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WWII - 70 Years Ago


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Thursday, June 21, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

In French Indochina, 16 B-25s, from the 14th Air Force, bomb an enemy fort at Bac Ninh, hit railroad yards and trains at Thanh Hoa, Phu Dien, Yen Li Station, Ha Trung, and Ninh Binh, damage a tunnel at La Son, bomb a barge concentration at Ha Dong, and attack a train near the Duc Tho bridge. A group of over 40 P-51s and P-38s hit road, rail, and river transport, coastal shipping, troops, supply lines, and targets of opportunity in French Indochina and southern and eastern China.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

Far East Air Force (FEAF) fighter-bombers attack positions and supply areas in the Cagayan Valley, other locations in northern Luzon and in the Marikina and Infanta areas in central Luzon. In Borneo, B-24s pound the Balikpapan town area, the Manggar Airfield, Sepinggang defenses, and the Oelin Airfield, and B-25s bomb the town of Keningau, while P-38s blast the nearby airfield. The fighter-bombers also attack Kudat and caves near Jesselton. On Formosa, P-38s hit targets at Mato and Kagi, and targets of opportunity, along the west coast.

 

On Luzon, in the I Corps area, the 148th Infantry, of the 37th Division continues their Cagayan Valley drive, against scattered resistance. Ranger patrols, from Aparri, establish contact with Filipino guerrilla forces. The 63rd Infantry, of the 6th Division, presses forward, toward Kiangan. The 20th Infantry reaches Pingkian. 25th Division elements, operating on the Old Spanish Trail, close in on Susuga Pass, from the north and south.

 

Central Pacific Area (Battle of Okinawa)

In the US Tenth Army’s III Amphibious Corps area, the 6th Marine Division clears most of its zone. Hill 81 falls to the 1st Marine Division.

 

In the XXIV Corps area, the Japanese in the Medeera pocket continue to hold out on Hill 85, in the 96th Division’s zone. The 7th Division cleans out the Hill 89 pocket near Mabuni.

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Friday, June 22, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force dispatches 23 B-25s and four P-47s to attack trucks, trains, and gun positions in the Hanoi area, of French Indochina. In China, they also bomb the railroad yards and barracks area at Sinsiang, hit rail and road targets, buildings, and radar station in the Showyang area, knock out a bridge south of Saiping, and damage a bridge north of Hsuchang. Over 40 fighters hit rail, road, and river traffic, artillery emplacements, line positions, and other targets, in French Indochina, and southern and eastern China.

 

The Japanese set fire to Liuchow in preparation for withdrawal. The Chinese are in the outskirts.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

Far East Air Force (FEAF) fighter-bombers supporting ground action continue to hit concentrations and positions in the Cagayan Valley, on Luzon Island. In Borneo, B-24s pound Balikpapan area gun and defensive positions, while B-25s hit nearby warehouses and numerous other buildings, and P-38s dive-bomb and score direct hits on pillboxes. On Formosa, B-24s hit the Toshien oil facilities, and P-38s attack Mato, while two B-32s blast gun positions and barracks at Heito.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s XI Corps area on Luzon, an advance party of eight persons flies north to mark the landing area for an airborne drop near Aparri.

 

In the I Corps area, attack elements of the 148th Infantry, of the 37th Division, take Tumauini, on Highway 5, and continue north, to a stream 9,000 yards southeast of Cabagan. Filipino guerrillas are forced from Tuguegarao, under heavy fire. Task Force Connolly secures Dugo and Camalaniugan, in the Aparri area. 25th Division elements open the Old Spanish Trail, through the Susuga Pass.

 

Central Pacific Area (Battle of Okinawa)

20th Air Force Missions 215 to 220 – 418 B-29s attack aircraft industry targets in Japan. They bomb the Kure Naval Arsenal, damaging 72percent of the roof area, the Mitsubishi aircraft plant at Tamashima, destroying 135 of the 231 machine tools and almost half the roof area, the Kawanishi aircraft plant at Himeji, the Mitsubishi and Kawasaki aircraft plants at Kagamigahara, and the Kawasaki aircraft factory at Akashi. Five B-29s are lost.

 

The US Tenth Army completes the capture of Okinawa and conducts a flag-raising ceremony. Lt. General Mitsuru Ushijima, commander of Japanese 32nd Army, and his chief of staff commit suicide. US battle casualties, during this last and most costly campaign against the Japanese, total 49,151, of which 12,520 are killed or missing and 36,631 wounded. About 110,000 Japanese are killed and 7,400 captured. Ship losses to enemy action, largely air, during the campaign total 36 sunk and 368 damaged. The Japanese suffer heavy losses in aircraft, 7,800. American possession of Okinawa, with its air and naval bases, brings the war much closer to the Japanese homeland, the next objective in the Pacific.

 

In the Dutch East Indies, organized enemy resistance on Tarakan Island, off Borneo, ceases.

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Saturday, June 23, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

In French Indochina, four B-25s, from the 14th Air Force, knock out the east approach to the Phu Lang Thuong bridge, and four P-38s bomb locomotives and a barracks area at Les Pins and Lang Son. 12 P-51s strafe airfields in the Canton area, of China. 17 other fighters strafe railroad targets and river traffic, in French Indochina.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

The Far East Air Force (FEAF) dispatches a force of over 150 B-24s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers to continue heavy strikes against the Balikpapan area, in Borneo, concentrating on gun emplacements and defensive positions. On Luzon Island, A-20s and fighter-bombers pound troop concentrations and occupied areas in the Cagayan Valley, and fighter-bombers attack pockets of resistance in the Infanta and Antipolo areas. B-24s bomb a butanol plant at Kobi, Formosa.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s I Corps area on Luzon, Task Force Gypsy, consisting of the reinforced 1st Battalion, of the 11th Airborne Division’s 511th Parachute Infantry, is organized under the command of Lt. Colonel Henry Burgess. At 0900 hours, transports from the 5th Air Force drops Task Force Gypsy at an airfield a few miles south of Aparri. Parachutists and their glider-transported equipment land safely and without opposition. The task force passes to the control of I Corps. The parachutists establish contact with guerrillas and push south, toward the 37th Division. The 37th Division, meanwhile, speeds northward 11 miles, on Highway 5.

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Sunday, June 24, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force sends 13 B-25s and 12 fighter bombers to knock out bridges at Lohochai and south of Chenghsien, China. They also hit surrounding antiaircraft positions, attack animal-drawn transport at Hsiangcheng, attack railroad targets of opportunity in the Shihkiachwang area, and hit railroad yards at Siaokan. Over 40 fighter-bombers continue harassing enemy withdrawals in southern and eastern China, where numerous communications targets, gun positions, bridges, and rail, road, and river traffic are attacked.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

In Luzon, Far East Air Force (FEAF) A-20s and fighter-bombers support the US Sixth Army and Filipino troops in the Kiangan sector, and north and northeast of Tuguegarao, blast numerous targets throughout the Cagayan Valley, Cervantes area concentrations, and the Infanta-Antipolo resistance pockets. In Borneo, B-24s bomb Balikpapan town and coastal guns, and fighter-bombers pound coastal guns, while B-25s bomb warehouses and the nearby Manggar Airfield.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s I Corps area on Luzon, Task Force Gypsy continues southward. The 129th Infantry, of the 37th Division, pushes northward 5½ miles and vigorously patrols on the flanks.

 

In the US Eighth Army area, the 164th Infantry, of the Americal Division, returns to Cebu Island, from Negros Oriental. The Eighth Army’s zone, except for Mindanao, is now clear.

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Monday, June 25, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force sends 18 B-25s and a group of 14 P-51s and P-47s to knock out bridges north of Shihkiachwang and north of Saiping, bomb a power plant, barracks, and warehouse at Sinsiang, bomb the Nanyo-Hengyang road, and hit the railroad yard at Siaokan. Over 80 fighter-bombers attack bridges, gun positions, river, road, and rail traffic, and generally harass Japanese movements throughout southern and eastern China.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

In Borneo, oil facilities, shore defenses and the nearby Manggar Airfield, in the Balikpapan area are well covered by Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers. B-24s bomb the Mandai Airfield, on Celebes Island. On Luzon Island, B-25s and fighter-bombers hit troop concentrations and resistance pockets, in the Cagayan Valley, in the Cervantes area, and in the Infanta sector.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s I Corps area on Luzon, Task Force Gypsy, supplied by air, finds Gattaran undefended and advances to positions about 2,000 yards south of the Duman River. The 129th Infantry, of the 37th Division, with air and artillery support, takes Tuguegarao and Penablanca, without incident.

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Tuesday, June 26, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force dispatches 21 P-51s to bomb or strafe road, river, and rail traffic, motor pools, gun positions, and buildings.

 

Chinese forces take the Liuchow airfield.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

On Luzon Island, Far East Air Force (FEAF) fighter-bombers hit targets in the Infanta area, and troop concentrations in the Cagayan Valley and Kiangan area. Ground support strikes are flown in the Cervantes area and east of Manila. In Borneo, strikes against the Balikpapan area continue, with B-24s and B-25s hitting oil targets and the nearby airfield at Manggar. B-24s also bomb the Trombol airstrip. Other B-24s bomb the airfield at Limboeng, on Celebes Island. On Formosa, B-24s hit the sugar refinery at Tanshi.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s I Corps area on Luzon, the 129th Infantry, of the 37th Division, and Task Force Gypsy effect a junction near Alcala, on Highway 5.

 

In the US Eighth Army’s X Corps area on Mindanao, the 167th Infantry, of the 31st Division, which has been creeping forward along the Talomo Trail, reaches Pinamola.

 

During the night, on Formosa, P-61s set fires at the Ensuiko sugar refinery. B-24s, over the Soerabaja Strait area, bomb the Tandjoeng-perak Airfield, on Java.

 

Central Pacific Area

20th Air Force Mission 223 to 231 – 510 B-29s are dispatched against aircraft factories, light-metals industries and arsenals in south Honshu and Shikoku.

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Wednesday, June 27, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

In Borneo, for the 15th consecutive day, B-24s pound Balikpapan, destroying oil facilities and shore defenses. B-25s hit warehouses, other buildings, and the general waterfront area. Other B-24s bomb the Mandai and Limboeng Airfields, on Celebes Island. On Luzon Island, fighter-bombers hit the Kiangan area, a troop concentration northwest of Bolog, the Pagong area, and the Bontoc-Sabangan area, provide ground support near Montalban, and hit targets in the Infanta sector.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s I Corps area on Luzon, the 129th Infantry, of the 37th Division reaches Aparri, ending the Cagayan Valley drive. This virtually concludes the Luzon Campaign as well.

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Thursday, June 28, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force sends seven B-25s and four P-51s to bomb the town of Changsha, China. They also hit a troop concentration and supply area, and blast truck convoys and ammunition trains in the Yoyang area. 28 P-51s hit a communications center south of Puchou, knock out bridges near Kiehsiu and Neikiuhsien, bomb gun emplacements and defensive positions southeast of Hsihsiakou, and attack railroad traffic and damage a road bridge in the Suchow and Yoyang areas.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

In Borneo, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s pound installations in the Manggar area, while B-24s, B-25s, and P-38s hit defenses near Balikpapan. The P-38s also skip-bomb oil storage and other B-24s hit the runways at Tabanio and Oelin. On Celebes Island, B-24s bomb the airfields at Limboeng and Langoan. On Luzon Island, fighter-bombers hit troop concentrations in the Kiangan area. B-24s strike a butanol plant at Keishu, Formosa.

 

Central Pacific Area

20th Air Force Mission 234 to 237 – During the night, 487 B-29s attack secondary cities and alternate targets, bombing:

· Okayama, destroying over two square miles, or 63percent of the city area.

· Sasebo destroying almost one square mile, or 48percent of the city area.

· Moji, destroying about 27percent of the city area.

· Nobeoka, destroying 36percent of the city area.

One B-29 is lost.

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Friday, June 29, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force dispatches 15 B-25s and four P-47s to knock out a bridge at Chungmow and attack another, in China. 18 P-51s attack troop concentrations, gun emplacements, villages, bridges, and targets of opportunity.

 

Southwest Pacific (Battle of Luzon) Area

In Borneo, continuing the offensive against Balikpapan, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers bomb defensive positions and oil installations. Other B-24s bomb Ft. Brook and the Oelin Airfields. On Luzon, fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Kiangan area and in the Cervantes sector. Other B-24s bomb the oil refinery at Shinchiku, Formosa.

 

Central Pacific Area

20th Air Force Mission 238 to 239 – During the night, 57 B-29s drop 209 tons of bombs on the Nippon Oil Company refinery, at Kudamatsu, Japan, and mine the western Shimonoseki Strait and waters around Maizuru and Sakata.

 

Kume Island, in the Ryukyu Islands, is declared secure.

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Saturday, June 30, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

In China, two B-25s, from the 14th Air Force, attack a bridge at Lohochai, causing little damage. Four fighter-bombers pound hill positions and hit an artillery emplacement, southwest of Hsihsiakou. Three others bomb and strafe an enemy held temple and a troop area at Likuanchiao.

 

Southwest Pacific Area (Battle of Luzon)

On Luzon Island, Far East Air Force (FEAF) fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Cervantes sector, north of Baguio and pound gun positions and other targets in the Kiangan area. In Borneo, B-24s again pound Balikpapan, and B-25s pound targets in northeastern Borneo, and cause considerable damage at Tawau and Tandjoengredeb.

 

The Luzon Campaign officially ends at midnight, June30 – July 1. The US Sixth Army turns over to the US Eighth Army the task of concluding operations on Luzon and regroups extensively for its next assignment, the invasion of Japan, Operation OLYMPIC. The Eighth Army takes command of XIV Corps, which will conduct the final mop-up on Luzon. Two large pockets of enemy remain on northern Luzon. About 11,000 Japanese are estimated to be concealed in the Sierra Madre Mountains, and an estimated 12,000 are established in the Kiangan-Bontoc area. Operations to eliminate these pockets continue until end of the war.

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Sunday, July 1, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

In China, a few 14th Air Force B-25s bomb a bridge and ferry terminal at Chungmow and near Kaifeng, and four escorting P-47s strafe the Kaifeng Airfield and locomotives in the area. Four other P-47s bomb the railroad yards at Yuhsiang and four P-51s knock out a bridge east of Kiehsiu.

 

Chinese forces take the town of Liuchow.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

In Borneo, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s pound defenses at Balikpapan, as Australian forces make amphibious landings, and B-24s, B-25s, and P-38s hit airfields at Oelin, Tabanio, and Trombol, and bomb the Tawau area. B-24s hit the Limboeng and Mandai airstrips, on Celebes Island. Fighter-bombers hit troops and gun positions in the Kayan-Tadian area, on Luzon.

 

Balikpapan, Borneo, target for strong aerial attacks for the past month and for naval gunfire since June 24, is invaded by Australian forces, after a final, intense two-hour bombardment. The US Seventh Fleet puts the assault force, the 7th Australian Division, ashore and supports the operation. Japanese resistance is light at first, but increases as the Australians drive inland.

 

Central Pacific Area

20th Air Force Mission 240 to 244 – During the night, 564 B-29s mine the Shimonoseki Strait and the waters at Nanao and Fushiki, and attack secondary cities, hitting;

· The Kure urban area, destroying 40 percent of the city.

· The Kumamato urban area, destroying one square mile of the city.

· The Ube urban area, destroying about 23 percent of the city.

· The Shimonoseki urban area, destroying about 36 percent of the city.

Two B-29s are lost.

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Monday, July 2, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force dispatches 28 P-51s to attack rail, river, and road traffic, bridge, and buildings around Hengyang, Hankow, and Yoyang, in China. They also attack a bivouac area and headquarters east of Changsha, and bomb a troop concentration and buildings at Yangan. The fighter-bombers pound a headquarters, buildings, a fortified compound, barracks, general targets of opportunity around Tartin, and a troop concentration near Sichuan.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

In Borneo, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s bomb defenses in the Balikpapan area, P-38s support Australian forces as they complete the capture of Balikpapan and its oil installations, and B-25s hit the Bintula personnel area. On Luzon Island, fighter-bombers hit resistance pockets near Kiangan and supply areas in the Cervantes sector. B-24s pound the Toyohara Airfield, on Formosa.

 

The Okinawa Campaign is officially ended.

 

The Australian 7th Division takes Balikpapan, Borneo, and its oil installations. This subsequently extends the holdings in this area.

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Tuesday, July 3, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

Three B-25s, from the 14th Air Force, knock out a bridge near Suicheng, while two P-47 escorts hit nearby antiaircraft positions. A force of over 70 P-51s and P-47s continue to disrupt the Japanese withdrawal, attacking transport, supply, and communications targets, troops, bridges and Japanese-held points. The fighter-bombers also hit shipping, a cement plant, an airfield, and barracks area near Haiphong, in French Indochina.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) fighters, from the 5th Air Force, fly their first mission over Japan, with P-51s destroying floatplanes in the Fukuoka harbor area, on Kyushu. On Luzon, fighter-bombers hit resistance areas in the Mankayan and Kiangan sectors. On Celebes Island, B-24s bomb the runways at the Mandai and Limboeng airfields. In Borneo, B-24s pound the Batu Kawa airstrip, southeast of Kuching, and defensive positions near Balikpapan, in support of the Australian drive inland.

 

Central Pacific Area

Two 7th Air Force B-24s, from Guam Island, attack water storage buildings on Marcus Island. 36 B-25s, from Okinawa, attacking in two flights, hit the Chiran Airfield, in Japan.

 

20th Air Force Mission 246 to 250– During the night, 481 B-29s mine the Shimonoseki Strait and waters at Funakawa and Maizuru, and bomb three urban areas, and other targets hitting:

· The Takamatsu urban area, destroying 78 percent of the city.

· The Kochi urban area, destroying 48 percent of the city.

· The Himeji urban area, destroying over 63 percent of the city.

· The Tokushima urban area, destroying 74 percent of the city.

Three B-29s are lost.

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Wednesday, July 4, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force dispatches a group of 30 P-51s and P-38s over French Indochina and southern and eastern China. They attack docks and shipping at Haiphong, and Red River shipping in French Indochina. The fighter-bombers also hit road traffic on the Luichow Peninsula and sampans east of Tanchuk, China.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) P-51s fly a massive sweep along the west coast of Kyushu Island, Japan. On Luzon, fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Cagayan Valley and others attack Batan Island. On Borneo, B-24s again pound defenses near Balikpapan and B25s bomb Sibuti. On Celebes Island, B-24s pound the Donggala seaplane base and runways at the Boeloedowang and Limboeng airfields.

 

In the US Eighth Army’s X Corps area on Mindanao, the 24th Division’s Sarangani Task Force organizes to clear the Sarangani Bay area, by overland and amphibious operations. A patrol of the 24th Reconnaissance Troop, which are part of the Sarangani Task Force, sails from Talomo to Glan, on the southeast shore of the bay. There, they deliver arms to the guerrilla 116th Infantry, of the 106th Division, and, in cooperation with the guerrillas, begins to clear the eastern shores of the bay.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 20th Air Force dispatches 159 P-51s, based on Iwo Jima, to attack the Yokosuka naval base, and airfields in the Tokyo area, specifically at Imba, Tsukuba, and Kasumigaura. They destroy nine aircraft on the ground. One P-51 is lost.

 

North Pacific Area

To celebrate the 4th of July, eight B-24s, from the 11th Air Force, radar-bomb the Kataoka naval base, on Shimushu Island, with napalm.

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Thursday, July 5, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

Eight B-25s, from the 14th Air Force, sink several sampans and junks at Haiphong, in French Indochina, and damage several larger vessels. Two B-25s and two P-47s knock out a bridge south of Chumatien, China. 37 P-51s, over French Indochina and southern and eastern China, blast shipping in the Hongay and Haiphong areas, in French Indochina, and in China, pound docks and small vessels at Chikhom, knock out a bridge at Chumatien, blast a barracks area at Anyang, and hit river and rail traffic around Tanchuk and Chenghsien.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

On Formosa, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s bomb Toshien, Takao, Toyohara and the nearby Kamioka supply area, and the Taihoku Airfield. Fighter-bombers fly nearly 100 sorties in support of ground forces in the Kiangan area, on Luzon. In Borneo, B-24s bomb Manggar and Riko. P-51s, sweeping Kyushu Island, Japan, strafe targets of opportunity and down several aircraft.

 

Australian troops, covered by Allied warships, cross Balikpapan Bay, Borneo, and land on the western shore at Penadjim Point, without opposition. Other Australian forces are extending control over key parts of Borneo.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force sends 46 B-24s and 24 B-25s, all from Okinawa, to bomb the Omura Airfield and two towns in the Omura-Nagasaki area, of Japan.

 

The 20th Air Force dispatches 100 P-51s, based on Iwo Jima, to attack airfields in the Tokyo area, specifically at Ibaraki, Yatabe, Yawatasaki Cape, and Maruta. They destroy five enemy aircraft on the ground.

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Friday, July 6, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force sends a force of 98 P-51s and P-38s over French Indochina and southern and eastern China continue to disrupt the Japanese retreat and hit transport and supply targets. Rail, road, and river traffic, coastal shipping, bridges, troops, Japanese-held areas, and general targets of opportunity are blasted at many locations, chiefly around Kweilin, Kukong, and Yangso, in China, and Haiphong, and Hanoi, in French Indochina.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

On Luzon, Far East Air Force (FEAF) fighter-bombers continue to support ground forces north of Kiangan, and bomb the town of Mankayan. In Formosa, B-24s bomb the Heito, Ryutan, and Taien airfields and A-26s pound the Taito railroad yards. B-24s over Borneo bomb Bandjermasin warehouses, Tandjoengredeb buildings, Samarinda shipyards, and the Balikpapan and Manggar areas. Okinawa-based P-51s hit transportation targets in the Kagoshima Bay area, of Japan.

 

Central Pacific Area

20th Air Force Mission 251 to 255 – Taking off during the late evening hours, 574 B-29s attack Japan between 0700 and 0800 hours local time, the following morning, bombing:

· The Chiba urban area, destroying 43.4percent of the city.

· The Akashi urban area, destroying 57.0percent of the city.

· The Shimizu urban area, destroying 50percent of the city.

· The Kofu urban area, destroying 65percent of the city.

· The Maruzen Oil Refinery, at Wakayama, hit by 500-pound bombs.

One B-29 is lost.

 

The 20th Air Force dispatches 110 P-51s, from Iwo Jima, to attack airfields in the Tokyo area, specifically at Kumagaya, Yamagata, and Chiba. They shoot down one enemy aircraft and destroy six more on the ground. One P-51 is lost.

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Saturday, July 7, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force sends a force of over 80 P-51s and P-38s over French Indochina and southern and eastern China, to continue to disrupt the Japanese withdrawal. They pound numerous communications and transport targets and general targets of opportunity.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

On Luzon Island, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-25s and fighter-bombers strike at the remnants of the Japanese army, in the Laguna de Bay and Marikina areas, and fighter-bombers hit areas of resistance near Kiangan, Penablanca, and Mankayan. B-24s, B-25s, and P-38s support Australian ground forces in the area near Balikpapan, Borneo. On Formosa, B-24s bomb the Matsuyama and Taihoku airfields, in force.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 20th Air Force dispatches over 100 P-51s, from Iwo Jima, to hit airfields in the Tokyo area. They abort due to bad weather.

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Sunday, July 8, 1945

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force sends six B-25s and four P-47s to attack a bridge north of Sinsiang and hit nearby trains. The bridge is severely damage. A force of over 60 P-38s, P- 47s, and P-51s pound river shipping, rail traffic, supplies, and troops at Haiphong, Do Son, and Tourane, in French Indochina, and at numerous locations in southern and eastern China.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

On Luzon, Far East Air Force (FEAF) P-38s and P-51s supporting ground operations hit supply and personnel areas near Kiangan and Penablanca. On Formosa, B-24s bomb Shinchiku Airfield, B-25s start fires at the Getsubi alcohol plant, and, on Koto Island, P-38s attack oil an production area at Gyuni Kuki. On Borneo, B-24s and B-25s, supporting Australian forces, hit the Balikpapan area defensive positions, the Samarinda shipyards, various targets along the Samarinda road, and warehouses at Tandjung. B-24s, including some of the RAAF, bomb warehouses at Donggala, on Celebes Island.

 

In the US Eighth Army’s X Corps area on Mindanao, the 24th Division’s Sarangani Task Force continues limited operations. A provisional infantry battalion, of the US Army Antiaircraft Artillery, and a combat company of the guerrilla 118th Infantry, of the 106th Division, start southeast overland, from Lake Buluan toward Sarangani Bay. An Expeditionary Battalion, of the guerrilla 108th Division, starts overland southwest, toward the bay, from the Davao Gulf. A patrol of the 24th Reconnaissance Troop and elements of the guerrilla 116th Infantry reach Dadjangas, on northwest shore of the bay, to reconnoiter for main landing.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 20th Air Force dispatches over 100 P-51s, from Iwo Jima, to attack airfields and other targets at Hyakuri, Chofu, Tokorozawa, and Yachimata, in Japan. The P-51s shoot down five aircraft and destroy at least 25 others on the ground. Eight P-51s are lost.

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Monday, July 9, 1945

 

China Theater

Five B-25s, from the 14th Air Force, knock out two bridges in the Sinantien area. A group of 14 P-51s and P-38s knock out bridges near Hengyang and Sinshih, damage a bridge near Chihsien, and attack shipping and railroad targets of opportunity, around Hankow, Lukou, and Sinshih, China, and Dong Hoi, in French Indochina.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

On Luzon, Far East Air Force (FEAF) P-38s and P-51s fly ground support in the Iguig area, of the Cagayan River Valley, and hit Sabangan. Nearly 50 P-51s, from Okinawa, are weathered out of a sweep on Kyushu, Japan. On Formosa, B-24s bomb the Okaseki, Toyohara, and Takao airfields and A-26s attack Karenko. On Borneo, B-24s and P-38s supporting Australian forces, hit Japanese forces in areas near Balikpapan, Manggar, and Sepinggang. Other B-24s hit the Samarinda shipyards, and B-25s, in support of operations in the Brunei Bay, area bomb a Japanese-occupied area east of Beaufort.

 

Australian and Dutch forces complete the encirclement of Balikpapan Bay, in Borneo.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force sends 43 B-24s, from Okinawa, to bomb the Omura Airfield, on Kyushu, Japan. One other B-24 bombs the airfield on Kikaiga-shima, in the Amami Islands. Over 50 B-25s, based on Okinawa, hit the Tokuno Airfield, on Tokuno Shima, in the Amami Islands.

 

20th Air Force Mission 256 to 261 – During the night, 571 B-29s mine the Shimonoseki Strait, the waters at Niigata and Nanao, bomb the Utsube Oil Refinery at Yokkaichi, and hit urban areas, including:

· The Senai urban area, destroying 27 percent of the city area.

· The Sakai urban area, destroying 44 percent of the city area.

· The Wakayama urban area, destroying over 52 percent of the city area.

· The Gifu urban area, destroying 74 percent of the city area.

Three B-29s are lost.

 

The 20th Air Force dispatches 102 P-51s, from Iwo Jima Island, to hit airfields at Itami, Hamamatsu, Aichi, and Washinomiya. They shoot down one aircraft and destroy 15 more on the ground. Three P-51s are lost.

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Tuesday, July 10, 1945

 

Japan

Carrier-based and land-based planes open powerful and sustained attacks on Japan, in preparation for an invasion. Airfields and industrial targets in the Tokyo area are hit. The Japanese air reaction is light.

 

India – Burma Theater (India)

US Naval personnel arrive in India for air movement to China, where they are to assist in the Fort Bayard operation.

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force dispatches 14 B-25s to bomb the town of Dong Anh and the railroad shops at Phu Lang Thuong, in French Indochina. They also hit truck convoys moving through the Siang Chiang Valley, in China. In China, a group of 22 P-51s and P-38s bomb warehouses at Wuchang, hit railroad targets of opportunity near Yoyang, strafe three railroad stations north of Chuanhsien, bomb buildings north of Kanchou, knock out a bridge approach south of Chuting, damage a bridge near Hengyang, and hit targets of opportunity at Weichow Island, Laohokow, China, and Tourane, in French Indochina.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

On Luzon, Far East Air Force (FEAF) P-38s and P-51s support ground action in the northern Cagayan Valley and hit enemy pockets east of Manila. On Formosa, B-24s bomb the Tainan Airfield, destroying several planes, and bomb warehouses at Takao. Bad weather again prevents a fighter sweep, from Okinawa, over Kyushu, Japan. B-24s hit the town of Muarakaman and the airfield at Tabanio, Borneo, while P-38s strafe numerous targets of opportunity in southeastern Borneo. B-24s bomb the warehouse area at Donggala, on Celebes Island.

 

Central Pacific Area

During the night, the 7th Air Force dispatches one B-24, from Okinawa, to bomb the Karasehara Airfield, in Japan. 43 other B- 24s, based on Okinawa, bomb the Wan and Sateku airfields, on Kikaiga-shima, in the Amami Islands. Over 50 B-25s bomb the Wan Airfield and Saha-Saki, on Nakano Shima, in the Ryukyu Islands, and Kurume, on Kyushu, Japan.

 

The 20th Air Force sends 102 P-51s, based on Iwo Jima, to attack Hashin, Nishinomiya, Sano, and Tokushima, Japan, mostly hitting airfields. Three P-51s are lost.

 

North Pacific Area

Four B-24s, from the 11th Air Force, fly a search down the west coasts of Paramushiru and Shimushu islands, and then radar-bomb Minami Zaki, on Shimushu Island. One other B-24 flies a radar-ferret mission over the northern Kurile Islands.

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Wednesday, July 11, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

In China, a group of 25 P-51s and P-40s, from the 14th Air Force, attack bridges, troops, gun positions, rail traffic, rivercraft, coastal shipping. Target areas include at or near Nanchang, Kweiyi, Puchi, Tanchuk, and the Luichow Peninsula.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) P-51s sweep Kyushu, Japan. B-24s bomb the Shinchiku Airfield, on Formosa. B-25s and fighter-bombers pound troop concentrations and defenses in the Cagayan Valley, on Luzon Island, and B-24s pound troop concentrations, on Negros Island. B- 25s and P-38s pound highway targets in the Balikpapan area, of Borneo.

 

Central Pacific Area

During the night, the 7th Air Force sends two B-24s, from Okinawa, to attack the Byu and Miyazaki Airfields, on Kyushu, Japan.

 

20th Air Force Mission 262 – During the night, 25 B-29s mine the Shimonoseki Strait and the waters near Miyazu, Maizuru, and Obama Island. In the first B-29 operation to Korea, two B-29s mine Pusan and Najin.

 

North Pacific Area

Five B-24s, from the 11th Air Force, radar-bomb Kataoka, on Shimushu Island, and four B-25s fly a shipping sweep and bomb a Otomae Wan fishery, scoring hits among the buildings.

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Thursday, July 12, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

In China, three B-25s, from the 14th Air Force, blast supply convoys moving through the Siang Chiang Valley. A group of 43 P-51s and P-38s attack bridges, rivercraft, barracks road traffic, and coastal shipping. Two bridges are knocked out and others damaged, airfields are strafed at Vinh, French Indochina, and at Kiungshan, China.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) P-51s sweep Kyushu, Japan. B-24s bomb Canton, China. On Formosa, B-24s bomb Toshien, while A-26s hit numerous targets at Tamazato, and P-51s hit targets along the west coast. On Luzon, fighter-bombers hit pillboxes east of Iguig, attack concentrations in the Bontoc-Kiangan area, and support ground forces east of Manila. Over Negros Island, B-24s, in support of ground forces, bomb a concentration northeast of Mount Mandalagan. B-24s destroy a barracks area at Tandjung, Borneo, and others hit warehouses at Donggala, on Celebes Island.

 

In the US Eighth Army’s XIV Corps area, on Luzon, Kiangan falls to the 6th Division, but the Japanese continue to hold out in the area. Thousands of gallons of napalm have been dropped on the enemy pocket in the Kiangan area, during last few days. The 32nd Division is advancing along Highway 11, against the other enemy pocket on northern Luzon, in the Sierra Madre Mountains.

 

On Mindanao, in the X Corps area, the 1st Battalion, of the 24th Division’s 21st Infantry, part of the Sarangani Task Force, lands on the north shore of Sarangani Bay, against no opposition. A provisional battalion from Lake Buluan reaches a point 20 miles northwest of the bay. The Expeditionary Battalion of the guerrilla 108th Division reaches a point 15 miles northeast of bay, and the guerrilla 116th Infantry clears additional areas along bay’s shore.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force sends 47 B-24s, from Okinawa, to bomb Tsuiki, Japan. However, failing to bomb the primary target because of clouds, they attack the airfield on Kikaiga-shima, in the Amami Islands. Over 50 B-25s bomb the Kanoya Airfield and the town of Aburatsu, on Kyushu, and the Tokuno Airfield, on Tokuno Shima, in the Amami Islands. On Kyushu, Chiran Airfield is pounded by a force of 70 B-25s and A-26s. Two more A-26s hit the Ibusuki seaplane station.

 

During the night, the 7th Air Force dispatches two B-24s, from Okinawa, to bomb the Byu and Miyazaki airfields, on Kyushu.

 

20th Air Force Missions 263 to 267 – During the night, 516 B-29s bomb four cities, a petroleum plant, and other targets, in Japan, hitting:

· The Utsunomiya urban area, destroying over 34 percent of the city.

· The Ichinomiya urban area, destroying almost one percent of the city.

· The Tsuruga urban area, destroying 68 percent of the city.

· The Uwajima urban area, destroying 14 percent of the city.

They also hit the Kawasaki Petroleum Center destroying about 25 percent of the target. Three B-29s are lost, with one crashing at sea between Guam and Tinian.

 

North Pacific Area

Four B-25s, from the 11th Air Force, on a shipping sweep, bomb and strafe a freighter. One B-25 and its crew are lost.

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Friday, July 13, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force sends 14 B-25s and 12 P-51s to attack bridges, railroad yards, antiaircraft guns, and targets of opportunity at Anyang and Puchi, in China, and Do Cam, in French Indochina. A group of 33 P-51s and P-38s attack river shipping, buildings, road traffic, rail targets, and general targets of opportunity around Trung Khanh Phu, Tonkin, the Delta area, Cao Bang and Thanh Hoa, in French Indochina, and Wangypan, the Luichow Peninsula, Pinglo, Changsha, and Wuchou, in China.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s bomb storage areas at Canton, China. On Formosa, B-24s bomb boatyards and buildings at Suo, while A-26s hit the Karenko railroad yards. B-24s bomb concentrations northeast of Mount Mandalagan, on Negros Island. On Luzon, B-25s and fighter-bombers hit the Kiangan area, attack Japanese pockets east of Iguig and north of Tuguegarao, pound pillboxes, ammunition dumps, and vehicles in the Cervantes sector, and blast hostile areas near Siniloan, northeast of Laguna de Bay. P-38s attack gun entrenchments in the Miri area, of Borneo. P-38s, on a sweep over southwestern Celebes Island, hit vehicles and communications targets.

 

In X Corps area on Mindanao, contact is made between the 1st Battalion, of the 21st Infantry, and the provisional battalion from Lake Buluan, at a point 15 miles northwest of Sarangam Bay.

Central Pacific Area

20th Air Force Mission 268 – During the night, 30 B-29s mine the Shimonoseki Strait and the waters at Fukuoka, and ports at Seishin, Masan, and Reisui.

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Saturday, July 14, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force dispatches a group of 25 P-51s and P-38s to bomb or strafe ammunition and supply dumps, river, road, and rail traffic, and coastal shipping, around Laohokow, Tinpak, Koyiu and Yutze, in China, and Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, Hongay, Mon Cay and Vinh, in French Indochina.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

On Formosa, Far East Air Force (FEAF) A-26s hit the Taiharo refinery and warehouse area and P-51s over the west coast blast railroad targets. P-47s sweep the northern China coast and attack coastal cargo vessels northwest of Tinghai. On Luzon, fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Mankayan and Kiangan areas, and hit enemy positions in the Ipo-Infanta sector. B-24s support ground forces, on Negros Island, bombing the area northeast of Mount Mandalagan. On Celebes Island, B-24s bomb airstrips at Boeloedowang, Limboeng, Mapanget, and Tanamon and a Japanese headquarters at Sindjai.

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Sunday, July 15, 1945

** Selected Highlights **

 

Potsdam

The Terminal Conference opens at Potsdam, Germany, to draw up terms for a Japanese surrender and discuss military and political issues connected with the termination of hostilities. Representatives of the Soviet Union, Britain, and the United States attend.

 

China Theater

Three B-25s, from the 14th Air Force, blast truck convoys moving through the Siang Chiang Valley, of China. A group of 39 P-51s and P-47s attack rivercraft, troops, coastal shipping, bridges, railroad yards, gun positions, trains, and other targets in China and French Indochina.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s bomb an arms plant at Canton, China. On Formosa, P-51s sweep the west coast, blasting a warehouse and other buildings south of Takao and targets of opportunity on Hoko Island. On Luzon, P-38s and P-51s support ground forces in the north Cayagan Valley, in the Kiangan sector, and in the Cervantes area, and B-25s and P-51s bomb defensive positions in the Infanta sector. On Kyushu Island, Japan, 58 B-24s hit airfields at Tomitaka and Usa. 25 B-24s pound Kikaiga-shima, in the Amami Islands, Miranoura, on Yaku-shima, in the Osumi Islands, and an airfield on Tamega Island.

 

In the X Corps area on Mindanao, the guerrilla 116th Infantry and the Expeditionary Battalion, of the 108th Division, make contact 10 miles northeast of Sarangani Bay, marking contact between all elements of the 24th Division’s Sarangani Task Force.

 

Central Pacific Area

20th Air Force Mission 269 and 270 – During the night, 89 B-29s mine the waters at Naoetsu and Niigata, Japan, and at Najin, Pusan, and Wonsan, Korea, bomb the Nippon Oil Company at Kudamatsu and hit alternate targets. The Nippon Oil Company facility is almost completely destroyed.

 

The 20th Air Force dispatches 104 P-51s, from Iwo Jima, to attack the airfields and other tactical targets at Meiji, Kagamigahara, Kowa, Akenogahara, Nagoya, and Suzuko, in Japan. They destroy 13 enemy aircraft in the air and on the ground. Three P-51s are lost.

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