CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 194, DECEMBER 1, 1944

 

Fires were started on two airstrips on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos by bombs dropped from a force of Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on Novem­ber 28 (West Longitude Date).

On the following day, the same targets were again bombed by Seventh Air Force aircraft. Our bombers were intercepted by three to four Japanese aircraft of which one was destroyed and another probably destroyed. Five of our airplanes suffered minor damage but all returned safely.

On the same date, Mitchells of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing and Army bombers struck at other targets in the Bonins and Volcanos.

Army bombers and Second Marine Aircraft Wing fighters attacked Japa­nese bases in the Palaus on November 28. Hits were scored on a radio station on Arakabesan.

 

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A supply dump was set afire by fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing in an attack on Babelthuap in the Palaus on November 29. A torpedo dump on the airstrip on Yap was also hit.

Gun positions on Rota 3n the Marianas were bombed on November 29, by fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing.

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 195, DECEMBER 2, 1944

 

Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed installations on Paramushiru in the Northern Kuriles on November 29, (West Longitude Date). There was no enemy resistance.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force dropped 571/2 tons of bombs on the airstrip and other installations at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on November 30. Five enemy fighters offered slight resistance. Some of our planes were damaged by antiaircraft fire.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed the airstrip and set fire to ammunition dumps on Babelthuap in the Palau Group on Novem­ber 30.

The Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed the airstrip on Pagan and the barracks area on Rota in the Marianas on November 30.

A Catalina of Fleet Air Wing Two scored bomb hits on defense Installa­tions on Wake Island on November 29, meeting meager antiaircraft fire.

Neutralizing raids on enemy bases in the Marshalls were continued by aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two and the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on November 29 and 30.

 


 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 557, DECEMBER 4, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

 

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 20 vessels, including two combatant vessels‑a light cruiser and a destroyer‑as a result of opera­tions against the enemy in these waters, as follows

 

1 light cruiser

1 destroyer

10 medium cargo vessels

1 medium tanker

4 medium cargo transports

3 small cargo vessels

 

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

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 196, DECEMBER 4, 1944

 

Seventh Army Air Force bombers struck at airstrips on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 1 (West Longitude Date).

On the following day Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing One joined with Seventh Air Force bombers to attack installations on Haha Jima and Iwo Jima. On the same date a force of Army Liberators bombed the airstrip on Iwo Jima. Light fighter opposition was encountered but we suffered no losses.

 

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Attacking through intense antiaircraft fire, fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing hit and destroyed an ammunition dump on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 1. One Corsair plane was destroyed but the pilot was rescued.

On December 2, bivouac and storage areas were bombed by Marine aircraft in the Palaus and buildings were destroyed on Babelthuap. The airstrip on Yap was bombed by Marine fighters on the same day.

Second Marine Aircraft Wing fighters bombed installations on Rota in the Marianas and hit the airstrip on Pagan on December 2.

Strafing and bombing attacks were made by Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two on Wake Island on December 1. The enemy sent up moderate antiair­craft fire.

 


 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 558, DECEMBER 5, 1944

Pacific Area.

 

1. The following vessels of the Central Pacific Force have been lost as the result of enemy action

 

YMS‑19

YMS‑385

LCI‑ (G) ‑459

 

2. In addition to the above losses, the USS Mount Hood, ammunition ship, accidentally blew up and was lost at an advanced base in the Central Pacific.

3. The PT‑368 was lost as the result of enemy action in the Philippine area.

4. The next of kin of all casualties have been informed.

 


 

DECEMBER 6, 1944

 

DISCUSSION OF JAPANESE AVIATION

 

In the battle for the Philippines, U. S. carrier planes and carriers engaged major forces of land‑based planes for the first time in history. We have suffered some damage and encountered the stiffest air opposition we have run into in some time. The Japanese network of airfields throughout the islands enabled them to throw larger numbers of planes into the air over a given spot at one time than was possible in the limited areas we have over­come during our attacks on the island fringes of the Empire.

This action set a precedent for actions still to come as we approach closer to the heart of the Japanese Empire. We can expect still more opposition as we go along. The nearer we get, the more the Jap can constrict his air defense, as well as his ground and sea defenses. Our choices of strategy will be reduced. He will not have to guess so much as to what we will do next. As Knute Rockne once said: "It is harder to score a touch‑down from the 5 yard line than from the 40 yard line, because the defense is packed more tightly."

Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, USN, recently pointed out that we have dealt Japanese naval aviation a body blow. Fighting Jap carriers and their Navy planes was one thing. Taking on the enemy land air force is another. Although we will continue to encounter strong Naval air opposition,

 

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we will run into the Jap army planes in increasing numbers from now on. Consequently, as we approach closer to the heart of the Japanese Empire, the job of Naval Aviation will become more difficult for these reasons.:

1. We will meet Jap planes, particularly army planes, in larger numbers than heretofore. The network of airfields they have constructed during recent years will greatly assist their flexibility of action and permit large combat forces to be assembled very quickly. This certainly was true in the Philippines. This greatly complicates our problem and means that a long bitter battle must ensue before the effectiveness and striking power of the Jap air force can be neutralized.

2. The Japs have been bending every effort to increase aircraft produc­tion. Although very recently we have been destroying their planes faster than they can build them, this has not been true since the beginning of the war. Like ours, the Jap air force is now larger than it ever has been. Their production is increasing.

3. Japanese airplanes are getting better. Whereas a year ago we had a big technical advantage, now it is very slender. The Japs now have vastly improved types, particularly in their army air force, as compared with the planes we have been meeting in the approaches to the Empire. We have met very few of these new ones in combat. There is good reason to believe that they are holding a large stock of these new army planes in reserve on the Jap mainland.

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 197, DECEMBER 6, 1944

 

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing destroyed a building on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 4 (West Longitude Date).

Gun positions on Rota in the Marianas were bombed by Marine fighters on December 3. On the following day, Marine fighters and bombers struck at defense installations and at the airstrip on Rota.

Supply areas on Pagan in the Marianas were attacked by Seventh Army Air Force fighters and the airstrip was bombed by Marine fighters on Decem­ber 4.

An enemy bomber was shot down by fighters over Saipan on December 4. No bombs were dropped.

On December 3, a single Army Liberator bombed one of the airstrips on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos.

Seventh Army Air Force bombers attacked installations on Marcus Island airstrip on the same date.

Bombers and fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed defenses on Ponape Island in the Carolines on December 3. One of our fighters was lost but the pilot was rescued.

Neutralization of enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls was continued by aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two and the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on December 3 and 4.

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 198, DECEMBER 7, 1944

 

About ten enemy twin‑engine Betty bombers attacked installations on Saipan in the Marianas in the early morning of December 6 (West Longitude Date). A few bombs were dropped on the island and strafing attacks were made. One Army Superfortress bomber was destroyed and two others were

 

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damaged. Casualties to personnel were one killed, one seriously wounded, and a number of others slightly wounded. Island and ship antiaircraft guns shot down six of the attacking Japanese aircraft.

Enemy‑held islands in the Marshalls were bombed by airplanes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on December 5 as neutralization of those bases was continued.

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 199, DECEMBER 8, 1944

 

A heavy force of Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force and Fleet Air Wing One, escorted by Lightning‑fighters of the Seventh Air Force, struck at Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 7 (West Longitude Date).

Surface units of the Pacific Fleet bombarded shore installations on the island in a coordinated attack on the same date.

These operations were carried out in cooperation with a heavy attack by the Twenty‑First Bomber Command.

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 200, DECEMBER 8, 1944

 

The air attack on Iwo Jima, reported by communiqué No. 199, was con­ducted by a large force of aircraft, including a sizeable force of B‑29s, 108 Liberators, and 30 Lightnings. The B‑29s encountered no antiaircraft or fighter opposition and none were lost. The Lightnings encountered six Zeros, destroyed five and damaged one.

All the aircraft concerned were under the command of Lieutenant General Millard F. Harmon, who has recently been assigned to command the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas. His force will include the shore‑based aircraft of the Pacific Ocean Areas normally employed in the offensive operations. He is also Deputy Commander of the Twentieth Air Force.

The Naval surface units which bombarded Iwo Jima on December 7, were under the command of Rear Admiral Allan E. Smith, U. S. Navy.

Bombers of the Eleventh Army Air Force scored hits on installations at Suribachi in Paramushiru in the Kuriles on December 6 (West Longitude Date).

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing strafed installations on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 5 and 6.

Marine aircraft on the same dates bombed the airstrip on Pagan in the Marianas.

 


 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 663, DECEMBER 8, 1944

 

Behind the brilliant story of the victory of Vice‑Admiral Marc A. Mitscher's carrier task force over the Japanese fleet in the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea lies another story no less dramatic in its implications-that of the workmanlike job performed by oilers of the Service Force of the Pacific, under the command of Vice‑Admiral William L. Calhoun, in feeding the fighting ships and planes their lifeblood: gasoline and fuel oil.

Today Admiral William F. Halsey, Commander, Third Fleet, announced that during September and October these oilers had supplied the carrier task force considerably more than one hundred million gallons of fuel. This fuel was for the carriers and the planes in Mitscher's forces. It was enough gasoline, based on present rations, to keep all the "A" card auto owners of

 

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a major United States city supplied with gasoline for an entire year; and the fuel oil supplied Admiral Mitscher's fleet would keep the oil burning furnaces in 76,000 average American homes under normal conditions, going the year 'round.

Nor was this merely a story of a routine fueling job, performed in a quiet harbor under ideal conditions. After the oiler has made its long trip to an advance base, through waters where the danger of air and submarine attack is always present, its most dangerous job may still lie ahead. Once the battle is joined, much of the fueling of the fighting ships must of neces­sity be done at sea, and fueling at sea is one of the most difficult and danger­ous jobs. In rough weather, it requires the utmost skill in seamanship to accomplish the job at all. Fuel and mooring lines may snap; men may be killed or maimed for life; the two ships may even collide with damage to both.

So difficult, so intricate and important is this task that Admiral Halsey has already commended the oilers for their "magnificent job" in supplying the fleet with gasoline and oil prior to and during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea.

Not many an oiler will ever be able to paint a Jap flag, for planes downed or ships sunk, upon her bridge‑but every man in the task force is aware of, the importance of the contribution of these service ships.

 


 

JOINT STATEMENT, DECEMBER 9, 1944

 

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

 

"Shipping losses from U‑boat action have again been very small and the number of U‑boats sunk in proportion has again been satisfactory.

"The enemy has by no means abandoned the struggle and has introduced new devices, such as the extensible air intake and exhaust which enable U‑boats to remain submerged for long periods and so penetrate into areas denied to them for the past three years.

"Reports that U‑boat construction has been abandoned are probably German‑inspired and are untrue. On the contrary, improved types of U‑boats may at any time be thrown into the battle and retention of our present command of the sea will undoubtedly call for unremitting vigilance and hard fighting."

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 201, DECEMBER 9, 1944

 

Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing One, on December 7 (West Longi­tude Date), bombed airstrip installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos, from low altitudes encountering intense antiaircraft fire. One of our planes was damaged but returned safely.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft bombed the airstrip on Pagan and strafed and bombed installations on Rota in the Marianas on December 7.

On December 6, Marine fighters strafed and bombed installations on Babelthuap in the Palaus.

Aircraft of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Fleet Air Wing Two strafed and bombed enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on December 7.

 

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 202, DECEMBER 11, 1944

 

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed airstrip installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 8 and 9, (West Longitude Date).

A Navy search plane of Fleet Air Wing One attacked targets on Haha Jima in the Bonins on December 8.

Corsairs and Avengers of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed installations on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 8. On the following day Marine fighters again attacked targets on Babelthuap.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Pagan airstrip in the Marianas on December 8 and 9.

Planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Fleet Air Wing Two continued neutralization raids on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on December 9 and 10.

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 203, DECEMBER 12, 1944

 

One bomber of the strategic air force attacked the airstrip on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 9 (West Longitude Date).

On the following day a flight of Army Liberators from the same force made bombing attacks on the same target. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered and two unaggressive enemy fighters were observed in the air. Eight of our planes were damaged by antiaircraft fire but all returned safely.

On December 10, Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing One bombed harbor installations in Chichi Jima in the Bonins.

Marine fighters bombed and strafed air installations and other targets on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 10.

Targets on the airstrip on Pagan in the Marianas were bombed by a Navy search plane of Fleet Air Wing One and fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on December 10.

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 204, DECEMBER 14, 1944

 

Carrierbased aircraft of the Pacific fleet on December 13 (West Longi­tude Date) struck at harbor and airfield installations in and around Luzon in the Philippines. Preliminary and incomplete reports show that 14 Japanese airplanes were shot down and 77 were destroyed on the ground.

Bombers of the strategic air force, Pacific Ocean Areas, attacked airstrip facilities on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 10 and 11. On December 12 Liberators and Lightnings of the strategic air force again attacked Iwo Jima, encountering intense antiaircraft fire. Three to four unaggressive enemy fighters were airborne but all our planes returned safely.

Mitchells of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on December 10 struck at shipping around Haha Jima in the Bonins.

Bombers of the strategic air force attacked the airfield on Marcus Island on December 11.

Enemy installations on Pagan and Rota in the Marianas were bombed by fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on December 12.

Marine fighters strafed supply areas and barges on Babelthuap in the Palaus and bombed an airfield on Yap on December 11.

 

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Navy search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two encountered moderate anti­aircraft fire in a bombing attack on Wake Island on December 12.

Planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Fleet Air Wing Two bombed power installations and fuel dumps on Nauru on December 12.

Fighters and Dive Bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing con­tinued neutralization of enemy bases in the Marshalls on December 11 and 12.

 


 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 685, DECEMBER 14, 1944

 

ADMIRAL NIMITZ TO ESTABLISH AN ADVANCED HEADQUARTERS

 

The capture of the Gilberts, Marshalls, Marianas, Ulithi and Palau has permitted moving the center of gravity of the operations of the ground, sea and air forces of the Pacific Ocean Areas far to the westward.

To improve the effectiveness of the control of these forces as their opera­tions converge on Japan, the Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, will soon establish an advanced headquarters in the forward area.

Main headquarters will remain at Pearl Harbor.

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 205, DECEMBER 15, 1944

 

Aircraft from carriers of the United States Pacific Fleet destroyed 133 Japanese airplanes on and over Luzon in strikes against air installations on that island on December V and 14 (West Longitude Date). These planes are in addition to those reported in communiqué 204. In addition 90 more enemy aircraft were strafed and bombed on the ground.

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed in­stallations on the airstrips of Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 12. This attack is in addition to the attack reported in communiqué 204.

On the following day Strategic Air Force bombers struck at the same targets. A single enemy fighter attacked our aircraft and was shot down.

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 206, DECEMBER 16, 1944

 

Carrier‑based aircraft of the Pacific Fleet on December 13 (West Longi­tude Date) struck at enemy shipping and installations in and around Luzon in the Philippines.

The following damage was caused:

 

One medium oiler sunk at Lingayen.

One medium cargo ship exploded and burning off Cape Bolinao.

One small cargo ship destroyed west of Iba.

Three small cargo ships burned at Olongapo.

Two small cargo ships burning off Calatagan.

Three small cargo ships burning at San Miguel Bay.

One large transport beached and burning at Subic Bay.

One medium oiler, beached near Iba, set ablaze.

One destroyer or one destroyer escort damaged off Vigan.

One destroyer and one destroyer escort damaged near Subic Bay.

One destroyer in Manila. Harbor damaged.

 

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A large cargo ship, a small cargo ship, a destroyer and another escort vessel were attacked in convoy.

 

Other damage to installations on Luzon included:

 

Four locomotives and six cars destroyed at San Fernando.

Buildings, fuel and ammunition dumps destroyed at Angeles and Clark Fields.

Fifteen railroad cars, truck convoy and a sugar mill damaged in and near San Fernando.

 

In an attack on Luzon on December 15 carrier‑based aircraft of the Pa­cific Fleet destroyed 11 Japanese airplanes and damaged 48 more. The total of enemy aircraft destroyed during December 13, 14, and 15 in the Luzon area is 235 and the total damaged 138. Meager air resistance was offered by the enemy. An attack was attempted on our surface units on December 15 but all eight planes in the enemy force were intercepted and shot down. Re­peated night attacks were launched from our carriers on December 13, 14 and 15.

On December 14 Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed airstrip installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos. Enemy antiaircraft fire caused slight damage to some of our planes but all returned safely. One of four attacking Japanese fighters was shot down.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed supply facilities on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 14.

Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two and the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing made neutralizing attacks on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on the same date.

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 207, DECEMBER 18, 1944

 

Carrier‑based aircraft of the Pacific Fleet continued attacks on enemy shipping, installations and rolling stock in and around Luzon in the Phil­ippines on December 15 (West Longitude Date). Complete reports for De­cember 13 and 14 and a preliminary report for December 15 reveal the following damage inflicted by the three days of operations:

 

Ships sunk:

 

One large transport

Three medium oilers

Ten cargo ships

Two landing vessels

Twelve small vessels

 

Ships damaged:

 

Four destroyers

Two destroyer escorts

Ten cargo vessels

Twenty‑five small cargo vessels

Twenty‑five landing barges

 

Rolling stock damaged

 

Eight railroad trains and locomotives strafed and burned.

At least twenty‑five military vehicles destroyed and an undetermined number of other vehicles damaged in a severe attack on a two‑hundred truck troop convoy near San Jose northeast of Manila.

 

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Military installations damaged:

 

Numerous military buildings, bridges, piers, warehouses, barracks, gas and oil storages, antiaircraft and aviation facilities.

 

Complete reports for December 13 and 14 and a preliminary report for December 15 disclose that sixty‑one enemy planes were shot down over Luzon. An additional two hundred eight enemy planes were destroyed on the ground and one hundred ninety‑two were damaged. Fires were started in dispersal areas. Incomplete figures for December 13 and 14 reveal that we lost twenty planes due to enemy action.

On December 15 Liberators of the Strategic Air Force attacked air targets on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos. On the following day a force of Liberators returned to drop one hundred twelve tons of bombs on airstrip installations. They were intercepted by three enemy fighters. One of our planes was dam­aged by antiaircraft fire. Other Liberators bombed the airstrip again during the day.

Mitchells of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing attacked a small enemy transport between the Bonins and Volcanos with rockets on December 1.6. Two explosions were seen.

Avengers bombed the airstrip on Yap on December 16. Liberators of the Strategic Air Force struck Woleai in the western Carolines on the same day.

The Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed shipping and other targets at Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 15 and 16. An enemy launch was sunk.

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing One bombed airstrip installations on Pagan in the Marianas on December 15. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.          

Planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Fleet Air Wing Two continued neutralization raids on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on De­cember 15 and 16.

 


 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 559, DECEMBER 18, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

 

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 33 vessels, including 12 combatant vessels‑a light cruiser, 3 destroyers, 6 escort vessels, a mine­sweeper and a mine layer,‑as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters

 

1 light cruiser

3 destroyers

6 escort vessels

1 mine sweeper

1 mine layer

1 large tanker

1 medium tanker

14 medium cargo vessels

2 medium cargo transports

3 small cargo vessels

 

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

 

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N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 560, DECEMBER 19, 1944

Pacific Area.

 

1. The USS Mississinewa, an auxiliary oiler, was recently lost in the Central Pacific as a result of enemy action.

2. next of kin of all casualties have been notified.

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 208, DECEMBER 19, 1944

 

Further reports on carrier‑based strikes against shipping in and around Luzon on December 13, 14 and 15 (West Longitude Dates) reveal the follow­ing additional damage to the enemy

 

Sunk:                                                          Damaged:

One large oiler                                      One large transport

One minelayer                                       One medium oiler

Seven small craft                                   One small oiler

Five small vessels                                  One coastal defense vessel

 

Revised information shows that cargo ships sunk were nine, cargo vessels damaged were nine, and small cargo vessels damaged were seventeen. These totals were previously reported as ten cargo ships sunk, ten cargo vessels damaged, and twenty‑five small vessels damaged, (communiqué No. 207). Our forces lost 27 planes in combat in the three‑day action.

On December 17, Marine torpedo planes bombed defense installations on Rota 7n the Marianas.

On the same date Navy search aircraft bombed airstrips on Truk in the Carolines, encountering moderate antiaircraft fire. Four enemy fighters at­tacked our planes, but all returned safely.

Marine aircraft bombed and strafed targets on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 17, setting two aircraft ablaze and destroying a barge, a motor launch and four trucks.

 


 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 692, DECEMBER 19, 1944

 

COMMANDER IN CHIEF BRITISH PACIFIC FLEET CONFERS WITH ADMIRAL NIMITZ

 

A series of conferences is in progress at Pearl Harbor between Fleet Admiral C. W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, and Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, GCB, KBE, Commander in Chief, British Pacific Fleet, and their respective staffs.

 


 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 693, DECEMBER 19, 1944

 

ADMIRAL NIMITZ ASSUMES RANK

 

Admiral C. W. Nimitz, USN, Commander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, has assumed the rank of a Fleet Admiral of the United States Navy, from 19 December 1944.

 

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 209, DECEMBER 20, 1944

 

On December 17 (West Longitude Date) Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed airstrip installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos, starting fires.

On the following day Liberators of the same force returned to the attack, dropping more than one hundred tons of bombs on Iwo Jima Lightning fighters shot down one enemy aircraft and strafed targets on the ground.

Marcus Island airstrip facilities were bombed by Liberators of the Stra­tegic Air Force on December 18. The enemy sent up moderate antiaircraft fire but all our planes returned safely:

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed storage areas on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 18.

More than one hundred fifty fighters and bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and strafed Maloelap Atoll on December 18 as neutralizing attacks on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls were continued.

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 210, DECEMBER 21, 1944

 

Airstrip Installations in Iwo Jima in the Volcanos were bombed by Liber­ators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, on December 1 (West Longitude Date).

On the same date Avenger torpedo planes of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Yap In the Western Carolines.

Storage areas on Babelthuap in the Palaus were bombed and strafed by fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on December 19. A number of boats were destroyed by Marine fighters attacking the Sonsoral Islands, south­west of the Palaus on the same date.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing strafed targets on Rota In the Marianas on December 19.

Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing fighters continued neutralizing attacks on enemy held bases in the Marshalls on the same date.

 


 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 561, DECEMBER 22, 1944

 

1. The USS Ward, a destroyer transport, and the USS Mahan, a de­stroyer, were recently lost off Leyte, Philippine Islands, having been hard hit by enemy aerial torpedoes and later sunk by our own forces.

2. This action was reported in Commander in Chief, Southwest Pacific Area communiqué No. 975.

3. There was no loss of life of personnel on the USS Ward.

4. The next of kin of the casualties sustained in the USS Mahan have been informed.

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 211, DECEMBER 23, 1944

 

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed air­strip installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanoes on December 20 and 21 (West Longitude Dates).

Marine Mitchell Bombers on December 21 carried out rocket attacks on shipping around the Bonins and Volcanoes.

 

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Eleventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed and strafed targets on Onekotan in the Kuriles on December 20. Our aircraft encountered meager antiaircraft fire. All returned safely.

Supply and ammunition dumps on Babelthuap in the Palaus were strafed and bombed by fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on December 20. Similar attacks were carried out on the following day.

Marine torpedo planes bombed installations on Yap on December 21.

Seventh Army Air Force Thunderbolts made strafing attacks on Pagan in the Marianas on December 20.

An enemy plane was strafed and burned on the ground at Oroluk in the Carolines by Navy Search Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two on December 20.

Neutralization attacks against enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls were continued by planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on December 21.

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 212, DECEMBER 24, 1944

 

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force bombed the airstrip and plane dispersal areas on Iwo Jima in the Volcanoes on December 22 (West Longi­tude Date). Two enemy planes offered slight resistance.

Other Strategic Air Force Liberators struck Woleai In the Western Caro­lines on December 22.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed targets at Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 22, sinking three enemy barges, damaging three others and two boats and damaging other installations.

Fighters and Dive Bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued to strike at enemy held bases in the Marshalls on December 22.

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 213, DECEMBER 25, 1944

 

Ships of the United States Pacific Fleet bombarded the enemy base of Iwo Jima in the Volcanoes on December 23 (West Longitude Date).

The attack was a joint operation with bombers and fighters of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, and bombers of the Twenty‑First Bomber Command and Fleet Air Wing One.

Coastal defenses were shelled by our surface units, which encountered some enemy gunfire but suffered no damage. Our ships sank an enemy de­stroyer escort, a patrol craft and a medium size landing ship.

Forces of Liberator Bombers and Lightning Fighters bombed and strafed airstrip installations and shore defenses. Our aircraft destroyed one enemy plane on the ground and damaged six others. Two enemy fighters attacked our planes and meager antiaircraft fire was encountered. All our planes re­turned safely.

Bombers of the Strategic Air Force on the same day bombed airstrip facilities on Chichi Jima in the Bonins.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing attacked installations on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 23, setting several buildings afire.

Aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two and the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued attacks on enemy bases in the Marshalls on December 23.

 

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CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 214, DECEMBER 26, 1944

 

Between 16 and 25 enemy planes attacked an airstrip on Saipan on the night of December 24 (West Longitude Date). Our Fighters shot down three planes. Antiaircraft fire destroyed a fourth. One of our planes was destroyed on the ground and several others were damaged. Six men were injured.

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force bombed the airstrip and plane dis­persal areas on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 24. Meager antiair­craft fire was encountered.

Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Rota in the Marianas on December 24.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing sank an enemy barge at Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 24.

 


 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 562, DECEMBER 27, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

 

1. United States submarines operating in Far Eastern waters have reported the sinking of one large Japanese aircraft carrier and 26 other Japan­ese vessels, including one converted light cruiser, one destroyer, two escort vessels and two destroyer transports‑seven combatant vessels. The vessels sunk were:

 

1 large aircraft carrier

1 converted light cruiser

1 destroyer

2 escort vessels

2 destroyer transports

2 large transports

10 medium cargo vessels

3 small cargo vessels

1 small transport

2 medium cargo transports

2 medium tankers

 

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

 


 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 563, DECEMBER 27, 1944

 

1. The destroyer USS Cooper was recently lost off Ormoc, Leyte, Phil­ippine Islands, as the result of a night action against the enemy. This action was reported in Commander in Chief, Southwest Pacific Area communiqué No. 872.

2. The LSM‑20 was also recently lost off Leyte, Philippine Islands, as the result of enemy action.

3. The next of kin of casualties have been notified.

 

296

 


 

DECEMBER 27, 1944

 

DATA ON JAPANESE LOSSES INFLICTED BY U. S. SUBMARINES

 

1. Navy Department communiqués and Press Releases to date have re­ported the following losses inflicted on Japanese shipping by United States submarines:

 

COMBATANT SHIPS

 

 

Sunk

Probably Sunk

Damaged

Totals

Battleships

0

0

1

1

Aircraft Carriers

1

2

2

5

Cruisers

14

2

6

22

Destroyers

44

5

6

55

Submarines

0

0

0

0

Tenders

3

1

1

5

Others

37

1

0

38

Totals

99

11

16

126

 

NON‑COMBATANT SHIPS

 

Fleet Tankers

89

1

18

108

Transports

133

5

8

146

Cargo & Supply

575

17

71

663

Miscellaneous

38

3

6

47

Totals

835

26

103

964

Total Ships of all Types.

934

37

119

1090

 

2. The above announcements cover the sinking of more than 3,500,000 tons of Japanese shipping by United States submarines.

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 215, DECEMBER 27, 1944

 

Surface units of the United States Pacific Fleet bombarded Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 26 (West Longitude Date).

Targets included coastal defenses and airstrip installations. An enemy landing ship was set afire and an enemy gunboat was blown up by gunfire. Two of our ships suffered slight damage from enemy coastal guns.

The attack was a joint operation with the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas.

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed Iwo Jima airstrips on December 25. Two enemy fighters were seen in the air. Several of our aircraft suffered minor damage due to antiaircraft fire but all returned safely.

Neutralization attacks were continued on enemy‑held bases in the Mar­shalls on December 25 by planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. Fleet Air Wing Two made similar attacks on December 25 and 26.

 

297

 


 

N. D.  COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 564, DECEMBER 28, 1944

 

1. The submarine USS Seawolf is overdue from patrol and presumed lost.

2. Next of kin of casualties have been informed.

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 216, DECEMBER 28, 1944

 

Enemy aircraft attacked United States air installations on Saipan and Tinian in the Marianas on December 26 (West Longitude Date) in two sep­arate raids of five and two planes respectively and inflicted minor damage. Our fighters shot down two enemy aircraft.

Liberators and Lightning Fighters of the Strategic Air Force made bomb­ing and strafing attacks on air installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 26. An enemy fighter was destroyed in the air. Two other enemy aircraft were destroyed and two were damaged on the ground. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

A Navy search plane shot down an enemy bomber near the Bonins on the same date.

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force bombed air installations and ship­ping on and around Chichi Jima in the Bonins on December 26. A direct hit was scored on a coastal cargo ship.

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed enemy installations on Babelthuap in the Palaus on December 26.

Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing Fighters continued neutralizing attacks on enemy‑held bases in the Marshalls on December 27.

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 217, DECEMBER 29, 1944

 

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed air­strip installations in Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 27 (West Longi­tude Date). Our planes encountered intense antiaircraft fire but all returned safely.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing strafed docking facilities on Babelthuap in the Palaus on the same date.

Fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed enemy-held bases in the Marshalls on December 28 as neutralizing attacks continued in that area.

 


 

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 706, DECEMBER 29, 1944

 

Following is the teat of a recording by Fleet Admiral C. W. Nimitz, Com­mander in Chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, broadcast Decem­ber 26, 1944 over an Office of War Information program originating in Saipan, and beamed to the Japanese homeland

"As Commander in Chief of the United States Pacific Fleet, it is my privilege to reveal to you certain facts from the records of the war in the western Pacific.

"In the past year the United States has advanced over 2,000 miles west­ward from the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, and 1,500 miles northwestward from New Guinea, to the Philippines.

 

298

 

"Guam, Saipan, Tinian, the Solomons, the Admiralties, New Guinea and Halmahera have fallen to the combined efforts of the Allied forces of all services. Peleliu, Angaur and nearby islands of the Palau group have been occupied. Former major Japanese bases at Yap, Truk, Palau, Rabaul and Kavieng have been neutralized. Remaining units in these ports have been isolated. Enemy survivors are bombed and shelled daily by our planes and ships with no hope of getting support or supplies from the harassed Japanese Navy.

"United States task forces have made repeated attacks on the Kuriles, the Bonins, Mindanao and Luzon in the Philippines. Ships and fleet air units have shelled and bombed Celebes, Borneo, Java and Sumatra in the East Indies. Our surface ships are making more frequent attacks on Formosa, the Ryukyus, the Kuriles and the Philippines.

"The United States Fleet is now the strongest in the world. The largest and fastest battleships and aircraft carriers ever built are being added to our naval units. United States industrial technique is building even larger and faster ships and planes in quantities the Japanese cannot hope to match with their present industrial limitations.

"Every day the war draws closer to the Japanese homeland. From bases captured and established by Marine, Army and Naval Units, airfleets of B‑29 Superfortresses are bombing industrial targets in Tokyo and other sections of Japan and Manchuria, just as Allied aerial warfare reduced the productive capacity of Germany.

"Important Japan supply lines from her Empire outposts are being severed. Intensified U. S. submarine operations are continuing to sink more Japanese merchant ships loaded with supplies and materials desperately needed either at the front or in the home islands. Carrier based planes are adding to this] shipping toll.

"Our progress in the Pacific campaigning has been so successful and un­interrupted that even high Japanese officials have indicated concern. The preponderance of U. S. ships, war materials and manpower portends In­creased casualties and hardships for Japan's military, increased destruction and suffering for her industrial sectors.

"As the blockade of Japan tightens, as the bombing of Japan is stepped-­up, as United States productive capacity is enlarged‑it is inevitable that Japan will be defeated.

"Until the day that Allied victory is complete, the United States Navy is determined to carry the fighting to the very vitals of Japan."

 


 

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 218, DECEMBER 31, 1944

 

Liberators of the Strategic Air Force, Pacific Ocean Areas, bombed the airstrips and other installations on Iwo Jima in the Volcanos on December 28 and 29 (West Longitude Date). Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Marine Mitchell bombers made rocket attacks on enemy shipping between the Bonins and Volcanos on December 27 and 28.

Mitchells of the Eleventh Army Air Force bombed targets in the Kuriles on December 29.

Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed supply dumps and other objectives on Babelthuap and other areas in the Palaus on December 29. A bridge was destroyed on Babelthuap.

 

299

 

Fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing and Seventh Army Air Force strafed enemy barges at Woleai in the Western Carolines on December 29.

Search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed and strafed bivouac and supply areas on Wake Island on December 29. They were met by meager antiaircraft fire.

Neutralization raids on enemy held bases in the Marshalls were continued by aircraft of Fleet Air Wing Two on the same date.