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WWII - 70 Years Ago


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Friday, August 10, 1945

 

Japanese Home Front

The Japanese radio announces the Japanese desire for peace. As a result, US Army Strategic Air Forces in the Pacific (USASTAF) limits their operations to precision missions.

 

Tokyo

The Japanese Government offers to surrender “without prejudice to the Emperor’s position.”

 

China Theater

In China, five B-25s and four P-51s, from the 14th Air Force, bomb a bivouac south of Siangyin, hit convoys south of Siangtan and in the Siang Chiang Valley, pound a storage area and antiaircraft positions at Nanchang, and hit a truck concentration north of Hengshan. A group of over 50 P-47s and P-51s attack rivercraft, railroad targets, troops, trucks, and bridges at several points in southern and eastern China.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

In Japan, 80 B-24s, 118 B-25s, and a force of over 220 P-47s and P-38s, from the Far East Air Force (FEAF), pound the Kumamoto area. Over 20 B-24s bomb the Oita area. 39 P-51s provide cover over both targets. Nearly 40 B-25s attack destroyers, cargo ships, and small vessels, during a shipping sweep, between Kyushu Island and Korea. P-47s bomb the Sasebo Harbor. P-51s hit various targets of opportunity, on Honshu and Kyushu, and B- 25s bomb targets of opportunity, in the northern Ryukyu Islands. B-24s bomb Shinchiku, on Formosa. On Luzon, P-38s hit troop concentrations near Mount Pulog and east-northeast of Dupax.

 

The submarine USS Hawkbill (SS-366) shells and destroys a Japanese radio station on Djemadja Island, about 150 miles northeast of Singapore.

 

Central Pacific Area

20th Air Force Mission 323 – 70 B-29s, escorted by two groups of P-51s, bomb the arsenal complex at Tokyo, and alternate targets.

 

US Navy carrier-based planes, from fast carrier task forces of the Third Fleet, under the command of Admiral William Halsey Jr., pound Japanese shipping, airfields and railroads in northern Honshu. Planes from British Task Force 37 participate as well.

 

With Soviet forces in Korea, Russian planes sink the Japanese Coast Defense Vessel No.82, north of Joshin, Korea, about 75 miles east of Kyongsong Bay.

 

US Navy Task Force 38 planes sink:

· Sink the submarine chaser CH-42 and the minesweeper W.1, in Yamada Bay, Honshu.

· Sink the auxiliary minesweeper No.2 Kongo Maru, off Onagawa, about four miles northeast of Oshika, Honshu.

· Sink the merchant cargo ship Masayoshi Maru and the tanker No.3 Nanki Maru, in Sakata Harbor, Honshu.

· Sink the merchant cargo ship No.5 Nishiki Maru, off Hachinohe Harbor, Honshu.

· Sink the auxiliary submarine chaser No.6 Takunan Maru, off Onagawa, Honshu.

· Damage the auxiliary minelayer Koei Maru, off Ominato Harbor, northern Honshu.

· Damage the merchant cargo ship Toyotama Maru, about 26 miles northeast of Niigata Light, Honshu.

· Sink the cargo ship Chichibu Maru, in Keelung Harbor, Formosa.

· Sink the merchant cargo ship No.14 Horai Maru, off the east coast of Korea, about 78 miles northeast of Homigot Lighthouse.

 

In addition, other Allied aircraft, on antishipping missions against Japanese warships and merchantmen operating at or near Niigata, Honshu:

· Sink the army cargo ship Ujina Maru, the merchant cargo ships Manei Maru and No.7 Hosei Maru, near Niigata.

· Damage the auxiliary patrol vessel Pa No.84, the army cargo ship Yorihime Maru, and the merchant cargo ship No.7 Manei Maru, near Niigata.

· Damage the liaison vessel Aniwa Maru, in the Tsugaru Strait, between Hunshu and Hokkaido.

· Sink the cargo ships Taishun Maru and Awakawa Maru, about 23 miles south of Chongjin, in Kyongsong Bay, Korea.

· Sink the merchant cargo vessels Taiko Maru, Erimo Maru, and Kari Go, in or off Najin harbor, Korea.

· Sink the army cargo ship Isshin Maru, off Ulsan, Korea.

· Sink the merchant cargo ship Shofuko Maru, in the Tsushima Strait, about 23 miles east of the northern end of Tsushima.

· Damage the Coast Defense Vessel No. 194, Coast Defense Vessel No. 198 and the army cargo ship Tairetsu Maru, in the Tsushima Strait, about 43 miles east of the northern end of Tsushima.

 

Mines continue to be the bane of Japanese warships, as they:

· Damage the Coast Defense Vessel No. 63, in Nanao Bay, Honshu.

· Damage the merchant cargo ship No.12 Nissho Maru, one mile off Cape Echizen, Honshu.

· Damage the merchant tanker No.8 Kinyu Maru, in Maizuru Harbor, Honshu.

· Damage the merchant cargo ship Harada Maru, about 23 miles south-southwest of Cape Wada, In the Inland Sea.

· Sink the merchant cargo ship Shinjo Maru, off Hime Jima, in the Inland Sea.

· Damage the merchant cargo ship Tsushima Maru.

 

The Liberty ship SS Jack Singer is torpedoed by a Japanese plane, off Naha, Okinawa. None of the 29-man Armed Guard are injured, and only one merchant seaman reports any injuries suffered in the incident. The ship is later written off as a total loss.

 

The Japanese fast transport T.21 sinks as the result of damage suffered the previous day, August 9, at Tsuwa Jima.

 

20th Air Force Mission 324 – During the night, 31 B-29s mine the Shimonoseki Strait, Nakaumi Lagoon, and the waters at Sakai and Yonago, Japan and Wonsan, Korea.

 

North Pacific Area

Russian planes sink the merchant vessels Kasado Maru and No.2 Ryuho Maru, off Kamchatka peninsula, in Sea of Okhotsk.

 

Alaska Theater

Navy Petroleum Reserve 4 Expedition, formed around cargo ship USS Spica (AK-16) and the Liberty ships SS Jonathan Harrington and SS Enos A. Mills, reaches Point Barrow, Alaska, and discharges some tonnage until ice and weather conditions force a halt in operations.

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Saturday, August 11, 1945

 

Washington, D.C.

The US replies to the Japanese surrender offer: “The ultimate form of government of Japan shall, in accordance with the Potsdam Declaration, be established by the freely expressed will of the Japanese people. The armed forces of the Allied Powers will remain in Japan until the purposes set forth in the Potsdam Declaration are achieved.”

 

China Theater

In China, nine P-51s, from the 14th Air Force, attack troops, trains, and rivercraft around Chenhsien, Tehsien, and Hengyang.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The Far East Air Force (FEAF) dispatches Okinawa-based B-24s, B-25s, A-26s, A-20s, and fighters, flying about 530 sorties, cause extensive destruction to shipping and shore installations in the Inland Sea, in the Tsushima area, and of communications, transportation, and other targets throughout Kyushu Island. Philippine Island-based B-24s bomb the Heito Airfield, on Formosa, and the Laha barracks, on Ambon Island. P-38s hit buildings near Dibuluan and field guns near Kiangan, on Luzon.

 

While on patrol in the Java Sea, the submarine USS Chub (SS-329) sinks the Japanese army auxiliary sailing vessel No.32 Sakura Maru, about 25 miles northeast of Kangean Island.

 

The submarine USS Hawkbill (SS-366) puts a landing party and Australian commandoes ashore, at Terampah Harbor, Matak Island, in the Anambas Islands, which is situated about 180 miles northeast of Horsburgh Light. The raiding party destroys a gasoline dump, captures intelligence documents, and rescues an Indian POW.

 

Central Pacific Area

US Navy Task Group 95.4, under the command of Captain Henry Armstrong, Jr., comprising four light minelayers (DM), 40 minesweepers (AM) and 10 motor minesweepers (YMS), and various supporting vessels, departs Buckner Bay, Okinawa, to proceed into the East China Sea to conduct minesweeping operations.

 

US Navy Task Force 38 planes damage the Japanese destroyer Kaba and the submarines I-36, I-159, and I-402, at Kure, Honshu.

 

While on patrol in the Sea of Japan, the submarine USS Jallao (SS-368) sinks the Japanese merchant cargo ship Teihoku Maru, about 320 miles west of Niigata Light, Honshu.

 

Mines laid by 20th Air Force B-29s still provide trouble for Japanese shipping, as they:

· Sink the merchant cargo ship No.2 Nisshin Maru, about 10 miles west of Hime Jima Lighthouse, in the Inland Sea.

· Damage the landing ship T.153, about two miles east-northeast of Kanawaiwa, in the Inland Sea, which is situated southwest of Shodo Jima.

 

The Japanese merchant vessel Wajun Go is damaged by a marine casualty near Funagawa, Hionshu.

 

North Pacific Area

The destroyer USS McDermut (DD-677) is damaged by small-caliber naval gunfire, about eight miles east of central Onekotan Island, in the Kuril Islands.

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Sunday, August 12, 1945

 

Washington, D.C.

The War Department suspends projected operations against Fort Bayard, since the end of hostilities is imminent.

 

China Theater

Soviet troops move into Korea.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s from Okinawa bomb the Matsuyama Airfield, on Formosa. In Japan, B-25s and A-26s hit the Chiran and Kanoya airfields, while other A-26s, A-20s and P-47s hit the towns of Kushikino, Akune, and Miyazaki. More B-25s and fighter-bombers hit shipping and communications targets on Kyushu, the northern Ryukyu Islands, and between Japan and Korea. The aircraft sink or damage several small merchant ships, and numerous bridges, railroads, factories, and other targets of opportunity hit. On Formosa, B-24s, from the Philippine Islands, pound the Kagi Airfield and the Takao marshalling yard. On Luzon, P-38s support ground forces in or near Kabayan, Kiangan, and Uldugan.

 

The Japanese submarine I-58 conducts an unsuccessful kaiten attack on the dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD-7), while she is en route from Okinawa to Leyte Gulf, accompanied by the destroyer escort USS Thomas F. Nickel (DE-587).

 

Central Pacific Area

The battleship USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) is damaged by an aerial torpedo, in Buckner Bay, Okinawa, about three miles north-northeast of Cape China Zaki.

 

Other Allied aircraft continue to seek out enemy shipping:

· Sinking the Japanese auxiliary patrol vessel Pa166, about five miles southeast of Urasaki, Okinawa.

· Sinking the merchant cargo ship Hozugawa Maru, about 25 miles northwest of Mokpo, Korea

· Damaging the Kitanami Maru, off Mishima Light, in the Sea of Japan.

 

Mines continue harassing enemy shipping:

· Sinking the merchant cargo ship No.1 Shinyo Maru, north of Kyushu.

· Damaging the merchant cargo ship Yurakawa Maru, about five miles off Wakamatsu Light.

· Damaging the army cargo ship No.16 Tamon Maru, in the Koguchi Channel, outside Nanao Bay.

North Pacific Area

Four B-24s, from the 11th Air Force, make a combined visual and radar bomb run over Kataoka, on Shimushu Island. Three more bomb the Suribachi Airfield, on Paramushiru Island, hitting runways and buildings. One other B-24 flies a radar-ferret mission.

 

US Navy Task Force 92, comprising two light cruisers and 12 destroyers, under the command of Rear Admiral John Brown, Jr., bombards Japanese installations on Matsuwa Island, at Kurabu Cape and Suribachi Bay, Paramushiro Island Kurils.

 

A pre-bombardment sweep of the Sea of Okhotsk results in the destruction of ten trawlers.

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This is a really great timeline, where are you finding such detailed day by day information?

Thanks, Crashdive. I appreciate your comment.

 

Over the years I have used about 15 or 20 different resources. Some are in print, some one line and some in documentaries. The one thing that makes this a real challenge is trying to work through all the errors and discrepancies. One of the resources I use, for example, is the US Army Green Books. For the most part, they are very accurate, except when coordinating details of US Navy actions during invasions. Another BIG challenge is that many of the locales listed in official military accounts either no longer exist, have changed names or were made up on the fly. Anyway, it has been a trip and I appreciate that many, like you, have enjoyed the posting.

 

Thanks.

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Monday, August 13, 1945

 

Washington, D.C.

Japanese surrender documents, approved by President Truman, are sent to General MacArthur.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s and B-25s, from Okinawa, pound shipping in the waters off Korea and Kyushu Island, and in the Inland Sea, sinking and damaging several vessels. During these raids, they:

· Sink the guardboat Ayanami Maru, about five miles north of Mishima Light.

· Damage the merchant cargo ship Tatsukiri Maru, about 18 miles southeast of Mishima Light.

· Damage the merchant cargo ship No.11 Tosei Maru, off Hakata Bay, Kyushu.

P-47s, over Keijo, encounter 20 Japanese aircraft and shoot down 16. B-25s attack Japanese forces near Palacian, Luzon. P-38s hit shipping in the Singapore area, of Malaysia.

 

Central Pacific Area

Aircraft from the fast carrier task force, commanded by Vice Admiral John McCain, bomb targets in the vicinity of Tokyo.

 

A US Army Air Force OA-10A extracts a TBM crew (VT-87), from the USS Ticonderoga (CV-14), from the inner reaches of Tokyo Bay, midway between Yokohama and Kizarazu, marking the first time that a US plane has accomplished a rescue in those waters.

 

The attack transport USS Lagrange (APA-124) is crashed into by a suicide plane, in Buckner Bay, about four miles northeast of Cape China Zaki, Okinawa.

 

The submarine USS Torsk (SS-423) sinks the Japanese merchant cargo ship Kaiho Maru, about three miles northeast of Cape Echizen, Honshu.

 

The Japanese army tanker No.10 Nitto Maru is damaged by a mine, about two miles northwest of Toyama Bay, Honshu.

North Pacific Area

The 11th Air Force dispatches its last combat mission, when six B-24s radar-bomb the Kashiwahara Staging Area, on Paramushiru Island, with incendiaries, leaving a huge columns of smoke.

 

The submarine USS Atule (SS-403) sinks the Japanese Coast Defense Vessel No.6 and damages the Coast Defense Vessel No.16, about 60 miles northwest of Cape Erimo, Hokkaido.

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Thanks, Crashdive. I appreciate your comment.

 

Over the years I have used about 15 or 20 different resources. Some are in print, some one line and some in documentaries. The one thing that makes this a real challenge is trying to work through all the errors and discrepancies. One of the resources I use, for example, is the US Army Green Books. For the most part, they are very accurate, except when coordinating details of US Navy actions during invasions. Another BIG challenge is that many of the locales listed in official military accounts either no longer exist, have changed names or were made up on the fly. Anyway, it has been a trip and I appreciate that many, like you, have enjoyed the posting.

 

Thanks.

 

I don't think I am familiar with the Green Books, what were those used for?

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Tuesday, August 14, 1945

 

Japanese Home Front

During the night, just before the announcement of Japan's surrender to the Allies, members of the Staff Office, of the Ministry of War of Japan, along with members of the Imperial Guard of Japan, attempt to stop the move to surrender, by initiating a coup d'état. They counterfeited an order to the effect of occupying the Tokyo Imperial Palace (Kyūjō), and attempted to place the Emperor under house arrest, using the 2nd Brigade Imperial Guard Infantry. The coup failed, when they could not persuade the Eastern District Army and the high command of the Imperial Japanese Army to move forward with the action. Due to their failure to convince the remaining army to oust the Imperial House of Japan, they ultimately committed suicide. This became known as the Kyūjō Incident.

 

Tokyo

Japan accepts the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration and agrees to unconditional surrender terms. General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur, is named Supreme Allied Commander to receive the enemy's capitulation and conduct the occupation of his homeland.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-25s, P-47s, and P-51s attack shipping in Korea and Kyushu waters, destroying and damaging several vessels. P-47s, over the Osaka-Nagoya area, in Japan, shoot down several Japanese aircraft.

 

The 11th Airborne Division moves by air from the Philippines to Okinawa, en route to Japan.

 

Central Pacific Area

20th Air Force Mission 325 to 327 – 418 B-29s bomb the naval arsenal at Hikari, the Osaka Army Arsenal, the railroad yards at Marifu and alternate targets. The Osaka raid is escorted by over 160 P-51s. One P-51 is lost.

 

Allied aircraft continue to patrol over the entire area, hitting Japanese shipping:

· Sinking the Japanese merchant cargo ship No.6 Hatokama Maru, off Tanoura.

· Damaging the merchant cargo ship No.5 Shinko Maru, about 17 miles southeast of Mishima Light.

· Damaging the merchant cargo ship Tatsusugi Maru, about 24 miles north of Iki Island.

· Damaging the merchant cargo ship No.3 Takakawa Maru, which is beached north of Hirato Island.

 

The submarine USS Spikefish (SS-404) sinks the Japanese submarine I-373, then en route from Sasebo to Takao, about 205 miles southeast of Shanghai, China.

 

In the Sea of Japan, about 33 miles west of Cape Kyogamisaki, the submarine USS Torsk (SS-423) sinks the Coast Defense Vessel No.13 and the Coast Defense Vessel No.47.

 

Mines laid by 20th Air Force B-29s continue to take a toll on Japanese shipping, sinking:

· The gunboat Hirota Maru, in the waters just north of Mutsure Light, Japan.

· The cargo ship Mikamasan Maru, in Genzan Bay, Korea.

· The merchant cargo ship Yojo Maru, in Osaka Harbor, Honshu.

· The merchant cargo ship Kashima Maru, off coast of Korea, south of Pusan.

 

Marine casualties account for damage to the Japanese merchant tankers No.8 Nankai Maru, about 46 miles southwest of Incheon, Korea, and the tanker Nanki Maru, about 300 miles off Bontensen.

 

20th Air Force Mission 328 to 331 – During the night, 334 B-29s bomb two urban areas, an oil company and lay mines, specifically hitting:

· The Nippon Oil Company at Tsuchizakiminato. This is the longest nonstop, un-staged B-29 mission from the Mariana Islands, covering 3,650 miles.

· The Kumagaya urban area, destroying 45 percent of the city area.

· The Isezaki urban area, destroying 17 percent of the city area.

These are the last B-29 missions against Japan in World War II. Before the last B-29s return, President Harry S. Truman announces the unconditional surrender of Japan. Immediately thereafter, the 11th Airborne Division leaves the Philippine Islands by air for Okinawa, where it goes on standby as the initial occupation force for Japan.

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I don't think I am familiar with the Green Books, what were those used for?

The US Army Green Books were commissioned by the US Army Center for Military History after the war. The Army wanted to fully, and officially, document the entire US Army war effort. They basically rehired the embedded journalists that covered the war to write specific sections that they would be familiar with. The end result was a set of books that consist of 79 volumes. Each volume ranges from about 600 to 800 pages in length. They cover topics such as procurement procedures, post development, specific campaigns (like Italy) and provide a comprehensive daily time line of Army action. However, they do not cover any Air Corp or Navy activity and only provide basic information on the Marine Corp and our Allies. The last volume was published in 1957 (I believe). They set was issued as volumes were printed. They have been out of print since the last volume was issued. It is almost impossible to find a complete set in print, but, you can find them online at

 

http://www.history.army.mil/html/bookshelves/collect/usaww2.html

 

Happy reading!!!!

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Wednesday, August 15, 1945

 

Mediterranean Theater

The Liberty ship SS William D. Byron is damaged by two mines, about 34 miles southeast of Savona, Italy. One of the four Armed Guard sailors is injured.

 

China Theater

All 14th Air Force offensive action against Japan ends.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

General MacArthur receives notice that he is now the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers. MacArthur tries to communicate with Tokyo using the War Department signal facilities, but when he receives no reply, he turns to the Army Airways Communications System (AACS). The AACS Manila station, call sign WXXU, tapped out MacArthur's instructions to the Japanese, using a frequency which the AACS had been broadcasting un-coded weather information.

 

Central Pacific Area

All 20th Air Force offensive action against Japan ends.

 

Before receiving the announcement of the end of hostilities, planes from the fast carrier task force, commanded by Vice Admiral John McCain, raid airfields in the vicinity of Tokyo, encountering heavy aerial opposition. A second strike is cancelled, while it is en route to the objectives. The pilots jettison their ordnance and return to their carriers.

 

Allied aircraft, on routine patrols, damage the Japanese merchant cargo ship No.12 Yamabishi Maru, about nine miles east of the northern end of Tsushima.

 

US Navy Task Group 30.6, under the command of Commodore Rodger Simpson, is formed to liberate, evacuate, and care for Allied POWs in Japan.

 

The Japanese escort vessel Kanju is sunk by Russian aircraft off Wonsan, in Genzan Bay, Korea.

 

The Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser CHa-167 is sunk as the result of an accident, at Kure.

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Thursday, August 16, 1945

 

Central Pacific Area

The destroyer USS Healy (DD-672) makes sonar contact with an underwater object, about 100 miles east of Iwo Jima, and carries out a depth charge attack.

 

The submarine USS Piper (SS-409) is attacked in the Sea of Japan by an unknown assailant.

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Friday, August 17, 1945

 

Japanese Home Front

General Prince Higashikuni becomes Prime Minister of Japan and forms a new cabinet.

 

 

Central Pacific Area

The Japanese Coast Defense Vessel No.46 is sunk by a mine, about 21 miles west-northwest of Mokpo, Korea.

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Saturday, August 18, 1945

 

European Theater

The VIII Fighter Command sends a detachment of the 368th Bomb Squadron (Heavy), of the 306th Bomb Group (Heavy), flying B-17s, from England to operate from Gibraltar, to fly photo-mapping missions.

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Sunday, August 19, 1945

 

Southwest Pacific Area

A Japanese delegation arrives in Manila for a conference on formal surrender arrangements. Two B-25Js, of the 345th Bomb Group (Medium) intercept two Japanese Betty bombers, north of Ie Shima. The Japanese aircraft carry a delegation from Tokyo, en route to Manila, to meet General MacArthur's staff, to work out the details of the surrender. The Betty's are painted all white, with green crosses on the wings, fuselage and vertical tail surface, and use the call signs Bataan I and Bataan II. The Japanese land on Ie Shima and are transfer to C-54s for the flight to Manila.

 

The 5th Air Force moves the 39th Troop Carrier Squadron, of the 317th Troop Carrier Group, with C-47s, from Luzon to Okinawa.

 

Central Pacific Area

A formation of fleet Marine and bluejacket landing forces, from officers and men afloat, begins. These men are transferred, at sea, to transports for the impending occupation of Yokosuka, under the Commander, US Navy Task Force 31.

 

The Japanese escort vessel Oki is damaged by a mine off Pusan, Korea.

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Monday, August 20, 1945

 

European Theater

The VIII Fighter Command sends a detachment of the 367th Bomb Squadron (Heavy), of the 306th Bomb Group (Heavy), with B-17s, from England to operate from the Azores, to photo-map Africa.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 19th Reconnaissance Squadron (Long Range, Photographic), of the Army Air Force’s 311th Reconnaissance Wing, and attached to the 9th Air Division, moves from England to Italy, with F-9s. The squadron is photo-mapping Europe.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force moves the 2nd Combat Cargo Group from Leyte to Okinawa.

 

The Japanese delegation leaves Manila for Tokyo with instructions about the occupation of Japan and the signing of the final peace terms. On the return flight from Ie Shima to Japan, the Betty's run out of fuel and ditch in Tokyo Bay, but the delegation is rescued and completes their mission.

 

Central Pacific Area

US Navy Task Force 31, under the command of Rear Admiral Oscar Badger, is formed to assume responsibility for the occupation of the Yokosuka Naval Base.

 

US Navy patrol planes reconnoiter Indochina and southern China coasts. Japanese fighters attempt to intercept them.

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The US Army Green Books were commissioned by the US Army Center for Military History after the war. The Army wanted to fully, and officially, document the entire US Army war effort. They basically rehired the embedded journalists that covered the war to write specific sections that they would be familiar with. The end result was a set of books that consist of 79 volumes. Each volume ranges from about 600 to 800 pages in length. They cover topics such as procurement procedures, post development, specific campaigns (like Italy) and provide a comprehensive daily time line of Army action. However, they do not cover any Air Corp or Navy activity and only provide basic information on the Marine Corp and our Allies. The last volume was published in 1957 (I believe). They set was issued as volumes were printed. They have been out of print since the last volume was issued. It is almost impossible to find a complete set in print, but, you can find them online at

 

http://www.history.army.mil/html/bookshelves/collect/usaww2.html

 

Happy reading!!!!

Wow, I am actually surprised I had never heard of these! It makes complete sense that the army would want complete documentation of the war effort. I wonder if the other services every commissioned similar works? Thanks again for the all the info and the amazing day by day account!

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Tuesday, August 21, 1945

 

Central Pacific Area

Two Chinese junks, commanded by Lieutenant Livingston Swentzel Jr., USNR, manned by seven Americans and 20 Chinese guerrillas, are attacked by a Japanese junk, with a crew of 83 men, while en route from Haimen to Shanghai, China. In a 45 minute action, the Chinese craft, directed by Lieutenant Swentzel, engage the enemy with bazookas, machine guns, and grenades. Upon boarding the Japanese craft, the Allied force finds 45 dead and 35 wounded. The victory has been achieved at the cost of four Chinese killed, with one American and five Chinese wounded. For his heroism above and beyond the call of duty, Lieutenant Swentzel is awarded the Navy Cross in what probably proves to be the last surface action of World War II.

 

The Japanese escort vessel Miyake is damaged by a mine, in the Inland Sea, about a mile northwest of the Hesaki Lighthouse, Kyushu.

 

Tenth Army security patrols on Okinawa, by this point, have captured 69 Japanese and killed 218, since the island is declared “secure.”

 

Asiatic Wing, US Naval Air Transport Service, is established at Oakland California.

 

North Pacific Area

Two B-24s, from the 11th Air Force, are prevented by cloud cover from taking photographs of the Soviet occupation of the Kurile Islands. Four others abort a photo mission to Paramushiru and Shimushu islands, due to bad weather.

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Wednesday, August 22, 1945

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Division relocates the 365th Fighter Group from France to Belgium.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 311th Troop Carrier Squadron, of the US Army Forces, Middle Pacific, and the 316th Troop Carrier Squadron, of the 7th Air Force, both flying C-47s, arrive in Okinawa from Hawaii.

 

Central Pacific Area

Captain Harold B. Grow, Atoll Commander, Majuro, accepts the surrender of Mille Atoll, in the Marshall Islands, on board the destroyer escort USS Levy (DE-162). Millie Atoll is the first Japanese garrison to capitulate in the Pacific.

 

Japanese antiaircraft batteries, near Hong Kong, fire upon US Navy patrol planes over the China Coast.

 

The Japanese destroyer Asagao is damaged by a mine in the Shimonoseki Straits, at the western entrance to the Inland Sea.

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Thursday, August 23, 1945

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 33rd Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, of the 363rd Reconnaissance Group, begins a movement from Germany to the US.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force moves the 310th Bomb Wing(Medium) from Mindoro to Luzon.

 

Central Pacific Area

Planes from US Navy Task Group 38.4, commanded by Rear Admiral Arthur Radford, search for Japanese shipping between Hachijo Jima and the Bonin Islands. Such movement would have been contrary to surrender instructions, but the searching aircraft report no violations.

 

North Pacific Area

Four B-24s, from the 11th Air Force, fly a photo mission over Paramushiru and Shimushu Islands, in the Kurile Islands.

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Friday, August 24, 1945

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 425th Night Pursuit Squadron begins moving from France to the US.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force moves the 2nd Troop Carrier Squadron, of the 443rd Troop Carrier Group, from India to China, with C-47s.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force moves the 317th Troop Carrier Group, from Luzon to Okinawa.

 

North Pacific Area

11th Air Force B-24s try to photograph the Soviet occupation of the Kurile Islands, but are impeded by clouds.

 

Alaska Theater

The Liberty ships SS Jonathan Harrington and SS Enos A. Mills, of the Navy Petroleum Reserve 4 Expedition, are damaged by ice floes off Point Barrow, Alaska.

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Saturday, August 25, 1945

 

European Theater

The 2nd Bomb Wing (Heavy) begins a movement from England to the US.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force relocates the 3rd Combat Cargo Squadron, of the 1st Combat Cargo Group, from Burma to China, and the 4th Combat Cargo Squadrons, of the 1st Combat Cargo Group, from India to China. Both squadrons fly C-47s.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force moves the 68th Troop Carrier Squadron, with C-46s, and the 69th Troop Carrier Squadron, with C-47s, both of the 433rd Troop Carrier Group, from Luzon to Iwo Jima.

 

Central Pacific Area

Aircraft from carrier task groups begin daily flights over Japan to patrol airfields, shipping movements, and to locate and supply prisoner of war camps. The operation continues until September 2.

 

US Navy Task Group 95.4, under the command of Captain Henry Armstrong, Jr., returns to Buckner Bay, having completed its mine clearance work in the East China Sea and destroying 578 mines during eleven days of sweeping.

 

The carrier USS Wasp (CV-18) and the destroyer USS Chauncey (DD-667) are damaged by typhoon.

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Sunday, August 26, 1945

 

European Theater

The 1st Bomb Wing (Heavy), the 14th Bomb Wing (Heavy), the 487th Bomb Group (Heavy), and the 490th Bomb Group (Heavy) all begin moving from England to the US.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force moves the 70th Troop Carrier Squadron, of the 433rd Troop Carrier Group, with C-46s, from Luzon to Iwo Jima.

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Monday, August 27, 1945

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 13th Air Force moves the headquarters of the XIII Bomber Command from Morotai Island to Luzon.

 

The 5th Air Force moves the 67th Troop Carrier Squadron, of the 433rd Troop Carrier Group, with C-46s, from Luzon to Iwo Jima.

 

Central Pacific Area

B-29s begin supplying prisoners-of-war and internee camps in Japan, China, and Korea with medical supplies, food, and clothing. The first supply drop, to the Weihsien Camp near Peking, China, is followed by a concentrated effort of 900 sorties in a period of less than a month. 4,470 tons of supplies are dropped to about 63,500 prisoners in 154 camps.

 

The US Navy Third Fleet, under the command of Admiral William Halsey Jr., sails into Sagami Bay, the outer bay to Tokyo, Japan.

 

The Japanese submarine I-14 surrenders to the destroyers USS Murray (DD-576) and USS Dashiell (DD-659), east of northern Honshu. A prize crew from the destroyer escort USS Bangust (DE-739) boards the I-14, about 450 miles east of Nojimazaki Lighthouse, Honshu.

 

The Japanese submarine I-400 surrenders to the destroyers USS Blue (DD- 744) and USS Mansfield (DD-728), east of northern Honshu. The destroyer escort USS Weaver (DE-741) places a boarding party on board the I-400.

 

A US Navy PB4Y (FAW-18) lands at Atsugi Airdrome, about 14 miles from, Tokyo, because of mechanical difficulties. No Japanese approach the plane, which returns to Iwo Jima the same day.

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Tuesday, August 28, 1945

 

Japanese Home Front

The occupation of Japan, delayed 48 hours by a typhoon, begins as the advance party arrives.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

With the discontinuance of the 6719th Women Army Air Corps (WAC) Headquarters Platoon, the detachment of the 1054th Military Police Company, Aviation, remains the only unit still attached to the 12th Air Force.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force relocates the 443rd Troop Carrier Group from India to China.

 

Central Pacific Area

The occupation of Japan officially begins as an advance party arrives in the Japanese home islands. When the news of the Japanese proposal for surrender came on August 15, the 68th Army Airways Communications System (AACS) Group, of the 7th AACS Wing, received orders to fly into Atsugi Airfield, near Tokyo, and set up the communications equipment necessary to guide-in the first contingent of occupation troops. The AACS’s mission is to provide navigational aids, point-to-point communications with Okinawa, air-to-ground communications for planes in flight, weather data, and air traffic control. Colonel Gordon Blake quickly assembled a special unit of five hand-picked men. Colonel Blake and his AACS men, part of a 150 man task force, fly from Okinawa to Atsugi, with 24 C-47 aircraft laden with equipment. In order to carry as much equipment as possible, the load is lightened by carrying only enough fuel to reach Atsugi. Although the Japanese had surrendered unconditionally, Blake and his communicators still did not know whether some might still be hostile. The sight of hundreds of Japanese Navy guards lined up along the airfield is not encouraging to the occupants of the first aircraft to land, but they are met by a group of courteous, English-speaking Japanese military personnel. The navy guards are in their honor.

 

Administrative and operational control of the Seventh Fleet, commanded by Admiral Thomas Kinkaid, passes from the Commander-in-Chief, Southwest Pacific Area, General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, to Commander-in-Chief Pacific Fleet, Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz.

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Wednesday, August 29, 1945

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The Japanese garrisons on Halmahera and Morotai surrender.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 68th Army Airways Communications System (AACS) Group, of the 7th AACS Wing, commanded by Colonel Gordon Blake, loses no time in getting their operations into full swing and the Atsugi control tower is completed.

 

Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief Pacific Fleet, arrives in Tokyo Bay, on board a PB2Y, and breaks his flag on the battleship USS South Dakota (BB-57).

 

The submarine USS Segundo (SS-398) encounters Japanese submarine I-401, off the northeast coast of Honshu, and “after considerable negotiation,” places a prize crew on board.

 

US Navy Task Group 30.6, commanded by Commodore Rodger Simpson, arrives in Tokyo Bay to undertake the emergency evacuation of Allied POWs in the waterfront areas. Guided by TBMs from the small carrier USS Cowpens (CVL-25) and taken to the scene by LCVPs, from the high speed transport USS Gosselin (APD-126), Commodore Simpson carries out his orders. The appearance of the LCVPs, off the camp at Omori, the first POW camp liberated, triggers “an indescribable scene of jubilation and emotion” by the former captives, some of whom swim out to the approaching landing craft.

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