army’s XII Corps area, the 97th Division completes the capture of Cheb.

 

XX Corps begins an assault across the Danube River, at 0200 hours, when the 65th Division, on the right, starts crossing the 260th and 261st Regiments, southwest of Regensburg. Strong opposition develops, particularly in the 261st Infantry’s zone, but a firm bridgehead is established.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, the 45th and 42nd Divisions attack across the Danube River. They establish firm bridgeheads.

 

In the VI Corps area, a bridge is completed across the Iller River, at Voehringen, in the morning and used by elements of Combat Command A, of the 10th Armored Division, and the 71st Infantry, of the 44th Division. Combat Command B drives south, along the east side of the Iller Canal, to its objective, Memmingen, where many Allied prisoners of war are liberated.

 

In the French 1st Army area, I Corps, closing along the Swiss border, from Basel to Lake Constance, completes the encirclement of enemy forces in the Black Forest. The noose about the enemy is closed, as Valluy Groupement joins forces with rest of I Corps.

 

Eastern Europe

Street fighting continues in Berlin, with Germans gradually yielding to overwhelming pressure.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends 107 B-24s to bomb a motor transport depot at Tarvisio, Italy, and marshalling yards at Sachsenburg, Lienz, Spittal an der Drau, and Klagenfurt, all targets of opportunity in Austria.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the US Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, Task Force Darby, of the 10th Mountain Division enters Verona, at 0600 hours, and finds II Corps’ 88th Division in control.

 

In the II Corps area, the 91st Division reaches the Adige River, at Legnago, and starts crossing. The South African 6th Armoured Division expands the Po bridgehead, toward the Adige River.

 

In British Eighth Army’s XIII Corps area, the New Zealand 2nd Division reaches the Adige River, west of Badia, and establishes a bridgehead across it, during the night.

 

In the V Corps area, the 56th Division reaches the Adige River, above Rovigo, and secures a bridgehead.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers continue to fly numerous sorties in support of ground forces on northern and southern Luzon Island. B-24s join US Marine Corps aircraft in pounding Cebu Island targets.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s I Corps area, Mt. Mirador falls to the 129th Infantry, of the 37th Division. In the 33rd Division’s sector, the 1st Battalion, of the 130th Infantry, and the 1st Battalion, of the 123rd Infantry, find that Dominican hill is virtually deserted by the enemy.

 

In the US Eighth Army area, on Negros Island, Regimental Combat Team 164, less the 3rd Battalion, of the Americal Division, makes an unopposed landing on the southeast coast of Negros Oriental, in the vicinity of Looc, north of Dumaguete. The 1st Battalion lands first and takes the Dumaguete Airfield and city, without incident.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, on le Shima, the 77th Division, having completed its mop-up of the island, turns over command to the Island Commander (ISCOM) le Shima.

 

On Okinawa, XXIV Corps begins an assault on the next Shuri defense line, after extensive preparatory fire.

 

Central Pacific Area

20th Air Force Missions 97 to 107 – 236 B-29s bomb the airfields at Usa, Oita, Saeki, Tomitaka, Imabari, Nittagahara, Miyazaki, Kanoya, Kokubu, Miyakonojo, and targets of opportunity, in Japan. Some of the bombers are escorted by fighters of the VII Fighter Command.

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Friday, April 27, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

The RAF continues Operation Exodus, bringing British prisoners of war back to the UK.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the US Third Army’s XII Corps area, a patrol of Combat Command A, of the 11th Armored Division, reaches the Czechoslovakian border, north of Bischofsreuth, without opposition.

 

XX Corps expands its Danube bridgehead, passes armor through it, and receives the surrender of Regensburg. The 13th Armored Division begins a drive to secure an Isar River crossing and ultimately effect a junction with Soviet forces.

 

In the III Corps area, the 99th Division establishes a bridgehead across the Danube River.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XXI Corps area, the 8th Infantry secures a bridgehead across the Lech River, at Schwabstadl, with two companies.

 

VI Corps pursues the enemy, which is in full retreat, toward Austria and the vaunted, but mythical, National Redoubt.

 

Eastern Europe

Troops of the Second White Russian Front drive rapidly west, on a broad front, along the Baltic Sea, in Pomerania, with forward elements taking Prenzlau and Angermuende. Fighting continues in Berlin, where Soviet troops have cleared about three fourths of the city.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

The US Fifth Army continues to pursue the disorganized enemy. The 92nd Division reaches Genoa, on the Ligurian coast.

 

In the IV Corps area, resistance by an enemy division trapped south of the Po River, below Cremona, comes to an end.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

On Luzon Island, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-25s attack Japanese installations at Cabatuan, La-lo, and Garit Norte. A-20s hit towns throughout the area. In southern Luzon, fighter-bombers and A-20s hit targets east of Manila, in the Legaspi area, and at other scattered points. In Borneo, B-24s hit the Jesselton Airfield and B-25s bomb Tarakan Island. B-24s bomb the Mandai Airfield, on Celebes Island, and other B-24s hit Soerabaja, in Java.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s I Corps area, the battle for Baguio ends, as columns of the 37th and 33rd Divisions converge on the summer capital and overrun it.

 

In the XI Corps area, Regimental Combat Team 145, attached to the 6th Division, assisted by air and artillery, gains the crest of Mt. Pacawagan.

 

On Negros Island, forward elements of the 2nd Battalion, of the 164th Infantry, reach the ridge leading to Palimpinon.

 

Central Pacific Area

20th Air Force Missions 108 to 113 – 109 B-29s strike airfields at Izumi, Miyazaki, Kokubu, Miyakonojo, Kanoya, Kushira, and targets of opportunity, on Kyushu Island, Japan. Two B-29s are lost.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, the Japanese begin a two-day series of strong air attacks against shipping in the Okinawa area.

 

In the US Tenth Army’s XXIV Corps area, some 27th Division elements fight vigorously for limited gains, in the Yafusu area, while others virtually eliminate Item Pocket.

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Saturday, April 28, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

Italian Home Front

Benito Mussolini is intercepted by partisans while fleeing Italy and executed by a firing squad in a village on Lake Como.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the US Third Army’s XX Corps area, Combat Command R crosses the Danube River, in the 71st Division’s sector, and closes in on the Dengling area. Combat Command A crosses the Danube River, in the sectors of the 65th Division’s sector, near Thalmassing.

 

In the III Corps area, the 14th Armored Division crosses the Danube River and continues rapidly southeast, toward the Isar River.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, the 20th Armored Division opens a drive on Munich, passing through the 42nd and 45th Divisions, which then follow.

 

In the XXI Corps area, the 12th Armored Division, with the attached 101st Cavalry Group leading, starts across the Lech River, to block passes into the Bavarian Alps, to the southeast. The 30th Infantry crosses the Lech River, near Gersthofen, and starts toward Munich.

 

In the VI Corps area, right flank elements of the 10th Armored Division cross the Austrian border, near Fuessen.

 

In the French 1st Army area, I Corps opens their final drive toward Vorarlberg, Austria.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the US Fifth Army area, Alessandria, on Highway 10, falls to the 92nd Division.

 

In the II Corps area, the 88th Division clears the enemy from Vicenza. The South African 6th Armoured Division starts crossing the Adige River, at Legnago.

 

In British Eighth Army’s XIII Corps area, the 6th Armored Division crosses the Adige River and drives to Monselice.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In the Allied Land Forces South East Asia’s (ALFSEA) XV Corps area, the 82nd West African Division occupies Taungup, which patrols found clear of enemy in mid-April, completing the re-conquest of the Arakan coast.

 

In the British Fourteenth Army’s XXXIII Corps area, Allanmyo, on the road to Prome, falls to the Indian 20th Division.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

On north Luzon Island, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-25s hit targets in the Itogon area, while A-20s attack Itogon mines and start fires among huts at Fabrica, and fighter-bombers attack Balete Pass, Cagayan Valley, Tuguegarao, Trinidad, and Cervantes. On southern Luzon, A-20s and fighter-bombers support ground forces at various points, including the Batangas sector, and hit targets around Norzagaray, Ipo Dam, Montalban, New Bosoboso, and along the San Andres trail.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s XIV Corps area, Japanese resistance in the Cituinan hill mass collapses, concluding organized resistance in the Bicols.

 

In the US Eighth Army’s X Corps area, the 2nd Battalion, of the 24th Division’s 34th Infantry, seizes Digos, cutting Mindanao in two. The 2nd Battalion of the 31st Division’s 124th Infantry, gains over four miles along the Sayre Highway, reaching positions beyond Atoman.

 

On Negros Island, contact with the enemy is light.

 

Central Pacific Area (Battle of Okinawa)

20th Air Force Missions 114 to 119 – 123 B-29s hit airfields at Kushira, Kanoya, Miyakonojo, Kokubu, Miyazaki, and Izumi, all on Kyushu Island, Japan, and other targets of opportunity. The bombers shoot down 14 Japanese fighters. Five B-29s are lost.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, in the US Tenth Army’s XXIV Corps area, lively fighting continues in the Yafusu area, of Okinawa, on the 27th Division’s front. The Japanese hold the Maeda Escarpment, against 96th Division attacks.

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Sunday, April 29, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

Italian Home Front

Representatives of General Vietinghoff, commander of German Army Group Southwest, sign an instrument of unconditional surrender, effective May 2, at Caserta, thus ending hostilities in Italy.

 

European Theater

The RAF begins Operation Manna. A large pocket in Western Holland is still in German hands and the population is approaching starvation. Many old or sick people have already died because of the lack of food. A truce is arranged with the local German commander and the RAF sends Lancasters to drop food supplies for the civilian population. Pathfinder Mosquitos “mark” the drop zones.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

VIII Corps opens the final drive of the British Second Army, from the Elbe River to the Baltic Sea, at 0200 hours, when the 15th Division, reinforced by the Canadian 1st Brigade, crosses the Elbe River, in the Lauenburg area, and establishes a bridgehead.

 

In the US Third Army’s XX Corps area, the 13th Armored Division closes in along the Isar River and establishes a bridgehead.

 

In the III Corps area, the 14th Cavalry Group crosses the Danube River, in the 99th Division’s zone, and heads for the Isar River. During the night, the 86th Division begins crossing the Isar River in assault boats, under heavy fire.

 

In the US Seventh Army area, XV Corps, with the 20th Armored Division spearheading and the 3rd, 42nd, and 45th Infantry Divisions also in assault, races to the outskirts of Munich, overrunning the Dachau concentration camp.

 

In the XXI Corps area, the 12th Armored Division completes its crossing of the Lech River, at Landsberg, and drives southeast, until ordered to proceed south, toward Innsbruck.

 

In the VI Corps area, the 10th Armored Division attacks across Lech River.

 

Eastern Europe

The Second White Russian Front continues west, along the Baltic coast, with right flank elements seizing Anklan, on the road to Stralsund, and the others driving into Mecklenburg. Fighting continues in the heart of Berlin.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

Representatives of General Vietinghoff, commander of German Army Group Southwest, sign an instrument of unconditional surrender, effective May 2, at Caserta.

 

In the US Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, the 1st Division of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force (BEF) completes the mop-up of enemy forces cut off in the Apennines, receiving the surrender of two division commanders.

 

V Corps takes Venice.

 

China Theater

By this time 15,624 men of the Chinese New Sixth Army are at Chihchiang. A detachment of the Chinese 14th Division reaches Ankiang, within next few days.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

In support of ground forces on Luzon Island, Far East Air Force (FEAF) fighter-bombers hit troop concentrations, supply areas, pillboxes, gun positions, vehicles, and other targets, mainly in the Balete Pass, Baguio, and Echague areas. A-20s hit the New Bosoboso area, where fighters also support ground forces concentrating in the Ipo Dam area. In Borneo, B-24s pound the Kuching Airfield, while B-25s bomb Tarakan Island. Other B-24s hit the Langoan, Mandai, and Mapanget airfields, on Celebes Island. P-38s sweep French Indochina and strafe the Thu Dau Mot Airfield.

 

In the US Eighth Army’s X Corps area, forward elements of the 19th Infantry, of the 24th Division, push through Coronon and Astorga, on Mindanao, to positions near the Darong Airfield. On the Sayre Highway, the 3rd Battalion, of the 31st Division’s 124th Infantry, attacks through the 2nd Battalion, reducing a Japanese roadblock and gaining 7,000 yards, although the enemy has destroyed the bridges.

 

On Bohol Island, the 3rd Battalion, less Company I, of the 164th Infantry, leaves for Cebu. Japanese casualties total 104 killed and 16 captured, for American losses of seven killed and 14 wounded.

 

Central Pacific Area (Battle of Okinawa)

20th Air Force Missions 120 to 125 – 111 B-29s strike airfields on Kyushu Island, Japan, hitting airfields at Miyazaki, Miyakonojo, Kokubu, Kushira, two at Kanoya. They shoot down nearly 30 Japanese aircraft. Two B-29s are lost.

 

In the Ryukyu Islands, in the US Tenth Army’s XXIV Corps area on Okinawa, the 96th Division’s combat efficiency has been sharply reduced by action on the Maeda Escarpment. The 96th Division withstands enemy counterattacks and infiltration attempts, all along its line, early in day.

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Monday, April 30, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

German Home Front

Adolf Hitler commits suicide in his bunker at the Reichschancellery, Berlin, after having selected Admiral Karl Doenitz as his successor.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the British Second Army area, VIII Corps expands and strengthens its Elbe bridgehead, at Lauenburg. The 6th Airborne Division begins crossing into it, to operate on the 15th Division’s right flank.

 

US XVIII Corps (Airborne), now consisting of XVIII Corps troops and the 8th Infantry, of the 82nd Airborne, and 7th Armored Divisions, begins a drive from the Elbe River, to the Baltic Sea, to VIII Corps’ right.

 

In the US Third Army’s XII Corps area, the 11th Armored Division, with Combat Command A and Combat Command B in assault, drives southeast, along XII Corps’ right flank, to the Austrian border. The 90th Division, in a limited attack, gains ground in the woods east of Waldmuenchen, in Czechoslovakia.

 

In the XX Corps area, a bridge over the Isar River is completed, at Platting, at 1930 hours, and the 13th Armored Division begins crossing shortly afterward.

 

The 14th Cavalry Group reaches the Isar River, on III Corps’ left flank. The 99th Division attacks across the Isar River

 

In the US Seventh Army area, XV Corps converges on Munich and clears the city with ease, taking the bridges over the Isar River, intact.

 

In the XXI Corps area, Combat Command A, of the 12th Armored Division, after driving northeast to Schwaiganger, in an effort to secure another route to Innsbruck, is ordered to assemble in the Murnau area. Combat Command B, preceded by the 101st Cavalry Group, drives to the Loisach River, in the Sindelsdorf area, and halts to await bridge construction.

 

In the VI Corps area, some elements of Combat Command A, of the 10th Armored Division, driving east from Partenkirchen toward Innsbruck, reach the vicinity of Klais, while other elements move west, to open a lateral route to Combat Command B.

 

In the French 1st Army area, Detachment d’Armée de l’Atlantique (DA ATL) troops land on Oleron Island, off the Gironde Estuary, and begin to clear ineffective opposition.

 

Eastern Europe

On the southern front, the Moravian Gap stronghold of Moravska Ostrava falls to troops of the Fourth Ukrainian Front.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the US Fifth Army area, the 92nd Division reaches Turin, which is undefended.

 

A IV Corps task force formally occupies Milan. The Legnano Group moves to the Brescia area, to assist in mopping-up.

 

In the British Eighth Army’s XIII Corps area, New Zealand 2nd Division troops cross the Piave River and continue to Porto Gruaro, on the route to Trieste.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

On Formosa, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s hit the Toshien fuel storage and bomb the Tainan, Takao, and Okayama airfields, while B-25s hit Taito. Numerous missions are flown over Luzon and Negros islands, by B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers, in support of the ground forces. B-24s attack the Davao area, on Mindanao Island.

 

In the US Sixth Army area, XIV Corps overcomes organized resistance in the Malepunyo Mountain area, but pockets remain to be mopped-up.

 

In the US Eighth Army’s X Corps area, the 19th Infantry, of the 24th Division, advances on Mindanao, to within four miles of Davao, seizing the Daliao airstrip and Talomo.

 

Central Pacific Area (Battle of Okinawa)

20th Air Force Mission 126 – 94 B-29s hit the Tachikawa air depot and targets of opportunity. They are escorted is 104 P-51s, from the 7th Air Force.

 

20th Air Force Missions 127 to 132 – 56 B-29s hit the airfields at Kokubu, Oita, Tomitaka, Saeki, and two at Kanoya, on Kyushu Island, and the city of Hamamatsu. Two other B- 29s hit targets of opportunity. The B-29s shoot down 10 aircraft.

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April 30, 1945

Hitler and Eva Braun commit suicide in Hitler's bunker at 1530 hours. Their bodies are carried outside and cremated with gasoline.

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Tuesday, May 1, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

German Home Front

News of Hitler’s death is made public.

 

After arranging for his six children to be killed by a dentist and Hitler’s personal physician, Joseph Goebbels and his wife, Magda, commit suicide in the garden of the Reich Chancellery.

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 973 – 396 B-17s are dispatched to drop food supplies in the Hague and Rotterdam, in the Netherlands. A total of over 777 tons of food are dropped.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the British Second Army area, VIII Corps, having secured the initial bridgehead some 15 miles wide and eight miles deep, passes the 11th Armored and 5th Infantry Divisions through it.

 

US XVIII Corps (Airborne) expands the Elbe bridgehead up to nine miles, against light resistance.

 

The US First Army, holding a 160 mile front, from the junction of the Elbe and Mulde rivers, at Dessau on the north, to Ronsperk, Czechoslovakia, on the south, faces a disorganized enemy incapable of preventing the Red Army from closing up on a solid front.

 

In the US Third Army’s XII Corps area, the 11th Armored Division drives southeast, from the Austrian border, to the Klein Muehl River and secures crossings.

 

In the XX Corps area, the 13th Armored Division finishes crossing the Isar River, at Platting, and drives to the Inn River.

 

III Corps gets all elements across the Isar River and speeds southeast, toward the Inn River, in an effort to take the bridges before the enemy can destroy them. Task Force Pope heads for Wasserburg, where the Inn River bridge is reported intact.

 

In the XXI Corps area, Combat Command R, of the 12th Armored Division, drives southeast, from Starnberg, across the Isar River, in the 4th Division’ zone, to Holzkirchen, then along the Autobahn, with forward elements reaching the Inn River.

 

VI Corps continues southward, through the Alps, toward Innsbruck and Imst, passing the 103rd and 44th Divisions through the 10th Armored Division.

 

China Theater

During May, the Japanese decide to give up their Greater East Asia Corridor and withdraw from southern China.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

On Formosa, B-25s, from the Far East Air Force (FEAF), hit the Heito sugar refinery and the town of Kagi. The FEAF continues to support ground forces on Luzon and Negros islands. On Borneo, B-24s support Australian landings on Tarakan Island and bomb Tawau, and B-25s attack Jesselton, Tarakan Island, Sandakan, and Kudat, concentrating on airfields.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s I Corps area, the 32nd Division continues to clear the heights in the Salacsac Pass area.

 

In the US Eighth Army’s X Corps area, the 19th Infantry, of the 24th Division closes in on Davao, on Mindanao, against strong opposition, bypassing and containing Hill 550, which commands the approaches to the city.

 

On Negros Island, the 2nd Battalion, of the Americal Division’s 164th Infantry, gains another knob on the Cuernos de Negros ridge, on Negros Oriental, and holds it against counterattacks.

 

In the Netherland East Indies, the Australian 26th Brigade, of the 9th Division, lands on Tarakan Island, off northeastern Borneo, and begins to clear this oil-rich prize.

 

Central Pacific Area (Battle of Okinawa)

In the US Tenth Army’s XXIV Corps area, the 1st Marines continue futile and costly efforts to reach the Asa River line. The 1st Battalion, of the 77th Division’s 307th Infantry, attempts unsuccessfully to scale the precipitous east edge of the Maeda Escarpment, with cargo nets and ladders. Elements succeed in getting to the top, but are driven off in a nighttime counterattack. Efforts of the 3rd Battalion to take the Apartment House strongpoint also fail.

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Wednesday, 2 May , 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

German Home Front

Martin Bormann, Hitler’s personal secretary, is killed by advancing Soviet troops, as he attempts to flee Berlin.

 

German Home Front

In the Ludwigslust-Eldena- Doemitz area, Lt. General von Tippelskirch surrenders the German 21st Army. German troops in Braunau also surrender.

 

Italian Home Front

Hostilities come to an end as surrender terms become effective.

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 975 – Operation Chowhound continues, as 401 B-17s are dispatched to drop food supplies in the Netherlands, at Schipol and Alkmaar airfields, Vogelenznag, Hilversum, Utrecht and targets of opportunity. A total of over 767 tons of food are dropped.

 

During the night, the RAF launches its last raid of the war, sending 53 Mosquitos to attack airfields in the Kiel area.

 

The RAF continues Operation Exodus, bringing British prisoners of war back to the UK, and Operation Manna, providing food to the Netherlands.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The British Second Army seals off Schleswig-Holstein and Denmark, as elements reach the Baltic Sea.

 

In the VIII Corps area, Luebeck falls to the 11th Armored Division.

 

US XVIII Corps (Airborne) gains their final objective, a general line running from Wismar to Schwerin to Ludwigslust to Doemitz. At 2130 hours, Lt. General von Tippelskirch surrenders the German 21st Army unconditionally to the 82nd Airborne Division.

 

In the US Third Army’s XII Corps area, Combat Command A, of the 11th Armored Division, drives south, from Oepping, through Rohrbach, to the Muehl River, at Neufelden, and starts fording infantry elements mounted on tanks, without opposition.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XXI Corps area, Combat Command R, of the 12th Armored Division, directed to drive on Innsbruck, closes along the Inn River and drives south along it, to the Degerndorf area.

 

Eastern Europe

Soviet forces complete the capture of Berlin.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

Hostilities come to an end, as surrender terms become effective.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In ALFSEA’s (Allied Land Forces South East Asia) XV Corps area, Group Captain Grandy lands his plane on the Mingaladon airfield and enters Rangoon, where he confirms information painted on the roof of jail that the Japanese have gone. Aerial bombardment of the Rangoon area, which has been intensive since April 26, halts.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

On Luzon Island, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s and P-51s pound troops near the Ipo Dam, while B-25s, A-20s, and fighters hit Cagayan Valley targets. FEAF strikes in support of ground forces continue on Luzon and on Cebu Island. In Borneo, B-25s continue support for Australian troops on Tarakan Island and, in conjunction with US Navy aircraft, bomb the Kudat Airfield.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s I Corps area, the region east of Highway 5, at the head of a draw 2,000 yards south of Balete Pass, is now clear.

 

Central Pacific Area (Battle of Okinawa)

In the US Tenth Army’s XXIV Corps area, the 1st Marine Division attacks south, on XXIV Corps’ western flank, toward the Asa River, with the 1st Marines on the right and the 5th Marines on the left. Gains are negligible and exceedingly costly. The 307th Infantry, of the 77th Division, continues futile efforts to take the Maeda Escarpment. In the 7th Division’s zone, the 1st Battalion, of the 17th Infantry tries in vain to gain the knob of Kochi Ridge. The 184th Infantry gains and later loses Gaja Ridge.

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