This day in the war in the Pacific 65 years ago.

[syscom3]

Sept 24th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 8 B-24s striking Kurabu Cape Airfield on Paramushiru are challenged by 12 Japanese fighters and 1 of 2 damaged B-24s forcelands in the USSR; one fighter is downed; and 4 B-25s fly a negative shipping search.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, P-47s fly 20 attack sorties against targets in the Mawhun area, including Pinlon; other P-47s fly 13 sorties against targets in the Bhamo area, demolishing a bridge at Manyut and hitting enemy positions at Chayuhkwang. 11 B-24s haul fuel to Liuchow, China. 240+ other C-47 sorties are flown to various points in the CBI.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 26 B-25s bomb Mangshih, Taohsien, and Kuanyang, attack White Cloud Airfield at Canton, and knock out the Dara bridge; 3 others hit targets of opportunity near Changtuikuan and along the Lingling-Siangtan road; 70+ P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance over SW and SE China pound numerous targets of opportunity, especially the town areas and river shipping at Takhing and Sinshih.

(Seventh Air Force): 18 B-24s from Saipan hit harbor facilities in the Bonin’s, mostly at Chichi Jima; 2 others on an armed reconnaissance mission bomb Marcus . 16 P-47s strafe AA positions on Rota , Mariana s. 26 B-24s from Kwajalein bomb Truk while 11 B-25s, based in the Gilbert s, hit Ponape ; the detachment of the 28th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Seventh AF, operating from Kwajalein with F-5s begins a movement to Peleliu Airfield.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s and B-25s bomb Amahai Airfield and Boela, Namlea Airfield on Buru, and Haroekoe Airfield on Haroekoe and B-24s hit Lautem on Timor. Fighter-bombers attack Babo, Urarom, and Manokwari Airfields while B-25s bomb Sorong.

BONIN ISLANDS: Eighteen USAAF Seventh Air Force B-24 Liberators from Saipan hit harbor facilities in the Bonin Islands, mostly at Chichi Jima Island.

BURMA: In the Northern Combat Area Command area, the British 36th Division encounters the Japanese in strength while probing southward from Namma and they suspend forward movement until mid-October.
In the air, USAAF Tenth Air Force P-47 Thunderbolts fly 20 attack sorties against targets in the Mawhun area, including Pinlon; other P-47s fly 13 sorties against targets in the Bhamo area, demolishing a bridge at Manyut and hitting Japanese positions at Chayuhkwang.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: Regimental Combat Team 323, 81st Infantry Division, secures the rest of Ulithi Atoll without opposition. The atoll will become an excellent base for the USNs Pacific Fleet during operations against the Philippines.
In the Palau Islands, on Peleliu Island, the 321st Infantry attacks after air, naval, and artillery bombardment, driving through Garekoru to the fourth phase line on the left. Company E, on the right, starts along east-west trail, soon called 321st Infantry Trail, through the central ridge system running from West Road south of Garekoru to the East Road in an effort to pocket strong Japanese forces in the Umurbrogol Mountains, the southern part of the ridge system. A Japanese counterattack at the fourth phase line causes 321st Infantry to fall back a little, but positions are largely restored. A gap develops between the infantry and the 7th Marines, since the latter, to the right rear, has to clear ground that 321st Infantry should have taken. On Angaur Island, when appeal to Japanese to surrender produces only two prisoners, artillery fire is placed on the pocket throughout rest of day and ensuing night.
In the air, 26 USAAF Seventh Air Force B-24 Liberators from Kwajalein Atoll bomb Truk Island while 11 B-25 Mitchells, based in the Gilbert Islands, hit Ponape Island.

MARIANA ISLANDS: Sixteen USAAF Seventh Air Force P-47 Thunderbolts strafe antiaircraft positions on Rota Island.

EAST INDIES: In the Netherlands East Indies, USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24 Liberators and B-25 Mitchells bomb Amahai Airfield on a small island south of Ceram and Boela Aerodrome on Ceram Island, Namlea Airfield on Buroe Island, and Haroekoe Airfield on Haroekoe Island southeast of Ceram and B-24 Liberators hit Lautem on Dutch Timor.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: For the third day, USN carrier-based aircraft from the 12 aircraft carriers of Task Groups 38.1, 38.2 and 38.3 continue their attacks on Japanese shipping. The toll for today is 15 ships sunk and seven damaged. The three task groups will retire tonight to several anchorages for replenishment. US Navy aircraft attack Japanese supply fleet were at anchor in Coron Bay sinking Irako and Akitsushima.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 130, SEPTEMBER 24, 1944
Carrier based aircraft of the Pacific Fleet, continuing the smashing attack against the Northern Philippines begun on September 20 (West Longitude Date), took an additional heavy toll of enemy planes, ships and ground Installations on September 21. Total destruction in the two day strike was extensive and the enemy suffered heavily.
The following damage, part of which has been previously reported, was inflicted at and near Clark and Nichols Fields, in the Manila Harbor area and at the Cavite Naval Base during the two day operations in Southern Luzon:
Ships sunk:
40 classified as ships; six small craft.
Ships probably sunk:
11 classified as ships.
Ships damaged:
35 classified as ships; 11 small craft; two floating drydocks.
Aircraft destroyed:
169 planes shot down in combat; 188 planes destroyed on the ground.
Aircraft damaged:
45 planes probably damaged on the ground; three planes damaged by ship's gunfire.
Ground installations damaged and destroyed:
Extensive and widespread damage was done to buildings, warehouses, railroad equipment, oil storage tanks, harbor installations, hangars, shops and stored supplies and equipment.
Our own losses in this daring and highly successful strike were 11 planes in combat, 10 pilots and five aircrewmen. There was no loss or damage to any of our surface ships.
The total revised box score for the Third Fleet, under the command of Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., USN, since it began operating in the far western Pacific now stands at: 122 ships and 61 small craft sunk, 137 ships and 109 small craft damaged, 380 planes shot down in the air, 598 destroyed on the ground, total aircraft destroyed 978, crippling damage to air fields and Naval establishments. In addition ships and carrier based aircraft of the Third Fleet have supported the assaults on Palau. Our own combat losses have been 51 planes, 37 pilots and 20 crewmen.
The operations of the Third Fleet have forced the enemy to withdraw its Naval forces from their former anchorages in the Philippines and to seek new refuges in the same general area, have disrupted inter island communications, and have broken his air force in the Philippines just as operations of the Fifth Fleet broke the enemy carrier based air force in the Battle of the Philippine Sea.
Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonin Islands were bombed on September 22 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was attacked twice on September 22 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered in all attacks.
A single Seventh Army Air Force Liberator bombed Pagan on September 22.
On the same day Seventh Army Air Force Mitchell bombers attacked Nauru. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.
Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing carried our further neutral¬ization raids against enemy held atolls in the Marshalls, striking at Mille on September 21 22 and at Jaluit and Wotje on September 22. Dauntless dive bombers attacked Maloelap on September 21 and 22.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 564, SEPTEMBER 24, 1944
1. An attempt by the enemy to reinforce his beleaguered troops in the northern end of Peleliu Island was broken up on 23 September (West Longitude Date). A convoy of 13 barges and one motor sampan, carrying men and equipment, was sighted northeast of Peleliu. It was immediately brought under fire by United States warships, some of which ,pushed through mined waters to close range. A number of the barges were seen to explode. Later ten wrecked barges were counted on the reef northeast of Peleliu and the remainder were thought to have sunk. A few of the enemy probably were able to swim ashore without their equipment.
On the same day in Malakal harbor, two camouflaged ships previously damaged by our aircraft, were bombarded by a United States cruiser which scored at least one direct hit.
Marine forces on Peleliu made small gains on both the right and left flanks during 23 September. On Angaur mopping up operations continue.

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Sept 25th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 2 B-25s fly a negative shipping sweep.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 13 P-47s attack the towns of Haungton, Myintha, and Mawlu. B-24s again haul fuel to China, 15 landing at Kunming, 3 at Liuchow, and 1 at Yungning and the Tenth AF flies 220+ other transport sorties to various CBI terminals.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 12 B-25s blast the barracks area at Mangshih; 12 bomb Kweiyang, and 6 hit the town area and railroad yards at Hengyang; 11 B-24s pound Nanking; about 120 P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance over the vast expanses of China S of the Yangtze River attack
a large variety of targets of opportunity at numerous locations including troops, buildings, and communications targets in the Paoching area and between Siangtan and Fulinpu.

CHINA: Still furious about the letter he received from US President Franklin D Roosevelt on the 19th, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek refuses to give US General Joseph Stillwell, Chief of Staff to Chiang, operational control of the Chinese Nationalist Army.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): Saipan based B-24s strike Iwo Jima and Marcus. During the night of 25/26 Sep Kwajalein-based B-24s stage through Eniwetok on a strike at shipping at Truk; failing to locate the primary targets the B-24s bomb Tol, Eten, Param, and Moen while others hit Wake during the night of 25/26 Sep.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: On Celebes , B-24s hit Kendari Airfield and B-25s bomb Langoan Airfield. A-20s fire storage areas and hit personnel areas on the W shore of Kaoe Bay. Namlea Airfield on Buru is again bombed by B-24s. P-38s pound Kairatoe Airfield on Celebes and Boela Airfield on Ceram. B-25s and A-20s hit Sagan and Urarom Airfields while P-40s attack Kaimana.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES: On Morotai, Task Force TRADEWIND is dissolved. Major General Charles Hall, as Commanding General XI Corps, is responsible for continuing base development.
In the air, USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24s bomb Kendari Airfield and B-25s bomb Langoan Airfield on Celebes Island. A-20s fire storage areas and hit personnel areas on the western shore of Kaoe Bay on Halmahera Island. Namlea Airfield on Buru Island is again bombed by B-24s while P-38s attack Kairatoe Airfield on Celebes Island and Boela Airfield on Ceram Island.

COMMONWEALTH OF THE PHILIPPINES: The submarine USS Nautilus lands 25 tons of cargo, 20 drums of gasoline and 2 drums of oil on Cebu Island in the Philippines. As she begins to retire, the submarine grounds on Iuisan Shoal. Forced to lighten her load, her evacuees, mail, captured documents, and cargo are sent ashore. All secret materials is burned. Her reserve fuel tanks are blown dry, variable ballast is blown overboard and 6-inch ammunition jettisoned. With the blowing of her main ballast tanks she is finally able to get off the reef within 3 1/2 hours, despite the receding tide, and clear the area by dawn.

PALAU ISLANDS: On Peleliu, the 7th Marines continue to support attack of 321st Infantry, 81st Infantry Division, and extends the left flank to release elements of 321st for the main push. On the left, 321st Infantry patrols northward along the coast almost to the fifth phase line against light resistance. The 5th Marines move forward to join with the 321st Infantry in an attack to clear the northern part of the island. The right flank elements of the 321st Infantry continue clearing the lateral trail through the central ridge system, meeting strong opposition.
On Angaur, the 322d Infantry, whose efforts to push into the Lake Salome bowl from the south have all ended in failure, attempts in vain to find a suitable route of advance into the bowl from the north coast. Engineers then begin construction of road for an attack from the east-northeast

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 131, SEPTEMBER 25, 1944
Units of the First Marine Division maneuvered so as to by pass enemy strong-points on Peleliu Island and made substantial progress in a northerly direction along the western arm of the island during September 24 (West Longitude Date). At one point on the western shore they are less than a mile from the northern tip of the island. During the night of September 23 24 an enemy barge was destroyed by Naval gunfire. Certain elements of the 81st Infantry Division have reinforced the First Marine Division, while other elements are continuing to mop up on Angaur Island. Through September 24 our troops had counted 8288 enemy dead, of which 7313 were killed on Peleliu and the remainder of 975 killed on Angaur. Heavy fighting continues.
Harbor facilities and shipping at Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands were bombed on September 23 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators.
Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Marcus Island on September 22 and again on September 23.
On September 23 Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing strafed
gun emplacements at Rota Island in the Marianas. There was meager antiaircraft fire.
Bivouac areas at Jaluit Atoll were attacked twice on September 23 by Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. Other Corsairs struck at defensive positions at Wotje Atoll and Mille Atoll on the same day

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Sept 26th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): A B-24 flies weather reconnaissance; later 4 B-24s radar-bomb Suribachi Airfield in the Kuriles.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 2 P-47 flights hit targets in the Bhamo-Myothit area, including Sinkin, Momauk, and Nanhlaing; 3 other flights hit targets in the Pinwe-Mawlu area, including the town of Nyaungbintha; 20+ P-47s in 2 flights hit Tingka and in China, hit fuel storage at Chefang and repair shops at Wanting. In China, 9 B-25s blast troop concentrations and stores in Hinlong; and 19 B-24s haul fuel to Liuchow, Yangtong, and Yungning.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 12 B-25s bomb Lungfukwan and Mangshih while several P-40s hit targets of opportunity in same areas; 6 B-25s and 4 P-38s attack and slightly damage the Dara bridge and destroy road machinery nearby; about 50 P-40s and P-51s continue armed reconnaissance over the vast inland areas of S China, attacking troops, buildings, and other targets of opportunity.
CHINA: The Japanese capture Tanchuk and the airfield located there.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Twentieth Air Force): In China, 83 B-29s, staging from Chengtu, bomb Anshan most of them striking the Showa Steel Works with poor results; 15 others bomb Dairen, Sinsiang, and various targets of opportunity; during the night of 26/27 Sep, Japanese aircraft bomb the Chengtu area, damaging 5 B-29s; this attack along with the one on 8 Sep set the pattern for Japanese raids which usually follow B-29 missions and continue until 19 Dec but are of light nature and annoying rather than
seriously damaging.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 2 B-24s from Saipan on armed reconnaissance bomb Marcus . During the night of 26/27 a B-24 snooper hits Iwo Jima. B-25s from the Gilberts bomb Nauru. B-24s hit Wake during the night of 26/27 Sep.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-25s bomb Maumere Bay, Flores, Lesser Sunda s. B-25s and B-24s bomb Liang Airfield on Ambon and Kendari Airfield on Celebes. P-40s hit Kokas; the 31st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Wakde to Noemfoor with B-24s; the 424th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Medium), based on Wakde with B-24s, begins operating from Noemfoor.

PALAU ISLANDS: On Peleliu, the 321st Infantry and the 5th Marines each cut across the west arm of Peleliu, capturing Hill 120 forming two pockets of Japanese. The 2d Battalion, 321st, completes clearing the 321st Infantry trail, cutting off the enemy to south in the Umurbrogol Mountains. The 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, pushes across the peninsula to the north, isolating
enemy on Amiangal Mountain, at the north tip. Other elements of 5th Marines drive north along the west coast almost to the tip of the island.
On Angaur, the 322d Infantry gains a foothold in the northern part of the Lake Salome bowl and clears positions along the southeastern rim.

PACIFIC OCEAN:
USN vessels sink three Japanese ships:
(1) destroyer escort USS McCoy Reynolds sinks submarine HIJMS I-175 northeast of the Palau
Islands;
(2) submarine USS Pargo sinks a minelayer off Borneo; and
(3) submarine USS Thresher sinks a merchant cargo ship Koetsu Maru
in the Yellow Sea.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES: USAAF Far East Air Forces B-25s bomb Maumere Bay, Flores Island, Lesser Sunda Islands. B-25s and B-24s bomb Liang Airfield on Ambon Island and Kendari Airfield on Celebes Island.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 132, SEPTEMBER 26, 1944
Elements of the First Marine Division drove almost to Akarakoro Point at the northern extremity of Peleliu Island during September 25 (West Longitude Date) while other elements of the First Division maneuvered to encircle bitterly resisting remnants of the enemy entrenched on Umurbrogol Hill. Units of the 81st Infantry Division took additional high ground in the center of the western arm of the island. Communication between the northern and southern pockets of Japanese resistance has thus been severed. Our advance to the north included the capture of Amiangal Hill and the hills adjacent to it, and was made in the fate of heavy resistance from automatic weapon and artillery fire.
Our casualties in the fighting to seize the Palau Islands through September 25 are as follows
First Marine Division, Killed in Action, 580; Wounded in Action, 3,639; Missing in Action, 401.
81st Infantry Division, Killed in Action, 106; Wounded in Action, 769; Missing in Action, 5.
No figures are now available as to the number of wounded who have been returned to duty.

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Sept 27th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 13 P-47s bomb the area near Katba; 30 P-47s in 5 flights hit ammunition stores and the town area of Myothit, and attack Sinkin, Bhamo, and Ma-ubin; 7 other P-47s damage the approaches to a railroad bridge at Nansiaung, 7 more hit a bivouac area at Pinwe, and 7 B-25s pound Hsenwi. 10 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow and Yungning, China. C-47s fly 200+ sorties to various points in CBI.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 40+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance attack communications targets, river shipping, buildings, and troops in the Kiyang, Lungfukwan, Sungpai, Chuanhsien, Lingling, Paishui, and Paoching areas.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): Saipan -based P-47s bomb and strafe Pagan. 2 B-24s on armed reconnaissance hit Marcus . 14 Marshall based B-24s strike Truk .

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: P-40s hit Ransiki, Kokas, and Warren Airfield and shipping in the Vogelkop Peninsula area; HQ 375th Troop Carrier Group moves from Nadzab to Biak ; the 72d and 394th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 5th BG (Heavy), move from Wakde to Noemfoor with B-24s. HQ 35th Fighter Group moves from Owi, Schouten s to Morotai.

SOLOMON ISLANDS - Guided Missiles were used in the Pacific as Special Task Air Group 1 (STAG-1), from its base on Stirling began a combat demonstration of the TDR assault drone. The drones had been delivered to Banika Island by surface shipping and flown 45 miles to bases in the Northern Solomons where they were stripped for pilotless flight and armed with bombs of up to 2,000 pounds. For combat against heavily defended targets, a control operator in an accompanying TBM guided the drone by radio and directed the final assault by means of a picture received from a television camera mounted in the drone. In the initial attack, against antiaircraft emplacements in a beached merchant ship defending Kahili Airstrip, two out of four TDR's struck the target ship.

BURMA: Thirteen USAAF Tenth Air Force P-47 Thunderbolts bomb the area near Katba; 30 P-47s in five flights hit ammunition stores and the town area of Myothit, and attack Sinkin, Bhamo, and Maubin; seven other P-47s damage the approaches to a railroad bridge at Nansiaung, seven more hit a bivouac area at Pinwe, and seven B-25 Mitchells pound Hsenwi. C-47 Skytrains fly 200+ sorties to various points in CBI.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: On Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, the American flag is raised at the 1st Marine Division Command Post. Although the flag raising symbolizes that the island is secured, pockets of determined Japanese defenders continued to fight on. As late as 21 April 1947, 27 Japanese holdouts finally surrendered to the American naval commander on the scene. Meanwhile, elements of the 321st Infantry Regiment begin an attack on the north side of the Umurbrogol Pocket, which the 7th Marine Regiment is helping to contain, and meet intense Japanese fire. The 1st Battalion drives north, clearing Kamilianlul Mt with ease and making contact with 5th Marine Regiment at the junction of the East and West Roads. Some elements of 5th Marine Regiment continue clearing resistance on Amiangal Mt, while others push to the end of the island, Akarakaro Point. On Angaur Island, the 322d Infantry Regiment surrounds the Lake Salome bowl and gains positions along the inside of it. Methodical elimination of doomed Japanese there ensues.

EAST INDIES: USAAF Far East Air Force B-24 Liberators bomb personnel and supply areas at Menado on Celebes Island. B-25 Mitchells attack oil tanks at Boela on Ceram Island and hit Old Namlea Airfield on Buroe Island.

PACIFIC OCEAN: The 6,374 ton Japanese transport ship SS Ural Maru is torpedoed and sunk by the American submarine USS Flasher about 223 nautical miles WNW of Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands, in position 15.40N, 117.18E. About 2,000 of the 2,340 people on board are drowned.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: Two USN submarines, USS Narwhal and USS Stingray, land supplies and personnel on Mindanao.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 133, SEPTEMBER 27, 1944
Further gains made during September 26 (West Longitude Date) by the First Marine Division and elements of the 81st Infantry Division on Peleliu Island brought the entire Island under our control with the exception of Umur¬brogol Mountain and a small pocket at the Northeastern tip. Rapid progress was made by the First Marine Division attacking in the Northern sector and by Army troops in the center of the Western arm during the day. Two enemy aircraft dropped bombs in the water East of Angaur during the night of September 25 26, causing no damage. During the same night remaining enemy troops on Angaur failed in an attempt to infiltrate through our lines. Through September 26, our troops had counted 7,517 enemy dead on Peleliu and 1,020 on Angaur. The Northwestern area of Babelthuap Island was strafed by Corsair fighters during September 26.
On September 24, a single Ventura of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed installations at Paramushiru in the Kuriles. Antiaircraft fire was intense and several enemy planes attempted Interception; the Ventura was slightly dam¬aged, but returned safely.
Eleventh Air Force Liberators attacked Paramushiru in the same day. Direct hits were scored on the runway; several fires were started. Twelve enemy fighter planes attempted interception. One of the interceptors was destroyed and seven were damaged. Antiaircraft fire was moderate. All of our planes returned safely.
The airfield at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was bombed on September 24, by Liberators of the Seventh Air Force. Antiaircraft fire was intense. One of four enemy planes attempting interception was shot down. Three Liberators were damaged, but all returned safely. On September 25, a search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two strafed a small coastal cargo ship near Iwo Jima. The crew was observed abandoning the vessel which was left dead in the water.
A lone Seventh Air Force Liberator bombed Wake on the night of September 24 25, and several bombed the runway at Marcus Island on September 25. Gun emplacements at Pagan in the Marianas were bombed by Seventh Air Force Thunderbolts on September 25. Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Rota on the night of September 24 25, scoring direct hits on the runway. Other Corsairs returned to Rota on September 25, and strafed installations. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered in the latter attack.
Ponape Island in the Carolines was attacked on the night of September 24 25, by Seventh Air Force Liberators. The airfield and gun emplacements were hit. Other Liberators attacking Truk Atoll on the night of September 24 25, dropped 55 tons of bombs on the airfield at Eten Island and scored several near misses on shipping found in the Lagoon. There was moderate antiaircraft fire and several enemy planes attempted interception without success.
Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Jaluit in the Marshalls on the same night, scoring direct hits on communication facilities. Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two and Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed and strafed installations at Wotje Atoll on September 25. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered. On the night of September 25, Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing flew through meager antiaircraft fire to bomb installations at Mille Atoll.

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Sept 28th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 4 P-47s bomb and strafe Mawhun and Nansiaung. 21 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow, Yungning, and Kunming, China.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 26 B-24s pound the town of Samshui; 31 B-25s attack the towns of Taochuan and Shangchiebshou, Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields at Canton, and river and road traffic around Lingling, Siangtan, and Chuchou; 100+ P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance attack numerous targets of opportunity including bridges, town areas, troops, and road, rail, and river traffic throughout inland SE China and, on a smaller scale, in SW China and in French Indochina.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan bomb naval installations at Chichi Jima . P-47s bomb defenses on Pagan.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: On Celebes , B-25s on a shipping sweep attack small vessels off Kairatoe and A-20s bomb Langoan Airfield. P-38s hit barge and the town area at Pajahi in the Moluccas s. P-47s pound Manokwari Airfield.

BONIN ISLANDS: USAAF Seventh Air Force B-24 Liberators bomb naval installations on Chichi Jima.

BURMA: Four USAAF Tenth Air Force P-47 Thunderbolts bomb and strafe Mawhun and Nansiaung,

CAROLINE ISLANDS: On Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, the Army's 321st Infantry Regiment finishes clearing the northern part of the Umurbrogol Pocket to a previously designated line. 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment continues clearing the northern part of the western arm. The 3d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, lands on three small islands off the coast, Ngcsebus, Kongauru, and an unnamed one, and begins clearing them. The landing on Ngesebus is covered by 20 Marine F4U Corsairs. On Angaur Island, the Army's 322d Infantry Regiment continues clearing a Japanese pocket inside the bowl, suffering its highest casualties for a single day on the island, about 80.

USMC - Shore-to-shore movement from Peleliu to Ngesebus, support including strikes by Marine Corps land-based units from Peleliu, the first of which, VMF(N)-541, had arrived September 24.

CHINA: Twenty one USAAF Tenth Air Force B-24 Liberators fly fuel from India to Liuchow, Yungning, and Kunming.
Twenty six USAAF Fourteenth Air Force B-24s bomb the town of Samshui; 31 B-25 Mitchells attack the towns of Taochuan and Shangchiebshou, Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields at Canton, and river and road traffic around Lingling, Siangtan, and Chuchou; over 100 P-38 Lightnings, P-40s and P-51 Mustangs on armed reconnaissance attack numerous targets of opportunity including bridges, town areas, troops, and road, rail, and river traffic throughout inland southeastern China and, on a smaller scale, in southwestern China and in French Indochina.

EAST INDIES: In the Netherlands East Indies, USAAF Far East Air Force B-25 Mitchells on a shipping sweep attack small vessels off Kairatoe, Halmahara Island, sinking a small cargo vessel; Fifth Air Force A-20 Havocs bomb Langoan Airfield on Celebes Island; and P-38 Lightnings hit barge and the town area at Pajahi on Halmahara Island.

NEW GUINEA: In Dutch New Guinea, USAAF Fifth Air Force P-47 Thunderbolts attack Manokwari Airfield.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 134, SEPTEMBER 28, 1944
Carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet struck hard at enemy shipping and defense installations in the Visayas Group of the Philippine Islands on September 23 (West Longitude Date) attacking airfields on the Islands of Cebu, Leyte, Negros, Luzon and Mactan and all shipping found in adjacent waters.
A particularly heavy strike was delivered at Coron Bay between Busuanga Island and Culion Island in the Western Philippines, where a number of the enemy's ships including two of his valuable fleet tankers were sunk.
Only seven enemy aircraft were shot down. Twenty nine enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground at the several fields which were thoroughly bombed and strafed.
The following damage was inflicted upon enemy shipping (including the two tankers at Coron Bay):,
Ships sunk: Damaged
One destroyer (including more than one probably sunk):
One troop transport Two large oil tankers
Three large cargo ships One large cargo ship
Three large oil tankers One medium oil tanker
Six medium cargo ships Fifteen medium cargo ships
Five small cargo ships One small transport
Three destroyer escort type vessels Twenty one small cargo ships
Two destroyer escort type vessels
In addition, between 20 and 30 small craft were sunk or damaged.
The following damage was inflicted upon enemy shore installations
At Iloilo in Southern Panay, a warehouse and a Marine railway were set afire.
At Bacolod in the Northern part of Negros Island piers and barracks were bombed and strafed.
At Cebu Island warehouses and piers were heavily damaged.
At Mactan Island, East of Cebu Island, oil refining facilities and the airfield were bombed.
At Saravis in the Northern part of Negros Island, buildings and the airfield were hit.
At Legaspi in Southern Luzon a number of partially concealed aircraft were bombed and strafed on the airfield, but the number destroyed and dam¬aged was not observed.
Near Ormoc on Leyte Island, oil storage facilities and barracks were set afire.
Our losses in these operations were 10 aircraft but only five pilots and three flight personnel are missing.

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Sept 29th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Kuriles, 2 B-24s bomb Katooka naval base and Kokutan Cape.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): 11 B-25s attack and damage the main bridge, knock out the bypass bridge and silence adjoining AA positions on the Burma Road near Uambkai, Burma. 18 B-24s haul fuel to Yungning, Liuchow, and Kunming, China.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 11 B-25s bomb Mangshih, 24 bomb Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields at Canton, and 15 hit targets of opportunity around Chuanhsien, Taochuan and Taohsien; about 100 P-51s, P-40s, and P-38s again attack various targets of opportunity throughout the vast expanses of China S of the Yangtze River, hitting road, rail, and river targets, troops, and town areas.

CHINA: A strong Chinese labor force begins work on a trail between Myitkyina, Burma, and Kunming via Tengchung and is assisted by small group of U.S. engineers.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 3 B-24s from Saipan bomb Marcus; 2 others hit Iwo Jima and Pagan. P-47s bomb and strafe gun positions on Pagan. B-24s from Eniwetok pound Truk.

EAST INDIES: In the Netherlands East Indies, Kendari Airfield on Celebes Island is bombed by B-24s. B-25s hit both Namlea Seaplane Base on Buroe Island, while B-24s blast Liang (Laha or Ambon East) Airfield on Ambon Island and Haroekoe Airfield on Haroekoe Island. Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft, continue to pound Urarom Airfield; USAAF A-20s attack Faan Airfield in the Kai Islands. other A-20s bomb Faan Airfield.

MEXICO: The Mexican government agrees to pay US$24 million (US$ 250 million in 2003 dollars) with three percent interest for the U.S. oil company property the Mexicans had expropriated in 1938. This agreement marked the conclusion of the tensions between the U.S. and Mexican governments over Mexico's petroleum policies.

PALAU ISLANDS: On Peleliu Island, the 7th Marine Regiment takes responsibility for completing the reduction of the Umurbrogol Pocket, releasing the Army’s 3d Battalion of the 321st Infantry Regiment which then starts north along the route previously taken by the 1st Battalion clearing bypassed resistance as it moves. Other elements of 321st Infantry relieve the 5th Marine Regiment on Ngesebus and Kongauru Islands. The 5th Marines continue to clear Amiangal Mountain.
On Angaur Island,
the Army’s 322d Infantry Regiment clears the floor of Lake Salome bowl and forces the Japanese to the northwest rim and northwest tip of the island.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: The submarine USS Narwhal evacuates 81 American POWs from Sindangan Bay, Mindanao Island. These men had survived the sinking of the Japanese transport SS Shinyo Maru by the submarine USS Paddle on 7 September. The transport had been carrying
750 American POWs.

UNITED STATES: The Soviet representative withdraws from the Dumbarton Oaks Conference in Washington, D.C., and the second part of the Conference begins with China participating.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt declares that Nazi-Fascist influence is growing in Argentina and that the Argentine government has failed to fulfill its obligations under the inter-American agreements. As a result, the U.S. government refuses to allow American ships to call at Argentinean ports.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 135, SEPTEMBER 29, 1944
Elements of the First Marine Division landed on Ngesebus and Kongauru Islands, north of Peleliu, on the morning of September 27 (West Longitude Date). The assault was preceded by heavy shelling from cruisers and de¬stroyers and bombing from carrier based aircraft. Light enemy opposition was speedily overcome. Ngesebus Island is completely secure and our troops are mopping up scattered enemy forces occupying only a small portion of Kongauru Island.
The First Marine Division and elements of the 81st Infantry Division continued to drive the enemy from remaining positions on Peleliu Island. Our forces drove south on Umurbrogol Hill and all the northern arm of the island has been secured with the exception of the pinnacle of an unnamed hill and a small area on the eastern coast. The 81st Division is cleaning out caves and pillboxes on the northwest tip of Angaur Island where a few enemy troops remain.
Naval installations at Chichi Jima in the Bonins were bombed on September 27 by Seventh Air Force Liberators. Fires were started and two explosions were observed. Antiaircraft fire which varied from moderate to in¬tense did no damage to our planes. A Navy search plane while on routine patrol near Iwo Jima on September 27 damaged an enemy medium bomber.
The enemy plane had one engine shot out and was forced to land, nearly missing two fighter planes about to take off from the airfield at Iwo Jima. On September 27 another Navy search plane downed an enemy bomber north of the Palau Islands. On September 26 a single Seventh Air Force Liberator bombed the airfield at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands.
Enemy held islands in the Marianas were subjected to further neutralization raids on September 26 and 27. Seventh Air Force Thunderbolts bombed and strafed installations on Pagan on September 27, and Seventh Air Force Liberators were over Pagan Island twice on September 26. Areas of possible use as airfields were bombed and the Island was strafed. Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Rota, doing further damage to the air¬field.
Liberators of the Seventh Air Force bombed Wake Island on the night of September 25. Nauru was bombed on September 26 by Seventh Air Force Mitchells. The airfield and gun emplacements were hit. There was meager antiaircraft fire.
Liberators of the Seventh Air Force flew over Truk Atoll on September 26 in search for possible enemy shipping attempting to supply the isolated gar¬rison. No shipping was found and bomb loads were dropped on installations still remaining on the key islands. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.
Defense installations at Jaluit Atoll in the Marshalls were bombed on September 26 by Venturas of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, and Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. On the same day Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing further neutralized Wotje, Maloelap, and Mille Atolls.
Eleventh Air Force Liberators bombed Southern Paramushiru September 26. There was no enemy opposition.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 136, SEPTEMBER 29, 1944
Kongauru Island and an unnamed Island near it, both in the Palau Group Northeast of Peleliu Island, were secured on September 28 (West Longitude Date) by United States Marines. On Peleliu enemy troops cornered in eaves on Umurbrogol Hill are still offering bitter resistance. Mopping up operations are proceeding in the Northern sector of Peleliu and on Angaur Island. Through September 28, our troops had counted 8,717 enemy dead on Peleliu and 1,055 on Angaur, and had captured more than 150 enemy troops who have been made prisoners of war.
The airfield at Babelthuap Island was attacked on September 28, by Corsair fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing, which scored numerous direct hits on the landing strips.

[syscom3]

Sept 30th 1944

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 50+ P-47s hit various targets in the Myothit and Bhamo areas, attack targets of opportunity at Khalayang, sweep the Anisakan and Nawnghkio Airfield areas, bomb Nansiaung railroad bridge, and hit targets of opportunity on or near the Burma Road between Mangshih and Lashio; 11 B-25s knock out a span of the main bridge and damage 2 bypass bridges at Hsenwi. 18 B-24s haul fuel to Liuchow, Yungning, and Kunming, China.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 29 B-24s and 12 B-25s bomb Wuchou and Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields at Canton; 6 B-25s hit targets of opportunity S of Lungfukwan; nearly 100 P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance over wide areas of China S of the Yangtze River again hit numerous targets of opportunity, concentrating on river shipping.

AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): Saipan -based P-47s blast the airfield area on Pagan; later in the day a B-24 hits the same target. During the night of 30 Sep/1 Oct a Kwajalein-based B-24 bombs Wake. HQ 494th Bombardment Group and the 864th, 865th, 866th and 867th Bombardment Squadrons move from Barking Sands, Hawaii to Angaur Airfield with B-24s (first mission is 22 Nov).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s strike oil installations at Balikpapan. On Celebes , Ambesia Airfield is pounded by B-24s while B-25s hit Mapanget, Langoan, and Sidate, and P-38s hit shipping in Wasile Bay. Other B-25s attack shipping in the Halmahera waters. P-38s hit Amahai, Kairatoe and Halong seaplane base on Celebes , and Haroekoe Airfield on Haroekoe. A-20s and fighter-bombers hit Babo, Urarom, and Fak Fak; A-20s and B-25s bomb Faan; the 23d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Wakde to Noemfoor with B-24s. Lost are F7A 44-40422 and P-47D 42-23241. Lost in a crash near Brisbane is B-25D 43-3488.

AUSTRALIA: At their final meeting, General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander South West Pacific Area, tells Australian Prime Minister John Curtin that the future operations of Australian forces would consist of “firstly, the garrisoning role for the neutralization of Japanese pockets on the various islands and, secondly, the operational activities of the two Australian Imperial Force divisions which were to accompany the U.S. forces in the advance against the Japanese.” MacArthur suggested that the Australian garrison forces should not attempt to liquidate the Japanese pockets and the commanders may wish to take some active actions. Expanding on future plans, MacArthur tells Curtin that the two Australian divisions would take part in the capture of Borneo and then in an attack on Java. Curtin makes no comment thereby giving tacit approval to this plan.

BURMA: Over 50 USAAF Tenth Air Force P-47 Thunderbolts hit various targets in the Myothit and Bhamo areas, attack targets of opportunity at Khalayang, sweep the Anisakan and Nawnghkio Airfield areas, bomb Nansiaung railroad bridge, and hit targets of opportunity on or near the Burma Road between Mangshih and Lashio and 11 B-25 Mitchells knock out a span of the main bridge and damage two bypass bridges at Hsenwi.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: Rear Admiral George H. Fort, Commander of the Western Attack Force, declares Peleliu, Angaur, Ngesebus, and Kongarur Islands in the Palau Islands occupied. On Peleliu, the 1st Battalion of the Army’s 321st Infantry Regiment relieves the 5th Marine Regiment on Amiangal Mountain, which is not yet completely clear of organized resistance although marines report over 1,170 Japanese killed or captured there, far more than the 500 recently estimated to be on the mountain. The 7th Marine Regiment begins attacks to reduce the Umurbrogol Pocket; progress during the next few days is very slow.

EAST INDIES: In the Netherlands East Indies, 70 USAAF Far East Air Force B-24 Liberators strike oil installations at Balikpapan, Dutch Borneo; four B-24s are lost. On Celebes Island, Ambesia Airfield is bombed by B-24s while B-25 Mitchells attack Mapenget, Langoan and Sidate Airfields on Celebes Island, and P-38 Lightnings hit shipping in Wasile Bay in the Halmahara Islands. Other B-25s attack shipping in the Halmahera Island waters. P-38s hit Amahai and Haroekoe Aerodrome on Ceram Island and Kairatoe and Halong seaplane base on Halmahara Island.

NEW GUINEA: In Dutch New Guinea, A-20 Havocs and fighter-bombers hit Babo and Utarom (Kaimana) Airfields and Fak Fak; A-20s and B-25 Mitchells bomb Faan Airfield in the Kai Islands.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: The USN submarine USS Nautilus lands supplies on Panay Island and takes out seven servicemen, ten women, five civilian men and 25 children. Meanwhile, the submarine USS Stingray lands supplies on Mindanao.

[syscom3]

Oct 1st 1944

(CBI) BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 34 P-47s bomb Thetkegyin while 20 others hit railroad targets throughout the N Burma railroad corridor and troop concentrations at Ponlon; 4 P-47s bomb Shwegugale while 6 others hit Lungling, China and sweep the Burma Road in the area. The 9th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th BG (Heavy), moves from Kurimitola to Pandaveswar, India with B-24s. During Oct 44, the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, based at Guskhara, sends an element to operate from Hsinching, China with F-7s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 18 B-25s bomb Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields in Canton, the town of Wuchou, and targets of opportunity in the Samshui and Canton areas; 100+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance throughout areas S of the Yangtze River hit a variety of targets of opportunity, concentrating on communications targets and troops in the Mangshih and Hsinganhsien areas.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: Rear Admiral George H. Fort, Commander of the Western Attack Force, declares Peleliu, Angaur, Ngesebus, and Kongarur Islands in the Palau Islands occupied. On Peleliu, the 1st Battalion of the Army’s 321st Infantry Regiment relieves the 5th Marine Regiment on Amiangal Mountain, which is not yet completely clear of organized resistance although marines report over 1,170 Japanese killed or captured there, far more than the 500 recently estimated to be on the mountain. The 7th Marine Regiment begins attacks to reduce the Umurbrogol Pocket; progress during the next few days is very slow.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA) AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan strike the airfield on Iwo Jima. B-25s from Makin bomb Nauru while B-24s, staging through Eniwetok hit Truk Atoll. Saipan-based P-47 Thunderbolts of the USAAF Seventh Air Force attack the airfield area on Pagan Island; later in the day a B-24 Liberator hits the same target. During the night of 30 September/1 October a Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands-based B-24 Liberator bombs Wake Island.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: The USN submarine USS Nautilus lands supplies on Panay Island and takes out seven servicemen, ten women, five civilian men and 25 children. Meanwhile, the submarine USS Stingray lands supplies on Mindanao.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: On Celebes , B-24s bomb Langoan while B-25s hit Lembeh , Menado, and Bolaangoeki port. B-24s bomb Taka in the Moluccas while P-38s hit Amahai, Kairatoe, Celebes , and shipping off Amboina, Ambon . B-25s and P-38s on shipping sweeps off Halmahera destroy several barges and luggers. In New Guinea, A-20s and P-38s attack Urarom Airfield and Fak Fak supply dumps, while P-40s hit Doom and targets of opportunity in Windissi, Idorra, and MacCluer Gulf; P-47s and A-20s hit Doeroa, Langgoer, and Faan Airfields; the 63d and 70th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 403d Troop Carrier Group, move from Los Negros and Hollandia respectively, to Biak with C-47s. The 82d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group, moves from Biak to Morotai with P-40s and F-6s. Lost is C-47 42-92062. Lost on a training flight is A-20G 42-86717 and A-20G "Crap Shooter" 42-54155.

EAST INDIES: In the Netherlands East Indies, 70 USAAF Far East Air Force B-24 Liberators strike oil installations at Balikpapan, Dutch Borneo; four B-24s are lost. On Celebes Island, Ambesia Airfield is bombed by B-24s while B-25s attack Mapenget, Langoan and Sidate Airfields on Celebes Island, and P-38s hit shipping in Wasile Bay in the Halmahara Islands. Other B-25s attack shipping in the Halmahera Island waters. P-38s hit Amahai and Haroekoe Aerodrome on Ceram Island and Kairatoe and Halong seaplane base on Halmahara Island.

USN: STAG-1 tests eight TDR Drones against targets in southern Bougainville. Lost is TDR Drone (dud).

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 137, OCTOBER 1, 1944
Isolated enemy forces resisting bitterly from caves situated on Bloody Nose Ridge at Peleliu Island were bombed by aircraft of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on September 23 (West Longitude Date). Numerous 1,000 pound bombs were dropped to demolish remaining enemy fortifications on the ridge. With the exception of the resistance at Bloody Nose Ridge (Umurbrogol Hill) and in a small pocket on Angaur Island, the islands of Peleliu, Ngesebus, Kongauru, and Angaur are secured. Elimination of the remnants of the Japanese defenders continues. More than 10,000 enemy troops have been wiped out in the Southern Palau area since the invasion began.
On September 29 Liberators of the Eleventh Air Force bombed Shimushu Island in the Kuriles. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. All of our planes returned.

[syscom3]

Oct 2nd 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Kurile , photo reconnaissance missions, by 4 B-25s to Paramushiru and by 2 B-24s to Onnekotan , abort due to weather.

(CBI) BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 49 P-47s pound several towns and bridges in the Bhamo area and destroy buildings in Shwekyina, Kaungsin, Maingka, Kyungyi, Singan, and Kabani; 20+ P-47s hit N Burma railroad targets and troops at Man He and Manla; 7 P-47s bomb Kutkai while 8 sweep the Lungling, China-Loiwing, Burma area, destroying a warehouse at Selan; 8 B-25s slightly damage road bridges N of Lashio; 4 others bomb and damage Nambkai road bridges and their vicinity; troop carrier aircraft fly 260+ sorties, delivering men and supplies to various points in the CBI. The detachments of the 1st and 3d Combat Cargo Squadrons, 1st Combat Cargo Group, operating from Yunnani, China with C-47s return to base at Sylhet, India.

FRENCH INDOCHINA: USAAF Fourteenth Air Force fighter-bombers attack shipping in the Campba Port Hongay area.

INDIA: The British Chiefs of Staff and War Cabinet have decided that Operation DRACULA (attack on Rangoon) cannot be undertaken in March 1945 as hoped without detracting from the main effort in Europe. Admiral Louis Mountbatten Supreme Commander, South East Asia Command, having concluded planning for Operation CAPTIAL (drive on Mandalay) and Operation DRACULA at reduced cost in response to request from British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, issues directives calling for Operation CAPITAL to be undertaken at once and Operation DRACULA about November 1945.
The U.S. and Chinese Northern Combat Area Command (NCAC) part of Operation CAPITAL is to be conducted in two phases: clearing to line Indaw-Kunchaung-Sikaw-Namhkam by mid-December; and to a line Lashio-Mongmit-Thabeikkyin by mid-February 1945. General tasks of NCAC are to defend the air route to China and overland communications; secure that part of Assam and upper Burma within its zone.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 11 B-25s attack the town of Pingnam while 16 bomb Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields in Canton and the town of Samshui; 70+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance over S China attack various targets of opportunity, chiefly river traffic and troop areas around Chuanhsien, Taochuan, Takbing, Wuchou, Dosing, and the Wenchow peninsula, and attack shipping in the Campba Port-Hongay area of French Indochina.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: On Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, the 321st Infantry Regiment finishes clearing and mopping up Mt. Amiangal on the northern part of the western arm, having killed at least 175 Japanese. The 7th Marine Regiment continues attacks on the Umurbrogol Pocket. On Angaur Island, the 322d Infantry Regiment suspends their costly assault against a Japanese pocket on the northwestern part of the island. The pocket, known to cover an area of less than 500 yards from east to westand 150 yards from north to south, is subjected to close-in fire.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA) AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): Saipan based B-24s hit Marcus in the North Pacific and shipping W of Chichi Jima.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-25s pound Laha Airfield on Ambon while B-24s hit Haroekoe ; P-38s cover the Laha raid, attack shipping in Seri and Amboina Bays and hit Amahai and Kairatoe Airfield on Celebes . Off Halmahera B-25s fly a barge sweep, bomb Laboehan, and attack the coastal villages on Weda and Boeli Bays. In New Guinea, P-40s attack vessels off Tamoelol village and Misool and bomb Otawiri and Ransiki Airfield; the 64th Troop Carrier Squadron, 403d Troop Carrier Group, based on Biak begins operating from Wakde with C-47s.

EAST INDIES: In the Netherlands East Indies, Far East Air Force B-25s bomb Liang (Laha or Ambon East) Airfield on Ambon Island while B-24s hit Haroekoe Aerodrome on Ceram Island; P-38s cover the Laha raid, attack shipping in Seri and Ambon Bays on Ambon Island and hit Amahai Airfield on Amahai Island and Kairatoe Airfield on Halmahara Island. Off Halmahera Island B-25s fly a barge sweep, bomb Laboehan on Celebes Island and attack the coastal villages on Weda and Boeli Bays on Halmahara Island.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 138, OCTOBER 2, 1944
Military government was proclaimed on Angaur Island on September 30 (West Longitude Date), as mopping up operations proceeded on Angaur and Peleliu. A few fanatical enemy troops, holed up in caves, continued to resist with small arms fire. On the same day, Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed the airfield on Babelthuap Island. Antiaircraft fire was intense.
On September 30, 9,076 enemy troops had been killed on Peleliu and 1,075 on Angaur, while a total of 187 prisoners have been captured on the two islands.
Seventh Army Air Liberators on September 20, dropped approximately 37 tons of bombs on Moen and Eten Islands in Truk Atoll. Antiaircraft fire was meager.
Another formation of Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed runways and airdrome facilities at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on September 30. Antiaircraft fire was moderate but eight aggressive enemy fighters intercepted our planes. One of the Liberators was shot down while several of the others were damaged.
Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked gun positions on Jaluit Atoll in the Marshalls with 33 tons of bombs on September 30. In the attack a small raft was sunk after strafing. Heavy antiaircraft fire damaged one of the Corsairs.

[syscom3]

Oct 3rd 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Kurile , 2 B-24s flying offshore reconnaissance over Onnekotan, Harumukotan, and Shasukotan also strafe several small vessels.

(CBI) BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): Troop carriers fly 240+ sorties, delivering men and supplies to various points in the CBI. In Burma, the 5th Liaison Squadron, Tenth Air Force [attached to 1st Liaison Group (Provisional)], moves from Shaduzup to Myitkyina with L-1s and L-5s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 23 B-25s attack Pingnam, trucks and rivercraft in the Wuchou, Samshui, and Canton areas, and bomb Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields in Canton; 100 P-51s and P-40s continue armed reconnaissance over wide expanses of China S of the Yangtze River, attacking rivercraft, road traffic, troops, town areas, and other targets of opportunity; the Hsinganhsien, Pingnam, and Chuanhsien areas are covered exceptionally well.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: On Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, the 7th Marine Regiment gains hold on ridges along east side of the Umurbrogol Pocket.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA) AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan hit shipping in the Bonin while P-47s pound gun positions, buildings, and a wharf on Pagan. B-24s on special reconnaissance missions bomb the airfield on Iwo Jima.

UNITED STATES: The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) direct General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in the Southwest Pacific (SWPA), to seize bases on Luzon, Philippine Islands from which to support future operations. Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander of the Pacific Ocean Area and Commander of the Pacific Fleet, is to provide cover and support for the Luzon operation; invade Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, in January 1945 and the Ryukyu Island, with the assistance of SWPA aircraft, two months later.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: For the second time B-24s bomb oil refineries in the Balikpapan, Borneo area, B-25s hit shipping and bomb Sanana on Sanana , Moluccas; On Halmahera, B-25s smash Kaoe Airfield runway and bomb Galela; B-25s and B-24s over Ceram - Ambon hit barge and coastal targets of opportunity and pound Taka Airfield in the Moluccas , while fighter-bombers attack Halong seaplane base on Celebes and Namlea Airfield on Buru and Haroekoe Airfields on Haroekoe . On the Vogelkop Peninsula, fighter-bombers again hit Fak Fak and Otawiri.

EAST INDIES: In British North Borneo, USAAF Far East Air Force B-24s attack oil refineries and oil storage facilities at Lutong for a second time.
In the Netherlands East Indies, USAAF Far East Air Force B-25s hit shipping and bomb Sanana on Sanana Island, Moluccas Islands; B-25s attack Kaoe Aerodrome on Halmahera Island and bomb Galela Airfield on Galela Island; B-25s and B-24s over Ceram Island and Ambon Island hit barge and coastal targets of opportunity and pound Taka Airfield in the Moluccas Islands, while fighter-bombers attack Halong seaplane base on Halong Island and Namlea Airfield on Buroe Island and Haroekoe Aerodrome on Haroekoe Island.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 139, OCTOBER 3, 1944
During October 1 and 2 (West Longitude Date) continued progress was made toward eliminating the last enemy resistance at Bloody Nose Ridge on Peleliu Island, and mopping up operations proceeded on Angaur Island. The difficult work of rooting out enemy troops from nearly inaccessible caves continues. On the night of October 1 a single enemy plane dropped two bombs in a swamp near the airfield at Peleliu, which did no damage.
On October 1 Seventh Air Force Liberators dropped 31 tons of bombs on the airfield at Dublon Island in the Truk Atoll. Two enemy planes attempted unsuccessful interception. Two Liberators were damaged by moderate antiaircraft fire.
The SS Elihu Thompson, a Liberty ship operated by the War Shipping Administration and chartered by the Navy, struck a mine while entering a South Pacific port on September 25. Eleven Army personnel on board the vessel were killed by the resultant explosion and 22 are missing. No casualties were suffered by Naval or Merchant Marine personnel. Survivors were removed from the Thompson by patrol craft and the ship's own boats, and a Navy salvage unit took the vessel in tow and beached her. The ship can be restored to service. All next of kin of casualties have been notified.

[syscom3]

Oct 4th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Kurile , a B-24 weatheraborts a photo run off Matsuwa ; 4 B-25s bomb a freighter and a barge off Shimushu; 15-17 fighters intercept and the B-25s score 1 victory.

BURMA: In the British Fourteenth Army’s XXXIII Corps area, the East African 11th Division overruns Yazagyo in the Kabaw Valley while the Indian 5th Division is closing in on Tiddim.

(CBI) BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 8 P-47s damage approaches to a bridge between Myitkyina and Bhamo; 16 P-47s hit the town of Palwesho; 4 others hit small towns S of Bhamo, including Man The and Hantet. CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 5 B-25s hit Hsinantien and areas N of Chefang; 80+ P-40s and P-51s continue to attack targets of opportunity during armed reconnaissance over areas of China S of the Yangtze River; 20+ fighter-bombers hit buildings, troops, and river shipping in the Paoching area.

CHINA: Five USAAF Fourteenth Air Force B-25 Mitchells hit Hsinantien and areas north of Chefang; 80+ P-40s and P-51 Mustangs continue to attack targets of opportunity during armed reconnaissance over areas of China south of the Yangtze River; and 20+ fighter-bombers hit buildings, troops, and river shipping in the Paoching area.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: On Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, the 7th Marine Regiment continues attacks on the Umurbrogol Pocket but by end of day, the regiment is so depleted in strength that it is no longer an effective fighting force.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA) AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan attack shipping W of Iwo Jima and bomb airfields, the radio station, buildings, and area targets on Marcus, Pagan, and Iwo Jima . P-47s hit gun positions, beach defenses, buildings, and the wharf area on Pagan . B-24s from the Marshall bomb Moen Airfield. B-24s from the Marshall Islands bomb the airfield on Moen Island, Truk Atoll.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-25s bomb Sidate and Bolaangoeki. P-40s and B-25s attack Galela and Kaoe Airfields. B-25s and A-20s on a shipping sweep bomb town and port area of Amboina on Ambon , hit a wharf at Halong on Celebes , and attack shipping and shore targets of opportunity at various points. In New Guinea, HQ 403d Troop Carrier Group moves from Los Negros, to Biak ; the 13th Troop Carrier Squadron, 403d Troop Carrier Group, based on Espiritu Santo ceases operating from Los Negros and begins operating from Wakde with C-47s; the 63d Troop Carrier Squadron, 403d Troop Carrier Group, based on Biak , begins operating from Wakde with C-47s. The 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, moves from Owi to Morotai with P-38s.

EAST INDIES: In the Netherlands East Indies, Lieutenant General Walter Krueger, Commanding General U.S. Sixth Army, declares the Morotai Island operation at an end, although mopping up continues. Japanese dead on Morotai total 102 and 13 prisoners. At least 200 are estimated killed on barges between Morotai and Halmahera Islands. Allied casualties number about 30 killed, 85 wounded, and one missing. Wama Airfield, built by the Australian Nos. 13 and 14 Airfield Construction Squadrons, is put into use by aircraft. A permanent fighter garrison arrives and the USN’s escort aircraft carriers (CVEs) are able to leave.
USAAF Far East Air Forces B-25s bomb Sidate Airfield on Celebes Island,. On Halmahera Island, P-40s and B-25s attack Galela and Kaoe Airfields. B-25s and A-20s on a shipping sweep bomb town and port area of Ambon on Ambon Island, hit a wharf at Halong on Halong Island, and attack shipping and shore targets of opportunity at various points.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 140, OCTOBER 4, 1944
Further reducing the remnants of enemy troops still resisting on Peleliu and Angaur Islands, Marine and Army troops destroyed the occupants of a number of enemy held caves on October 3 (West Longitude Date). Mopping up operations on Angaur continued. The bodies of more dead Japanese soldiers have been counted, a total of 9,878 on Peleliu and 1,109 on Angaur.
Search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Paramushiru in the Kuriles on October 2. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered. All our planes returned.
Seventh Air Force Liberators on October 1, scored a direct hit on an enemy cargo vessel near Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands. Two enemy planes were in the air, but did not attempt interception. Shipping in Chichi Jima Harbor was attacked by Seventh Air Force Liberators on October 2. Antiaircraft fire varied from moderate to meager.
Buildings, gun emplacements, and docking facilities at Pagan Island were bombed and rocketed on October 2 by Thunderbolts of the Seventh Air Force. No antiaircraft fire was encountered.
Seventh Air Force Liberators bombed the runway and installations on Marcus Island on October 2. Antiaircraft fire was meager.
Corsairs and Venturas of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed communications facilities and gun positions at Jaluit Atoll on October 2. Antiaircraft fire, which was moderate, damaged one Ventura. All our planes returned safely. Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing flew through meager antiaircraft fire to bomb installations at Taroa Island in the Maloelap Atoll.

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Oct 5th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): At dawn on Paramushiru , 2 B-24s bomb Kashiwabara and Kurabu Cape.

(CBI) BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 11 P-47s hit Mawlu and attack locomotives and targets of opportunity in the Naha area; 8 B-25s attack bridges at Namhkai, damaging the main bridge. Troop carriers fly 250+ sorties to various locations in the CBI. The 493d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th BG (Heavy), moves from Tezgaon to Pandaveswar, India with B-24s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 12 B-25s and 22 fighter-bombers attack Samshui, Koyiu and Takhing; 8 hit targets of opportunity in the Canton-Wuchou area, and 3 bomb a storage area at Mangshih; 50+ P-40s and P-51s over wide areas of S China attack rivercraft, road traffic, bridges, town areas, and troops.

CHINA: The Japanese capture Fuzhou (Foochow), the last seaport under Chinese control.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: In the Palau Islands, on Peleliu Island, action against Umurbrogo Pocket is limited as the 5th Marine Regiment begins relieving the 7th Marine Regiment.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA) AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): Saipan -based P-47s hit Pagan with rockets and bombs; a B-24 bombs gun positions on the island. B-25s from the Gilbert bomb runways and gun positions on Nauru while B-24s from the Marshall bomb an airfield at Moen and during the night of 5/6 Oct strike Wake. The 28th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Seventh Air Force, based at Kipapa Airfield, Hawaii, sends a detachment to Peleliu Airfield with F-5s.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb airfields in the Kendari area on Celebes . B-25s and P-38s hit Kairatoe Airfield on Celebes , the town of Amboina on Ambon and numerous coastal and shipping targets of opportunity in the Ambon-Ceram area. A-20s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers attack Urarom, the Simora Point area, Doom , Babo, Efman and Samate Airfields and disposal areas; A-20s blast Japanese bivouacs and supply areas near Sarmi; HQ 54th Troop Carrier Wing moves from Nadzab to Biak . In the Moluccas , the 418th Night Fighter Squadron, V Fighter Command [attached to HQ 310th Bombardment Wing (Medium)], moves from Owi, Schouten Islands to Morotai with P-61s.

EAST INDIES: USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24 Liberators bomb airfields in the Kendari area on Celebes Island. B-25 Mitchells and P-38s hit Kairatoe Airfield on Halmahara Island, the town of Ambon on Ambon Island and numerous coastal and shipping targets of opportunity in the Ambon-Ceram Islands area.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO: The USN's Special Air Task Force (STAG 1), based on Stirling Island in the Treasury Islands, commences operations with Interstate TDR-1 target drones controlled from converted TBM-1C Avengers against Japanese targets in the southwest Pacific. Four Interstate TDR-1s, each carrying a 2,000-pound bomb, are launched against Japanese supply caves in the Keravia Bay, Rabaul, area of New Britain Island. One TDR hits in the vicinity of cave entrances; one misses the target area. Two are lost en route due to interference from communications frequency used by a motor gunboat (PGM) operating in the waters over which the drones fly.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 141, OCTOBER 5, 1944
United States forces on Peleliu Island continued to apply heavy pressure to the remaining pocket of enemy resistance at Bloody Nose Ridge on October 4 (West Longitude Date). Several defensive positions and caves were cleaned out during the day. Mopping up operations on Angaur Island are being continued.
During the operations in the Southern Palau Islands from September 25 to October 5 the following casualties were incurred
First Marine Division: 81st Infantry Division
Killed, 191 Killed, 145
Wounded, 1,011 Wounded, 696
Missing, 0 Missing, 8
The total in the missing category for the First Marine Division has been revised downward from 401 to 267 for the entire campaign.
During the same period an additional 2,618 enemy troops were eliminated on Peleliu and 137 were eliminated on Angaur.
Corsair fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing, operating from the airfield at Peleliu, bombed Babelthuap Island on October 4, hitting the airstrips and strafing a concentration of motor vehicles. Warehouses at Koror were also bombed during the day.
Eleventh Air Force Liberators strafed a small cargo vessel near Onekotan in the Kuriles on October 3. On returning to their base the bombers were Intercepted by two enemy fighters near Paramushiru but were not damaged.
Seventh Air Force Liberators on October 3 bombed a large cargo ship and a destroyer northwest of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands. Antiaircraft fire from the destroyer was meager. On the same day, Marcus Island was bombed by Seventh Air Force Liberators.
Thunderbolt fighters of the Seventh Air Force dropped bombs and rockets on gun positions and shore installations at Pagan Island on October 3. Other planes bombed barracks and communications facilities the same night.
Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing dive bombed airfields and installations at Ponape Island on October 4. Antiaircraft fire was inaccurate.
Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed enemy positions on Jaluit Atoll on October 4. One Corsair suffered minor damage from antiaircraft fire.

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Oct 6th 1944

(CBI) BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 20+ P-47s bomb troop concentrations in Mawlu and Bilumyo and damage an approach to bridge at Seywa; 8 B-25s attack bridges at Hsenwi, damaging the main bridge but causing little harm to bypass bridges. Transport operations continue on large scale in the CBI. In India, HQ 7th Bombardment Group moves from Kurmitola to Pandaveswar while it's 436th and 492d Bombardment Squadrons move from Tezzgaon to Madhaigani with B-24s.

FRENCH INDOCHINA: Fifty plus USAAF Fourteenth Air Force P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance over areas of China south of the Yangtze River attack river craft, bridges, town areas, troop concentrations and targets of opportunity along the north French Indochina coast.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 12 B-25s bomb Wucbou and attack boats and other targets of opportunity in the Canton area; the flight of the 35th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Fourteenth AF, at Nanning, returns to base at Chanyi with F-5s.

CHINA: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's personal representative to China, Major General Patrick J. Hurley, delivers to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek President Roosevelt's reply, in which the President agrees to recall General Joseph Stilwell but declines to put another U.S.
officer in command of Chinese troops. General Stilwell will command Chinese troops in Burma and in Yunnan Province of China but will be relieved of responsibility for lend-lease matters.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Twentieth Air Force): The first P-61 night fighters arrive in Chengtu, China on the eve of the third air raid; in 10 attacks from 6 Sep to 19 Dec, only 43 aircraft participate.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA) AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan hit Iwo Jima in harassment attacks during the night of 6/7. A B-24 from Kwajalein Atoll bombs a heavy gun battery on Emidj Island, Jaluit Atoll. During the night of 6/7 Oct, 3 B-24s bomb Wake.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: In New Guinea, P-47s bomb Kaimana; and the 547th Night Fighter Squadron moves from Oro Bay to Owi, with P-38s and P-61s.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: On Angaur Island in the Palau Islands, particularly heavy fire is placed on the Japanese pocket at the northwestern tip of the island, and the 322d Infantry Regiment feints an attack, luring the Japanese into exposed positions.

EAST INDIES: In the Netherlands East Indies, USAAF Far East Air Forces P-38s hit Kaoe Airfield and shipping near Djailolo on Halmahera Island while B-25s and P-38s attack Namlea on Buroe Island, Waai on Ambon Island, Amahai on Amahai Island, and several small craft.

PACIFIC OCEAN: German submarine U-168 (Type IXC) is sunk at 0130 hours Berlin time, in the Java Sea about 93 nautical miles NW of Surabaya, Java, Netherlands East Indies, at position 06.20S, 111.28E, by a torpedo from the Dutch submarine HNMS Zwaardvisch (A British T Class construction). Twenty seven of the 50 men aboard the U-boat survive. The boat is intercepted, after the Allies, through code breaking efforts, learned of its exact position and time of arrival at several navigation points. After that it is a very simple to ambush her.

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Oct 7th 1944

(CBI) BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 5 P-47s bomb supplies and troops at Man Hpa. Large-scale transport operations continue to deliver men and supplies to various points in the CBI.
BURMA: In the Northern Combat Area Command (NCAC) area, the Chines 22d Division, which has been training for the fall offensive since the capture of Myitkyina, begins a movement to Kamaing.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 53 P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance attack troop concentrations, bridges, river and rail traffic, town areas, and supply dumps around Tunghsiangchiao, Pingnam, Hsinganhsien, Chuanhsien, Lingling, Wuchou, Houmachen, Chiuchiang, and Paoching.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO: The Australian 36th Battalion, 6th Brigade, 5th Division, lands at Cape Hoskins on the north coast of New Britain Islands. The battalion is assigned to the U.S. 185th Infantry Regiment.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA) AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan , on armed reconnaissance, attack Marcus and nearby shipping.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: On Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, ground attacks are temporarily suspended after a futile attempt by the 3d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, assisted by tanks, to compress the Umurbrogol Pocket.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: On Celebes , B-25s bomb Langoan, Tompaso, and Tondegesang. P-38s attack Kaoe on Halmahera , and hit oil tanks at Boela. B-25s bomb a storage area at W Amboina, Ambon. In New Guinea, P-38s and B-25s strike Doom and Babo airfield.

EAST INDIES: USAAF Far East Air Forces P-47s bomb Amahai on Amahai Island and Boela Aerodrome on Ceram Island. In the Moluccas Islands, P-38s hit Dodinga Bay barge hideouts, supplies and targets of opportunity along Wasile and Kaoe Bays on Halmahera Island.

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS: Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief Pacific Ocean Area (CINCPOA), publishes a Joint Staff Study that is a basis for the preliminary planning for the invasion of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands.

NEW GUINEA: Australian General Sir Thomas Blamey, Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Military Forces and Commander of Allied land forces in the South West Pacific, Lieutenant General Leslie Morshead, General Officer Commanding I Australian Corps and Major General J.H. Cannan, the Quartermaster General, arrive at Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea to plan for the movement of the I Corps from Australia to the Philippine Islands. Blamey then meets with American Lieutenant General Richard Sutherland, Chief of Staff, South West Pacific Area, who tells Blamey that it is not politically expedient for the Australian Imperial Force to be amongst the first troops to land in the Phillipines.
In Dutch New Guinea, USAAF Fifth Air Force P-38s and B-25s strike Doom Island and Babo airfield.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24s over Mindanao Island bomb Zamboanga while a P-38 cover force hits seaplanes, shipping, and other targets of opportunity in the area.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 142, OCTOBER 7, 1944
Employing tanks and artillery, United States forces made some progress against stubbornly held enemy positions on Umurbrogol Mountain on Peleliu Island during October 6 (West Longitude Date). Total enemy killed at date total 11,083 on Peleliu Island and 1,128 on Angaur Island. Our forces have captured 214 prisoners on Peleliu and 10 on Angaur.
On the same day, Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing attacked several small villages on Babelthuap Island, damaging nine fuel dumps, five supply dumps, two ammunition dumps, two buildings and 28 trucks. Three boats and seven barges in the vicinity of Komeball Lagoon were strafed also.
Liberators of the Eleventh Air Force, flying through weak antiaircraft fire, bombed Paramushiru on October 4. On the same date, Eleventh Air Force Mitchells struck at enemy shipping at Paramushiru and Shimushu, probably sinking a cargo ship and damaging a barge. Returning from the raid, the Mitchells were challenged by 15 to 20 fighters. Two enemy planes were probably destroyed and two damaged. Some of our planes suffered slight damage.
A Navy search plane bombed the airfield and gun positions on Yap on October 4. Antiaircraft fire was meager and ineffective. Seventh Air Force Liberators dropped 33 tons of bombs on the airstrip and hangars on Moen Island in the Truk Group on October 5. Antiaircraft fire was meager and the three or four enemy fighters that rose to intercept did no damage to our planes.

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Oct 8th 1944

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): Photo missions to Paramushiru, Matsuwa, Onnekotan and Shasukotan turn back due to weather.

(CBI) BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 20+ P-47s hit targets of opportunity in the Mawhun and Manyut areas, knock out a bridge at Seywa, and bomb railroad tracks in N Burma; 5 B-25s damage a bridge and score hits on the other bridge approaches at Namhkai and knock out 2 bridges at Wuntho and Kawlin. In India, HQ 443d Troop Carrier Group moves from Dinjan to Ledo.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): 12 P-40s and P-51s hit locomotives, trucks, and river traffic at Yuncheng and NE of Pengtse.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA) AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): 3 Saipan -based B-24s hit Pagan and Marcus . 24 P-47s hit buildings, beach defenses, and gun positions on Pagan. During the day and night of 8/9 Oct B-24s from the Marshalls bomb Wake. In Hawaii, the 531st Fighter Squadron, 21st Fighter Group, moves from Kuoloa to Mokuleia Field with P-38s and P-51s.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: P-47s bomb Amahai and Boela. P-38s hit Dodinga Bay barge hideouts, supplies and targets of opportunity along Wasile Bay and Kaoe Bay. In New Guinea, B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers hit Sorong, Doom, runways and targets of opportunity at Efman and Samate, and gun positions, bivouacs, and supplies at Simora Point; a detachment of the 17th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 4th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), begins operating from Noemfoor with F-5s (squadron HQ begins a movement from Guadalcanal to Morotai; another detachment is operating from Bougainville.

UNITED STATES: Wendell Lewis Willkie, the Republican candidate in the 1940 Presidential election, dies in New York City of complications from an August heart attack. He is 50-years-old.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 143, OCTOBER 8, 1944
Supported by Corsair fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing, which dropped 1000 pound bombs, U. S. Forces on Peleliu Island made further ad¬vances against enemy held positions on Umurbrogol Mountain on October 7 (West Longitude Date). On Angaur Island, mopping up operations continued. Enemy dead number 11,083 and Peleliu and 1,150 on Angaur. On Peleliu 214 prisoners have been captured, and on Angaur 11 have been taken. A fuel dump and two small buildings were destroyed by our planes in an attack on the villages of Ngatpang and Gamilangel on Babelthuap Island.
Military government was set up on Peleliu Island on September 16 and on Kongauru and Ngesebus Islands on September 30. As previously announced, military government was established on Angaur Island on September 30.
Two Liberators of the Seventh Air Force bombed Wake Island on the night of October 6 without encountering antiaircraft fire.
Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was bombed on October 6. There was no antiaircraft fire.
The airfield and gun positions on Nauru Island were bombed by Seventh Air Force Mitchells on October 5. Antiaircraft fire was ineffective.
Neutralization raids against enemy held positions in the Marshall Islands continued.