The Official Chronology of the U.S. Army Airforce in World War II

USAAF Chronology 1941 - 1942

JANUARY 1944

 SATURDAY, 1 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-25's, along mith 16 P-38's, attack a bridge on the Mu River between Ywataung and Monywa; Major Robert A Erdin, piloting the lead B-25, pulls up during his bomb run to avoid a tree; he releases his bombs as he noses up, and topples 2 spans of the bridge into the river; subsequent tests prove this a good bridge-bombing maneuver; the tactic is refined and the squadron [the 490BS(M), 341BG(M)] becomes so proficient as to gain the sobriquet "Burma Bridge Busters". Further N, 11A-36's and 15 P-51's pound the airfield at Myitkyina, Burma.

The 315TCS is activated at Dinjan, India assigned to the 10AF and equipped with C-47's.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 4 P-40's bomb and strafe targets of opportunity in Indochina, including barracks and rafts along the Yuan River in the Cam Duong-Lao Kay area.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): The Operational Research Section, organized at Hq VIII BC in Oct 43, is made a special staff section, accountable directly to the US Chiefs of Staff (CoS). It is composed mostly of civilian specialists trained in statistical analysis and other disciplines pertinent to studying operations of a strategic bombing force. The section subsequently proves of great value in improving the effectiveness of strategic bombing.

HQ 491 and it's 852d, 853d, 854th and 855BS(H) transfer without personnel and equipment from the US to England. They will be equipped with B-24's and fly their first Mission on 2 Jun.

The 856th, 857th, 858th and 859BS(H), 492BG(H) transfer from the US to North Pickenham, England with B-24's. They will fly their first Mission on 11 May.

HQ 493BG(H) and it's 860th, 861, 862 and 863BS(H) transfer without personnel and equipment from the US to England; they will fly their first Mission with B-24's on 6 Jun.

US STRATEGIC AFS IN EUROPE (USSAFE): USSAFE is established for operational control of the Eighth and 15AFs.

MTO - (AAFMTO): A complete reorganization of USAAF units in the (MTO) takes place: US Army AFs, North African Theater of Operations (USAAFNATO) is redesignated AAF MTO - (AAFMTO); XII AF Services Command becomes AAF Services Command MTO - (AAFSCMTO); III Air Services Area Command (Special): becomes XII AF Services Command; II Air Services Area Command becomes XV Air Force Services Command; XII AF Engineer Command (Provisional): becomes AAF Engineer Command, Mediterranean Theather of Operations (Provisional); and XII AF Training Command is changed to XII AF Training and Replacement Command. The XII BC, 12AF is reorganized as an medium bomber organization, 3 B-25 groups and the 3 B-26 groups of the 42BW(M), under Brigadier General Robert D Knapp.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): The 3 remaining B-26 groups of the 15AF are transferred to the 12AF, leaving the Fifteenth with 6 heavy bomber [2d, 93d, 97th, 99th, 30lst, 376BGS(H)] and 4 FGs (1, 14th, 82d, and 325th), or 4 B-17, 2 B-24, 1 P-47, and 3 P-38 groups.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): HQ 33FG transfers from Santa Maria to Cercola, Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 16 P-39's strafe the harbor of Mille Atoll in the Marshall Islands and attack shipping N of the atoll; 2 small vessels are heavily damaged.

During the month of Jan 44, HQ VII BC transfers from Funafuti Atoll in the Ellice Islands to Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 868BS(H) is activated to work directly under the XIII BC. The unit, equipped with radar equipped B-24's used for night missions, becomes known as the "Snooper Squadron." They will fly their first Mission on 4 Jan; they used their airborne radar for low-level attacks at night, and for pathfinder operations.

15 B-24's, escorted by 70+ P-38's and USN (USN) F6F's, bomb Lakunai Airfield on New Britain Island in the Bismarck Archipelago; fighter and AA opposition is heavy, with 80-90 fighters attempting interception. US airplanes claim 20 fighters shot down; 1 B-24 is shot down and 2, severely damaged, crashland at Torokina on Bougainville Island in the Solomon Islands. Allied fighters join USN dive bombers in support of ground forces in the Torokina area. 6 B-25's and 2 B-24's bomb Kahili and 4 B-24's hit Manob, both on Bougainville.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): On New Guinea, 120+ B-24's, B-25's and A-20's pound the Saidor area in preparation for an Allied invasion; other B-25's bomb Madang and Alexishafen. On New Britain Island, A-20's continue to hit troop concentrations in the Cape Gloucester area; B-25's hit positions at Borgen Bay; and P-39's strate barges along New Britain's N coast. HQ 312BG(L) arrives at Gusap, New Guinea from the US. The 500BSM), 345BG(M), transfers from Port Moresby to Dobodura, New Guinea with B-25's.

 SUNDAY, 2 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 27 B-25's and 16 P-39's hit a fuel plant and work shops at Yenangyaung and set the oilfield aflame; 13 B-24's also hit the refinery, causing a large fire, and bomb a power station; 4 other B-24's bomb Akyab on the W coast; about 30 A-36's and P-51's score hits on the Loilaw bridge approaches and bomb the towns in the vicinity.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 8 P-40's bomb and strafe Japanese HQ and barracks at Hopang, China.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): P-47's fly an uneventful sweep over the Rome area.

The 720th and 722BS(H), 450BG(H), arrive at Manduria, Italy from the US with B-24's; they will fly their first Mission on 9 Jan.

The 724th, 725th, 726th and 727BS(H), 451BG(H), arrive at Gioia del Colle, Italy from the US with B-24's; they will fly their first Mission on 30 Jan.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's bomb the Terni marshalling yard and iron works and nearby barracks; P-40's and Spitfires from the AAF, Royal Canadian AF (RCAF), RAAF (RAAF), South African AF (SAAF), and RAF blast snowbound vehicles in the Aveziano-Popoli area, warehouses at San Benedetto de Marsi and gun positions and defended areas around Chieti; A-36's hit Civitavecchia harbor and marhalling yard to the S of town, the Anagni marshalling yard and nearby pun positions, and other targets of opportunity; B-26's bomb bridges at Riva Santo Stefano and Ventimiglia, the marshalling yard at Arma di Taggia, and bridge over the Var River.

HQ 340BG(M) and it's 488BS(M) transfer from Foggia to Pompeii, Italy with B-25's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, B-24's, staging through Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, bomb Maloelap Atoll; 9 B-25's hit targets on Jaluit Atoll; and P-39's strafe shipping at Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 24 B-25's bomb Buka supply area on Buka Island. 30+ Allied fighters sweep Rabaul area on New Britain Island, claiming 11airplanes shot down; 1USN (USN) fighter is lost.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): Elements of the US 32d Infantry Division make an amphibious landing at Saidor, New Guinea following a preparatory naval bombardment; Bad weather prevents preparatory air strikes, but 80+ B-24's and A-20's pound positions in coordination with the landings; the harbor and airfield are captured. Other B-24's bomb Pombelaa, Celebes Island and Amboina Island, Moluccas Islands. B-25's and B-26's bomb Madang, New Guinea. P-40's strafe the airfield, AA positiona, barges, and supply dump at Cape Hoskins on New Britain Island.

 MONDAY, 3 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 22 A-36's and P-51's hit warehouses and dump area at Sahmaw; 19 B-25's, along with 16 P-38's, bomb a pumping station at Yenangyaung, setting oil tanks afire; 10 B-24's follow with a strike on the same target, causing explosions and leaving the target in flames.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 28 B-24's attack the railroad yards at Lampang; 5 fighter-bombers attack the town of Pingkai.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Special Night Operation: 1 B-17 is dispatched on an Oboe test against Germany but turns back due to an oxygen failure in the tail gun position.

HQ 452BG(H) and it's 728th, 729th, 730th and 731BS(H) arrives at Deopham Green, England from the US with B-17's; first Mission is 5 Feb.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Lieutenant General Nathan F Twining becomes Commanding General, 15AF.

In Italy, B-17's escorted by P-38's, bomb the Villarperosa ball bearing works and Lingotto marshalling yard and Fiat motor works in the Turin area.

P-47's fly top cover for the B-17's as far as the Italian coast, then turn and carry out an uneventful sweep over the Rome area.

Arrivals in Italy from US: 719BS(H), 449BG(H), to Grottaglie with B-24's; first Mission is 8 Jan.

721 and 723BS(H), 450BG(H), to Manduria with B-24's; first Mission is 8 Jan.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Brigadier General Edward M Morris assumes command of the XII Fighter Command.

In Yugoslavia, B-25's bomb a troop concentration area at Prijedor, and hit Split and Sibenik. In Italy, P-40's and A-36's bomb gun positions near Cassino, the Anagni railroad station, a village near Vicenza, the railway and trains between Ceccano and Segni, and the harbor at Civitavecchia; P-40's, with SAAF and RCAF Spitfires, hit 100+ vehicles in the Avezzano-Sulmona area; other P-40's, with AAF, RAF, SAAF, and RAAF fighters, hit targets in the Filetto-Tollo areas in support of ground troops.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 24 A-24's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands dive-bomb AA positions and radar and radio facilities on Mille Atoll, Marshall Islands. 20 supporting P-39's strafe runways and oil storage.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 30+ Allied fighters again sweep the Rabaul area, New Britain Island, claiming 6 Zekes shot down. 6 B-24's bomb Kavieng, New Ireland Island, and several others abort due to bad weather. 6 B-25's bomb Moisuru a bivouac area near Kahili, on Bougainville Island and 15 more hit supply areas near the Buka Passage.

23BS(H), 5BG(H), begins movement from Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides Islands to Munda, New Georgia Island with B-24's.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 50+ B-24's and B-25's bomb the Alexishafen area in New Guinea. 20+ A-20's hit positions at Borgen Bay, New Britain Island. 388BS(L), 312BG(L), transfers from Port Moresby to Gusap, New Guinea with P-40's; first Mission is 13 Jan; they will transition to A-20's in Feb.

 TUESDAY, 4 JANUARY 1944

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 174: 2 targets in Germany are hit; 19 bombers and 2 fighters are lost.

1. 371 of 439 B-17's and 115 of 130 B-24's are dispatched to the port area at Kiel; 7 B-17's and 34 B-24's hit targets of opportunity; they claim 4-12-4 Luftwaffe aircraft; 11 B-17's and 6 B-24's are lost; 2 B-17's and 3 B-24's are damaged beyond repair and 111 B-17's and 16 B-24's are damaged; casualties are 22 KIA, 53 WIA and 170 MIA. 70 P-38's and 42 9AF P-51's escort; they claim 1-1-4 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38 and 1 P-51 are lost and 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair; casualties are 1 WIA and 2 MIA.

2. 68 of 75 B-17's hit Munster; 2 B-17's are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 35 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 20 MIA. 430 P-47's escort; they claim 7-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-47 is damaged.

Mission 175: During the evening, 4 B-17's drop 800,000 leaflets on Orleans, Lorient, Rouen and Tours, France at 2005-2021hours; no losses. This is the first CARPETBAGGER operation from Tempsford, England on this night.

US airplanes begin flying supplies from UK to underground resistance forces in W Europe, this operation being coded CARPETBAGGER.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): XIX Air Support Command is activated at Middle Wallop England with Major General Elwood R Quesada in command; XIX will support Patton's Third Army in Europe.

258 B-26's bomb NOBALL targets (V-weapons sites) in France. Weather makes bombing difficult, and results range from unknown to good.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 100+ B-17's are dispatched to bomb the Dupnica area of Bulgaria; 29 bomb the target area, but heavy cloud cover causes 77 B-17's to return bombs to base; P-38's escort the B-17's the total distance to and from targets; P-47's provide escort part way.

HQ 449BG(H) arrives at Grottaglie, Italy from the US.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Yugoslavia, B-25's bomb the Brodac town area and marshalling yard, and the town of Travnik. P-40's hit a bridge and trains and fly patrols over the battleline in Italy.

Transfers in Italy: HQ XII BC and HQ 57BW from Bari and Foggia respectively to Trocchia.

HQ 3PRG and 12(Photo)RS from San Severo to Pomigliano with F-4's and F-5's.

380th and 428BS(M), 310BG(M), from Philippeville, Algeria to Ghisonaccia, Corsica with B-25's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 18 B-24's, staging through Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, bomb Emidj Island, Marshall Islands.

HQ 30BG(H) transfers from Nanumea Island, Ellice Island to Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): In the Solomon Islands, B-24's bomb Sohano Island, concentrating on the seaplane base and supply area. B-25's pound gun positions at Tonolai and bomb Chabai, Bougainville Island. P-39's, Royal New Zealand AF (RNZAF) Ventura's, and night fighters, operating individually or in small flights, hit targets on Bougainville, including barges at Mutupina Point and along the Jaba River, and areas around Buka, Buka Island, Bonis, Poporang Island, Papas, and Banin.

40+ Allied fighters attack the Rabaul area on New Britain Island and claim at least 10 airplanes shot down.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 100+ heavy and medium bombers bomb the Alexishafen, Madang, and Bogadjim areas and hit troops and supplies between Finschhafen and Saidor. On New Britain island, B-25's attack artillery positions in the Cape Gloucester area. B-24's and B-25's hit shipping at Koepang, Timor Island and in nearby waters.

421NFS, V Fighter Command, arrives at Milne Bay, New Guinea from the US with P-70's; first Mission is 29 Feb.

 WEDNESDAY, 5 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 3 B-25's, supported by 8 P-38's, attack the Mu River bridge between Monywa and Ywataung which is being rebuilt; hits are scored on the E bank near the bridge and several sheds are set afire; the escorting fighters damage several nearby railway cars, strafe the nearby town, set a barge afire, blow up 4 tin buildings, and claim a river steamer sunk.

20TRS and 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, AAF India-Burma Sector, arrive at Guskhara, India from the US with P-40's and F-7's respectively; first missions are 31Jan and in Mar 44 respectively.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): An 8AF report concludes that the US daylight strategic bombing program against Germany will be threatened unless steps are taken to reduce the enemy's fighter force, which has increased in strength in the W as a result of step-up in production, strengthening of firepower, and transfer of a larger percentage of fighters to the Western Front.

Mission 176: Four targets are hit costing 24 bombers and 12 fighters.

1. 119 of 131 B-17's and 96 of 114 B-24's hit the shipyard and industrial area at Kiel, Germany plus 10 aircraft hit targets of opportunity; they claim 41-6-13 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 B-17's and 5 B-24's are lost, 3 B-17's and 1 B-24 are damaged beyond repair and 61 B-17's and 15 B-24's are damaged; casualties are 36 KIA, 5 WIA and 100 MIA. This mission is escorted by 70 P-38's and 419AF P-51's; they claim 22-1-8 Luftwaffe aircraft; 7 P-38's are lost; casualties are 7 MIA.

2. 112 of 117 B-17's hit the Bordeaux/Merignac Airfield in France; they claim 50-10-9 Luftwaffe aircraft; 11 B-17's are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 49 damaged; casualties are 11 KIA, 21 WIA and 110 MIA. This mission is escorted by 76 P-47's; they claim 2-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 P-47's are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; casualties are 5 MIA.

3. 78 of 79 B-17's hit the Tours Airfield in France; they claim 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 B-17 is lost and 10 damaged; casualties are 10 MIA. This mission is escorted by 149 P-47's; they claim 3-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; no casualties.

4. 73 of 78 hit targets of opportunity at Neuss, Geilenkirchen, Dusseldorf and Wassenburg, Germany; they claim 2-5-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 B-17's are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 22 damaged; casualties are 2 WIA and 20 MIA.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Transfers: 154TRS, 6TRG (attached to 15AF), from Nouvion to Oran, Algeria with P-38's.

717BS(H), 449BG(H), from US to Grottaglie, Italy with B-24's; first Mission is 8 Jan.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-36's hit gun positions N of Mignano and on the S slope of Monte Porchia. Weather cancels other operations.

489BS(M), 340BG(M), transfers from Foggia to Pompeii, Italy with B-25's.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): B-25's bomb concentrations in the Choiseul Bay area, New Georgia Island and Hahela mission on S Buka Island, while B-24's attack Tonolai, the Kahili supply area, Fauro Island, and Poporang building area, Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24's and medium bombers bomb the Alexishafen, Madang, and Bogadjim areas and attack barges from Finschhafen to Saidor; and P-39's hit barges and gun positions during a sweep from Sio to Bogadjim.

 THURSDAY, 6 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, P-51's and A-36's carry out ground support missions at Sumprabum and Taihpa Ga and hit a cavalry bivouac and dumps at Kamaing; 12 P-40's attack a supply dump S of Sahmaw Junction and strafe Pahok.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 2 B-25's bomb a troop ship on the Yangtze River, NE of Tungting Lake; the vessel is reported as sunk.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Lieutenant General James H Doolittle assumes command, replacing Lieutenant General Ira C Eaker who will go to Italy as Commanding General Mediterranean Allied AF (MAAF).

Mission 177: During the evening, 5 B-17's drop 984,000 leaflets on Amiens, Lille, Valenciennes, Cambrai and Reims, France without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 436TCG and 79th, 80th, 81 and 82TCSs arrive at Bottesford, England from the US with C-47's.

US STRATEGIC AFS IN EUROPE (USSAFE): General Carl Spaatz assumes command and names Major Generals Frederick L Anderson and Hugh J Knerr as Deputy Commanding Generals for operations and administration.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Control of 15AF operations against targets of the Combined Bomber Offensive (CBO) is placed under USSAFE.

718BS(H), 449BG(H), arrives at Grottaglie, Italy from the US with B-24's; first Mission is 8 Jan.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26's bomb Pontedera hitting the marshalling yard and Piaggio aircraft factory there, the Lucca marshalling yard, and the railway N of Follonica; P-40 and A-36 fighterbombers attack gun positions in the Cervaro-Monte Trocchio area and near Aquino, the town of Cervaro, the railway at Civitavecchia, trains N and E of Rome, the Velletri train station, and the town of Fondi.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 78FS, 15th FG, transfers from Haleiwa Field to Stanley Field, Territory of Hawaii with P-40's.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): P-38's sweep the Rabaul area, New Britain Island, claiming 9 Zekes shot down during a running battle over the Cape Gazelle area. B-25's and RNZAF Ventura's bomb and strafe targets in the Choiseul Bay area, New Georgia Island, including jetty areas and buildings at Tarekekori, targets on Morgusaia Island, and gun positions on Kondakanimboko Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24's and B-25's bomb the Alexishafen and Bogadjim areas; A-20's attack targets along the road from Bogadjim to Yaula; B-25's attack targets of opportunity on the Huon Peninsula and others hit the Borgen Bay area; and P-39's strafe barges at Borgen and Rein Bays.

389BS(L), 312BG(L), transfers from Port Moresby to Gusap, New Guinea with P-40's; first Mission is 14 Jan; they transition to A-20's in Feb.

 FRIDAY, 7 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 7 B-25's and 15 P-38's pound the Lanywa area, hitting the oil plant and storage tanks, causing several fires, and strafe several AA positions; 19 A-36's and P-51's bomb supply and troop concentrations at Nanyaseik.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 4 B-25's and 6 P-40's sink 2 large boats on the Yangtze River S of Hukow and sink a large powerboat, a barge, and a small ore craft at Shihhweiyao; 11 P-38's claim between 30 and 40 sampans destroyed along the river from Hankow to Chiuchiang; and 2 B-25's on a sea sweep claim a 300-ft (91m) passenger vessel sunk S of Hong Kong.

HQ 341BG(M) transfers from the 10AF to the 14AF and moves from Kurmitola, India to Kunming, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 351 of 382 B-17's and 69 of 120 B-24's hit the I G Faren Industrie plant at Ludwigshafen, Germany; they claim 30-6-17 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 B-17's and 17 B-24's are lost, 2 B-17's and 2 B-24's are damaged beyond repair and 104 B-17's and 18 B-24's are damaged; casualties are 14 KIA, 13 WIA and 121 MIA. 71 P-38's, 463 P-47's and 37 9AF P-51's escort; they claim 7-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38 and 5 P-47's are lost and 1 P-47 is damaged; casualties are 6 MIA.

Mission 179: During the evening, 5 B-17's drop 1.08 million leaflets on Paris, Chartres, Caen and Evreux, France without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 35 B-26's bomb the Cherbourg/Maupertus Airfield. Bad weather restricts further operations.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-17's, with P-38 escort, bomb an aircraft factory at Maribor and a torpedo factory at Fiume; the P-38's battle a superior number of enemy fighters over the Maribor area; 3 P-38's are lost and several are missing; 4 fighters are claimed destroyed, with 1probably downed and 4 damaged, during the fierce half-hour fight.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's strike Perugia Airfield; A-20's hit defenses in close support of the US Fifth Army; B-26's hit the marshalling yards at Foligno and Arezzo and attack a bridge at Roccasecca; A-36's hit gun positions, trucks, and trains in the Cervaro-Aquino-Cassino area, bomb the Aquino station, and hit the Velletri railway yards; P-40's give close support in the Monte Maio, Monte La Chiaia, Monte Porchia, and Cedro Hill areas as the US Fifth Army drives toward the Rapido River.

Air echelon of the 417NPS, 12AF, transfers from Tafaraoui to La Senia, Algeria with Beaufighters; ground echelon is at Ghisonaccia, Corsica.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Major General Hubert R Harmon becomes Commanding General. 8 squadrons of Allied fighters support USN dive bombers in an attack on the Cape Saint George area, New Ireland Island.

B-24's bomb Vunakanau Airfield, New Britain Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24's, B-25's, P-39's, and P-47's bomb the Alexishafen-Madang area, hit Erima, Bogadjim, and targets along the Bogadjim Road, attack positions from Weber Point to Vincke Point, and strafe huts and barges near Sidor. On New Britain Island, B-24's bomb the Cape Gloucester area and A-20's hit forces near Arawe. B-24's also hit Lorengau, Manus Island and Boela, Ceram Island.

 SATURDAY, 8 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20 P-51's and A-36's knock out a bridge N of Hopin, destroy a warehouse and railroad tracks in the area, and destroy a locomotive and damage numerous railroad cars at Tigyaingza.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 22BS(H), 341 BG(M), transfers from Chakulia, India to Yangkai, China with B-25's.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 180: During the evening, 5 B-17's drop 2.292 million leaflets on Antwerp and Brussels, Belgium; and Rennes, Brest and Nantes, France without loss.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 449th and and 450BGS(H) with B-24's become operational, giving the 15AF a total of 8 heavy bomber groups.

B-24's bomb the airfield at Mostar, Yugoslavia. B-17's hit the Reggio Emilia aircraft factory; P-38's and P-47's fly escort.

HQ 1FG and 27th and 94FSs transfer from Gioia del Colle to Salsola Airfield, Italy with P-38's.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): B-25's bomb the harbor, warehouses, and railway at Metkovic, Yugoslavia. In Italy, A-20's hit railway stations at Frosinone and in the Colleferro-Segni area; B-26's bomb marshalling yards at Grosseto and Lucca; P-40's support the US Fifth Army in the mountains E and SE of Cassino, and, with A-36's, hit railway targets S of Rome at Aquino, Frosinone, Palestrina and Castelforte; other P-40's hit Avezzano, and A-36's blast trains and vessels in the vicinity of Tarquinia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 15 B-24's, staging through Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, bomb shipping and shore installations at several locations on Wotje, Maloelap and Jaluit Atolls, Marshall Islands; and 2 B-25's from Tarawa hit shipping and gun positions on Jaluit.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): In the Solomon Islands, B-24's bomb Kahili, Bougainville Island; and B-25's hit concentrations on Siposai and Kondakanimboko Islands.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24's, medium bombers, and a few fighters, attack the Madang area, bomb Uligan Harbor, and hit Bogadjim and the Bogadjim Road. On New Britain Island, fighters strafe the Sag Sag sawmill in the Cape Gloucester area and B-25's and A-20's hit positions near Arawe. B-24's bomb Kendari and other targets on Celebes Island.

 SUNDAY, 9 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 21 P-51 's and A-36's attack the Loilaw, Burma area, severely damaging a bridge, hitting an ammunition storage building, and scoring direct hits on large barracks.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 9 fighters strafe 6 steamboats and many smaller craft on the Yangtze River at Puchi; 2 B-25's on a sea sweep bomb a 200-ft (61m) vessel S of Swatow, reporting the ship destroyed. 8 fighter-bombers hit Sadon, Burma and in French Indochina, 4 bomb the Atson railroad yards and Lao Kay railroad station.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS: Prime Minister Winston S Churchill and General Charles A De Gaulle meet at Marrakesh, French Morocco. They discuss cooperation of a French expeditionary force in invasion of Europe and the degree of authority of the French inside France after the invasion.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-17's hit the docks and shipping at Pola, Yugoslavia.

71FS, 1FG, transfers from Gioia del Colle to Salsola Airfield, Italy with P-38's.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's attack the marshalling yard and docks at Ancona; P-40's hit tanks and trucks at Palena and S of Sulmona, and positions and vehicles near Cervaro; and A-36's hit positions in the same area.

414NPS, 63FW, based at Elmas, Sardinia with Beaufighters, sends a detachment to operate from Ghisonaccia, Corsica.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): In the Solomon Islands, B-25's hit Buka seaplane base on Buka Island and the Kahili supply area on Bougainville; fighters strafe the Cape Dunganon area and along the Ramusian River W of Teop. On New Britain Island, 7 squadrons of Allied fighters cover a USN dive bomber strike on Tobera; 2 squadrons of B-24's pound Vunakanau Airfield. 6 B-25's bomb Taharai Airfield, New Ireland Island and afterwards some hit targets of opportunity on the island.

Transfers from Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides Islands to Munda, New Georgia Island: 23BS(H) and 72BS(H), 5BG(H), with B-24's.

371BS(H) and 372BS(H), 307BG(H), with B-24's.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, fighters and bombers attack Alexishafen, Madang, Bogadjim, Uligan Harbor, and the area E of Saidor; and Cape Beechey is strafed by P-40's.

Transfers in New Guinea: 36FS, 8FG, from Nadzab to Finschhafen with P-47's.

498BS(M), 345BG(M), from Port Moresby to Dobodura with B-25's.

 MONDAY, 10 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 A-36's and P-51's hit a bivouac area at Nanyaseik; and 15 P-40's attack a bridge at Namti, damaging railroad tracks and the S approach to the bridge. During the night of 9/10 Jan, 7 B-24's lay mines in the Menam River estuary near Bangkok, Thailand and in the Rangoon River estuary. B-24's during the day bomb marshalling yard and airfield in the Bangkok area and hit the main jetty at Akyab, Burma. 9 B-25's mine the Mokpalin, Burma ferry crossing over the Sittang River.

315TCS, 10AF transfers from Dinjan to Sylhet, India with C-47's.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 8 P-51's bomb the approach to the Kienchang bridge and attack a troop train N of Teian damaging the train and killing an estimated 100 soldiers; 3 B-25's and 8 P-40's sweep the area from Anking to Chiuchiang, sinking a large motor launch, 2 100-ft (30.5 m) barges, and a tug on the Yangtze River, and attacking a bridge at Teian and tracks S of Chiuchiang; 2 B-25's and 4 P-40's attack shipping on the Yangtze River near Wusueh, sinking a launch and leaving 3 tankers burning.

491BS(M), 341BG(M), transfers from Chakulia, India to Yangkai, China with B-25's.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 181: During the evening, 5 B-17's drop 4.8 million leaflets on Orleans, Chateauroux, Rouen, Le Mans and Tours, France without loss.

HQ 93CBW(H) transfers from Horsham St Faith to Elveden Hall, England.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 366FG and 390FS arrives at Membury, England from the US with P-47's; first Mission is 14 Mar.

71, 72d, 73and 74TCSs, 434TCG, transfer from Welford Park to Fulbeck, England with C-47's.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-17's bomb Sofia, Bulgaria causing considerable damage in the marshalling yards. B-24's hit the marshalling yard at Skoplje, Yugoslavia. P-38's and P-47's provide escort.

Around 60 Luftwaffe fighters attack the Sofia force and a fierce air battle ensues; 2 B-17's are lost; they claim 28 aircraft shot down.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's hit San Benedetto de Marsi; P-40's, with RAF, SAAF, and RAAF airplanes, hit communications, gun positions, trucks, and tanks at numerous points in and NW of the battle area; other P-40's give close support to ground forces in the Chieti area; and A-36's hit trucks, tanks, trains, and other targets of opportunity N of Rome.

Transfers: HQ 47BG(L) from Vincenzo Airfield to Vesuvius Airfield, Italy.

Air echelon of the 417NPS, 12AF (attached to RAF 337 Wing) from Tafaraoui to La Senia, Algeria with Beaufighters; ground echelon is at Ghisonaccia, Corsica.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 4 P-39's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands strafe Mille Atoll; 1 of the P-39's drops 2 500-lb (227 kg) bombs on the fuel storage area; during the night of 10/11Jan, 16 B-24's, staging through Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands from the Ellice Islands, bomb Maloelap Atoll; 4 others, staging through Baker Island from Canton Island, Phoenix Islands, hit Mille Atoll.

392BS(H), 30BG(H), transfers from Canton Island to Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands with B-24's.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Major General Hubert R Harmon, Commanding General, begins a heavy bomber campaign of night strikes.

5BG(H) opens the night raids sending 20 B-24's on a strike against Lakunai Airfield, New Britain Island after a morning raid by 10 B-24's against nearby Vunakanau airfield. 5 B-24's hit the Kahili supply area, Bougainville Island while 4 hit the Chinatown area of Buka Island. AAF and USN fighters cover a USN dive bomber strike against Cape Saint George, New Ireland Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 100+ heavy, medium, and light bombers, and fighters attack the Madang, Alexishafen, and Bogadjim areas and the coastline from Madang to Sio. P-39's strafe scattered villages and barges on New Britain Island. B-25's bomb Koepang, Timor Island.

Transfers to Nadzab New Guinea: 33BS(H), 22BG(M), from Dobodura with B-25's; squadron will be redesignated 33BS(H) on 3 Feb and transition to B-24's.

69TCS, 433TCG, from Port Moresby with C-47's.

 TUESDAY, 11 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 36 A-36's, P-51's, and P-40's pound an encampment containing about 4,900 troops and a large quantity of supplies, causing considerable damage by accurate bombing and strafing.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): Before daylight 14 Japanese bombers hit the airfield at Suichwan, China; during the morning 3 medium bombers and 15 fighters follow up with a second strike; 7 P-51's and 5 P-40's intercept the second attack, claiming 3 medium bombers shot down. 8 B-24's bomb the harbor, aluminum plant, and airfield at Takao, Formosa; 1bombs oil storage at Swatow, China. 4 B-24's mine harbors at Takao and Hong Kong; 1 B-24 is lost.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 182. Three aviation industry targets in Germany are hit; fierce opposition estimated at 500 Luftwaffe fighters is encountered and 60 bombers and 5 fighters are lost.

1. 177 B-17's are dispatched to Oschersleben; 139 hit the primary and 20 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 174-32-63 Luftwaffe aircraft; 34 B-17's are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 83 damaged; casualties are 9 KIA, 11 WIA and 349 MIA.

2. 114 B-17's are dispatched to Halberstadt; 52 hit the primary and 55 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 35-11-19 Luftwaffe aircraft; 8 B-17's are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 42 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 18 WIA and 81 MIA. 177 P-47's and 44 9AF P-51's escort; they claim 29-11-14 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 P-47's are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 4 P-47's and 1 P-51 are damaged; casualties are 2 KIA and 2 MIA. Major James H Howard, a P-51 pilot of the 354FG, shot down an Me 110 and then found himself the lone escort for a B-17 group being attacked by 30 Luftwaffe aircraft. For the next 30 minutes, he kept turning into the enemy fighters and firing until only one gun was firing; by this time, he was credited with 2-1-2 Luftwaffe aircraft and saved the B-17's. Major Howard was awarded the Medal of Honor.

3. 234 B-17's and 138 B-24's are dispatched to Brunswick; 47 B-17's hit the primary, 114 hit Osnabruck, 25 hit Bielefeld, 22 hit Peine, 10 hit Herford and 1 hit Nienburg; no B-24's hit the primary, 58 hit Meppen, 1 hits Lingen and 7 hit other targets; they claim 19-17-16 Luftwaffe aircraft; 16 B-17's and 2 B-24's are lost, 1each damaged beyond repair and 47 B-17's and 7 B-24's damaged; casualties are 5 WIA and 176 MIA. This mission is escorted by 49 P-38's and 322 P-47's; they claim 2-1-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38 and 2 P-47's are lost and 1 P-47 is damaged; casualties are 1 MIA. Among the PFF aircraft are 4 B-24's, this being the first time B-24's are used in this capacity.

HQ 96CBW(H) is activated at Horsham St Faith, England.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-17's, with P-38 escort, bomb the harbor at Piraeus, Greece; they destroy 8 attacking fighters; 6 B-17's are lost in midair collisions in the heavy overcast.

Transfers in Italy: HQ 82FG and 95th, 96th and 97FSs from Lecce to Vincenzo Airfield with P-38's.

HQ 456BG(H) and 744th, 745th, 746th and 747BS(H) to Cerignola from the US with B-24's; first

Mission is 10 Feb.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26's attack the iron and steel works at Piombino during the night of 10/11Jan; during the day, B-25's bomb Falconara (hitting the railroad junction) and railroad yards at Fabriano; P-40's and A-36's blast defenses and gun positions in Cervaro-Monte Trocchio, a gun position N of Minturno, the towns of Sora and Isola del Liri, road traffic in the Macerata-Aquila-Popoli area, and railroad facilities at San Giorgio del Sannio.

Transfers: HQ 87FW to Nouvion, Algeria from the US.

84th and 85BS(L), 47BG(L), from Vincenzo Airfield to Vesuvius Airfield, Italy with A-20's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 9 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands hit 5 vessels and land installations at Maloelap Atoll; a 5000-ton cargo ship and a small vessel are sunk; 4 P-39's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands dive-bomb and strafe runways on Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): About 90 Allied fighters cover 60+ USN dive bombers attacking the Cape Saint George area, New Ireland Island. 2 flights of P-39's strafe targets of opportunity from Numa Numa to Koromira, Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-25's, P-39's, and P-40's hit Uligan Harbor, barges and the road near Bogadjim, the Hansa Bay area, and the town of Alexishafen.

 WEDNESDAY, 12 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20+ B-25's and P-38's hit the marshalling yard at Letpadan, damaging warehouses, engine sheds, and other buildings; the fighters also strafe Myohaung, setting 3 buildings afire.

27TCS, 10AF (attached to the Troop Carrier Command, Eastern Air Command), arrives at Sylhet, India from the US with C-47's.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 14 B-24's bomb the Bangsue marshalling yard at Bangkok, Thailand.

HQ 69th Composite Wing transfers from Kunming to Tsuyung, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 389FS, 366th FG, arrives at Membury, England from the US with P-47's; first Mission is 14 Mar.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, P-47's fly a fighter sweep in the Rome area, strafing the marshalling yard at Teramo and buildings between the Tronto and Tesino Rivers.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Colonel Archibald Y Smith assumes command of the XII AF Training and Replacement Command.

In Italy, B-25's and B-26's bomb the Giulianova railway bridge and attack a dam and road bridge; A-20's hit San Donato; P-40's attack a vessel in the Krka River of Yugoslavia, hit enemy defensive positions at San Biagio Saracinesa, Sant' Elia Fiumerapido, Monte Trocchio, and Atina, and bomb Vallerotonda; A-36's attack the Avezzano railroad yards, a village near Atina, railroad facilities at Cisterna di Latina, and numerous trucks and train cars in the Rome area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 21A-24's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands dive-bomb AA positions and the storage area on Mille Atoll, Marshall Islands and 20 supporting P-39's strafe runways.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 13 B-25's of the 42BG(M), on their first Mission against the Rabaul area, bomb Vunakanau Airfield in the early morning, and 16 B-24's hit Lakunai Airfield during the night of 12/13 Jan; 19 B-24's, with an escort of about 50 fighters, pound the airstrip and other targets at Tobera. On Bougainville Island, 3 flights of P-39's bomb and strafe Teop, Inus Point, Numa Numa, and Piano Mission; other aircraft on armed reconnaissance and sweeps hit several targets of opportunity throughout the Bougainville area.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24's and B-25's attack the Alexishafen area and A-20's hit Warai. B-24's attack

Balikpapan, Borneo; Makassar, Celebes Island; and Dili, Timor Island.

 THURSDAY, 13 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 P-51's hit troop concentrations at Lalawng Ga and bomb Maran Ga and Shaduzup; 27 P-40's attack a communication center and dumps along the Kamaing-Mogaung road; and 4 P-51's and a B-25 pound the airfield and supply area at Myitkyina.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 2 B-25's on a sweep from Hong Kong to Hainan Island attack 4 large boats, several warehouses, a radio station, and a car at Fort Bayard, China; 1 of the vessels explodes; 6 P-40's on armed reconnaissance strafe 4 pack trains of about 15 animals each between Lungling and Tengchung.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): Major General Kenneth B Wolfe, Commanding General, arrives at New Delhi, India with the advanced echelon of XX BC staff. This is the first important movement of personnel for Operation MATTERHORN (the plan approved in Apr 44 for the bombing of Japan by B-29's based in the Calcutta, India area and staging through advanced fields in the Chengtu, China area).

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 193 B-26's bomb NOBALL (V-weapon) targets in France. Fighter pilots report being tracked by AA rockets.

Transfers in England: HQ 100FW from Greenham Common to Ibsley and HQ 368FG and 395th, 396th and 397FSs to Greenham Common from the US with P-47's; first Mission is 14 Mar.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-17's bomb Centocelle and Guidonia airfields and B-24's hit Perugia airfield. P-38's provide escort, and P-47's fly top cover for the B-17 missions. The heavy bombers destroy several fighters in aerial combat.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's and B-26's bomb Guidonia, Centocelle, and Ciampino airfields; A-20's strike the town of Atina. AAF, RAF, SAAF, and RAAF fighter-bombers hit shipping along the Dalmatian coast at Sibenik and in the Krka River of Yugoslavia. A-36's hit the town and railway yards at Isola del Liri, a factory at Colleferro, docks at Formia, railroad yards at Valmontone, and a railway station SE of Frosinone. P-40's hit Sant' Elia Fiumerapido, San Biagio, Saracinesa, and a rail and road junction near Villa Latina.

86th and 97BS(L), 47BG(L), transfer from Vincenzo Airfield to Vesuvius Airfield, Italy with A-20's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 9 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands attack harbor shipping at Wotje Atoll; 21A-24's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands dive-bomb dock, barracks, and storage area on Mille Atoll; some of the 16 escorting P-39's strafe ground targets, and 10 other P-39's carry out strafing mission over Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): HQ 13AF moves from Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides Islands to Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.

During predawn hours 11 B-25's bomb Tobera, Rapopo, the Wide Bay area, and coast S of Rapopo, New Britain Island. P-39's strafe Tinputs, Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): HQ V Fighter Command transfers from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea and Major General Paul B Wurtsmith becomes Commanding General, V Fighter Command.

In New Guinea, 130+ B-24's, B-25's and P-40's attack Alexishafen. B-24's bomb Gasmata Island off New Britain Island. B-24's and B-25's strike Kaukenau and Timoeka, New Guinea and score hit on a freighter off Tanimbar Island, Moluccas Islands.

 FRIDAY, 14 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): Bad weather limits operations to fighter patrols in the Sumprabum, Burma area.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 4 B-25's on a coastal sweep from Pakhoi to Haiphong, French Indochina bomb a group of buildings on Weichow Island; 2 B-24's damage 2 vessels near Saint John Island.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 183: 356 of 374 B-17's and 156 of 178 B-24's hit 20 of 21V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais area of France; 19 B-24's hit targets of opportunity; they claim 8-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 B-17's and 1 B-24 are lost, 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 66 B-17's and 9 B-24's are damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 11 WIA and 31 MIA. 98 P-38's, 504 P-47's and 43 9AF P-51's escort; they claim 14-1-0

Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38, 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost, 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair and 9 P-47's and 1 P-51 are damaged; casualties are 3 MIA.

Mission 184: During the evening, 4 B-17's drop 840,000 leaflets on Amiens, Lille, Cambrai and St. Omer France without loss.

Mission 185: 2 B-17's are dispatched to Wesel, Germany for a night test of Oboe Mk II; 1 aircraft aborts and 1drops 2 tons of high explosive bomBSon the target without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 71FW transfers from Aldermaston to Greenham Common, England.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Around 200 B-24's and B-17's attack the town area and airfield at Mostar, Yugoslavia. P-38's provide escort throughout the mission s, and P-47's join the B-17's at the target and cover the flight back to base.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's strike the Pontecorvo bridge; A-20's offer close support to US Fifth Army forces in the Monte Trocchio area; P-40's blast Loreto tank repair shops; P-40's and A-36's hit defenses in the San Giuseppe, Sant' Elia Fiumerapido. and Monte Trocchio areas; A-36's also attack road and buildings E of Minturno, the town of Isola del Liri, and the harbor at Anzio.

Transfers in Italy: HQ 321BG(M) and 445th, 446th, 447th and 448BS(M) from Amendola to Vincenzo Airfield with B-25's and 308FS, 31FG, from Pomigliano to Castel Volturno with P-51's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 12 B-24's, staging through Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, bomb 3 islands in Kwajalein Atoll; 3 B-25's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands fly a mission against shipping at Wotje Atoll; 2 of the B-25's attack 2 small vessels, sinking 1 and damaging the other; the other B-25 bombs a runway and building on the S part of Wotje.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, during the night of 13/14 Jan, 15 B-24's bomb Vunakanau and Lakunai Airfields, Rabaul, Rapopo and Malaguna; just before dawn, 12 B-25's hit Au and Cape Gazelle and Buka, Buka Island in the Solomon Islands. P-39's join USN SBD's in bombing Wakunai, Bougainville Island. 70+ Allied fighters support a strike by 50+ USN dive bombers against shipping in Simpson Harbor at Rabaul; the fighters claim 27 aircraft shot down.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 50+ B-24's, B-25's, and P-40's hit the Alexishafen and Erima area. On New Britain Island, B-24's bomb Cape Busching; B-25's attack targets of opportunity along the N coast, and A-20's strike villages along the S coast.

 SATURDAY, 15 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 4 P-40's and a B-25 over N Burma hit a train at Pinwe.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 2 B-25's on a sea sweep along the French Indochina coast bomb the Hongay power plant and sink a gunboat in a nearby cove to the SW; a coal grading building at Campha Port is also bombed. 2 B-25's on a sweep off the SE China coast sink a wooden vessel off Swatow and damage the lighthouse on Nampana Island. 2 others shoot down a Japanese bomber N of Chikhom, China.

MTO - MEDITERRANEAN ALLIED AF (MAAF): Lieutenant General Ira C Eaker, USAAF, assumes command of MAAF and Army AFs, MTO - (AAFMTO), replacing Air Chief Marshall Sir Arthur Tedder, RAF, and General Carl Spaatz, who along with Air Vice Marshall Sir Arthur Coningham, RAF, and numerous other American and British officers have departed for the UK.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-24's bomb the Prato marshalling yard and industrial area, and also hit roads in the area and drop several bombs on the town of Pistoia. B-17's concentrate on railroad yards and bridges in the Florence area at Certaldo, Poggibonsi, Montalto di Castro, Arezzo, Civitavecchia, and near Porto Civitanova and Orvieto, and hit scattered targets of opportunity. Fighters escort all the mission s.

HQ 306th and 307BWS(H) are activated at Bari, Italy.

HQ 455BG(H) and 740th, 741, 742 and 743BS(H) arrive at San Giovanni, Italy from the US with B-24's; first Mission is 12 Feb.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's attack the Foligno railway junction; B-26's bomb bridges at Orvieto. P-40's of the 79FG and RAF 239 Wing hit the San Valentino station in a joint attack; A-36's and other P-40's, in support of US Fifth Army forces, hit gun positions and strongpoints, especially at Picinisco and Atina; P-40's on armed reconnaissance hit the railroad W of Frosinone station and strafe the Ceccano station and railway cars.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 9 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands flying at deck-level bomb and strafe shipping and shore installations at Maloelap Atoll, Marshall Islands; 2 vessels are hit and the oil dump, hangars, other buildings, and runways are damaged; 1 B-25 crashes at sea after being hit by AA fire.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On Bougainville Island in the Solomon Islands, 24 B-25's, with 60 fighters escorting, pound East Cape; and P-39's attack barges and trucks at Chabai.

HQ 347FG and it's 339FS transfer from Guadalcanal Island to Stirling Island, Treasury Islands with P-38's.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24's and B-25's pound Uligan Harbor; P-40's, P-47's, and B-25's hit the Madang, Alexishafen, Erima, and Bogadjim area. Enemy positions along the S coast of New Britain Island are attacked by B-25's and P-39's.

499BS(M), 345BG(M), transfers from Port Moresby to Dobodura, New Guinea with B-25's.

 SUNDAY, 16 JANUARY 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 8 P-40's attack the town of Pingkai, China and strafe targets of opportunity in the surrounding valley area.

ETO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS: General Dwight D Eisenhower assumes duties of Supreme Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force (AEF).

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-24's attack the Osoppo, Italy landing ground and the town of Zara, Yugoslavia; they claim 9 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 B-24 is lost. B-17's bomb the Messerschmitt factory at Klagenfurt, Austria and the landing ground at Villaorba, Italy. Escorting P-38's claim 9 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 P-38's are lost.

Transfers in Italy: HQ 97BG(H) and 342BS(H) from Cerignola to Amendola with B-17's; HQ 454BG(H) and 736th and 737BS(H) to San Giovanni from the US with B-24's, first Mission is 8 Feb; and 154TRS, 68TRG (attached to 15AF), begins a movement from Oran, Algeria to Bari, Italy with P-38's.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's bomb the marshalling yard and choke points at Terni; B-26's attack the marshalling yard and bridge at Orte; A-20's bomb the town of Atina; P-40's attack bridges in the San Giorgio del Sannio area and gun emplacements near Cassino; Sant' Angelo in Theodice and Picinisco; A-36's hit the railway junction at Cecina, road and railway S of Siena, and the town areas of Avezzano and Formia.

Transfers in Italy: HQ 79FG and 85th and 86FS from Madna Airfield to Capodichino with P-40's; and 99FS, XII Air Support Command (attached to 79FG), from Madna Airfield to Capodichino with P-40's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 25 A-24's, 16 P-39's, and 8 P-40's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands strike Mille Atoll, Marshall Islands; the A-24's bomb and strafe AA positions and storage areas, the P-40's bomb and strafe barracks and AA emplacements and the P-39's strafe runways; 2 P-39's are lost; P-39's sent up on interceptor missions claim 3 Japanese airplanes destroyed over Mille Atoll and Makin Island.

Transfers: 28(Photo)RS, 7AF, to Kipapa Airfield, Territory of Hawaii from the US with F-5's.

431BS(H), 11BG(H), from Funafuti Atoll, Ellice Islands to Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands with B-24's.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, the Madang, Erima, and Bogadjim areas are hit by B-25's, A-20's, and P-40's; P-39's strafe the area from Sio to Bogadjim; and B-25's bomb the area N from Cape Croisilles. B-24's and B-25's attack positions near Arawe, New Britain Island. B-24's carry out a light raid on the harbor of Amboina Island, Moluccas Islands.

 MONDAY, 17 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, A-36's and P-51's support ground forces in the Shaduzup-Ngamaw Ga area and near Taro; others bomb supply dumps, warehouses, and rolling stock at Sahmaw; and P-40's hit Myitkyina Airfield.

Transfer: HQ

7BG(H) from Pandaveswar to Kurmitola, India.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-17's attack the marshalling yard at Prato and the marshalling yard and bridge at Pontassieve; B-24's bomb the marshalling yard at Arezzo; and P-38's and P-47's provide escort.

Transfers in Italy: HQ 98BG(H) and 343BS(H) from Manduria to Lecce with B-24's; 340th, 341 and 414BS(H), 97BG(H), from Cerignola to Amendola with B-17's.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's attack marshalling yards at Terni, Chiaravalle, and Montemarciano; B-26's strike the Orte railway bridge and Viterbo marshalling yard; P-40's hit the Sibenik, Yugoslavia harbor, the bridge at San Giorgio del Sannio, gun positions at San Giuseppe and Formia and docks at Anzio; A-36's bomb Anzio, the Avezzano town area and road junction, and Tarquinia town and factory buildings.

Transfers in Italy: 87FS, 79FG, from Madna Airfield to Capodichino with P-40's; 92FS, 81 fighter

Group, from Castelvetrano, Sicily to Capodichino with P-39's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 9 B-25's from Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands, bomb and strafe Mille Atoll, Marshall Islands, hitting the runway, AA positions, radio tower, warehouse area, lagoon dredges and possible oil dumps. 4 P-40's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands, bomb and strafe the Mille Atoll landing ground.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, AAF and US fighters support a USN dive-bomber strike on shipping at Rabaul; they claim 18 Japanese airplanes; 10 Allied fighters are lost. During the night of 17/18 Jan, a few B-24's, in 2 flights, bomb the Rabaul area, while 2 RNZAF Ventura's bomb the Kalakapisi coast watcher station at Choiseul Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 47 B-24's and B-25's bomb the Hansa Bay area; B-25's bomb Nubia; P-39's strafe the Rai Coast; and B-24's bomb Bandanaira, Celebes Islands.

 TUESDAY, 18 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 P-38's hit the airfield and satellite field at Meiktila; 18 B-24's and 9 B-25's bomb the encampment area at Kyaukchaw; 17 A-36's and P-51's hit troops, dumps, and workshops at Sawnghka; 11 P-40's attack troops and stores at Shaduzup; 3 transport aircraft are lost to Japanese fighters during a supply dropping Mission SE of Sumprabum.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 2 B-25's bomb the railroad yard and wharf at Campha Port and oil storage facilities at Mon Cay.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-17's attack marshalling yards, a bridge and an airfield in the Florence, Italy area; P-38's and P-47's provide close escort.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26's hit the harbor, tin mills, steel works, power house, and blast furnaces at Piombino, and bomb the Montalto di Castro railroad and bridge; B-25's hit the town and railway viaduct at Terni, and A-20's blast gun positions in the Minturno area; P-40's hit trains, wharves and vessels in the Ploca and Metkovic, Yugoslavia areas; A-36's and P-40's pound troops, trucks, and gun positions in the Minturno area and near Pontecorvo and Atina, hit a gasoline dump at Pignataro Interamna, a warehouse at Fontana Liri, a factory at Ceprano, the rail and road junction at Avezzano, and railway at Santa Marinella.

Transfers in Italy: 81 and 434BS(M), 12BG(M), from Foggia to Gaudo Airfield with B-25's; 307FS, 31FG, from Pomigliano to Castel Volturno with P-51's; 344th, 345th and 415BS(H), 98BG(H), from Manduria to Lecce with B-24's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 12 B-25's from Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands, attack barracks area, runway and gun position on the N part of Mille Atoll; 25 A-24's and 8 P-40's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands pound the oil storage area on the S side of Jabor Island in Jaluit Atoll; the P-40's also strafe a radio station in the target area.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 34 B-25's supported by 70+ fighters, pound Tobera; and single B-24's on armed reconnaissance bomb the Maliai, Vunakanau, and Lakunai areas.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, the Hansa Bay area is bombed by 40 B-24's. 70+ B-25's pound the Madang and Bogadjim areas and positions around Shaggy Ridge; 55 P-38's and P-40's engage a like number of Japanese fighters over Wewak, losing 3 P-38's and claiming 12 shot down.

Other B-24's bomb Laha, Celebes Islands.

HQ 345BG transfers from Port Moresby to Dobodura, New Guinea.

 WEDNESDAY, 19 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 16 B-24's bomb the marshalling yard and Don Maung railroad station at Bangkok, Thailand. In Burma, 4 P-40's hit the town of Wakshang; 26 A-36's and P-51's hit targets along roads from Ngamaw Ga to Maingkwan to Mashi Daru.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 14 P-40's and 2 B-25's attack the barracks area at Mon Cay, French Indochina.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-24's and B-17's hit airfields at Perugia, Iesi, Centocelle, and Ciampino; P-38's fly close escort for all the missons while P-47's fly top cover over Ciampino and Centocelle and carry out a sweep over the Rome area.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's bomb Rieti Airfield; B-26's hit the airfield at Viterbo; A-20's attack the marshalling yard at Colleferro; P-40's bomb and strafe 2 schooners at Makarska, Yugoslavia; A-36's hit guns, trucks, and trains N of Rome and fly 70+ sorties against rail, communications and troop positions in the US Fifth Army battle area as the Garigliano bridgehead expands; P-40's also hit defended positions in the battle area and near Scauri, Tremensuoli, and Alvito.

Transfers in Italy: HQ 12BG(M) and 82 and 83BS(M) from Foggia to Gaudo Airfield with B-25's; HQ 27FBG and 522d, 523and 524FBSs from Paestum to Pomigliano with A-36's; HQ 31FG and 309FS from Pomigliano to Castel Volturno with P-51's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 17 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, hit Mille Atoll, Marshall Islands; flying at low altitude, the B-25's score hits on gun positions, fuel dumps, and the airfield area in general; AA fire claims 2 B-25's.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Attacks during the day are limited to isolated strikes on shipping and other targets of opportunity by aircraft on armed reconnaissance over Bougainville Island, New Ireland Island, and Saint George Channel. During the night of 19/20 Jan, 11 B-24's, in 2 waves, fly strikes against Rabaul and Vunakanau targets on New Britain Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 57 B-24's bomb Boram, New Guinea; 17 more bomb Amboina Island, Moluccas Islands, and Halong, Celebes Islands; and 2 others score hits on freighter near Aitape, New Guinea. 65 B-25's, along with RAAF airplanes, pound positions in the Shaggy Ridge, New Guinea area. 2 P-39's bomb barges in the Cape Raoult, New Britain Island area.

25(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG begins transfer from Brisbane, Australia to Lae, New Guinea with F-5's.

 THURSDAY, 20 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In N Burma, 40+ A-36's and P-51's hit storage dumps along the railway in the Mogaung area and billets and warehouse area at Mohnyin. In S Burma, 16 P-38's and 6 B-25's knock out a railroad bridge, pipeline, and railroad tracks in the Nattalin area.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 2 B-24's on sweep from Hong Kong to Swatow, China, attack a freighter and a tanker, which are reported sinking.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 186: during the evening, 4 of 5 B-17's drop 960,000 leaflets on Lille, Brest, Caen and Chartres, France without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 437TCG and 83d, 84th, 85TCSs arrive at Balderton, England from the US with C-47's.

US STRATEGIC AFS IN EUROPE (USSAFE): General Carl Spaatz, as Commanding General USSAFE, formally assumes administrative responsibility for all USAAF units in the UK. His HQ is located at Bushy Park, formerly 8AF HQ.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-24's and B-17's bomb airfields at Guidonia, Centocelle, and Ciampino; P-38's provide escort and P-47's carry out sweeps over the targets. Other P-47's escort transport airplanes on a mission to Yugoslavia.

HQ 451BG(H) transfers from the US to Gioia del Colle, Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26's bomb the Viterbo marshalling yard and attack a bridge at Pontecorvo; B-25's attack railroads in the Carsoli area; A-20's give close support to the US 5th Infantry Division in the Minturno area; British and US P-40's follow RAF light bombers in a raid on the Popoli station; A-36's pound a rail and road crossing at Viterbo. and P-40's hit communications at Frosinone, Palestrina, and Carsoli, where a traffic block is created; A-36's and P-40's fly nearly 200 sorties in support of the US Fifth Army ground forces as the 36th Infantry Division begins an assault across the Rapido River in the Theodice area; and P-40's hit targets along the British Eighth Army front.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 13 B-24's, staging through Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, hit Wotje Atoll during the night of 19/20 Jan; 8 B-25's from Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands, bomb Rakaaru Island; other B-25's sent from Tarawa Atoll against shipping at Ailinglapalap Atoll, abort because of bad weather; 9 P-40's from the Gilbert Islands strafe a corvette and a schooner at Jaluit Atoll, mortally damaging both vessels; 4 other P-40's bomb Mille Atoll.

HQ 11BG(H) and 98BS(H) transfer from Funafuti and Nukufetau Islands, Ellice Islands respectively to Tarawa Atoll with B-24's.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Several targets on Bougainville Island are bombed by 2 squadrons of B-24's. 18 B-25's, with about 70 escorting fighters, pound the airfield, fuel dump and gun positions, at Vunakanau and Rabaul, New Britain Island.

HQ 42BG(M) and 75BS(M) transfer from the Russell Islands to Sterling Island, Treasury Islands with B-25's.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 37 B-25's and a B-24 bomb and strafe the Hansa Bay area; 60+ B-25's hit positions on Shaggy Ridge; and P-39's strafe troops at Weber Point. 25 A-20's hit positions between Borgen Bay and Rein Bay, New Britain Island, and hit barge hideouts and enemy held areas on Gasmata Island.

Transfers in New Guinea: HQ 71RG from Port Moresby to Nadzab; "A" flight of the 110RS (Fighter), 71RG, based at Port Moresby, begins operating from Gusap with P-39Q's.

 FRIDAY, 21 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 11 P-40's score near misses on the Loilaw bridge and strafe Budagon nearby, starting several fires. 16 A-36's and P-51's support ground forces near Sumprabum, and 11more bomb forces SW of Kamaing.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 187: 36 V-weapon sites in France, 34 in the Pas de Calais area and 2 in the Cherbourg area, are targetted; 24 are attacked by 302 of 597 B-17's and 68 of 198 B-24's; 15 B-17's and 9 B-24's hit targets of opportunity (2 V-weapon sites and 3 airfields); they claim 5-1-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 B-24's and a B-17 are lost, 3 B-24's are damaged beyond repair, and 103 B-17's and 41 B-24's are damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 31 WIA and 74 MIA. This mission is escorted by 49 P-38's, 531 P-47's and 48 9AF P-51's; they claim 6-0-4 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 2-2-0 on the ground; 1 P-47 is lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; casualties are 1 MIA.

Mission 188: During the night, 5 of 5 B-17's drop 1.2 million leaflets on Reims, Nantes, Le Mans, Tours and Orleans, France without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 119 B-26's bomb V-weapon sites in France.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-17's bomb airfields at Istres-Le-Tube and Salon-de-Provence, France, and in Italy, railroad bridges at Porto Civitanova, and a bridge and marshalling yard at Rimini, Italy; B-24's attack the marshalling yards at Pontedera and Prato; P-38's fly escort; and P-47's sweep over wide areas around Rome and Florence.

738th and 739BS(H), 454BG(H) arrives at San Giovanni, Italy from the US with B-24's; first Mission is 8 Feb.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26's hit railroad bridges N and S of Orvieto; B-25's bomb chokepoints around Rome and unsuccessfully attack the Pontecorvo bridge; A-20's attack communications at Atina; P-40's hit shipping at Povlje, Yugoslavia; other P-40's and A-36's attack strongpoints, trucks, a command post, a HQ building, and radar station in the battle area; P-40's also give close support to US Fifth Army troops which are hardpressed at both Garigliano and the Rapido River bridgeheads; and A-36's bomb Veletri, a concentration at Minturno, and the area S of Viterbo.

"B" and "C" Flights of the 15th Combat Mapping Squadron, 5(Photo)RG, depart Colorado Springs, Colorado to join "A" Flight.

The 15th, based at Bari, Italy with F-5's and B-25's, has been in the MTO - since Dec 42.

381BS(M), 310BG(M), transfers from Philippeville, Algeria to Ghisonaccia, Corsica with B-25's.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 16 B-24's staging through Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands during the night of 20/21Jan, bomb targets on Kwajalein Atoll; 6 Tarawa-based B-25's hit Arno Atoll, and 12 bomb Aur Atoll; 9 B-25's from Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands, hit gun positions, barracks, and runways on Mille Atoll; 23 A-24's and 11 P-40's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands, attack gun positions, ammunition and oil storage, barracks, and 2 small vessels at Jaluit Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 38 B-24's pound the runway and revetment area at Borpop Airfield, New Ireland Island. On Bougainville Island, P-39's strafe Kara and Kahili; and RNZAF Ventura's and B-24's on armed reconnaissance bomb Kalakapisi, Nukiki, and Buka on Buka Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-25's, A-20's, and P-39's bomb the Madang area, and strafe villages near Saidor and troops from Reiss Point to Erima. On New Britain Island, B-25's and P-39's strafe barges from Cape Raoult to Rein Bay and hit targets of opportunity along the the N coast; single B-24's on armed reconnaissance blast a control tower at Hoskins airfield, and hit ships near Kavieng, New Ireland Island and at Lorengau, Manus Island. 2 B-24's bomb Waingapoe, Sunda Island.

 SATURDAY, 22 JANUARY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): HQ 343FG transfers from Amchitka Island, Aleutian Islands to Alexai Point, Alaska.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 16 B-24's bomb an encampment at Prome; 16 A-36's and P-51's and a single B-25 attack communications and supply dumps between Kumnyen and Ngamaw Ga; 12 A-36's and P-51's support ground forces in the Sumprabum area; 11 P-40's severely damage the Namkwin railroad bridge.

492BS(H), 7BG(H), transfers from Panagarh to Madhaiganj, India with B-24's.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 11 P-40's and 5 P-51's strafe the newly opened Nanchang airfield, killing about 20 troops and destroying an airplane and a truck; 12 P-38's knock out bridges at Shektan and Sheklung.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): HQ 457BG(H) arrives at Glatton, England from the US.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 363FG and 382FS transfer from Keevil to Rivenhall, England with P-51's; first Mission is 24 Feb.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, unescorted B-17's and B-24's bomb the Terni and Arezzo marshalling yards, Pontedera marshalling yard and airfield, a road and rail junction NW of Frascati, Terracina road defile and Pontecorvo bridge and town area; P-38's strafe targets in the Arce-Frosinone area, including several vehicles and train cars; P-47's on a sweep over the Rome area encounter several fighters, and claim 5 shot down; 2 P-47's are lost.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, maximum support is given to Allied landings at Anzio, which are begun by the US Fifth Army's VI Corps at 0200; fighter-bombers, light and medium bombers direct efforts toward isolating the landing area by cutting roads, bridges, and railroads and obstructing towns in the surrounding region, at Valetri, Valmontone, Colleferro, Ceprano, and Fondi and hitting traffic and communications throughout the area; fighters maintain a patrol over shipping and beachhead and successfully intercept several enemy fighter-bomber mission s directed against the landings.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 18 B-24's, flying from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, hit targets on Kwajalein, Jaluit and Mille Atoll; 10 B-25's from Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands hit Maloelap Atoll; 9 others, flying out of Tarawa, bomb shipping and shore installations at Wotje Atoll; 3 B-25's are lost during the day's missions; 10 Japanese aircraft are claimed shot down.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 27 B-25's, with 90+ supporting fighters, attack Lakunai Airfield, doing considerable damage to runway and revetment areas; they claim 18 Japanese aircraft; 1 B-25 and 4 fighters are lost. 6 B-25's and 30+ B-24's pound the town of Rabaul.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-25's strafe villages, bridges, and barges from Cape Gourdon to Cape Croisilles, New Guinea, and hit shipping at Papitalai, Los Negros Island, sinking a small vessel and a barge and severely damaging a jetty. A-20's, P-40's and RAAF aircraft hit numerous scattered targets of opportunity on New Britain Island.

 SUNDAY, 23 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 19 B-24's, in 2 waves, attack shipping at Mergui, claiming a 350-ft (107 m) vessel and 2 small boats destroyed; 6 B-25's and 16 P-38's knock out a bridge at Myittha, damage a bridge at Samon, and damage several trucks and railroad cars; 28 A-36's and P-51's and a single B-25 pound supply dumps at Kamaing and Mogaung, achieving excellent results; 16 P-40's hit Myitkyina Airfield, railroad cars at Pidaung, and a railroad bridge at Loilaw.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 28 P-40's and 9 B-25's from Kweilin pound Kai Tek Airfield in the Hone Kong-Kowloon area; and 2 B-25's heavily damage 3 merchant vessels S of Wenchow.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 232: 5 B-17's drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Rennes, Le Mans, Chartres, Lille and Orleans, France at 2136-2232 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Nearly 200 B-26's bomb V-weapon sites in the French coastal area.

75th and 77TCSs, 435TCG, transfer from Langer to Welford Park, England with C-47's.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-17's bomb road bridges at Pontecorvo and Ceprano, railroad line and bridge at Falconara, Marittima, and marshalling yards at Poggibonsi and Siena; P-47's escort the B-17's to the latter 2 targets; B-24's bomb Rieti Airfield, Porto Civitanova marshalling yard, and targets of opportunity, including a bridge near Cagli, marshalling yard N of Perugia, and landing strip S of Iesi; P-47's and P-38's carry out sweeps in wide areas around Rome and Florence, reaching out to Viterbo, Rieti, Orte, and Terni.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Colonel William S Gravely takes command of XII AF Training and Replacement Command. B-26's bomb the area S of Avezzano while B-25's hit the town of Avezzano and road junction at Monte Cornacchia; A-20's bomb Vallecorsa with good results; A-36's attack Vallecorsa, road junctions at Fondi and in the Priverno area, the town of Ceccano, and railroad at Sezze; P-47's bomb the bridge at Skradin, Yugoslavia; RAF Desert AF (DAF) fighters strafe tanks and trucks on the British Eighth Army front, and XII Air Support Command fighters cover the US Fifth Army's Anzio beachhead during the day.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 21 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll and Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands, hit Taroa Island, Maloelap Atoll; the B-25's claim 3 fighters shot down; 23 B-24's, flying out of Makin and Abemama Islands, Gilbert Islands, bomb Wotje Atoll at dusk; 1 B-24 bombs Mille Atoll during return flight after developing engine trouble.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 80 AAF, USN and USMC (USMC) fighters support 60+ USN dive bombers in a strike on the Lakunai Airfield and Matupi Harbor area; they claim 30+ Japanese aircraft; 3 Allied fighters are lost; later, 40+ fighters sweep the Rabaul area; during the night of 23/24 Jan, 7 B-25's hit Tobera and Lakunai.

20 P-39's strafe targets of opportunity in the Shortland Island area.

67FS, 347FG, transfers from Woodlark Island to Russell Island, Solomon Islands with P-39's.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 35 B-24's, with fighter escort, bomb Wewak; 50 Japanese fighters intercept; in the ensuing air battle US aircraft claim 12 of the fighters shot down; 5 US fighters are lost; P-39's strafe barges and AA positions at Uligan Harbor and on the Rai Coast. In New Britain, A-20's hit forces and AA positions near Cape Raoult and Gasmata Island. B-24's hit Flores Island, Lesser Sunda Islands.

25LS, V BC attached to 5212(Photo)Wing (Provisional), begins moving from Brisbane, Australia to Lae, New Guinea with L-5's.

 MONDAY, 24 JANUARY 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, B-25's on sea sweeps claim sinking of a merchant ship W of Nampang Island, 2 freighters, a cargo-passenger vessel, and a coastal cargo boat anchored in Li-Shan Bay, and a cargopassenger vessel at Paichuan Island.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 191: 857 B-17's and B-24's are put into the air with intentions of bombing transportation and industrial targets at Frankfurt-Heddernheim, Frankfurt/Main and Russelsheim. Most bombers had trouble forming up in bad weather and only 563 of the 857 airborne were dispatched; all of the B-24's were recalled. Because of worsening weather all groups were recalled at 1020 hours but 58 B-17's bombed the Zukunft Power Station near Eschweiler; they claimed 1-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 B-17's were lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 5 damaged; casualties were 5 KIA and 21 MIA.

Escorting were 101 P-38's, 535 P-47's and 42 9AF P-51's; the fighters were assigned area patrol, protecting all bombers as they passed through their designated area but this was abandoned when the bombers were recalled; they claim 19-4-9 Luftwaffe aircraft; 4 P-38's, 3 P-47's and 2 P-51's were lost and 6 P-47's were damaged; casualties are 9 MIA.

The RAF and USAAF in the United Kingdom, agree to place most of the available P-51's in the 8AF for long range escort of heavy bomber's. Eventually the Eighth is to be equipped almost exclusively with P-51's, with the P-38's and P-47's to be transferred to the 9AF.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 175+ B-26's attack V-weapon sites in the coastal area of France.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-24's bomb the airfield and town area at Skoplje, Yugoslavia. In Bulgaria, B-17's hit the marshalling yard at Vrattsa and the Dolno Tserovene area, both targets of opportunity.

P-38's escort the B-24's while P-47's accompany the B-17's.

736th and 737BS(H), 454BG(H), transfer from Torretto to San Giovanni, Italy with B-24's; first Mission is 8 Feb.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Weather cancels all medium and light bomber operations. In Italy, fighters maintain cover over the Anzio beachhead (Anzio and Nettuno are captured during the day) and encounter increased air attacks; 3 fighters are claimed destroyed in aerial combat, while 1Allied fighter is lost. P-40 fighter-bombers hit road at Penne, while A-36's bomb Velletri and the road junction E of town, and hit other communications targets.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 24 A-24's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands, supported by 12 P-39's and 7 P-40's, hit gun positions, storage areas, and barracks on Mille Atoll. In the late afternoon, 8 B-25's, staging through Makin Island, bomb the airfield on Wotje Atoll. During the night of 24/25 Jan, 9 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, and 12 B-24's from the Ellice Islands, bomb several targets in Maloelap Atoll. 1other B-24 bombs Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): A large concentration of USAAF, USN, USMC, and RNZAF fighters support USN and USMC TBF's dive-bombing shipping in Simpson Harbor and Keravia Bay, New Britain Island; several 300- to 500-ft (91to 152 m) vessels are damaged or sunk; US aircraft claim 20+ fighters shot down.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 40+ B-24's bomb airfields at Wewak and Boram; 50+ B-25's and P-47's hit Madang and troops in the vicinity and bomb the Hansa Bay area; 38 other B-25's attack shipping and harbor installations on Manus Island, Admiralty Islands.

HQ 22BG(M) and 19BS(M) transfer from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea with B-26's. They are transitioning to B-24's and will be redesignated a Heavy unit on 3 Feb.

 TUESDAY, 25 JANUARY 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): B-25's on sweeps of the E China coast claim a patrol boat, a tanker and 2 freighters sunk S off Wenchow.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 192: During the evening, 5 of 5 B-17's drop 1.2 million leaflets on Caen, Reims, Chartres, Chateauroux and Brest, France without loss.

Mission 193: In an Oboe Mk II test, the Oboe equipment failed 3 minutes before the target (Aachen, Germany) and the B-17 dropped on the ETA; the B-17 was damaged by flak.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Nearly 150 B-26's, airborne to bomb V-weapon sites in France, are forced to abandon the mission s because of heavy clouds.

HQ 391BG(M) arrives at Matching, England from the US.

HQ 435TCG and 76th and 78TCSs transfer from Langer to Welford Park, England with C-47's.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-17's bomb targets of opportunity (highways and railroad bridges) at Pedaso, SE of Pedaso, at Stazione di Monte Silvano and on the Vomano River NW of Pescara; other B-17's return bombs to base after finding targets obscured by bad weather.

HQ 456BG(H) and 745th, 746th and 747th transfer from Cerignola to Stornara, Italy with B-24's; first Mission is 10 Feb.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's bomb Valmontone; B-26's hit the Sezze marshalling yard, the Sezze-Bassiano road, Amelia, and Rieti marshalling yard; A-20's attack Terelle; A-36's hit Civita Castellana, Itri, Velletri, and railroad rolling stock in the area; P-40's hit Velletri and Belmonte in Sabina and strafe trucks E of Fondi; P-40's and P-47's hit shipping in Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia, and nearby road and rail traffic. British fighters of the RAF DAF hit bridge approaches at Popoli, near the British Eighth Army front. Detachment of the 416NPS, 12AF (attached to RAF No. 286 Wing) at Rerhaia, Algeria returns to base at Grottaglie, Italy with Beaufighters.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 24 A-24's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands, supported by 12 P-39's, attack gun positions on Mille Atoll; 8 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, bomb a vessel and shore targets at Taroa Island, Maloelap Atoll; later, in a dusk attack, 18 B-24's flying out of the Gilbert Islands bomb Kwajalein Atoll, hitting runways and AA positions.

26BS(H), 11BG(H), transfers from Nukufetau Island, Ellice Islands to Tarawa Atoll with B-24's.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 19 B-24's, following 3 which drop flares, attack Lakunai airfield, New Britain Island, during the late evening.

106RS (Bombardment), 13AF (attached to 42BG(M)) transfers from Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands to Sterling Island, Treasury Islands with B-25's. It will be redesignated 100BS(M) on 9 May.

419NPS, 18FG, based on Guadalcanal Island, sends a detachment to Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands with P-70's.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 50+ B-24's pound the Hansa Bay area; 37 B-25's bomb Alexishafen and Madang; and P-39's strafe barges on the Rai Coast. P-40's and A-20's hit Gasmata Island off New Britain Island. 50+ B-25's bomb Lorengau, Manus Island and Momote, Los Negros Island.

 WEDNESDAY, 26 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 15 B-24's bomb Maungdaw; 7 B-25's and 3 fighters hit a camp at Razabil and attack targets of opportunity between Maungdaw and Buthidaung.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 18 P-40's from Kunming bomb and strafe the airfield and barracks at Kengtung.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 144 B-26's scheduled to bomb V-weapon sites in France are recalled because of bad weather.

573d, 574th and 575BS(M), 391BG(M), arrives at Matching, England from the US with B-26's; first Mission is 15 Feb.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20's attack Cisterna di Latina, toward which the US Fifth Army's VI Corps is moving; A-36's and P-40's fly harassing attacks against roads and railroads, bombing at Belmonte in Sabina, Cisterna, Itri, Ceccano, Frosinone, Poggio Mirteto and at points around these towns; A-36's destroy a fuel dump and several trucks and artillery caissons in the Ceprano-Priverno area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, 9 B-25's from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands, hit several targets in Maloelap Atoll; about 20 fighters attack the formation; 12 P-40's, meeting the returning B-25's over Aur Atoll, join the battle against the fighters, claiming 10+ destroyed; the B-25's claim 5 shot down; several more are destroyed on the ground or while taking off during the bombing raid. 9 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands hit Aineman Island in Jaluit Atoll, and nearby shipping.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 80+ Allied fighters cover a strike by 50+ USN dive bombers on the Lakunai area AA positions and revetments on New Britain Island; 3 Allied fighters are lost; 20+ Japanese airplanes are claimed shot down.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 42 B-24's bomb Momote, Los Negros Island and Lorengau, Manus Island. In New Guinea, 140+ B-24's, A-20's, P-39's, and P-40's hit the Alexishafen-Madang area. 18 B-25's bomb Bogia village. On New Britain Island, A-20's hit the Cape Raoult area and P-40's strafe barges along the N coast.

26(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG, transfers from Brisbane, Australia to Dobodura, New Guinea with F-5's; first Mission is 10 Feb.

 THURSDAY, 27 JANUARY 1944

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 194: 5 of 5 B-17's drop 1.44 million leaflets on Paris, Rennes, Le Mans and Orleans, France without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 572BS(H), 391BG(M), arrives at Matching, England from the US with B-26's; first Mission is 15 Feb.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In France, B-17's bomb airfields at Salon-de-Provence and Montpellier-Frejorgues; B-24's hit Istres-Le-Tube Airfield; P-38's fly escort. In Italy, other P-38's sweep the Rome area, and P-47's sweep the Florence area. The heavy bombers and fighter escorts claim 20+ aircraft shot down.

Transfers in Italy: HQ 306BW(H) from Bari to Foggia; 744BS(H), 456BG(H), from Cerignola to Stornara with B-24's.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's attack roads at Velletri, the railway at Colleferro and marshalling yard at Orte; B-26's bomb bridges at Ceprano and marshalling yard at Terni; A-20's give close support to the US Fifth Army attack near Terelle; A-36's bomb railways and buildings at Poggio Mirteto, Ceccano, and Ciampino, hit rail and road traffic S of Rome, and, with P-40's, hit the town of Piedimonte; 70+ P-40's provide close support to Fifth Army forces in Cisterna di Latina and Atina, bombing gun positions; Allied fighters over the Anzio beachhead successfully meet increased enemy air effort, claiming 28 aircraft downed in aerial combat.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Gilbert Islands, 6 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll hit Nauru Island, and 9 staging through Makin Island hit Wotje Atoll, Marshall Islands; 23 A-24's, supported by 10 P-39's, pound Mille Atoll, Marshall Islands; and 7 B-24's, staging through Makin Island, bomb Taroa Island in Maloelap Atoll, Marshall Islands, in a dusk attack.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 19 B-25's, with and escort of 60+ AAF and USN fighters, pound Lakunai airfield, New Britain Island; 6 US fighters are lost; US aircraft claim 20+ Japanese fighters shot down. On Bougainville Island, P-39's ranging over a wide area, strafe targets of opportunity at Motupena, Gazelle Harbor, and Buka Island. 2 squadrons of B-24's blast concentrations at Sulphur Creek in the Rabaul area of New Britain Island.

72BS(H), 5BG(H), based at Munda, New Georgia Island ceases operating from Guadalcanal Island with B-24's.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 41 B-24's bomb Lorengau, Manus Island. Almost 70 B-25's, A-20's, and P-39's, along with several RAAF aircraft attack the Madang and Bogia areas of New Guinea. B-24's hit a freighter and the town area at Dili, Timor Island, and shipping at Sorong and MacCluer Gulf.

39FS, 35FG, transfers from Nadzab to Gusap, New Guinea with P-47's.

 FRIDAY, 28 JANUARY 1944

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 195: 54 B-24's in 2 groups are dispatched to the Bonnieres V-weapon site in France; 2 Gee-H equipped PFF aircraft lead each group; due to technical difficulties, the second formation was ordered to follow the lead and bomb the same target as a secondary; 4 minutes before the target the leader of one section accidentally released and the following 11 aircraft did likewise; 31 hit the primary; 1 B-24 is damaged. 122 P-47's provide escort without loss.

Gee-H is more accurate than H2X but is of use only against targets within the 200-mi (320 km) beacon range; later, aircraft are equipped with both devices.

Mission 196: During the evening, 5 of 5 B-17's drop 1.36 million leaflets on Amiens, Rouen, Cambrai, Reims and Caen, France without loss.

Mission 197: During the night, 1 B-17 on an Oboe Mk II test drops 2 tons of bombs on Emmerich, Germany.

748th, 749th, 750th and 751BS(H), 457BG(H), arrive at Glatton, England from the US with B-17's; first Mission is 21Feb.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-17's, with fighter escorts, bomb Aviano Airfield and Verona marshalling yard; B-24's hit the marshalling yard at Ferrara.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's attack the Orte marshalling yard; B-26's hit bridges at Orvieto and Montalto di Castro; A-20's bomb Cisterna di Latina with good results; P-40's and P-47's bomb the Popoli road junction, and A-36's hit railroad, road, and gun positions in the Cassino-Vicenza-Velletri areas, the Colleferro marshalling yard, and Atina town area; P-40's hit Terelle, Belmonte in Sabina, and Cisterna; Allied fighters over the Anzio area claim 21 aircraft shot down.

416NPS, 62FW, transfers from Grottaglie to Pomigliano, Italy with Beaufighters.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): AAF aircraft from the Gilbert Islands bomb the Marshall Islands, i.e., 9 B-25's, staging through Makin Island bomb Taroa Island in Maloelap Atoll; B-24's, staging through Tarawa Atoll and Makin Island and taking off at varying intervals, carry out several hours of strikes against Wotje, Kwajalein, Maloelap, and Jaluit Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, AAF and USN fighters support a USN dive-bomber attack on targets in the Rabaul area; 5 P-38's are lost; Allied aircraft claim about 30 aircraft shot down; at Lakunai airfield, one of the targets, 20-30 parked aircraft are destroyed and several AA positions are destroyed or damaged; and 25 B-25's, covered by 12 P-38's, pound Tobera Airfield. 16 P-39's strafe the Shortland Island area.

HQ 307BG(H) transfers from Guadalcanal Island to Munda, New Georgia Island.

424BS(H), 307BG(H), based on Guadalcanal with B-24's begins operating from Munda, New Georgia Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-25's attack targets of opportunity from Bogia to Cape Croisilles, New Guinea. On New Britain Island, A-20's attack in the Cape Gloucester area; P-40's hit the airfield at Hoskins; and P-39's strafe barges in Rein Bay.

HQ 417BG(L) and 672d, 673d, 674th and 675BS(L) arrive at Cape Sudest, New Guinea from the US with A-20's; first Mission is 27 Mar.

 SATURDAY, 29 JANUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 13 B-24's, supported by 16 P-38's, bomb gasoline plants at Yenangyaung, causing large fires; 1 B-24 later bombs Akyab; 6 B-25's attack bridges at Meza and Pyintha, damaging the former and blasting railroad approaches to the latter.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 198: Led by PFF aircraft, 675 B-17's and 188 B-24's are dispatched to hit the industrial area at Frankfurt, Germany; 590 B-17's and 170 B-24's hit the primary target; 46 B-17's bomb Ludwigshafen due to a deviation from planned bomb route; they claim 75-27-48 Luftwaffe aircraft; 24 B-17's and 5 B-24's are lost, 2 B-17's and 3 B-24's are damaged beyond repair and 116 B-17's and 19 B-24's are damaged; casualties are 22 KIA, 32 WIA and 299 MIA. Escort is 89 P-38's, 503 P-47's and 40 9AF P-51's; they claim 47-6-14 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 P-38's and 10 P-47's are lost, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair and 3 P-38's and 1 P-47 are damaged; casualties are 14 MIA. This is first 8AF mission in which more than 700 aircraft attack targets.

Mission 199: During the evening, 5 of 5 B-17's drop 1.2 million leaflets on Lille, Tours, Lorient, Nantes and Valenciennes, France without loss.

HQ 458BG(H) arrives at Horshal St Faith, England from the US.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 80+ B-26's bomb V-weapon sites in coastal France.

HQ 84FW arrives at Keevil, England from the US.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-24's bomb the Siena marshalling yard through overcast; B-17's bomb marshalling yards at Ancona, Fabriano, Rimini, and Bologna; P-47's sweep over the Rome and Florence areas.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's bomb San Benedetto de Marsi marshalling yard; B-26's hit bridges N of Rome; P-47's bomb a munitions factory at Bussi sul Tirino; P-40's and A-36's, in support of US Fifth Army forces, bomb positions in the Anzio beachhead area and hit enemy forward road and rail communications; fighters on patrol over Anzio meet little air opposition.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): As a US invasion force approaches the Marshall Islands, B-24's, attacking from bases in the Gilbert Islands, maintain day and night attacks (both multiple-plane missions and single-plane attacks at intervals) against Maloelap, Jaluit, Aur, Wotje, and Mille Atolls, Marshall Islands. 9 B-25's from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, also carry out a strike against shipping and shore installations at Wotje. 18 A-24's, supported by 12 P-40's, hit Jaluit. 12 P-39's, operating in flights of 4 aircraft, patrol and strafe Mille all day to deny the use of the airfield to the enemy.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, about 60 Allied fighters cover a strike by 40 USN dive bombers on Tobera; Lakunai airfield is pounded by 19 B-24's, escorted by P-38's and USN fighters; at Tobera and Lakunai, Allied aircraft claim 20+ Japanese shot down.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 40+ B-25's bomb Bogia and Nubia landing grounds, New Guinea. 45 A-20's hit positions in the Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island area.

 SUNDAY, 30 JANUARY 1944

ZI - ZONE OF INTERIOR (3AF): The air echelon of the 19(Photo)Charting Squadron, 11(Photo)G (Mapping), begins operating from Cairo, Egypt with F-9's to photo-map the Middle East and Africa. The ground echelon remains at MacDill Field, Tampa, Florida.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-25's attack bridges at Meza, Zawchaung, and N of Kyungon; Meza bridge is put out of commission, Kyungon bridge demolished, and Zawchaung bridge damaged; a locomotive and tender are destroyed at the latter target; and a single B-25 attacks vehicles and other targets of opportunity between Taihpa Ga and Tsumhpawng Ga.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 20 P-40's fly armed reconnaissance over E Burma. 8 of them strafe buildings at Loi wing Airfield, Burma.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 200: 623 B-17's and 154 B-24's are dispatched to hit aviation industry plants in Brunswick, Germany but cloud cover prevents visual bombing; 597 B-17's hit the secondary target, the city of Brunswick and 2 others hit targets of opportunity; the B-24's find dense smoke and contrails over the secondary and 104 bomb Hannover and 39 hit other targets of opportunity; the bombers claim 51-7-27 Luftwaffe aircraft; 18 B-17's and 2 B-24's are lost, 3 B-17's are damaged beyond repair and 104 B-17's and 11 B-24's are damaged; casualties are 4 KIA, 14 WIA and 206 MIA. Escort includes 635 P-38's, P-47's and 9AF P-51's; they claim 45-15-31 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 P-38's and 2 P-47's are lost, 2 P-38's, 3 P-47's and 2 P-51's are damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 4 MIA.

Mission 201: During the evening, 5 of 5 B-17's drop 1.2 million leaflets on Chateauroux, Brest, Chartres, Le Mans and Caen, France without loss.

Mission 202: In a night Oboe Mk II test, 1 B-17 drops 2 bombs on Duren, Germany.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): The 451BG(H) with B-24's, becomes operational, making a total of 9 heavy bomber operational.

In Italy, B-17's hit airfields and landing grounds at Villaorba, Maniago and Lavariano; B-24's bomb Udine Airfield and Fier radar station; P-38's escort the B-17's on the Villaorba and Maniago missions and P-38's and some RAF Spitfires escort the B-24's on the Udine mission; P-47's carry out a sweep over the Villaorba area; the B-24's and fighters claim 60+ aircraft shot down and a larger number destroyed on the ground.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25's hit road junctions at Valmontone and Genzano di Roma, and bomb the town of Monte Compatri; weather cancels all B-26 operations and several B-25 missions. A-20's hit the town of and road junction near Cori, and XII Air Support Command fighter-bombers hit Sora; US and RAF fighters hit barges and fishing boats off Zara and Trojica, Yugoslavia; fighters on patrol over Anzio meet no air opposition.

415NPS, 64FW, transfers from Montecorvino to Marcianise, Italy with Beaufighters. The detachment operating from Gaudo Airfield also transfers.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands, P-40's and P-39's maintain patrols over Mille Atoll, bombing and strafing the airfield to prevent its use by the enemy against invading US forces; B-24's maintain all-night strikes against Kwajalein Atoll in preparation for the invasion the following morning; the invasion of Majuro Atoll begins during the night of 30/31Jan.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 20 P-39's attack Kunrai, Bougainville Island. On New Britain Island, 26 B-25's, with large fighter cover, bomb Lakunai Airfield; 18 B-24's, supported by fighters, hit Vunakanau Airfield; 50 Allied fighters support a USN dive bomber strike on shipping in the Rabaul area; altogether 20+ Japanese fighters are claimed shot down.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 34 B-25's bomb the Hansa Bay area and Nubia landing strip, New Guinea. On New Britain Island, A-20's fly a barge sweep along the N coast and P-39's strafe barges and fuel dumps at Rein Bay.

90BS(L), 3BG(L), transfers from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea with A-20's.

 MONDAY, 31 JANUARY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Aleutian Islands, 5 bombers fly a negative sea-search mission.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 203: 74 of 74 B-24's hit V-weapon site construction at St. Pol/Siracourt, France; 2 aircraft are damaged beyond repair; no losses. The B-24's are escorted by 114 P-47's.

Mission 204: 70 of 75 P-47 fighter-bombers, escorted by 47 P-38's and 87 P-47's bomb Gilze-Rijen Airfield, The Netherlands; they claim 13-1-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 P-38's are lost, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair and 2 P-47's damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 6 MIA.

Transfers in England: HQ 357FG and 362FS from Raydon to Leiston with P-51's (first Mission is 11Feb); HQ 358FG and 367FS from Leiston to Raydon with P-47's and is reassigned to the 9AF on 1Feb.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-17's and B-24's bomb airfields at Aviano and Udine, Italy; P-38's and P-47's provide escort.

B-17's with P-38 escort, hit Klagenfurt Airfield, Austria; they claim 16 aircraft shot down.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20's bomb Artena and road junction N of town; P-40's and A-36's, operating E of the Anzio battle area, hit a road junction at Sezze, the town of Fondi, and junction and town area at Priverno; P-47's bomb San Benedetto de Marsi; the XII Air Support Command flies 250+ sorties over the Anzio beachhead; air opposition is absent.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marshall Islands as US Army and USMC troops land on Kwajalein Atoll, under overall command of Admiral Raymond A Spruance, the USAAF hits other atolls. 19 A-24's bomb Mille Atoll airfield, over which P-39's and P-40's maintain all-day cover and harassment; 9 P-40's carry out a strafing mission against Jaluit Atoll; during the night of 31Jan/1Feb, 8 B-24's, attacking at intervals, bomb Wotje Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 40+ Allied fighters cover a strike by USN dive bombers on Tobera, New Britain Island; 8 enemy aircraft are claimed shot down; this strike is immediately followed by an attack by 17 B-24's, with fighter support, on the same target.

The detachment of the 17(Photo)RS, 4PRG, operating from Munda, New Georgia Island with F-5's, returns to base on Guadalcanal Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, A-20's attack Uligan Harbor and P-39's strafe Bogadjim, Bostrem Bay, and landing strip at Alexishafen. B-24's hit a motor vessel off Ceram Island.

89BS(L), 3BG(L), transfers from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea with A-20's.

FEBURARY 1944

 MONDAY, 1 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-24s bomb Mingaladon Airfield; another hits the airfield at Nyaungbinwun; 32 P-51s and A-36s and a single B-25 hit the main airfield at Myitkyina; some of the aircraft then strafe the Radhapur transport depot and storage area to the NW.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China during Feb 44, a detachment of the 16FS, 51FG, based at Chengkung, operates from Nanning with P-40s; 449FS, 51FG, transfers from Kunming to Suichwan with P-38s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Transfers in England: 363FS, 357FG from Raydon to Leiston with P-51s (first Mission is 11Feb); 752d, 753, 754th and 755BS(H), 458BG(H) from US to Horsham St Faith with B-24s (first Mission is 24 Feb).

Transfers in England during Feb 44: HQ 95CBW(H) from Attlebridge to Ketteringham; HQ 491BG(H) to North Pickenham.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Colonel Clarence E Crumrine temporarily takes command of the XIX Air Support Command, replacing Major General Elwood R Quesada. The latter assumes command of the IX Air Support Command which assumes control of all fighter and reconnaissance units of the IX Fighter Command.

Transfers in England: HQ IX Air Support Command from Aldermaston Court to Middle Wallop; HQ XIX Air Support Command from Middle Wallop to Aldermaston Court; HQ 416BG(L) and 669th, 670th and 671BS(L) from the US to Wethersfield with A-20s (first Mission is 3 Mar); 30(Photo)RS, III Reconnaissance Command, from the US to Chalgrove with F-5s (first Mission is 25 Feb); 366FS, 58FG, from Leiston to Raydon with P-47s.

Transfers in UK during Feb 44: HQ 438TCG and 87th, 88th, 89th and 90TCSs from the US with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Operations are limited to a fighter sweep of the Orvieto-Viterbo, Italy area by P-47s and to photo and weather reconnaissance.

HQ 301BG(H) transfers from Cerignola to Lucera, Italy.

Transfers in Italy during Feb 44: HQ 305BW(H) from Foggia to Spinazzola.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb the Albano Laziale road junction; P-40s bomb Cori, while A-36s hit Poggio Mieteto and P-47s attack the station at San Valentino; fighters cover the Anzio battle area.

Detachment of 91FS, 81FG, operating from Capodichino, Italy with P-39s, returns to base at Montecorvino Airfield.

During Feb 44, HQ 81FG and 93FS transfer from Castelvetrano, Sicily to Montecorvino Airfield with P-39s.

During Feb, ground echelon of 417NPS, 12AF (attached to RAF No. 337 Wing) transfers from Ghisonaccia to Borgo, Corsica; air echelon is at La Senia, Algeria with Beaufighters.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands hit the beach defenses on Kwajalein Island, Marshall Islands; P-40s on armed reconnaissance over Mille Atoll, Marshall Islands strafe a beached schooner. Operation CATCHPOLE (operations against Eniwetok and Ujelang Atolls in the Marshall Islands) is begun to occupy and defend Eniwetok Atoll, which is to furnish a striking base for operations against the Marianas Islands. During the operation, 7AF aircraft operating from newly acquired bases in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands neutralize airfields in the Marianas and continue to pound by-passed airfields in the Marshalls.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): Weather prevents 50 B-24s sent against installations in the Admiralty Islands from reaching the target; 2 B-24s bomb a freighter NE of Vanimo, New Guinea while a single B-24 on armed reconnaissance strafes barges in the Solomon Sea.

HQ 308th and 309BWS(H) and 310BW(M) are activated at Oro Bay, Lae and Gusap New Guinea respectively; the wings will operate with various groups that are attached for brief periods.

Transfers in New Guinea: 8BS(L) from Dobodura to Nadzab with A-20s; 421NFS, V Fighter Command, from Milne Bay to Nadzab with P-70s.

In New Guinea during Feb 44, a detachment of the 26(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG, based at Dobodura, begins operating from Port Moresby with F-5s.

 WEDNESDAY, 2 FEBRUARY 1944

ETO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS: Marshall Josef V Stalin agrees to provide 6 bases for US aircraft in the USSR.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 205: 95 of 110 B-24s hit V-weapon construction sites at St Pol/Siracourt and Watten, France; 2 B-24s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 2 damaged; casualties are 10 KIA and 19 MIA. 183 P-47s escort the B-24s without loss.

364FS, 357FG, transfers from Raydon to Leiston, England with P-51s; first Mission is 11Feb.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 36 B-26s attack Triqueville Airfield, France. 8AF escorts are 34 P-38s and 44 P-47s. No losses.

Transfers in England: 365FS, 358FG from Leiston to Raydon with P-47s; 381FS, 363FG, from Keevil to Rivenhall with P-51s, first Mission is 24 Feb; 668BS(L), 416BG(L), from the US to Wethersfield with A-20s, first Mission is 3 Mar.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-24s, with Spitfire escort, bomb the radar station at Durazzo, Albania.

32d, 352d, 353and 419BS(H), 301BG(H), transfer from Cerignola to Lucera, Italy with B-17s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Major General Gordon P Saville becomes Commanding General, XII Air Support Command.

In Italy, B-25s attack the Marino road junction and A-20s bomb Norma; A-36s and P-40s bomb villages, road junctions, trucks, trains, parked aircraft, supply dump, and the Viterbo road during several fighter-bomber mission s; P-40s on patrol over the battle areas attack Cisterna di Latina and Formia.

23(Photo)RS, 5(Photo)RG, transfers from San Servero, Italy to Alghero, Sardinia with F-5s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): A-24s and P-40s from Makin Island bomb runways and gun positions on Mille Atoll and along with P-39 escort strafe NE tip of the island; B-24s from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands bomb Rongelap Island, Marshall Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 31BS(H), 5BG(H), based on Guadalcanal Island, begins operating from Munda, New Georgia Island with B-24s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s bomb Sorong and Alexishafen; nearly 50 A-20s pound installations in the Madang area. B-25s hit coastal targets on New Britain Island from Cape Gauffre to Rein Bay. Other B-25s attack shipping off Tingwon Island in the Bismarck Archipelago and off the SE coast of New Britain Island.

 THURSDAY, 3 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 16 P-38s attack bridges, encampments, and buildings along the Prome-Taungup road; 1 bridge is knocked out and another damaged; a tugboat is sunk at Akyab; 14 A-36s and a B-25 attack troops and camp area at Kumnyen and Lalawng Ga, and hit a motor pool and repair depot at Shingban; 16 P-51s hit an encampment at Sawnghka.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 206: 553 of 671 B-17s hit the port area at Wilhelmshaven, Germany; another 56 hit the Emden area; and 1 hits Oldenburg; 1.8 million leaflets are dropped by B-17s; 193 B-24s are dispatched but they abort the mission over the Zuider Zee due to clouds; 0-1-0 Luftwaffe aircraft are claimed; 4 B-17s are lost, 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 47 B-17s are damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 9 WIA and 42 MIA. Escort is provided by 74 P-38s, 508 P-47s of the 8AF and 9AF and 50 9AF P-51s; they claim 8-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 8 P-47s and 1 P-51 are lost, 3 P-47s are damaged beyond repair and 13 P-47s are damaged; casualties are 9 MIA.

Mission 207: 7 of 7 B-17s drop 420 bundles of leaflets on Paris, Rouen, Amiens, Reims, Orleans and Rennes, France at 2110-2146 hours; no losses.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): The 358FG at Raydon becomes operational with P-47s. This is the first of 17 FGs which are to be added by 9 May 44 to the 9AF, which previously had only 1FG, the 354th at Boxted with P-51s. 52 B-26s bomb V-weapon sites on the W coast of France. Weather causes 100+ other aircraft to abandon the mission .

380FS, 363FG, transfers from Keevil to Rivenhall, England with P-51s, first Mission on 24 Feb.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-24s, finding the primary target obscured by bad weather, bomb targets of opportunity (railroad yards and stations) at Stimigliano and Sulmona; other B-24s return to base without bombing; P-47s fly a fighter sweep over the Prato-Pontassieve area.

154TRS, 68TRG attached to 15AF, arrives at Oran, Algeria from Bari, Italy with P-38s, first Mission as a weather reconnaissance unit on 13 Feb.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Medium bomber mission s are all aborted. In Italy, A-36s hit roads and other targets S of Rome, destroying or damaging numerous trucks and bombing the towns of Sezze and Fondi as US ground forces meet strong resistance in their drive toward Cassino; P-47s hit Manopello and railroad facilities at Sulmona; and fighters patrol the Anzio area.

HQ 332FG and 100FS arrive at Montecorvino, Italy from the US with P-39s, first Mission on 19 Feb.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-40s from Makin Island, bomb and strafe Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, P-40s and USN (USN) fighters cover a USN dive-bomber strike on Tobera; 15 B-24s with P-38 and USN fighter escort bomb the airfield at Lakunai; Allied aircraft claim 13 Japanese interceptors downed during the 2 strikes.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, nearly 100 B-24s and B-25s, supported by P-38s, P-40s and P-47s, pound airfields in the Wewak area; about 8O aircraft are destroyed on the ground and in the air; A-20s attack Alexishafen and the Hansa Bay areas; P-39s and B-25s on armed reconnaissance hit trucks at Erima, barges on the New Britain coast, shipping in the N Bismarck Sea, and Momote and Hyane Harbor on Los Negros Island.

Transfers in New Guinea: HQ 3BG(L) from Dobodura to Nadzab; 25(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG, from Brisbane, Australia to Lae with F-5s, first Mission on 5 Feb; 673BS(L), 417BG(L), from Cape Sudest to Dobodura with A-20s, first Mission on 25 Mar.

 FRIDAY, 4 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 12 P-51s strafe runways and buildings at Indaw, Burma.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 208: 589 B-17s and 159 B-24s are dispatched to attack industry and railroad yards at Frankfurt/Main, Germany; 346 B-17s and 27 B-24s hit the target; due to weather and navigational problems, 122 B-17s hit Giessen, 51 B-17s hit Wiesbaden, 17 B-24s hit the Trier area, 15 B-24s hit the Arloff area, 2 B-24s hit the Russelheim area, 1 B-24 hits Grafenhausen, 1 B-24 hits Darmstadt, 1 B-17 and 1 B-24 hit Koblenz and 26 B-24s and 23 B-17s hit unknown targets; they claim 4-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 18 B-17s and 2 B-24s are lost, 2 B-17s and 1 B-24 are damaged beyond repair and 359 aircraft are damaged; casualties are 7 KIA, 20 WIA and 203 MIA. Escort is provided by 56 P-38s, 537 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 44 9AF P-51s; they claim 8-0-4 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38 is lost, 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair and 5 P-38s and 4 P-47s are damaged; casualties are 1 MIA.

Mission 209: 7 of 7 B-17s drop 319 bundles of leaflets on Lorient, Tours, Nantes, Raismes, Lille and Cambrai, France and Antwerp, Belgium at 2102-2132 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Major General Otto P Weyland becomes Commanding General, XIX Air Support Command.

HQ 313TCG transfers from Trapani/Milo Airfield, Sicily to Folkingham, England.

US STRATEGIC AFS IN EUROPE: The abbreviation for this unit is changed from USSAFE to USSTAF.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In France, B-17s bomb Antheor viaduct and Toulon harbor; B-24s are forced by bad weather to return bomBSto base; many of the B-17s returning from the Toulon raid are forced to land at various friendly fields because of unsafe flying conditions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather prevents all medium, light and fighter-bomber mission s; P-40s and Spitfires maintain patrols over the Anzio area, where a strong German counter-offensive had been launched during the night of 3/4 Feb. Detachment of 414NPS, 63FW, operating from Ghisonaccia with Beaufighters transfers to Borgo, Corsica; squadron is based at Elmas, Sardinia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, flying from Tarawa Atoll and Makin Island, bomb Wotje, Maloelap and Mille Atolls, Marshall Islands; B-25s from Tarawa and Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands also hit Wotje and Maloelap Atolls; P-40s based on Makin Island bomb and strafe Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 25 B-25s, escorted by 40+ fighters, pound the airfield at Tobera; 18 B-24s, covered by 30+ P-38s and USN fighters, hit the airfield at Vunakanau.

HQ 5BG(H) transfers from Guadalcanal Island to Munda, New Georgia Island.

68FS, 347FG, transfers from Fiji to Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands with P-38s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In the Moluccas Islands, B-24s and B-25s carry out small raids against Laha on Ambon Island, Namlea on Buru Island and Amboina on Ambon Island. In New Guinea, 170+ B-24s, A-20s. and B-25s bomb But and Dagua Airfields, Marienberg and the Madang-Alexishafen area; P-39s bomb and strafe Atemble and strafe targets of opportunity in the Alexishafen area.

672d, 674th and 675BS(L), 417BG(L), transfer from Cape Sudest to Dobodura, New Guinea with A-20s, first Mission on 25 Mar.

 SATURDAY, 5 FEBRUARY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, 6 B-24s and 16 P-38s join USN aircraft to fly air cover in several relays during retirement of US light cruisers and destroyers following bombardment of installations in the Kurabu Cape-Musashi Bay areas; shortly afterwards, the aircraft also photograph and attack installations at Paramushiru and Shimushu.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma during the early morning hours, 8 B-24s bomb the airfield at Heho while 6 others hit Aungban Airfield; 9 B-25s follow with strikes on Heho, Sagaing and Myittha Airfields. During the daylight hours 14 fighter-bombers hit the marshalling yard at Wuntho; during the night of 5/6 Feb, 9 B-24s again hit Heho and 4 bomb Aungban.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 8 B-24s during the night of 5/6 Feb bomb Bangkok, Thailand. 3 others hit Nakhon Nayok and an unidentified airfield on the Mekong River both in French Indochina. 2 B-24s and 2 B-25s attack a convoy E of Hong Kong and claim 2 freighters and 3 smaller cargo vessels sunk. In Burma, 4 P-40s on armed reconnaissance strafe a big wagon and truck column N of Hsenwi; 4 others bomb and strafe Hopang, causing large fires in the village.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): In view of the previous decision to concentrate most of the training activities of the 8AF in the VIII AF Composite Command, a decision is made to transfer HQ from Limavady, County Derry, Ireland, to Cheddington, England, to bring it closer to the combat crew training stations over which it is to be given supervision. Most of the transfer is completed between 7 and 15 Feb.

Mission 210: Airfields in France are targetted. 103 B-17s are dispatched to Chateauroux/Martinerie and Avord Airfields with 50 hitting each target; 121 B-17s are dispatched to Chateaudun (61bomb) and Orleans/Bricy (60 bomb): Airfields; 182 B-17s are dispatched to Romilly-sur-Seine air depot but 133 hit Villacoublay; 103 B-24s are dispatched to Meslay Airfield (90 bomb) and 8 hit Chateaudun; they claim 5-0-5 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 B-24s are lost, 3 B-17s and 1 B-24 are damaged beyond repair and 39 B-17s and 31 B-24s are damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 15 WIA and 22 MIA. Escort is provided by 92 P-38s, 496 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 46 9AF P-51s; they claim 6-0-4 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 P-47s are lost, 1 P-38 and 1 P-47 are damaged beyond repair and 1 P-38 and 1 P-47 are damaged; casualties are 2 MIA.

Mission 211: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 300 bundles of leaflets during a CARPETBAGGER Mission on Ghent, Monceau-sur-Sambre, Antwerp and Brussels, Belgium at 2026-2037 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Around 180 B-26s attack 6 V-weapon sites in N France.

HQ 437TCG transfers from Balderton to Ramsbury, England.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb Terni marshalling yard, and A-20s hit the Lanuvio and Piedimonte areas. P-40s and A-36s hit road junctions at Cisterna di Latina, Vetralla, and Velletri, bomb the towns of Vetralla, Ardea, and Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi, and attack motor transport at several points, including areas N, NE and SE of Rome.

58th, 59th and 60FSs, 33FG, begin a movement from Cercola, Italy to India with P-40s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-40s from Makin Island divebomb and strafe oil storage area, radio facilities, and small craft at Jaluit Atoll, Marshall Islands; P-39s strafe runways on Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 24 P-40s join 40+ USN fighters in covering a strike by more than 60 USN dive bombers on Lakunai, New Britain Island. This strike is followed by an attack of 13 B-24s, with 30+ P-38 and USN fighter escort, on the same target.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 70+ B-25s and A-20s attack the Hansa Bay area; 48 B-24s pound Hoskins Airfield, and some also bomb Gasmata Island off New Britain Island, after weather prevents an attack on Kavieng, New Ireland Island. B-24s fly a light raid on Kaimana, New Guinea. B-25s on armed reconnaissance in the W Bismarck Sea claim 1 freighter sunk; others bomb wrecked ships off New Hanover Island.

 SUNDAY, 6 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 12 P-51s hit warehouses and freight cars at Wuntho, Burma and claim 4 warehouses destroyed.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 11 P-40s on armed reconnaissance strafe sampans and power launches between Yoyang and Puchi, China. 6 B-25s knock out bridges and damage 3 trains at Anxuan, Tien An, Phong Loc and Dong Hoi, French Indochina.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 212: Airfields in France are targetted but weather forces 400+ bombers to abort the mission . 189 B-17s are dispatched against the Romilly-sur-Seine Air Depot and 60 hit St Andre de L'Eure Airfield and 40 hit Evreux/Fauville Airfield; 303 B-17s are dispatched to Nancy/Essay and Dijon/Longvic Airfields but only 60 hit Caen/Carpiquet Airfield; 150 B-24s are dispatched to St Pol/Siracourt V-weapon site but 37 hit Chateaudun Airfield and 9 hit the Eclimeux V-weapon site; they claim 3-3-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 4 B-17s are lost, 1 B-17 and 1 B-24 are damaged beyond repair and 43 B-17s and 7 B-24s are damaged; casualties are 7 KIA, 3 WIA and 43 MIA. Escorting are 85 P-38s, 506 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 47 9AF P-51s; they claim 11-2-3 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 2-0-7 on the ground; 3 P-38s and 1 P-47 are lost, 1 P-38 and 2 P-47s are damaged beyond repair and 1 P-38 and 1 P-47 are damaged; casualties are 2 WIA and 4 MIA.

Mission 213: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 363 leaflet bundles in a CARPETBAGGER Mission over Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Liege and Monceau-sur-Sambre, Belgium at 2202-2225 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Around 120 B-26s bomb V-weapon sites, airfields, and a factory, all in France; principal targets bombed are at Rosieres-en-Santerre, Amiens/Glisy, Cormeilles-en-Vexin, and Grandvilliers.

Transfers in England: 34TCS, 315TCG, from Wilford to Spanhoe (air echelon is operating from Blida, Algeria with C-47s); 83d, 84th, 85th and 86TCSs, 437TCG, from Balderton to Ramsbury with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather restricts operations to photographic and weather reconnaissance flights.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s bomb the Orte marshalling yard while B-25s hit the Frascati road junction; A-20s bomb the Campoleone railroad station and the town of Roccasecca; P-40s bomb Cisterna di Latina, Santa Lucia (near Campoleone), Cori (and nearby road junction): and Atina; A-36s hit San Stefano al Mare, Cisterna di Latina, Frascati and Albano Laziale, and strike numerous vehicles, railroad cars and other targets of opportunity on armed reconnaissance missions N and S of Rome. A German counteroffensive against the Anzio beachhead and on the Cassino front forces an Allied withdrawal.

HQ 12BG(M) and 81, 82d, 83and 434BSS(M) begin a movement from Gaudo Airfield, Italy to India with B-25s.

HQ 33FG begins a movement from Cercola, Italy to India.

HQ 350FG transfers from Sardinia to Corsica; 345FS based in Sardinia begins operating from Corsica with P-39s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Tarawa Atoll hit Maloelap and Wotje Atolls; A-24s and P-40s from Makin Island attack Mille Atoll; Tarawa-based P-39s strafe Jaluit Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): P-39s and (RNZAF) Ventura's hit barges in the Green Island area. Lakunai Airfield, New Britain Island, is hit by 32 B-25s, covered by 60+ AAF and USN fighters, and shortly afterwards by 19 B-24s, escorted by nearly 50 Allied fighters; Allied aircraft claim 16 aircraft shot down; Lakunai is practically unserviceable as a result of cumulative damage.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-25s and B-24s pound Bunabun Harbor, Madang, and targets from Bogia to Cape Croisilles; P-39s strafe and sink barges near Nubia; and A-20s hit shipping near Kairiru and Mushu Islands causing considerable damage and destruction.

Other bombers hit targets in the Admiralty Islands (concentrating on Momote on Los Negros Island) and carry out light attacks on Talasea village and Cape Dampier gun positions on New Britain Island.

 MONDAY, 7 FEBRUARY 1944

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): 35BS(M), 25BG(M), transfers from Vernam Field, Jamaica to Trinidad with B-25s.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): A single B-25 bombs a motor pool at Sumprabum, Burma.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 16 P-40s and 4 P-51s damage railroad bridges at Kienchang and Puchi and strafe warehouses at Teian. In French Indochina, 2 B-25s score 2 direct hits on the powerplant at Thanh Hoa, strafe nearby barracks, and attack the radio station at Vinh.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 36th and 406BS(H), 1BD attached to 482BG(H), transfer from Alconbury to Watton (36th continues operating from Alconbury) with B-24s; the squadrons fly CARPETBAGGER missions.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 315TCG transfers from Welford to Stanhoe, England.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather again limits operations to photographic and weather reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s bomb the bridge approach S of Manziana; B-25s hit the Viterbo marshalling yard and, in support of US Fifth army troops, bomb the town of Cisterna di Latina as the enemy counterattack begins in the Anzio area; A-20s hit Piedimonte and the road junction and railway station at Campoleone; A-36s hit San Stefano al Mare and nearby railroad siding, Pontecorvo and Belmonte in Sabina, plus several targets of opportunity and targets in support of ground forces in the battle areas; P-40s attack an observation tower at Littoria, trucks at Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi, Campoleone, a railroad gun, the Sezze railroad yards, Cisterna di Latina and gun positions in battle areas.

Fighters encounter heavy aircraft activity over the Anzio battle area and claim 16 shot down.

302FS, 332FG, arrives at Montecorvino, Italy from the US with P-39s; first Mission is 17 Feb.

Detachment of 346FS, 350FG, based in Sardinia with P-39s, begins operating from Sidi Amor, Tunisia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Tarawa Atoll and Abemama Island hit Wotje and Maloelap Atolls and P-40s from Makin Island hit a storage area at Jaluit Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, P-40s join USN fighters in covering a USN dive-bomber strike on Tobera; several gun positions and grounded aircraft are hit and the runway is bombed into unserviceable condition; 11 aircraft are claimed shot down; Vunakanau Airfield is bombed by 17 B-24s, escorted by P-38s and USN fighters.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 14 B-24s bomb Amboina, Ambon Island and Lautem, Timor Island. P-39s fly strafing sweeps over New Britain Island. Single B-25s on reconnaissance bomb Garua Harbor, Cape Dampier on New Britain Island and Kavieng on New Ireland Island.

Transfers in New Guinea: HQ 35FG from Nadzab to Gusap; HQ 417BG(L) from Cape Sudest to Dobodura; 25(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG, from Lae to Nadzab with F-5s; 110RS (Fighter), 71RG, from Port Moresby to Gusap with P-39Qs.

 TUESDAY, 8 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 7 B-25s bomb bridges at Budalin and Songon, displacing a section of the former and destroying an approach to the latter; 7 others hit the stronghold at Badana; 16 A-36s and P-51s and 1 B-25 hit a camp at Mogaung; 4 P-51s strafe railroad cars NW of Myitkyina while 1 B-25 bombs a camp at Kumnyen.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 214: 53 of 54 B-24s hit the V-weapon site at Siracourt, France while 57 of 73 B-24s hit the V-weapon site at Watten, France; 41 B-24s are damaged and 10 airmen are WIA; escort is 89 8AF and 9AF P-47s. 88 of 236 B-17s hit the marshalling yards at Frankfurt, Germany using blind-bombing techniques; 107 other B-17s hit targets of opportunity; they claim 1-3-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 13 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 108 damaged; casualties are 11 KIA, 4 WIA and 130 MIA; escort is provided by 77 P-38s, 435 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 419AF P-51s; they claim 16-1-8 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 P-38s, 3 P-47s and 4 P-51s are lost, 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair and 4 P-47s are damaged; casualties are 9 MIA.

Mission 215: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 360 bundles of leaflets in a CARPETBAGGER operation over Caen, Rouen, Paris, Rennes and Amiens, France at 2106-2136 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 9AF extends IX Bomber Command's choice of targets considerably, although first priority for Operation POINTBLANK missions [the Combined Bomber Offensive (CBO) of US and RAF AFs against the Luftwaffe and German aircraft industry] and next priority for Operation CROSSBOW (code name for operations against German V-weapon sites) targets is maintained.

In a morning raid, nearly 200 B-26s attack V-weapon sites and targets of opportunity in NW France. In an afternoon raid, 100+ B-26s bomb V-weapon sites and military instsllations in the same general area, most of the B-26s attacking Breck-sur-Mer. This is the IX BC's first 2-mission day.

494BS(M), 344BG(M), arrives at Stansted, England from the US with B-26s; first Mission is 29 Feb.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): The 454BG(H) with B-24s becomes operstional, giving the 15AF 10 operational heavy bomber groups.

In Italy, B-24s bomb airfields at Viterbo, Tarquinia, Orvieto, Piombino and Prato; B-17s hit the marshalling yard at Verona; P-38s and P-47s escort the Orvieto, Piombino, and Prato missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb Cisterna di Latina; B-26s hit the Siena marshalling yard and warehouses, and a railway bridge NE of Civita Castellana; A-20s bomb Piedimonte; A-36s attack gun positions near Ausonia, tracks between Rome and Orte, and the town of Veroli, and fly strafing and bombing sweeps in the Anzio battle area against motor transport, gun positions, road junction E of Cisterna di Latina, and the town of Pontecorvo; P-40s hit Roccasecca, Castello, Caprile. Piedimonte, Aquino and other targets, including a supply dump and gun positions; P-47s bomb Atina; Desert AF (DAF) fighters (US and RAF) destroy a large number of trucks near Sora.

301FS, 332FG, arrives at Montecorvino, Italy from the US with P-39s; first Mission is 15 Feb.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Makin and Abemama Islands hit Maloelap and Mille Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): P-39s over Bougainville Island bomb and strafe Tiaraka huts and bivouac area.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, nearly 50 A-20s and B-25s hit the Alexishafen and Madang areas; P-39s strafe targets of opportunity during sweeps over wide areas of NE New Guinea and New Britain Island; during the night of 8/9 Feb, B-25s bomb Toeal.

 WEDNESDAY, 9 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, B-25s, P-51s, P-38s, P-40s, and A-36s carry out 75 attack sorties against Seinnyinba, bivouac and supply areas in the Mogaung-Loilaw area, bivouac and buildings at Pyindaw, camps at Kumnyen and near Maingkwan and Shingban, and storage area and bivouac on the Mogaung-Kamaing road near Sawnghka; a bridge over the Namtamng River near Maingkwan also is destroyed.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 16 P-40s strafe and bomb large barracks and oil storage at Chefang and pound town areas of Homun and Mangshih. 2 B-25s demolish a radio station SW of Haiphong, French Indochina.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 133 B-26s bomb V-weapon sites in coastal France, marshalling yards at Tergnier, France and targets of opportunity in the area. This marks the first of the IX BC raids on marshalling yards.

HQ 344BG(M) arrives at Stansted, England from the US.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Weather grounds all aircraft with exception of 1 P-38 which flies a weather reconnaissance mission.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s and B-26s, in close support to US Fifth Army forces, attack motor transport and troop concentrations in the Campoleone area while A-20s blast another troop concentration to the W; P-40s hit Cisterna di Latina and gun positions; A-36s and P-40s pound concentration points of a counterattack against the Fifth Army beachhead in the Anzio area, strike along the main Fifth Army front, and attack the villages of Piedimonte and Aquino and gun positions near Cassino and Ausonia.

HQ 87FW transfers from Nouvion, Algeria to Caserta, Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): A-24s from Makin Island along with supporting P-40s, bomb and strafe oil storage and gun positions on Jaluit Atoll; during a dusk-to-dawn operation on 9/10 Feb B-24s operating at intervals from Tarawa Atoll maintain strikes against Wotje Atoll and Taroa Island in Maloelap Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, P-40s and USN fighters cover a USN dive-bomber attack on Vunakanau Airfield, scoring many hits on AA positions, buildings, and runways; 24 B-24s with USN fighter escort follow with a strike on the same target hitting runways and revetment area; 19 B-24s. with 20 P-38s supporting, hit Tobera Airfield, thoroughly saturating the runway.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): On New Guinea, the occupation of the Huon Peninsula is completed as US and Australian forces meet SE of Saidor; A-20s pound the village of Mindiri. B-24s bomb Amboina, Ambon Island and Lautem, Timor Island.

 THURSDAY, 10 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Thailand, 9 B-24s bomb the Ban Mah arsenal at Bangkok and Don Maung Airfield immediately to the N. In Burma, 3 B-24s bomb Prome and Akyab, 9 B-25s pound Chiradan and Godusara, and 16 P-51s hit barracks and a road at Chishidu.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 8 P-40s bomb Wanling and vicinity while 3 others fly top cover; the target area, a supply staging and training center, is heavily damaged; 5 B-24s during the night of 9/10 Feb mine the mouth of the Yangtze River; B-25s on sea sweeps claim 2 freighters sunk near Hainan Island and SW of Hong Kong; 12 P-51s and P-38s strafe boats and parked aircraft in the Chiuchiang area; 12 P-40s strafe power boats and sampans along the Yangtze River from Puchi to Yoyang.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 216: 141 of 169 B-17s hit the industrial area at Brunswick, Germany and 2 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 42-30-61 Luftwaffe aircraft; 29 B-17s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 52 damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 3 WIA and 295 MIA; escort is provided by 64 P-38s, 357 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 45 9AF P-51s; they claim 56-1-40 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 0-0-2 on the ground; 5 P-38s and 4 P-47s are lost, 1 P-38 and 1 P-51 are damaged beyond repair and 6 P-47s are damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 1 WIA and 9 MIA. 27 of 81 B-24s hit the Gilze-Rijen Airfield, The Netherlands; dense contrails and frost prevent most aircraft from attacking; 4 B-24s are damaged beyond repair; casualties are 26 KIA and 14 WIA; escort is provided by 91 P-47s without loss.

Mission 217: In a CARPETBAGGER mission, 5 of 5 B-17s drop 260 bundles of leaflets on Rennes, Caen, Rouen and Amiens, France and Antwerp, Belgium at 2111-2145 hours without loss.

HQ 364FG and 383d, 384th and 385FSs arrive at Honington, England from the US with P-38J's; first Mission is 2 Mar.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 114 B-26s attack V-weapon sites in coastal France, airfields at Poix and Beauvais/Tille, a bridge at Le Crotoy, and a coastal battery N of the Conch River.

496BS(M), 344BG(M), arrives at Stansted, England from the US with B-26s; first Mission is 29 Feb.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-17s bomb Albano Laziale, Cisterna di Latina and Cecina; B-24s strike Campoleone and Velletri; P-38s bomb and strafe the Tivoli, Vicovaro, and Monterotondo area; P-47s fly uneventful sweeps over Cisterna di Roma and Albano; numerous heavy bombers are forced to abort operations because of unsafe flying conditions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Light and medium bomber mission s are aborted because of bad weather. In Italy, P-40s and A-36s support an unsuccessful attempt of the US Fifth Army's 1Infantry Division to stem an attack in the Carroceto area; P-47s fail to locate their target (Sora) and drop bombs on targets of opportunity.

347FS, 350FG, based on Corsica with P-39s, sends a detachment to Capodichino, Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Tarawa Atoll hit Wotje and Maloelap Atolls; 9 B-24s from Abemama Island, sent to bomb a weather and radio station on Rongelap Island, abort due to a fuel leak in the lead B-24; an attempt to bomb Jaluit Atoll during the return flight is unsuccessful.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, P-40s and USN fighters cover a USN dive-bomber attack on Vunakanau Airfield; B-25s with fighter escort bomb Vunakanau later in the day; Tobera is pounded by 21 B-24s supported by P-38s and USN fighters; the Allied aircraft claim 30+ aircraft downed in the New Britain area. P-39s hit buildings at Bonis and barges in Matchin Bay on Bougainville Island and near Green Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 50+ B-24s bomb Boram Airfield and harbor at Wewak. 6 B-25s and a B-24 hit Momote Airfield on Los Negros Island and jetties at Manus Island. P-39s strafe targets of opportunity during a sweep over wide areas of New Britain Island. The junction of Allied forces from Arawe and Cape Gloucester marks the completion of the campaign for the W end of New Britain Island; occasional missions will still be flown in the area, but most will be restricted to barge sweeps and patrols.

 FRIDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 77BS(M), 28BG (Composite), moves from Amchitka Island to Attu Island with B-25s.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 10 A-36s and P-51s hit the supply area at Sawnghka; 12 A-36s and P-51s and a single B-25 bomb a supply and bivouac area at Pyindaw; 8 P-51s hit a road junction near Mogaung and nearby supply area; 8 P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance strafe a large river steamer and a launch in the Mandalay-Shwebo area.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 12 P-38s knock out 1bridge and damage another at Sheklung; 6 B-25s, escorted by 20 US and Chinese P-40s, bomb the storage area at Kai Tek Airfield; the P-40s claim 5 Japanese fighters shot down; Japanese aircraft bomb and strafe Namyung putting the field out of use for several days.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 218: 94 of 201 B-24s bomb the Siracourt V-weapon site in France with PFF equipment; the remaining aircraft were assigned individual targets without PFF and were unable to locate their targets; 1 B-24 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 17 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 1 WIA and 10 MIA; escort is provided by 85 Eighth and 9AF P-47's and 41 P-51 s without loss. The primary target for 223 B-17s is the marshalling yard at Frankfurt, Germany; 157 hit the primary, 32 hit Ludwigshafen, 19 hit Saarbrucken and 4 hit other targets of opportunity; they claim 3-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 124 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 26 WIA and 51 MIA; escort is provided by 82 P-38s, 486 8AF and 9AF P-47's and 38 9AF P-51s; they claim 30-2-28 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 2-1-4 on the ground; 8 P-38s, 4 P-47's and 2 P-51s are lost, 2 P-47's and 1 P-51 are damaged beyond repair and 2 P-38s and 4 P-47's are damaged; casualties are 14 MIA.

Mission 219: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp, Belgium at 2118-2146 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Most of the 139 B-26s dispatched to attack NOBALL (V-weapon) targets in N France are recalled because of bad weather; 35 manage to bomb the marshalling yard at Amiens.

495th and 497BS(M), 344BG(M), arrives at Stansted, England from the US with B-26s; first Mission is 29 Feb.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): HQ 460BG(H) and 760th, 761, 762 and 763BS(H) arrive at Spinazzola, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 19 Mar.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-40s and P-39s dive-bomb and strafe hangar, airfield installations and gun positions on Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, P-40s join USN fighters in covering a USN dive-bomber strike on Wunapope; 22 B-25s, escorted by USN fighters, pound Vunakanau Airfield; Tobera Airfield is bombed by 15 B-24s with P-38 and USN fighter escort.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): About 50 B-24s pound the airfield at Kavieng, New Ireland Island, and 2 bomb Garove Island. 7 B-24s bomb Kendari Airfield, Celebes Island and Dili, Timor Island. P-40s and (RAAF) aircraft pound Japanese forces still remaining in the Saidor, New Guinea area. Fighter sweeps and armed reconnaissance continue over wide areas of the SWPA.

25LS, 512(Photo)Wing (Provisional), arrives at Lae, New Guinea from Brisbane, Australia with L-5s.

 SATURDAY, 12 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 P-40s hit the town of Ransa and motor convoys S of Sumprabum; 40 P-51s and A-36s attack bivouacs at Walawbum, bivouac and motor pool at Padaw, storage area at the road junction near Chishidu and the town of Chishidu; 30+ P-51s and B-25s hit camps between Tsumhpawng Ga and Walawbum, storage area and motor pool S of Kamaing, motor convoy on the Myitkyina-Sumprabum road, the town of Namting and bridges at Meza and Kanni.

59FS, 33FG, arrives at Karachi, India from Italy; they will be equipped with P-47Ds.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 9 P-40s pound the warehouse area at Wanling, Burma. In French Indochina, 6 P-40s bomb the barracks at Vinh and strafe Dong Cuong Airfield, railroad yards at Cam Duong, and sampans at Phu Tho; 5 B-25s on a sea sweep in the Gulf of Tonkin claim 2 trawlers sunk and hit shore targets of opportunity SW of Haiphong; a single B-25 damages a bridge at Ha Trung. 24 P-38s, P-51s, and P-40s intercept 25 Japanese fighters near Suichwan, China, claiming 7 shot down; 2 US fighters are lost.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 220: 97 of 99 B-24s hit the V-weapon site at St Pol/Siracourt, France; 29 B-24s are damaged; no losses or casualties; escort is provided by 84 8AF and 9AF P-47's and 41 P-51 s; no claims, losses or casualties.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 370FG and 401, 402 and 485FSs arrive at Aldermaston, England from the US with P-47's; the unit will transition to P-38s and fly their first Mission on 1 May.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-17s and B-24s strike troop concentrations and highways in the Cecina area and near Lake Nemi. Bad weather causes all other missions to abort.

HQ 459BG(H) and 756BS(H) arrive at Giulia Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 2 Mar.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack gun positions at Campoleone and the surrounding area; B-26s hit Cecina; A-36s hit aircraft and trucks on the landing ground and in the area near Fahrica di Rorila, attack troops in the area, bomb gun positions SW of Roccasecca, and hit the towns of Fondi and Lanuvio; P-40s attack Gisterna di Roma, Sezze station and road junction, Cori and gun positions NW of Atina.

HQ 61TCG and 14th and 15TCSs begin a movement from Sciacca, Sicily to England with C-47s.

HQ 62TCG and 7TCS move from Ponte Olivo, Sicily to Brindisi, Italy with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Tarawa Atoll and Abemama Island hit Wotje and Maloelap Atolls; A-24s and P-39s from Makin Island bomb and strafe Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s, with USN (USN) fighters in support, bomb Tobera Airfield; 21 B-24s, escorted by P-39s and USN fighters, pound Vunakanau Airfield; P-40s join USN fighters in covering a USN dive-bomber strike on Lakunai.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): Brigadier General Carl W Connell resumes command of the V AF Services Command. About 50 A-20s blast occupied areas SE of Wewak, New Guinea.

 SUNDAY, 13 FEBRUARY 1944

ZI - ZONE OF INTERIOR: The Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS) accepts revision of the Combined Bomber Offensive (CBO) Plan. The targets are reduced to a number that can be decisively attacked and target lists are revised to keep up with the effort of the Germans to relocate vital industrial plants. Disruption of communication lines and reduction of the Luftwaffe are high priority aims included in the CCS directive on this date.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 P-51s and a B-25 damage a road bridge and 2 warehouses in the Wuntho area; 32 P-51s and A-36s hit the supply area and radio installations S of Kamaing and blast bivouacs S of Walawbum; 18 P-51s hit the road and railroad junction N of Sahmaw, a bivouac N of Kamaing and a camp between Tsumhpawng Ga and Walawbum; during the night, 16 B-24s bomb Heho Airfield.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 23 B-24s pound railroad shops at Vinh; 4 B-25s hit a convoy E of Foochow, China claiming 3 freighters and a transport sunk; 4 other B-25s damage 2 vessels off SW Hainan Island and bomb dock, railroad, and oil dump at Bakli on Hainan Island; 6 P-40s bomb and strafe barracks and hangars at Phu Tho and strafe freight cars at Yen Bay and Suo Ha.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 221: V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais area of France are hit; 266 of 277 B-17s hit 12 sites and 138 of 192 B-24s hit 5 sites; 12 B-24s hit targets of opportunity; they claim 0-1-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 4 B-17s are lost, 2 B-17s and 2 B-24s are damaged beyond repair, and 74 B-17s and 57 B-24s are damaged; casualties are 7 KIA, 23 WIA and 24 MIA. Escort is provided by 189 P-47s and 43 P-51s; they claim 6-1-4 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 0-0-4 on the ground; 1 P-51 is lost and 4 P-47s damaged; no casualties.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 182 B-26s attack V-weapon sites in the coastal area of France; 16 others bomb secondary targets in the area.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Operations are restricted to weather reconnaissance.

757th and 758BS(H), 459BG(H), arrive at Giulia Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 2 Mar.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s bomb the Bucine viaduct; B-25s and A-20s support Fifth Army forces N and E of the Anzio beachhead, blasting an ammunition dump and troop and vehicle concentrations; P-40 and A-36 fighter-bombers give support in the same areas, hitting troop concentrations, a railway tunnel, buildings, vehicles, a supply dump, and gun positions.

Units moving from Sicily to England: HQ 52TCW from Agrigento; HQ 314TCG and 32TCS from Castelvetrano with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): During the night of 13/14 Feb, B-24s from Tarawa Atoll operating individually at intervals, bomb Wotje and Mille Atolls and Taroa Island in Maloelap Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 20 B-25s bomb Tobera Airfield and 23 B-24s bomb Lakunai Airfield; both forces are escorted by fighters; P-40s and USN fighters escort USN SBDs and TBFs dive-bombing runway and AA positions at Vunakanau.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 24 A-20s hit Aitape, New Guinea. 70+ B-25s pound Momote Airfield on Los Negros Island and 35 B-24s bomb Kavieng Airfield on New Ireland Island.

 MONDAY, 14 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): P-51s and A-36s carry out 70+ sorties against a variety of targets in Burma; targets include the supply area at Shingban, a truck convoy N of Maingkwan, supply dumps and motor transport in the Kamaing area, a bivouac near Mogaung, troop and vehicle concentrations between Mogaung and Kamaing, artillery positions at Laawn Ga, and railroad station and warehouses at Lundaung.

ETO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS: General Dwight D Eisenhower establishes HQ Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF). Chief of Staff, Supreme Allied Commander (COSSAC) comes under control of SHAEF.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 222: 48 P-47s are dispatched to Eindhoven Airfield in the Netherlands; the primary target is overcast and 46 of 48 hit Gilze-Rijen Airfield without loss.

22(Photo)RS, 7PRG based at Mount Farm, England, sends a detachment to operate from Attlebridge, England with F-5s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-17s attack the arshalling yards at Modena, Brescia, and Verona and several targets of opportunity including the airfield and Piaggio aircraft factory at Pontedera and railroad bridges and lines at Parma, Sassuolo, Rubiera, and S of Vicenza; B-17s and escorting P-47s claim 20 fighters shot down; B-24s bomb the marshalling yards at Mantua, Verona, Massa Lombarda, Fenara and Arezzo, and targets of opportunity including the Pisa and Prato marshalling yards, airfields at Pisa and Pontedera, and road-rail junction near Vaiano.

759BS(H), 459BG(H), arrives at Giulia Airfield from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 2 Mar.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): The 12AF loses several of its operational units, the 12BG(M) and 33d and 81FGs being moved to India, and the 52TCW and its 4 groups being sent to England.

In Italy, B-25s bomb the Perugia marshalling yard, A-20's hit Grottaferrata; A-36s attack guns in the Pontecorvo area, railway yards at Civita Castellana and Frosinone, motor transport near Genzano di Roma, airfield at Furbara, and Ferentino railway station, some of the mission s being in direct support of the US Fifth Army main front; P-40s bomb and strafe troop concentrations N and E of the Anzio beachhead, scoring hits on tanks, motor transport and guns near Cisterna di Roma, Cori and Rocca di Papa; P-47s hit Colleferro and dump at Valmontone; P-40s score direct hits on a vessel and fuel dump in the Rogoznica area.

92FS, 81FG, begins a movement from Capodichino, Italy to India.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 40+ B-24s from the 11th and 90BGS(H), flying out of Makin Island and Tarawa Atoll strike Ponape Island in the first 7AF raid on the Caroline Islands; 2 of the B-24s hit the alternate target of Emidj Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, B-24s bomb the Rabaul area in a diversionary strike while USN TBFs lay mines in Simpson Harbor; 30 escorted B-25s pound Vunakanau Airfield while 28 B-24s, also with escort, bomb Rapopo Airfield; P-40s and USN fighters escort a USN dive-bomber raid on Tobera gun positions and airfield revetments; 4 B-25s also bomb Tobera. On Bougainville Island weather clears, permitting the first attacks, by 19 B-25s, on Kara and Kahili, in recent weeks; P-39s attack Puriata River bridges.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): A-20s with P-40 support, bomb and strafe Dagua airfield, New Guinea, destroying and damaging 20+ aircraft. 80+ plus B-25s pound Momote Airfield on Los Negros Island. 40+ B-24s bomb the airfields at Kavieng and Panapai on New Ireland Island.

20th Combat Mapping Squadron, 6(Photo)G, moves from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea with F-7s; first Mission is 5 Apr.

 TUESDAY, 15 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): P-40s, P-51s, and A-36s hit targets in Burma, including rice mill and radio station at Waingmaw, targets of opportunity along the Hukawng-Walawbum road, motor pool and dumps in the Kamaing area, troops and supplies at Padi Ga and a canal bridge at Ye-u; P-40s also drop land mines on Nampaung.

HQ 443TCG is moved from the US to Sylhet, India without personnel and equipment. The 1, 2 and 27TCSs, already in the theater, will be assigned on 6 Mar.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 4 B-25s on a sweep in N French Indochina score a direct hit on a steamer at Haiphong and nearby railroad station, damage bridges near Viet Tri and a patrol launch at Hanoi, and hit engine sheds at Thanh Hoa.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 223: 52 of 54 B-24s hit V-weapon sites at St Pol/Siracourt, France; 29 B-24s are damaged; no losses or casualties.

Mission 224: 95 P-47s are dispatched to bomb 2 airfields in France but are recalled; 1 P-47 is damaged; no casualties

Mission 225: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 300 bundles of leaflets on Orleans, Chartres, Cambrai, Le Mans, Lille and Reims, France at 2124-2155 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 194 B-26s bomb V-weapon sites, Cherbourg/Maupertus Airfield and targets of opportunity during a morning mission. 122 B-26s again bomb V-weapon construction sites in the coastal area of N France during the afternoon.

HQ IX Air Support Command moves from Middle Wallop to Uxbridge, England.

HQ 316TCG arrives at Cottesmore, England from Sicily.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, around 100 B-17s bomb the Monte Cassino Benedictine Abbey. 60+ B-24s attack the Poggibonsi marshalling yard, Campoleone and Porto d'Ascoli; heavy cloud cover causes numerous aborts; all the mission s are unescorted.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s and B-25s bomb the Monte Cassino Benedictine Abbey in support of the New Zealand Corps assault to establish a bridgehead across the Rapido River S of Cassino; other B-26s bomb the railroad at Monte Molino and marshalling yard at Montepescali; A-20s attack motor transport, roads and road junction in the Albano Laziale area and NW of Valmontone; P-40s bomb concentrations near Cisterna di Roma and dumps in the Valmontone and Rocca di Papa areas; A-36s hit concentrations N of the Anzio beachhead, strafe trucks and barracks in the Frosinone-Rieti areas, bomb the Tiburtina and Trastevere marshalling yards in the Rome area and hit buildings N of Velletri.

Units beginning a movement from Sicily to England with C-47s: 29TCS, 313TCG, from Trapani/Milo Airfield; 36th and 37TCSs, 316TCG, and 62TCS, 314TCG, from Castelvetrano.

91FS, 81FG, begins a movement from Montecorvino Airfield, Italy to India.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Tarawa Atoll and Makin Island pound Mille Atoll and Ponape Island; 10 P-40s from Makin Island bomb and strafe runways and a disabled vessel at Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 23 B-25s, with fighter cover, bomb the runway and dispersal area of Vunakanau Airfield on New Britain Island; 20 B-24s hit Borpop Airfield on New Ireland Island causing heavy damage in the runway and revetment areas. In ground action, US and New Zealand troops land on Nissan Island in the Green Islands, 40 mi (64 km) NW of Buka on Buka Island; opposition is weak and organized resistance will end on 23 Feb.

424BS(H), 307BG(H), ceases operating from Munda, New Georgia Island with B-24s and returns to base on Guadalcanal Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): On New Ireland Island, 70+ B-24s, A-20s, and B-25s bomb the Kavieng town area, harbor, and shipping and Panapai Airfield; 17 other B-24s, prevented by weather from reaching Panapai, bomb Talasea on New Britain Island.

 WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, A-36s and P-51s hit supply dumps, troop concentrations and an encampment area near Myitkyina, Kamaing, Tonkin and Walawbum; B-25s and P-51s destroy 3 locomotives at Kyaingkwin.

118TRS, AAF, India-Burma Sector (attached to 10AF), arrives at Gushkara, India from the US with P-51s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 2 B-25s knock out a railroad bridge at Yen Bay, French Indochina and damage 2 other bridges to the S near the coast.

74FS, 23FG, based at Kweilin with P-40s, sends a detachment to Liuchow.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, B-24s, unescorted, bomb marshalling yards at Pontassieve, Siena, Poggibonsi and Prato, a bridge at Cecina, and a railroad and highway near Rieti.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb the Orte marshalling yard and attack the Campoleone area; B-26s bomb San Stefano al Mare and hit the area near the Perugia railroad bridge, a bridge N of Orvieto, a factory near the Marsciano bridge and a bridge at Albinia Station; A-20s, with RAF and South African AF (SAAF) Baltimores and Spitfires, hit concentrations in the Anzio battle area; A-36s bomb the Rome/Tiburtina and Rome/Ostiense marshalling yards in the Rome area; P-40s attack Monte Cassino Abbey, pound tanks, trucks, and troop concentrations along the US Fifth Army front, and hit the towns of Fondi and Roccasecca; fighters over Anzio encounter increased air effort in conjunction with an all-out ground offensive against the Allied beachhead.

61TCS, 314TCG, begins a movement from Castelvetrano, Sicily to England with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Tarawa Atoll bomb Wotje Atoll and Taroa Island in Maloelap Atoll; P-40s from Makin Island fly 2 bombing-strafing strikes against Jaluit Atoll; A-24s bomb Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 12 B-24s, with 30+ P-38s and USN F4Us, pound the runway at Vunakanau Airfield on New Britain Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 40+ B-25s attack a convoy off New Hanover Island. 30+ B-24's bomb Panapai Airfield and Kavieng on New Ireland Island, and some hit Cape Balangori and Talasea, New Britain Island.

19 B-24s and B-25s bomb Halong in the Celebes Islands. P-40s hit shipping and barges in the Wewak, New Guinea area.

Transfers in New Guinea: HQ 345BG(M) from Dobodura to Nadzab; 25LS, 5212(Photo)Wing (Provisional), from Lae to Nadzab with L-5s.

 THURSDAY, 17 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 38 A-36s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance hit troops and supplies from Lonkin to Kamaing; 6 P-51s hit supply areas along roads around Lonton and Manywet; 2 others hit a road junction near Maingkwan; 2 B-25s and 6 P-51s strike a road bridge, railroad station, and rail cars in the Pyingaing area; 2 B-25s and 6 P-51s attack but fail to damage a bridge near Ye-u.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 4 B-25s on a sweep of the Gulf of Tonkin score 2 direct hits on a freighter at Vinh, damage a bridge approach and locomotive at Yen Xuon Station, and destroy a locomotive at Yen Ly Station.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Advanced HQ, 9AF, is opened at Hillingdon House, Uxbridge. It is later joined in the area by advanced units of the IX Fighter Command and by troop carrier units, all of which form a nucleus of advanced echelons so as to centralize tactical operations in anticipation of combat on the Continent.

Arrivals in England from Sicily: HQ 52TCW at Cottesmore; 15TCS, 61TCG, at Bardston with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): The 455th and 456BGS(H) become operational giving the 15AF 12 B-24 groups. In Italy, unescorted B-17s and B-24s attack Campoleone and Grottaferrata, motor transport parks in the Campoleone junction and Rocca di Papa areas, a troop concentration near Frascati, stores depots in the Grottaferrata area, and other targets in advance of the US Fifth Army's Anzio battle line which is under heavy counterattack by German forces.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb the Campoleone and Lanuvio area, B-25s hit dumps SW of Rome and N of Anzio, and also hit guns nearby; A-20s blast a dump and troop concentrations in the Anzio area; P-47s bomb dumps near Valmontone; A-36s hit Carroceto, concentrations SE of Rome, and a railroad underpass and a factory N of Anzio; P-40s blast enemy transport, guns, and assembly areas N of Cisterna di Latina, trucks N of Anzio and N of the beachhead battleline, railroad stations at Campoleone and Carroceto, and bivouac areas, dumps, a factory, and bridge in the battle area; this entire air effort (the heaviest to date in support of troops) is aimed at helping prevent a breakthrough at the beachhead, where the Germans are committed to a full-strength counteroffensive; A-36s bomb Monte Cassino Abbey in the only air action on the US Fifth Army main front.

Detachment of 23(Photo)RS, 5(Photo)RG, operating from San Servero, Italy with F-5, returns to base at Alghero, Sardinia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Tarawa Atoll and Abemama Island hit Ponape and Kusaie Islands, and Jaluit Atoll. P-40s strafe floatplanes off Emidj Island, as a USN Task Force begins a heavy attack on Truk Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 20 P-40s join 40+ USN fighters in covering an attack by 70 USN dive bombers on shipping in Keravia Bay, New Britain Island; 8 Japanese aircraft are claimed shot down; 2 USN fighters are lost. In the N Solomons Allied fighters hit Queen Carola Harbor, Kessa Plantation and a bridge N of Kahili.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 40 B-24s bomb Panapai Airfield, New Ireland Island and Talasea, New Britain Island. 16 B-25s claim 2 surface vessels and a submarine sunk off New Hanover Island. 16 P-47's strafe targets of opportunity in the Alexishafen, New Guinea area.

HQ 6(Photo)RG moves from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea.

 FRIDAY, 18 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 40+ B-25s, A-36s and P-51s attack the town of Ye-u and nearby bridge, bivouacs N of Laban, bridges in the Pyingaing area and along the Mu River, supply and troop concentrations at Waingmaw radio station and a supply area near Kamaing and gun emplacements SE of Taihpa Ga; the strikes are generally successful.

58FS, 33FG, arrives at Karachi, India from Italy; they will be equipped with P-47Ds.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 4 B-25s on a sweep of the Gulf of Tonkin damage 2 large boats N of Bakli Bay on Hainan Island, destroy an ammunition dump at Phu Ly and knock out a nearby railroad bridge.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): HQ 8AF issues orders to establish a photographic reconnaissance wing [8th Reconnaissance Wing (Provisional)] in Cheddington. The purpose is to make the Eighth independent in aerial reconnaissance and to consolidate the efforts of units presently engaged in this and related activities. Colonel Elliott Roosevelt, the President's son and currently Director of Reconnaissance for the Ninth Air Force, is named Commanding Officer.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 61TCG arrives at Barkston, England from Sicily.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Operations are restricted to photographic and weather reconnaissance.

764th, 765th, 766th and 767BS(H), 461BG(H), arrive at Venosa, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 2 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s hit a troop concentration near Piedimonte; XII Air Support Command P-40s and A-36s fly 17 missions in support of US Fifth Army troops resisting the German counteroffensive which reaches its deepest penetration into the Anzio beachhead on this day; objectives include tanks, vehicles, gun positions, troop concentrations, and a railroad underpass along the Anzio-Albano Laziale axis; fighters over Anzio successfully intercept air strikes on the beachhead; New Zealand troops capture Cassino Station.

HQ 321BG(M) and 445th, 446th, 447th and 448BS(M) move from Vincenzo Airfield to Gaudo Airfield, Italy with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-40s from Makin Island bomb and strafe Jaluit and Mille Atolls. US forces land on Engebi Island in Eniwetok Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 34 B-25s and 18 B-24s, both forces with fighter escorts, pound Vunakanau Airfield; 2 B-25s and 4 P-38s hit Tobera.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-25s and RAAF Beaufighters hit Koepang, Timor Island. P-39s strafe targets of opportunity at Madang, New Guinea and Cape Raoult, New Britain Island.

499BS(M), 345BG(M), moves from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea with B-25s.

 SATURDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 60+ A-36s and P-51s and a few B-25s hit a variety of targets in Burma; targets include fuel and supply dumps at Manywet and in the Shaduzup area, the Tonkin-Kansi road and a junction W of Manywet, the Mu River bridge at Ye-u, railroad cars and tracks, locomotives, and river traffic between Monywa and Natyekan and between Alon and Segyi; rail and road traffic in the Bhamo and Hukawng Valley-Kamaing areas is also hit.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): B-24s, B-25s, and P-40s fly sea sweeps over wide-spread coastal areas from the Formosa Straits to French Indochina, claiming 3 ships sunk and others damaged; railroad bridges, trains, and other targets of opportunity near coastal areas are also attacked.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Operations are again limited to reconnaissance flights.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Colonel Peter S Rask becomes acting Commanding Officer of the XII Troop Carrier Command (Provisional): until its disbandment on 5 Mar 44.

In Italy, B-25s blast troop concentrations to the N of Anzio beachhead; A-36s and P-40s keep troops, tanks, and motor transport in the beachhead battle area under attack, flying 200+ sorties in 20+ missions as an Allied counterattack turns the tide of battle; fighters maintain control over the N part of the battle area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Tarawa Atoll and Makin Island pound Ponape and Kusaie Islands; B-25s from Tarawa hit Wotje Atoll while Makin-based P-40s bomb and strafe Mille Atoll. US forces land on Eniwetok Island in Eniwetok Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 20 P-40s and 40+ USN fighters escort about 70 USN dive bombers in an attack on Lakunai Airfield; fighter cover claims 22 Japanese aircraft shot down; 6 B-24s bomb the same target immediately afterward; 14 B-24s, with P-38 and USN fighter escort, hit Tobera Airfield.

12FS, 18FG, based on Guadalcanal Island with P-38s, begins operating from Treasury Island.

69BS(M), 42BG(M), moves from the Russell Islands to Stirling Island with B-25s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 12 B-25s attack shipping SW of New Ireland Island, claiming a small freighter and a patrol boat sunk and other vessels damaged. 7 A-20s hit shipping at Kavieng, New Ireland Island.

Single B-24s and B-25s carry out armed reconnaissance over wide areas of the Bismarck Sea.

Movements in New Guinea: 26(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG, from Dobodura to Finschhafen with F-5s (a detachment is at Port Moresby); 35FS, 8FG, from Finschhafen to Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island with P-40s.

 SUNDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): Bad weather limits operations to a routine patrol over Sumprabum, Burma.

HQ 33FG and 60FS arrive at Karachi, India from Italy; they will be equipped with P-47Ds.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 226: The 8AF begins "Big Week," attacks on German aircraft plants and airfields. For the first time, over 1,000 bombers are dispatched; 21bombers and 4 fighters are lost hitting 3 areas in Germany, i.e.: 1. 417 B-17s are dispatched to Leipzig/Mockau Airfield, and aviation industry targets at Heiterblick and Abnaundorf; 239 hit the primary targets, 37 hit Bernburg, 44 hit Oschersleben and 20 hit other targets of opportunity; they claim 14-5-6 Luftwaffe aircraft; 7 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 161 damaged; casualties are 7 KIA, 17 WIA and 72 MIA.

2. 314 B-17s are dispatched to the Tutow Airfield; 105 hit the primary and immediate area, 76 hit Rostock and 115 hit other targets of opportunity; they claim 15-15-10 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 37 damaged; casualties are 3 KIA and 60 MIA.

3. 272 B-24s are dispatched to aviation industry targets at Brunswick, Wilhelmtor and Neupetritor; 76 hit the primary, 87 hit Gotha, 13 hit Oschersleben, 58 hit Helmstedt and 10 hit other targets of opportunity; they claim 36-13-13 Luftwaffe aircraft; 8 B-24s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 37 damaged; casualties are 10 KIA, 10 WIA and 77 MIA.

Missions 1 and 3 above are escorted by 94 P-38s, 668 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 73 8AF and 9AF P-51s; they claim 61-7-37 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38, 2 P-47s and 1 P-51 is lost, 2 P-47s are damaged beyond repair and 4 aircraft are damaged; casualties are 4 MIA.

Mission 227: 4 of 5 B-17s drop 200 bundles of leaflets on Tours, Nantes, Brest and Lorient, France at 2123-2200 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 35 B-26s bomb Haamstede Airfield, The Netherlands, as a target of opportunity, after about 100 B-26s abort attacks on other airfields because of weather.

HQ 314TCG and 32TCS arrive at Saltby, England from Sicily with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-24s blast troop concentrations in the Anzio, Italy beachhead area as the Axis efforts end.

HQ 461BG(H) arrives at Torretto Airfield, Italy from the US.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s hit troop concentrations along roads in the Vallalta area; B-25s hit dumps and assembly areas at the N edge of the Anzio beachhead, and A-20s bomb a troop and motor transport concentration SE of Carroceto; A-36s and P-40s hit troops, trucks and tanks NE of Carroceto, bomb the town of Fondi, a factory E of Carroceto, the town of Piedimonte, and hit guns and targets of opportunity along the N line of the beachhead; an Axis attempt to achieve a breakthrough is decisively defeated in the center of the salient created by a counteroffensive and their efforts end.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 9 B-25s from Tarawa Atoll bomb the airfield at Wotje Atoll; P-40s from Makin Island strafe and bomb runways and small vessels at Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 35 B-25s, with fighter escort, pound Lakunai Airfield on New Britain Island. P-39s attack barge traffic, which has greatly increased off SE and NW Bougainville Island, claiming 20 of the craft sunk.

18th Combat Mapping Squadron, 4PRG, is inactivated on Espiritu Santo Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 38 B-24s bomb the Alexishafen-Hansa Bay area. 18 B-24s bomb the airfield at Laha, Ambon Island and 12 others hit shipping off Kavieng, New Ireland Island.

Transfers in and out of New Guinea: HQ 5AF advance echelon and HQ V BC from Port Moresby to Nadzab; HQ 8FG from Finschhafen to Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island; 498BS(M), 345BG(M), from Dobodura to Nadzab with B-25s.

 MONDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 50+ P-51s and A-36s and a few B-25s hit a command post at Shingban, the town of Mohnyin, a bridge at Loilaw, a camp at Shaduzup, 2 bridges at Namkwin, and warehouses and other buildings at Kawlin and Wuntho; fighter-bombers attacking a fuel dump at Pin Hmi drop bombs in the wrong area; B-25s, escorted by RAF Spitfires and Hurricanes, score effective hits on a tunnel on the Maungdaw-Buthidaung road.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 228: "Big Week" continues with 3 areas in Germany targetted with the loss of 16 bombers and 5 fighters: 1. 336 B-17s are dispatched to the Gutersioh, Lippstadt and Werl Airfields; because of thick overcast, 285 hit Achmer, Hopsten, Rheine, Diepholz, Quakenbruck and Bramsche Airfields and the marshalling yards at Coevorden and Lingen; they claim 12-5-8 Luftwaffe aircraft; 8 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 63 damaged; casualties are 4 KIA, 13 WIA and 75 MIA.

2. 281 B-17s are dispatched to Diepholz Airfield and Brunswick; 175 hit the primaries and 88 hit Alhorn and Verden Airfields and Hannover; they claim 2-5-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 36 damaged; casualties are 20 KIA, 4 WIA and 57 MIA.

3. 244 B-24s are dispatched to Achmer and Handorf Airfields; 11 hit Achmer Airfield and 203 hit Diepholz, Verden and Hesepe Airfields and Lingen; they claim 5-6-4 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 B-24s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 6 damaged; casualties are 3 WIA and 31 MIA. Escort for Mission 228 is provided by 69 P-38s, 542 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 68 8AF and 9AF P-51s; the P-38s claim 0-1-0 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair; the P-47s claim 19-3-14 Luftwaffe aircraft, 2 P-47s are lost, 2 are damaged beyond repair, 3 are damaged and 2 pilots are MIA; the P-51s claim 14-1-4 Luftwaffe aircraft, 3 P-51s are lost and the pilots are MIA.

Mission 229: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Rouen, Caen, Paris and Amiens, France at 2215-2327 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 18 B-26s bomb Coxyde Airfield, Belgium; weather causes almost 190 aborts. The 9AF's Pathfinder Squadron (provisionally activated on 13 Feb) takes part in this operation, its first venture into combat. 185 aircraft scheduled to attack other airfields in the Netherlands and France in the afternoon are recalled because of bad weather.

Arrivals in England from the US: HQ 10PRG: at Chalgrove; HQ 439TCG and 91 and 92TCS at Balderton with C-47s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb Orte marshalling yard, and B-26s hit Imperia docks; A-20s pound troop concentrations near Campoleone, along with P-40s and A-36s which also hit a fuel dump, tank and truck concentrations, and gun positions in the area; fighter-bombers also bomb and block the Itri-Gaeta road.

100FS, 332FG, moves from Montecorvino to Capodichino, Italy with P-39s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Tarawa Atoll and Abemama Island hit Ponape and Kusaie Islands and Jaluit Atoll. B-25s from Abemama bomb Maloelap Atoll. P-40s from Makin Island hit Mille Atoll. US forces gain complete control of Eniwetok Island in Eniwetok Atoll.

9TCS, 7AF, arrives at Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii from the US with C-47s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 15 B-24s bomb Lakunai Airfield; 4 others, with fighter support, attack the airfield at Rapopo; 20 P-38s join USN fighters in covering a USN dive bomber strikes on Lakunai gun positions. In the Bougainville Island area 3 B-24s bomb Kara airfield while P-39s hit buildings at Tsundawan and in the area S of Tabut, and bomb barges and jetty in the Matchin Bay area.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, almost 30 A-20s hit Madang and the Hansa Bay area. On New Britain Island, P-39s hit Raiven Plantation; 40+ B-24s bomb the Rein Bay and Eleonora Bay areas; others attack shipping off New Hanover Island.

 TUESDAY, 22 FEBRUARY 1944

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): In Panama, the 28FS, XXVI Fighter Command, based at Chame with P-39s, sends a detachment to Pocri.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 70+ B-25s, P-51s, and P-40s again hit a variety of targets in Burma; bridges are severely damaged or put out of use at Zawa, Tindeinyan, Ye-u, Namkwin, and Loilaw; warehouses and supply dumps are hit at Segyi and at Chantha, and the Pahok road and railroad junction are blasted; also hit are targets of opportunity at Kawlum and along the Walawbum-Kamaing road.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): P-40s on armed reconnaissance strafe the airfield at Kengtung, China and nearby truck convoy. At Bhamo, Burma a large rivercraft is hit and left sinking.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): HQ VIII BC is redesignated as HQ, 8AF.

Mission 230: "Big Week" continues with 799 aircraft dispatched against German aviation and Luftwaffe airfields; 41 bombers and 11 fighters are lost.

1. 289 B-17s are dispatched against aviation industry targets at Aschersleben (34 bomb), Bernburg (47 bomb) and Halberstadt (18 bomb) in conjunction with a 15AF raid on Regensburg, Germany; 32 hit Bunde, 19 hit Wernegerode, 15 hit Magdeburg, 9 hit Marburg and 7 hit other targets of opportunity; they claim 32-18-17 Luftwaffe aircraft; 38 B-17s are lost, 4 damaged beyond repair and 141 damaged; casualties are 35 KIA, 30 WIA and 367 MIA.

2. 333 B-17s are dispatched to Schweinfurt but severe weather prevents aircraft from forming properly and they are forced to abandon the mission prior to crossing the enemy coast; 2 B-17s are damaged.

3. 177 B-24s are dispatched but they are recalled when 100 miles (160 km): inland; since they were over Germany, they sought targets of opportunity but strong winds drove the bombers over The Netherlands and their bombs hit Enschede, Arnhem, Nijmegen and Deventer; they claim 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 B-24s are lost and 3 damaged; casualties are 30 MIA. These missions are escorted by 67 P-38s, 535 8AF and 9AF P-47s, and 57 8AF and 9AF P-51s; the P-38s claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair and 6 are damaged; the P-47s claim 39-6-15 Luftwaffe aircraft, 8 P-47s are lost and 12 damaged, 8 pilots are MIA; the P-51s claim 19-1-10 Luftwaffe aircraft, 3 P-51s are lost and 3 damaged, 3 pilot are MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 66 B-26s bomb Gilze-Rijen Airfield, The Netherlands; bad weather causes 100+ others to abort.

UNITED STATES STRATEGIC AFS IN EUROPE (USSTAF): HQ 8AF is redesignated as HQ, USSTAF.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-17s attack Petershausen marshalling yard and Regensburg aircraft factory in Germany and the air depot at Zagreb, Yugoslavia; a large force of B-24s hits Regensburg aircraft plants about the same time as the B-17 attack; other B-24s pound the town of Sibenik and the harbor at Zara, Yugoslavia; they claim 40 Luftwaffe aircraft destroyed; 13 bombers are lost.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb Foligno marshalling yard and Montalto di Castro railroad bridge, and B-26s attack Albinia Station railroad bridge; A-20s hit the area E of Campoleone; P-47s strike troops, gun positions, and a road junction N of Carroceto, roads near Roccasecca, and the town of Campoleone; A-36s hit guns NW of Carroceto and the town of Formia; P-40s attack guns SE of Campoleone.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 1 B-24 bombs Kusaie Island. 8 A-24s and 9 P-40s from Makin Island bomb Mille Atoll; 1 P-40 launches rockets against airfield targets in the first such attack by a 7AF aircraft.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 20 P-40s and 40+ USN fighters cover 70 USN dive bombers attacking Keravia Bay shipping; 40+ B-24s, with fighter escorts, bomb Lakunai and Keravat Airfields.

370BS(H), 307BG(H), moves from Guadalcanal Island to Munda, New Georgia Island with B-24s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 30+ B-25s and P-39s attack the Madang, New Guinea area. 60+ B-25s and B-24s pound Iboki Plantation on New Britain Island in support of US Marines (USMC) advancing on the area from Natamo (and who capture Perry Island).

319BS(H), 90BG(H), moves from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea with B-24s.

 WEDNESDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 14 B-24s bomb airfields and other targets at Akyab and Dabaing; 3 B-25s and 12 P-51s hit a radio station at Man Pang; 4 other P-51s hit warehouses at Chantha.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 4 B-25s attack 2 ships in the Gulf of Tonkin and hit railroad cars and engine shed at Van Trai Station, French Indochina. 4 P-40s strafe Lashio Airfield, Burma.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 232: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Rennes, Le Mans, Chartres, Lille and Orleans, France at 2136-2232 hours without loss.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-24s bomb the industrial complex at Steyr, Austria. Other heavy bombers are forced to abort because of bad weather; the bombers and escorting fighters claim 30+ aircraft shot down.

Moves in Italy: HQ 306FW from Foggia to Lucera; 764th, 765th, 766th and 767BS(H), 461BG(H), from Venosa to Torretto with B-24s (first Mission is 2 Apr).

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, P-40s hit a gun position N of Campoleone and patrol the Anzio area. Weather prevents other operations.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-40s from Makin Island bomb Mille Atoll; 2 small boats are destroyed by strafing; B-25s from Abemama Island hit Taroa Island in Maloelap Atoll. B-24s from Makin Island and Tarawa Atoll bomb Kusaie and Ponape Islands and Jaluit Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Ireland Island, 4 B-24s on armed reconnaissance strafe the Cape Saint George area and bomb buildings and pier at Labur Bay and 4 B-24s attack bivouacs in the upper Saua River area. On New Britain Island, 9 B-25s, with USN fighter support, bomb Vunakanau Airfield; 10 other B-25s hit Keravat Airfield; 16 P-38s dive-bomb the Wunapope supply area and some attack the town of Rabaul; this is the first P-38 bombing raid on the Rabaul area; (P-38s, now free from constant responsibility of guarding bombers against interceptors, will continue to dive-bomb the Rabaul area through Apr 44; during the latter part of this campaign against the famed Japanese garrison, which is to be bypassed by Allied ground forces, P-39s will add their strength due to completion of an airstrip on Nissan Island in the Green Islands; by 20 Apr only 120 of 1400 buildings in Rabaul will still be standing).

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): Almost 50 A-20s and B-24s blast the airfield, buildings, and AA positions in the Wewak, New Guinea area.

Units moving from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea: HQ 90BG(H) and 320th, 321 and 400BS(H) with B-24s; 500th and 501BS(M), 345BG(M), with B-25s.

 THURSDAY, 24 FEBRUARY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s from Shemya Island search for enemy shipping; 1 B-24 crashes during takeoff, the others find nothing.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-25s hit bridges and trains between Pintha and Kinu; 1bridge is damaged and several boxcars are destroyed; 13 B-24s bomb the marshalling yard at Mandalay and targets of opportunity at Akyab, Monywa, and Pakokku; P-51s, A-36s and P-40s attack bridges, radio stations, supply dumps, bivouacs, troop concentrations, railroad by-passes, AA positions, and other targets at Seton, Sinkan, Ye-u, Kawlin, Loilaw, Namkwin, Shaduzup, and the Mogaung-Kamaing area.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 6 P-40s on armed reconnaissance strafe the airfield at Myitkyina, Burma.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Missions 237, 238 and 239 are flown today against targets in France; 7 B-17s are lost. Heavy clouds cause over half the bombers dispatched to return without bombing.

Mission 237: 49 of 81 B-24s hit the Ecalles sur Buchy V-weapon sites; 1 B-24 is damaged. Escort is provided by 61 P-47s.

Mission 238: 258 B-17s are dispatched against V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais; 109 hit the primary target, 10 hit a road junction E of Yerville, 7 hit a rail siding SW of Abbeville and 6 hit targets of opportunity; 7 B-17s are lost and 75 damaged; casualties are 5 WIA and 63 MIA. Escort is provided by 81 P-38s, 94 P-47s and 22 P-51s; 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair; the P-51s claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground.

Mission 239: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Amiens, Rennes, Paris, Rouen and Le Mans, France at 2023-2055 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 180 B-26s attack NOBALL (V-weapon): targets and Rosieres-en-Santerre, France. Bad weather makes bombing difficult and causes 34 other B-26s to abort.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack Canino landing ground, but clouds prevent accurate bombing and most bombs fall W and SW of the main target area; A-36s attack airfields at Littoria, Guidonia and Marciglialia. P-47's hit motor vessels and tug off Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia and targets of opportunity inland.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-40s from Makin Island strafe and bomb the runway and radio installation on Mille Atoll; B-25s from Tarawa Atoll pound the airfield on Wotje Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Isladn, 22 B-25s, with fighter escort, pound Rabaul; 9 minutes later 12 P-38s glide-bomb Rabaul; 2 minutes afterward 11 B-24s pound the same target; 6 other B-24s bomb Rapopo; P-40s and USN fighters escort USN dive bombers in a strike on Wunapope; P-39s attack Monoitu Mission.

394BS(H), 5BG(H), based on Guadalcanal Island with B-24s, begines operating from Munda, New Georgia Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 23 B-24s and 39 A-20s thoroughly pound the Hansa Bay area. Nearly 20 other B-24s bomb Nubia and Awar Airfields. In preparation for the Allied landing, 50+ B-25s and B-24s pound Momote on Los Negros Island, Lorengau on Manus Island and other targets in the Admiralty Islands.

80FS, 8FG, moves from Dobodura, New Guinea to Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island with P-38s.

 FRIDAY, 25 FEBRUARY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s from Shemya Island are over Matsuwa Island shortly after midnight 24/25 Feb on a photographic reconnaissance and bomb run; the mission is not completed due to weather.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 B-25s and 4 P-51s attack bridges at Meza, Sinthe, and Natmauk, causing light damage to the bridges and destroying 3 locomotives and several railroad cars.

91FS, 81FG, arrives at Karachi, India from Italy; they will be equipped with P-47Ds and enter combat on 16 Jun.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 16 P-40s attack docks, railroad yards and warehouses at Hongay; in the harbor 1large boat is sunk and another damaged; 2 P-40's hit a cargo vessel at Campha Port, leaving it sinking; 2 others bomb and strafe Weichow Island.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 235: In the final "Big Week" mission, 4 targets in Germany are hit; 31bombers and 3 fighters are lost.

1. 268 B-17s are dispatched to aviation industry targets at Augsburg and the industrial area at Stuttgart; 196 hit Augsburg and targets of opportunity and 50 hit Stuttgart; they claim 8-4-4 Luftwaffe aircraft; 13 B-17s are lost and 172 damaged; casualties are 12 WIA and 130 MIA.

2. 267 of 290 B-17s hit aviation industry targets at Regensburg and targets of opportunity; they claim 13-1-7 Luftwaffe aircraft; 12 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 82 damaged; casualties are 4 KIA, 12 WIA and 110 MIA.

3. 172 of 196 B-24s hit aviation industry targets at Furth and targets of opportunity; they claim 2-2-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 44 damaged; casualties are 2 WIA and 61 MIA. Escort is provided by 73 P-38s, 687 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 139 8AF and 9AF P-51s; the P-38s claim 1-2-0 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair; the P-47s claim 13-2-10 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-47 is lost and 6 damaged, 1 pilot is MIA; the P-51s claim 12-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft, 2 P-51s are lost and 1 damaged beyond repair, 2 pilots are MIA.

Mission 236: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Grenoble, Toulouse, Chartres, Caen and Raismes, France at 2129-2335 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Major General Paul L Williams becomes Commanding General IX Troop Carrier Command. 191 B-26s bomb Venlo, Saint-Trond, and Cambrai/Epinoy Airfields, France in a morning raid as a diversion in support of the VIII BC heavy bombers over Germany; 36 abort, mainly because of a navigational error; 164 B-26s dispatched against military targets in France during the afternoon are recalled because of bad weather.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Continuing coordinated attacks with the 8AF on European targets, B-17s with fighter escorts pound Regensburg aircraft factory; enemy fighter opposition is heavy. Other B-17s hit the air depot at Klagenfurt, Austria and the dock area at Pola, Italy. B-24s attack Fiume, Italy marshalling yard and port and hit Zell-am-See, Austria railroad and Graz airfield and the port area at Zara, Yugoslavia; 30+ US aircraft are lost; they claim 90+ fighters shot down.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, P-40s attack guns and troop concentrations E of Campoleone and in the Carroceto area; A-36s bomb the towns of Terracina and Sperlonga and roads in the area; P-40s also maintain patrols over Anzio.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-40s out of Makin Island bomb and strafe targets at Jaluit Atoll; B-25's from Tarawa Atoll and Abemama Island hit Mille and Wotje Atolls; B-24s from Abemama and Tarawa pound Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, P-39s on armed reconnaissance bomb an AA position at Monoitu, hit the Aitara area, and attack a barge in the Cape Gazelle area; 20+ B-25s hit Matupi and Rapopo; 21 B-24s and 17 P-38s follow shortly with another strike on Rapopo.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-25's pound Lorengau on Manus Island and the Alexishafen-Madang, New Guinea areas and Momote Airfield on Los Negros Island and A-20s bomb airfields at Alexishafen, New Guinea.

HQ 85FW arrives at Gusap, New Guinea from the US.

 SATURDAY, 26 FEBRUARY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): XI BC (Air Striking Group Task Group 90.1) is directed to conduct armed photographic reconnaissance missions in the Kurile Islands, day or night, as weather permits.

HQ 28BG (Composite) moves from Adak Island to Shemya Island.

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): 39RS, Antilles Air Command, begins a movement from Waller Field, Trinidad to the US; it will remain in the US until Dec 45.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 15 B-25s and P-51s demolish warehouses in Naba and Hopin, attack bridges at Yeu, Bawgyo and Tantabin, and strafe railroad cars and tracks at Tangon, Namyao, and Pyintha; the Tantabin bridge is rendered unusable while approaches of the Ye-u and Bawgyo bridges are damaged.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 11 B-25s from Nanning, China attack targets at Tourane, French Indochina, destroying 5 warehouses and a hangar at the airfield and a locomotive and 4 buildings at the railroad yard.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Weather limits operations severely, but P-47's hit shipping N and S of Velaluka, Yugoslavia.

379BS(M), 310BG(M), moves from Philippeville, Algeria to Ghisonaccia, Corsica; they have been operating from Gambit, Libya with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Tarawa Atoll and Abemama Island attack Wotje and Jaluit Atolls; P-40s from Makin Island bomb and strafe targets on Mille Atoll.

27th and 38BS(H), 30BG(H), based on Nanumea Island, Ellice Islands begin operating from Abemama and Makin Islands, respectively, with B-24s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, P-40s join USN fighters in covering a USN dive bomber strike on Wunapope supply and shipping facilities; 22 B-25s, with fighter support, follow up with the day's second strike on Wunapope; shortly afterwards, 17 P-38s strike the same target; 12 P-39s bomb and strafe Monoitu, Ruisei, Makapeko and Mawareka.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s bomb Wewak and Momote on Los Negros Island; B-25s, along with P-39s, hit the Madang-Alexishafen area and A-20s hit Angorum.

 SUNDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 30+ P-51s and A-36s and 2 B-25s hit ammunition dumps near the Kamaing-Walawbum road, warehouses, railroad and power facilities, bridges, and targets of opportunity in the Ye-u and Tindeinyan areas.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 4 B-25s fly a sea sweep from Vinh to Nam Dinh, bombing the Nam Dinh distillery and railroad yards; no ships are sighted. 8 P-40s hit the railroad bridge at Puchi, China, rendering it unusable.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Major General Elwood R Quesada (reappointed Commanding General IX Fighter Command on 21 Feb) receives authority to revive the IX Fighter Command (existing only on paper since creation of the IX Air Support Command) on a temporary basis as an operational HQ to function as a Combined Control Center with RAF 11 Group at Uxbridge, England, where Fighter Command will prepare operations orders for 9AF fighter and fighter-bomber groups. Quesada retains command of the IX Air Support Command.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-36s attack Littoria and Guidonia Airfields and Ladispoli dock area; rail cars NE of Rome are also attacked; P-40s follow up with a raid against Littoria and hit trucks and other targets in the area; weather prevents other operations by the 12AF.

4TCS, 62TCG, moves from Catania to Ponte Olivo, Sicily with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): A-24s and P-40s from Makin Island pound Jaluit and Mille Atolls, while B-25s from Abemama Island hit Wotje and Mille Atolls; B-24s from Makin Island and Tarawa Atoll bomb Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 16 P-39s strafe barges and other targets of opportunity along the SW coast of Bougainville Island throughout the day. On New Britain Island, Wunapope is attacked by 21 B-24s and 24 B-25s (both forces supported by fighter escorts) and by 14 P-38s; P-40s and USN fighters cover a USN dive bomber strike on Lakunai AA positions. 3 other P-38s strafe a radar station at Cape Saint George on New Ireland Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): Colonel Jarred V Crabb becomes Commanding General V BC. In New Guinea, 30+ B-24s, with P-40 support, hit airfields at Boram, Wewak, and Tadji, 27 B-25s hit the Hansa Bay area, and over 30 A-20s attack Alexishafen and Marakum village. 30+ other B-25s attack Momote on Los Negros Island, Lorengau on Manus Island and other targets in the Admiralty Islands. P-39s maintain armed reconnaissance over New Britain Island.

 MONDAY, 28 FEBRUARY

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s from Shemya Island search for enemy shipping; 1 B-24 crashes during takeoff, the others find nothing.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-25s hit bridges and trains between Pintha and Kinu; 1bridge is damaged and several boxcars are destroyed; 13 B-24s bomb the marshalling yard at Mandalay and targets of opportunity at Akyab, Monywa, and Pakokku; P-51s, A-36s and P-40s attack bridges, radio stations, supply dumps, bivouacs, troop concentrations, railroad by-passes, AA positions, and other targets at Seton, Sinkan, Ye-u, Kawlin, Loilaw, Namkwin, Shaduzup, and the Mogaung-Kamaing area.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 6 P-40s on armed reconnaissance strafe the airfield at Myitkyina, Burma.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Missions 237, 238 and 239 are flown today against targets in France; 7 B-17s are lost. Heavy clouds cause over half the bombers dispatched to return without bombing.

Mission 237: 49 of 81 B-24s hit the Ecalles sur Buchy V-weapon sites; 1 B-24 is damaged. Escort is provided by 61 P-47s.

Mission 238: 258 B-17s are dispatched against V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais; 109 hit the primary target, 10 hit a road junction E of Yerville, 7 hit a rail siding SW of Abbeville and 6 hit targets of opportunity; 7 B-17s are lost and 75 damaged; casualties are 5 WIA and 63 MIA. Escort is provided by 81 P-38s, 94 P-47s and 22 P-51s; 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair; the P-51s claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground.

Mission 239: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Amiens, Rennes, Paris, Rouen and Le Mans, France at 2023-2055 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 180 B-26s attack NOBALL (V-weapon): targets and Rosieres-en-Santerre, France. Bad weather makes bombing difficult and causes 34 other B-26s to abort.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack Canino landing ground, but clouds prevent accurate bombing and most bombs fall W and SW of the main target area; A-36s attack airfields at Littoria, Guidonia and Marciglialia. P-47's hit motor vessels and a tug off Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia and targets of opportunity inland.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-40s from Makin Island strafe and bomb the runway and radio installation on Mille Atoll; B-25s from Tarawa Atoll pound the airfield on Wotje Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 22 B-25s, with fighter escort, pound Rabaul; 9 minutes later 12 P-38s glide-bomb Rabaul; 2 minutes afterward 11 B-24s pound the same target; 6 other B-24s bomb Rapopo; P-40s and USN (USN) fighters escort USN dive bombers in a strike on Wunapope; P-39s attack Monoitu Mission.

394BS(H), 5BG(H), based on Guadalcanal Island with B-24s, begins operating from Munda, New Georgia Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 23 B-24s and 39 A-20s thoroughly pound the Hansa Bay area. Nearly 20 other B-24s bomb Nubia and Awar Airfields. In preparation for the Allied landing, 50+ B-25s and B-24s pound Momote on Los Negros Island, Lorengau on Manus Island and other targets in the Admiralty Islands.

80FS, 8FG, moves from Dobodura, New Guinea to Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island with P-38s.

 TUESDAY, 29 FEBRUARY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 7 B-25s knock spans out of 2 bridges N of Taungtha and damage bridges S of Myingyan and between Panaing and Mahlaing; 7 B-25s and 4 P-51s bomb a radio station at Sinkan, score near misses on a bridge below Kawlin, and knock out 2 bridges in the Ye-u area. 40+ P-51s, A-36s and P-40s hit a supply area S of Seton, camp and stores near Mogaung (at Pagoda Peak), and railroad station at Myitkyina.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 23 B-24s pound the warehouse area at Yoyang, causing several fires and secondary explosions; 12 B-25s bomb Yoyang railroad yards; 16 P-40s provide support; 2 B-25s on a sweep of the NE China coast sink 3 sampans and damage a merchant ship at Siachwan Tao; 6 P-40s bomb and strafe ammunition dumps at Kunlong; 12 P-38s and P-51s sink a large motor launch NE of Anking, strafe barracks and 3 tugs in the Teian area, hit barracks NW of Nanchang and strafe railroad installations at Yangsin; 4 P-40s hit a barracks W of Nanchang; 2 B-25s sink a large rivercraft on the Yangtze River near Chiuhsienchen and damage 2 more nearby.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Missions 240, 241 and 242 are flown; 1bomber and 5 fighters are lost.

Mission 240: 218 of 226 B-17s hit aviation industry targets at Brunswick, Germany and targets of opportunity; 1 B-17 is lost and 54 damaged; casualties are 4 WIA and 10 MIA. Escorting are 61 P-38s, 346 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 147 8AF and 9AF P-51s; 2 P-38s are lost and 1 damaged, 2 pilots are MIA; the P-47s claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-47 is lost and 1 damaged, 1 pilot is MIA; 1 P-51 is lost, the pilot is MIA.

Mission 241: 38 of 48 B-24s hit the V-weapon site at Lottinghen, France without loss. Escorting are 79 8AF and 9AF P-47s; 1 is lost and the pilot is MIA.

Mission 242: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Orleans, Lille, Reims, Cambrai and Chateauroux, France at 2025-2121hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 19 B-26s bomb a coastal gun position and nearby Breck-sur-Mer Airfield, France. 216 B-26s abort a mission against 8 V-weapon sites in France because of total cloud cover over the targets.

Moves in England: HQ 370FG and 401FS from Aldermaston to Andover with P-38s (first Mission is 1 May); 389FS, 366FG, from Membury to Thruxton with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): For the fourth consecutive day, bad weather limits operations to reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s bomb the main and satellite airfields at Viterbo and several targets of opportunity along the W coast; B-25s bomb troops and gun positions W of Cisterna di Roma while A-20s hit concentrations to the S; P-40s and A-36s strike at troop concentrations along the N perimeter of the Anzio beachhead; other P-40s hit barracks and railroad yards at Littoria and a tank concentration S of Cisterna; P-47's (with British aircraft) hit Giulianova railway station and shipping off Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia; fighters maintain patrol over the Anzio beachhead.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s bomb Maloelap, Mille and Wotje Atolls; B-25s hit Jaluit and Mille Atolls; P-40s attack Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s, with USN fighter escort, pound the Rabaul area; later 12 P-38s hit targets in the same area. 16 AAF fighters, along with 16 USN fighters, hit targets of opportunity throughout S Bougainville and Shortland Islands. Numerous other fighters, in forces of varying sizes, attack barges and scattered targets of opportunity throughout the N Solomons, Bismarck Archipelago, and waters in between.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): Allied amphibious forces land on Los Negros Island, temporarily taking Momote Airfield and then falling back to the beachhead on Jamandilai Point; weather prevents full air support but 7 B-24s and 8 B-25s manage to attack enemy positions and guns; Other B-24s and A-20s hit Erima, Wewak, Tadji, Awar, and Hollandia, New Guinea.

MARCH 1944

 WEDNESDAY, 1 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Aleutian Islands, XI Strategic Air Force (Provisional) is activated at Shemya Island. It includes all units of the XI BC and XI Fighter Command stationed at Near Island, and is only a tactical operating agency without administrative functions.

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): Detachment of 32FS, Antilles Air Command, operating from Dakota Field, Aruba returns to Hato Field, Curacao with P-39s.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 P-40s score 3 hits on a bridge at Namkwin; 4 others hit the Myitkyina Airfield dispersal area; 56 A-36s and P-51s attack stores and personnel areas at Sawnghka.

93FS, 81FG, arrives at Karachi, India from Italy; they will be equipped with P-47Ds and enter combat on 14 Aug.

Moves in India during March: 90FS, 80FG, from Jorhat to Moran with P-40s; 118TRS, AAF, India-Burma Sector (attached to 10AF), based at Gushkara, India, sends detachments to Chakulia and Kharagpur with P-51s (first Mission is 28 Mar).

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 14 B-25s and 16 P-40s pound a military zone in the NE part of Nanchang, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): HQ and HQ Squadron, VIII AF Services Command is redesignated as HQ and HQ Squadron, Air Service Command, US Strategic AFs in Europe (USSTAF), after functioning as such during Jan and Feb 44 while redesignation was being authorized. 8th Strategic Air Depot Area is redesignated VIII AF Services Command.

Mission 243: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Brest, Tours, Lorient, Nantes and Reims at 2005-2115 hours without loss.

During Mar, HQ 491BG(H) and 852d, 853d, 854th and 855BS(H) move from North Pickenham to Metfield, England with B-24s; first Mission is 2 Jun.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): IX Troop Carrier Command establishes a Pathfinder school to provide pre-invasion training in all navigational aids.

Moves in England: HQ 71FW from Greenham Common to Andover; HQ 366FG from Membury to Thruxton; 12th and 15TRSs, 67TRG, from Aldermaston to Chilbolton with F-6s; 390FS, 366FG, to Thruxton from the US with P-47s (first Mission is 14 Mar); 402 and 485FSs, 370FG, from Aldermaston to Andover with P-38s (first Mission 1 May).

Moves in England during March: HQ 438TCG and 87th, 88th, 89th and 90TCSs from Welford to Greenham Common with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): For the 5th consecutive day, bad weather forbids all operations except reconnaissance missions.

Moves in Italy during Mar: HQ 55BW(H) to Spinazzola from the US; HQ 305BW(H) from Spinazzola to Bari.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): 12AF undergoes a reorganization as a result of the loss of several operational units (see 14 Feb 44). XII Troop Carrier Command (Provisional), consisting of a single wing, is disbanded and its personnel absorbed into the 51TCW and other units, the 51Troop Carrier Wing being placed under the administrative control of 12AF. HQ XII BC is reduced to 1 officer and 1enlisted man as other personnel are transferred to the 57BW, which along with the 42BW(M), is placed under the administrative control of 12AF. HQ XII Bomber Command will exist as a retaining cadre until 10 Jun 44 when it is officially disbanded.

In Italy, P-40s attack gun positions and vehicles in the US Fifth Army battle area; P-40s and Spitfires of XII Air Support Command maintain cover over the Anzio beachhead area. P-47s attack a 2000-ton vessel in the Adriatic Sea.

HQ 57FG and 65th and 66FSs move from Amendola to Cercola, Italy with P-47s.

During March, the detachments of the 347FS, 350FG, operating from Capodichino, Italy with P-39s returns to base on Corsica.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): A-24s and P-40s from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands, hit Jaluit and Mille Atolls, Marshall Islands while B-25s pound Maloelap Atoll, Marshall Islands.

During March, 531FS, 7AF, moves from Makin Island to Bellows Field, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii with A-24s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): In the Solomon Islands, B-24s bomb Kahili, Bougainville Island; P-38s hit Ballale and Buka Islands; P-39s bomb and strafe Monoitu Mission, Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In the Admiralty Islands, about 30 B-24s and B-25s hit Los Negros Island and Lorengau, Manus Island.

Other B-24s and B-25s drop supplies to Allied pound forces on Los Negros. In New Guinea, 100+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and fighter aircraft, along with (RAAF) aircraft, pound Hansa Bay, Awar Point, an airfield in the Wewak area, and enemy installations and positions at Madang, Alexishafen, and Saiba.

Detachment of 26(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG, ceases operating from Port Moresby and returns to Finschhafen, New Guinea with F-5s.

Moves in New Guinea during Mar: HQ 309BW(H) from Lae to Saidor; 17RS (Bombardment), 71RG, from Dobodura to Finschhafen with B-25s; 65BS(H), 43BG(H), from Dobodura to Nadzab with B-24s.

 THURSDAY, 2 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 9 B-24s fly a futile shipping search over the Kurile Islands; turned back by a weather front, they either jettison or bring back their bombs.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 5 P-51s bomb artillery positions in the Maingkwan area; 20 P-40s hit a fuel dump at Myitkyina, artillery at Shingban, and trucks on a road near Walawbum; 8 A-36s and P-51s hit an encampment on Pagoda Peak near Mogaung.

HQ 81FG arrives at Karachi, India from Italy.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 4 B-25s sink a small steamer near Mon Cay and bomb railroad shops and coal treating plant at Campho. In China, 10 P-38s damage 2 bridges and strafe 2 barracks areas N of Nanchang; 2 P-40s bomb and strafe the airfield and barracks at Kengtung.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 244: 1. 327 B-17s are dispatched to the Franfurt am Main marshalling yard; only 101 hit the primary target because of PFF failures; 103 hit Frankfurt Offenbach, 49 hit Ludwigshafen, 20 hit Limburg, 12 hit Fischbach and 8 hit other targets of opportunity; 8 B-17s are lost with 1 KIA, 5 WIA and 80 MIA. 154 B-24s are also dispatched to the same target; 36 hit the primary and 46 hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost and 3 damaged beyond repair; casualties are 16 KIA, 4 WIA and 11 MIA. The bombers claim 2-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft. Escort is provided by 33 P-38s, 445 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 111 P-51 s; 1 P-38 is damaged; the P-47s claim 13-2-3 Luftwaffe aircraft, 3 P-47s are lost and 7 damaged, 2 pilots are MIA; the P-51s claim 4-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft, 2 P-51s are damaged and 1 pilot is MIA.

2. 84 of 106 B-17s dispatched hit the air depot at Chartres, France; 1 B-17 is lost and 12 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 10 MIA. This mission is escorted by 89 P-38s, 145 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 47 9AF P-51s; they claim 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 1 P-38 is lost.

Mission 245: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Caen, Amiens, Rouen, Chartres and Rennes, France at 2015-2054 hours without loss.

HQ 92CBW(H) moves from Camp Blainey to Sudbury, England.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 353 B-26s attack NOBALL (V-weapon) targets, Tergnier, and Amiens/Glisy and Rosieres-en-Santerre Airfields in morning and afternoon missions.

Moves in England: 79TCS, 436TCG, from Bottesford to Membury with C-47s; 391FS, 366th FG, from Membury to Thruxton with P-47s (first Mission is 14 Mar).

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 459BG(H) (with B-24s) becomes operational, giving the 15AF 13 heavy bomber groups on combat status. In Italy, nearly 300 B-17s and B-24s, escorted by 150+ P-38s and P-47s, support the US Fifth Army's Anzio beachhead, bombing the Cisterna di Roma-La Villa area, Velletri, and troop concentrations, guns and other military targets in the battle area at several points, including the Stazione di Campoleone and Carroceto areas.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s attack an assembly area E of Carroceto and, with B-25s, bomb guns and an assembly area NW of Cisterna di Roma, A-20s hit troops in the beachhead battle area; P-40s and A-36s blast troops and guns throughout the Anzio battle area, also hitting Cisterna and Littoria; P-40s and A-36s fly uneventful cover over Anzio. P-47s hit a motor vessel off Sibenik, Yugoslavia leaving it burning.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24's from Makin and Abemama Islands, Gilbert Islands bomb Ponape and Kusaie Islands, Caroline Islands. B-25s bomb Maloelap Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island in the Admiralty Islands, P-40s join USN fighters in covering a USN dive bomber strike on shipping installations in the Keravia Bay area; 12 B-25s pound Rabaul while 11others, with USN fighter support, bomb Rapopo; shortly afterwards, 20 escorted B-24's blast the town area of Rabaul; 14 P-38s follow immediately with a strike on the same target. P-39s hit Japanese-occupied Piano and Monoitu Missions on Bougainville Island.

67FS, 347FG, based in the Russell Islands, begins operating from Bougainville Island with P-39s; the squadron will convert to P-38s in Apr.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 80+ B-24s and P-40s hit the Hansa Bay area, the airstrip at Nubia, and the Madang-Alexishafen area. 60+ B-25s and A-20s pound enemy forces on Los Negros Island as Allied ground forces occupy Momote Airfield; P-47s providing cover for the B-25s claim 7 enemy fighters shot down.

 FRIDAY, 3 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Aleutian Islands, 9 B-24s take off from Shemya Island to search for enemy shipping, but return due to heavy icing and squalls; 6 P-40s fly a search mission between Shemya and halfway to Attu Island; and HQ XI BC moves from Adak Island to Shemya Island.

ZI - ZONE OF INTERIOR: President Franklin D Roosevelt announces that the Italian Fleet will be divided equally among the US, UK and the USSR.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 22 B-25s, some supported by (RAF) Spitfires and Hurricanes, bomb the Ft White area; 10 B-25s and 4 P-51s pound airfields at Katha, Mawlu and Shwebo; 12 B-25s and 8 P-51s hit railroad targets and a warehouse at Kyaikthin and Kyunhla; 14 B-24s covered by 22 P-40s hit airfields at Lashio, Hsenwi and Loiwing; 70+ P-40s, A-36s, P-51s, and B-25s hit fuel storage, supply areas, roads, and other targets over widespread areas of Burma, including Shingban, Myitkyina, Zigyun, Mogaung, Manywet, and Washawng; 6 P-38s attack the Okshitpin bridge but the target is not damaged.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): P-40s damage a coal grading building at Campha Port, French Indochina.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 246: 555 B-17s and 193 B-24s are dispatched to industrial areas and aviation industry plants at Berlin, Erkner and Oranienburg but deteriorating weather and dense contrails force the formations to abort or seek targets of opportunity, i.e.: 1. 9 of 555 B-17s are lost, 61 hit Wilhelmshaven and 14 hit targets of opportunity; casualties are 2 KIA, 3 WIA and 83 MIA.

2. 2 of 193 B-24s are lost and only 4 hit targets of opportunity; casualties are 3 KIA, 8 WIA and 20 MIA. The bombers claim 3-1-1 Luftwaffe aircraft. Escort is provided by 89 P-38s, 484 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 130 8AF and 9AF P-51s; claim and loses are: 1. 1 P-38 is lost and 1 damaged; 1 pilot is MIA.

2. 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair and 13 damaged; 1 pilot is WIA.

3. P-51s claim 8-1-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 P-51s are lost; 5 pilots are MIA.

During a CARPETBAGGER Mission on the night of 3/4 Mar, 2 B-24s are lost.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 218 B-26s bomb airfields at Laon/Couvron, Beauvais/Tille, Rosieres-en-Santerre, Roye/Amy and Montdidier, and military installations at Juvincourt-et-Damary and Berneval-le-Grand.

Moves in England: HQ 434TCG and 71, 72d, 73 and 74th TCSs from Fulbeck to Aldermaston with C-47s; HQ 436TCG and 80th, 81 and 82TCSs from Bottesford to Membury with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Around 200 B-17s and B-24s, with 50+ P-47s as escort, hit targets in Italy; the B-17s hit the Rome, Littorio and Tiburtina marshalling yards; the B-24s hit Canino landing ground and Viterbo and Fabrica di Roma air depots; 80+ B-24s and 100+ P-38s abort because of bad weather.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb Rome/Ostiense and railroad stations at San Benedetto de Marsi; weather cancels light and other medium bomber operations; P-40s hit gun positions in the N Anzio beachhead area while A-36s attack the train and tented area between Magliano Romano and Rome; other P-40s fly patrol over the Anzio beachhead area.

64FS, 57FG, moves from Amendola to Cercola, Italy with P-40s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s out of Makin Island bomb Ponape Island. B-25s from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, hit Maloelap Atoll. This date marks the beginning of Operation FORAGER, the capture of the S Marianas Islands (Saipan, Tinian, and Guam Islands) for bases for B-29 strikes against Japan. 7AF aircraft maintain neutralization strikes against airfields in the Caroline Islands and continue hitting Wake Island and the bypassed Marshall Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain island, P-40s and USN fighters cover a USN dive bomber strike on Rabaul and Simpson Harbor; 24 B-25s follow with an attack on Rabaul, which later in the day is bombed by 20 B-24s. 5 P-38s bomb radar installations at Cape Saint George on New Ireland Island, Admiralty Islands, while 10 bomb Buka Airfield, Buka Island, Solomon Islands. P-39s hit targets of opportunity on the E part of Shortland Island, Solomon Islands and the W part of Buka Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 30+ B-24s hit the Hansa Bay and Alexishafen areas while 20 P-39s attack Madang and Bogadjim and 22 A-20s pound Erima. 14 A-20s and B-25s hit enemy positions on Los Negros Island.

 SATURDAY, 4 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 60+ A-36s, P-51s and P-40s, and a single B-25 bomb dumps, roads, bivouac area, and other targets in the Seton, Sawnghka, Pinbaw and Walawbum areas; numerous fighters carry out patrol and armed reconnaissance sorties in the Sumprabum area.

459FS, 80FG, moves from Kurmitola to Chittagong, India with P-38s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 5 B-25s and 23 P-40s (16 of them Chinese) pound the airfield at Kiungshan; the airfield is heavily damaged and several parked aircraft are destroyed; 17 Japanese aircraft are claimed shot down; 4 P-38s and 2 Chinese B-25s claim a freighter, a tanker, and a motor launch sunk in the Shihhweiyao and Wuhu areas; 6 waves of Japanese aircraft bomb the airfield at Suichwan, causing considerable damage. In French Indochina, 6 B-25s bomb the Thanh Hoa chromium mine and Campha Port; 2 P-40s strafe railroad yards and warehouses at Hongay and Campha Port; 5 P-40s are dispatched to bomb Cao Bang but because of bad weather attack Chinese-held Lungchow, China by mistake.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 247: 502 B-17s are dispatched to hit industrial areas in the suburbs of Berlin; bad weather forces aircraft to either turn back or hit targets of opportunity and only 1 wing attacks the primary target and a total of 249 bomb. 15 B-17s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 120 damaged; casualties are 3 KIA, 11 WIA and 141 MIA. Targets: 100 hit Bonn, 35 hit Cologne, 33 hit Dusseldorf, 30 hit Berlin/Klein Machnow, 7 hit Frankfurt and 33 hit other targets of opportunity. B-24s were also dispatched but abort because of the weather. Escort is provided by 86 P-38s, 563 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 121 8AF and 9AF P-51s; 24 fighters were lost. Details are: 1. P-38s: 4 lost, 2 damaged beyond repair, 1 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA and 4 MIA.

2. P-47s claim 3-1-3 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-0 on the ground; 4 P-47s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 5 damaged; casualties are 3 MIA.

3. P-51s claim 5-2-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 16 P-51s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA and 16 MIA.

CARPETBAGGER operations are flown during the night of 4/5 Mar.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 251 B-26s and 21A-20s scheduled to bomb Malines marshalling yard and Bernay Saint Martin Airfield abort the mission because of heavy cloud cover over the targets.

HQ 84FW moves from Keevil to Beaulieu, England.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather cancels most operations; P-40s fly a few sorties against gun emplacements in the battle area, and others uneventfully patrol the Anzio area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-40s from Makin Island bomb and strafe runways at Mille Atoll. B-25s from Tarawa Atoll bomb airfield installations and runways in Wotje Atoll, Marshall Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, P-40s join USN fighters and dive bombers in a strike on AA positions and targets of opportunity in the Rabaul area; 4 patrolling (RNZAF) Venturas hit targets of opportunity along both coasts and at Vunalama and Mandres Plantations; 48 B-25s and 12 P-38s, along with 20+ USN fighters, hit the Rabaul town area in 3 closely spaced attacks. P-38s also attack targets of opportunity on Duke of York Island, Admiralty Islands. 12 P-39s hit Monoitu and targets of opportunity along the SW coast of Bougainville Island. RNZAF Venturas join USN planes in attacks on Japanese embarkation ports around Choiseul Bay, New Georgia Island, Solomon Islands. Shortland Island targets of opportunity are hit by P-40s on patrol.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 20+ A-20s and B-25s support ground forces on Los Negros Island. In New Guinea, more than 30 B-24s with fighter escort, pound airfields in the Wewak area; 20+ other B-24s bomb Hollandia; and A-20s bomb buildings and gun positions in the Saidor area.

Moves in New Guinea: HQ 38BG(M) from Port Moresby to Nadzab; HQ 43BG(H) from Dobodura to Nadzab.

 SUNDAY, 5 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): B-25s, A-36s, P-51s and P-40s fly more than 60 sorties against targets in Burma, including artillery positions, storage areas, ground troops, roads, and a bridge; the targets are in the Zigon, Shingban, and Myitkyina areas.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 8 B-25s bomb and strafe Chiengmai Airfield, China, destroying 9 aircraft, the water tower and nearby railroad station; the barracks area is also damaged.

EASTERN AIR COMMAND (EAC): During the night, British Major General Orde C Wingate's Special Force of long-range penetration troops begin dropping by glider onto Japanese lines of communication in C Burma. US engineer troops drop first, followed by the British 77 and 111 Brigades. USAAF Colonel Philip G Cochran's Air Commando unit flies them in, dropping them on a strip designated Broadway, about 50 miles (80 km) NE of Indaw. Another projected drop site, Piccadilly, is unusable as the Japanese have blocked it with fallen trees. Of 67 gliders dispatched, 32 reach Broadway. 539 men, 3 mules and 65,972 pounds (29,925 kg) of supplies are safely put down, including such items as bulldozers and lighting apparatus.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 248: 219 B-24s are dispatched to hit airfields at Mont De Marsan, Cayeux and Bordeaux/Merignac, France but bad cloud conditions force a target change and multiple aborts; 62 hit Bergerac Airfield, 60 hit Cognac/Chateaubernard Airfield, 41 hit Landes de Bussac Airfield and 1 hits La Roche Airfield; they claim 14-2-5 Luftwaffe aircraft; 4 B-24s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 23 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 35 MIA. Escort is provided by 34 P-38s, 185 P-47s and 88 8AF and 9AF P-51s; 2 P-38s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 1 pilot is killed and another MIA; 1 P-47 is damaged and 1 pilot is KIA; the P-51s claim 14-0-6 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 0-0-6 on the ground; 3 P-51s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 4 MIA.

Mission 249: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Le Mans, Paris, Orleans and Reims, France at 2132-2152 hours without loss.

A CARPETBAGGER Mission is also flown.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 217 B-26s attack NOBALL (V-weapon): targets in the Saint-Omer-Abbeville, France area.

HQ 365FG and 386th, 387th and 388FSs move from Gosfield to Beaulieu, England with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): HQ 451BG(H) moves from Gioia del Colle to San Pancrazio, Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): XII Troop Carrier Command (Provisional) is disbanded at Palermo. Weather again severely hampers operations in Italy, but P-40s hit Pontecorvo and A-36s attack Formia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): The 7AF continues to hit the Marshall and Caroline Islands; P-40s from Makin Island carry out fighter-bomber mission against runways and airfield installations at Mille Atoll; B-25s hit Maloelap and Mille Atolls; B-24s bomb Ponape Island and last resort targets at Kusaie Island and Mille Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 22 B-25s, with USN fighter escort, bomb Simpson Harbor; 4 RNZAF Venturas on patrol hit barges anchored off a supply dock at nearby Raulavat Plantation; 9 B-24s follow with a raid on the Rabaul town area; 13 others, with USN fighters covering, blast the revetment area and airstrip at Tobera; 11 P-38s hit Borpop Airfield, and P-40s and USN fighters hit barges at Kabanga Bay and off the Warangoi River; 16 P-39s attack AA positions at Monoitu bridge, and 3 P-38s hit Siar.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): About 30 B-24s bomb enemy positions on Los Negros Island. In NE Nea Guinea, elements of the US 32d Infantry Division land at Yaula; A-20s bomb and strafe the area; P-39's pound the areas around Madang and Erima; Australian ground forces break out of the Ramu Valley and retreat toward Madang.

71BS(M), 38BG(M), moves from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea with B-25s.

 MONDAY, 6 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 4 B-25s knock the center span out of the Sittang bridge and blast 2 AA positions; 14 B-25s lay mines around Kham Yai Island, bomb nearby Prong Island, and hit the marshalling yard at Pegu; 18 P-51s and P-40s attack Sawnghka bridge with poor results, start fires near Lalawng Ga, and bomb dumps near Walawbum.

A flight of the 20TRS, AAF India-Burma Sector (attached to 10AF), begins operating from Kisselbari, India with P-40s; the squadron is based at Guskhara, India.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 250: 504 B-17s and 226 B-24s are dispatched to hit industrial areas in the suburbs of Berlin; fierce fighter opposition claims 69 bombers (the highest number lost by the 8AF in a single day) and 11 fighters; the bombers claim 97-28-60 Luftwaffe fighters; details are: 1. 248 B-17s hit secondary targets in the Berlin area; 18 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 172 damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 8 WIA and 184 MIA.

2. 226 B-17s hit targets of opportunity at Templin, Verden, Kalkeberge, Potsdam, Oranienburg and Wittenberg; 35 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 121 damaged; casualties are 15 WIA and 354 MIA.

3. 198 B-24s hit the primary target (Genshagen industrial area), secondary targets in the Berlin area and targets of opportunity at Potsdam; 16 B-24s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 54 damaged; casualties are 15 KIA, 8 WIA and 148 MIA. Escort is provided by 86 P-38s, 615 8AF and 9AF P-47s and

100 8AF and 9AF P-51s; results are: 1. P-38s claim 3-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38 is lost, the pilot is MIA.

2. P-47s claim 36-7-12 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 P-47s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 4 damaged; casualties are 2 WIA and 5 MIA.

3. P-51s claim 43-1-20 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 P-51s are lost and 2 damaged; casualties are 5 MIA.

The fighters also claim 1-0-12 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground.

Mission 251: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Nantes, Cambrai, Lille, Chateauroux and Lorient, France at 2029-2130 hours without loss.

CARPETBAGGER missions are also flown.

A detachment of 22(Photo)RS, 7PRG, ceases operating from Attlebridge and returns to base at Mount Farm, England with F-5s.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 260 B-26s bomb NOBALL (V-weapon) targets, Hirson marshalling yard, and Beauvais/Tille, Airfield; heavy clouds cause 50+ B-26s and A-20s to abort missions.

Arriving in England from the US are: 93TCS and 94TCSs, 439TCG, at Balderton; 510th and 511FBS, 405FBG, at Christchurch with P-47s (first Mission is 11Apr).

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, P-40s pound gun positions N of the Anzio beachhead (mostly NE of Ardea), and bomb Frosinone and hit guns near Littoria; A-36s fly armed reconnaissance of roads and railroad NE of Rome, hitting several vehicles and bombing railroad cars at Capranica.

302FS, 332FG, moves from Montecorvino to Capodichino, Italy with P-39s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): A-24s and P-40s from Makin Island bomb and strafe runways at Mille Atoll. B-25s from Tarawa Atoll pound the airfield at Wotje Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On Bougainville Island, P-39s hit Monoitu Mission and huts and bridge on the Miwo River. 24 B-25s with fighter escort, pound Tobera, New Britain Island while 24 B-24s and 12 P-38s hit Kavieng and Panapai Airfield on New Ireland Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-25s continue to hit Japanese forces on Los Negros Island. In New Guinea, B-24s bomb the airstrip and other targets in the Awar-Nubia area; P-39s and RAAF aircraft hit Japanese forces around Madang. On New Britain Island, P-39s and P-38s strafe and divebomb the Cape Hoskins-Talasea area as US Marines land about midway up the coast of the Willaumez Peninsula in preparation for a drive on Talasea.

405BS(M), 38BG(M), moves from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea with B-25s.

 TUESDAY, 7 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Aleutian Islands, B-24s and B-25s fly a negative search mission for an enemy submarine.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20+ P-51s and A-36s on armed reconnaissance hit targets of opportunity from Walawbum to Shaduzup; 2 B-25s hit troop concentrations NW of Shaduzup and another attacks road bridge and barges near Shwebo and along the Irrawaddy River; offensive reconnaissance over several airfields in Burma results in no major action.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): HQ 466BG(H) arrives at Attlebridge, England from the US.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 112 B-26s and 18 A-20s attack V-weapon sites on the Channel coast, military installations near Criel-sur-Mer and Greny, and targets of opportunity in the area; bad weather causes the recall of 150+ B-26s before they attack targets.

Units arriving in England from the US: HQ 371FG and 404th, 405th and 406FSs at Bisterne with P-47s (first Mission is 12 Apr); HQ 405FBG and 509FBS at Christchurch with P-47s (first Mission is 11Apr); HQ 409BG(L) and 640th, 641, 642 and 643BS(L) at Little Walden with A-20s (first Mission is 13 Apr); 422NFS, 9AF, at Charmy Down with P-61s (first Mission is 3 Jul).

34TCS, 315TCG, ceases operating from Blida, Algeria with C-47s and returns to base at Spanhoe, England.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Around 300 B-17s and B-24s hit targets in France and Italy; the B-17s bomb the Toulon, France submarine base; in Italy, B-24s hit marshalling yards at Poggibonsi, Pontassieve and Prato and air depots at Orvieto, Rome and Viterbo. P-47s and P-38s fly about 150 sorties in support of the bombers.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb the Rome/Ostiense marshalling yard while other B-25s hit the Littoria marshalling yard; A-20s strike the Zagarolo railroad station; P-40s attack enemy positions in the Anzio beachhead area with good results, while A-36s hit communication at Montebello, railroad station near Civitavecchia, gun emplacements near Littoria Airfield, and a train at Monterotondo; P-40s over the Anzio beachhead encounter no air opposition.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Abemama Island hit Kusaie Island and Jaluit Atoll. P-40s bomb and strafe the airfield at Mille Atoll. B-25s pound runways, AA positions, storage areas, and barracks on Taroa Island, Maloelap Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s, with USN fighter support, hit Tobera Airfield; 19 P-40s bomb and strafe Rabaul. 24 B-24s and 14 P-38s hit Panapai Airfield, New Ireland Island.

Fighter aircraft pound tactical targets on Bougainville Island including Koromira Mission, a supply area on the Jaba River, and bivouac S of the Maririei River near Menoavi.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-24s and B-25s continue to hit targets on Los Negros Island and other of the Admiralty Islands and bomb Boram Airfield, New Guinea. P-38s and RAAF aircraft attack targets in the Talasea area of New Britain Island.

823BS(H), 38BG(M), moves from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea with B-25s.

 WEDNESDAY, 8 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Aleutian Islands, bombers fly negative search and patrol missions for an enemy submarine; B-24s fly cover for a convoy en route from Adak to Shemya Islands.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 28 P-51s hit the airfields at Anisakan, Shwebo, and Onbauk, destroying 30+ Japanese aircraft; later 5 B-25s and 2 P-51s hit Shwebo, scoring hits along the runway and in the dispersal area and leaving several Japanese aircraft aflame; 3 B-25s hit 2 bridges at Lalawng Ga and Warazup, knocking out the latter; and 16 A-36s and P-51s hit targets of opportunity from Chanmoi to Shaduzup.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 26FS, 51FG, based at Kunming, China with P-51s sends a detachment to operate from Nanning.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 252: The primary target is the ball bearing plant at Erkner, a suburb of Berlin; enemy opposition is fierce and 37 bombers and 16 fighters are lost; 320 of 414 B-17s and 150 of 209 B-24s dispatched hit the primary; 36 B-17s hit Wildau and targets of opportunity; 33 B-24s hit Berlin and targets of opportunity; the bombers claim 63-17-19 Luftwaffe aircraft; 28 B-17s and 9 B-24s are lost, 1 B-17 and 2 B-24s are damaged beyond repair; casualties are 4 KIA, 14 WIA and 364 MIA.

Escort is provided by 104 P-38s, 613 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 174 8AF and 9AF P-51s; claims/losses are: 1. P-38s claim 9-2-5 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 P-38s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 2 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA and 4 MIA.

2. P-47s claim 49-6-18 Luftwaffe aircraft; 10 P-47s are lost, 13 damaged beyond repair and 4 damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 2 WIA and 10 MIA.

3. P-51s claim 29-4-9 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 P-51s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; casualties are 4 MIA.

An additional 8-4-7 Luftwaffe aircraft are claimed on the ground.

786BS(H), 466BG(H), arrives at Attlebridge, England from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 22 Mar.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In the Netherlands, 225+ B-26s attack Volkel Airfield once and Soesterberg Airfield twice in morning and afternoon missions.

Units arriving in England from the US: HQ 303FW at Ashford; 95th, 97th and 98TCSs, 440TCG, at Bottesford with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Moves in Italy: HQ 306BW(H) from Lucera to Torremaggiore; 724th, 725th, 726th and 727BS(H), 451BG(H), from Gioia del Colle to San Pancrazio with B-24s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s strike at the Orte marshalling yard and Orte-Fabrica di Roma railroad; B-26s hit the Rome/Tiburtina marshalling yard and dock area at Porto Santo Stefano; P-40 fighterbombers hit gun positions and a road junction near Rome while A-36s attack a road junction near Montalto di Castro, also hitting a bridge and a train, and guns and a castle SW of Celano; P-47s hit gun emplacements; P-40s strafe vehicles near Rome/Via Appia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, striking from Makin Island, bomb Ponape and Kusaie Islands. A-24s and P-40s, also from Makin Island, bomb and strafe runways and AA positions at Mille Atoll. Tarawa Atoll-based B-25s pound Wotje Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-24s and 23 B-25s pound Rabaul, blasting Chinatown and the wharf area; 46 P-40s and P-39s pound the dock area E of Rabaul; 9 P-38s, turning back from Rabaul bomb Buka Airfield on Buka Island.

In the Solomon Islands, 390BS(M), 42BG(M), based in the Russell Islands with B-25s begins operating from Stirling Island

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-25s carry out a number of low-level strikes as Allied ground forces capture Lombrun Plantation on Los Negros Island, virtually completing the capture of the island. In New Guinea, 70+ B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s bomb Nubia and Awar airstrips; the bombers and escorting fighters claim 17 aircraft shot down in the Wewak area.

Fighters continue to strafe coastal targets in NE New Guinea and on New Britain Island.

822BS(H), 38BG(M), moves from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea with B-25s.

 THURSDAY, 9 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-24s bomb Tavoy Airfield and office area while 8 others hit the town of Mogaung; the town area, supply dumps and road bridge at Kamaing are pounded by 10 B-24s, 16 P-51s, and 10 P-40s; the bridge is knocked out; 10 B-25s score numerous hits on airstrips at Indaw and Katha; and P-51s, P-40s, and A-36s hit storage at Pyindaw, and support ground forces at Walawbum and Shaduzup.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 18 Chinese-American Composite Wing (CACW): B-25s and 24 Chinese P-40s pound a foundry and floating docks at Shihhweiyao, China. In French Indochina, 40+ P-40s carry out several sea sweeps off the coast and fly armed reconnaissance over the NE; the fighters damage vessels off Campha Port, strafe the airfield at Mon Cay, bomb the airfield at Weichow Island (causing heavy damage), hit barracks at Luc Nam, damage vessels at Hongay and bomb military installations at Cao Bang.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 253: 8 bombers and 1 fighter are lost on missions to Germany; the bombers claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 221 bombers are damaged; details are: 1. 339 of 361 B-17s dispatched hit Berlin; 6 B-17s are lost and 1 is damaged beyond repair; casualties are 10 KIA, 6 WIA and 43 MIA.

2. 150 of 165 B-24s hit secondary targets at Hannover, Brunswick and Nienburg; 2 B-24s are lost and 1 damaged beyond repair; casualties are 12 WIA and 20 MIA. Escort is provided by 83 P-38s, 572 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 153 8AF and 9AF P-51s; no claims are made; 1 P-38 is lost, 2 P-38s and 1 P-51 are damaged beyond repair; casualties are 1 KIA, 1 WIA and 1 MIA.

784th, 785th and 787BS(H), 466BG(H), arrive at Attlebridge, England from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 22 Mar.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): HQ 463BG(H) arrives at Celone Airfield, Italy from the US.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s strike the dock area of Porto Stefano, some bombs falling in the Port'oErcole area; B-25s bomb a bridge at Montalto di Castro; A-20s hit a tank repair depot N of Tivoli; P-40s blast gun positions W of Campoleone, W of Pratica di Mare, and S of Ciampino; A-36s bomb Capranica railroad station and targets nearby; and fighters fly uneventful patrols over Anzio.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s based on Abemama Island attack Taroa Island, Maloelap Atoll. B-24s from Tarawa Atoll hit Ponape and Kusaie Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s bomb the dock area along the N shore of Simpson Harbor at Rabaul; 19

B-24s follow with a strike on Rabaul town and wharf area and also hit airfields in the vicinity; and 40+ P-39s and P-40s hit the dock area E of Simpson Harbor. At Empress Augusta Bay, Bougainville Island, 2 squadrons of B-25s hit Japanese installations on the nearby hills.

Detachment of 17(Photo)RS, 4(Photo)(R), begins operating from Munda, New Georgia Island with F-5s; the squadron is based on Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-25s pound Lorengau and other targets on Manus Island. Numerous other 5AF aircraft carry out armed reconnaissance over wide reaches of the SWPA, attacking a variety of targets.

 FRIDAY, 10 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 23 B-24s pound the town areas of Mogaung and Kamaing during the afternoon, following an earlier B-25 raid on Kamaing; 40+ P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s hit gun positions S of Walawbum, troops and storage areas W of Mogaung at Pahok, trains near Myitnge and Anisakan, the airfield at Anisakan, and the town area of Laban.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 6 B-24s bomb Kowloon Docks; B-25s from Suichwan sink a motor launch and damage 2 cargo vessels and a barge in the Anking area; escorting P-38s shoot down several interceptors; P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance bomb or strafe barracks and shipping at Foochow, airfield and barracks at Nanchang, factory, barracks, and bridge near Sienning, and in French Indochina, freighters at Hongay and Campha Port, barracks at Ha Coi, and the area E of Lang Son.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 254: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Monceau-sur-Sambre, Belgium at 2127-2137 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Units arriving in England from the US: 96TCS, 440TCG, at Bottesford with C-47s; 585BS(M), 394BG(M), at Boreham with B-26s (first Mission is 23 Mar).

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s bomb the Rome/Tiburtina marshalling yard and unsuccessfully attack the Orvieto railroad

bridge, while B-25s hit the Littoria marshalling yard; P-40s and A-36s strike at enemy positions on the coast at San Felice Circeo, gun positions E of Littoria, guns and tanks at Cisterna di Roma, railroad at Montalto di Castro, train at Monte Libretti station and railway buildings at Zagarolo; and fighters patrol the Anzio area without incident.

Flight of the 5th Combat Mapping Squadron, 3PRG, begins operating from San Severo, Italy with F-5s; the squadron is based at Pomigliano, Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): A-24s and P-40s from Makin Island and B-25s from Tarawa Atoll attack airfields, AA positions and radio installations at Mille and Wotje Atolls. B-25s, operating out of Engebi Island in Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands (secured by invading forces on 22 Feb) for the first time, bomb Kusaie Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, P-40s and P-39s attack the Wunapope supply area; 19 B-24s pound the Rabaul area, starting several large fires. On Bougainville Island, 40 B-25s hit Japanese positions in the hills near Empress Augusta Bay; P-39s attack targets at Kepiai Plantation.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 11 B-25s bomb Lorengau and several targets of opportunity on Manus Island. B-24s and P-39s, operating singly or in pairs, attack numerous scattered targets of opportunity throughout the SWPA during armed reconnaissance flights.

 SATURDAY, 11 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 70+ fighter-bombers (P-40s, P-51s and A-36s) and 2 B-25s hit fuel and ammunition dumps, gun positions, roads and general targets of opportunity in or near Saungka, Pandaw, Walawbum, Labang Gahtawng, Shaduzup and Mogaung.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 10 P-40s damage 3 barges at Campha Port, hit buildings on Weichow Island, China and attack the town area at Ha Coi.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 255: France and Germany are hit in two raids; 1 B-17 and 4 fighters are lost; both forces use blind-bombing techniques due to thick overcast: 1. 120 of 124 B-17s dispatched hit the marshalling yard at Munster; 1 B-17 drops on Bentheim as a target of opportunity and 3 drop on Burgsteinfurt accidentally; 1 B-17 is lost and 24 damaged; casualties are 10 MIA. Escort is provided by 90 P-47s and 50 P-51s; 2 P-51s are lost and 2 P-47s are damaged; casualties are 2 MIA.

2. 34 of 51 B-24s hit V-weapon sites at Wizernes, France; 1 B-24 is damaged. Escort is provided by 40 P-38s and 213 P-47s; 2 P-47s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 2 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 2 MIA.

HQ 467BG(H) and 789th, 790th and 791BS(H) arrive at Rackheath, England from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 10 Apr.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 61 B-26s bomb V-weapon sites in N France; 53 abort because of weather and navigational difficulties.

Arrivals in England from the US: HQ 53TCW at Greenham Common; HQ 394BG(M) and 584th, 586th and 587BS(M) with B-26s at Boreham (first Mission is 23 Mar); HQ 440TCG at Bottesford.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): About 100 B-24s, escorted by 30+ P-38s, bomb the harbor at Toulon, France. In Italy, 100+ B-17s, escorted by 50+ P-47s, hit the marshalling yard at Padua; other B-24s bomb the marshalling yards at Pontassieve and Prato and hit the airfield at Iesi.

The bombers and fighters claim destruction of 30+ enemy aircraft in the air.

772BS(H), 463BG(H), arrives at Celone Airfield, Italy with B-17s; first Mission is 16 Mar.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers strike at Florence, Orvieto and Fabriano marshalling yards with good results; P-40, A-36, and P-47 fighter-bombers attack a supply depot, railroad station, and factory in areas NE of Monterotondo, and numerous other targets, including gun positions in the battle areas, railroad facilities, and 2 supply trains.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, operating out of Kwajalein Atoll, for first time, carry out the Seventh's first raid from the Marshall Islands against Wake Island. P-40s and B-25s, operating from bases in the Gilbert Islands, pound Mille and Maloelap Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 40+ B-24s and B-25s, supported by 20+ P-38s, pound Rabaul town area; and 20 P-40s bomb Wunapope. On Bougainville Island, 43 P-40s bomb the Mosigetta area while 4 B-24s pound Monoitu Mission.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 12 B-25s pound Lorengau, Manus Island while 7 B-24s bomb enemy positions to the W of the town, as the preliminaries for invasion of Manus increase. In New Guinea, 80+ B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s hit Boram Airfield while 40+ A-20s and P-39s attack targets in the Madang area; P-47s strafe the Hansa Bay area; other aircraft carry out armed reconnaissance and sweeps over wide reaches of NE New Guinea and the New Britain coastal areas.

64BS(H), 43BG(H), moves from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea with B-24s.

 SUNDAY, 12 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 50+ P-40s, A-36s, and P-51s, along with a single B-25, pound troops and supply areas at Shedwiyang and near Kamaing, bomb the town of Shaduzup, and hit storage areas near Manywet and Malakawng.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 256: 46 of 52 B-24s dispatched hit a V-weapon site at St Pol/Siracourt, France and 6 hit targets of opportunity, all using blind-bombing techniques; 1 B-24 is lost and 26 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA.

788BS(H), 467BG(H), arrives at Rackheath, England from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 10 Apr.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 474FG and 428th, 429th and 430FSs arrive at Moreton, England from the US with P-38s; first Mission is 25 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): 345FS, 350FG, ceases operating form Corsica with P-39s and returns to base on Sardinia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Tarawa Atoll bomb Mille, Wotje and Maloelap Atolls and Nauru Island, Gilbert Islands. B-25s hit Jaluit Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 22 B-25s, with USN fighter cover, pound the Rabaul area, concentrating on the North rim of Simpson Harbor; 18 B-24s, with USN fighter cover, follow with a strike against Rabaul customs wharf area; the B-24 strike is followed by an attack on the town area of Rabaul by 64 P-40s, P-38s, and P-39s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 12 B-25s hit enemy positions and communication at Lorengau, Manus Island as landings on small offshore islands continue with a beachhead being established on Hauwei Island. 40+ B-24s B-25s, and A-20s hit the Wewak, New Guinea area.

403BS, 43BG, moves from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea with B-24s.

 MONDAY, 13 MARCH 1944

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): 32FS, XXVI Fighter Command, moves from Hato Field, Curacao to France Field, Canal Zone with P-39s.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 140+ P-40s, A-36s, and P-51s along with 2 B-25s pound numerous targets of opportunity in the Shaduzup area, knock out a span of a bridge in Shaduzup, hit the town of Loilaw, pound supply and ammunition dumps near Warazup and Seton, and bomb a building area N of Namti.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 8 B-24s and 4 P-40s attack the airfield and seaplane anchorage at Kiungshan on Hainan Island; and 16 P-40s bomb a bridge at Puchi, scoring direct hits on both approaches.

HQ 312FW is activated at Kunming, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 257: 127 B-17s and 144 B-24s are dispatched to bomb V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais, France area but the strike is cancelled due to bad weather; 7 B-17s bomb Poix Airfield as a target of opportunity; 2 B-17s are lost, 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 61 B-17s and 13 B-24s are damaged; casualties are 6 KIA, 1 WIA and 20 MIA. Escort is provided by 213 P-47s; 1 P-47 is damaged.

Mission 258: 7 of 7 B-17s drop 350 bundles of leaflets on Reims, Orleans, Paris, Amiens, Rouen and Chartres, France at 2104-2137 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 40 B-26s attack a V-weapon site at Lottinghen/Les Grands Bois, France; 37 abort due to bad weather.

Moves in England: HQ 97th Combat BW(M) from Marks Hall to Little Walden; 153Liaison Squadron, IX Fighter Command (attached to First Army), from Keevil to Erlestokes with L-5s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 775BS(H), 463BG(H), arrives at Celone Airfield, Italy from the US with B-17s; first Mission is 18 Mar.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s bomb railway bridges NW and W of Sarzana and at Viareggio. hit tracks S of the latter, and, along with South African AF (SAAF) light bombers, bomb Fabriano marshalling yard; B-25s bomb Spoleto marshalling yard, hitting E and W chokepoints and line to Terni, and also attack Perugia marshalling yard with less successful results; and A-36s bomb a railroad station between Orte and Orvieto while P-40s hit a supply dump near Velletri and gun positions along a beachhead line directly S of Rome.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Kusaie Island while B-24s from Tarawa Atoll hit Ponape Island. B-25s from Abemama Island and Tarawa Atoll pound Mille Atoll.

38BS(H), 30BG(H), moves from Nanumea Island, Ellice Islands to Kwajalein Atoll; the squadron continues operating from Makin Island with B-24s until 22 Mar.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 2 B-24s, with USN fighter escort, and 22 B-25s bomb the Rabaul area, hitting the NW part of Rabaul and harbor and waterfront section; and 27 P-39s, P-40s, and P-38s pound the Wunapope supply area.

31BS(H), 7BG(H), ceases operating from Munda, New Georgia Island with B-24s and returns to base on Guadalcanal Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 160+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, P-47s, and P-40s thoroughly pound the Wewak, New Guinea area; US aircraft claim 8 interceptors shot down. Other aircraft, operating singly or in flights of 2 or 3, attack several targets in the NE New Guinea-New Britain area. In the Admiralty Islands, Hauwei Island is cleared of enemy opposition and artillery is brought ashore.

340FS, 348FG, moves from Finschhafen to Saidor, New Guinea with P-47s.

 TUESDAY, 14 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 90+ P-51s, A-36s, and P-40s, along with 3 B-25s, hit Japanese troops, bridges, dumps, and villages in the Mogaung Valley.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 20 Japanese bombers hit airfields at Hengyang and Suichwan; surprise prevents effective interception by AAF fighters.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 12TRS, 67TRG, moves from Chilbolton to Middle Wallop, England with F-6s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s bomb Prenestina marshalling yard and nearby chemical plant; B-25s strike Terni and Orte marshalling yards, causing considerable damage, while A-20s attack tank repair facilities unsuccessfully; P-40s attack guns in the Anzio beachhead area and also hit a supply dump; and A-36s and P-47s hit railway stations and the town of Ortia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll bomb Kusaie Island. B-25s from Tarawa Atoll hit Wotje Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 22 P-40s and P-39s hit Wunapope; 23 B-24s, with USN fighter cover, bomb the North waterfront area of Simpson Harbor; and 22 B-25s, with USN fighter escort, bomb the E section of town of Rabaul. P-39s, P-38s, P-40s, and USN fighters hit barges and other targets of opportunity around the coast of Bougainville Island and along the NE coast of New Ireland Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 80+ B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s, supported by Allied fighters, pound the Wewak area; 17 other B-24s bomb the airfield at Tadji; and 8 A-20s carry out a sweep over the Madang area while 12 bomb the airstrip at Alexishafen.

HQ 8FG and 35th and 36FSs move from Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island to Nadzab, New Guinea with P-40s and P-47s respectively.

 WEDNESDAY, 15 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 31 B-24s and 20+ RAF (RAF) Wellingtons and Beaufighters pound supply dumps and targets of opportunity in the Rangoon area while 8 other B-24s hit barracks near Bangkok, Thailand; numerous US and RAF medium and fighter-bombers attack villages, Japanese positions, ammunition dumps, tanks, and many other targets of opportunity in the Chin Hills, at Chindwin, in the Mogaung Valley, and in areas around Mandalay.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 259: 185 of 187 B-17s and 145 of 157 B-24s hit the industrial area at Brunswick, Germany and targets of opportunity; they claim 0-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 B-17 and 2 B-24s are a lost and 31 B-17s and 15 B-24s are damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 4 WIA and 30 MIA. Escort is provided by 121 P-38s and 467 8AF and 9AF P-47s; 4 P-38s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 4 pilots MIA; P-47s claim 39-3-13 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-0 on the ground, 1 P-47 is lost and 5 damaged, casualties are 1 MIA.

Mission 260: 8 P-47s are dispatched, 2 with 2x1,000 pound (454 kg) bombs, against an enemy barge in the Zuider Zee, The Netherlands to test the feasibility of this type of operation; near misses are scored.

Mission 261: 7 of 7 B-17s drop 350 bundles of leaflets on Rennes, Lille, Reims, Le Mans, Paris and Chartres, France at 2115-2152 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): A directive states that the 9AF is released from first priority commitment to assist the 8AF. P-51s of the 9AF, committed to the Allied Expeditionary AF (AEAF), will continue to escort heavy bombers when required by the 8AF. 9AF Advanced HQ assumes the function of target selection and Mission planning for the IX BC. AEAF HQ has the authority to indicate percentage of effect to be expended on each type of target on a long-term basis.

In France, 118 B-26s attack marshalling yards at Aulnoye and Haine-Saint-Pierre and Chievres Airfield; during the afternoon, 10 B-26s using "Oboe" to test its accuracy, bomb Coxyde Airfield with poor results; dive-bombing missions using fighters begin with a 7-plane attack on Saint-Valery-en-Caux Airfield.

HQ 368FG and 395th, 396th and 397FSs move from Greenham Common to Chilbolton, England with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, 300+ B-24s and B-17s bomb Cassino, the area S of Cassino and areas near Venafro in support of the US Fifth Army; 250+ other heavy bombers return to base without bombing because of complete cloud cover of their target areas; extensive fighter cover over the Cassino area is provided by P-38s, and P-47s fly 2 sweeps over the Viterbo-Canino area; there is no fighter opposition.

Arrivals in Italy from the US: 773BS(H), 463BG(H), at Celone Airfield, Italy with B-17s (first Mission is 30 Mar); 780BS(H), 465BG(H), at Pantanella Airfield with B-24s (first Mission is 5 May).

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium and fighterbombers, together with Mediterranean Allied Strategic AF (MASAF) heavy bombers and other aircraft of the Mediterranean Allied Tactical AF (MATAF) in the greatest air effort yet made in the MTO, rain bombs upon enemy concentrations in Cassino and surrounding areas as the New Zealand Corps begins the third battle of Cassino; light and medium bombers also hit a command post E of Ceprano and the town of San Benedetto de Marsi; fighters on patrol and a sweep over Anzio, Cassino and Rome meet no air opposition.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll fly the first 7AF mission against Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands, hitting Dublon and Eten Islands before dawn; alternate targets of Oroluk Anchorage and Ponape Town are also hit. B-25s from Tarawa Atoll hit Maloelap Atoll. By this date the A-24s, P-39s, and P-40s used against Mille and Jaluit Atolls during Operations FLINTLOCK (operations against Kwajalein and Majuro Atolls) and CATCHPOLE (operations against Eniwetok and Ujelang Atolls) have returned to Oahu, Territory of Hawaii for rest and re-equipment.

27BS(H), 30BG(H), moves from Nanumea Island to Kwajalein Atoll with B-24s; they have been operating from Abemama Island since 26 Feb.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Major General Hubert R Harmon, Commanding General 13AF, becomes Commander Air Solomons (COMAIRSOLS).

On New Britain Island, 50+ B-25s, P-40s, P-39s and P-38s and USN fighters pound Wunapope supply areas; 24 B-25s, with USN fighter escort, bomb Lakunai Airfield; 22 unescorted B-24s, finding Tobera clouded over, bomb the airfield at Rapopo as a secondary target.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 200+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, P-38s, P-47s and P-40s pound Wewak township, blasting docks, warehouses, gun positions, and numerous other targets; fighters claim 11 enemy aircraft shot down. 36 B-25s bomb Tingo village and Lugos mission area on Manus Island, where elements of the 1Cavalry Division make an amphibious landing, take the mission and head E toward Lorengau.

 THURSDAY, 16 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s take off from Shemya Island shortly before midnight 15/16 Mar to fly armed reconnaissance over Matsuwa Island, Kurile Islands, but turn back prematurely. Some of the bombers jettison their bombloads over the target area.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 6 B-25s damage a bridge at Nattalin near Rangoon, Burma.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 7 P-40s on a Yangtze River sweep damage 2 launches near Yoyang and pound barracks and storage at Sienning.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 262: 2 primary targets and targets of opportunity in Germany are attacked; fighter opposition is heavy against the first force of bombers over France and Germany; the bombers claim 68-32-43 Luftwaffe aircraft; 23 bombers and 10 fighters are lost and 179 damaged: 1. 401 of 501 B-17s hit Augsburg, 46 bomb Gessertshausen and 18 hit Ulm; 18 B-17s are lost; casualties are 1 KIA, 10 WIA and 171 MIA.

2. 197 of 213 B-24s bomb Friedrichshafen and 13 hit targets of opportunity; 5 B-24s are lost and 1 damaged beyond repair; casualties are 6 KIA, 7 WIA and 46 MIA. Escort is provided by 125 P-38s, 608 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 135 8AF and 9AF P-51s; claims and losses are: 1. P-38s: 1 lost.

2. P-47s claim 25-3-17 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 P-47s are lost and 5 damaged; 3 pilots are MIA.

3. P-51s claim 53-4-16 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 P-51s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 5 damaged; 6 pilots are MIA. The fighters also claim 1-0-13 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 15TRS, 67TRG, moves from Chilboton to Middle Wallop, England with F-6s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, light, medium and fighter-bombers blast gun positions in the Cassino-Piedimonte area as the battle of Cassino rages on; fighter-bombers also hit gun positions along the Anzio beachhead front.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Tarawa Atoll and Abemama Island pound Wotje and Mille Atolls and Ormed Island, Marshall Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 13 B-24s bomb Vunakanau Airfield, and 12 B-25s follow with a raid on Vunakanau radar installations; 9 B-25s, 12 P-39s, and 11 P-40s hit Wunapope supply areas; 10 P-38s attack Cape Tawui while 11 B-25s pound the N edge of Simpson Harbor; and 7 P-38s strafe barges W of Raluana Point. At Monoitu Mission on Bougainville Island, a raid by B-24s demolishes several buildings.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): On New Guinea, 70+ B-24s, B-25s and A-20s hit AA positions, buildings and salvage dumps at Wewak and nearby Brandi Plantation; 19 B-25s bomb personnel and storage areas at Nubia; and B-24s and Catalinas attack a Japanese convoy near Hollandia. Other B-24s bomb docks and factory area at Soerabaja, Java.

8(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG, moves from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea with F-5s.

 FRIDAY, 17 MARCH 1944 - ST PATRICK'S DAY

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s fly armed reconnaissance over Onnekotan Island, Kurile Islands, before dawn releasing bombs through the overcast.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 24 B-24s and 12 P-38s attack supply dumps in the Kalewa area in the Chin Hills region; 30+ B-25s, P-51s and A-36s damage Shweli and Mogaung bridges and hit positions and supply dumps in the Kamaing area; 37 P-40s blast the Myitkyina Airfield; numerous other aircraft fly miscellaneous sorties over the Sumprabum area; and 2 B-25s cause fires among oil installations at Chauk.

24(Photo)S(H), 10AF based at Guskhara, India with F-7s, sends a detachment to operate from Hsinching, China.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 5 B-25s bomb and strafe boatyards at Vinh and hit lumber stores and sawmills at nearby Ben Thuy.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 263: 135 P-47s are dispatched on low level strafing attacks against airfields in France; 25 attack Soesterburg Airfield, The Netherlands and 25 attack Chartres, France; they claim 3-2-8 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground, 2 P-47s are lost, the pilots are MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 70 B-26s bomb the marshalling yard at Criel-sur-Mer, France.

HQ 441TCG and 99th, 100th, 301 and 302TCS, arrive at Langar, England from the US with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 200+ B-24s bomb Vienna, Austria and various targets of opportunity escorted by P-47s and P-38s; 100+ B-17s abort because of bad weather.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb Montepescali marshalling yard, Cecina, Roccasecca and Castrocielo, while A-20s hit troop concentrations in the Cassino area; and fighter-bombers hit guns in the Cassino area and attack a nearby railroad bridge and underpass with good results.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s and B-25s from Tarawa Atoll bomb, respectively, Ponape Island and Jaluit Atoll Atoll.

392BS(H), 30BG(H), moves from Abemama Island to Kwajalein Atoll with B-24s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 31 fighter-bombers and 31 B-25s pound supply areas at Wunapope and at Ralum. On Bougainville Island, a few fighter-bombers hit a Japanese bivouac area on Matchin Bay. 20+ B-24s pound the airstrip at Namatanai, New Ireland Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, almost 100 B-24s, B-25s and A-20s attack the Wewak area; P-38s hit the Hansa Bay area while other B-25s bomb the Madang-Alexishafen area. Soerabaja, Java naval base is bombed by B-24s.

 SATURDAY, 18 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 22 B-25s attack villages and oil storage areas near Kalewa while 16 B-24s and 41RAF Vengeance's pound the same general area hitting Japanese positions and causing many fires; 20+ P-51s and B-25s support ground forces near Chindwin; 14 others hit a truck park and supply area near Mandalay; and 20+ fighter-bombers (P-51s, P-40s and A-36s): bomb the Kamaing area while 10 more damage several riverboats near Katha.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 16 P-40s on a Yangtze River sweep sink 1large sailboat and strafe a transport ship at Chiuchiang. In French Indochina, 2 P-40s damage a bridge N of Haiphong and attack targets of opportunity in the area, while 2 others sink 2 large junks at Thuong Mo; 12 P-40s on armed reconnaissance from Nanning, China sink a barge and damage other craft at Quang Yen, sink a transport vessel at Campha Port and damage a nearby bridge, attack a train and several buildings in the Lang Son area, and damage a railroad bridge between Lang Son and Phu Lang Thuong.

ETO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - ICELAND (Iceland Base Command): HQ 342Composite Group is disbanded in Iceland.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 264: Aircraft plants and airfields in Germany are targetted; enemy fighters attack in force and AA fire is heavy; the bombers claim 45-10-17 Luftwaffe aircraft; 43 bombers and 13 fighters are lost;

1. 284 of 290 B-17s dispatched bomb the aviation industry at Oberpfaffenhofen, air depots at Lechfeld and Landsberg, Memmingen Airfield and targets of opportunity; 8 B-17s are lost and 102 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 9 WIA and 80 MIA.

2. 196 of 221 B-17s dispatched bomb Munich, the aviation industry at Oberpfaffenhofen, Lechfeld air depot and targets of opportunity; 7 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 80 damaged; casualties are 3 KIA, 4 WIA and 70 MIA.

3. 227 B-24s are dispatched to aviation industry targets at Friedrichshafen/Lowenthal (77 bomb), Friedrichshafen/Manzell (38 bomb) and Friedrichshafen/Zeppelin (52 bomb), the city of Friedrichshafen (22 bomb) and 9 hit targets of opportunity; 28 B-24s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 60 damaged; casualties are 6 KIA, 9 WIA and 286 MIA Escort is provided by 113 P-38s, 598 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 214 8AF and 9AF P-51s. Details are: 1. P-38s claim 11-2-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 are lost and 1 damaged; 4 pilots are MIA.

2. P-47s claim 2-1-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 6 damaged; 2 pilots are MIA.

3. P-51s claim 26-2-6 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 3 damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 6 MIA. The fighters also claim 3-2-2 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground.

Mission 265: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 300 bundles of leaflets on Cambrai, Lille, Paris, Amiens, Rouen and Caen, France at 2115-2139 hours without loss.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, 950+ B-17s and B-24s bomb aviation targets; B-17s hit Villaorba Landing Ground and Udine aviation depot; B-24s bomb Lavariano and Maniago Landing Grounds and Gorizia aviation depot; 126 P-38s and P-47s carry out sweeps in the Udine-Maniago area and strafe aircraft at Udine Airfield, a tanker S of Marano Lagoon and a hangar, 2 trains, 2 radar stations, and a seaplane anchorage (destroying 6 seaplanes): at Belvedere; the bombers and escorts claim 48 enemy fighters destroyed, 9 US aircraft are downed.

774BS(H), 463BG(H), arrives at Celone Airfield, Italy from the US with B-17s; first Mission is 30 Mar.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s, B-26s, and A-20s bomb Foligno marshalling yard, Orvieto marshalling yard and railroad bridge, Poggibonsi railroad bridge, Piombino dock area, Colleferro railroad tracks and assembly area N of Anzio; P-40s, A-36s, and P-47s attack gun positions in the Anzio beachhead area, a factory at Carroceto, motor transport concentrations in the Cassino area, fuel dump, tank repair depot, and bivouac in the beachhead area, motor transport around Ladispoli, railroad bridge N of Rome, and railroad tracks and cars at other points.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 2 B-25s from Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll bomb and strafe Ponape Island. 13 B-25s from Abemama Island bomb Jaluit Atoll while 5 from Tarawa Atoll hit the Atoll with bombs and cannon fire. 1 B-24 from Tarawa Atoll bombs Mille Atoll and photographs Mille and Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 12 P-40s pound fuel stores on Keravia Bay; 13 P-38s follow with a strike on an ammunition dump at nearby Cape Tawui; 12 P-39s later hit the Keravia Bay area; and still later, 24 B-24s and 13 B-25s blast the town of Rabaul and foothills nearby. On Bougainville Island, 18 P-39s, along with several USN fighter-bombers, hit shipping at the mouths of the Jaba and Tavena Rivers.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 100+ B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s continue to pound the Wewak area, hitting AA positions and nearby Brandi Plantation; a Japanese supply convoy reaches Wewak but escapes bombardment.

 SUNDAY, 19 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20+ B-25s and P-38s hit Wuntho; 70+ fighter-bombers and 2 B-25s over the Mogaung Valley bomb supply dumps, enemy positions, and targets of opportunity throughout the area, concentrating attacks in and near Kamaing, Mogaung and Sumprabum; and 16 P-51s hit barracks and a supply area at Meiktila Airfield near Mandalay while B-25s hit Indaw.

82BS(H), 12BG(M), arrives at Tezgaon, India from Italy with B-25s; first Mission is 21Apr.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 2 B-25s, 9 P-38s and 3 P-51s on a Yangtze River sweep damage several river vessels, hit a fort at Chihchow and bomb Nanchang Airfield.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 266: V-weapon sites in France are hit.

1. 117 of 129 B-17s hit sites at Wizernes and Watten; 1 B-17 is lost and 74 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 10 MIA.

2. 56 of 64 B-17s hit Marquise/Mimoyecques; 14 B-17s are damaged; 1 crewman is WIA.

Escort is provided by 82 P-47s; 1 is damaged and the pilot is WIA.

Mission 267: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 300 bundles of leaflets on The Hague, Rotterdam, Leeuwarden, Utrecht and Amsterdam, The Netherlands at 2114-2140 hours without loss.

Mission 268: 35 P-47s [25 with 500-pound (227 kg) bombs] are dispatched to Gilze-Rijen Airfield, The Netherlands; 20 of the 25 bomb without loss; 39 P-51s fly a supporting sweep.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 152 B-26s and 65 A-20s attack NOBALL (V-weapon) targets in the Saint-Omer area during morning and afternoon missions; 16 P-47s dive-bomb the airfield between Boulogne-sur-Mer and Le Touquet; the morning raids precede an 8AF attack with B-17s on V-weapon sites.

MTO - MEDITERRANEAN ALLIED AF (MAAF): Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force (MATAF) issues a directive for Operation STRANGLE, to interdict supply movements in Italy by destroying marshalling yards and attacking rail lines and ports in a concentrated campaign.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 460BG(H) with B-24s is declared operational making a total of 14 bomb groups operational in the 15AF.

234 B-17s and B-24s, escorted by 100+ fighters, bomb the air depot at Klagenfurt, Austria; 150+ B-24s also hit the air depot at Graz, Austria and the marshalling yards at Knin and Metkovic, Yugoslavia; Luftwaffe fighters provide fierce opposition and along with AA fire, shoot down 17 bombers and 1 fighter; US aircraft claim 30 enemy fighters destroyed in combat.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s attack a road bridge W of Arezzo and port installations at San Stefano al Mare; B-25s hit a bridge approach in S Orvieto, marshalling yards at Avezzano and Orte and a bridge at Orte; tank repair shops near Tivoli are bombed by A-20s; and P-47s and P-40s strike at enemy concentrations, dumps and guns in the US Fifth Army main battle area and in the area N of the Anzio beachhead.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s pound Wake Island from Kwajalein Atoll. B-25s from Abemama Island and Tarawa Atoll hit Maloelap, Jaluit, and Mille Atolls. 1 B-24 from Tarawa bombs Mille and photographs Mille and Majuro Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 30+ fighter-bombers over the Rabaul area pound an ammunition dump and other targets around Cape Tawui; and 24 B-25s blast the Wunapope area, concentrating on workers' quarters. 24 B-24s bomb the airstrip at Panapai, New Ireland Island, causing considerable damage to the runways.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 100+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s and P-47s pound the Wewak area, hitting especially hard the Cape Moem and Cape Boram areas; other B-25s and P-39s, along with RAAF aircraft, bomb the Hansa Bay, Nubia, Madang, and Alexishafen areas and hit targets along Bogadjim Road; and 130 B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and P-38s virtually destroy a supply convoy proceeding from Wewak toward Hollandia, sinking at least 5 vessels. P-40s attack a bivouac area and AA on Garove Island, Bismarck Archipelago.

 MONDAY, 20 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In the Arakan area of Burma, 12 RAF Vengeance's hit Japanese positions near Kaladan and Buthidaung while 6 P-38s severely damage a bridge at Lamu; 20+ B-25s and P-51s hit communication and transportation targets in the Katha area; 6 B-24s bomb the Moulmein-Martaban area; and 100+ fighter-bombers strike Mogaung Valley buildings and supply areas, and fuel dumps at Mogaung, Myitkyina, Sumprabum and Sahmaw.

81BG(M), 12BG(M), arrives at Tezgaon, India from Italy with B-25s; first Mission is 16 Apr.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): Photo reconnaissance sorties are flown orer C China and NE Burma.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 269: 353 B-17s and 92 B-24s are dispatched to targets in Germany but high clouds and the malfunction of blind-bombing equipment cause nearly 300 bombers to abort the mission ; 7 bombers and 8 fighters are lost; the bombers claim 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; the bombers also drop 900,000 leaflets; details are: 1. 54 B-17s hit Mannheim, 51 hit Frankfurt, 19 hit Bingen and 22 hit targets of opportunity; 5 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 150 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 8 WIA and 40 MIA.

2. 1 of 92 B-24s hit Bretuit Airfield; 2 B-24s are lost and 15 damaged; casualties are 3 WIA and 21 MIA.

Escort is provided by 44 P-38s, 345 P-47s and 205 8AF and 9AF P-51s; claims and losses are: 1. P-38s: no claims or losses

2. P-47s claim 1-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 6 P-47s are lost and 9 damaged; 6 pilots are MIA.

3. P-51s claim 4-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 P-51s are lost and 3 damaged; 2 pilots are MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 67TRG completes a series of 83 missions (begun on 23 Feb) during which photographs were made of 160 miles (256 km) of French coastline and 2 inshore strips, each 120 miles (192 km) long; 9,500 prints are produced and no aircraft are lost. In France, 200+ B-26s and A-20s bomb 4 NOBALL (V-weapon) targets and Creil marshalling yard; and 85 P-47s dive-bomb airfields at Abbeville, Poix and Conches.

MTO - AAF, MTO: 121LS, AAF, MTO, arrives at Oran, Algeria from the US with L-4s and L-5s; first Mission is in Sep 44.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): HQ 464BG(H) and 778BS(H) arrive at Pantanell Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 30 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): 310BG(M) is transferred from the XII Fighter Command to the 57BW, thus consolidating all B-25 units of the 12AF under 1wing. In Italy, B-25s strike the harbor and shipping at Piombino, the Poggibonsi railroad bridge, Port' Ercole and the area around the Orvieto railroad bridge; B-25s hit Orvieto marshalling yard and underpass and road bridge nearby, Terni marshalling yard and dock at San Stefano al Mare; a factory at Fontana Liri is accurately bombed by A-20s; P-40s hit troop concentrations, guns and fuel dump in the Cassino-Fontana Liri area while A-36s blast the railway station at Frosinone and also drop food for troops in the Cassino area; and P-47s hit a fuel dump at Fontana Liri.

HQ 62TCG moves from Brindisi, Italy to Ponte Olivo, Sicily.

414NPS, 63FW, based at Elmas, Sardinia with Beaufighters sends a detachment to operate from Ghisonaccia, Corsica until Jul 44.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 12 B-25s from Tarawa Atoll bomb the radio station and pier on Emidj Island, Marshall Islands. 1other B-25 from Tarawa bombs Mille Atoll, rearms at Majuro Atoll, and again bombs Mille on the return trip.

HQ 30BG(H) moves from Abemama Island to Kwajalein Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 20+ fighter-bombers hit the Ratawul supply area; later 20+ fighters attack barges in the Rabaul area while 3 RNZAF Venturas blast several buildings at nearby Massava Bay; and 23 B-24s bomb the airfield at Vunakanau while 24 B-25s pound Lakunai. On Bougainville Island, 10 P-40s and P-39s bomb Numa Numa and strafe coastal targets of opportunity. A reconnaissance patrol of snooper B-24s cover US Marines moving onto Emirau Island, Bismarck Archipelago; a fighter patrol is unnecessary due to unexpected lack of opposition and after the initial landing by the Marines other Allied ground forces move ashore; by the afternoon of 21Mar the occupation of the island is complete and construction of a base begins shortly.

868BS(H), 13AF, moves from Munda, New Georgia Island to Los Negros Island with B-24s; this squadron uses radar-equipped "snooper" B-24s for low-level attacks at night and for pathfinder operations.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 30+ B-24s bomb the airfield at Aitape; 20+ P-39s and A-20s hit Japanese HQ and other targets along the Bogadjim Road while B-25s and P-39s on armed reconnaissance hit targets at Milhanak, along the Gogol River, at Yeschan, Burui Airfield and at Erima; and at night B-24s bomb remnants of a supply convoy off Cape Terabu.

On New Britain Island, P-40s on armed reconnaissance hit villages and barges along the Bangula Bay coast.

 TUESDAY, 21 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 25 B-25s and P-51s destroy 1 bridge and damage another near Meza, pound buildings and targets of opportunity in the Mawlu area and hit a locomotive and several trucks in the Banmauk-Indaw area; 6 P-38s bomb Monywa oil dumps, causing several large fires; and 80+ fighter-bombers and 2 B-25s hit the town of Manywet, storage area at Myitkyina, buildings at Kamaing and Myitkyina, and warehouses, bypass, and bridge at Hopin.

HQ 12BG(M) arrives at Tezgaon, India and 83 and 434BS(M) arrive at Kurmitola, India from Italy with B-25s; first Mission is 27 Apr.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 270: 56 of 65 B-24s hit V-weapon sites at Watten, France; 7 B-24s are damaged; escort is provided by 48 P-47s without loss.

Mission 271: 41 P-51 s carry out a sweep of the Bordeaux, France area; they claim 12-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 9-0-4 on the ground; 7 P-51s are lost and 2 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 7 MIA.

Mission 272: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 300 bundles of leaflets on The Hague, Amsterdam, Leeuwarden, Rotterdam and Utrecht, The Netherlands at 2102-2133 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): All B-26s dispatched to bomb NOBALL (V-weapon) targets in France are recalled because of bad weather.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather limits operations to photographic and weather reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s make an unsuccessful attempt to bomb the Poggibonsi bridge; weather cancels other B-25 missions and all A-20 operations; B-26s attack Arezzo and Bucine viaducts and Poggibonsi and Cecina railroad bridges; P-47s hit railroad bridges N of Rome while P-40s bomb targets in the Anzio area; and A-36s drop food in the Cassino area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Tarawa Atoll hit Mille and Maloelap Atolls and Ponape Island. Tarawa-based B-25s also pound Maloelap Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 30+ fighter-bombers and 24 B-25s pound the Lakunai Airfield area; 22 B-24s bomb Vunakanau Airfield; and fighters carry out barge sweeps in the Rabaul area.

On Bougainville Island, 14 P-39s hit Numa Numa; small strikes are flown against Monoitu and a bridge at Meive, and fighter-bombers support ground forces and bomb a bivouac along Empress Augusta Bay.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 140+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, P-38s and P-40s attack numerous targets in the Wewak-Tadji-Hansa Bay-Schouten Island areas; and P-39s and RAAF fighter-bombers blast Japanese positions in the Madang area. P-40s and A-20s on armed reconnaissance attack targets on New Britain Island and on Garove Island to the N.

 WEDNESDAY, 22 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): Japanese troops move into India from Burma and penetrate to 30 miles (48 km) E of Imphal. In Burma, 100+ fighters and fighter-bombers over the Mogaung Valley attack troops, storage, and other targets and cause several fires throughout the area; 20+ P-51s and B-25s carry out ground support missions in the Mawlu area near Katha; near Rangoon 4 B-24s set fire to P-38 damages railroad bridges and several trucks at Pyinmana.

92FS, 81FG, arrives at Karachi, India from Italy; they will be equipped with P-47s and enter combat on 1 Jun.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 4 B-25s from Yangkai, China hit several targets in and around Phu Dien Chau, Ha Trung, Dong Giao and Nam Dinh; results include 3 locomotives destroyed and another damaged, 3 125-ft (38 m) steamers damaged, and a bridge roadbed weakened; 1 B-25 is lost.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 273: 474 B-17s and 214 B-24s are dispatched to bomb aviation industry plants at Oranienburg and Basdorf, Germany but 8/10 to 10/10 cloud cover prevents an attack; the bombers hit the secondary target, Berlin, and targets of opportunity; the bombers also drop 6.368 million leaflets; 1bomber is damaged beyond repair and 347 bombers are damaged; casualties are 20 WIA and 135 MIA. Details are: 1. 460 of 474 B-17s bomb Berlin; 7 B-17s are lost.

2. 196 of 214 B-24s bomb Berlin and 1bombs Heide; 5 B-24s are lost.

Escort is provided by 125 P-38s, 496 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 196 8AF and 9AF P-51s. There is no air combat and the only claim is for 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground by P-47s. Details are: 1. 3 P-38s are lost and 7 damaged; 3 pilots are MIA.

2. 5 P-47s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 9 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 5 MIA.

3. 4 P-51s are lost and 2 damaged beyond repair; 4 pilots are MIA.

Mission 274: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 263 bundles of leaflets on Paris, France; and The Hague, Amsterdam and Leeuwarden, The Netherlands at 2135-2207 hours without loss.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, around 100 B-17s bomb the marshalling yards at Verona while about 100 B-24s hit marshalling yards at Bologna and Rimini; P-38s and P-47s provide cover for all the mission s; 2 bombers are lost to flak and another has to ditch.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s attack the Poggibonsi railroad bridge and viaduct W of Arezzo; B-25s hit a road bridge near Poggibonsi; P-40s bomb guns in the Avezzano and Pico areas; P-40s on patrols over Anzio and Cassino claim 2 fighters destroyed.

Moves in Italy: HQ 47BG(L) and 84th, 85th, 86th and 97BS(L) from Vesuvius Airfield to Capodichino with A-20s; 486th and 488BS(M), 340BG(M), from Pompeii to Gaudo Airfield with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Abemama Island and Tarawa Atoll bomb Mille and Jaluit Atolls.

38BS(H), 30BG(H), ceases operating from Makin Island and returns to base on Kwajalein Atoll with B-24s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On Bougainville Island, 30+ fighter-bombers hit a supply area along the Laruma River; a total of 13 B-24s carry out small strikes against Buka, Monoitu, Kahili, and Kara. On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s pound Lakunai Airfield, 10 B-24s bomb Tobera, and a single B-24 hits Rabaul.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 130+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and P-40s attack the Wewak area, hitting enemy positions, AA guns, storage areas at Wewak, Boram, and Yeschan and hitting shipping offshore. Japanese HQ and troops are hit by 25 other aircraft in the Aitape-Tadji area; P-47s hit barges at Alexishafen while P-39s hit a HQ and supply dump along the Bogadjim Road and A-20s hit barges near Pondo Plantation and hit Ewasse village.

 THURSDAY, 23 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A detachment of the 11FS, 343FG, begins operating from Amchitka Island with P-40s and P-38s; the squadron is based on Adak Island.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In the Chin Hills region of Burma, 12 B-24s and 10 P-38s bomb Kalewa, and 9 B-25s attack Kaing and Shwebo; in the Katha area 12 P-51s bomb Naba Station while 12 others join 9 B-25s in attacking ammunition and gas dumps at Indaw; 4 P-40s bomb stores at Kamaing while 30+ other fighters fly armed reconnaissance over the Mogaung Valley in general; and 12 B-24s pound Moulmein jetty and attack Moulmein-Bangkok railroad targets, destroying 2 bridges, damaging several others, and scoring effective hits on 2 trains.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, B-25s on a railroad sweep N from Vinh destroy 2 engines and several boxcars at Van Trai Station yards and attack 3 bridges between Vinh and Thanh Hoa.

HQ 312FW moves from Kunming to Chengtu, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 275: 524 B-17s and 244 B-24s are dispatched to attack airfields in W Germany and aircraft factories in the Brunswick area; due to unfavorable weather conditions, only 68 B-24s hit a primary target and 639 bombers hit secondary targets and targets of opportunity; the bombers claim 33-8-11 Luftwaffe aircraft; 22 B-17s, 6 B-24s and 4 P-51s are lost; details are: 1. 205 B-17s hit Brunswick and 3 hit targets of opportunity; 16 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 221 damaged; casualties are 3 KIA, 6 WIA and 158 MIA.

2. 47 B-17s hit the secondary target at Munster, 83 hit Hamm, 67 hit Ahlen and 19 hit Neubeckum; 6 B-17s are lost and 56 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 3 WIA and 61 MIA.

3. 68 B-24s hit the primary target, Handorf Airfield; 36 hit Achmer City, 21 hit Achmer Airfield, 12 hit Munster, 52 hit Osnabruck and 14 hit other targets of opportunity; 6 B-24s are lost and 45 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 59 MIA.

Escort is provided by 119 P-38s, 539 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 183 8AF and 9AF P-51s; details are: 1. P-38s: no claims or losses.

2. P-47s claim 4-0-10 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged.

3. P-51s claim 18-1-6 Luftwaffe aircraft; 4 P-51s are lost and 1 damaged; 4 pilots are MIA.

The fighters also claim 2-0-10 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground.

Mission 276: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 262 bundles of leaflets on Grenoble, Vichy, Lyon, Toulouse and Limoges, France at 2227-2304 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 220 B-26s on a morning Mission bomb Creil marshalling yard and airfields at Beaumont-le-Roger and Beauvais/Tille; in an afternoon raid, 146 bomb Haine-Saint-Pierre marshalling yard.

31(Photo)RS, III Reconnaissance Command, arrives at Chalgrove, England from the US with F-5s; first Mission is 10 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s bomb Florence/Campo di Marte marshalling yard while B-25s hit the Pontassieve railway bridge and its approaches; P-40s attack guns in the Cassino-Esperia area, causing many fires and explosions; A-36s bomb the Cassino area with good results; the Germans have been forced into a narrow zone in the W edge of Cassino but still hold positions commanding the town and the Abbey; the New Zealand Corps breaks off the attack.

HQ 340BG(M) moves from Pompeii to Paestum, Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll bomb Wake Island; B-25s flying out of Eniwetok Atoll hit Ponape Island; and Tarawa Atoll-based B-25s strike Maloelap and Jaluit Atolls, commencing a series of B-25 shuttle-missions between Tarawa or Makin Island and the USN's new base at Majuro Atoll which is used as the rearming base for the return strike.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 14 P-38s bomb targets of opportunity at Komaleai Point on Bougainville Island while 24 B-25s hit the Buka area of Buka Island after weather prevented scheduled attacks on Rabaul.

On New Britain Island, fighters fly sweeps over Rabaul and general New Ireland Island area, and 12 P-40s bomb fuel dump at Keravia Bay; 15 B-24s out of 24 dispatched plow through the bad weather and bomb the Ratawul supply area.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, nearly 100 B-24s, B-25s, A-20s and P-47s hit numerous targets in the Aitape, Wewak, Alexishafen, and Hansa Bay areas; and B-24s bomb Babo and during the night attack shipping in the Bismarck Sea. On New Britain Island, 29 P-40s attack Talasea and nearby bivouacs, including Gogosi.

 FRIDAY, 24 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s fly a photographic Mission over Onnekotan Island.

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): HQ 25BG(M) and 12th, 35th and 417BS(M) begin a movement from Borinquen Field, Puerto Rico; Coolidge Field, Antigua; Trinidad; and Losey Field, Puerto Rico respectively to the US; all will be disbanded on 20 Jun 44.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In the Mandalay, Burma area 12 B-24s and 10 P-38s bomb Pyingaing dump, 9 B-25s hit Shwebo railroad yards and a nearby factory, and 8 P-51s attack Gokteik Viaduct; 4 P-40s bomb Japanese positions near Shaduzup.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 277: The B-17 primary target is Schweinfurt, Germany; the B-24 primary target are airfields at Metz and Nancy, France; the bombers make no claims of Luftwaffe aircraft: 1. 230 B-17s are dispatched; 60 hit Schweinfurt using blind-bombing equipment and 162 hit Frankfurt/Main marshalling yard; 3 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 68 damaged; casualties are 14 KIA, 1 WIA and 30 MIA.

2. 206 B-24s are dispatched; the primaries are overcast and 148 hit the secondary target of St Diziere Airfield and 33 hit Nancy/Essey Airfield; 24 B-24s are damaged; casualties are 3 WIA.

Escort is provided by 84 P-38s, 3018AF and 9AF P-47s and 155 8AF and 9AF P-51s; details are: P-38s: 2 lost, both pilots MIA.

P-47s claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 2-0-4 on the ground; no losses.

P-51s: no claims; 3 P-51s are lost; 2 pilots are MIA.

Mission 278: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Tours and Lorient, France; and Charleroi, Brussels and Antwerp, Belgium at 2133-2210 hours without loss.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, 100+ B-24s bomb Rimini marshalling yard while 32 others attack Ancona, Senigallia and rail and road bridges over the Vomano River S of Giulianova; 200+ other B-17s and B-24s turn back before reaching the target and before rendezvous with the fighter escorts; and 3 B-17s and 1 B-24 hit targets of opportunity in Italy and Yugoslavia; 6 B-24s are lost; the bombers claim 10 enemy fighters destroyed.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s pound supply and bivouac areas in Piedimonte and Castrocielo and harbor installations at Leghorn; B-25s hit bridge and railroad tracks NW of Orvieto, and A-20s bomb guns in the Cassino area; P-40s and A-36s in Cassino area hit guns, troop concentrations, road, and causeway; and P-47s on armed reconnaissance in the Rome-Orvieto-Orte areas hit a train and a bridge.

Moves in Italy: 11TCS, 60TCG, from Gerbini, Sicily to Brindisi with C-47s; 487th and 489BS(M), 340BG(M), from Pompeii to Gaudo Airfield with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Tarawa Atoll bomb Jaluit while others, flying out of Eniwetok Atoll, hit Ponape Island and Ant Island, Caroline Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 20+ B-25s hit the airstrip at Tobera; a few which lost contact with the formation bomb Vunakanau instead; and 30+ P-38s, P-39s, and P-40s hit Wunapope with incendiary clusters, causing numerous fires.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, P-39s and P-40s hit Alexishafen with a dive bombing and strafing attack at midday; a single B-24 bombs nearby Sek Island; other B-24s on armed reconnaissance score a hit on a minesweeper. Organized Japanese resistance ends on Los Negros and Bougainville Islands, although considerable time will be required for mopping-up operations.

HQ 475FG moves from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea.

 SATURDAY, 25 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 2 Shemya Island-based B-24s bomb Kurabu Cape and the N coast of Onnekotan Island.

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): 29th and 31FSs, XXVI Fighter Command, begin a movement from Casa Larga, Panama and Howard Field, Canal Zone respectively, to the US.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 B-24s hit Mogaung supply dumps, causing fires and much smoke; 12 P-40s bomb the Kamaing area; Japanese aircraft (5 medium bombers and 30 fighters) attack Allied airstrips at Chittagong and Cox's Bazaar, India and Anisakan, Burma; 10AF and RAF interceptors claim 7 aircraft shot down.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 6 B-24s from Chengkung bomb a motor pool and fuel dump at Mangshih, demolishing a sizeable portion of the target area.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 406BS(H), VIII AF Composite Command (attached to 328th Service Group), moves from Watton to Harrington, England with B-24s; the squadron began flying CARPETBAGGER missions in Jan 44.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 140+ B-26s attack the Hirson, France marshalling yard.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Weather severely curtails operations. In Italy, B-26s bomb the Leghorn dockyard and town of Rignano sull' Amo; P-40 fighter-bombers attack gun positions in the Anzio beachhead battle area; and fighters fly cover over the Anzio and Cassino areas.

Moves in Italy: 28TCS, 60TCG, from Gerbini, Sicily to Brindisi with C-47s; 415NPS, 64FW, from Marcianise to Pomigliano with Beaufighters.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Advanced HQ 7AF in Tarawa Atoll is disbanded and the Seventh's operations in the C Pacific forward area are placed under the VII BC at Kwajalein Atoll.

B-25s from Eniwetok Atoll pound Ponape Island and claim 4 fighters shot down.

B-25s from Abemama Island bomb Maloelap Atoll.

HQ VII BC moves from Tarawa Atoll to Kwajalein Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s pound the Ratawul supply area while 34 fighter-bombers hit Keravia Bay fuel stores. On Bougainville Island, 20+ fighter-bombers hit a Miwo River bridge and nearby bivouac area and bomb a truck park W of the Omoi River.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 100+ B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s continue pounding of the Wewak area, destroying supply dumps along the coast from Wewak Point to the airfield, a fuel dump W of Boram, and targets along the Sauri road and in the Cape Wom area; other A-20s attack the coastal area around Bunabun Harbor; and B-24s bomb the Babo-Urarom area. On New Britain Island, P-40s attack a Japanese HQ at Cape Hoskins. On Manus Island, the last major battle takes place; isolated enemy positions remain to be eliminated.

Moves in New Guinea with P-38s: 80FS, 8FG, from Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island to Nadzab; 432FS, 475FG from Dobodura to Nadzab.

 SUNDAY, 26 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 3 B-24s and 3 B-25s bomb troops along the Imphal-Tiddim road near Chindwin; 70+ fighter-bombers and a lone B-25 attack targets in the Mogaung Valley area, including airfields at Manywet and Myitkyina, and bridges, roads, railroads and targets of opportunity at Mogaung, Kamaing and Myitkyina; in the Katha area 8 P-51s and 3 B-25s hit a Japanese bivouac NE of Bhamo and claim 6 warehouses destroyed at Nankan.

20TRS, 10AF [attached to 5320th Air Defense Wing (Provisional)] moves from Guskhara to Kisselbari, India with P-40s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 4 B-25s hit the Bakli Bay area on Hainan Island; 2 merchant vessels are claimed sunk, and damage is done to tracks and loading equipment. 4 P-40s on a sweep of the N coast of the Gulf of Tonkin sink an ore boat and damage 4 barges. '

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 280: V-weapon sites in France are hit.

1. 234 of 243 and 138 of 185 B-24s hit 9 sites in the Pas de Calais area; 4 B-17s and 1 B-24 are lost, 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 134 B-17s and 38 B-24s are damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 15 WIA and 50 MIA.

2. 128 of 145 B-17s hit 7 sites in the Cherbourg area; 64 B-17s are damaged.

Escort is provided by 266 P-47s; they claim 1-1-4 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 1 P-47 is lost (pilot is MIA) and 5 damaged.

Mission 281: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 300 bundles of leaflets on Caen, Rennes, Amiens, Paris and Rouen, France at 2114-2206 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 338 B-26s and 35 A-20s attack the Ijmuiden, The Netherlands torpedo-boat pens. In France, nearly 140 P-47s and P-51s dive-bomb Creil marshalling yard and other military installations.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 60+ B-17s and B-24s hit targets in Italy; the B-17s bomb Fiume docks and shipping; the B-24s hit Maniago Landing Ground, Udine air depot and Rimini marshalling yard; P-47s and P-38s provide escort; 150+ other B-17s and B-24s abort missions because of bad weather.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Operations are at a minimum as bad weather continues. In Italy, B-26s score numerous hits on Arezzo viaducts, B-25s attack the Perugia railway bridge, scoring near misses, and A-20s successfully bomb troop concentrations N of Velletri; P-47s achieve direct hits on a railway bridge NW of Stimigliano and near misses on a railway bridge SW of Tarquinia; and P-40s hit guns near Fontana Liri and N of the Anzio beachhead with good results.

HQ 60TCG moves from Gerbini, Sicily to Brindisi, Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Eniwetok Atoll-based B-25s strike Ponape Island; B-25s from Tarawa Atoll hit Jaluit Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll, and hit Jaluit again on the return flight to Tarawa.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s hit Vunakanan Airfield and 37 fighter-bombers attack supply areas along Talili Bay; B-25s continue to heckle the Rabaul area during the night. In the Bougainville Island area 3 B-24s and 20 fighter-bombers hit pillboxes and targets of opportunity on islands off the Tekessi River mouth and near Monoitu; fighter-bombers again support ground forces along Empress Augusta Bay, hitting a supply dump N of the Reini River and enemy positions near the mouths of the Tekessi and Maririei Rivers; the fighter-bombers claim destruction of a bridge over the Puriata River. 24 B-24s on a mission against Truk Atoll fail to reach the target and bomb Pulusuk Island, Caroline Islands instead; several of the B-24s are forced to land on Green Island, Solomon Islands because of fuel shortages.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 220+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s and fighters hit Wewak, Boram, Cape Wom, Aitape, the Hansa Bay coast, Mushu Island, and the general area along the N coast of NE New Guinea, blasting storage areas, barges, shipping, grounded aircraft, fuel dumps and enemy troops; other A-20s hit Bunabun Harbor while P-39s hit the Madang area.

On New Britain Island, P-39s and P-40s attack Cape Hoskins and troops in the Talasea area. On Manus Island, A-20s hit buildings and Japanese positions on the S shore.

431FS, 475FG, moves from Dobodura to Nadzab, New Guinea with P-38s.

 MONDAY, 27 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 B-24s hit supply dumps at Kamaing, while about 50 fighter-bombers and 2 B-25s hit troops in in the Myitkinya area and support ground forces near Kamaing; in the Katha area 12 B-25s and 16 P-38s and P-51s hit a bridge and railroad facilities near Meza and a railroad near Kawlin.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 6 B-25s pound the Viet Tri, French Indochina area, damaging 2 factories, a bridge and several railroad cars. In China 60+ P-40s, P-38s, and P-51s attack troops and buildings at Sienning and Kwanyinchow, hit a bridge, warehouse, and general area at Anyi, damage bridges at Kienchang and Puchi and pound Nanchang Airfield and surrounding areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 282: Airfields in France are attacked by 701bombers.

1. 285 of 290 B-17s hit the following airfields: St Jean D/Angely (55), La Rochell/La Leu (59), Chartres (60), Tours/Parcay Meslay Air Depot (74), Usine Liotard Air Depot (35) and targets of opportunity (2); 1 B-17 is lost and 37 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 10 MIA.

2. 248 of 256 B-17s hit the following airfields: Bordeaux/Merignac (123), Cayeux (118) and Chartres (7); 2 B-17s are lost and 51 damaged; casualties are 11 KIA, 2 WIA and 20 MIA.

3. All 168 B-24s hit the following airfields: Pau/Ont Long (72), Biarritz (49) and Mont de Marsan (47); 3 B-24s are lost, 4 damaged beyond repair and 18 damaged; casualties are 20 KIA, 1 WIA and 31 MIA.

Escort is provided by 132 P-38s, 706 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 122 8AF and 9AF P-51s; results are: P-38s: 2 lost and 1 damaged beyond repair; 2 pilots are MIA.

P-47s claim 6-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 P-47s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 4 damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 5 are MIA.

P-51s claim 2-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 30-1-11on the ground; 3 P-51s are lost and 1 damaged; 3 pilots are MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 18 B-26s attack V-weapon sites in N France; 35 others abort due primarily to failure of blind-bombing equipment. The onset of bad weather makes this the last B-26 Mission until 8 Apr.

303d, 305th and 306TCSs, 442TCG, arrives at Fulbeck, England from the US with C-47s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s successfully bomb the Sesti Bagni railway station; B-26s hit Poggibonsi railway bridge, and tracks and train cars in the area; and B-25s attack bridges at Marsciano, Perugia and Grosseto railroad bridges, scoring damaging hits at Grosseto; P-40s hit a command post and supply dumps, and fly road reconnaissance SE of Rome with good results; A-36s bomb Sesti Bagni railway station and nearby trucks, while P-47s attack a bridge, junctions and train cars on the Rome-Orvieto railroad; and P-47s and P-40s maintain cover over the Cassino and Anzio battle areas.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s and B-24s from Tarawa Atoll hit Maloelap, Mille and Wotje Atolls; B-25s from Eniwetok Atoll bomb Jaluit Atoll and strafe and cannonade Ponape Island; and a single B-24 from Tarawa Atoll bombs Jabor in Jaluit Atoll.

9TCS, 7AF, moves from Hickam Field, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii to Abemama Island with C-47s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s hit Wunapope with incendiaries; and 34 fighter-bombers follow in rapid succession with another incendiary strike, leaving the entire vicinity in flames. 9 P-40s hit fuel dump at the mouth of Tekessi River on Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 200+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, P-47s, P-40s and P-39s attack storage areas, shipping, bridges, fuel dumps, enemy troop concentrations and other targets in areas around Wewak, Hansa Bay, Ulipan Harbor, and Madang. Other aircraft carry out sweeps and armed reconnaissance over New Britain Island and the Bismarck Sea.

341FS, 348FG, moves from Finschhafen to Saidor, New Guinea with P-47s.

 TUESDAY, 28 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 18FS, 343FG, moves from Amchitka Island to Attu Island, Aleutian Islands with P-38s.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In the Mogaung Valley of Burma, 8 B-24s bomb the Kamaing storage area, while 60+ fighter-bombers and 9 B-25s furnish ground support in the Sumprabum, Mogaung, and Kamaing areas, and bomb storage and town areas of Manywet, Mohnyin and Kamaing.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 4 B-25s bomb the barracks area at Vinh Yen, French Indochina, scoring direct hits on 4 buildings.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (XX BC): HQ XX BC arrives at Kharagpur, India from the US.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 283: 2 formations of B-17s are dispatched to hit airfields in France while B-24s are dispatched to The Netherlands.

1. 182 B-17s are dispatched to Dijon/Longvic Airfield (117 bomb) and Reims/Champagne Airfield (59 bomb); 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 60 damaged; casualties are 3 KIA and 1 WIA.

2. 191 B-17s are dispatched to Chateaudun Airfield (127 bomb) and Chartres Airfield (61bomb); 2 B-17s are lost and 59 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 28 MIA.

3. 77 B-24s are dispatched to the Ijmuiden, The Netherlands E-boat pens but they are recalled due to excessive clouds and failure of the escort to takeoff.

Escort for the B-17s is provided by 46 P-38s, 284 P-47s and 123 P-51s; details are: P-38s: no claims or losses P-47s claim 0-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft. P-51s claim 30-1-32 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 3 P-51s are lost; the pilots are MIA.

36BS(H), VIII AF Composite Command [attached to 801BG (Provisional)] moves from Watton to Harrington, England with B-24s; the squadron flies CARPETBAGGER missions.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Almost 400 B-17s and B-24s, the largest attack to date, bomb marshalling yards in Italy; the B-17s hit Verona; the B-24s hit Mestre and Verona marshalling yards and railway and highway bridges at Fano and Cessno; P-38s and P-40s provide excellent coverage and no bombers are lost; the bombers and escorts claim 12 fighters destroyed; 5 US fighters are lost.

16RS (Bomber), 68TRG (attached to AAF, MTO), based at Foch Field, Tunisia begins operating from Foggia, Italy with B-17s.

781BS(H), 465BG(H), arrives at Pantanella Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 5 May.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s knock out the bridge approach E of Perugia and bomb the railway junction and marshalling yard at Montepescali; B-25s bomb a railway bridge S of Mignano and viaduct to the SE, and hit Certaldo railway bridge; A-20s attack a tank factory N of Tivoli; P-40s strike guns in the Anzio area; guns, trucks, and roads during armed reconnaissance of the Cassino-Giulianello area; and supply dumps and truck parks near Velletri and Sora; A-36s attack 2 railroad bridges and tracks at Montalto di Castro and near Orvieto; and fighters carry out a patrol over the Anzio and Cassino areas.

Moves in Italy: HQ 87FW from Caserta to Bastia, Corsica; and

HQ 57FG and 65th and 66FSs from Cercola to Alto, Corsica with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Abemama Island and Tarawa Atoll pound Jaluit, Mille and Maloelap Atolls; a single B-24 from Kwajalein Atoll, en route to Eniwetok Atoll, bombs Rongelap Atoll, Marshall Islands; and B-24s, flying a night Mission from Kwajalein, bomb targets at Truk Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s bomb Tobera Airfield, causing considerable damage to the landing strip; fighter-bombers hit the Ratawul supply area and SW part of Rabaul. On Bougainville Island, a few P-40s attack the Numa Numa supply area, a single B-24 scores damaging hits on the Japanese-held Mission at Monoitu, and other planes hit scattered targets of opportunity.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-24s hit Hollandia, New Guinea and Penfoei, Timor Island.

Moves in New Guinea: 26(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG, from Finschhafen to Nadzab with F-5s; and 418NPS, 308BW, from Dobodura to Finschhafen with P-61s.

 WEDNESDAY, 29 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20+ P-51s and B-25s over the Katha area hit the railroad and warehouse at Indaw in support of the ground forces nearby; 12 P-38s join numerous RAF aircraft in strikes on airfields, railroads, riverboats, and a variety of targets in the Mandalay area; 12 B-24s pound the Victoria Lake region near Rangoon; 80+ fighter-bombers and a few B-25s blast targets throughout the Mogaung Valley, including the Waingmaw area, Mogaung, Nanyaseik, guns NE of Kamaing, and numerous scattered fortifications, supply areas, troop concentrations and pillboxes; 80+ other fighters maintain patrol of the Sumprabum area.

HQ 1ACG is activated at Hailakandi, India; the group consists of a HQ plus the following sections: bomber with B-25s, fighter with P-51s, light-plane with L-1 and L-5s, transport with C-47s, glider with CG-4As and TG-5s and light-cargo with UC-64s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 12 P-40s and 3 P-51s attack the railroad station area at Nanchang, causing much damage to buildings and yards; the fighter-bombers also strafe the airfield and attack a nearby bridge.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 284: 1. 236 B-17s are dispatched to Germany; 193 hit the secondary target (Brunswick), 20 hit Unterluss, 18 hit Stedorf and 2 hit other targets of opportunity; the B-17s claim 8-3-6 Luftwaffe aircraft; 9 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 66 damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 5 WIA and 90 MIA.

Escort is provided by 50 P-38s, 242 P-47s and 136 8AF and 9AF P-51s; the fighters claim 44-4-13 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 13-7-14 on the ground; results are: P-38s: 2 lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; 2 pilots are KIA and 2 MIA.

P-47s: 1 lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 8 damaged; 2 pilots are WIA.

P-51s: 9 lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 3 damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 8 MIA.

2. 77 B-24s are dispatched to V-weapon sites at Watten, France; only 30 bomb because of PFF failures; 2 B-24s are damaged beyond repair and 6 damaged; casualties are 18 KIA and 1 WIA. Escort is provided by 37 P-47s; no claims or losses.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Units arriving in England from the US: HQ 48FG and 492d, 493and 494FSs at Ibsley with P-47s (first Mission is 20 Apr); HQ 442TCG and 304TCS at Fulbeck with C-47s; 34(Photo)RS, III Reconnaissance Command, at Chalgrove with F-5s (first Mission is 19 Apr).

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): About 400 B-17s and B-24s (largest total to date) hit 3 targets in Italy; the B-17s bomb the ball bearing factory, marshalling yard and industrial area at Turin; the B-24s hit Bolzano and Milan marshalling yards; P-47s and P-38s fly escort; the bombers and fighters claim 13 aircraft destroyed; 6 US aircraft are lost.

HQ 325FG and 317th, 318th and 319FSs move from Foggia to Lesina, Italy with P-47s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack Viterbo Airfield, causing considerable damage to the target; B-26s hit Leghorn and many small craft nearby. French B-26s attached to the 12AF bomb Portoferraio on Elba; P-40s attack supply dumps and a bivouac area SE of Rome, a tank repair shop E of Rome and guns and supply dumps E of Velletri; P-47s cut lines at a railway overpass W of Rome while A-36s bomb harbors at San Stefano al Mare and Civitavecchia and hit nearby targets of opportunity; Spitfires, P-40s, and P-47s patrol the Anzio battle area.

Unit moves in Italy: 7TCS, 62TCG, from Brindisi to Pone Olivo, Sicily with C-47s; 12TCS, 60TCG from Gerbini, Sicily to Brindisi, Italy with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Kwajalein Atoll hit Jaluit and Rongelap Atolls; B-25s from Eniwetok Atoll strike Ponape Island

while others from Tarawa Atoll bomb Maloelap and Jaluit Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): In the Rabaul area of New Britain Island, 19 fighter-bombers hit targets of opportunity along the Miwo River and at Mawareka and Kimaku; 8 others abort because of bad weather; fighters sweeping the vicinity of Rabaul strafe shipping in Keravia Bay and knock out a gun position at Cape Tawui; 24 B-25s and 11 P-40s get through the bad weather and pound supply areas at Wunapope and Ratawul, respectively. On Bougainville Island, a few P-38s hit Numa Numa while other fighter-bombers again support ground forces at the mouth of the Tekessi River. B-24s of the 307BG(H) carry out the first daylight raid on Truk Atoll, bombing the airfield on Eten Island; the mission is staged from Munda, New Georgia Island through Torokina, Bougainville Island for arming and Nissan Island, Solomon Islands for refueling before the strike; the unescorted B-24s claim 31interceptors destroyed, along with almost 50 aircraft on the ground; 2 B-24s are lost.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): Brigadier General Paul H Prentiss is announced as Commanding General V AF Services Command and Brigadier General Warren R Carter as Commanding General 64TCW.

In New Guinea, B-24s bomb Hollandia; B-25s and A-20s pound the Wewak area, hitting targets at Cape Wom and Dagua and attacking shipping throughout the day; more A-20s pound the Bogia-Bunabun area and P-39s hit an AA position at Erima in the Madang area; and P-47s and P-40s on a fighter sweep and armed reconnaissance strafe coastal targets of opportunity in NE New Guinea and New Britain Island.

Moves in New Guinea: HQ 348FG from Finschhafen to Saidor; 433FS, 475FG, from Dobodura to Nadzab with P-38s.

 THURSDAY, 30 MARCH 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 6 P-51s hit Anisakan Airfield, Burma.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 2 B-24s fly a sea sweep from Kunming, China around Hainan Island, and across the Gulf of Tonkin to Nam Dinh, French Indochina; en route, a freighter is strafed; 1 B-24s bombs spinning mills at Nam Sinh, causing considerable damage.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 285: In The Netherlands, 24 P-47 fighter-bombers escorted by 50 other P-47s dive-bomb Eindhoven and Sosterburg, Airfields without loss; 22 other P-47s strafe Venlo, Deelen and Twente/Enschede Airfields; they claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-2 on the ground; 1 P-47 is lost and 3 damaged; 1 pilot is MIA.

Mission 286: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 300 bundles of leaflets on Rouen, Rennes, Reims, Paris and Amiens, France at 2125-2155 hours without loss.

HQ 93CBW(H) moves from Elveden Hall to Mendlesham, England; groups will be assigned in May 44.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): IX Engineer Command is formally activated by the War Department with Brigadier General James B Newman as Commanding General.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 463BG(H) with B-17s becomes the 15th bomber group declared operational by the 15AF.

Nearly 350 B-17s and B-24s bomb marshalling yards at Sofia, Bulgaria and an industrial complex and airfield at Imotski, Yugoslavia. Escorting fighters and the bombers claim 13 enemy fighters shot down; 4 bombers are lost.

777BS(H), 464BG(H) arrives at Pantanella Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 30 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s hit the harbor at Leghorn and railroad bridge NW of Orte; P-40s and A-36s attack an ammunition dump NW of Roccasecca, trucks and supply dump NE of Tivoli and near Fumone and Gaeta, railroad bridges SE of Civita Castellana and NW of Stimigliano and Orvieto and motor transport N of Cori and at scattered points.

64FS, 57FG, moves from Cercola, Italy to Alto, Corsica with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Kwajalein and Eniwetok Atolls hit Truk Atoll before dawn. B-25s from Kwajalein and Tarawa Atolls strike Wotje, Mille, Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 11 B-24s fly a long-range strike against Moen Island in Truk Atoll; the B-24s score damaging hits on the airfield and claim 11 fighters shot down; 1 B-24 is lost; this raid follows a snooper strike by 2 B-24s the previous night. In the Rabaul area of New Britain Island, 10 P-38s hit the SW part of the town with incendiaries while 24 B-25s pound nearby Wunapope. On Bougainville Island, fighters and B-25s, operating mainly in pairs, hit a supply area on the Mupeka River and Japanese-occupied areas at the mouths of Puriata and Mamaregu Rivers; fighter-bombers continue to support ground forces along the Empress Augusta Bay perimeter hitting a bivouac and truck park at Numa Numa, fords across the Hongorai River, and a bridge across the Puriata River.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 60+ B-24s, with support from more than 90 P-38s and P-47s, hit Hollandia in the first big daylight raid; airfields and fuel dumps are bombed; a large number of enemy aircraft are destroyed or damaged on the ground; escorting fighters claim about 10 interceptors shot down; B-25s, A-20s, P-47s, P-40s, and P-39s continue to blast Japanese installations and forces in areas around Wewak, Tadji and Madang.

Moves in New Guinea: HQ 91Photographic Wing(R) to Nadzab from the US; and 342FS, 348FG, from Finschhafen to Saidor with P-47s.

 FRIDAY, 31 MARCH 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): HQ XI BC and HQ XI Fighter Command are disbanded. Their headquarters personnel are absorbed by the 28BG (Composite) and the 343FG, respectively.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 B-25s hit the Pinlebu area; 10 P-51s hit Japanese positions near the "Broadway" airstrip; 12 P-40s bomb the Warong area while others patrol around Sumprabum; near Katha 3 B-25s and 6 P-51s hit a warehouse, railroad cars and track at Zawchaung.

HQ 8(Photo)RG arrives at Bally, India from the US. The 9(Photo)Reconnaissance, 20TR and 24th Combat Mapping Squadrons will be assigned on 25 Apr; the 40(Photo)RS will be assigned on 18 Jul.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): HQ 486BG(H) arrives at Sudbury, England from the US.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Weather prevents completion of most 12AF operations; P-47s carry out a sweep N of Rome, Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Eniwetok Atoll bomb Truk Atoll in a predawn mission. B-25s from Eniwetok hit Ponape Island while others, flying out of Tarawa Atoll, pound Maloelap and Jaluit Atolls.

431BS(H), 11BG(H), moves from Tarawa Atoll to Kwajalein Atoll with B-24s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s bomb a Ratawul supply point; 11 P-40s hit Wunapope, and 26 P-39s and P-38s bomb the NE part of Rabaul with incendiaries; and fighter sweeps over Rabaul and New Ireland Island continue. 25 fighter-bombers pound the Numa Numa supply area on Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 60+ B-24s, with P-38 support, pound Hollandia for the second successive day; 3 airfields in the area are thoroughly blasted and a large number of enemy aircraft destroyed; US aircraft claim 14 interceptors shot down; supplies, enemy troops, and coastal targets in the Tadji, Wewak, and Hansa Bay areas are hit by 120+ A-20s and B-25s.

APRIL 1944

 SATURDAY, 1 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 14 P-38s hit a freight train and damage a factory in the vicinity of Mandalay; near Rangoon, 16 B-24s hit a railroad station and bomb Akyab while 6 B-25s damage a railroad bridge near Nattalin.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): A flight of the 21(Photo)RS, 14AF, based at Kunming, China begins operating from Liangshan, China with F-4s and F-5s.

Moves in China during Apr: HQ 69th Composite Wing from Tsuyung to Kunming; 16FS, 51FG, based at Chengkung sends the detachment at Tsuyung to Szemao with P-40s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 287: 440 bombers and 475 fighters are dispatched to bomb the chemical industry at Ludwigshafen, Germany (the largest in Europe).

1. The 245 B-17s dispatched of the lead force abandon the mission over the French coast due to heavy clouds; 7 B-17s are damaged.

2. The 195 B-24s in the second force became widely dispersed and bomb targets of opportunity; 101 hit Pforzheim; 38 hit Schaffhausen, Switzerland; 17 hit Strasbourg, France; and 9 hit Grafenhausen; Schaffhausen and Strasbourg were mistaken as German towns; they claim 1-1-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 12 B-24s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 42 damaged; casualties are 9 KIA, 12 WIA and 113 MIA.

Escort is provided by 280 P-47s and 195 8AF and 9AF P-51s: P-47s claim 13-1-19 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground 2 P-47s are lost and 12 damaged, 2 pilots are MIA; P-51s claim 5-2-4 aircraft, 2 P-51s are lost and 2 damaged, 2 pilots are MIA.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Moves in Italy during Apr: HQ 49BW(H) arrives from the US; HQ 68TRG from Manduria to Blida, Algeria.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack Leghorn harbor, bridges at Orvieto, and railway track S of Poggibonsi; B-26s hit Arno River railroad bridges at Signa, Riva-Trigoso, and Valdarno, while A-20s hit ammunition dumps; P-40s hit targets in the vicinity of Gaeta, Formia tunnel, several fuel dumps, bridges, and guns in the battle areas; P-47s bomb Poggibonsi bridge and strafe a train; and fighters patrol the Anzio battle area without incident.

During Apr, XII BC moves from Trocchia, Italy to Corsica; 4th TCS, 62TCG, and 16th, 17th, 18th and 35TCSs, 64TCG begin operating from bases in India until Jun 44 with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands, strike Ponape Island, Caroline Islands; B-24s from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands and Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands hit Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands; and B-25s from Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands bomb Maloelap and Jaluit Atolls, Marshall Islands.

78FS, 15FG, moves from Stanley Field to Mokuleia Field, Territory of Hawaii with P-47s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, Bismarck Archipelago, 24 B-25s bomb supply areas at Wunapope and Ratawul; 28

P-39s and P-40s hit the Toboi wharf area at Simpson Harbor; 3 P-40s follow with a strike on oil and coal storage in same general area; fighters maintain sweeps over Rabaul and New Ireland Island, Bismarck Archipelago throughout the day and B-25s harass Rabaul during the night of 1/2 Apr. On Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands, 12 P-38s bomb the mission at Monoitu and 12 P-40s hit Numa Numa supply dumps.

The detachment of the 17(Photo)RS, 4PRG, operating from Munda, New Georgia Island, Solomon Islands, with F-5s returns to base on Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-25s and A-20s hit the Tadji and Hansa Bay areas in New Guinea; B-24s bomb Boela, Ceram Island, Moluccas Islands; and B-25s attack Penfoei, Timor Island, Lesser Sunda Islands.

Moves in New Guinea during Apr: 33TCS, 374TCG, from Garbutt Field, Townsville, Australia to Port Moresby with C-47s; 63BS(H), 43BG(H), from Dobodura to Nadzab with B-24s.

 SUNDAY, 2 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 P-40s bomb Kamaing while 6 P-51s over the Katha area hit trucks near Bhamo and a storage area at Indaw.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 2 B-24s on a sea sweep from Hong Kong to Formosa bomb a 215-ft (66 m) ship (reported sunk) and damage a large motor launch.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (XX BC): First operational B-29, piloted by Colonel Leonard F Harman, lands at Chakulia, India.

HQ 40BG(VH), arrives at Chakulia, India from the US.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 461BG(H) with B-24s becomes operational, making 16 heavy bomber groups now operational.

530+ B-24s and B-17s (largest Mission to date) attack targets in Austria and Yugoslavia; the B-17s hit the ball bearing plant at Steyr, Austria and marshalling yard at Brod, Yugoslavia; the B-24s hit an aircraft factory and depot and ball bearing factory at Steyr, and in Yugoslavia, an air depot at Mostar and marshalling yard at Bihac; fighters fly 150+ sorties in support of the bombers; hundreds of enemy fighters oppose the mission s and fierce air battles result in 19 bombers shot down and several missing; the AAF claims 150+ enemy fighters.

HQ 31FG and 307th and 308FSs move from Castel Volturno to San Severo, Italy with P-51s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack railroad bridges at Arezzo, Fano, Ficulle, Magra, N of Orvieto, and S of Poggibonsi, scoring some direct hits, hits on approaches, and several near misses; fighter-bombers hit trucks and the railroad station at Fara in Sabina and E and N of Anzio, attack the Formia tunnel, fly armed reconnaissance over the Atina and Arce areas, bomb a factory and buildings N of Cassino, the town of Pignataro Interamna and numerous bridges, dumps, gun positions and targets of opportunity in or around the battle areas.

99FS, XII Air Support Command, attached to 324FG, moves from Capodichino to Cercola, Italy with P-40s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands hit Truk Atoll during the night of 1/2 Apr. During the day B-25s bomb Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 31 B-24s fly a strike against Dublon Island, Truk Atoll, causing considerable damage to the warehouse and dock areas; the bombers claim 30+ fighters downed; 4 B-24s are lost. On New Britain Island, 40+ fighter-bombers over Rabaul hit the SE part of town, the Toboi wharf area, and N section of town along the Malaguna road; and 7 B-25s hit Raluana Point while 23 pound Lakunai.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 120+ bombers and fighters continue to hit targets in areas around Wewak, Hansa Bay, Madang, Bogadjim, and other points along the NE coastline. B-25s also hit Dili and Penfoei on Timor Island and Rambutyo Island, Bismarck Archipelago.

310FS, 58FG, moves from Dobodura to Saidor, New Guinea with P-47s.

 MONDAY, 3 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 4 B-25s damage the Tangon bridge while 6 P-51s hit Anisakan airstrip in the Mandalay area; 20+ fighter-bombers and 6 B-25s hit targets of opportunity S of Mupaw Ga and W of Mogaung, troops near Bhamo, and knock out a bridge near Mogaung; during the night of 3/4 Apr 16 B-24s bomb oil and power facilities at Yenangyaung, Chauk, and Lanywa while 8 P-38s hit Meiktila Airfield.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 4 rocket-firing P-40s, with 8 other as top cover, damage 2 large river boats between Hengyang and Ichang. In French Indochina, 4 P-40s flying a Red River sweep from Vinh Yen to Dong Cuong sink 4 small boats, damage 3 more, and strafe 50-100 persons at a loading point on the river; and 3 B-24s lay mines in the Haiphong area.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Because of a combat crew shortage which has caused abolition of the 50-Mission limit tour of duty and resulted in fatigue and morale problems, IX BC establishes a new operational leave policy. Maximum leaves for bomber crews are set at 1 week between the 25th and 30th missions and 2 weeks between the 40th and 50th missions.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 450+ B-17s and B-24s bomb targets in Hungary and Yugoslavia; the B-17s hit an aircraft factory in Budapest, Hungary and a marshalling yard at Brod, Yugoslavia; the B-24s hit a marshalling yard at Budapest; 137 fighters escort the B-17s (B-24s miss the rendezvous) to Budapest; the bombers and escorting fighters claim 24 enemy aircraft shot down.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack railway bridges at Orvieto, cutting approaches to a bridge to the N of town; other medium bomber attacks on bridges abort because of weather but light bombers successfully bomb an ammunition dump; A-36s attack the railway at Attigliano and bomb an underpass in the area, while P-40s hit Sesti Bagni railroad station, a supply dump SE of Frosinone, the town of Itri, a bivouac area NW of Velletri and several trucks; and P-47s successfully bomb Pignataro Interamna and nearby road junction.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll during the night of 2/3 Apr, bomb Truk Atoll. B-25s from Abemama Island follow with a daytime attack on Ponape Island; other B-25s from Abemama and Tarawa Atoll hit Maloelap and Jaluit Atolls.

98BS(H), 11BG(H), moves from Tarawa Atoll to Eniwetok Atoll with B-24s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s pound the NE section of Rabaul; this strike follows larger than usual (6 B-25s) heckling raids during the night of 2/3 Apr; and 50+ fighter-bombers blast fuel stores at Keravia Bay. On Bougainville Island, AAF and USN (USN) fighters strafe the Numa Numa trail area and maintain patrols.

67FS, 347FG, based in the Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, ceases operating from Bougainville Island with P-38s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 300+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and P-38s blast airfields at Hollandia; most of the remaining Japanese airplanes there are destroyed; of 60 intercepting Japanese fighters, 26 are claimed shot down; air opposition from Hollandia is very light hereafter; 50+ P-40s, P-47s, and P-39s hit villages, communications, AA positions, and other targets in areas around Wewak, Hansa Bay, Bogia and Madang; and B-24s hit Langgoer and B-25s bomb the Babo area and Penfoei on Timor Island.

HQ 58FG and 69FS move from Dobodura to Saidor, New Guinea with P-47s.

 TUESDAY, 4 APRIL 1944

ZI - ZONE OF INTERIOR: HQ 20AF is activated in Washington, DC.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 120+ fighter-bombers and 4 B-25s hit rail lines, storage areas and Japanese held villages around Mogaung and Myitkyina and support ground forces near Kamaing and Myitkyina; during the night of 4/5 Apr, 14 B-24s bomb the Moulmein railroad yards and jetties and hit a Japanese HQ nearby at Nagorn Sawarn; and 25 P-51s and P-38s attack Aungban and Anisakan Airfields.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): P-38s on armed reconnaissance strafe and destroy 2 big fuel dumps, 12 fuel trucks, and 15-20 troops in the Wan Mong Kang, Burma area.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Units arriving in England from the US: HQ 339FG at Fowlmere; and 836th, 837th, 838th and 839BS(H), 487BG, at Lavenham with B-24s (first Mission is 7 May).

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Units arriving in England from the US: HQ 373FG and 410FS at Woodchurch with P-47s (first Mission is 8 May); HQ 404FBG at Winkton; HQ 406FBG at Ashford; HQ 410BG(L) and 644th, 645th, 646th and 647BS(L) at Birch with A-20s (first Mission is 4 May); and 393and 394FSs, 367th FG, at Stony Cross with P-38s (first Mission is 9 May).

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 300+ B-17s and B-24s attack Bucharest, Rumania; both hit marshalling yards and the B-24s also hit an air depot; fighters fly nearly 120 sorties in support of the mission ; between 150 and 200 enemy fighters attack the bombers, shooting down 10; the bombers and escorts claim 50+ aircraft destroyed in combat.

309FS, 31FG, moves from Castel Volturno to San Severo, Italy with P-51s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bomber mission s are aborted due to weather but light bombers manage to bomb an ammunition dump and fighter-bombers bomb Terracina and Formia, attack a bridge and several vehicles during armed reconnaissance of the Rome-Orte area, bomb Itri and Fondi, hit numerous gun positions, a railway station, a bivouac area, and a vehicle concentration, and attack targets of opportunity between Atina and Cassino.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, flying out of the Gilbert Islands, bomb Truk Atoll during the night. B-25s, from Abemama Island and Tarawa Atoll, followup during the day with raids on Ponape Island, and Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On Bougainville Island, 12 P-40s hit a barge hideout in Gazelle Harbor; 10 B-25s (rained out of Rabaul, New Britain Island) bomb Buka Airfield on Buka Island, 23 P-39s hit the Aitara area, and 11 P-40s bomb the Mamaregu barge hideout; 24 P-38s pound Mamagata, Dio Dio, and the Miwo River area; and ground support missions along Empress Augusta Bay are carried out by a variety of fighters.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 50+ B-24s pound the Wewak area; and 12 P-39s hit villages, bridges and wooded areas along the coast from Cape Gourdon to Bogia.

 WEDNESDAY, 5 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 13 B-24s bomb the railroad from Moulmein to Kanchanaburi, destroying 3 bridges, damaging several others, and causing much damage to track and railroad cars.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): P-40s from Yungning, China pound a railroad siding at Na Cham, French Indochina, destroying 8 boxcars and a considerable amount of track.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 288: 21 of 50 B-24s dispatched hit V-weapon sites at St Pol/Siracourt, France without loss; heavy clouds and the failure of blind-bombing equipment cause other B-24s to return to base without bombing. 50 P-47s escort the B-24s without loss.

Mission 289: 96 P-38s, 236 P-47s and 124 P-51s are dispatched to attack airfields in Germany; heavy cloud hinders most groups: 1 P-38s is lost and 4 damaged, 1 pilot is MIA; P-47s claim 2-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-47 is lost and 4 damaged, 1 pilot is MIA; P-51s claim 96-4-120 aircraft, 7 P-51s are lost and 3 damaged, casualties are 1 KIA and 6 MIA.

During the night of 5/6 Apr, 801BG (Provisional): dispatches 17 B-24s on CARPETBAGGER (air operations to drop supplies to guerillas in Europe) missions; 1 B-24 is lost.

Units arriving in England from the US: HQ 487BG(H) at Lavenham; 503d, 504th and 505FBSs, 339FBG at Fowlmere with P-51s (first Mission is 30 Apr); and 832d, 833d, 834th and 835BS(H), 486BG(H), with B-24s (first Mission is 7 May).

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Units arriving in England from the US: HQ 36FG and 22FS at Kingsnorth with P-47s (first Mission is 8 May); HQ 50FG and 10th, 81 and 313FSs at Lymington with P-47s (first Mission is 1 May); HQ 367th FG and 392FS at Stony Cross with P-38s (first Mission is 9 May); HQ 397BG(M) and 596th, 597th, 598th and 599BS(M) at Gosfield with B-26s (first Mission is 20 Apr); 411th and 412FSs, 373FG at Woodchurch with P-47s (first Mission is 8 May); 506th, 507th and 508FBSs, 404FBG, at Winkton with P-47s (first Mission is 1 May); and 513FBS, 406FBG, at Ashford with P-47s (first Mission is 9 May).

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 334 B-17s and B-24s hit targets in Rumania and Yugoslavia; the B-17s bomb a marshalling yard at Ploesti, Rumania and Nis, Yugoslavia; the B-24s hit a marshalling yard at Ploesti and Leskovac, Yugoslavia; fighters and AA shoot down 13 bombers.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather precludes all light and medium bomber action; P-40s hit the Colleferro railway station, several fuel dumps, and gun positions in the US Fifth Army battle areas; A-36s bomb Formia, and railway stations NW of Rome and in the Frosinone area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Tarawa Atoll hit Maloelap Atoll, bomb up again at Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands, and hit Jaluit Atoll during the return trip.

HQ 11BG(H) moves from Tarawa Atoll to Kwajalein Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 12 B-25s pound Kara, Bougainville Island. Bad weather cancels all missions against targets in the Bismarck Archipelago.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 270+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s and P-38s hit Hollandia town and dock area and villages and stores around Humboldt Bay; P-47s and P-40s blast numerous targets in the Hansa Bay-Bogia and Wewak areas; and B-24s hit Kaimana and Efman Island.

B-25s bomb Koepang on Timor Island.

Units moving from Dobodura to Saidor, New Guinea: 82RS (Fighter), 71RG, with P-39s; and 311FS, 58FG, with P-47s.

 THURSDAY, 6 APRIL 1944

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): 3BS(H), VI Bomber Command, moves from David, Panama to Howard Field, Canal Zone with B-24s; the squadron serves as a replacement training unit.

ZI - ZONE OF INTERIOR: General of the Army Henry H "Hap" Arnold assumes command of the 20AF at Washington, DC where HQ will remain until Jul 45. Chief of Staff is Brigadier General Haywood S Hansell, Jr (currently Deputy Chief of Air Staff), with Colonel Cecil E Combs as his deputy for operations.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-25s damage railroad and rolling stock at Shwebo. 80+ fighter-bombers and 2 B-25s hit troops in the Namti area, support ground forces NE of Kamaing, damage a bridge near Myitkyina, and hit troops, oil dumps, and supplies at Mogaung and Manywet.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, P-40s from Suichwan pound a barrack SW of Nanchang, causing heavy damage; a B-25 strike during the night of 6/7 Apr on airfields near Canton is curtailed by bad weather; only 1 B-25 reaches the target, dropping fragmentation bombs on revetments.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 290: 12 of 12 B-24s hit V-weapon sites at Watten, France without loss. Escort is provided by 27 P-47s without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Units arriving in England from the US with P-47s: 23FS, 36FG, at Kingsnorth (first Mission is 8 May); and 512FBS, 406FBG, at Ashford (first Mission is 9 May).

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): B-24s bomb the airfield at Zagreb, Yugoslavia; numerous other B-24s and B-17s abort because of weather; escorting fighters and the bombers claim 17 enemy fighters destroyed in combat; 6 US aircraft are shot down.

HQ 451BG(H) and 724th, 725th, 726th and 727BS(H) move from San Pancrazio and Manduria to Castelluccio Airfield, Italy with B-24s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s hit Perugia Airfield while B-26s bomb a bridge and its approaches NW of Orvieto; weather prevents other medium bomber operations; fighter-bombers attack the railroad stations at Capronica and Maccarese, guns SE of Littoria, a road bridge E of Pescasseroli, railroad bridges in the Arezzo area, other rail facilities in C Italy, and small transport vessels in the Aegean Sea.

10TCS, 60TCG, moves from Pomigliano to Brindisi, Italy with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll bomb Wake Island. B-25s from Eniwetok Atoll hit Ponape Island twice. B-25s from Abemama Island bomb Jaluit Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll, and hit Maloelap Atoll during the return flight.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 34 B-24s pound Dublon Island, Truk Atoll. On New Britain Island, 22 B-25s bomb Lakunai Airfield and revetment area; 30+ fighter-bombers bomb the vicinity of Toboi wharf with incendiaries while 20+ others carry out incendiary strike on Wunapope, causing severe destruction to several buildings; and fighters maintain a sweep over Rabaul and New Ireland Island areas.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, P-39s, P-40s and P-47s continue to pound coastal targets in the Wewak, Aitape, and Madang areas and at numerous other points along the coast. B-25s bomb Koepang, Timor Island.

 FRIDAY, 7 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 8 B-24s dispatched to destroy a convoy, believed SE of Matsuwa Island, Kurile Islands, turn back due to engine, navigation and weather difficulties. A flight of F-7As of the 2d Photographic Charting Squadron, 1Photographic Charting Group, 311(Photo)Wing (Mapping and Charting), arrives in the Aleutian Islands; its Mission is mapping of the Kurile Islands. The squadron is based at Peterson Field, Colorado Springs, Colorado and sends detachments to various parts of the world to photo map.

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): 74th and 397BS(H), VI BC, move from Guatemala City, Guatemala and the Galapagos Islands respectively to Rio Hato, Panama with B-24s.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20+ P-51s and B-25s hit gun positions at Mawlu; throughout the Mogaung Valley 100+ fighter-bombers and 2 B-25s hit numerous targets including fuel and ammunition stores near Manywet, supplies and a railroad station at Myitkyina, supplies and radio station at Sahmaw, the Kamaing area, bridges at Nsopzup and supply dumps W of Mogaung; 30+ of the fighter-bombers carry out ground support missions at Shaduzup.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 7 P-40s strafe 3 barges and several junks at Saint John Island, China, leaving them burning. 2 B-24s on a sweep from Hong Kong to Formosa claim a large river boat and a small freighter sunk and 2 other freighters damaged; 1 B-24 is lost. 4 P-40s attack a large concentration of small vessels at Haiphong, French Indochina, sinking at least 4.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (XX BC): HQ 462BG (Very Heavy) arrives at Piardoba, India from the US.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, 400+ B-17s and B-24s attack marshalling yards; the B-17s bomb Treviso; the B-24s hit Mestre and Bologna; almost 100 P-38s provide escort; P-47s fly a sweep over the Gorizia-Udine area; the bombers and fighters claim almost 20 aircraft shot down.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack bridges, tracks and a viaduct at Attigliano, Ficulle, Certaldo, Pontassieve and Incisa in Valdarno, and hit Prato marshalling yard; light bombers hit an ammunition dump; Ausonia, Pignataro Interamna, San Apollinare and Terracina are bombed by P-40s along with a dump and several gun positions SE of Rome; P-47s also hit bridges and trucks in this same area and attack the Empoli marshalling yard while A-36s hit gun emplacements, train and tracks in the Orvieto area and vicinity and approaches to the Montalto di Castro bridge.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Tarawa Atoll hit Maloelap Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll, and bomb Jaluit Atoll on the return flight.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 50+ fighter-bombers pound supply areas at Ratawul; 9 B-25s hit Talili Bay, 11 bomb Vunakanau Airfield and 13 blast Tobera Airfield; 6 B-25s maintain night heckling of the Rabaul area. On Bougainville Island, 4 P-40s bomb pillboxes near the Reini River while 2 B-24s bomb Monoitu Mission.

HQ 5BG(H) moves from Munda, New Georgia Island to Momote Airfield, Los Negros Island, Admiralty Islands.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-25s, A-20s and P-39s hit villages, barges, a supply area, and coastal road in areas around Madang, Tadji, Bogia, and Uligan Harbor; and B-24s bomb Langgoer and Wakde Island. Other B-25s bomb barracks at Penfoei, Timor Island.

 SATURDAY, 8 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, nearly 100 fighter-bombers and 2 B-25s again pound Mogaung Valley targets, including Manywet, storage areas and railroad at Mogaung, positions at Shaduzup and general targets of opportunity around Kamaing; 4 B-25s damage bridge and track at Sittang.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 11 B-24s bomb railroad yards at Hanoi, French Indochina. In China, 6 B-25s damage several small ships in Yulinkan Bay; 2 others strafe an airfield on Weichow Island; 8 P-40s pound oil dumps at Wanling, leaving the target area in flames. 9 B-24s bomb the airfield on Samah Bay, Hainan Island; 4 others lay mines in the bay.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 291: 3 separate forces, a total of 664 bombers divided into 13 combat wings, escorted by 780 fighters, are dispatched against airfields in NW Germany and aircraft factories in the Brunswick area; 34 bombers and 23 fighters are lost.

1. 59 of 59 B-17s hit Oldenburg Airfield; 32 B-17s are damaged; casualties are 5 WIA.

2. 255 B-17s are dispatched to Achmer, Quakenbruck and Rheine Airfields; 83 hit Quakenbruck, 60 hit Achmer, 41 hit Rheine, 22 hit Twente Enschede, 21 hit Hesepe, 19 hit Handorf and 3 hit targets of opportunity; 4 B-17s are lost and 128 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 3 WIA and 40 MIA.

3. 350 B-24s are dispatched to aviation industry targets in Brunswick; 190 hit the primary, 59 hit Rosslingen, 48 hit Langenhagen Airfield and 6 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 58-9-32 Luftwaffe aircraft; 30 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 87 damaged; casualties are 8 KIA, 23 WIA and 300 MIA.

Escort is provided by 136 P-38s, 438 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 206 8AF and 9AF P-51s; the fighters claim 88-3-46 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 49-6-38 on the ground: 5 P-38s are lost and 3 damaged, 5 pilots are MIA; 4 P-47s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 12 damaged, 4 pilots are MIA; 14 P-51s are lost and 3 damaged, 14 pilots are MIA.

Mission 292: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 1million leaflets on Liege, Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, and Mont-sur-Sombre, Belgium at 2215-2227 hours without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Belgium, 198 B-26s attack Hasselt marshalling yard and hit Coxyde Airfield; and 32 P-47s bomb the area around Hasselt.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): HQ 484BG(H) and 824th and 827BS(H) arrive at Torretto Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 29 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack a bridge NW of Orte while A-20s successfully attack supply stores; fighterbombers hit several bridges, motor transport, and supply dumps in C Italy, and bomb railroad tracks at Sesti Bagni and Maccarese.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s flying out of Kwajalein Atoll, strike Truk Atoll; Abemama Island-based B-25s pound Ponape Island;

B-25s from Tarawa Atoll hit Maloelap Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll and bomb Jaluit Atoll during the return flight.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): During the night of 7/8 Apr 6 B-25s heckle the Kavieng Airfield area on New Ireland Island. On New Britain Island, 50+ fighter-bombers hit the NE section of Rabaul and 24 B-25s bomb the center of Lakunai Airfield. 4 B-24s again pound Monoitu Mission on Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, P-40s attack targets of opportunity in the Aitape-Wewak area; and A-20s hit targets in the Hansa Bay area, firing a fuel dump and destroying several warehouses and other buildings at 3 plantations and strafing and bombing roads and bridges along the coast.

HQ 417BG(L) moves from Dobodura to Saidor, New Guinea.

 SUNDAY, 9 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A weather sortie over Matsuwa Island is negative due to low clouds and fog.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, the Mogaung Valley is pounded by 100+ fighter-bombers and a few B-25s; the aircraft hit town areas, bridges, storage areas, support ground forces, and hit targets of opportunity in general in or near Mogaung, Kamaing, Laban, Hopin, Myitkyina, and Nsopzup; 25 B-25s and P-51s hit fuel dumps at Indaw, bomb a road near Manhton and support ground forces at Lasai; 6 B-24s bomb Mandalay railroad yards, another bomBSnearby Maymyo, and 13 others mine areas near Mandalay and Magwe; also in the Mandalay area, 11 P-38s damage several locomotives, numerous railroad cars and set a steamer afire near Ywataung.

The detachment of the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, 10AF operating from Hsinching, China transfers to Jorhat, India with F-7s; the squadron is based at Guskhara, India.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 2 B-25s claim a 200-ft (61m): tanker sunk off Cape Bastion and 3 fighters shot down over Yulinkan Bay.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 293: 542 bombers and 719 fighters are dispatched to aircraft factories and airfields in Germany and Poland; the bombers claim 45-8-14 Luftwaffe aircraft; 32 bombers and 10 fighters are lost; 10 bombers are damaged beyond repair. Details are: 1. 145 B-17s are dispatched to aviation industry at Rahmel, Poland and Marienburg, Germany; 96 hit Marienburg, 41 hit Rahmel and 3 hit targets of opportunity; 6 B-17s are lost and 44 damaged; casualties are 8 KIA, 9 WIA and 60 MIA.

2. 151 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Focke-Wulf plant at Poznan, Poland and the Heinkel plant at Warnemunde, Germany; 85 hit Warnemunde, 33 hit Poznan and 18 hit Marienehe Airfield; 12 B-17s are lost and 93 damaged; casualties are 6 WIA and 120 MIA.

3. 246 B-24s are dispatched to hit an assembly plant at Tutow, Germany; 106 hit the primary, 14 hit Parchim, Germany and 6 hit targets of opportunity; 14 B-24s are lost and 30 damaged; casualties are 17 KIA, 6 WIA and 140 MIA.

Escort is provided by 119 P-38s, 387 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 213 8AF and 9AF P-51s; the fighters claim 20-1-6 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 19-0-8 on the ground; no fighter support is available over the targets because of bad weather or distance: 2 P-38s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 9 damaged, casualties are 1 KIA and 2 MIA; 4 P-47s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 2 damaged, casualties are 2 KIA, 2 WIA and 3 MIA; 4 P-51s are lost and 1 damaged beyond repair, 1 pilot is MIA.

Mission 294: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 2.752 million leaflets on Rouen, Paris, Amiens and Caen, France at 2224-2338 hours without loss.

23 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 14th Liaison Squadron, US Strategic AFs in Europe (attached to US Third Army), arrives at Alderley Edge, England from the US with L-5s; first Mission is in Jul.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 815th, 816th, 817th and 840BS(H), 483BG(H), arrive at Sterparone Airfield, Italy from the US with B-17s; first Mission is 12 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, P-40 and A-36 fighterbombers bomb the railroad line between Rome and Bracciano, hitting tracks, a station, and a warehouse; attack Littoria and Terracina, repair shops NW of Valmontone and several gun positions; and bomb scattered motor transport during armed reconnaissance of the Avezzano-Sora-Pontecorvo-Ceprano areas.

379BS(M), 310BG(M), moves from Ghisonaccia, Corsica to Fano, Italy with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s on a photo reconnaissance mission over Maloelap, Wotje, and Mille Atolls, Marshall Islands, and a single Tarawa Atoll-based B-25 bombs Taroa Island, Maloelap Atoll; B-25s, in a shuttle Mission from Abemama Island, bomb Jaluit Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll, and then hit Maloelap Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s bomb Lakunai; 31 fighter-bombers hit Ralum supply areas while 22 others strike Wunapope; and during the night of 8/9 Apr, 7 B-25s fly heckling missions against Rabaul.

394BS(H), 5BG(H), ceases operating from Munda, New Georgia Island; the squadron is based on Guadalcanal Island with B-24s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 55 B-25s bomb the Aitape area while B-24s and A-20s hit Wewak, Boram, Cape Moem, AA positions along Hansa Bay, and barges SE of Mushu Island and in the Wagol River; and P-39s hit troops, barges, and bridges in the Madang, Awar, Bogia and Bunabun areas.

675BS(L), 417BG(L), moves from Dobodura to Saidor, New Guinea with A-20s.

 MONDAY, 10 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, 3 B-24s fly armed reconnaissance over Matsuwa and Onnekotan Islands.

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): 29BS(H), VI Bomber Command, moves from the Galapagos Islands to Howard Field, Canal Zone with B-24s.

ZI - AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (1AF): 1Search Attack Group and 2d, 3d and 4th Search Attack SquadronS(H) are disbanded at Langley Field, Virginia; these units tested equipment and developed techniques and tactics for ASW, flew ASW patrols and served as an OTU for radar training.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, about 100 fighter-bombers and a few B-25s pound numerous targets, including an encampment SW of Mogaung, positions near Kazu, a railroad and truck park at Myitkyina, a supply area S of Myitkyina, and a bivouac area and supplies at Kamaing; some of the fighterbombers carry out support of ground forces NE of Kamaing; 40+ fighter-bombers and B-25s over the Katha area hit a bridge at Thityabin, troops and supplies at Shwegu, gun positions and troops S of Mawlu, and targets of opportunity including a fuel dump; and 9 B-24s bomb the railroad station and jetty area at Moulmein while 4 others mine the mouth of the Tavoy River.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 3 B-25s damage 2 bridges at Phu Dien Chau, French Indochina, and destroy several buildings and some railroad track. 10 P-40s pound roads N and S of Wanling, Burma.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (XX BC): The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS): informally approve Operation MATTERHORN, the plan for the bombing of Japan by B-29s based in the Calcutta, India area and staging through advanced fields in the Chengtu, China area, which had been approved in principle by President Franklin D Roosevelt on 10 Nov 43. The operational vehicle is to be the 58BW(VH), (4 BGs) of the XX BC, soon to be assigned to the newly activated 10AF, operating under General of the Army Henry H "Hap" Arnold as executive agent for the JCS.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 295: 729 bombers and 496 fighters are dispatched to hit aviation industry targets and airfields in Belgium and France; 3 bombers and 2 fighters are lost.

1. 238 B-17s are dispatched to bomb aviation industry targets in Belgium; 123 bomb the aviation industry and airfield at Evere, 52 hit Brussels/Melsbroek Airfield, 39 hit aviation industry targets at Brussels, and 20 hit Bergen op Zoom; 1 B-17 is lost and 99 damaged; casualties are 4 WIA and 10 MIA.

2. 248 B-17s are dispatched to hit aviation industry targets and airfields in Belgium and France; in Belgium, 62 hit Maldagem Airfield, 60 hit Diest/Schaffen Airfield and 42 hit Florennes/Juzaine Airfield; in France, 21 hit Courcelles and 21 hit Beaumont sur Oise Airfield; they claim 0-2-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 B-17 is lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 19 damaged; casualties are 10 MIA.

3. 243 B-24s are dispatched to hit the airfield and aviation industry targets; in Belgium, 151 hit the airfield and aviation industry at Bourges; in France, 28 hit Orleans/Bricy Airfield, 21 hit Romarantin Airfield and 15 hit V-weapon sites at Marquise/Mimoyecques; they claim 6-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 B-24 is lost and 3 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 10 MIA.

Escort is provided by 51 P-38s, 295 P-47s and 150 8AF and 9AF P-51s: P-38s haveno claims or losses; P-47s claim 12-0-7 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-47 is lost and 4 damaged, 1 pilot is MIA; P-51s claim 40-0-16 aircraft, 1 P-51 is lost and 1 damaged, 1 pilot is MIA.

Mission 296: Three forces are dispatched on fighter-bomber mission s; all include P-38 Droopsnoot aircraft: 1. 39 P-38s are dispatched to attack Florennes/Juzaine Airfield, Belgium; no losses or claims.

2. 51 P-38s and 7 P-47s are dispatched to attack St Dizier, France; the primary is cloud covered and 16 P-38s attack Coulommiers Airfield, France; 2 P-38s are lost and 1 damaged; 2 pilots are MIA; the P-47s claim 2-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground.

3. 28 P-38s and 46 P-47s are dispatched to bomb Gutersloh, Germany; 1 P-38 is lost, the pilot is MIA.

Mission 297: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 2 million leaflets on Lille, Le Mans, Chartres, Reims and Orleans, France at 2212-2258 hours local without loss.

23 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 258 B-26s and 41A-20s, including 12 aircraft dropping Window, attack coastal batteries at Le Harve/Le Grand Hameau, France and military installation nearby. In Belgium during the afternoon 267 B-26s and A-20s bomb the marshalling yard, airfield, coastal defenses, and NOBALL targets at Charleroi/Montignies, Namur, Coxyde, Nieuport and other points on the N coast of W Europe. 47 P-47s dive-bomb the airfield at Evreux, France.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 776BS(H), 464BG(H), arrives at Pantanella Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 30 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s hit an ammunition dump at Gallicano nel Lazio; B-25s bomb the Orvieto marshalling yard and 2 bridges; B-26s hit Poggibonsi and Cecina railroad bridges and tracks, and viaducts at Bucine and W of Arezzo; fighter-bombers operating over wide areas of C Italy and in the battle zones hit railroad bridges, railroad cars, motor transport, barracks, and troop concentrations with good effect.

522d, 523and 524FBSs, 27FBG, move from Pomigliano to Castel Volturno, Italy with A-36s and P-40s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Truk Atoll (1 hits Ponape Island) while B-25s, based on Abemama Island, strike Ponape. B-25s, flying a shuttle Mission between Tarawa and Majuro Atolls, pound Maloelap and Jaluit Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 22 B-25s bomb the Ratawul supply area and 40+ fighter-bombers hit the runway at Tobera, both strikes causing considerable damage; night harassment of the Rabaul area continues.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): About 60 B-24s, teaming with US destroyers offshore, bombard the Hansa Bay, New Guinea area, concentrating on AA positions guarding airfields.

672BS(L), 417BG(L), moves from Dobodura to Saidor, New Guinea with A-20s.

 TUESDAY, 11 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): Of 3 B-24s attempting to fly a photographic and bombing run over Matsuwa Island installations, 2 must turn back; the third bombs the runway area.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 17 P-51s and B-25s fly ground support missions and bomb a road near Maungkan; Mogaung Valley targets are pounded by 50+ fighter-bombers and 2 B-25s; targets include HQ and stores at Sahmaw, HQ and ammunition dump SW of Mogaung, troops at Myitkyina, and targets of opportunity to the S, a gun position S of Kamaing, and HQ at Waingmaw.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 3 B-25s hit railroad targets of opportunity N of Vinh and seriously damage a bridge S of Thanh Hoa.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (XX BC): Units arriving in India from the US: HQ 444BG(VH), and 676BS(VH), at Charra with B-29s (first Mission is 5 Jun); and 25BS(VH), 40BG(VH), at Chakulia with B-29s (first Mission is 5 Jun).

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 298: 917 bombers and 819 fighters are dispatched in 3 separate forces to bomb production centers (primarily fighter aircraft factories) and targets of opportunity in N Germany; 64 bombers are lost, one of the heaviest single-day losses of World War II. The bombers also drop 2.4 million leaflets. Details are: 1. 341 B-17s are dispatched to hit aviation industry targets at Sorau (108 bomb) and Cottbus (17 bomb); 127 hit Stettin, 20 hit Trechel, 16 hit Dobberphel and 23 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 12-2-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 19 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 190 damaged; casualties are 12 KIA, 13 WIA and 200 MIA.

2. Of 302 B-17s dispatched, 172 hit Rostock, 52 hit Politz, 35 hit the industrial area at Arnimswalde and 15 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 34-20-19 Luftwaffe aircraft; 33 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 153 damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 9 WIA and 330 MIA.

3. 274 B-24s are dispatched to hit aviation industry targets at Oschersleben (121bomb) and Berenburg (99 bomb); 9 bomb aviation industry targets at Halberstadt, 9 bomb Eisleben and 5 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 27-2-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 12 B-24s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 63 damaged; casualties are 5 KIA, 9 WIA and 122 MIA.

Escort is provided by 124 P-38s, 454 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 2418AF and 9AF P-51s; the fighters claim 51-5-25 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 65-0-67 on the grounds: no P-38s are lost; 7 P-47s are lost and 16 damaged, 7 pilots are MIA; 9 P-51s are lost and 13 damaged, 9 pilots are MIA.

Mission 299: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 2 million leaflets on Paris, Rouen, Le Mans, Rennes, Vichy, Lyon, Limoges and Toulouse between 2301 and 0055 hours local without loss.

12 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Belgium, 229 B-26s and 36 A-20s, including 3 dropping Window, attack Charleroi/Montignies, military installations on the coast, and Chievres Airfield. 90+ P-47s dive-bomb a military installation and Gael Airfield, France.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s hit the Montalto di Castro railroad bridge, while B-26s hit marshalling yards at Ancona and

Siena; fighter-bombers concentrate on attacks against railroad targets NE of Rome and buildings inland from the E coast; tracks are hit hard in the Arezzo-Pontassieve area as are stations at Maccarese and Cesano; an overpass, bridges, railroad cars and dumps throughout C Italy are attacked, as is the town of Gaeta.

488BS(M), 340BG(M), moves from Gaudo Airfield, Italy to Alesan, Corsica with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from the Gilbert Islands hit Ponape Island, rearm at Majuro Atoll, and carry out a shuttle Mission against Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Thirteenth Air Task Force (Provisional) is created by General George C Kenney, Commanding General Allied AF (Southwest Pacific Area), from elements of the Thirteenth AF and other units.

On New Britain Island, about 40 fighter-bombers hit the E section of Rabaul while 12 others strike Talili Bay ammunition dump; 24 B-25s blast supply areas at Ratawul. On Bougainville Island, 20+ fighter-bombers are dispatched against coastal gun positions but fail to locate their objective; 12 of the fighter-bombers bomb Aitara while 2 claim destruction of a bridge near Mawareka.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 80+ A-20s and B-25s, supported by 30 P-47s and P-40s, blast AA positions, stores, dumps and personnel areas at Hollandia; 50+ B-24s bomb barges, AA guns, and other targets along Hansa Bay which is also hit by 12 B-25s. 12 other B-25s bomb targets on Karkar Island.

 WEDNESDAY, 12 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 90+ P-40s, A-36s, P-51s, and B-25s over the Mogaung Valley support ground forces, bomb supply areas, and hit numerous targets of opportunity in areas around Mogaung, Myitkyina, Kamaing, Taungni, and Shaduzup; 5 B-25s knock out a bridge at Natmauk while 2 others damage the Pyu bridge near Rangoon; 5 B-24s bomb Nagorn Sawarn while 7 hit the Moulmein railroad station and jetties and bomb the SE part of Prome.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 300: 455 bombers and 766fighters dispatched to bomb industrial targets at Schweinfurt, Zwickau, Oscheresleben, Schkeuditz, Halle and Leipzig are forced to abandon the mission because of haze and multilayer clouds; Luftwaffe fighter opposition is concentrated over N France and the bombers claim 10-6-7 fighters; 6 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; 25 B-24s are damaged; casualties are 12 KIA, 16 WIA and 56 MIA. Escort is provided by 124 P-38s, 449 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 193 8AF and 9AF P-51s; they claim 18-1-3 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-8 on the ground; 3 P-38s and 2 P-51s are lost, 2 P-47s are damaged beyond repair and 3 P-38s, 17 P-47s and 1 P-51 are damaged; 5 pilots are MIA.

HQ 353FG moves from Metfield to Raydon, England.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 231 B-26s and 20 A-20s attack railroad, shore batteries, radar installations, airfields, and V-weapon sites at Dunkirk and Courtrai/Wevelghem, France; Coxyde/Furnes, De Pannes-Bains, Saint Ghislain and Ostend, Belgium; and points along the coast. 70+ P-47s dive-bomb military installations in N France.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 483BG(H) with B-17s becomes operational, increasing the number of combat status bomber groups to 17. Bad weather lifts, permitting bomber operations; almost 450 B-17s and B-24s attack targets in Austria and Yugoslavia; the B-17s hit aircraft factories at Fischamend Markt, Austria and Split, Yugoslavia; the B-24s hit the industrial area at Wiener Neustadt and Bad Voslau, Austria and the marshalling yard and air depot at Zagreb, Yugoslavia; 200+ P-38s and P-47s provide escort; the bombers and fighters claim 30+ enemy aircraft shot down; 8 US airplanes are known lost and several more fail to return.

HQ 465BG(H) and 783BS(H) arrive at Pantanell Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 5 May.

122LS, 68TRG, moves from Manduria, Italy to Blida, Algeria with B-17s; the squadron, which has been transporting supplies to partisans and dropping leaflets in the MTO, will be redesignated 885BS(H) on 12 May and was re-equipped with B-24s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers bomb rail lines approaching the Monte Molino bridge and at a nearby junction to the Viterbo line, railroad and road bridges S of Orvieto and at Certaldo, tracks approaching a bridge at Impeda, and railroad bridges over the Var River and at Albenga; light bombers pound the Zagarolo supply dump; fighter-bombers and fighters (some operating with British aircraft) hit communications (mainly railroad bridges), vehicles, supply dumps at various places, including Arezzo, the island of Elba, Orvieto, NE of Grosseto, NW of Bracciano, Civita Castellana, Montalto di Castro, between Piombino and Viterbo, in the Castiglioncello area, NW of Montepescali and S of Cecina.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s, flying out of Abemama Island, bomb Maloelap Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll, and hit Jaluit Atoll on the return trip.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): HQ 5BG(H) is ordered to move from Guadalcanal Island and New Georgia Island to Los Negros Island where it will form the nucleus of the Thirteenth Air Task Force.

On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s and 11 P-39s pound the W section of Rabaul, 7 other B-25s cause considerable damage in the Ratawul supply area; 23 fighter-bombers blast the concrete airstrip at Vunakanau. On Bougainville Island 12 fighter-bombers bomb and strafe the Numa Numa trail and pound the harbor area.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 180+ B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s, supported by 60+ P-38s, bomb AA positions, airfields, supply areas and shipping construction; B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and P-39s bomb and strafe various targets at Wewak, Madang, along Hansa Bay and on Karkar Island; other P-39s fly a barge sweep from Alexishafen up the coast as far as the mouth of the Sepik River. 2 B-25s bomb Penfoei on Timor Island.

 THURSDAY, 13 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s fly armed reconnaissance and bombing runs over the airfield on Matsuwa Island and installations on Onnekotan Island.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 90+ P-40s, P-51s and A-36s and a few B-25s carry out ground support missions near Kamaing and hit assorted targets throughout the Mogaung Valley; 12 B-25s and 11 P-51 s support ground forces at Mawlu.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 28 fighters attempt to intercept but fail to make contact with 13 Japanese airplanes which bomb Namyung, China.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (XX BC): Units arriving in India with B-29s from the US: HQ 468BG(VH), and 792d, 793d, 794th and 795BSs(VH), at Kharagpur; 677th and 679BSs(VH), 444BG (Very Heavy), at Charra; first Mission for all units is 5 Jun 44.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 301: 626 bombers and 871 fighters are dispatched to hit targets in Germany; the bombers claim 22-13-34 Luftwaffe aircraft and the fighters claim 42-8-10 in the air and 35-0-21on the ground; 38 bombers and 9 fighters are lost; the bombers also drop 5.2 million leaflets on Germany; this Mission is flown in conjunction with a raid on Hungary by 500+ 15AF bombers and a 9AF B-26 raid in S The Netherlands; details are: 1. 154 of 172 B-17s hit the industrial area at Schweinfurt and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 14 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 127 damaged; casualties are 11 WIA and 139 MIA.

2. 207 of 243 B-17s bomb aviation industry targets at Augsburg and 20 hit the city of Augsburg; 18 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 178 damaged; casualties are 3 KIA, 16 WIA and 170 MIA.

3. 211 B-24s are dispatched to hit Lechfeld Airfield; 93 hit the primary, 60 bomb aviation industry targets at Oberpfaffenhofen; 29 hit Lauffern and 2 hit targets of opportunity; 6 B-24s are lost and 45 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 3 WIA and 60 MIA.

Escort is provided by 134 P-38s, 504 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 233 8AF and 9AF P-51s; 3 P-38s are lost and 1 damaged beyond repair; 2 P-47s are lost; and 4 P-51s are lost and 1 damaged beyond repair; a total of 11 fighters are damaged; casualties are 2 WIA and 8 MIA.

Mission 302: 4 of 5 B-17s dispatched drop 800,000 leaflets on Amsterdam, The Hague and Eindhoven, The Netherlands at 2235-2252 hours without loss.

SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (SHAEF): General of the Army Dwight D Eisenhower formally assumes direction of air operations out of the UK at 0000 hours (though he began informal exercise of this authority in late Mar 44). This assumption of authority gives Eisenhower direction over the Allied Expeditionary AF (AEAF), RAF Bomber Command, and US Strategic AFs in Europe (USSTAF) (the 15AF retains some degree of independence) along with the US 1Army Group, British 21 Army Group, and Allied Naval Forces.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 121 B-26s and 37 A-20s attack a marshalling yard, coastal batteries, airfields and V-weapon sites at Namur, Chievres and Nieuport, Belgium; Le Havre, France; and along the N coast of France in general; nearly 175 other aircraft abort missions mainly because of weather; and 48 P-47s also dive-bomb V-weapon sites.

Moves in England: HQ 358FG and 365th, 366th and 367FS from Raydon to High Halden with P-47s; HQ 362FG from Wormingford to Headcorn.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 535 heavy bombers (largest bomber mission to date) bomb targets in Hungary; the B-17s bomb an aircraft plant and depot at Gyor; the B-24s bomb an aircraft factory at Budapest and air depots at Budapest, Tokol and Vecses; fighter opposition and AA account for 14 US bombers and 1 fighter shot down; 40 enemy fighters are claimed shot down and 120+ aircraft destroyed on the ground.

779BS(H), 464BG(H), arrives at Pantanella Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 30 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack Terni and a bridge at Marsciano while B-26s bomb Ancona marshalling yard and a nearby railroad bridge; fighter-bombers again strike mainly at communications, the town of Itri, Cesano station, a factory at Fontana Liri, a railroad overpass at Fara in Sabina, Anguillara, and bridges, trucks and other targets at points throughout C Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s out of Eniwetok Atoll strike Truk Atoll; B-25s from Abemama Island hit Ponape Island; B-25s from Tarawa Atoll bomb Jaluit Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll and hit Maloelap Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s blast Talili Bay and Ratawul supply areas and the town of Rabaul; 40+ fighter-bombers strike the Malaguna area NW of Rabaul; 17 fighter-bombers hit personnel and supply areas at Mosigetta, Mawareka, Meive, and Maririei.

During the early morning 23 B-24s bomb Truk Atoll.

394BG(H), 5BG(H), moves from Guadalcanal Island to Momote Airfield, Los Negros Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 80+ B-24s and A-20s pound the airfields at Dagua and But on the N coast of New Guinea; 33 A-20s hit Aitape; P-39s, B-25s, and B-24s fly light strikes against a variety of targets along Hansa Bay, on Wakde Island, at Uligan, and several other points along the coast.

 FRIDAY, 14 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s fly armed photo reconnaissance mission during early the morning over Matsuwa, Onnekotan, and Paramushiru Islands, Kurile Islands. Photographs taken are negative due to cloud cover.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20 P-40s over the Mogaung Valley attack a camp at Manywet; 20 P-51s and 3 B-25s support ground forces in the Mawlu area.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 350th and 351FSs, 353FG, move from Metfield to Raydon, England with P-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Moves in England: HQ 363FG and 380th, 381 and 382FSs from Rivenhall to Staplehurst with P-51s; 355FS, 354FG, from Boxted to Lashenden with P-51s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack Viterbo Airfield and Leghorn marshalling yard, B-26s strike at Poggibonsi, Certaldo, Cecina and Magra, attacking mostly rail facilities and hit Arezzo bridge and viaduct and Bucine viaducts; fighter-bombers also concentrate on rail lines and bridges and hit many supply dumps, gun positions and factories, generally located NE of Rome.

HQ 340BG(M) moves from Paestum, Italy to Corsica.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): A single B-24, enroute from Kwajalein Atoll to Tarawa Atoll, bombs Jaluit Atoll; B-25s from Eniwetok Atoll bomb Ponape Island while B-25s from Abemama Island strike Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls, using Majuro Atoll as an arming station between strikes; Japanese bombers carry out an ineffective raid on Eniwetok Atoll.

26BS(H), 11BG(H), moves from Tarawa Atoll to Kwajalein Atoll with B-24s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 19 B-24s on a mission to the Caroline Islands bomb Eten, Param, and Kuop Islands and targets of opportunity in Truk Atoll. On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s and 40+ fighterbombers blast a supply area at Ratawul; and 8 other fighter-bombers hit Wunapope. 20+ fighter-bombers strike various targets in the NE part of Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-25s and P-39s hit barges and luggers in Vanimo Harbor and at Bogia.

673BS(L), 417BG(L), moves from Dobodura to Saidor, New Guinea with A-20s.

 SATURDAY, 15 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): During the night of 14/15 Apr 3 B-24s on armed reconnaissance mission over Matsuwa and Onnekotan Islands hit several targets including Matsuwa Airfield; reconnaissance over Paramushiru Island fails due to overcast.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 12 B-24s over the Andaman Islands attack shipping and other targets at Port Blair. 12 P-38s hit Heho Airfield, Burma, destroying several parked airplanes.

19th Liaison Squadron, US Army Forces, CBI, arrives at Kanchrapara, India with L-5s (first Mission is in Jun 44).

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 3 B-25s knock out a bridge at Viet Tri, French Indochina, and damage another.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 303: 616 fighters are dispatched on strafing sweeps of C and W Germany, airfields being the primary objectives; 33 fighters are lost: 132 P-38s claim 7-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft, 11 P-38s are lost and 16 damaged, 11 pilots are MIA; 262 P-47s claim 20-1-23 aircraft, 7 P-47s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 13 damaged, 7 pilots are MIA; 222 8AF and 9AF P-51s claim 30-0-10 aircraft, 15 P-51s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 5 damaged; 12 pilots are MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Moves in England: HQ 100FW from Ibsley to Lashenden; HQ 397BG(M) and 596th, 597th, 598th and 599BS(M) from Gosfield to Rivenhall with B-26s (first Mission is 20 Apr); 377th, 378th and 379FSs, 362FG, from Wormingford to Headcorn with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Clearing weather again permits bomber operations. 448 B-17s and B-24s attack marshalling yards; B-17s hit Ploesti, Rumania and Nis, Yugoslavia; B-24s hit Bucharest, Rumania; 150+ fighters provide escort.

A special group, led by Lieutenant Colonel Louis A Neveleff, flies from HQ at Bari, Italy to Medeno Polji, Yugoslavia and from there the group proceeds to Marshall Tito's HQ at Drvar, where Colonel Neveleff confers with Tito and spends several days laying the groundwork for the evacuation of downed US airmen in Yugoslav hands. Also, much information is gathered regarding the military organization and political trend of the partisan movement. The mission returns to Italy on 2 May and 122 men, mostly 15AF airmen, are also evacuated.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers strike a marshalling yard at Leghorn and a tunnel and railroad bridges in C Italy; P-47s attack rail lines, bridges and ammunition dumps NE of Rome with good results; other P-47s, P-40s and A-36s hit numerous targets, including rail lines, motor transport shop, vehicles, tanks and gun positions, in C Italy and in the US Fifth Army battle areas.

XII Air Support Command is redesignated XII Tactical Air Command.

Moves in Italy: HQ 332FG and 301FS from Montecorvino to Capodichino with P-39s; 486BS(M), 340BG(M), from Gaudo Airfield to Alesan, Corsica with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Major General Robert W Douglass Jr becomes Commanding General 7AF.

B-25s, based on Tarawa Atoll, bomb Maloelap Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll and hit Jaluit and Mille Atolls on the return trip.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s bomb an ammunition dump on Talili Bay; 11 P-39s follow with a strike on the same target; 3 P-38s fire the Wunapope supply area; other fighter-bomber strikes on the same area are cancelled by weather. A few P-38s hit targets in the NE part of Bougainville Island.

72BS(H), 5BG(H), moves from Munda, New Georgia Island to Momote Airfield, Los Negros Island with B-24s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 180+ B-24s, B-25s and A-20s bomb landing strips, off-shore islands and the entire coastal area in the vicinity of Aitape; 16 P-40s strafe barges at nearby Seleo Island; 20 P-39s hit villages, supply dumps, trucks and other targets along Hansa Bay and in the Alexishafen area.

 SUNDAY, 16 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s hit a bridge over the Mogaung River while 9 others, along with 12 P-51s, hit a warehouse and railroad station at Mohnyin; 9 P-38s destroy 3 medium bombers at Zayatkwin near Rangoon while 2 P-51s in the Mandalay area hit Anisakan Airfield, destroying 2 airplanes.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (XX BC): 768BS (Very Heavy), 462BG(VH), arrives at Piardoba, India with B-29s; first Mission is 5 Jun.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): HQ 55FG and 338th and 343FSs move from Nuthampstead to Wormingford, England with P-38s.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 410BG(L) and 644th, 645th, 646th and 647BS(L) move from Birch to Gosfield, England with A-20s; first Mission is 4 May.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 31FG with P-51s (transferred from 12AF on 1Apr) begins operations. It becomes the fifth operational FG of the 15AF.

432 B-17s and B-24s hit targets in Rumania and Yugoslavia; B-17s bomb the industrial area at Belgrade, Yugoslavia and an aircraft plant at Brasov, Rumania; B-24s hit marshalling yards at Brasov and Turnu Severin, Rumania; 90+ fighters fly escort while 50+ others, failing to rendezvous with the bombers, strafe trains on the Craiova line E of Turnu Severin.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb approaches to Ficulle and Todi railway bridges; A-20s blast fuel supplies; P-40s, P-47s and A-36s hit the Capranica viaduct, town of Zagarolo, railway at Spigno Monferrato, marshalling yard at Orte-Terni, tunnel at Capranica and tracks, vehicles, railway cars, ammunition dump, bridge, and targets of opportunity at various points in C Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, strike Truk Atoll; B-25s from Abemama Island hit Maloelap and Mille Atolls, using Majuro Atoll as a rearming base between the strikes.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 15 B-24s bomb the runway at Satawan Atoll, Caroline Islands. On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s hit the Ratawul supply area and alternate target of Raluana; at Rabaul 30+ fighterbombers attack area inland from Toboi wharf.

23BS(H), 5BG(H), moves from Munda, New Georgia Island to Momote Airfield, Los Negros Island with B-24s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 170+ B-24s, B-25s and A-20s bomb Hollandia town and airfield and numerous other targets in the area; P-39s hit a wooded area and communications targets along Hansa Bay and attack villages and supply dumps from Bogia to Uligan Harbor; P-38s hit Madang area; B-24s fly a light strike against Wakde Island; other aircraft, operating singly or in pairs, attack targets of opportunity on the N coast of New Guinea and SE coast of New Britain Island. Other B-25s bomb Koepang on Timor Island.

 MONDAY, 17 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 P-51s support ground forces near Meza; 9 P-38s destroy several airplanes at Heho Airfield while 5 B-24s bomb Ywataung; 26 B-25s and 36 P-51s support ground forces at Mawlu and bomb a fuel dump at Kin; 13 other P-51s are diverted to intercept a Japanese force over the Imphal, India area and claim 3 airplanes shot down.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 304: 14 of 15 B-24s bomb the V-weapon site at Wizernes, France without loss; escort is provided by 33 P-47s.

Mission 305: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 1.48 million leaflets on Rennes, Brest, Nantes, Lorient and St Nazaire, France at 2248-2258 hours without loss.

HQ 493BG(H) and 860th, 861, 862 and 863BS(H) move from Elveden Hall to Debach, England with B-24s; first Mission is 6 Jun.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Unit moves in England: HQ 70FW from Boxted to Ibsley; and HQ 354FG and 353 and 356FSs from Boxted to Lashenden with P-51s.

MTO - AAF, MTO: 121LS, AAF, MTO - moves from Oran to Telergma, Algeria with L-4s and L-5s; first Mission is in Sep 44.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 470 B-17s and B-24s hit targets in Bulgaria and Yugoslavia; B-17s bomb the industrial area, air depot and marshalling yard at Belgrade, Yugoslavia; B-24s bomb the marshalling yard at Sofia, Bulgaria; 200+ fighters escort the mission s; US aircraft claim 25 enemy aircraft downed in combat.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack bridges N of Orte and at Monte Molino, while A-20s pound a fuel dump NE of Rome; P-40, P-47 and A-36 fighter-bombers hit motor transport stores and gun positions N of Anzio, bomb Fara in Sabina station, hit tracks, trains and guns in the Orte and Narni area and at other points N of Rome.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s, based on Tarawa Atoll, strike Maloelap and Mille Atolls, rearming at Majuro Atoll between the raids.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 20 B-24s bomb the airfield at Satawan Atoll. On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s pound runway and revetments at Rapopo Airfield; 40+ fighter-bombers hit Matupi with incendiaries while 10 others pound the runway at Keravat.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 20+ B-24s bomb storage areas and troop concentrations in Kai Island, Moluccas Islands. In New Guinea, P-39s attack AA positions at Bogia; other planes, operating individually or in pairs, attack Hollandia, Uligan Harbor and vicinity and the Madang area.

674BS(L), 417BG(L), moves from Dobodura to Saidor, New Guinea with A-20s.

 TUESDAY, 18 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s fly armed reconnaissance over Matsuwa, Onnekotan, and Paramushiru Islands; cloud cover and lack of moonlight permit only bombing of Kashiwabara Airfield and the Banjo Cape area.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 7 B-24s bomb an oil plant at Yenangyaung while 5, along with 7 P-38s, hit Ywataung; 6 B-25s score numerous hits on the Mandalay-Shwebo railroad; and 15 B-25s and 4 P-51s bomb Kamaing and hit the Myitkyina-Bhamo road.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): HQ 33FG moves from Karachi, India to Shwangliu, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 306 Part 1: 776 bombers and 634 fighters are dispatched to hit airfields and aviation industry targets in Germany; the AAF claims 33-5-19 Luftwaffe aircraft; 19 bombers and 5 fighters are lost; due to poor weather, several units bomb targets of opportunity in the Berlin area; details are: 1. 275 of 280 B-17s hit aviation industry targets at Oranienburg, Perleberg Airfield, Wittenberge and targets of opportunity; 3 B-17s are lost and 90 damaged; 29 airmen are MIA.

2. 210 of 221 B-17s hit Oranienburg, Brandenburg, Luneburg Airfield, Rathenow and targets of opportunity; 14 B-17s are lost and 94 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 12 WIA and 139 MIA.

3. 248 of 275 B-24s hit Brandenburg, Rathenow, Cuxhaven, Wittenberge and targets of opportunity; 2 B-24s are lost and 20 damaged; 5 airmen are WIA and 20 MIA.

Escort is provided by 119 P-38s, 296 P-47s and 219 8AF AND 9AF P-51s; 1 P-38, 1 P-47 and 3 P-51s are lost; 3 P-38s are damaged beyond repair and 7 P-38s, 3 P-47s and 18 P-51s are damaged; 4 pilots are MIA.

Mission 306 Part 2: 12 of 12 B-24s hit V-weapon sites at Watten, France; 1 B-24 is damaged; escort is provided by 36 P-47s without loss.

Mission 307: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 2.56 million leaflets on Stavanger, Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim, Norway at 2336-0041 hours without loss.

HQ 492BG(H) arrives at North Pickenham, England from the US.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 277 B-26s, including 24 dropping Window, and 37 A-20s bomb gun positions and marshalling yards at Dunkirk, Calais, and Charleroi/Saint Martin, France.

XIX Air Support Command is redesignated XIX Tactical Air Command and becomes operational and IX Air Support Command is redesignated IX Tactical Air Command.

Unit moves in England: HQ 440TCG from Bottesford to Exeter; 423NFS, IX Tactical Air Command, arrives at Chormy Down from the US with A-20s, the squadron Mission will change to photo recon and they will fly their first Mission on 6 Jun and be redesignated 155(Photo)RS on 22 Jun.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, P-38s and P-47s strafe Udine and Aiello Airfields and targets of opportunity in the Basiliano, Sant' Andrea Island, and Cervignano del Friuli areas and in Golfo di Panzano; other fighters fly cover for the strafing missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, P-47 fighter-bombers cut several rail lines in the Florence and Arezzo areas and strafe trains and motor transport; P-40s and P-47s hit Itri and a rail bridge and fuel dumps as the campaign against communications continues.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): First 7AF attack on the Marianas Islands takes place as B-24s escorting USN aircraft on a photographic reconnaissance mission from Eniwetok Atoll bomb Saipan Island.

Other B-24s staging through Eniwetok Atoll hit Truk Atoll. B-25s from Tarawa Atoll bomb Ponape Island; B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll bomb Wake Island after failing to find shipping reported in the area; and B-25s from Abemama Island bomb Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls, using Majuro Atoll as a shuttle base between strikes.

19FS, 318FG, moves from Kualoa Field to Bellows Field, Hawaii with P-47s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 14 B-24s bomb the airfield at Satawan Atoll; on New Britain Island, 23 B-25s, weathered out of Vunakanau, bomb Tobera Airfield; 12 others and 9 fighter-bombers which fail to reach Rapopo bomb the airstrip at Keravat; Wunapope is hit by about 40 fighter-bombers, with considerable damage to the supply area.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): The newly created (11Apr): Thirteenth Air Task Force (Provisional) commanded by Major General St Clair Streett and temporarily composed of elements of the 13AF (which is being moved to the SWPA), a few (RAAF): squadrons, USN Seventh Fleet air units, and 5AF units in the Admiralty Islands and New Britain Island, is placed under operational control of 5AF Advanced Echelon. Operating out of Momote Airfield, Los Negros Island, B-24s of Thirteenth Air Task Force bomb Woleai Atoll and Mariaon Island, Caroline Islands.

In New Guinea, B-24s of the 5AF hit Manokwari and Babo; and the Madang area is hit by fighter-bombers.

HQ 54TCW moves from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea.

 WEDNESDAY, 19 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-25s and 8 P-51s attack troops and stores NW of Banmauk; 10 P-38s hit the airfield near Meiktila; and 5 P-51s attack troop positions near Mawlu and a bridge at Shweli.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 3 B-25s damage a bridge at Thanh Moi, French Indochina and score hits on railroad and buildings S of the bridge. 4 P-40s attack the village of Takaw, Burma, causing several fires and sink a ferryboat in the area.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): XX BC is assigned to HQ 20AF.

769th and 770BSs(VH), 462BG(VH), arrive at Piardoba, India from the US with B-29s; first Mission is 5 Jun.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 308 Part 1: 772 bombers and 697 fighters are dispatched in 3 forces to bomb Germany; they claim 17-1-6 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 bombers and 2 fighters are lost: 1. 271 of 277 B-17s hit the Kassel area, Eschwege Airfield, Limburg and a target of opportunity; 5 B-17s are lost and 119 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 5 WIA and 47 MIA.

2. 243 of 246 B-17s hit Lippstadt and Werl Airfields and a target of opportunity; 21 B-17s are damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 8 WIA and 55 MIA.

3. 230 of 249 B-24s bomb Paderborn and Gutersloh Airfields, Soest, Koblenz, Buren and targets of opportunity; 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 10 are damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 3 WIA and 8 MIA.

Escort is provided by 127 P-38s, 439 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 1318AF and 9AF P-51s; they claim 16-1-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 P-51s are lost and 4 P-47s and 5 P-51s are damaged; 2 pilots are MIA.

Mission 308 Part 2: 27 out of 27 B-24s bomb V-weapon sites at Watten, France; 1 B-24 is lost; escort is provided by 47 9AF P-47s without loss.

HQ 56FG and 61 and 63FSs move from Halesworth to Boxted, England with P-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): After several weeks of instruction, a IX AFs Services Command training exercise (Operation BOOMERANG) in waterproofing and landing motor vehicles gets under way. This exercise, in preparation for a cross-channel movement lasts several weeks and involves 55 units, over 650 vehicles, and more than 2,500 men.

350+ B-26s and A-20s bomb marshalling yards, city areas, and targets of opportunity at Gunzburg, Ulm, Neu Ulm, Donauworth, and Schelklingen, Germany; and fighters fly over 1,200 sorties against a variety of targets in NW Europe.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Bad weather severely restricts operations. In Italy, B-26s hit Cecina railroad bridge and Ancona marshalling yard while B-25s hit a marshalling yard at Piombino; P-47s hit railroad tracks, a marshalling yard, junction, and railway cars between Pontedera and Empoli and between Figline Valdarno and San Giovanni Valdarno.

487th and 498BS(M), 340BG(M), move from Gaudo Airfield, Italy to Alesan, Corsica with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Truk Atoll. B-25s from the Gilbert Islands strike Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 21 B-24s bomb the airfield at Satawan Atoll, hitting the target area with about 50 tons of high explosives. On New Britain Island, 38 fighter-bombers hit Matupi supply areas while 7 bomb Rapopo airstrip. Fighters hit the Numa Numa area on Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s hit Urarom and Manokwari; B-25s, A-20s, and fighter aircraft strike a wide variety of targets around Hollandia, Aitape, Bogia, Uligan, Bunabun, Madang and Cape Croisilles. B-24s of the Thirteenth Air Task Force bomb Woleai Atoll.

Unit moves in New Guinea: HQ 49FG from Gusap to Finschhafen;

HQ 317TCG from Port Moresby to Finschhafen; the detachment of the 82RS (Fighter), 71RG, ceases operating from Finschhafen with returns to base at Saidor with P-39s.

 THURSDAY, 20 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A B-24 aborts a weather mission to Shasukotan Island, Kurile Islands

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 11 B-25s hit a bivouac and supply area NW of Manywet, Burma.

5th Liaison Squadron, AAF, India-Burma Sector, arrives at Ledo, India from the US with L-5s; first Mission is 1 May.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 309: 842 bombers and 388 fighters are dispatched to hit V-weapon sites in France; 24 of 33 sites briefed are hit; 9 bombers and 2 fighters are lost: 1. 438 of 630 B-17s hit sites in the Pas de Calais and Cherbourg areas; 19 others hit targets of opportunity; 7 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 309 damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 25 WIA and 69 MIA.

2. 113 of 212 B-24s hit sites in the Pas de Calais area; 2 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 36 damaged; casualties are 10 KIA, 9 WIA and 20 MIA.

Escort is provided by 89 P-38s, 211 P-47s and 88 P-51s; they claim 4-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 4-0-0 on the ground; 2 P-51s are lost and 1 damaged; 2 pilots are MIA.

VIII Fighter Command flies 2 missions: 1. 35 P-51 fighter-bombers are dispatched to Cambrai/Epinoy Airfield, France; escort is to be provided by 31 P-47s but they are unable to locate the P-51s; 33 P-51s hit the primary and 1 hits Vitry Airfield, France.

2. 56 P-38 fighter-bombers are dispatched to hit St Trond Airfield, Belgium but jettison their bombs in the English Channel after overcast prevents location of the targets; escort is provided by 36 P-47s.

Mission 310: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 1.92 million leaflets on Nantes, Orleans, Paris and Tours, France at 2238-2246 hours without loss.

Six B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, almost 400 B-26s and A-20s attack gun positions at Etaples, Bazinghen, Villerville, Gravelines and Fecamp, the airfield at Poix, and V-weapon sites and targets of opportunity in the Pas de Calais area; nearly 140 P-47s bomb marshalling yards at Creil and Mantes-La-Jolie.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 300+ B-17s and B-24s attack targets in Italy; the B-17s bomb marshalling yards at Ancona, Castelfranco, Padua and Vicenza and Venice harbor installations; the B-24s hit marshalling yards at Mestre, Reviso and Fano, Venice harbor, Monfalcone dockyards and Trieste; 180+ other heavy bombers dispatched against communications targets in N Italy are forced to abort due to bad weather; about 250 fighters provide cover for the bombing raids.

776th, 777th, 778th and 779BS(H), 464BG(H), move from Pantanella Airfield to Gioia, Italy with B-24s; first Mission is 30 Apr.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium and light bombers score hits on a marshalling yard and 3 fuel dumps at Leghorn and near misses on Cecina and Certaldo bridges and Arezzo viaduct; fighter-bombers hit railroad lines and fuel dump in the Florence area; bridges, dump, rail lines and train cars near Civitavecchia and Zagarolo, at Sezze, near Ladispoli, SW of Stimipliano and N of Monterotondo; and guns S of Albano Laziale; in the battle area around Cassino fighter-bombers blast several gun positions and hit bridges, trucks, troops and other targets, at several points, including Falconara, Recanati, San Benedetto de Marsi, and the Fondi-Itri and Orte-Orvieto areas.

HQ 57BW moves from Trocchia, Italy to Ghisonaccia, Corsica.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll search the area near Wake Island for shipping; finding none, the bombers hit Wake and Peale Islands. Tarawa Atoll based B-25s, using Majuro Atoll as a shuttle base between strikes, bomb Maloelap and Jaluit Atolls.

396BS(M), 41BG(M), moves from Tarawa Atoll to Makin Island with B-25s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Major General Field Harris, USMC, becomes Commander Air Solomons (COMAIRSOLS). With improved weather conditions bombing of targets in the Bismarck Archipelago resumes; on New Britain Island, 22 B-25s hit the Matupi supply area and 40+ fighter-bombers blast the airfields at Lakunai and Keravat. 31BS(H), 5BG(H), moves from Guadalcanal Island to Momote Airfield, Los Negros Island with B-24s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-24s bomb airfields on Noemfoor Island. In New Guinea, B-25s, A-20s, and fighters hit a variety of targets around Hollandia, on Cape Croisilles, in the Bunabun area and along Hansa Bay. Woleai Atoll is again bombed by B-24s of the Thirteenth Air Task Force.

 FRIDAY, 21 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s and 14 P-51s pound Indaw and Mawlu, causing several fires in supply dumps and in the general target areas; 12 B-25s bomb the camp and supply area at Kamaing. 8 B-24s bomb storage and fuel dumps at Lashio and bomb Namtu; 13 B-24s bomb Maymyo while 5 B-25s knock out 3 bridges in the Tangon area; and 4 P-51s knock out a bridge at Shweli.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 12 P-40s fly armed reconnaissance over roads in Burma, strafing bridges, buildings, steamrollers, trucks, and troops in areas around Takaw, Bhamo, Loiwing, Kutkai, Hsenwi, and Lashio; at least 3 steamrollers and 7 trucks are destroyed.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 8AF offensive against German oil targets is scheduled to start on this date, but the mission is cancelled because of bad weather.

309th and 310TCSs, 8AF, arrive at Spanhoe, England from the US with C-47s; they will be reassigned to the 9AF on 26 Apr.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 236 B-26s and 34 A-20s attack gun positions, coastal defenses and V-weapons sites at Etaples, at Berck-sur-Mer, near Doullens, and in the Saint-Omer, Abbeville, and Amiens area; 4 B-26s are lost; 175+ P-47s dive-bomb marshalling yards and concentrations at Montignies-sur-Sambre, Hasselt, Namur, and Haine-Saint-Pierre.

405th and 406FSs, 371FG, based at Bisterne, England with P-47s, begin operating from Ibsley, England.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 100+ B-24s bomb marshalling yards at Bucharest, Rumania; all 17 bomb groups dispatched are recalled due to bad weather but 7 groups fail to receive the recall signal; 150+ P-38s and P-51s are dispatched as escort; 40+ rendezvous with the B-24s and battle some 30 fighters that attack the bomber force; the other fighters, failing to meet the bombers, engage about 40 fighters; bombers and fighters claim 35 aerial combat victories; 10 US aircraft are shot down.

HQ 464BG(H) moves from Pantanella Airfield to Gioia, Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s blast an ammunition dump while P-47s attack train, rail lines, and motor transport behind enemy lines; other P-47s, along with P-40s and A-36s, attack railway lines and trains between Rome and Terni, between Rome and Tivoli, and between Orte and Attigliano; hit a motor transport concentration NE of Rome; and attack several bivouac areas and gun positions in the battle areas.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll hit Wotje Atoll. B-24s from Eniwetok Atoll, staging through Kwajalein, bomb Truk Atoll. B-25s from Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Ponape Island. Abemama Island-based B-25s, using Majuro Atoll as a shuttle base, bomb Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls.

HQ 7FW and 21FG are activated at Ft Shafter and Wheeler Field, Hawaii respectively to provide air defense of the Hawaiian Islands. No squadrons are assigned to the group until 15 Jun.

531FS, 7AF, moves from Bellows Field to Kuoloa, Hawaii with P-38s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): HQ 307BG(H) is ordered to move from New Georgia and Guadalcanal Islands to the Admiralty Islands, where it will become part of the Thirteenth Air Task Force, serving operationally under the 5AF. In spite of heavy weather in the Bismarck Archipelago, 24 B-25s blast Matupi supply area on New Britain Island; and 11 P-39s, closed out of Rabaul, New Britain Island, bomb Tinputs Harbor on Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 21 B-24s bomb airstrips on Noemfoor Island. In New Guinea, about 320 B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s hit numerous targets in the Tadji, Wewak, and Madang area, while a USN carrier force hits Hollandia, Wakde, and Sawar as assault convoys approach the area.

 SATURDAY, 22 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A weather sortie is aborted soon after take off due to weather.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s hit Kamaing while 5 B-25s and 6 P-51s attack ammunition and other supplies at Hopin; 3 B-25s and 4 P-51s hit a village NE of Bhamo while 7 P-51s attack Gokteik Viaduct.

Detachment of 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, 10AF operating from Jorhat, India with F-7s returns to base at Guskhara.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 6 B-24s claim 4 freighters and a gunboat sunk near Cap-Saint-Jacques and 1other knocks out a bridge SW of Vinh. P-40s on armed reconnaissance over N Burma destroy 10 boxcars and a truck N of Lashio.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 311: 803 bombers and 859 fighters are dispatched to hit a marshalling yard at Hamm, Germany; the bombers claim 20-6-8 Luftwaffe aircraft and the fighters claim 40-2-16; 15 bombers and 13 fighters are lost:

1. 459 of 526 B-17s bomb the primary, 20 hit Bonn, 19 hit Soest, 15 hit Hamm City and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 8 B-17s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 138 are damaged; casualties are 7 WIA and 89 MIA.

2. 179 of 277 B-24s hit the primary, 50 hit Koblenz and 36 hit targets of opportunity; 7 B-24s are lost, 14 damaged beyond repair and 59 damaged; casualties are 46 KIA, 28 WIA and 64 MIA. Escort is 132 P-38s, 485 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 242 8AF and 9AF P-51s; 2 P-38s, 5 P-47s and 6 P-51s are lost, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair and 22 aircraft are damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 12 MIA.

Mission 312: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 1.44 million leaflets on Orleans, Tours, Paris, Nantes, Lille, Reims, Chartres and Rouen, France at 2251-2344 hours without loss.

Units arriving in England from the US: HQ 398BG(H) and 600th, 601, 602 and 603BS(H) at Nuthampstead with B-17s (first Mission is 6 May); 844th, 845th, 846th and 847BS(H), 489BG(H), at Halesworth with B-24s (first Mission is 30 May).

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 400+ B-26s and about 90 A-20s fly two missions against V-weapon sites in the area of Saint-Omer and Hesdin, France. Nearly 275 P-47s and P-51s dive-bomb marshalling yards in Belgium.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): HQ 483BG(H) moves from Tortorella to Sterparone Airfield, Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb a bridge and tracks S of Ficulle and a bridge N of the town; other B-25s and B-26s attack San Stefano al Mare harbor, the N section of Orvieto, Chiusi railroad bridge, viaducts S and W of Arezzo and Bucine, Certaldo railroad bridge, bridge approaches at Incisa in Valdarno, a bridge near Siena and viaduct at Poggibonsi; A-20s hit Valmontone ammunition dump and Sonnino; P-47s hit a railroad, trains, and tunnels in the Florence area and W of Chiusi, marshalling yard at Siena, a vessel S of Savona, railroad lines S of Orte and the town of Gaeta; and P-40s attack gun positions N of the Anzio beachhead and bomb the Ferentino dump area and towns of Fondi, Terracina and Formia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): During the night of 21/22 Apr, B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll bomb Wotje Atoll; other B-24s from Kwajalein follow with another raid on Wotje during the day. B-25s from Tarawa Atoll, using Majuro Atoll as a shuttle base for rearming, bomb Jaluit, Maloelap and Mille Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, about 40 B-25s bomb supply areas at Ratawul and Talili Bay, pound Keravat and hit the area between Rapopo and Cape Gazelle; and 40+ fighter-bombers attack the runway and gun positions at Rapopo while 9 strike Lakunai airfield. During the night of 22/23 Apr, 17 B-24s bomb Dublon, Param, and Eten Islands in Truk Atoll.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): 20+ B-24s bomb airstrips on Noemfoor Island. In New Guinea, 8O+ B-24s and A-20s hit Boram and But Airfields and other targets in the Wewak area; 100+ B-24s and B-25s pound targets along Hansa Bay; and all through the day B-25s and fighter-bombers, in flights of 1to 20+ aircraft, attack areas around Hansa Bay, Wewak, Bogia, Madang, and many other points along the N and E coast of New Guinea; many of the strikes indirectly support Allied amphibious landings on the N coast to the E and W of Hollandia, toward which a pincer movement is begun. HQ 375TCG moves from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea.

 SUNDAY, 23 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s fly weather and photographic reconnaissance within 100 mi (160 km) of the Kurile Islands and photograph Matsuwa Island.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 24 P-51s, 8 B-25s and 51RAF Vengeances attack Thetkegyin, Manipur bridge, Tiddim road and Japanese positions at Indaw. 12 P-38s hit Kangaung Airfield near Meiktila; and 21 B-24s bomb railroads and jetties at Moulmein and Martaban.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 14 P-40s pound an artillery post at Sienning and cavalry forces at Kuan-Fou-Chiao; 2 P-40s strafe barracks S of Tengchung and 2 P-38s hit a truck convoy and barracks S of Chiengmai. 4 P-40s blast a motor pool at Lashio, Burma.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): HQ 58BW (Very Heavy) moves from Chakulia to Kharagpur, India.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 313: 382 fighters attack airfields and other targets in N France, Belgium and NW Germany; results are generally good: 1. 136 P-38s attack Laon, Tours and Chateaudun Airfields, France using Droopsnoot aircraft; they claim 1-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 2 P-38s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 2 damaged; 2 pilots are MIA.

2. 166 P-47s attack Leningen, Le Culot and Chievres Airfields, Belgium and Denain/Prouvy and Hagenau Airfields, France; they claim 7-0-22 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 5 P-47s are lost and 19 damaged; 5 pilots are MIA.

3. 80 P-51s hit unknown targets; they claim 3-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 2 are damaged; no losses.

Mission 314: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 1.78 million leaflets on Rennes, Brest, Lorient, St Nazaire and Nantes, France at 2354-0012 hours without loss. 9 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations. 4th, 7th, 18th and 391BS(H), 34BG(H), arrive at Mendelsham, England from the US with B-24s (first Mission is 23 May).

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 307 B-26s and 57 A-20s attack NOBALL (V-weapon) targets, gun positions and marshalling yards in the Pas de Calais, France area and in an adjacent area of Belgium. Around 1,000 P-47s and P-51s dive-bomb numerous targets throughout France and the Low Countries.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Weather clears and bombers can resume operations. 500+ B-17s and B-24s attack aircraft factories and airfields in Austria; the B-17s hit the Wiener Neustadt industrial area; the B-24s hit industrial areas at Schwechat and Bad Voslau and an air depot at Wiener-Neustadt; close to 300 fighters provide support; many enemy fighters attack fiercely, downing 12 bombers and 1 fighter; the bombers and escorts claim 40+ air victories.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s hit bridges and approaches at Attigliano; B-26s attack Incisa in Valdarno viaduct and bridge, Cecina marshalling yard and attack, but fail to hit, Poggibonsi viaduct; P-47s, A-36s, and P-40s hit rail lines and bridges NE of Rome and along the E coast in several areas including points around Orvieto, Orte, Tivoli and Capronica.

HQ 321BG(M) and 445th and 448BSS(M) move from Gaudo Airfield, Italy to Solenzara, Corsica with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s based at Kwajalein Atoll hit Truk and Wotje Atolls. Makin Island-based B-25s hit Ponape Island and Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Weather again curtails strikes, but several fighter-bombers hit Tobera, New Britain Island and 20+ B-25s blast Matupi Island.

72FS, 318FG, moves from Makin Island to Haleiwa Field, Hawaii with P-39Qs.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-24s continue to hit airstrips on Noemfoor Island; they claim 14 air victories. In New Guinea, 90+ B-24s bomb Wewak, Boram, and But Airfields, a road near Boram, and track and villages S of Dagua while 80+ B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s pound AA positions, airfields, stores and troop concentrations along Hansa Bay; throughout the day A-20s, P-47s, P-38s, and P-39s pound various targets along Hansa Bay, in the Wewak area, and in the vicinity of Uligan Harbor and Cape Croisilles. 20+ B-24s of the Thirteenth Air Task Force bomb airfield and supply areas on Woleai Atoll. In ground action Allied forces take Hollandia, Tumleo and Selo Islands, and objectives around Tadji.

39TCS, 317TCG, moves from Port Moresby to Finschhafen, New Guinea with C-47s.

 MONDAY, 24 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, a B-24 flies a photo and bombing run over Matsuwa Island; later another B-24 flies weather and bombing runs over Shasukotan, Yekaruma, Kharimkotan, and Onnekotan Islands.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 P-38s pound positions near Buthidaung and in the Myohaung are; 100+ P-40s, P-51s, A-36s, and B-25s bomb storage areas at Kamaing, Mogaung and Hopin, and railroads and other targets at Myitkyina, Manywet and Chaungwa; 25 B-25s and P-51s hit Indaw and several other B-25s bomb Pyingaing.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In Thailand, B-25s damage bridges near Dara and Kengluang and strafe a factory at Dhasan. P-40s on a diversionary strike strafe numerous targets of opportunity at Kengtung, Burma. B-25s on a sea sweep hit 2 small steamers off Cape Bastion, China with cannon fire, claiming 1vessel sunk and the other left burning.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): A B-29 piloted by Brigadier General LaVern G Saunders, Commanding General 58BW (Very Heavy), arrives at Kwanghan, China. Accompanying the B-29 is another carrying Major General Kenneth B Wolfe, Commanding General XX BC. These are the first B-29s to fly over the Hump to China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 315: 754 bombers and 867 fighters are dispatched to bomb airfields, aircraft production industries and targets of opportunity in Germany; the bomber claim 20-1-36 Luftwaffe aircraft and the fighters claim 124-6-58 fighters; 40 bombers and 17 fighters are lost; details are: 1. Of 281 B-17s dispatched, 109 hit Erding Air Depot, 84 hit aviation industry targets at Oberpfaffenhofen, 57 hit Lansberg Airfield and 18 hit targets of opportunity; 27 B-17s are lost and 112 damaged; casualties are 4 KIA, 22 WIA and 260 MIA.

2. 243 B-17s are dispatched to bomb aviation industry targets at Friedrichshafen/Lowenthal (98 bomb) and Friedrichshafen/Manzell (58 bomb), industrial areas at Friedrichshafen/Manzell (58 bomb) and Neckarsulm (15 bomb); 3 also hit targets of opportunity; 9 B-17s are lost and 119 damaged; casualties are 7 KIA, 4 WIA and 71 MIA.

3. 230 B-24s are dispatched to bomb airfields; 120 hit Gablingen Airfield, 98 hit Leipheim Airfield and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 4 B-24s are lost and 26 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 40 MIA. Escort is provided by 131 P-38s, 490 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 246 8AF and 9AF P-51s: P-38s claim 4-1-0 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair and 7 damaged; P-47s claim 2-1-0 aircraft in the air and 36-0-16 on the ground, 5 P-47s are lost and 15 damaged, 5 pilots are MIA; P-51s claim 64-4-2 aircraft in the air and 21-0-20 on the ground, 12 P-51s are lost and 8 damaged; 12 pilots are MIA.

Mission 316: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 1.12 million leaflets on Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht, The Netherlands and Lille and Reims, France at 2322-2344 hours without loss.

8 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 38 B-26s dispatched against targets in France are recalled because of bad weather. 32 P-47s dive-bomb the Louvain, Belgium marshalling yard with good results.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 520+ bombers attack targets in Rumania, Yugoslavia, and Italy; B-17s bomb a marshalling yard at Ploesti, Rumania, an aircraft factory in Belgrade, Yugoslavia and the Ancona-Rimini railroad line (this is the first Azon Mission by 5 B-17s); the B-24s bomb marshalling yards at Ploesti and Bucharest, Rumania; 250+ fighters fly support for the bombers.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack railroad bridges N and S of Orvieto, at Arezzo, at Grosseto and N and S of Incisa in Valdarno; A-20s hit a dump at Valmontone; P-40s, P-47s and A-36s hit shipping off Leghorn, Avezzano station, Orvieto and Terni marshalling yards, Canino landing ground, railroad tracks at numerous points S of Orvieto and rail lines, truck parks and targets of opportunity N of Rome.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Ponape Island while others, based on Makin Island, hit Jaluit and Wotje Atolls.

HQ 41BG(M) moves from Tarawa Atoll to Makin Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Weather continues to curtail strikes in the the Bismarck Archipelago. On New Britain Island, 10 P-40s hit runway and revetments at Tobera; fighter sweeps account for several trucks and barges in the Rabaul-New Ireland Island area.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-24s again bomb parked aircraft and other targets on Noemfoor Island. In New Guinea, 40+ B-24s bomb airfields in the Wewak area; 140+ B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s hit stores, fuel dumps and personnel areas along Hansa Bay; throughout the day B-25s and fighter-bombers hit a variety of targets along the New Guinea coast including Karkar Island, Uligan Harbor, Cape Croisilles, and the Madang area; Madang falls to Allied ground forces.

 TUESDAY, 25 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s photograph and bomb installations on Matsuwa Island.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 B-25s attack Tiddim road; 80+ fighter-bombers and 2 B-25s hit a variety of targets at Kamaing, Nsopzup and Mogaung; 12 P-51s hit Japanese HQ at Katha and supply huts at Hopin; near Mandalay 12 B-24s bomb Monywa-Alon while 21 P-38s hit airfields at Heho, destroying several aircraft in the air and on the ground.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 317 Part 1: 554 bombers and 719 fighters are dispatched to hit marshalling yards and airfields in France and Germany; 7 bombers and 2 fighters are lost; the bombers make no Luftwaffe aircraft claims.

1. 199 B-24s are dispatched to the marshalling yard at Mannheim, Germany; 7 bomb the primary, 16 bomb the marshalling yard at Landau, Germany and 8 hit targets of opportunity; 5 B-24s are lost and 26 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 4 WIA and 49 MIA.

2. 229 B-17s are dispatched to Nancy/Essay Airfield (42 bomb) and Metz/Frascaty Airfield (98 bomb), France and 2 hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-17s are lost and 33 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 3 WIA and 20 MIA.

3. 121 of 126 B-17s hit Dijon/Longvic Airfield, France; 29 B-17s are damaged; 2 airman are WIA.

Escort is provided by 177 P-38s, 296 P-47s and 246 8AF and 9AF P-51s; the fighters claim 5-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 29-7-42 on the ground; details are: P-38s claim 5-0-9 aircraft, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair and 2 damaged, no casualties; P-47s claim 5-0-8 aircraft; 3 P-47s are damaged; 1 pilot is KIA; P-51s claim 24-7-26 aircraft, 2 P-51s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged, 2 pilots are MIA.

Mission 317 Part 2: 27 of 28 B-24s bomb V-weapons sites at Wizerenes, France without loss. Escort is provided by 40 P-47s.

Mission 318: 6 of 6 B-17s drop 4.2 million leaflets on 20 towns in France including Calais, Metz, Blainville, Paris, Mulhouse and Reims without loss.

852d, 853d, 854th and 855BS(H), 491BG(H), move from North Pickenham to Metfield, England with B-24s; first Mission is 2 Jun.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 240 B-26s and 69 A-20s bomb V-weapon sites in the coastal area of France and gun positions at Le Treport, Vareneville-sur-Mer, Fontenay-sur-Mer/Crisbec, Ault, Fecamp, Houlgate and Saint-Pierre-du-Mont, France. About 150 P-47s dive-bomb airfields in France and Belgium. Around 175 B-26s are forced to abort missions because of bad weather.

HQ 441TCG and 99th, 100th and 301TCS move from Langar to Merryfield, England with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, around 150 B-24s bomb an aircraft factory at Turin, marshalling yard and bridge at Parma, marshalling yard at Ferrara and several targets of opportunity; 300+ B-24s and B-17s are forced to abort missions due to bad weather; 100+ fighters escort the bomber mission s into N Italy.

782BS(H), 465BG(H), arrives at Pantanella Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 5 May.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, attacks against lines of communications N of Rome continue; A-20s hit storage areas while medium bombers attack Pesaro marshalling yard, dumps at Manoppello and bridges and approaches at Incisa in Valdarno, Arezzo, Asciano, Magra, Ficulle and Orvieto; viaducts at Incisa and Calafuria are attacked with poor results; P-40s and P-47s hit roads, gun positions, railroads, ammunition dump and trucks N of Rome, near Ficulle, Orte and Orvieto; and P-47s also damage destroyers off Elba Island.

HQ 47BG(L) and 84th, 85th, 86th and 97BS(L) move from Capodichino to Vesuvius Airfield, Italy with A-20s.

417NPS, 12AF (attached to RAF No. 337 Wing), moves from La Senia, Algeria to Borgo, Corsica with Beaufighters; the ground echelon has been at Borgo since Feb 44.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Kwajalein Atoll-based B-24s, during the night of 24/25 Apr, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, strike Guam Island, Marianas Islands and Truk Atoll, and during the day hit Wotje and Maloelap Atolls. This is the first AAF Mission against Guam. B-25s from Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll bomb Ponape Island, and Makin Island-based B-25s hit Jaluit and Wotje Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Just before dawn 15 B-24s hit Dublon, Moen, Fefan, Uman and Falo Islands, Truk Atoll. 23 B-25s bomb the airstrip and revetments at Tobera, New Britain Island. 12 P-39s leave stockpiles aflame at Baitsi, Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 12 B-25s bomb troop areas in the Hollandia vicinity, attacking villages S of Tanahmerah and huts and buildings along the road from Marneda to Banggerang; other aircraft carry out similar strikes against Karkar Island and along Hansa Bay.

 WEDNESDAY, 26 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 3 B-24s bomb Akyab; 6 P-38s hit the Tiddim road near Chindwin; 70 fighter-bombers and 3 B-25s pound numerous targets at Mogaung, Kamaing and several points in the N part of the Mogaung Valley; in Mandalay and the surrounding area, 9 B-24s bomb railroad yards and engine sheds, and 9 P-38s hit stores and hangars.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In Burma, P-40s on armed reconnaissance from Lashio to Man Kat cause considerable damage; 2 trucks, a warehouse, a water tank, and 2 locomotives are destroyed, gun positions and a bridge are strafed and a Japanese-occupied building is left in flames.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): Japanese fighters make their first interception of B-29s as they are flying over the Hump; the brief confrontation results in no losses on either aide.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 319 Part 1: 589 bombers and 554 fighters are dispatched to targets in Germany; no claims of enemy aircraft are made; 5 fighters are lost:

1. Of 357 B-17s dispatched, 292 hit the industrial area at Brunswick, 47 hit the Hildesheim/Hannover area and 5 hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-17s are damaged beyond repair and 121 damaged; casualties are 9 KIA and 3 WIA.

2. The 238 B-24s dispatched to Paderborn fail to bomb because there were no PFF aircraft in the formation; 18 B-24s were damaged; 1airman was KIA. Escort is provided by 90 P-38s, 3118AF and 9AF P-47s and 153 8AF and 9AF P-51s; 1 P-38 and 4 P-51s are lost and 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair; 1 pilot is KIA and 5 MIA.

Mission 319 Part 2: 62 B-17s are dispatched to Cologne but are recalled at mid-English Channel because of weather; some aircraft carry 2,000 lb (907 kg): glide bombs on external racks. Escort is provided by 43 P-47s and 47 P-51s; the P-47s claim 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft Fighter-bomber mission s: 33 P-38s (including Droopsnoot aircraft), plus escorts, hit Le Mans Airfield, France without loss; 24 P-51s, plus 4 escorts, bomb Cormeilles-en-Vexin Airfield, France without loss.

Mission 320: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 800,000 leaflets on Ghent, Antwerp, Brussels, Liege and Gosselies, Belgium at 2330-2358 hours without loss.

HQ 34BG(H) arrives at Mendlesham, England from the US.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): The 9AF Tactical Air Plan for Operation NEPTUNE (actual operations within Operation OVERLORD; used for security reasons on OVERLORD planning documents bearing place names and dates) is published, 10 days after receiving formal Allied Expeditionary Air Force (AEAF) directive ordering such a plan. Around 125 B-26s attack Plattling landing ground, Germany. Fighters fly 750+ sorties against scattered targets in NW Europe.

Unit moves in England: HQ 50TCW from Bottesford to Exeter; HQ 439TCG and 91, 92d, 93and 94TCS from Balderton to Upottery with C-47s; 95th, 96th, 97th and 98TCSs, 440TCG, from Bottesford to Exeter with C-47s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather greatly curtails activity; P-47s attack motor transport and railroad tracks and hit a gas dump near Trasimeno Lake, a landing ground at Canino and marshalling yards of Leghorn.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, having landed at Los Negros Island after bombing Guam Island on 25 Apr, hit Ponape Island and return to Kwajalein Atoll. B-25s based on Makin Island hit Jaluit and Wotje Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s bomb the runway and dispersal area at Lakunai; and 35 fighter-bombers pound the airfield at Tobera. 8 P-40s attack occupied areas along bays of Tabut and Wariki, Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 120+ B-25s and A-20s pound the Wewak area, hitting airfields at Wewak, But, Dagua and Boram, and supply areas, troops, and several small villages. 13 B-24s bomb Awar Point, 20 P-39s and P-47s attack bridges and targets of opportunity near Madang and 8 P-39s attack roads, villages, and supply dump near Bunabun Harbor; a B-25 on reconnaissance sinks a lugger in the Sepik River; and Allied ground forces take Hollandia and occupy Alexishafen.

 THURSDAY, 27 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A B-25 bombs a submarine without success.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s hit the Kalemyo storage area; 12 B-25s hit the railroad at 4 points around Shwebo; nearly 150 P-40s, P-51s, A-36s and B-25s blast troops, fuel dumps, gun positions and railroad yard at several locations in the Mogaung Valley, including Myitkyina, Mogaung, Namti, Kamaing, Mohnyin, Hopin, Nanyaseik, Chaungwa and Myothit. 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, 8(Photo)RG, based at Guskhara, India, sends a detachment to Hsinching, China with F-7s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): Rocket-firing P-40s attack 20 junks S of Shasi, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 322: 596 bombers and 357 fighters are dispatched to bomb V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais and Cherbourg areas of France; 4 bombers and 2 fighters are lost; the fighters claim 0-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 307 of 393 B-17s and 169 of 203 B-24s hit the target; 3 B-17s are lost and 227 damaged; 1 B-24 is lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 25 damaged; B-17s casualties are are 7 WIA and 30 MIA; B-24 casualties are 3 KIA, 9 WIA and 10 MIA; escort is provided by 47 P-38s, 262 P-47s and 48 P-51s; 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost; both pilots are MIA.

Mission 323: 486 bombers and 543 fighters are dispatched to bomb airfields, marshalling yards and targets of opportunity in France and Belgium; 4 bombers and 4 fighters are lost.

1. 168 B-17s are dispatched to bomb Nancy/Essay Airfield (103 bomb) and Toul/Croix de Metz landing ground (60 bomb), France; 2 B-17s are lost and 33 damaged; 20 airmen are MIA.

2. Of 120 B-17s, 98 bomb Le Culot Airfield and 20 bomb Ostend/Middelkerke Airfield, Belgium; 2 B-17s are lost and 29 damaged; 1airman is KIA and 20 MIA.

3. Of 198 B-24s, 118 bomb Blainville sur L'eau marshalling yard and 72 bomb Chalons sur Marne marshalling yard, France; 2 B-24s are damaged beyond repair and 22 damaged; casualties are 24 KIA, 6 WIA and 1 MIA.

Escort is provided by 106 P-38s, 283 P-47s and 154 P-51s; the fighters claim 3-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 4-0-5 on the ground; 4 P-47s are lost and 2 P-47s and 1 P-51 are damaged; 3 airmen are MIA.

Mission 324: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 3.36 million leaflets on 23 towns in France including Cambrai, Orleans, Rennes, Nantes, Brest, Tours, Lorient, Caen, Le Mans, Limoges and Chatearuoux without loss.

Other missions:

1. 21 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations; 1 B-24 is lost.

2. 52 P-38s, using the Droopsnoot method, attack Roye Amy Airfield, France without loss.

3. 36 P-38s, using the Droopsnoot method, attack Albert/Meaulte Airfield, France; 6 P-38s are damaged.

4. 17 P-51s dive bomb Cormeilles-en-Vexin Airfield, France without loss. 849th and 850BS(H), 490BG(H), arrive at Eye, England from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 31 May.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): About 450 B-26s and A-20s and 275+ P-47 and P-51dive bombers attack gun emplacements, marshalling yards, coastal batteries, airfields and several military installations in France and Belgium.

Unit moves in England: 24(Photo)RS, III Tactical Air Command, to Chalgrove from the US with F-5s (first Mission is 23 May); 302TCS, 441TCG from Langar to Merryfield with C-47s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather again severely restricts operations; P-40s attack a supply dump N of Rome, scoring 7 hits in the target area.

12(Photo)RS, 3PRG, based at Pomigliano, Italy, sends a detachment to operate from Nettuno, Italy with F-5s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Truk Atoll during the night of 26/27 Apr. B-25s from Eniwetok follow up during the day with 3 raids on Ponape Island; Makin Island-based B-25s hit Jaluit, Wotje and Mille Atolls. 1 B-24 from Kwajalein Atoll, using Makin Island as a rearming base, bombs Jabor and Emidj and Enybor Islands, Jaluit Atoll. 820BS(M), 41BG(M), moves from Tarawa Atoll to Makin Island with B-25s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 16 B-24s bomb Dublon, Eten, Moen, and Fefan Islands, Truk Atoll in the early morning. On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s blast the Talili Bay supply area; later a few P-39s hit the same target.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, Babo is bombed by 9 B-24s; 100+ B-24s, B-25s and A-20s attack Mushu and Kairiru Islands and airfields at Wewak, Boram, Dagua and But; 120+ A-20s and fighter-bombers blast the coastal areas of Hansa Bay and nearby villages, personnel areas NW of Bunabun, and AA positions, villages and bridges from Bunabun to Cape Croisilles.

7FS, 49FG, moves from Gusap to Finschhafen, New Guinea with P-40s.

 FRIDAY, 28 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 P-38s blast the Tiddim road, causing a roadblock; in the Mogaung Valley 80+ A-36s, P-40s, P-51s, and a single B-25 pound the same general targets hit on the 27 Apr; in the Mandalay area 7 B-25s knock out a railroad bridge S of Myingatha and a canal bridge between Ye-u and Kinu.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 26 B-24s, escorted by 10 P-51s, damage 2 bridges over the Yellow River N of Chengchow (the capture of which by Japanese troops is acknowledged by the Chinese who evacuate Hulaokuan), and pound a nearby storage area; 2 P-40s on armed reconnaissance strafe a troop column NE of Tengchung; 3 B-25s on reconnaissance damage a small steamer off the E coast of Hainan Island; 16 P-40s and 6 B-25s pound Yangsin while 18 P-40s, P-38s, and P-51s strafe Nanchang barracks.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

MORNING OPERATIONS:

Mission 325: 223 bombers are dispatched:

1. 116 of 117 B-17s hit Avord Airfield, France; 2 B-17s are lost and 38 damaged; 20 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 118 P-47s and 87 P-51s; they claim 0-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 8-0-3 on the ground; 2 P-51s are lost and 2 damaged; 2 pilots are MIA.

2. 18 of 106 B-17s bomb the Sottevast, France V-weapon site and targets of opportunity; clouds prevent most B-17s from bombing; 2 B-17s are lost and 47 damaged; 3 airmen are WIA and 21 MIA. Escort is provided by 46 P-47s without loss. 2 fighter-bomber mission s are also flown against airfields in France:

1. 34 P-38s using the Droopsnoot method, bomb Tours Airfield; 11 P-38s fly escort; 1 P-38 is lost and 1 damaged; 1 pilot is MIA.

2. 49 P-38s using the Droopsnoot method, bomb Chateaudun Airfield while 3 P-38s fly escort; 1 P-38 is damaged; 32 P-47s, with 4 P-47 escorts, dive-bomb the same target; they claim 1-0-1 aircraft on the ground.

AFTERNOON OPERATIONS:

Mission 325: 47 of 47 B-24s bomb the Marquise/Mimoyecques, France V-weapon sites; 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 6 damaged; 9 airmen are WIA. Escort is provided by 50 P-47s without loss. 16 P-47s, with 8 escorts, dive bomb an unidentified airfield near Paris without loss.

NIGHT OPERATIONS:

Mission 326: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 1.64 million leaflets on 17 towns in Belgium, France and The Netherlands including Antwerp, Brussels, Paris, Tours, Lorient, Nantes, Orleans, Zwolle, Leeuwarden, Turnhout and Amersfoort without loss. 21 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions without loss. 848th and 851BS(H), 490BG(H), arrive at Eye, England from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 4 Jun and 31 May respectively.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 18 B-26s bomb the airfield at Cormeilles-en-Vexin, France as a secondary target. Nearly 250 B-26s dispatched to bomb marshalling yards are recalled because of heavy cloud cover over the targets.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Clearing weather again permits bomber operations; 450+ B-17s and B-24s attack targets in Italy; 188 B-17s bomb Piombino Steel Works and port; 168 B-24s bomb the port area at San Stefano al Mare; and 108 B-24s bomb the port area at Orbetello; P-38s, P-51s and P-47s provide escort. 32(Photo)RS, 90(Photo)WR, arrives at San Severo, Italy from the US with F-5s; first Mission is 18 May.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack Piombino, railway bridges N of Orvieto, Ficulle, and W of Arezzo, and hit viaducts at Incisa in Valdarno and Piteccio; A-20s score hits on a fuel dump; P-40s and P-47s hit a fuel dump NW of Ferentino, warehouses S of Avezzano, several railway lines and targets of opportunity N of Rome, the Orbetello railroad yards, San Stefano al Mare harbor, rail lines at points between Rome and Avezzano, several gun emplacements, Follonica and Chiusi marshalling yards, and cut railroad lines at several points NW of Rome; fighter-bombers also hit Chiusi marshalling yard, tracks around Castiglione della Valle, Cortona marshalling yard, Grosseto railroad bridge, scattered motor transport and a barge near Follonica.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s, based on Makin Island, strike Jaluit and Mille Atolls, using Majuro Atoll as a shuttle base between strikes. A single B-24 from Kwajalein Atoll bombs islands in Jaluit Atoll, hitting Emidj first, then rearming at Makin Island, and attacking Jabor and Enybor during the return flight.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s bomb the Wunapope supply area and Rapopo airfield; and 30 fighterbombers hit the runway and revetments at Vunakanau. On Bougainville Island, 15 P-39s pound gun positions near Mamagata and hit nearby bivouac and supply areas.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 160+ B-24s and B-25s bomb Wakde, Biak and Efman Island airfields; 180+ P-47s, P-39s, A-20s and P-70s hit a variety of targets along the N and NE New Guinea coast including villages and supply areas in the Wewak and Boram areas, barges and troops at the mouth of the Sepik River and at Murik Lakes, and enemy communications and hideouts from the Sepik River to Cape Croisilles.

21 B-24s of the Thirteenth Air Task Force bomb the airfield on Woleai Atoll.

 SATURDAY, 29 APRIL 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 2 B-24s abort an armed photographic Mission due to weather.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 21 P-38s hit airfields in the Heho area and claim 8 aircraft downed in combat; 25 P-51s and B-25s bomb several buildings at Meza; 19 B-24s over Prome blast supply dumps in the area.

19LS, US Army Forces, CBI, moves from Kanchrapara to Ondal, India with L-1s and L-5s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, B-25s bomb a warehouse and barracks at Shayang and attack 3 motor launches at Chiuchiang, leaving them burning.

22BS(H), 341BG(M), based at Yankai, China with B-25s, sends a detachment to operate from Yunnani.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 327: 679 bombers and 814 fighters are dispatched to bomb Berlin, concentrating on railway facilities; they claim 95-33-48 Luftwaffe aircraft; 63 bombers and 13 fighters are lost:

1. 210 of 228 B-17s bomb Berlin; 10 B-17s are lost and 150 damaged; 1 airman is KIA, 7 WIA and 100 MIA.

2. 218 B-17s are dispatched to Berlin; 158 hit the primary, 24 hit Magdeburg, 10 hit Brandenburg and 4 hit targets of opportunity; 28 B-17s are lost and 161 damaged; 4 airmen are KIA, 20 WIA and 260 MIA.

3. 212 of 233 B-24s bomb Berlin; 25 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 121 damaged; 13 airmen are KIA, 11 WIA and 246 MIA. Escort is provided by 117 P-38s, 463 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 234 8AF and 9AF P-51s; 3 P-38s and 10 P-51s are lost; 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair; 7 P-38s, 16 P-47s and 7 P-51s are damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 12 MIA.

Mission 328: 4 of 4 B-17s drop 1.06 million leaflets on 21towns in Northern France and The Netherlands without loss. 14 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 217 B-26s dispatched to bomb marshalling yards in France abort the mission because of heavy cloud cover over the target area.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): The 484BG(H) with B-24s is declared operational, the 18th operational group. 573 B-17s and B-24s, with fighter escort, attack the Toulon, France naval base and 5 B-17s attack the Rimini-Ancona railroad (second Azon mission).

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack the Terni viaduct and Attigliano railway bridge, while B-26s bomb bridges and bridge approaches at Pontassieve and Incisa in Valdarno; A-20s attack a dump NE of Rome; P-40s and P-47s cut rail lines in many places NE of Rome, hit guns N of Anzio and a dump SE of Rome, attack the town of Acquapendente, hit approaches and tunnel S of Arezzo and bridge and trucks in the area, bomb Sinalunga marshalling yard and bridge and approaches at Monte San Savino, and hit docks at San Vincenzo and boats at Follonica. 446BS(M), 321BG(M), moves from Gaudo Airfield, Italy to Solenzara, Corsica with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll from Kwajalein Atoll bomb Truk and Jaluit Atolls. B-25s from Makin Island also hit Jaluit Atoll and carry out 2 strikes against Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 40+ P-39s bomb and strafe targets throughout Bougainville and Buka Islands, including Sipaai Mission, the Kieta area, Lontis, Numa Numa, Ibu, Toborei, Totavi, Aitara and Baitsi; 24 B-25s bomb airfields at Kara and Buka. Allied fighter sweeps continue over the N Solomons and New Ireland Island, where huts, barges, and other targets of opportunity are attacked.

HQ 307BG(H) moves from New Georgia Island to Los Negros Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 90+ B-24s and B-25s bomb villages, AA positions and personnel areas in the Wakde Island, Maffin Bay area, and along the coast of New Guinea from Takar to Verkam Point; 40+ A-20s hit stores at Cape Wom, and targets of opportunity between But and Dagua; 130+ A-20s, P-47s, and P-39s hit hideouts and movements along the Sepik River and from the river's mouth to Cape Croisilles.

 SUNDAY, 30 APRIL 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 31 B-25s blast a tank concentration, bridges, supply dumps and general vicinity at Kalewa; 4 B-25s damage 2 bridges N of Yamethin. 5th Liaison Squadron, AAF, India-Burma Sector, moves from Ledo, India to Shaduzup, Burma with L-1s and L-5s; first Mission is 1 May.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): P-40s from Yungning, China knock out a bridge near Dong Mo, French Indochina and strafe railroad targets of opportunity in the area. The detachment of the 74FS, 23FG, operating from Liuchow returns to base at Kweilin, China with P-40s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Mission 329: 295 bombers and 644 fighters are dispatched to 3 targets in France; the bombers claim 3-0-6 Luftwaffe aircraft and the fighters claim 18-1-5 in the air and 11-0-17 on the ground; 1bomber and 5 fighter are lost:

1. 114 of 116 B-17s bomb Lyon/Bron Airfield; 1 B-17 is lost and 8 damaged; 10 airmen are MIA.

2. 118 of 124 B-17s bomb Clermont-Ferrand/Aulnat Airfield; 9 B-17s are damaged.

3. 52 of 55 B-24s bomb V-weapon sites at Siracourt; 3 B-24s are damaged; 1 airman is WIA.

Escort is provided by 128 P-38s, 268 P-47s and 248 8AF and 9AF P-51s: 44 P-38s, using the Droopsnoot method, bomb Tours Airfield, 1 P-38 is lost and 1 damaged, 1 pilot is MIA; 14 P-47s dive-bomb Romorantin Airfield plus escort the bombers and claim 9-1-5 Luftwaffe aircraft, 4 P-47s are damaged; P-51s claim 20-0-17 aircraft, 4 P-51s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 6 damaged, 1airman is WIA and 3 MIA.

Mission 330: 4 of 4 B-17s drop 2.23 million leaflets on 21towns in Belgium, France and The Netherlands including Zwolle, Hala, Alost, Louvain, Leeuwarden, Reims, Metz, Strasburg, Epinal, Tours, Saarguemines, Mulhouse, Troyes and Orleans without loss.

Mission 331: 128 fighters carry out fighter-bomber attacks in France; 22 P-38s, with 24 escorts, attack Orleans/Bricy Airfield using the Droopsnoot method, 2 are damaged; 21 P-47s, with 10 escorts, bomb the same target shortly later and 5 hit a V-weapon site as a target of opportunity, 3 are damaged; 51 P-51 s swept the area before the attacks without loss. 20 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 300+ B-26s and A-20s attack V-weapon construction works and marshalling yards in France.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 464BG(H) with B-24s becomes the 19th operational bomb group. Around 500 bombers, with fighter escort, attack targets in Italy; B-17s hit industrial areas at Milan and Varese and the Reggio Emilia air depot; the B-24s bomb marshalling yards at Alessandria and Milan.

HQ 485BG(H) and 828th, 829th, 830th and 831BS(H) arrive at Venosa, Italy from the US with B-24s; first Mission is 10 May.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack railroad bridges at Ficulle, N Orvieto and Marsciano, while B-26s hit bridges at Cortona and Incisa in Valdarno and in the nearby areas; P-40s hit rail lines and storage in many locations N of Rome, hit rail lines and a radar station in the Orvieto area, cut railroads from Rome to Tivoli and to Civita Castellana and hit targets of opportunity in the area; P-47s hit numerous railroad lines, rail cars, and other targets N of Rome. Unit moves in Italy: HQ 86FBG and 525th, 526th, and 527FBSs from Pomigliano to Marcianise with P-40s; 85FS, 79FG, from Capodichino to Pomigliano with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 41Kwajalein Atoll-based B-24s bomb various targets at Wake Island. 11Makin Island-based B-25s bomb Jaluit Atoll while 8 from Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll bomb Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 10 P-39s bomb Porton Plantations, Bougainville Island; 20+ other P-39s, in 11sweeps, attack a variety of targets of opportunity on Buka and Bougainville Islands, including Ivituri Mission, the Kieta area and the Mamagata supply area. On New Britain Island, 30+ P-40s and P-38s bomb Vunakanau Airfield and 23 B-25s bomb Vunakambi Plantation.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 80+ P-39s and P-47s make almost continuous attacks throughout the day against troops and supplies along Hansa Bay; 40+ A-20s and B-25s bomb Wewak and nearby plantation; B-24s hit Noemfoor Island with a light raid; B-24 reconnaissance flights over the Manokwari area and Geelvink Bay result in claims of 6 Japanese interceptors shot down. P-70s hit targets of opportunity on the W shore of Hansa Bay. 23 B-24s of the Thirteenth Air Task Force bomb Woleai Atoll.

MAY 1944

 MONDAY, 1 May 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A single weather sortie is flown.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 18 P-38s and RAF: Vengeances hit troop positions and supply dumps; 7 P-40s over the Mogaung Valley hit Kamaing and attack positions N of Nanyaseik; 30+ B-24s bomb Maymyo, Mandalay marshalling yard, and oil facilities at Yenangyaung. Moves in India: 20TRS, 10AF attached to 5320th Air Defense Wing (Provisional), based at Kisselbari with P-40s, sends a detachment to Dinjan; 89FS, 80th Fighter Group, based at Nagaghuli with P-40s, sends a detachment to Mokelbaria during May.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 92 P-40s hit targets over wide areas of S China, Burma and French Indochina; in Burma, the fighter-bombers knock out a bridge at Wan Lai-Kam and pound a motor pool at Wan Pa-Hsa; in China, they strafe the railroad station and airfield at Yuncheng; in French Indochina, they damage 3 bridges and hit numerous boxcars at Bac Le, Dinh Ca, and Dong Mo, bomb carbide mines at Loc Binh and strafe railroad yards at Dong Dang and Na Cham. In China, 7 B-25s and 8 P-40s bomb Tangyang Airfield and nearby cavalry post; 2 B-25s over Amoy claim a small freighter sunk; and 15 enemy aircraft bomb airstrips at Ankang and Hengyang. During May, 16FS, 51FG, based at Chengkung, China with P-40s, sends a detachment to Yunnani; the 26th Fighter Squadron, 51FG, based at Kunming, China with P-40s, sends a detachment to Liangshan.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): By this date all 4 B-29 fields in the Chengtu, China area are open to B-29 traffic.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 332: Operation CROSSBOW (operations against German missile launching sites) targets are hit in France in the early morning; 531bombers and 209 fighters are dispatched but weather causes many aborts and only 3 of 23 V-weapons sites targetted are bombed: 1. Of 161 B-17s dispatched,m 18 hit Poix Airfield, 18 hit Roye/Amy Airfield and 15 hit Montdidier Airfield; 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 20 damaged. 2. 22 of 187 B-17s and 57 of 183 B-24s hit the Pas de Calais area; 1 B-17 and 1 B-24 are damaged beyond repair; 19 B-17s and 15 B-24s are damaged; 5 B-24 crewmen are KIA. Escort is provided by 119 P-47s and 90 P-51s without loss or claims.

Mission 333: In the afternoon, 386 bombers and 558 fighters are dispatched to hit marshalling yards in France and Belgium; 3 bombers and 3 fighters are lost: 1. 110 B-17s are dispatched to Troyes (52 bomb) and Reims (57 bomb), France; 1 B-17 is lost and 52 damaged; 10 airmen are MIA. 2. 125 B-17s are dispatched to Saarguemines (64 bomb) and Metz (42 bomb), France and Brussels, Belgium (13 bomb); 2 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 43 damaged; 20 airmen are MIA. 3. 151 B-24s are dispatched to Brussels (59 bomb) and Liege (40 bomb), Belgium; 21 B-24s are damaged; no losses or casualties. Escort is provided by 120 P-38s, 272 P-47s and 166 P-51s; The P-47s claim 1-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft and the P-51s claim 5-0-2; 2 P-38s and 1 P-51 are lost; 4 P-47s and 1 P-51 are damaged; 4 pilots are MIA.

Mission 334: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 1.55 million leaflets on 25 towns in France and The Netherlands without loss. 25 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations without loss. HQ 489BG(H) arrives at Halesworth, England from the US.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): The last of the 11bombardment groups (8 medium and 3 light) of the IX BC becomes operational. 450 B-26s and A-20s attack numerous marshalling yards and industrial targets in France and Belgium. 406FS, 371FG, ceases operating from Ibsley, England and returns to base at Bisterne with P-47s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack bridges at Albinia Station, NW of Chiusi, in and near Grosseto, near Monte Molino, Calafuria and at Pontedera; also attacked are a viaduct at Monte Catellana and marshalling yards at Florence/Campo di Marte and Florence, with particularly good results at Florence; light bombers hit an ammunition dump at Fara in Sabina; P-40s and P-47s hit rail tracks in the Rome area, Priverno Station, guns N of Anzio, dumps at Frascati, stations at Colleferro and Frosinone, tracks at Orbetello and Orvieto, a bridge and tunnel N of Todi, a road in Canino, a dump and factory at Stimigliono, vessels E of Piombino, a factory E of Cecina, bridge approaches at Grosseto and Arezzo, a dump at Grosseto and a tunnel at Rignano sull Arno; and HQ 79FG and 86th and 87FSs move from Capodichino to Pomigliano with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Shore-based AF Forward Area (Task Force 59) is activated to control all USAAF, USN (USN), and US Marine Corps (USMC) shorebased aircraft in the C Pacific forward area; the command is headed by Major General Willis H Hale, former Commanding General of the 7AF. B-25s from Makin Island, Gilbert Islands bomb Jaluit Atoll, Marshall Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, Bismarck Archipelago, 24 B-24s over the Borpop area attack coastal guns; 40+ fighter-bombers and 30 USN dive bombers pound Vunakambi Plantation. 38 P-39s, flying 18 different missions, hit a variety of targets on SW Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands, including missions at Tinputs, Koromira and Tsimba, Hongorai River crossing, Numa Numa bridge and huts at Aravia and Kunagaupau.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 180+ B-25s, A-20s, and fighters pound the Wewak and Hansa Bay areas throughout the day. Numerous coastline targets are hit, including airfields, vehicles, communications, villages, AA positions, bivouacs, supplies, barges and offshore islands; HQ 86FW arrives at Finschhafen from the US; and during May, HQ 310BW(M) moves from Gusap to Hollandia. B-24s of the Thirteenth Air Task Force hit Woleai and Eauriprik Atolls, Caroline Islands.

 TUESDAY, 2 MAY 1944

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): 10BS(M), VI BC, begins a movement from France Field, Canal Zone to the US where it will be disbanded on 17 Jun 44. CBI THEATER OF OPERATIONS -

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 3 B-24s claim 2 freighters sunk in the S end of Formosa Straits. EASTERN AIR COMMAND (EAC): Troop Carrier Command, until this date a major subordinate component of EAC, is placed under Third Tactical AF, another EAC component.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 335: 50 of 50 B-24s bomb V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais area of France without loss; escort is provided by 50 P-47s and 52 P-51s.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 250+ B-26s and A-20s bomb marshalling yards at Busigny, Valenciennes and Blanc-Misseron, France. 400+ P-47s and P-51s dive-bomb airfields and marshalling yards in France and the Low Countries.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 250+ bombers hit targets in Italy; B-17s hit the marshalling yard at Bolzano; B-24s, most with fighter escort, attack Castel Maggiore and a railroad bridge at Faenza; 300+ bombers are forced to abort because of weather.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, attacks against rail lines and bridges in N Italy continue; medium bombers bomb an approach to a bridge in N Oriveto, bridges in S Ficulle and in Marsciano, and marshalling yards in Florence/Campo di Marte and W and NW Florence; light bombers hit an ammunition dump NE of Rome; P-40s and P-47s hit rail lines N of Rome, bridges SW of Rome, guns N of Anzio, a road at Montefiascone, a road bridge at Cecina, trucks and planes at Malignano landing ground and several other dumps, roads, and rail lines in N Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands from Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, bomb Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands, during the night. During the day B-25s based on Makin Island hit Jaluit and Wotje Atolls, Marshall Islands, using Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands as a shuttle base to rearm between strikes. B-25s from Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll pound Ponape Island, Caroline Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On Bougainville Island, 22 P-39s bomb a village N of Kieta, airstrip and buildings of Koromira and Rigu Missions and 8 P-40s also hit the Kieta area. On New Britain Island, fighter sweeps over the Rabaul area continue; fighter-bombers hit the Vunakambi Plantation supply area with incendiaries and B-25s pound the Talili area.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 140+ A-20s and fighter-bombers hit bridges, barges, gun positions, roads, personnel, supplies, huts and tent areas from Wewak to Hansa Bay throughout the day; 2 B-25s bomb airfields at Wewak and Boram; 8 others hit Wakde Island oil stores, huts, AA positions, trucks, and other targets of opportunity; and the airfield on Biak Island is bombed by 2 B-24s.

 WEDNESDAY, 3 MAY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s hit Kohima and Kalewa; 28 fighter-bombers pound ammunition dumps and other supplies at Mohnyin and N of Nanyaseik; 9 P-38s hit airfields in the Meiktila area; and 7 P-40s attack Lakatkawng and support ground forces in the area; 88FS, 80th FG, moves from Mokelbari, India to Shingbwiyang with P-40s and during the month, a detachment begins operating from Myitkyina.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 7 Chinese-American Composite Wing (CACW) B-25s bomb the Mihsien town area and also hit numerous vehicles and troops NE of Mihsien, between Yochou and Hsuchang, at Chihsien and N of Yenling; the B-25s also strafe the town of Hsiangcheng; 4 B-25s and 8 P-40s pound storage area at Tangyang airfield; 10 CACW P-40s score 11direct hits on a bridge over the Yellow River NW of Chenghsien, and destroy 15 trucks and many troops between Loyang and Luchou. In French Indochina, 10 other P-40s on armed reconnaissance sink 9 sampans near Cat Ba Island, knock out a bridge at Bac Le, damage another at Kep, and pound Na Cham railroad yards.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 336: 47 of 51 B-24s bomb the V-weapon site at Wizernes, France; 33 are damaged; 3 airmen are WIA. Escort is provided by 48 P-47s and 53 P-51s without loss.

Mission 337: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 960,000 leaflets on 26 towns in France, Belgium and The Netherlands; 1 B-17 is damaged. 9 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations.

MTO - AAF, MTO: 16RS (Heavy, Special), AAF, MTO, moves from Foch Field, Tunisia to Foggia, Italy with B-17s; a detachment is operating from Borgo, Corsica. The 16th serves as a radar detection and countermeasures unit in the MTO.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s and B-26s pound railway bridges at Monte Molino, Orvieto, and Taggia, bridge approaches at Ficulle and Imperia, and Ventimiglia marshalling yards; A-20s attack ammunition dumps; P-40s and P-47s attack rail lines, bridge, dump, guns and buildings in the battle area and score 4 direct hits on an observation post S of Cassino; vessels and docks at Civitavecchia and Montalto di Castro and road bridges and rail lines in the area; town of Fondi and rail lines and bridges nearby; railway bridges at Foligno, Sant'Elpidio a Mare and Grosseto; viaduct at Terni; and numerous vehicles, dumps, railroads, vessels, and other targets in the battle areas and in N Italy; and 447BS(M), 321BG(M), moves from Gaudo Airfield to Solenzara, Corsica with B-25s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Kwajalein Atoll bomb Wotje Atoll while others, based at Makin Island, strike both Jaluit and Wotje Atolls, using Majuro Atoll as a rearming base between raids.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On Bougainville Island, 8 P-39s bomb buildings at Monoitu; 17 others, in the course of 6 missions, hit targets of opportunity, including Japanese-occupied huts and buildings at Toiemonapu, Tinputs and Sisiruai, and bivouacs at Tarlena, Ratsua and Mawareka. On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s bomb Kulon Plantation and a personnel concentration to the NE. Allied fighter sweeps over the N Solomons and the Bismarck Archipelago continue. P-40s returning from the New Britain Island area bomb Pororan, Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 72 B-24s, B-25s and A-20s thoroughly blast Wewak and Boram Airfields in a single raid; about 120 A-20s, B-25s and fighter-bombers, operating throughout the day, hit the Wewak and Hansa Bay areas, including targets at Nubia, Uligan, Mushu Island, Wewak and Boram; airfields at Maffin Bay are bombed by B-25s. Moves in New Guinea:7FS and 8FSs, 49FG, from Finschhafen and Gusap respectively to Hollandia with P-40s; 65TCS, 433TCG, based at Nadzab with C-47s, begins operating from Tadji.

 THURSDAY, 4 MAY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, a single B-24 bombs Akyab; 12 B-25s damage a bridge at Kalemyo and bomb Tiddim; 24 B-24s bomb Mandalay marshalling yard and barracks and the general area at Maymyo; 2 P-51s knock out a bypass bridge near Shweli.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 8 P-40s hit gun positions at Pailochi; 2 B-25s strafe 12 sampans between Hong Kong and the Luichow Peninsula, killing many soldiers on board.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 338: 591bombers and 516 fighters are dispatched to Berlin, Brunswick and targets in C Germany; the mission is recalled due to cloud cover but 40 B-17s bomb Bergen/Alkmaar Airfield, The Netherlands; 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 15 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA and 1 WIA. Escort is provided by 50 P-38s, 179 P-47s and 287 8AF and 9AF P-51s; the P-47s claim 8-2-5 Luftwaffe aircraft and the P-51s claim 1-0-1; 2 P-47s and 1 P-51 are lost, 3 P-47s and 2 P-51s are damaged beyond repair and 1 P-38 and 8 P-47s are damaged; 1 airman is WIA and 3 MIA. HQ 95CBW(H) moves from Ketteringham to Halesworth, England.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 170+ B-26s and 36 A-20s bomb gun emplacements and other military targets at Etretat/Sainte-Marie-Au-Bosc, Etaples, Le Treport, Ault, Fecamp and Ouistreham.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, main effort again is against lines of communications; medium bombers hit bridges, tracks and marshalling yards; P-40s, A-36s and P-47s hit rail lines in and around Priverno, guns and radar station N of Anzio, railroad cars, rail lines, and bridge in the Orte-Attigliano and Orte-Narni areas, motor transport and stores E of Frascati, marshalling yards at Colleferro and Follonica, and trucks and personnel on the Fondi-Pico road; vessels at Leghorn and numerous railroad targets at scattered points are attacked. Flight of the 5CMapS, 3PRG, operating from San Severo, Italy returns to base at Pomigliano, Italy with F-5s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 12 B-25s, based at Makin Island, pound Jaluit and Wotje Atolls, using Majuro Atoll as a shuttle base for rearming between the strikes. 39 B-24s from Kwajalein and Eniwetok Atolls hit Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s bomb the Talili Bay area; 43 fighter-bombers hit Vunakanau Airfield; Allied fighter sweeps over the Bismarck Archipelago continue. 38 P-39s, flying 18 missions, hit several targets on Bougainville Island, including buildings at Sovele, Tinputs, the Reboine Bay area, Monoitu and in the area N of Taki; targets of opportunity in the Koromira area are also attacked.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 26 B-24s of the Thirteenth Air Task Force bomb Mokmer Airfield; 60+ B-24s, B-25s, A-20s and P-47s pound airfields, road, bridges, shipping, barges and other targets in the Wewak area; A-20s attack bridges over the Awar River and targets of opportunity in the Hansa Bay area while fighter-bombers hit targets of opportunity in the Ramu River Valley and on the Hansa Bay coast.

 FRIDAY, 5 MAY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 15 P-38s hit targets along Tiddim road; 3 B-25s bomb the Thayaung Airfield area; 80+ P-40s, P-51s, A-36s and B-25s carry out support of ground forces, hit gun positions and supply dumps, attack troop concentrations and blast numerous targets of opportunity throughout the Mogaung Valley; 3 B-25s and 6 fighter-bombers hit an ammunition dump N of Mohnyin; and 12 P-38s bomb a large warehouse E of Monywa. 6 B-24s lay mines in the harbor off Koh Si Chang Island, Thailand.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 11 B-24s bomb docks and shipping at Haiphong, French Indochina. In Burma, P-40s damage bridges at Hsenwi and Wan Pa-Hsa and hit barracks and destroy several trucks at Kentung. In China, 8 B-25s and 23 fighter-bombers attack the warehouse area at Chiuchiang, causing large fires; 25 CACW B-25s and P-40s thoroughly pound Sinyang marshalling yard and storage area; and 10 P-40s sweep the road from Loyang to Juchou, claiming 40-50 vehicles and numerous troops destroyed.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 339: 33 of 46 B-24s hit the V-weapon site at Sottevast, France; 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 6 damaged; 4 airmen are KIA. Escort is provided by 52 P-51s without loss. Duing the night, 21 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions; 1 B-24 is lost. HQ 95CBW(H) moves from Ketteringham to Halesworth, England.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Brigadier General Myron R Wood assumes command of the IX AFs Services Command.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 465BG(H) with B-24s becomes operational, making a total of 20 heavy bomber groups operational in the 15AF. 640+ bombers (the largest force to date) attack targets in Rumania and Yugoslavia; the B-17s hit marshalling yards at Ploesti/Campina and Brasnov, Rumania; the B-24s hit the marshalling yard at Ploesti and troop concentrations at Podgoricu, Yugoslavia; fighters fly 240+ sorties in support.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s bomb a supply dump W of Albano Laziale; XII Tactical Air Command A-36s, P-47s and P-40s fly 24 missions cutting rail lines N and NE of Rome, and hitting guns N of the Anzio beachhead and N of Gaeta and a dump near Frascati; bridges at Orvieto and W of Lake Bolsena are damaged by direct hits, a barge at San Stefano al Mare is hit, several trucks destroyed or damaged, rail lines are cut in several places near Sesti Bagni and aircraft are hit at the Canino landing ground. A flight of the 5CMS, 3PRG, operating from San Severo, Italy returns to base at Pomigliano, Italy with F-5s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): During the night of 4/5 May B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll stage through Eniwetok Atoll and bomb Truk Atoll. During the day B-25s from Eniwetok Atoll strike Ponape Island, and 10 from Makin Island hit Jaluit and Wotje Atolls, Marshall Islands, using Majuro Atoll as a rearming base between the attacks.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): In the Solomon Islands, 24 B-25s bomb gun positions at Buka on Buka Island and 34 P-39s hit various targets on Bougainville and Buka Islands, including buildings at Porton, Chabai and Kohiso, a pillbox on Pau Island and a road near Tsundawan; supply area at Chabai is bombed by 12 other P-39s; P-40s bomb buildings at Kieta and at nearby Rigu Mission. Fighter patrols continue over the N Solomons Islands and the Bismarck Archipelago.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s bomb Mokmer Airfield while B-25s hit supply areas at Wakde Island and along the coast of Maffin Bay; A-20s and fighter-bombers again pound targets around Wewak and along the coast of Hansa Bay, hitting supply and personnel areas, warehouses and occupied villages.

 SATURDAY, 6 MAY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 14 B-25s bomb Indainggyi, destroy the Sibong bridge and damage a road at Hpaungzeik; 90+ P-40s, P-51s and B-25s attack a wide variety of targets throughout the Mogaung Valley; 18 fighter-bombers and 6 B-25s support ground forces at Mawlu while 3 B-25s and 4 P-51s hit positions at Nalong.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 61 P-40s and 5 B-25s attack targets throughout S China and French Indochina. In China, numerous vehicles and troops are destroyed in the Hsiangcheng, Loyang and Luchou areas; main buildings at Nanchang mines are destroyed, Sienning bridge is damaged and several railroad cars and vehicles are destroyed near Puchi; and 14 B-25s and 25 fighter-bombers pound the airfield and surrounding area at Hankow. In French Indochina, 8 boxcars are destroyed and 70 more damaged between Thanh Moi and Bac Le and between Phu Lang Thuong and Lang Son; a barge is sunk at Campha Port and numerous sampans and small craft sunk or damaged at Cat Ba Island. Detachment of 22BS(H), 341BG(M), operating from Yunnani, China with B-25s returns to base at Yangkai.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 340: 168 bombers and 185 fighters are dispatched to hit NOBALL (V-weapon) targets in France; 90 B-17s dispatched to the Pas de Calais area return to base with bombs due to cloud cover over the target; 70 of 78 B-24s hit Siracourt; 48 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 57 9AF P-38s, 47 P-47s and 81 P-51 s without loss.

Mission 341: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 3.22 million leaflets on 19 towns in France and Belgium; 1 B-17 encounters a night fighter and claims 0-1-0; the B-17 is damaged. 22 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 75 B-26s and A-20s dispatched to attack coastal defenses abort the mission because of weather. 422NFS, 71 FW, moves from Charmy Down to Scorton, England with P-61s; first Mission is 3 Jul.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): About 300 B-17s and B-24s, escorted by P-51s and P-38s, hit targets in Rumania; the B-17s attack an aircraft factory at Brasov and marshalling yard at Turnu Severin; the B-24s bomb Ploesti/Campina marshalling yard and an aircraft factory at Brasov.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s pound a storage area at Itri; A-36s hit rail lines in the Viterbo area; P 40s hit guns, tracks and railroad station in and around Frosinone, and rail lines, stations, roads and town area in and near Itri, Colleferro and Sezze; P-47s hit Certaldo marshalling yard and numerous railroad and highway targets, including several bridges; and HQ 324FG and 314th Fighter Squadron move from Cercola to Pignataro Maggiore with P-40s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Makin Island and Kwajalein Atoll hit Wotje and Jaluit Atolls. B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, escort USN aircraft on a photo reconnaissance of Guam Island, Marianas Islands. The B-24s bomb Guam from 20,000 ft (6,096 m), scoring hits on 2 airfields and a town area and proceed to Los Negros Island, Admiralty Islands to prepare for the return flight; the B-24s claim 4 enemy aircraft shot down.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 24 B-25s and 12 P-39s pound the Talili Bay area on New Britain Island. 37 P-39s and 19 P-40s attack targets in the Porton area, Bougainville Island. HQ 4PRG moves from Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Islands to Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-24s bomb Penfoei, Timor Island, Lesser Sunda Islands and Biak Island off New Guinea. In New Guinea, 150+ B-25s, A-20s and fighter-bombers, operating almost continuously throughout the day, blast a variety of targets from Wewak to the shores of Hansa Bay. B-24s of the Thirteenth Air Task Force again bomb Woleai Atoll.

 SUNDAY, 7 MAY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 15 P-38s hit the Kangaung area; 4 P-40s hit targets of opportunity along the road from N of Nanyaseik to Kamaing. 4 B-24s lay mines in the Gulf of Siam off Sattahib, Thailand.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 4 B-25s hit vehicle concentrations W and NW of Hsiangcheng and bomb the town of Chiahsien and 4 P-40s destroy at least 25 trucks between the 2 towns; 8 P-40s destroy or damage 40-60 trucks, tanks and other vehicles during road sweeps from Loyang to Yenshih and from Yehhsien to Paofeng; 8 P-40s strafe forces and equipment E of Luchou, while 4 hit railroad targets of opportunity at Lang Son, French Indochina.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 342: In the morning, 922 bombers and 764 fighters are dispatched to bomb targets in Germany; 9 bombers and 4 fighters are lost; 1 Luftwaffe aircraft is claimed shot down: 1. 600 B-17s are dispatched on a PFF attack on Berlin; 514 bomb the primary and 39 hit targets of opportunity; 8 B-17s are lost, 2 are damaged beyond repair and 265 damaged; 8 airmen are KIA, 14 WIA and 83 MIA. 2. Of 322 B-24s dispatched, 147 bomb Munster and 165 bomb Osnabruck; 1 B-24 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 22 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 2 WIA and 6 MIA. Escort is provided by 153 P-38s, 317 P-47s and 284 P-51s; 2 P-38s, 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost, 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair and 5 P-38s, 3 P-47s and 1 P-51 damaged; 3 pilots are MIA. In the afternoon, 29 of 67 B-24s bomb the marshalling yard at Liege, Belgium without loss; escort is provided by 24 P-47s and 51 P-51 s without loss.

Mission 343: 3 of 4 B-17s drop 1.6 million leaflets on 16 towns in C France without loss. 14 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions without loss.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 420+ B-17s and B-24s bomb targets in Rumania and Yugoslavia; the B-17s and B-24s hit marshalling yards at Bucharest, Rumania and 38 B-17s also hit a railroad bridge at Belgrade, Yugoslavia; 62 P-51s escort heavy bombers to the target and 53 provide withdrawal escort; 84 P-38s fly target cover.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather remains poor and precludes medium bomber operations; A-20s hit a dump SW of Albano Laziale; fighter-bombers hit communications, especially roads, with excellent results; roads, motor transports, trains, gun positions, bridges, tracks, marshalling yards, harbor areas and other targets are attacked in areas around Stimigliano, Vetralla, Viterbo, Bracciano, Anzio, Manziana, Acquapendente, Civitavecchia, Terracina, Rome and Elba Island.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Truk Atoll during the night of 6/7 May. B-25s from Engebi Island hit Ponape Island during the following day. Makin Island-based B-25s bomb Jaluit and Wotje Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 15 B-25s, hampered by bad weather, attack a coastal gun on Cape Friendship, Bougainville Island and bomb the west coast of Rantan Island, Solomon Islands; 70+ P-39s, P-38s and P-40s bomb numerous targets throughout Buka and Bougainville Islands including shipping and supply area at Chabai and Tsirogei, huts at Hiru Hiru, near Tonu, and at Monoitu and bridges W of Haigi and on the Miwo River.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s, B-25s and P-40s hit Urarom, Biak Island, the Hollandia-Wakde coast, and Sawar- Maffin Bay area; A-20s, B-25s and fighter-bombers again attack targets of opportunity from Wewak to the area around Hansa Bay and strafe villages along the Sepik River; and 90BS(L), 3BG(L), moves from Nadzab to Hollandia with A-20s.

 MONDAY, 8 MAY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 B-24s and 9 B-25s bomb Moirang and a village to the N, causing considerable damage including the destruction of a road bridge; 12 P-38s hit Kangaung Airfield.

ETO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS: General Dwight D Eisenhower sets D-Day for the Normandy invasion as 5 Jun; the date subsequently will be changed to 6 Jun.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 344: In the morning, 807 bombers and 729 fighters are dispatched to hit targets in Germany in a PFF mission; the bombers claim 76-16-16 Luftwaffe fighters, the fighters claim 55-4-20; 36 bombers and 13 fighters are lost: 1. 500 B-17s are dispatched to bomb Berlin; 386 B-17s hit the primary, 42 bomb Brunswick, 17 bomb Brandenburg and 8 bomb Magderburg; 25 B-17s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 169 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 7 WIA and 261 MIA. 2. 307 B-24s are dispatched to Brunswick; 288 hit the primary and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 11 B-24s are lost, 7 are damaged beyond repair and 28 damaged; 7 airmen are KIA, 8 WIA and 112 MIA. Escort is provided by 152 P-38s, 295 P-47s and 282 P-51s; the P-38s claim 6-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft, the P-47s claim 9-1-5 and the P-51s claim 40-3-12; 4 P-38s, 4 P-47s and 5 P-51s are lost; 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are damaged beyond repair; 3 P-47s and 1 P-51 are damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 13 MIA.

Mission 345: In the afternoon, 164 bombers and 97 fighters are dispatched against targets in France and Belgium; 5 bombers are lost: 1. 92 of 101 B-17s bomb V-weapon sites at Glacerie and Sottevast, France; 5 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 29 damaged; 28 airmen are MIA. 2. 57 of 63 B-24s hit Brussels/Schaerbeck marshalling yard, Belgium; 29 B-24s are damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 2 WIA and 19 MIA. Escort is provided by 97 P-47s without loss.

Mission 346: 3 of 4 B-17s drop 1.6 million leaflets on 10 towns in France without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): About 450 B-26s and A-20s bomb marshalling yards, coastal defenses, bridges, airfields and V-weapons sites in France and Belgium.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, fighter-bombers hit roads and railroads N of Rome, a supply dump N of Anzio beachhead, and the station at Colleferro; numerous trucks and railroad cars are destroyed and many troops killed; Attacks against rolling stock on the Rome-Orte rail line are especially effective; HQ 62TCG and 4th, 7th and 8th TCSs move from Ponte Olivo, Sicily to Gaudo Airfield (4th TCS is operating from bases in India); and 524th Fighter- Bomber Squadron, 27FBG, moves from Castel Volturno to Santa Maria with P-40s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Engebi Island strike Ponape Island while Makin Island-based B-25s pound Jaluit and Wotje Atolls, using Majuro Atoll as a shuttle base between strikes. B-24s that landed at Los Negros Island after the strike on Guam Island on 6 May return to the Marshall Islands, bombing Ponape Island en route.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Fighter-bombers pound Tobera Airfield, New Britain Island and strafe targets of opportunity in the area. 2 squadrons of B-24s bomb gun positions at Sohano Island, Solomon Islands and Hahilia, New Britain Island while on Bougainville Island, 30+ P-39s and P-40s hit areas around Porton, Tsimba, Tarara, Kieta, Numa Numa, Tsirogei and at several other points and B-25s blast the coast near Banin, hit Sohano Island, and bomb airfield areas at Bonis and Buka on Buka Island. 390BS(M), 42BG(M), based in the Russell Islands, Solomon Islands with B-25s, ceases operating from Stirling Island, Solomon Islands.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s and P-40s operating in the Geelvink Bay area attack Mokmer Airfield and nearby shipping; A-20s and fighter-bombers continue to pound targets of opportunity along the NE New Guinea coast from Wewak to Hansa Bay and along the Sepik River.

 TUESDAY, 9 MAY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 100+ RAF Vengeances, P-51s and B-25s hit positions and occupied areas at Moirang, Kanglatongbi, Myothit and SE of Palel, and severely damage a bridge over the Uyu River near Nawngpu-awng; Mogaung Valley targets, including targets in support of ground forces near Kamaing, are pounded by 60+ B-25s, A-36s, P-51s and P-40s; 9 P-51s hit troops and gun positions at Mawlu and Namkwin and hit the Nalong area; 3 B-24s blast the barracks area at Nagorn Sawarn while 3 P-51s hit Anisakan Airfield, destroying or damaging 20+ trucks, 2 aircraft and a locomotive; 8 B-24s lay mines in the Moulmein area, 2 others make a diversionary strike on Martaban, and 5 mine the Mergui waterfront.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): HQ 33FG moves from Shwangliu to Pungchacheng, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 347: 823 bombers and 668 fighters are dispatched to hit marshalling yards and airfields in France, Belgium and Luxembourg; this is the beginning of the pre-invasion bombing of enemy installations; 6 bombers and 7 fighters are lost: 1. Of 220 B-17s, 75 hit St Dizier Airfield, 53 hit Thionville Airfield and 37 hit Thionville marshalling yard, France and 53 hit Luxembourg marshalling yard, Luxembourg; 38 B-17s are damaged. 2. 242 B-17s are dispatched to bomb airfields in France; 113 hit Laon/Athies, 71 hit Juvincourt, 43 hit Laon/Couvron, 10 hit Lille/Vendeville and 1 hits Chievres; 2 B-17s are lost and 44 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 1 WIA and 20 MIA. 3. Of 361 B-24s, 101 hit St Trond Airfield, 96 hit Florennes Airfield, 63 hit Liege marshalling yard and 6 hit Hody Airfield, Belgium and 68 hit Laon/Couvron Airfield and 10 hit Nivelles Airfield, France; 2 B-24s are lost, and 35 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 1 WIA and 44 MIA. Escort is provided by 144 P-38s, 277 P-47s and 247 P-51s; the P-47s claim 2-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-4 on the ground, the P-51s claim 1-0-0 in the air; 1 P-38 and 6 P-51s are lost; 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair and 1 P-51 is damaged; 6 pilots are MIA.

Mission 348: 3 of 3 B-17s drop 1.34 million leaflets on 4 towns in The Netherlands and 3 in Belgium. 13 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 367th and 406FGs become operational, the 17th and 18th operational groups. 40+ B-26s attack marshalling yards, railway batteries, coastal defense batteries, bridges, and NOBALL sites in France.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s hit Incisa in Valdarno railroad bridge and viaduct while A-20s attack fuel dumps; fighterbombers again blast roads and railroads and other targets at various locations N of Rome, including Lake Bolsena, Civitavecchia, Colleferro, Civita Castellana, Orte and San Giovanni Valdarno; HQ 87FW moves from Bastia to Vescovato, Corsica; 111TRS, 68TRG, attached to XII Tactical Air Command, moves from Pomigliano to Santa Maria with F-6s; and 522 and 523Fighter- Bomber Squadrons, 27FBG, moves from Castel Volturno to Santa Maria with A-36s and P-40s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): During the night of 8/9 May B-24s stage through Kwajalein Atoll to bomb Truk Atoll. Makin Island-based B-25s hit Wotje and Jaluit Atolls, using Majuro Atoll as a rearming point between attacks.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 33 fighter-bombers pound the airfield at Lakunai, New Britain Island; fighter sweeps over New Ireland and New Britain Islands, Bismarck Archipelago, continue. On Bougainville Island, 30+ P-39s and P-38s hit barges in the Porton-Chabai area, huts at Kieta and an ammunition dump S of Aitara Mission; 10 other P-38s and 12 B-25s bomb Bonis Airfield and nearby targets of opportunity in Buka Passage.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 50+ B-24s and B-25s bomb Langgoer and Faan airstrips, Bosnik supply area and Mokmer Airfield; 220+ A-20s and fighter-bombers continue to blast numerous targets of opportunity along the NE coastline from Wewak to the Hansa Bay area. 12 B-24s of the Thirteenth Air Task Force bomb Woleai Atoll.

 WEDNESDAY, 10 MAY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): The Eleventh directs its components to place more emphasis on photographing and bombing of specific targets instead of general reconnaissance. CHINA-BURMA-INDIA (CBI) THEATER OF OPERATIONS: In a drive to free the Burma Road, Chinese troops cross the Salween River on a 100-mi (160 km) front and attack Japanese positions in N Burma.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 70+ B-25s, A-36s, P-51s, P-40s and 10 B-24s blast numerous targets, concentrating on barracks and storage in the Myitkyina-Mogaung vicinity and also hitting gun positions and bridges at Kamaing and railroad siding and buildings at Mohnyin; 16 P-38s destroy several aircraft in strikes on Aungban and Kangaung Airfields.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): P-40s sink 6 large junks and damage several others in Fan Tou Bay, China and destroy several trucks between Wan Pa-Hsa and Mong Ho Pung, Burma. 28 P-40s bomb Tengchung, China town area, strafe a nearby truck convoy, damage bridges at Tingka, China; Bac Le, French Indochina; and Hsenwi, Burma; hit a power dam at Tasa, French Indochina; bomb a tank and truck dispersal area at Hsiangcheng, China; and hit 30+ railroad cars at Lang Giai, Dong Dang and Na Cham, French Indochina.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): A bomber mission to Germany is abandoned dur to deteriorating weather.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): About 300 B-26s attack marshalling yards, airfields, and NOBALL targets in France and Belgium. P-47s and P-51s dive-bomb targets in NW Europe for the sixth straight day. Bad weather causes a large number of aborts.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 485BG(H) with B-24s is declared operational, giving the 15AF its planned operational strength of 21bomber groups. The 52FG with P-51s also begins operations with the Fifteenth on this date, making a total of 6 FGs. Around 400 bombers attack targets at Wiener Neustadt Austria; B-17s bomb aviation industry targets; B-24s bomb the industrial area and an air depot; 200+ fighters provide support; 300+ bombers are forced to abort due to bad weather which has halted operations for the past few days; opposition is fierce; 21bombers and 1 fighter are lost; US aircraft claim 50 aircraft.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather permits medium bomber operations for first time in several days; B-25s hit bridges near San Giovanni Valdarno, Orvieto and Monte Molino, and the Terni viaduct; B-26s attack bridges W of Arezzo; fighter-bombers continue attacks on roads and railroads N of Rome; targets in the areas of Avezzano, Civitavecchia, Furbara, Terni, Todi, Orvieto, Manciano, Perugia, Monte San Savino and La Saezia, and near Rome are attacked. Units moving from Cercola to Pignataro Maggiore, Italy with P-40s: 99FS, 332FG, attached to 324FG: 315th and 316FSs, 324FG.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll bomb Wake Island during the night of 9/10 May. During the day, B-25s from Engebi Island bomb Ponape Island while Makin Island-based B-25s raid Jaluit and Wotje Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 41 fighter-bombers attack Tobera Airfield; 11 B-25s hit Matupi Island, Bismarck Archipelago; fighters on a sweep, hit trucks W of Keravat. On Bougainville Island, 4 B-25s bomb Majuai Mission; 61 P-39s (some back from the Tobera strike) and 12 P-40s attack targets throughout the Buka-Bougainville Islands area, including a bridge over the Crepers River, a supply area at Mawareka, a barge at Chabai, a village on Schwarze Point, a pillbox at Gohi and the general area of Porton Plantations.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 120+ B-24s, A-20s and fighter-bombers, along with RAAF (RAAF): aircraft, maintain attacks on targets of opportunity along the NE coast from the Hansa Bay area to Wewak; 2 B-24s hit Mokmer Airfield. 45 B-24s of the Thirteenth Air Task Force bomb the airfield on Eten Island and warehouse area at Dublon Island, both in Truk Atoll.

 THURSDAY, 11 May 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 70+ B-25s, A-36s, P-51s and P-40s, attack the Myitkyina and Pinbaw areas, Sahmaw, targets NW of Kamaing, gun positions at Nsopzup and targets of opportunity along the road from Inkangahtawng to Kamaing; 24 P-51s attack the airfield at Meiktila, Anisakan and Heho, shooting down 13 aircraft in the area; 14 B-24s pound Maymyo railroad station; 12 B-25s attack the railroad in the Shwebo-Sagaing area; and 12 other B-25s knock out bridges at Pyu, Thawatti, Ela and 7 mi (11.2 km): S of Ela.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 24 P-40s knock out the main bridge N of Mangshih, bomb the town area of Lungchwanchiang, and in French Indochina, damage a radio station on Cat Ba Island and destroy several large junks off shore, and attack a power dam W of Cao Bang, buildings at Dong Dang, and boxcars and oil drums at Lang Giai. In China, 6 B-25s and 24 P-40s (some firing rockets) pound railroad yards and depot at Sinyang, blast a warehouse area 30 mi (48 km) to the N and sink a small freighter, 3 motor launches and several sampans between Siaokan and Chienli; 2 B-25s and 4 P-40s hit troops, tanks and trucks in the Yenshih-Tengfeng-Mihsien area and in the Luchou-Hsiangcheng vicinity; 6 P-40s pound supply dumps at Mienchih and 13 P-40s sink at least 5 supply boats on the Yangtze River in the Hosueh area.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 350: 364 B-24s and 536 fighters are dispatched to bomb marshalling yards in France; 8 B-24s and 5 fighters are lost: 1. 144 are dispatched to hit Mulhouse; 94 bomb the primary, 19 hit Belfort, 13 bomb Orleans/Bricy Airfield and 2 hit Mezidon/Pithiviers; 1 B-24 is lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 17 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 7 WIA and 40 MIA. 2. 74 are dispatched to Belfort; 33 bomb the primary and 24 hit Chaumont; 1 B-24 is lost. 3. 76 are dispatched to Epinal; 68 hit the primary and 1bombs Caen Airfield; 3 B-24s are lost. 4. 70 are dispatched to Chaumont but none bomb; 3 B-24s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 30 damaged; 1airman is WIA and 31 MIA. Escort is provided by 147 P-38s, 188 P-47s and 201 P-51 s; the P-38s claim 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground, the P-47s claim 3-0-2 in the air and 2-0-6 on the ground and the P-51s claim 3-0-0 on the ground; 2 P-4s and 3 P-51s are lost, 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair and 2 P-38s, 6 P-47s and 2 P-51s are damaged; 5 pilots are MIA.

Mission 351: In the afternoon, 609 B-17s and 471 fighters are dispatched to hit marshalling yards in Belgium, France, Germany and Luxembourg; 8 B-17s and 4 fighters are lost; primary targets are Brussels/Midi (55 bomb), Brussels (49 bomb) and Liege, Belgium (119 bomb, 2 lost); Saarbrucken (58 bomb, 5 lost), Kons Karthaus (55 bomb) and Ehrang (60 bomb, 1 lost), Germany; and Luxembourg (53 bomb); 12 hit the secondary target at Thionville, France; and 16 hit Volkingen, Germany; 19 hit Bettembourg, Luxembourg and 51 hit other targets of opportunity; 8 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 172 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 23 WIA and 83 MIA. Escort is provided by 99 P-38s, 182 8AF and 9AF P-47s and 190 Eighth and Ninth Air Force P-51s; the P-51s claim 11-0-4 Luftwaffe aircraft; 4 P-51s are lost, the pilots are MIA.

Mission 352: 4 of 5 B-17s drop 2.4 million leaflets over Denmark; 2 airmen are KIA and 3 WIA. 4 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions. 850BS(H), VIII AF Composite Command attached to 801BG (Provisional), moves from Eye to Cheddington, England with B-24s; the squadron is flying CARPETBAGGER missions.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 330+ B-26s attack airfields at Beaumont-le-Roger and Cormeilles-en-Vexin and marshalling yard at Mezieres/ Charleville, France and Aerschot, Belgium. Bad visibility and failure to rendezvous with fighters cause 100+ aborts. This is start of Ninth Air Force's participation in AAF pre-invasion offensive against airfields. 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command attached to Third Army, moves from Alderley Edge to Knutsford, England with L-5s; first Mission is in Jul 44.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers, hampered by weather, attack Portoferraio, bridges near Orvieto and Ficulle, tracks at Piombino, viaduct at Poggibonsi and bridges at Certaldo and Signa; fighterbombers hit Fondi, rail lines NE of Rome, Littoria Airfield, rail facilities in the Perugia area, barge, harbor area, and factory in the Portoferraio area, and tracks near Castiglione d'Orcia; other fighter-bombers attack numerous positions along the main front as the US Fifth and British Eighth Armies begin an assault through the Gustav Line and the drive toward Rome. 414NPS, 63FW, based at Elmas, Sardinia, sends a detachment to Alghero, Sardinia with Beaufighters; other detachments are at Borgo and Ghisonaccia, Corsica.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Truk Atoll during the night of 10/11 May. During the day B-25s from Engebi Island hit Ponape Island while others, based on Makin Island, pound Jaluit Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 8 P-38s bomb a supply-personnel area W of Tobera; 12 B-25s, 12 P-40s and 3 B-24s hit Vunakanau Airfield; fighters on sweeps and bombing missions hit various targets at Kabanga Plantation, the Gazelle Peninsula area, N of the Sae River and at Labout. On Bougainville Island, 70+ P-39s, P-40s, and P-38s (flying a total of 18 missions) attack a variety of targets, including piers at Chabai, Ratsua and Porton, wooded area near Pipipaia, town of Siruluna, bridge at Tokinotu, and Buka Airfield on Buka Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 190+ B-24s and B-25s bomb gun emplacements and supply areas on Wakde Island and Mokmer Airfield and targets of opportunity on Biak Island; 220+ fighter-bombers, A-20s, B-24s and B-25s continue to pound coastal bridges and villages, fuel dumps, vehicles, gun positions, supply areas, bivouacs and various targets along the shoreline from Hansa Bay to Wewak.

 FRIDAY, 12 MAY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 1 B-24 reconnoiters and bombs installations on Matsuwa Island, Kurile Islands, concentrating on the airfield on Tagan Cape.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 4 B-25s strike the Tiddim road NNW of Tonzang; 50+ B-25s and fighter-bombers knock out a railroad bridge at Pinbaw, pound gun positions and supply area at Myitkyina and hit defensive positions near Kazu-Tiangsup; 4 B-25s damage Myothit bridge while 8 P-38s bomb Kyaukye; 21 P-51 s hit airfields at Meiktila and Heho, claiming 8 Japanese aircraft downed; 4 B-25s knock out a bridge at Daga while 2 others bomb a camp at Taungbaw.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 16 P-40s and 11 B-25s hit several targets in S China and in French Indochina. In China, military installations, artillery positions and tank concentrations are pounded in the Yoyang area, a bridge and several trucks are damaged at Sienning, a naval vessel is attacked at Hong Kong and in French Indochina, a radio station on Cat Ba Island is bombed and railroad yards, supply dump, and river junks are blasted in the Phu Langi Thuong area; and HQ 81FG moves from Karachi, India to Kwanghan.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 353: 886 bombers and 735 fighters are dispatched to hit oil production facilities in Germany and Czechoslovakia; there is strong Luftwaffe fighter reaction and 46 bombers and 7 fighters are lost: 1. 326 B-17s are dispatched to Mersenburg (224 bomb) and Lutzkendorf (87 bomb); 1 hits Hedrongen and 1bombs Bullstadt; 2 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 189 damaged; 4 airmen are KIA, 6 WIA and 20 MIA. 2. 295 B-17s are dispatched to Brux, Czechoslovakia (140 bomb) and Zwickau (74 bomb); 11 hit Chemnitz, 14 hit Gera marshalling yard, 15 hit Hof and 4 hit targets of opportunity; 41 B-17s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 162 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA, 8 WIA and 377 MIA. 3. 265 B-24s are dispatched to Zeitz (116 bomb) and Bohlen (99 bomb); 14 hit Mersenburg, 1 hits Ostend Airfield, Belgium and 12 hit targets of opportunity; 3 B-24s are lost, 5 damaged beyond repair and 61 damaged; 7 airmen are WIA and 33 MIA. Escort is provided by 153 P-38s, 201 P-47s and 381 P-51 s; P-38s claim 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft, P-47s claim 26-0-8 and P-51s claim 33-0-3 in the air and 5-0-2 on the ground; 4 P-47s and 3 P-51s are lost and 4 P-47s and 9 P-51s are damaged; 7 pilots are MIA.

Mission 354: 5 of 5 B-17s drop 1.74 million leaflets on Denmark; 1 aircraft is damaged; 2 airmen are KIA and 3 WIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): IX Troop Carrier Command carries out Operation EAGLE, a full-scale exercise of the tactics and techniques of paradrop, glider tow, parapack in resupply, air landing of supplies and medical evacuation as a dress rehearsal for the airborne invasion of Normandy. 450+ B-26s attack coastal defenses, airfields, bridges, railroads and railroad guns, and V-weapon sites in France and Belgium; thick haze impedes visibility and causes many aborts.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, around 730 B-17s and B-24s (largest force to date) attack German HQ at Massa d'Albe and Monte Soratte; town of Civitavecchia; airfields at Tarquinia and in the surrounding area; marshalling yards at Chivasso, Piombino, Marina di Carrara, Viareggio and Ferrara; Orbetello Island; Piombino harbor; docks and communications at San Stefano al Mare ; harbor, marshalling yard and railroad bridge at Chiavari; La Spesia marshalling yard and harbor; and several targets of opportunity; 25 P-38s strafe Piacenza Airfield; other fighters fly 250+ sorties in support of bombing missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s blast command posts along the main battlefront as Allied ground forces seek to break through the Gustav Line; medium bombers hit a concentration near Fondi, attack forces at Vallecorsa and Pastena and bomb numerous positions along the main front; fighter-bombers pound command posts, guns, bridges, road and rail traffic and troops along the assault front and in the rear areas, concentrating especially on the Monte Cassino Benedictine Abbey and surrounding area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 12 Makin Island-based B-25s bomb Nauru Island. A single B-24 from Kwajalein Atoll bombs Jaluit Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 12 B-25s and 20+ P-40s and P-38s pound Tobera Airstrip and nearby personnel areas; some of the B-25s returning from Tobera bomb Sohano Island, Solomon Islands; 12 P-39s and about 70 USN SBDs and TBFs sink numerous barges throughout the Rabaul area, especially at Simpson Harbor and Keravia Bay; gun positions in the Matupi area are also attacked.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-24s bomb Mokmer Airfield, New Guinea, and attack targets on Ceram Island, Moluccas Islands; Amboina, Ambon Island, Moluccas Islands; and Timor Island. In New Guinea, A-20s, B-25s and fighter-bombers blast villages, coastal bridges and roads, vehicles, the airstrip at Boram and other targets throughout the Wewak-Hansa Bay region; HQ 3BG(L) moves from Nadzab to Hollandia; 66th Troop Carrier Squadron, 433TCG, based at Nadzab begins operating from Tadji with C-47s; 418NPS, 310BW (M), moves from Finschhafen to Hollandia with B-25Hs, P-38s and P-70s.

 SATURDAY, 13 MAY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 1 B-25 flies a shipping strike and strafes 2 fishing vessels.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, nearly 100 P-40s and P-51s over the Mogaung Valley hit gun positions, bridges, support ground forces (near Nanyaseik) and hit numerous targets of opportunity throughout the whole valley; 12 A-36s hit positions near Maungdaw; 19 B-25s pound several points along the road and bomb troop concentrations at Bishenpur; 30+ B-24s, B-25s, A-36s, and P-51s hit Indaw, Taungbaw and Mohnyin; and 11 B-25s bomb Monywa.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 19 B-25s hit storage and warehouse areas at Mangshik and Lungling, a bridge at Hsenwi, truck and tank concentrations SW of Loyang, and town area of Lungling; 39 P-40s hit military installations at Mengta and Tating, a village N of Kaitou bridge at Tingka and a truck concentration at Yingyangchen.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): 771BS(VH), 462BS(VH), arrives at Piardoba, India from the US with B-29s; first Mission is 5 Jun.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 355: 749 bombers and 737 fighters hit targets in Germany; 12 bombers and 5 fighters are lost; they claim 58-5-13 Luftwaffe aircraft: 1. 289 B-17s are dispatched to hit oil targets in W Poland but clouds force 215 to bomb Stettin and 57 to hit Stralsund; 10 bombers are lost and 81 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 1 WIA and 88 MIA. 2. 199 B-17s are dispatched to hit the marshalling yard at Osnabruck; 178 hit the primary and 1bomb a target of opportunity; 1 B-17 is lost and 61 damaged; 2 airmen are WIA and 10 MIA. 3. 261 B-24s are dispatched to hit aviation industry targets at Tutow; 228 hit the primary and 12 hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost and 2 damaged; 1airman is WIA and 10 MIA. Escort is provided by 153 P-38s, 238 P-47s and 346 P-51s; the P-47s claim 14-2-9 Luftwaffe aircraft, the P-51s claim 33-1-4; 1 P-38, 2 P-47s and 2 P-51s are lost, 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair and 5 P-38s and 7 P-51s are damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 5 MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 300+ B-26s and A-20s bomb airfields, coastal defenses, railway battery and V-weapon sites in France and Belgium. P-47s carry out dive-bombing raids on various targets.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, bombers continue interdiction in support of the ground forces. 670+ B-17s and B-24s mostly with fighter escort, attack marshalling yards at Trento, Bronzola, Fidenza, Piacenza, Faenza, Imola, Cesena, Modena, Parma, San Rufillo, Borgo San Lorenzo, Castel Maggiore and Bologna and hit railroad bridges at Bolzano and Avisio; and fighters sweep the Bologna-Modena area.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium, light and fighter-bombers continue to attack lines of communications but devote the main effort to support of the Allied ground forces push against the Gustav Line (French Expeditionary Force with US Fifth Army gains a spectacular breakthrough by a fierce assault); A-20s hit a command post; B-26s damage Cortona, Certaldo, Signa and Montepescali bridges; B-25s blast towns in the rear of the battleline with good results at Pastena, Pico, Vallecorsa and Itri; and fighter-bombers carry out armed reconnaissance and scheduled attacks against communications, road and rail traffic and gun positions along the immediate battleline and in areas around Esperia, Pico, Sant' Oliva, Pignataro Interamna, Arce, Fondi, Perugia, Todi, Spoleto, Terni, Orvieto, Chiusi, Rieti and N of Rome.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s. staging through Eniwetok Atoll from Kwajalein Atoll, bomb Truk Atoll during the early morning hours. Other B-24s from Kwajalein bomb Maloelap and Jaluit Atolls, Marshall Islands. B-25s from Engebi Island hit Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On Bougainville Island, 50+ P-39s and P-40s attack piers at Ratsua, Porton, Chabai, and Tarlena; 30+ other fighter-bombers hit various targets, including a supply area SE of Bonis, the town of Chabai, a village near Ibu, and huts and villages along the Numa Numa trail; 3 B-25s hit coastal guns at Hahela Mission. On New Britain Island, 21 B-25s and 40+ P-39s, P-40s, and P-38s pound supply areas at Talili Bay. Fighter sweeps over N New Britain and New Ireland Islands continue; many targets of opportunity are strafed. 370th, 371, 372 and 424BS(H), 307BG(H), move from Munda, New Georgia Island, Solomon Islands and Guadalcanal Island (424th Bomb Squadron) to Los Negros Island with B-24s.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s hit dispersal areas on Jaspen Island, supply areas and AA guns at Bosnik and airfields at Sorido, Namber and near the Moemi River; B-24s and B-25s hit airfields in the Wakde-Maffin-Sawar-Arare area; 200+ fighter-bombers, A-20s, and B-25s thoroughly pound airfields, bridges, fuel dumps, vehicles, villages, AA guns, and supply areas in the Wewak-Hansa Bay area; and 89BS(L), 3BG(L), moves from Nadzab to Hollandia with A-20s.

 SUNDAY, 14 MAY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 P-38s hit Tiddim road at Tonzang, causing a roadblock; 11 P-40s hit a bridge and road at Kazu and railroad shed at Myitkyina; 25 B-25s and P-51s hit troop positions at Hopin; Meiktila and Heho Airfields are hit by 20+ P-51s and P-38s; the fighters claim 4 aircraft downed in combat; and 528FBS, 311FBG, moves from Dinjan, India to Tingkawk Sakan with P-51s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 60 P-40s and P-51s hit trucks at Yoyang, river shipping, boxcars, and trucks at Pailochi and Sienning and a storage area at Shayang; 20 other P-40s bomb and strafe towns near Mamien Pass, Pingkai and areas around Mengta and Tating; 6 Japanese bombers hit Kienow, rendering the airfield temporarily unusable.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 435FS, 479th FG, arrives at Wattisham, England from the US with P-38Js; first mission is 26 May.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 404FS, 371 FG, stops operating from Ibsley, England with P-47s and returns to base at Bisterne.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Just over 700 bombers attack targets in Italy; B-17s hit marshalling yards at Ferrara and Mantua and an air depot at Piacenza; B-24s hit Vicenza marshalling yard and air depots at Piacenza and Reggio Emilia; fighters fly 170+ sorties in escort; 48 P-38s strafe Aviano and Villaorba airfields. HQ 52FG and 4th and 5FSs move from Corsica to Madna Airfield, Italy with P-51s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, support for the Allied ground assault into the Gustav Line continues as aircraft hit at lines of communications N and NW of Rome and blast targets in the immediate battle area; medium bombers claim hits on bridges, bridge approaches, and viaducts at Chiani, Marsciano, Monte Molino. Castiglione d'Orcia, San Giovanni Valdarno, Poggibonsi, Tabianello and Arezzo; A-20s pound command posts in the battle area; fighter-bombers hit stations, tracks, roads, town areas, bridges, gun positions and targets of opportunity in the immediate battle area and in or near Esperia, Terni, Narni, Itri, Terracina, Perugia, Chiusi, Orvieto, San Giovanni Valdarno, Maranola and other locations N of Rome.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 53 B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll and 43 B-25s from Makin Island join USN aircraft in pounding Jaluit Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s bomb Tobera Airstrip; 44 fighter-bombers pound supply and personnel areas at Vunakanau; P-39s and P-40s strafe targets in N and E Gazelle Peninsula, and fighter patrols over Rabaul area attack several targets of opportunity. In the Buka-Bougainville Island area, 40+ P-39s and P-40s bomb Hangan, Tsirogei, Tokiparo, a pier at Kessa Plantation, and near Ibu.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s bomb Bosnik supply areas and Sorido runway; in the Wakde-Sawar-Maffin Bay area, villages and AA positions are pounded by B-24s and B-25s; fighter-bombers, A-20s, B-24s and B-25s maintain strikes against airfields, bridges, trucks, villages, and other targets in the Wewak-Hansa Bay area.

 MONDAY, 15 MAY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 19 B-25s pound targets of opportunity along the Tiddim road; 20+ B-25s and fighter-bombers hit gun positions at Hopin and the airfield at Myitkyina; 17 P-38s attack Heho and Kangaung Airfield, claiming 15 aircraft destroyed, most of them in the air; 7 B-24s bomb Myitkyina, Kalewa and Mandalay.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): B-25s strike Kengluang bridge, Siam and hit installations near Wan Pa-Hsa, Burma. P-40s strafe troops near Pingkai, Burma, and along Mamien Pass and in the Mengta area of China. 92Fighter Squadron, 81FG, moves from Karachi, India to Kwanghan, China with P-47s; first Mission is 1Jun.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 356: 166 bombers and 104 fighters hit V-weapon sites in France with 1 fighter lost; 38 of 58 B-17s bomb Marquise/Mimoyecques with 5 B-17s damaged; 90 of 108 B-24s bomb Siracourt with 8 B-24s damaged; escort is provided by 104 P-51s with 1 lost (pilot is MIA).

Mission 357: 3 of 3 B-17s drop 1.1million leaflets on 10 towns in Belgium and France; 1 B-17 crash lands on returning to base, 1airman is KIA, 3 WIA. 5 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations. HQ 479FG and 434th and 436FSs arrive at Wattisham, England from the US with P-38Js; first Mission is 26 May.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 45 A-20s and B-26s bomb airfields at Creil and Evreux/Fauville and Somain marshalling yard; 300+ others are forced to abandon missions because of thick clouds.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Weather cancels all operations except fighter a sweep over the Toulon-Marseille, France area.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium and light bombers again hit communications lines N and NW of the front while fighter-bombers in close support of the Allied ground assault through the Gustav Line blast gun positions, motor transport, ammunition supplies, bridges, rolling stock and other military targets in the battle area; medium and light bombers also hit harbors and vessels along coasts at Piombino, Talamone, Portoferraio and Ancona.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Operations are limited to photo reconnaissance of Jaluit Atoll from Kwajalein Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On Bougainville Island, 24 B-25s and 40+ P-40s, P-38s, and P-39s, along with TBFs and SBDs, pound the area N of Muguai and hit the Maika area between Muguai and Ebery's Lease; 40+ fighters on sweeps over Bougainville and Shortland Islands, Solomon Islands, attack AA positions, trucks and huts at several locations including the Kieta, Cape Friendship and Chabai areas. On New Britain Island, Allied fighter sweeps continue over the Rabaul area; several targets of opportunity, including a concentration of barges in Keravia Bay, are hit.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, the Wewak- Hansa Bay area is again hit by A-20s, B-24s and fighter-bombers; B-24s and B-25s attack numerous targets in the Wakde-Sawar-Sarmi-Maffin Bay areas and on Biak Island; and HQ 475FG and 431, 432 and 433Fighter Squadrons move from Nadzab to Hollandia with P-38s. Thirteenth Air Task Force B-24s from Los Negros Island bomb supply and bivouac areas on Mariaon and Tagaulap Islands and AA guns on Woleai and Paliau Islands, all in Woleai Atoll.

 TUESDAY, 16 MAY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, about 70 B-25s and fighter-bombers hit the Myitkyina and Hogin areas; 11 B-24s hit Ywataung and Sagaing marshalling yards and the town of Akyab.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 8 B-24s blast the motor pool and warehouse areas at Mangshih.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 2FS, 52d FG, moves from Corsica to Madna Airfield, Italy with P-51s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack railroad bridges and a tunnel in C Italy; light bombers blast guns in Roccasecca while fighter-bombers and fighters just behind enemy lines seek out motor transport targets, crater roads and hit bridges, harassing the already strained communications network, while US Fifth Army troops push rapidly W and NW and British Eighth Army forces push through the last defenses of the Gustav Line in an effort to isolate Cassino, a joint effort by British 13 Corps and Polish 2 Corps.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Kwajalein Atoll-based B-24s pound Wake Island. B-25s from Makin Island hit Nauru and Ponape Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 40+ fighter-bombers hit the Vunakanau area; fighters on sweeps hit barges at Jacquinot Bay and Mioko Harbour, vehicles at Kurakakaul, Mandres Bay and Vunarima, and N of Vunakanau, a small vessel in Mandres Bay and a sawmill at Keravat. On Bougainville Island, fighter-bombers hit occupied areas at Tunuru, near Kieta and Manetai Mission, and at Tinputs.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, aircraft continue to pound a variety of targets including airfields and supply areas on Noemfoor and Biak Islands, AA guns, supplies and occupied villages in the Wakde Island-Maffin-Sawar coastal area, and bridges, villages, troop concentrations and AA positions; 8BS(L), 3BG(L), moves from Nadzab to Hollandia with A-20s; and 9FS, 49FG, moves from Gusap to Hollandia with P-47s.

 WEDNESDAY, 17 MAY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 18 B-25s bomb Chauk oil installations while 20 P-38s hit Kangaung Airfield; B-25s and fighter-bombers fly 90 sorties against Mogaung Valley targets, hitting targets of opportunity at Kazu and Namti and a bridge at Kamaing and supporting ground forces in the Myitkyina area.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, P-40s support ground forces at Mamien Pass, hit Japanese positions at Tatangtzu, damage a bridge and several trucks at Shweli, Burma, strafe troops at Luchiangpa and bomb and strafe a horse pack train near Tengchung; 7 B-25s and 13 P-40s pound the Shayang barracks area and hit troops and vehicles NE of Shasi.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 30(Photo)Reconnaissance Squadron, 10PRG, moves from Chalgrove to Middle Wallop, England with F-5s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 450+ bombers hit targets in Italy and Yugoslavia; the B-17s bomb the marshalling yard at Ancona, Italy and troop concentrations at Bihac, Yugoslavia; the B-24s bomb the port areas at San Stefano al Mare, Piombino, Portoferraio and Orbetello, Italy; P-38s strafe airfields at Ghedi, Villafranca di Verona, Modena, Forli and Reggio Emilia, Italy while other fighters fly 130+ sorties of escort duty.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, operations continue in support of the Allied ground assault; B-26s bomb road bridges in the immediate battle area with generally fair results; roads are blocked in Frosinone; B-25s bomb the landing ground at Viterbo while A-20s bomb a command post near Valmontone and drop supplies to French troops on Monte Revole; fighter-bombers hit railroads, bridges, trucks, and gun positions behind and along the battle front with good results, destroying or severely damaging 6 bridges, creating road blocks in the towns of Vallecorsa and Pico, blasting gun emplacements at Cassino and hitting numerous targets of opportunity.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll bomb Wake Island while Engebi Island-based B-25s hit Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 25 B-25s bomb the airfield at Tobera while 43 P-39s, P-40s and P-38s, in conjunction with 40+ USN dive bombers, blast the Vunakanau area; fighters on sweeps hit a Nubai River bridge and strafe targets on Gazelle Peninsula. 39 fighter-bombers hit numerous targets in Bougainville Island area, including the Muguai area, a bridge N of Numa Numa, barges at Banin Harbor and the area around Ratsua.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, Allied forces land without opposition near Arare after a naval bombardment; B-24s and B-25s hit targets in the general vicinity at Sawar, Sarmi and the mouth of the Orai River; 100+ B-24s, with P-38 escort, pound AA positions at Bosnik, Sorido and Mokmer, and supply areas and airfield on Noemfoor Island; 120+ fighterbombers, A-20s, B-25s and B-24s continue to hit the Wewak-Hansa Bay area; and HQ 49FG moves from Finschhafen to Hollandia.

 THURSDAY, 18 MAY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): Over the Kurile Islands, a B-24 on weather reconnaissance attacks a Japanese aircraft and 2 B-25s sink an auxiliary vessel; another is sunk shortly before 2400 hours by 2 other B-25s.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 140+ fighter-bombers and 6 B-25s pound numerous targets throughout the Mogaung Valley, concentrating on bridges (at least 4 are knocked out) and support of ground forces in areas around Myitkyina, Nanyaseik, Kamaing, Namkwin, Kazu, Lonkin and Katkyo; 8 B-25s knock out a Mu River bridge and damage Chaungu bridge approaches; 12 P-38s destroy several aircraft at Shwebo.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 6 B-25s and 12 P-40s pound barracks and warehouse areas at Chienyangi, causing many fires; 30 P-40s support ground forces in the Salween area, hitting troops and positions at Tengchung, Tatangtzu, Mamien Pass and Luchiangpa; 12 B-24s bomb the towns of Lungling and Tengchung; 25 CACW and Chinese AF (CAF) P-40s attack trucks, armor and troops at Chueh-shan and Loning, causing widespread destruction.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Almost 450 bombers, mostly with fighter escort, hit targets in Rumania and Yugoslavia; both B-17s and B-24s bomb the industrial area at Ploesti, Rumania and the marshalling yard at Belgrade, Yugoslavia; the B-17s also hit the marshalling yard at Nis, Yugoslavia; 300+ other bombers abandon the mission s because of bad weather; fighters strafe airfields at Nis and Scutari, Yugoslavia.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers continue to hit rail bridges, bombing farther into the N of Italy and thus putting more pressure on the strained German communications system; light bombers hit storage areas; fighter-bombers continue close support to Allied ground forces, hitting town areas, roads, enemy positions, railroads and numerous other targets in the battle area, including points in or around Pico, Pontecorvo. Fondi, Terracina, Ceccano, Pastena, San Giovanni Valdarno, Perugia, Terni, Spoleto, Sant' Elpidio a Mare, Pedaso and N of Rome, as the British Eighth Army completes the reduction of the Gustav Line in the Liri River Valley with the capture of Cassino, while the US Fifth Army takes Formia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s based on Makin Island bomb Taroa Island, Maloelap Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll and attack the same target during the return flight to base.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On Bougainville Island, 10 P-39s hit barges off Porton; 40+ P-38s and P-39s pound a supply area N of Mupuai.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 100+ fighterbombers, A-20s, B-25s and B-24s pound targets of opportunity in the Wewak- Hansa Bay area throughout the day; and 68TCS, 433d TCG, based at Nadzab sends a detachment to operate from Tadji with C-47s. B-24s hit targets of opportunity on Halmahera Island, Moluccas Islands and bomb Bosnik. B-25s hit Larot, Celebes Islands and Saumlakki, Tanimbar Island, Moluccas Islands.

 FRIDAY, 19 MAY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A B-24 flies armed reconnaissance over Shimushu and Ketoi Islands, Kurile Islands.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, A-36s, P-40s, P-51s and a few B-25s fly 140+ attack sorties against various targets in the Mogaung Valley, concentrating on gun positions in the Myitkyina area; 8 B-25s damage railroad tracks in the Myingatha-Saye area and 16 P-38s hit the airfield at Nawnghkio.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 31 fighters support ground forces in the Salween area at Chiangtso, Watien, and Mamien Pass; 4 P-40s knock out a bridge at Shweli, Burma, 13 P-40s bomb and strafe the Puchi area and 16 P-40s and P-38s damage a bridge at Tayeh and hit military installations and other buildings at Yangsin; 11 P-51 s bomb a village near Anking, causing large explosions and fires; 2 B-24s on a sea sweep seriously damage 2 freighters S of Hong Kong; 16 CACW P-40s pound trucks, tanks and troops in the Ichang-Tangyang-Loyang area and attack river traffic at Itu on the Yangtze River.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 358: 888 bombers and 700 fighters are dispatched to hit targets in Germany; very heavy cloud cover forces the bombers to use H2X PFF methods; Luftwaffe resistance is heavy and 28 bombers and 19 fighters are lost; the fighters claim 77-0-33 Luftwaffe aircraft: 1. 588 B-17s are dispatched to Berlin; 495 hit the primary, 49 hit the port area at Kiel and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 16 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 289 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA, 16 WIA and 137 MIA. 2. 300 B-24s are dispatched to the industrial area at Brunswick; 272 hit the primary and 1bombs a target of opportunity; 12 B-24s are lost and 64 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 8 WIA and 119 MIA. Escort is provided by 155 P-38s, 182 P-47s and 363 P-51s of the Eighth Air Force and 264 9AF aircraft; the P-38s claim 0-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-0 on the ground, the P-47s claim 29-0-16 in the air and 2-0-0 on the ground and the P-51s claim 41-0-5 in the air and 4-0-10 on the ground; 4 P-38s, 4 P-47s and 11 P-51 s are lost; 2 P-38s are damaged beyond repair; 5 P-38s, 4 P-47s and 7 P-51s are damaged; 17 pilots are MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, about 290 B-26s and A-20s bomb coastal defenses, port area, railway battery, and NOBALL (V-weapon): targets; 125+ others fail to bomb because of extremely thick haze; about 300 P-47s dive-bomb targets.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 500+ bombers hit communications targets, ports, and oil storage in NE, C, and, W Italy; B-17s hit oil storage facilities at Porto Marghera and railroad bridges at Casarea, Latisana and Rimini; B-24s hit port areas at La Spezia and Leghorn; fighters fly 250+ sorties in support. These operations are notable for the absence of enemy fighter opposition.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers hit railroad bridges in NC Italy while light bombers bomb an ammunition dump; fighter-bombers continue support to Allied forces advancing rapidly N and W, blasting the road network in the battle area and hitting motor transport, bridges, town areas, and targets of opportunity, in areas around San Giovanni Valdarno, Pastena, Vallecorsa, Terracina, Fondi, Pistoia and elsewhere.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s based on Engebi Island hit Ponape Island and B-25s from Makin Island hit Nanru Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 40+ P-39s, P-38s and P-40s hit Makada Island, Bismarck Archipelago. 16 B-25s bomb gun positions and supply area at Talili Bay, New Britain Island. On Bougainville Island, 20 AAF fighters and a few USN aircraft bomb huts and bridges at Monoitu, Porton, Toborei, Moisuru and Tsimba.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s, A-20s and P-38s hit airfields and shipping in the Manokwari-Noemfoor Island area; other B-24s pound beach defenses at Bosnik on Biak Island and hit the area between Bosnik and Mokmer; 270+ A-20s, P-47s, P-38s and B-25s continue to blast Wewak, knocking out radar and radio stations and attack targets of opportunity from Wewak to the Hansa Bay area.

 SATURDAY, 20 MAY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 100+ A-36s, P-40s and P-51s pound gun positions, attack bridges, bomb troops and hit numerous targets of opportunity in areas around Myitkyina, Kamaing, Nanyaseik, and Nsopzup; 16 RAF Vengeances and 2 P-38s hit targets in the Arakan area, including a signal center SE of Buthidaung, gun positions SE of Maungdaw and a jetty at Akyab; about 40 B-24s and P-51s hit oil installations at Yenangyaung and Chauk, airfield at Pakokku, and town of Akyab. In India, HQ 1Air Commando Group moves from Hailakandi to Asansol; the group consists of the following sections: bomber (B-25s), fighter (P-51s), light-plane (L-1& L-5), transport (C-47), glider (CG-4) and light-cargo (UC-64); the bomber section is eliminated and after converting from P-51s to P-47s, the group begins a training program; a detachment of 9(Photo)RS, 8(Photo)RG, operating from Dinjan since Sep 43 returns to base at Barrackpore with F-5s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 19 B-24s attack a convoy S of Hong Kong claiming 2 motor launches sunk and damaging several larger vessels; 3 B-24s are lost at sea; 37 P-40s hit trucks, armored vehicles, river traffic and troops in or near Shasi, Ichang, Tangyang, Chingmen, Loyang and Loning; on the Salween front 43 fighters and 8 B-25s support ground forces and damage a bridge N of Tengchung over the Shweli River.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 359: 638 bombers and 657 fighters are dispatched to hit targets in France and Belgium; 2 bombers and 4 fighters are lost; AAF claims 2-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-1 on the ground: 1. 190 B-17s are dispatched to bomb Orly Airfield (90 bomb) and Villacoublay Air Depot (73 bomb) in France; 4 B-17s are damaged beyond repair and 48 damaged; 20 airmen are KIA and 6 WIA. 2. 125 of 177 B-24s bomb Reims Airfield and marshalling yard in France; 5 B-24s are damaged. 3. 271 B-17s and B-24s are dispatched to marshalling yards at Liege and Brussels, Belgium but the mission is abandoned due to heavy cloud cover; 2 bombers are lost, 4 damaged beyond repair and 41 damaged; 17 airmen are KIA, 16 WIA and 17 MIA. Escort is provided by 146 P-38s, 177 P-47s and 334 P-51s; P-38s claim 2-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-1on the ground; 1 P-38, 1 P-47 and 2 P-51s are lost; 5 P-38s are damaged; 4 pilots are MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Around 450 B-26s attack airfields, coastal defenses, and V-weapon site in France; about 250 aborts are caused mainly by bad cloud conditions and failure to rendezvous with fighters. P-47s dive-bomb targets in NW Europe. 423NFS, 10PRG, moves from Chormy Down to Chalgrove, England with F-3s and A-20s; the 423d will be redesignated 155(Photo)RS on 22 Jun.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF):

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather prevents operations by medium and light bombers; fighter-bombers continue to hit communications and gun positions in the battle area; areas in and around Vallecorsa and Terracina are hit especially hard; fighters maintain patrols and reconnaissance, destroying or damaging numerous vehicles between Pisa and Pistoia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Engebi Island bomb Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On Bougainville Island, 22 B-25s, 44 P-39s, P-40s, and P-38s and 30+ USN and USMC (USMC): aircraft pound AA positions, bivouacs and supply areas from the Muguai- Ebery's Lease area to the Maika area; 24 other P-39s hit barges in Matchin Bay, AA guns on Sohano Island, and bridges at Kieta. On New Britain Island, 3 B-24s bomb the Tobera runway.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s, A-20s and B-25s hit airstrips, revetments, supply area, AA positions and shipping at Manokwari, Noemfoor and Biak Islands, and Mawi Bay; A-20s, B-25s and fighter-bombers continue to pound airfields, coastal villages, bridges, supply dumps, trucks and various other targets at Wewak and from Wewak to the shore of Hansa Bay.

 SUNDAY, 21 May 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 120+ P-40s, P-51s, A-36s and B-25s hit Mogaung, Myitkyina, the Talawgyi-Hokat area, and Kamaing; gun positions around Myitkyina and Mogaung are also hit; a single B-24 bombs NW part of Mandalay; 20TRS, 8th Photographic RG, based at Kisselbari, India with P-40s, sends a detachment to Tingkawk Sakan.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 27TCS, 443Troop Carrier Group, moves from Sylhet, India to Yunnani, China; during the next nine months, detachments will operate from Chanyi, Chengtu and Kunming at various times.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 360: 150 bombers and 48 fighters hit V-weapon sites in France without loss; 25 of 40 B-17s hit Marquise/Mimoyecques and 13 B-17s are damaged; 99 of 110 B-24s hit Siracourt and 1 B-24 is damaged. Escort is provided by 48 P-47s without loss. 617 fighters are dispatched on strafing missions to attack rail stock in Germany; 27 fighters are lost; 91 of 225 locomotives attacked are destroyed; P-47s also dive bomb rail bridges in W Germany; and 1 P-51 pilot claims 25 cows killed; participating are: 1. 145 P-38s claim 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 6-0-3 on the ground; 8 P-38s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 12 damaged; 1airman is KIA and 8 MIA. 2. 139 P-47s claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air; 4 P-47s are lost and 21 damaged; 3 pilots are MIA. 3. 333 P-51s claim 17-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 77-0-64 on the ground; 15 P-51s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 20 damaged; 15 pilots are MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France 50 B-26s bomb airfields at Abbeville/Drucat; and 600+ P-47s and P-51s attack railroad rolling stock. 404FS, 371FG, based at Bisterne, England, begins operating from Ibsley with P-47s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In NC Italy, medium bombers are restricted by bad weather but bomb a few bridges and roads, while light bombers hit a bivouac area; fighter-bombers continue support of ground forces, hitting troops, vehicles, roads and railroads in or near the battle areas, particularly around Sezze, Ceccano, San Giovanni Valdarno and Pontecorvo.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 53 B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll bomb various targets in Wotje Atoll; 41 B-25s, based on Makin Island, follow up with bombing, cannonading and strafing attack on the atoll. 8 B-24s stage through Eniwetok Atoll, strike Rota Island, Marianas Islands, and rearm at Los Negros Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 3 B-24s, 30+ P-39s and P-40s, and 40+ USN dive bombers hit Vunakanau Airfield and nearby plantation; 8 P-38s, followed shortly by USN aircraft, bomb Lakunai Airfield. 40+ P-39s, P-38s, and P-40s fly sweeps over Bougainville Island; bridges at Rigu Mission and Shishigatero are reported demolished.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s, A-20s and P-38s attack airfields, town areas, barges, personnel and supply areas, and fuel dumps at Manokwari, Urarom, along the Moemi River and on Noemfoor and Biak Islands; fighter-bombers. A-20s and B-25s continue almost constant pounding of supply dumps, camps, AA positions and a variety of targets along the coast from Wewak to Hansa Bay; and 13BS(L), 3d BG(L), moves from Nadzab to Hollandia with A-20s. Thirteenth Air Task Force B-24s bomb Truk Atoll.

 MONDAY, 22 MAY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 2 Attu Island, Aleutian Island-based B-25s on a shipping strike near Paramushiru bomb and strafe a picket boat, which is left sinking.

CBI THEATER OF OPERATIONS -

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 2 B-25s attack a large concentration of sampans in Honghai Bay; 2 others heavily damage a 150-ft (45.7 m) cargo vessel near Hong Kong; 22 P-51s pound the town of Anking and military area NE of Nanchang; 24 P-40s hit the Sienning area, bombing a factory W of town, damaging a bridge near town, and strafing numerous trucks in the vicinity; 23 P-40s hit road and river traffic in areas around Loyang, Loning, and Itu; and 5 P-40s bomb Yangsin.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Occupancy of all planned Eighth AF stations in Britain is completed with the transfer of the airfield at N Pickenham from the RAF to the Eighth; total stations number 77, including 66 airfields, occupied by 82 operational or HQ units.

Mission 361: 438 bombers and 568 fighters are dispatched on PFF attacks to targets in Germany and France; 5 bombers and 7 fighters are lost: 1. 342 are dispatched to the port area at Kiel, Germany; 289 hit the primary and 5 bomb targets of opportunity; 5 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 209 damaged; 4 airmen are KIA, 3 WIA and 78 MIA. 2. 94 of 96 B-24s hit V-weapon sites at Siracourt, France; 1 B-24 is damaged. Escort is provided by 145 P-38s, 95 P-47s and 328 P-51s; P-38s claim 8-1-5 Luftwaffe aircraft, P-47s claim 12-1-2 and P-51s claim 2-2-1; 3 P-38s, 3 P-47s and a P-51are lost; 1 P-38 and 2 P-47s are damaged beyond repair; 1 P-38, 2 P-47s and a P-51are damaged; 6 pilots are MIA. 130 P-47s are dispatched on a fighter-bomber attack railroad bridges at Hasselt and Liege, Belgium; 1 P-47 is lost and 1 damaged.

Mission 363: 4 of 4 B-17s drop 320,000 leaflets on The Hague, Haarlem, Rotterdam and Utrecht, The Netherlands without loss. 12 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Around 330 B-26s and A-20s bomb airfields and other targets in the Cherbourg, Calais, and Paris areas of France while a like number of P-47s and P-51s dive-bomb marshalling yards, airfields and other targets in the same general areas.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): As weather again clears, 550+ bombers attack communications and military targets in C and NW Italy; B-17s bomb the marshalling yard at Avezzano; B-24s hit port areas at Fano, Porto Civitanova and La Spezia; fighters fly 200+ sorties in escort to bombers; there is no fighter opposition.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): 332FG with P-47s is transferred to the 15AF; this move, following a series of reassignments of FGs to the 15AF and to India, leaves the XII Fighter Command with only 1FG. In Italy, medium bombers are inactive or abortive except for a raid on Cave; fighter-bombers maintain close support of the ground advance, hitting at motor transport, roads, and bridges in the battle areas and nearby points in C Italy, including Terracina, Ceccano, Sezze, Bastia, points between Rome and Bracciano Lake and near Balsorano.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 8 B-25s based on Engebi Island bomb Ponape Island. Weather cancels other strikes.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 40+ P-39s, P-38s and P-40s hit targets of opportunity in the coastal area near Talili Bay on New Britain Island. 24 B-25s pound Mioko I, Bismarck Archipelago. On Bougainville Island, 40+ P-39s bomb the Bonis supply area and blast 4 small bridges near Kieta.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s and B-25s bomb Manokwari, shipping E of Cape Manggoear and storage areas and Sorido village on Biak Island; P-40s hit supply and fuel dumps, trucks and other targets of opportunity in the area of Wakde Island; B-24s, B-25s and fighter-bombers continue to bomb and strafe various targets in the Wewak- Hansa Bay area; and HQ 348FG and 341 and 342Fighter Squadrons move from Saidor to Wakde Island with P-47s.

 TUESDAY, 23 MAY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 P-38s bomb Tiddim road; 12 B-24s bomb the Indaw marshalling yard and Homalin; 16 P-38s attack Kangaung Airfield; and 23 P-40s and 4 A-36s bomb gun positions, troops and supply dumps in the Myitkyina area.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 364: 1,045 bombers and 562 fighters are dispatched to hit airfields and rail targets in France; 3 bombers are lost: 1. 580 B-17s are dispatched to the marshalling yard at Metz (34 bomb), Epinal (36 bomb) and Chaumont (54 bomb); airfields at Orleans/Bricy (17 bomb): and Chateaudun (18 bomb); secondary targets hit are marshalling yards at Saarbrucken, Germany (139 bomb), Bayon (12 bomb), the town of Neunkirchen, Germany (37 bomb), Caen/Carpiquet Airfield (18 bomb) and 12 hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 50 damaged; 12 airmen are KIA and 4 WIA. 2. 465 B-24s are dispatched to hit airfields at Orleans/Bricy (167 bomb), Bourges (84 bomb), Avord (88 bomb) and Etampes/Mondesir (97 bomb); 1 aircraft hits a target of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 33 damaged; 10 airmen are KIA and 10 MIA. Escort is provided by 96 P-38s, 142 P-47s and 324 P-51s; none are lost and no Luftwaffe aircraft are claimed; 1P47 is damaged beyond repair and 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are damaged; 644 9AF fighters also participate with the loss of 2 P-38s and 2 P-47s.

Mission 365: 103 P-51s are dispatched to bomb a railroad bridge at Hasselt, Belgium; 75 bomb escorted by 14 acting as top cover; 1 P-51 is lost, the pilot is MIA.

Mission 366: 4 of 5 B-17s drop 928,000 leaflets on Belgium and The Netherlands without loss. 7 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 15 B-26s bomb the airfield at Beaumont-le-Roger in a predawn attack; during the afternoon 58 B-26s bomb coastal batteries at Etretat/Sainte-Marie-Au-Bosc, Maisy and Mont Fleury; and 120+ P-38s strafe and bomb rolling stock in C France.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, 300+ B-17s and B-24s concentrate attacks on troop concentrations and communications in the rear of the battle area, at Avezzano, Subiaco, Valmontone, Marino, Nemi and Grottaferrata; P-38s and P-51s provide escort; other P-38s, covered by P-47s, strafe the airfield at Ferrara.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers abort missions because of weather; light bombers hit communications between Cisterna di Roma and Campoleone; fighter-bombers actively support the general offensive of Allied ground forces in the Liri Valley and at Anzio where US and British forces break out of the beachhead; fighters on armed reconnaissance join in the attacks and numerous enemy vehicles, gun positions, transport routes and personnel are hit hard in areas in and around Terracina, Littoria, Norma, Marcigliana, Fara in Sabina, Borghetto, Arezzo and Civita Castellena; and a marshalling yard on the Empoli-Siena line is also hit.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Makin Island-based B-25s strike Jaluit Atoll. B-24s returning from Los Negros Island, where they landed after the raid on Rota on 21 May, bomb Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 2 B-24s bomb Tobera, while 32 B-25s and 40+ P-39s, P-38s and P-40s attack gun positions near Rabaul, near Lakunai and in the vicinity of Tunnel Hill Road. On Bougainville Island, 51 P-39s and 8 P-40s attack huts, barges, bridges and other targets of opportunity at several locations.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s hit Manokwari while B-24s, A-20s and P-38s hit targets on Biak Island, including trucks at Borokoe, AA positions and control tower at Mokmer Airfield, the village of Sorido and offshore targets at Bransfari; P-40s hit troops on Wakde Island and on the Biri River; P-38s support ground forces in the Aitape area; A-20s, P-39s. B-24s and B-25s maintain bombing and strafing of the Wewak-Hansa Bay area.

 WEDNESDAY, 24 MAY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 2 bombers fly weather and photo reconnaissance over Shimushu Island and bomb the Matsuwa Island area.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20+ P-40s in the Myitkyina vicinity destroy 8 barracks buildings and knock out a railway bridge and a machinegun post; a single B-24 bombs Gwa in the Arakan area.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 367: 1,106 bombers and 602 fighters are dispatched on visual attacks on airfields in the Paris area and PFF and visual bombing of Berlin; 33 bombers and 10 fighters are lost; the fighters claim 33-7-6 Luftwaffe aircraft: 1. 616 B-17s are dispatched to Berlin; 464 hit the primary, 34 bomb Nauen, 13 bomb Rechlin and 6 bomb targets of opportunity; 33 B-17s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 256 damaged; 4 airmen are KIA, 24 WIA and 482 MIA. 2. 490 B-24s are dispatched to bomb airfields at Melun (168 bomb) and Orly (151bomb); 58 bomb Pix Airfield and 23 comb Creil Airfield; 33 B-24s are damaged. Escort is provided by 144 P-38s, 178 P-47s and 280 P-51s; P-38s claim 6-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft and P-51s claim 27-7-4; 1 P-38, 1 P-47 and 8 P-51s are lost; 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair; 1 P-38, 1 P-47 and 4 P-51s are damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 10 MIA.

Mission 368: 222 fighter are dispatched to attack rail bridges in France; 1. 74 P-47s are dispatched to hit bridges at Creil (44 bomb) and Verberie (28 bomb); 1 P-47 is damaged. 2. 124 P-51s, escorted by 24 P-51s, are dispatched to bomb bridges at Beaumont-sur-Oise (59 bomb) and Soissons (34 bomb); 29 also hit St. Leger/Albert Airfield; they claim 3-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 2-0-1on the ground; 3 P-51s are lost and 6 damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 3 MIA.

Mission 369: 4 of 4 B-17s drop 2.54 million leaflets on France and Belgium without loss. 3 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 450+ B-26s attack airfields, coastal defenses and V-weapon sites; and P-38s and P-47s dive-bomb 4 landing fields.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 620+ bombers attack targets in targets in Austria and Italy; B-17s bomb the Avisio, Italy railroad viaduct and Atzgersdorf, Austria aircraft components factory; B-24s bomb airfields at Wollersdorf, Bad Voslau, Graz and Munchendorf, Austria; escorting fighters fly 250+ sorties; enemy fighter opposition is especially heavy against the B-24s attacking Bad Voslau, downing 6 heavy bombers.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium, light and fighter-bombers fly numerous sorties in support of the rapidly advancing ground forces and in attacks against rail lines, bridges and roads in NC Italy; medium bombers hit at least 5 bridges, create several road blocks and cause havoc in communications to the N of the battle area; light bombers blast a bivouac area; fighter-bombers have great success in attacks on motor transports, mainly in the battle area, and in conjunction with RAF aircraft destroy 300+ and damage as many more.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Makin Island pound Wotje and Jaluit Atolls, using Majuro Atoll as a shuttle base for rearming between the strikes. B-25s based at Engebi Island hit Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): In the Rabaul area of New Britain Island, 19 P-38s, P-40s and 22 B-25s attack Hospital Point gun positions; 2 other B-25s hit the town of Rabaul; fighter patrols hit various targets of opportunity in the Rabaul area and S New Ireland Island. In the Solomon Islands, 51 P-39s, P-40s, and P-38s, and a single B-24, attack various targets on Buka-Bougainville Islands including Buka Airfield, E Bougainville coastal bridges, and Cape Lalahan radar station.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, A-20s hit airfields at Namber and Kamiri; 200+ A-20s, P-38s, P-47s, P-39s and B-25s continue to blast targets of opportunity in the Wewak-Hansa Bay area throughout the day.

 THURSDAY, 25 MAY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 1Shemya Island, Aleutian Islands-based B-24 flies reconnaissance and bombing Mission in the C Kurile Islands; another B-24 aborts due to equipment failure.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 28 P-38s sweep over the Mandalay area; 12 of them hit about 10 railroad cars near Shwebo, leaving them burning; B-24s hit targets in the Katha area, 6 of them bombing Indaw and 4 bombing the Naba rail junction area.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 370: 406 bombers and 604 fighters make visual attacks on rail installations and airfields in Belgium and France; 4 bombers and 12 fighters are lost; the fighters claim 13-2-3 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 3-0-5 on the ground; unless otherwise indicated, all targets are in France: 1. 307 B-24s are dispatched to marshalling yards at Belfort (74 bomb) and Mulhouse (134 bomb); 12 hit Tonnere marshalling yard and 37 bomb Bretigny and 1bombs Dijon Airfields; 2 B-24s are lost and 57 damaged; 20 airmen are MIA. 2. 320 B-17s are dispatched to Nancy/Essey Airfield (75 bomb) and marshalling yards at Metz (69 bomb), Saarguemines (36 bomb) and Blainville (36 bomb); 56 B-17s hit Thionville marshalling yard and 3 bomb Liege Airfield, Belgium; 14 B-17s are damaged. 3. 103 B-24s bomb Montignies sur Sambre marshalling yard and 9 bomb Alos marshalling yard; 3 B-24s are damaged. 4. In Belgium 247 B-17s are dispatched against marshalling yards at Brussels/Schaerbeck (52 bomb), Brussels/Midi (29 bomb) and Leige/Guillemines (50 bomb); other marshalling yards hit are Brussels/Melsbroek (18 bomb) and Liege/Renory (50 bomb); 2 B-18s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 71 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 6 WIA and 28 MIA. 5. 18 of 38 B-17s and 18 of 18 B-24s hit Fecamp gun battery without loss. 6. 15 B-17s hit St Valery gun battery without loss. Escort is provided by 136 P-38s, 181 P-47s and 287 P-51s; P-38s claim 3-1-0 Luftwaffe aircraft, 9 P-38s (pilots are MIA) are lost and 8 damaged; P-47s claim 4-1-2 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 3-0-5 on the ground, 6 P-47s are damaged; P-51s claim 6-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft, 3 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA) and 1 damaged.

MISSION 371: 4 of 4 B-17s drop leaflets in France without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 225+ B-26s attack bridges near Liege, Belgium and airfields at Lille/Nord and Monchy-Breton, France. About 250 P-47s dive-bomb various targets in W Europe.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 340+ bombers attack targets in France and Italy; B-17s attack the marshalling yard at Lyon, France; B-24s attack marshalling yards at Amberieux, Toulon and Givors, France, and in Italy, the port area at Monfalcone, airfield at Piancenza and industrial area at Porto Marghera; P-38s and P-51s fly 200+ sorties in support.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): 12AF has it's most active day to date against enemy forces in Italy; some medium bombers continue to pound bridges in NC Italy, damaging several bridges and viaducts, while others join light and fighter-bombers in close support of ground troops in the battle area and behind enemy lines; motor transport N and S of Rome and N of Anzio is hit hard by the air attacks; US Fifth Army achieves a solid front with junction of VI Corps (Anzio force) and II Corps (advancing along W coast) during the morning near Borgo Grappa.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s flying out of Engebi Island bomb Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 3 B-24s bomb Rabaul, Lakunai, and Rapopo; 8 P-38s hit Vulcan Crater barge hideout; 12 B-25s, clouded out of Vunakanau, hit the Talili Bay supply area. On Bougainville Island, 15 B-25s, 32 P-39s and P-40s, and 25 USN dive bombers hit supply areas at Porton; 4 other P-40s hit trucks at Monoitu Mission; 16 P-39s attack several targets of opportunity, including the Cape Lalahan radar station.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-24s attack shipping at Halmahera Island and in New Guinea, hit Mokmer and targets in the Wakde area; 90+ fighter-bombers, A-20s, B-25s, and B-24s pound numerous targets in the Wewak area. Units of the 71Tactical RG moving in New Guinea: air echelon of 17RS (Bombardment), from Finschhafen to Wakde Island with B-25s; 110th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, based at Gusap begins operating from Tadji with P-40s.

 FRIDAY, 26 MAY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 2 B-24s off on an armed photo mission over Shimushu Island turn back due to mechanical troubles.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 23 P-40s sink several supply boats on the Yangtze River near Shihshow, strafe troops at Shasi, hit road traffic near Loyang and strafe pontoon bridges, supply dumps and troops at Shanhsien; 7 P-40s bomb the town of Hsing-tzu; and 2 B-25s damage a small tanker N of Swatow.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 372: 4 of 4 B-17s drop leaflets in The Netherlands without loss. P-38s participate in 2 sweep over The Netherlands for familiarization purposes without loss; 1sweep consists of 30 aircraft, the second consists of 28 aircraft.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, nearly 400 B-26s and A-20s attack airfields at Beaumont-sur-Oise and Chartres and bridges at Vernon and Poissy; 108 P-47 and P-51 fighter-bombers hit a bridge at Oissel and airfields at Creil, Cormeilles-en-Vesin and Evreux/Fauville; P-47s and P-38s dive-bomb targets in NW Europe. 425NPS, 9AF, arrives at Chormy Down, England from the US with P-61s; first Mission is in Jul 44.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Almost 700 bombers hit targets in France and Yugoslavia; B-17s bomb the marshalling yard at St Etienne, France; B-24s hit a bridge over the Var River, marshalling yards at Lyon/ Vaise, Lyon/Mouche, Chambery, Grenoble and Nice, France and troop concentrations at Bihac, Yugoslavia; fighters escort the bombers and strafe and dive-bomb the airfield at Donji Zemunik, Yugoslavia.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers hit railway targets in the Florence area and bomb roads in the battle area with good results; light bombers hit Frascati; other medium bombers join fighterbombers in an assault against motor transport achieving wide-spread enemy vehicle destruction, especially on the Rome-Bracciano road over which the enemy is pouring reinforcements S toward the battle area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 45 B-25s, flying out of Makin Island, attack Emidj Island, Jaluit Atoll, Marshall Islands. 9 B-25s from Engebi Island fly a successful search

Mission for a downed B-25 crew in the vicinity of Ponape and Pakin Islands, Caroline Islands; after locating the survivors, later picked up by USN destroyer, the B-25s attack Pakin and Ponape Islands with cannon and machinegun fire.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 24 P-39s and P-40s hit the Rabaul area while 12 B-25s bomb supply areas at Talili Bay. 40+ P-39s and P-40s hit barges NW of Ballale Island, Solomon Islands, supply areas and other targets at Porton, and piers at Ratsua and Soraken, all on Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s bomb Biak Island while B-25s hit Wakde Island and nearby coastal areas; other B-25s bomb a variety of targets on Aroe Island; 100+ A-20s, B-25s and fighter-bombers continue to blast the coastal region around Wewak; villages and gun positions on Hansa Bay are also hit; and the 340FS, 348FG, moves from Saidor to Wakde Island with P-47s.

 SATURDAY, 27 MAY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 2 bombers fly weather and armed photo reconnaissance and bomb Ushishiru Island, Kurile Islands.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 15 B-24s bomb Pakokku and Nyaung-u, Burma.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 24 rocket-firing P-40s hit the barracks area W of Sinyang, military installations and trucks at Nanchang, and troops, trucks, barracks, and warehouse area in the Puchi vicinity.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 373: 1,126 bombers and 710 fighters are dispatched against rail targets in France and Germany and gun batteries in France; 24 bombers and 7 fighters are lost; the fighters claim 35.5-1-5 aircraft in the air and 9-0-2 on the ground: 1. 344 B-17s are dispatched to marshalling yards at Ludwigshafen (150 bomb): and Mannheim (125 bomb); 18 hit Lachen/Apeyerdorf, 19 hit the Mannheim area and 6 hit targets of opportunity; 12 B-17s are lost and 98 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 5 WIA and 114 MIA. 2. 269 B-17s are dispatched to marshalling yards at Karlsruhe (98 bomb) and Strasbourg, France (49 bomb) and aviation factory at Strasbourg/Meinau, France (53 bomb); 7 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 89 damaged; 1 airman is KIA, 3 WIA and 70 MIA. 3. 69 of 86 B-24s bomb aviation factory at Woippy, France; 3 others hit targets of opportunity; 1airman is WIA. 4. 369 B-24s are dispatched to marshalling yards at Saarbrucken (145 bomb), Neunkirchen (66 bomb) and Kons/Karthus (72 bomb); 3 others hit targets of opportunity; 5 B-24s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 18 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA, 4 WIA and 50 MIA. 5. 36 of 40 B-17s bomb Fecamp gun battery, France without loss. 6. 18 of 18 B-24s bomb St Valery, France without loss. Escort is provided by 170 P-38s, 238 P-47s and 302 P-51s; 1 P-38 is lost (pilot is MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair; P-47s claim 1-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 2-0-0 on the ground without loss; P-51s claim 34.5-1-4 aircraft in the air and 7-0-2 on the ground with the loss of 6 P-51s (pilots are MIA), another is damaged beyond repair and 8 damaged. 425 9AF aircraft also support the mission ; they claim 4-0-0 with the lost of 1.

Mission 374: 24 of 24 P-47s hit a barge convoy between Willenstadt and Meerije, The Netherlands; 1 P-47 is damaged and 2 barges destroyed.

Mission 375: 3 of 4 B-17s drop leaflets in Belgium and France without loss. 788th and 850BS(H), VIII AF Composite Command attached to 801BG (Provisional), move from Rackheath and Cheddington respectively to Harrington, England with B-24s; the 788th flies CARPETBAGGER missions over Europe and the 850th will commence these missions on 31 May.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): About 590 B-26s attack railroad, bridges, and marshalling yards in France. P-47s bomb targets in NW Europe.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Almost 700 bombers hit France; B-17s bomb the marshalling yard at Avignon; B-24s bomb airfields at Montpellier and Salon and marshalling yards at Nimes, Marseille/St Charles and Marseille/La Blancharde; escort is provided by P-38s and P-51s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers concentrate their efforts against lines of communications in the Orvieto area; A-20s bomb a storage area; fighter-bombers pound a much reduced flow of motor transport behind enemy lines and hit railroads, gun positions, bridges, and targets of opportunity and behind the battle area, hitting targets at Subiaco, Sora, Tivoli, Frosinone, Capena, and Orvieto, W of Bracciano Lake, between Sulmona and San Benedetto de Marsi and at several other points.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 24 B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll and 52 B-25s from Engebi Island pound Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, about 200 AAF, USMC and USN aircraft (fighters, dive-bombers, and B-25s) are sent against gun positions on Hospital Point; 160+ aircraft bomb the targets with more than 90 tons (99.2 tonnes) of explosives, destroying or damaging several of the guns; other fighters hit targets of opportunity in the Rabaul area and a barge off SW New Ireland Island; and 4 B-24s bomb Tobera. On Bougainville Island, AAF fighters attack beached barges in the Chabai area and in Buka Passage, Aku and Nova Plantation and a bridge over the Oamai River; detachment of 419NPS, 18FG, operating from Bougainville since Jan with P-61s, returns to base on Guadalcanal Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, Babo Airfield and Biak Island are pounded by 170+ B-24s and B-25s; after the aerial and naval bombardment, Allied amphibious forces land on Biak in the Bosnik area, secure the beachhead, and gain control of a trail over ridges to the inland plateau to the N. About 170 A-20s, P-38s, P-40s and B-25s blast the Wewak area.

 SUNDAY, 28 MAY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 2 B-24s fly reconnaissance and drop bombs on Shimushu and Matsuwa Islands. 1 B-25 and P-38s fly a guardship coverage mission, 2 other B-25s fly a negative anti-shipping sweep.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 10 B-24s pound Kalemyo while 8 B-25s hit Tiddim road; 50+ fighter-bombers and a few B-25s hit various targets at or near Mogaung, Myitkyina, Hopin and Sahmaw; 76 fighter-bombers and 24 B-25s bomb marshalling yards at Namma and Katha, hit several targets in the Mohnyin-Hopin area, and bomb a railroad between Naba and Namma. 530FBS, 311FBG, based at Dinjan, India with P-51s sends a detachment to operated from Kurmitola, India.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 14 P-40s in support of ground forces in the Salween area strafe oil storage at Hsiangta, bomb and strafe the Watien area, and destroy a bridge and damage another on the Shweli River N of Tengchung; and 2 B-25s sink a patrol boat and damage another near Saint John Island.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 376: 1,341bombers and 697 fighters are dispatched to hit oil targets in Germany; 32 bombers and 9 fighters are lost; they claim 64-30-31 Luftwaffe aircraft: 1. 610 B-17s are dispatched against an oil targets at Ruhland/Schwarz-Heide (38 bomb) and aircraft factory at Dessau (12 bomb); secondary targets are aviation factories at Zwickau (15 bomb) and Leipzig (28 bomb); 14 bomber hit Bohlen, 15 hit Meissen, 19 hit Brandis/Polenz Wusten-Sachsen Airfield, 12 hit Frankfurt marshalling yard, 32 hit Ubigau, 20 hit Dessau, 4 hit Frankfurt, 5 hit Camburg and 22 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 20-21-18 Luftwaffe aircraft; 17 B-17s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 107 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA, 15 WIA and 155 MIA. 2. 255 B-17s are dispatched to an oil dump at Konigsburg/Magdeburg (105 bomb) and oil industry at Magdeburg/Rothensee (55 bomb); 17 hit Dessau and 6 bomb the marshalling yard at Gera; they claim 16-8-6 Luftwaffe aircraft; 9 B-17s are lost and 64 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA, 2 WIA and 90 MIA. 3. 106 B-24s are dispatched to Lutzkendorf/Halle (66 bomb); 10 hit Wetzlar and 6 hit a target of opportunity; 3 B-24s are lost and 16 damaged; 1airman is WIA and 3 MIA. 4. 311 B-24s are dispatched to oil targets at Merseburg/Leuna (63 bomb) and Zeitz-Troglitz (187 bomb); 10 hit Limburg, 8 hit Memmingen, 9 hit Saalfeld and 10 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 B-24s are lost and 23 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 1 WIA and 26 MIA. 5. 58 of 59 B-17s hit Cologne/Eifeltor marshalling yard without loss; glide bombs are used but the weapon proves unsuccessful. Escort is provided by 182 P-38s, 208 P-47s and 307 P-51s; no P-38s are lost; P-47s claim 2-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 0-0-1on the ground with the loss of 4 P-47s (pilots are MIA), 2 damaged beyond repair and 3 damaged; P-51s claim 25-1-5 Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of 5 (pilots are MIA), 1 damaged beyond repair and 8 damaged. 527 9AF fighters also fly escort and claim 33-0-10 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 5-0-7 on the ground for the loss of 5 fighters.

Mission 377: 5 of 5 B-17s drop leaflets in Belgium and Norway. 22 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions; 1 is lost.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 600+ B-26s and A-20s bomb marshalling and naval yards, railway bridges and V-weapon sites in France and Belgium; 8 aircraft are lost. P-47s dive-bomb several targets in the same general area.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, 100+ B-24s bomb Genoa harbor and Vercelli marshalling yard and troop concentrations at Niksic, Yugoslavia. In Yugoslavia, P-38s fly fighter sweeps against airfields in the Kurilovec area and vehicles, communications lines and targets of opportunity in the Knin-Bihac-Banjaluka area. HQ 332FG and 301 and 302d FSs move from Capodichino to Ramitelli Airfield, Italy with P-47s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers hit bridges, viaducts, and railroad lines at several locations in C Italy, including Narni, Cortana, Terni, Ladispoli, Torrita di Siena, Magnano, Recco, Arezzo, Rapallo, Vado, Bucine, and Castiglion Fiorentino; light bombers hit an ammunition dump while fighter-bombers continue close support to advancing ground forces, encountering considerably less enemy motor transport behind lines because of the heavy attrition of recent days; many roads, railroads and bridges are hit as well as numerous other targets along the battlefront which now stretches from the W coast SW of Carroceto to the NE almost to Valmontone, then SW to just above Sezze, and from there ambles E to NE to the E coast below Pescara.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 29 B-25s stage from Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Jaluit Atoll, and land at Makin Island. B-24s from Eniwetok Atoll bomb Saipan and Guam Islands, Marianas Islands; those bombing Guam turn S to Los Negros Island to rearm while the others return to Eniwetok. B-25s flying from Engebi Island bomb Mille Atoll, Marshall Islands. B-24s escort USN photo planes over the Marianas Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 3 B-24s, followed by 23 B-25s and 12 P-38s, blast the airfield at Lakunai; 33 P-39s and P-40s join 40+ USN dive bombers in a strike on Tobera airstrip. 5 B-25s hit Namatanai supply and personnel area on New Ireland Island. On Bougainville Island, fighter-bombers hit the Tsundan supply area, huts and buildings at Gohi, Nova and Monoitu, suspected barge hideout near Tonolai, and AA guns on Ballale Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s and B-25s in support of ground forces on Biak Island hit villages, supply areas, troop concentrations and gun positions on Biak, Noemfoor, and Japen Islands; A-20s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers blast troop concentrations, AA positions and supply dumps in the Wewak area; A-20s supporting ground forces in heavy fighting in the Sarmi area, hit positions with minimum-level strikes. B-24s bomb Boela, Ceram Island; and 421NFS, V Fighter Command, based at Nadzab with P-70s, sends a detachment to operate from Wakde Island. Thirteenth Air Task Force B-24s bomb the airfield on Woleai Atoll.

 MONDAY, 29 MAY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): At dawn 2 B-25s photograph and bomb Shimushu and Matsuwa Islands (secondary). During the early afternoon 2 B-25s escorted by 4 P-38s strafe, bomb and sink a patrol boat in the Kurile Islands. Later 4 other B-25s unsuccessfully attack 2 vessels off Shimushu.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 27 B-25s and 40+ fighter-bombers pound troops and positions at Bhamo and Mohnyin, the railroad at Mogaung and warehouses at Sahmaw.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 7 B-24s pound areas along the Burma Road, 3 bomb the town of Wanling, Burma, and 2 attack a convoy of Hainan Island, China, claiming a 250-ft (76 m) freighter sunk. In China, 26 P-40s and P-38s attack troops at Lushan, pound barracks and demolish 7 trucks at Yuanchu, bomb and strafe the general area at Nanchang and destroy several buildings along the Hsiang River N of Changsha; and 19th Liaison Squadron, 14AF, attached to Y Force, moves from Ondal, India to Kunming with L-1s and L-5s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 379: 993 bombers and 673 fighters are dispatched to attack aircraft plants and oil installations in Germany and Poland; they claim 117-38-49 Luftwaffe aircraft; 34 bombers and 10 fighters are lost: 1. 443 B-24s are dispatched to hit an oil terminal at Politz (224 bomb): and airfield and aircraft assembly plant at Tutow (167 bomb); 14 hit Rensburg Airfield, 9 hit Misdroy and 1 hits Schwerin; they claim 29-15-10 Luftwaffe aircraft; 17 B-24s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 150 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 10 WIA and 161 MIA. 2. 251 B-17s are dispatched to hit aviation industry targets at Leipzig/ Mockau (149 bomb) and Leipzig/Heiterblick (50 bomb); 4 others hit targets of opportunity; they claim 11-4-5 Luftwaffe aircraft; 9 B-17s are lost and 80 damaged; 3 airmen are WIA and 90 MIA. 3. 299 B-17s are dispatched to hit aviation industry targets at Krzesinki (91bomb) and Posen (58 bomb), Poland and Sorau (52 bomb) and Cottbus (48 bomb), Germany; 19 others hit Schneidemuhl Airfield and 2 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 22-18-14 Luftwaffe aircraft; 8 B-17s are lost and 97 damaged; 5 airmen are WIA and 67 MIA. Escort is provided by 184 P-38s, 187 P-47s and 302 P-51s; the P-38s claim none and none are lost; the P-47s claim 1-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of 4 P-47s (3 pilots are MIA) and 3 damaged; the P-52s claim 38-1-4 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 16-0-15 on the ground with the loss of 6 P-51s (5 pilots are MIA) and 6 damaged. 592 9AF fighters also support the mission ; they claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft and lose 2 fighters. 23 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions; 1 is lost.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 450+ B-26s and A-20s bomb airfields, marshalling yards, railroad bridges, coastal battery and NOBALL (V-weapon): targets in France and Belgium. 200+ P-47s bomb targets in the same area.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 829 bombers (largest number of bombers completing attacks in a single day up to this time) bomb targets in Austria and Yugoslavia; B-17s and B-24s attack an aircraft factory at Wollesdorf, Austria; B-24s also attack industrial areas at Wiener Neustadt and Atzgersdorf, Austria and troop concentrations at Poderica, Yugoslavia. P-38s and P-51s escort the Austrian missions while P-38s accompany B-24s to Yugoslav targets and afterwards strafe numerous targets of opportunity; fighter opposition over Yugoslavia is negligible but around 150 fighters attempt interception over Austria, principally in the Wiener-Neustadt area; 23 AAF aircraft are lost; the bombers and fighters claim 60+ fighters shot down.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb rail bridges near Bucine and at Poggibonsi and Lisciano; B-26s hit viaducts at Terni and near Stifone, railroad junction and marshalling yard at Terentola, Castiglion Fiorentino bridge, the Voltri shipyards and a bridge nearby; A-20s hit troops in bivouac and bomb a supply dump; fighter-bombers continue to blast motor transport between the battlelines and Rome; and C-47s evacuate 400+ wounded from the Anzio area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Operations are restricted to photo missions over Wotje, Mille, and Jaluit Atolls.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Major General James T Moore, USMC, takes over as Commander Air Solomons (COMAIRSOLS). On New Britain Island, almost 100 B-25s, P-38s, P-39s and a variety of USN aircraft pound the Rabaul area, with AAF aircraft concentrating on the Nordup supply area and the others concentrating on Hospital Point AA positions. On Bougainville Island, 24 P-39s and 16 P-40s blast occupied areas W of Tinputs Harbor and at Arigua Plantation.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s pound gun positions, defense areas and troops, as the first tank battle of the SWPA is fought W of Parai on Biak Island; other B-24s pound airfields on nearby mainland at Timoeka and Babo; A-20s, B-25s and P-47s, along with RAAF aircraft and a few B-24s from the Biak strike, saturate the Wewak area with continuous air strikes; in the Wakde Island-Sarmi battle zone, B-25s and P-40s hit forces in the Mount Saskin area; B-24s of the Thirteenth Air Task Force bomb Woleai Atoll and other nearby islands in the Caroline Islands.

 TUESDAY, 30 MAY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 1 B-25 and 2 P-38s fly guardship cover.

ZONE OF INTERIOR (HQ USAAF): All Fighter-Bomber Groups/Squadrons are redesignated FGs/Squadrons.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 B-25s attack the railroad between Namma and Hopin; B-25s and fighter-bombers fly 100 sorties against railroad targets, hitting tracks, rolling stock, stations, and bridges in the vicinities of Mogaung, Myitkyina, Hopin and Loilaw; the Imphal-Tiddim road is bombed by 3 B-24s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 48 fighters support ground forces in the Mamien Pass-Watien-Chiangtso area; 31supply aircraft drop food and ammunition to friendly forces in the Mamien Pass area; 13 B-25s damage the Wan Pa-Hsa, Burma bridge and bomb Lungling, destroying 6 warehouses and starting several big fires; 8 P-51s hit railroad targets of opportunity on sweeps from Peking, Chengting, Pingting, Linfen and Puchou; 16 P-38s and P-51s dive-bomb installations at the W end of the Nanchang bridge, causing much damage; 5 B-25s and 12 P-40s strafe troops, supplies, and occupied strongpoints at Loyang and at several locations along the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers; Japanese air strikes on Hengyang and Liangshan Airfields destroy 4 AAF aircraft, damage several others, and blow up a fuel dump.

ETO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS: Loading of assault forces for Operation OVERLORD (invasion of Normandy) begins.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 380: 928 bombers and 672 fighters in 6 forces are dispatched to hit aircraft industry targets in Germany and marshalling yards in France and Belgium; they claim 65-8-6 Luftwaffe aircraft; 12 bombers and 9 fighters are lost: 1. 268 B-17s are dispatched to attack aviation industry targets at Dessau (83 bomb), Halberstadt (107 bomb) and Oschersleben (51bomb); 5 other hit targets of opportunity; they claim 8-5-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 9 B-17s are lost and 81 damaged; 2 airmen are WIA and 86 MIA. 2. 369 B-24s are dispatched to hit aviation depots at Oldenburg (135 bomb), Rotenburg (147 bomb) and Zwischenahn (71bomb); 1other hits a target of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 36 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 2 WIA and 9 MIA. 3. 46 of 91 B-24s hit Munster/Handorf Airfield and 36 others hit Diepholz Airfield; 2 B-24s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 36 damaged; 1 airman is KIA, 6 WIA and 9 MIA. 4. 122 of 126 B-17s hit French marshalling yards; 62 hit Reims and 60 hit Troyes; 24 B-17s are damaged. 5. 39 of 40 B-17s hit Brussels/Schaerbeck marshalling yard, Belgium; 12 B-17s are damaged. 6. 76 of 84 B-17s hit V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais, France; 12 B-17s are damaged; 3 airmen are KIA, 2 WIA and 10 MIA. Escort is provided by 186 P-38s, 184 P-47s and 302 P-51s; 3 P-38s are damaged; P-47s claim 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft with 1loss (pilot is MIA); P-51s claim 48-3-2 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 7-0-3 on the ground with the loss of 8 P-51s (pilots are MIA), 2 damaged beyond repair and 4 damaged; 637 9AF fighters support the mission ; they claim 8-0-2 aircraft in the air and 0-0-4 on the ground for the loss of 3. 100 P-47s are dispatched to bomb 4 rail bridges in NW France; 37 hit Longueil bridge, 26 hit Beaumont-sur-Oise bridge, 23 hit Canly-le-Jouque bridge and 12 hit the Creil bridge; 1 P-47 is lost (pilot is MIA).

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 320+ B-26s attack airfields at Denain/Prouvy and Mantes/Limay, and highway bridges at Meulan and Rouen. Nearly 400 P-47s dive-bomb targets in NW Europe.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Nearly 500 bombers attack targets in Austria and Yugoslavia; B-17s attack the marshalling yard at Zagreb, Yugoslavia; B-24s attack aircraft factories at Wels, Ebreichadorf, Pottendorf, Neudorfl and Neunkirchen, Austria; P-38s and P-51s provide escort and many of the fighters strafe targets of opportunity in areas around Zut, Brod, Susak, Bihac, Medak, and along the Karlovac-Livno road, Yugoslavia.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s and B-25s destroy or damage 10 bridges, bridge approaches and viaducts which affect supply routes to the battlefronts across C Italy; light and fighter-bombers blast motor transports and gun positions in the battle area and hit targets in and around towns in the area, including Guidonia, Ariccia, Alatri and Veroli; and C-47s evacuate wounded from Nettuno.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Engebi Island bomb Ponape Island, which is also hit by B-24s returning from the shuttle base on Los Negros Island. 2 forces of B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll strike Truk Atoll and Wake Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s bomb personnel areas NE of Tobera; 40+ P-38s, P-40s and P-39s bomb a supply dump near Ratawul. On Bougainville island, 33 P-39s and 8 P-40s demolish bridges at Kirinani and over the Siaibai River; a log ramp over the Miwo River is damaged and a road between the Purlata River and Kiaraba is hit; the fighter-bombers also attack Buka runway on Buka Island, Chabai barge anchorage and Soraken supply area.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): On New Guinea, B-25s hit enemy positions as fighting on Biak Island slacks temporarily; other B-25s bomb the airfield and nearby AA guns and fuel at Timoeka; B-24s and A-20s hit Japen Island; in the Wakde Island-Sarmi battle area, B-25s bomb and strafe the shoreline from the NW of Sawar to Sarmi Point; the Wewak area is again blasted by 70+ A-20s, B-24s and B-25s, along with RAAF aircraft. Thirteenth Air Task Force B-24s hit Truk Atoll and Woleai Atolls and Puluwat Atoll, Caroline Islands.

 WEDNESDAY, 31 May 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): During the morning 2 B-25s and 4 P-38s fly guardship cover. A bomber flies a weather mission while another reconnoiters and hits Buroton Bay, Kurile Islands.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s hit the Tiddim road; 130+ B-25s, A-36s, P-51s, and P-40s hit troops, defensive positions, artillery emplacements, boats, railroad facilities, and villages in the Myitkyina- Mogaung area, buildings at Tahona, river boats at Lonkin and Kamaing, docks at Bhamo, railroad cars at Namti, and positions NW of Mohnyin; 21other B-25s and fighter-bombers pound the Bhamo town area and airfield; and 10 B-24s bomb Ye-u, demolishing several buildings.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 51 P-51 s and P-40s pound shipping along the Yangtze River, claiming direct hits on 5 small ships; 16 P-51s and P-40s bomb Kweiyi and Yoyang and installations on the river to the S; 10 P-38s bomb the bridge and warehouse area at Nanchang; 12 P-40s bomb Pingkiang; 4 B-25s bomb Hankow airfield, Pailochi, and motor convoy at Yoyang; 6 other B-25s knock out the bridge at Kengluang; 13 B-24s pound the town of Lungling, causing big fires, while 14 B-24s, supported by P-40s blast the warehouse area at Lashio, Burma; 4 P-40s destroy several aircraft during strafing runs on Linfen and Hohsien Airfields.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 382: 1,029 bombers and 682 fighters attack marshalling yards and aircraft industry targets in Germany and rail targets in France and Belgium; the fighters claim 4-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 1bomber and 3 fighters are lost: 1. Of 246 B-17s, 36 hit Luxeuil marshalling yard, France; 30 hit Florennes/ Juzaine Airfield and 4 hit Namur marshalling yard, Belgium; 23 hit Gilze- Rijen Airfield and 12 hit Roosendaal marshalling yard, The Netherlands; and 3 hit targets of opportunity; 45 B-17s are damaged; 1airman is KIA and 4 WIA. 2. 287 B-17s are dispatched to hit marshalling yards in Germany; 88 hit Osnabruck, 54 hit Schwerte, 52 hit Oeske and 50 hit Hamm; 1 B-17 is lost and 58 damaged; 1airman is WIA and 10 MIA. 3. 491 B-24s are dispatched to hit rail targets in France and Belgium but are recalled due to clouds; 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 7 damaged. 4. 4 of 5 B-24s hit rail bridges at Beaumont-sur-Oise and bridges at Melun without loss; Azon radio-controlled bombs are unsuccessfully used against the bridges. Escort is provided by 193 P-38s, 180 P-47s and 309 P-51s; P-38s claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground with 1 P-38 being damaged; 1 P-47 is lost (pilot is MIA) and 3 are damaged; P-51s claim 3-0-1 aircraft on the ground with 2 P-51s lost (pilots are MIA). 674 9AF fighters provide support; no claims or losses. Fighter-bomber mission s against German airfields with 500 lb (227 kg) and 100 lb (45 kg) GP bombs: 1. 78 of 81 P-47s hit Gutersloh Airfield; they claim 5-1-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-47 is damaged. 2. 35 P-38s attack Rehein/Hopsten Airfield using DROOPSNOOT methods; they claim 5-0-0 aircraft on the ground. 22 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions over France without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): About 200 B-26s bomb lock and highway bridges at Bennecourt, Courcelles-sur-Seine and Rouen, France.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 480+ B-17s and B-24s bomb oil refineries and communications targets in the Ploesti, Rumania area; fighters fly 200+ sorties in support; 15 bombers are lost to flak and fighters; 40+ enemy aircraft are shot down.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers of the 42 and 57BWs give close support to ground forces in fierce fighting S of Rome, hitting numerous troop concentrations, roads and town areas, including points in or near Albano Laziale, Genzano di Roma, Ariccia, Frascati, Civitella Roveta, Subiaco, Cave, Nettuno and Grottaferrata; XII Tactical Air Command A-20s and fighter-bombers blast targets in the same general area, hitting troops, bridges, supplies, guns and vehicles at or near Rocca di Papa, Ariccia, Marino, Frascati, Grottaferrata, Lanuvio, Montalto di Castro and Manciano; and C-47s evacuate casualties from Anzio.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 12 P-38s bomb Vulcan Crater barge hideout; 22 P-39s and 12 P-40s blast supply dumps near Ratawul; 33 B-25s pound Rabaul truck concentrations, wharf area, and NE section of town. 5 B-25s bomb targets of opportunity along the NW coast of New Ireland Island. On Bougainville Island, P-39s bomb several targets, including Soraken, Arigua, and several barges and vehicles.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-25s and A-20s hit the Babo area, bomb the airfield near the Ransiki River, cover the beachhead on Biak Island and attack fishing boats on the shore of Japen Island; P-47s and B-25s pound villages, barges, and gun positions in the Wakde Island-Sarmi battle area; B-24s, P-39s and RAAF aircraft continue to JUNE 1944

JUNE 1944

 THURSDAY, 1 JUNE 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 2 B-24s from Shemya Island, Aleutian Islands photograph and bomb installations at Buroton Bay, Kurile Islands, including a suspected seaplane base and the harbor area. Of 2 B-25s and 4 P-38s taking off for a guardship cover mission, 3 aircraft abort with engine trouble; 2 other B-25s fly a negative antishipping sweep.

ZONE OF INTERIOR (ZI, HQ AAF): The AAF Redistribution Center, HQ at Atlantic City, New Jersey, is redesignated AAF Personnel Distribution Command.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 7 B-25s pound bridges at Songon and Bongyaung and hit the Imphal, India-Tiddim road; 20+ others fly ammunition into the Imphal area. 19 P-40s hit targets in the Myitkyina area.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 25 fighter-bombers hit the Chenghsien railroad yards; 18 fighter-bombers bomb docks, a gunboat, and barracks in the Chiuchiang area and strafe about 300 troops at Sanyenchiao; 76FS, 23FG, moves from Suichwan to Lingling with P-51s; 91FS, 81FG, moves from Karachi, India to Fungwanshan with P-47s; and during Jun, the 449FS, 51FG, moves from Suichwan to Kweilin with P-38s.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, around 100 B-26s bomb airfields and coastal defense batteries from the Belgian border to the Cherbourg Peninsula.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): HQ 464BG(H) and 776th, 777th, 778th and 779BS(H) move from Gioia to Pantanell Airfield, Italy with B-24s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium, light and fighter-bombers continue support of ground troops, striking concentrations, bivouac areas, motor transport, railways and roads, bridges, trains and other targets; fighters fly sweeps over the battle areas, escort medium bombers and carry out sweeps along the E coast; 345FS, 350th Fighter Group, moves from Sardinia to Pomigliano with P-39s; and during Jun, HQ 64FW moves from Frattamaggiore to Orbetello.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, hit Ponape Island, Caroline Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): HQ XIII BC moves from Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands to Los Negros Island, Admiralty Islands. In the Bismarck Archipelago, 9 B-25s bomb Matupi Island and on New Britain Island, 3 hit the SE part of Rabaul and 12 others pound personnel and the supply area NE of Tobera; 30+ P-38s and P-40s hit Talili Bay supply areas; and 5 medium bombers hit a barge hideout and buildings on Duke of York Island. In the Solomon Islands, 30+ P-39s attack Tonolai, Arigua and Arawa on Bougainville Island and barges at Sohano Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-24s bomb Amboina on Ambon Island and Kai Island in the Moluccas Islands and Boeroe Island in the Sunda Islands. In New Guinea, B-25s and A-20s attack targets of opportunity in the Kaukenau area, at Ransiki and on Noemfoor and Biak Islands; A-20s, B-25s and P-39s hit villages, bivouac, and other targets of opportunity in the coastal area from Wakde Island to Hollandia; the bombing of the Wewak-Hansa Bay coast continues.

 FRIDAY, 2 JUNE 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, 2 B-24s, finding Shimushiru Island overcast, bomb and photograph Matsuwa Island (the secondary) during dawn.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): B-25s continue to fly ammunition into the Imphal, India area. 12 B-24s airborne against Yenangyaung, Burma fail to hit the primary but unload against alternates in the area.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 80+ P-40s and P-51s pound troops and vehicles at Tungcheng and Chungyang and strafe a concentration of about 75 sampans on Tungting Lake.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): The role of the heavy bombers from 2-5 Jun in preparation for the invasion of Normandy on 6 Jun includes continuation of attacks against transportation and airfield targets in N France and the institution of a series of blows against coastal defenses, mainly located in the Pas de Calais coastal area, to deceive the enemy as to the sector to be invaded (Operation COVER).

Mission 384: In the morning, 521 of 633 B-17s and 284 of 293 B-24s hit Vweapon sites in the Pas de Calais area; 11 B-17s are damaged; 1airman is KIA, 1 WIA and 1 MIA.

Mission 385: In the afternoon, 242 B-17s are dispatched to railroad targets in the Paris area; 163 hit the primaries, 49 hit Conches Airfield, 12 hit Beaumont-sur-Oise Airfield and 1 hits Caen/Carpiquet Airfield; 77 B-24s are dispatched to Bretigny Airfield in France; 13 hit the primary target, 47 hit Creil Airfield and 14 hit Villeneuve Airfield; 2 B-17s and 5 B-24s are lost, 2 B-24s are damaged beyond repair and 90 B-17s and 37 B-24s damaged; 1airman is KIA, 4 WIA and 68 MIA. 3 of 7 P-38s hit the Ostend Bridge, Belgium without loss. 3 B-17s fly weather reconnaissance over the Atlantic. During the evening, 5 B-17s drop leaflets on targets in Belgium and France; and 18 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER operations.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): A special conference for ground liaison officers is held by 21Army Group officers who present a detailed exposition of the plan for the landings in Normandy. In France, about 350 B-26s and A-20s bomb NOBALL (V-weapon) targets and coastal defense batteries along the English Channel coast; P-38s and P-47s dive-bomb targets in the area, including V-weapon sites, fuel dump, railroad junctions and bridges.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Shuttle-bombing between Italy and the USSR (Operation FRANTIC) is started. Under command of Lieutenant General Ira C Eaker, 130 B-17s, escorted by 70 P-51s, bomb the marshalling yard at Debreczen, Hungary and land in the Soviet Union-the B-17s at Poltava and Mirgorod, the P-51s at Piryatin. 1 B-17 is lost over the target; 27 other B-17s, forced off course en route to the Oradea, Rumania marshalling yard, also hit Debreczen. Nearly 400 other B-24s attack marshalling yards at Szeged, Miskolc and Szolnok, Hungary and Simeria, Rumania. P-51s and P-38s provide escort.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack road and rail bridges from N of the battle area just below Rome to areas N of Rome; fighter-bombers continue to blast motor transport, railways, trains, command posts, roads, and bridges in the battle area, having particularly good success against vehicles.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Gilbert Islands, B-25s based on Makin Island, strike Nauru Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 24 B-24s pound the Nordup area and 48 P-38s, P-39s, and P-40s attack the Vunakanau area. 30+ P-39s attack the airfield at Buka, Buka Island, Solomon Islands, and supplies in the Kara-Kahili area of Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-25s bomb the Kaukenau-Timoeka area while B-24s bomb positions N of Mokmer Airfield; B-24s and B-25s hit bivouacs NE of Sawar airfield and near the Wiske River and bomb roads along W bank of the Orai River; B-24s, P-39s, and Royal Australian AF (RAAF) airplanes hit the Wewak area; C-47s of the 65th and 66TCSs, 433TCG, cease operating from Tsili Tsili and return to base at Nadzab. Thirteenth Air Task Force B-24s bomb Dublon Island, Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands.

 SATURDAY, 3 JUNE 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 2 B-25s and 2 P-38s fly guardship cover; 2 other B-25s fly a negative shipping search.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 15 B-25s pound the Imphal, India- Tiddim road while a few P-40s hit the Mogaung area; the B-25 ammunition lift to the Imphal area continues.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, P-40s support ground forces at Watien and Tatangtzu, destroy 2 barges and damage others in the Gulf of Tonkin, and strafe 40 barges carrying horses and troops in the Tungting Lake area N of Nanhsien; B-25s, P-40s, and P-51s pound the Pingkiang area.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): In Operation COVER, two missions, both designated

Mission 388, are flown. In the first, 219 of 238 B-17s and 120 of 124 B-24s attack coastal defenses in the Pas de Calais, France area, bombing a total of 22 targets; 21 B-17s and 24 B-24s are damaged; no casualties. Escort is provided by 91 P-38s and 129 P-47s. In the second raid, 97 of 102 B-17s and 98 of 104 B-24s hit 16 of the same targets hit in the morning; 2 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 102 P-38s, 34 P-47s and 83 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost and 1 P-38 is damaged; 1airman is MIA. During the night, 23 B-24s participate in CARPETBAGGER operations in France.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 250+ B-26s and A-20s bomb airfields, highway bridges, and coastal defense batteries in N France; 400+ P-38s and P-47s dive-bomb targets in NW Europe.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather drastically curtails operations. In Yugoslavia, 36 B-24s bomb the waterfront area of Omis and 38 hit the port area and W part of Split. Fighters sent to strafe targets of opportunity in the target areas abandon the mission because of low clouds over the targets.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers pound bridges in C Italy, further damaging the enemy's communications system; fighter-bombers continue close support of embattled ground forces immediately S of Rome and attack several bridges N of the city to hinder a possible withdrawal of enemy forces; light bombers attack ammunition and fuel dumps.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s staging through Eniwetok Atoll, strike Truk Atoll in a pre-dawn raid; B-25s from Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Nauru Island. HQ 15FG moves from Wheeler Field to Bellows Field, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): All scheduled strikes on the Rabaul area of New Britain Island are cancelled due to weather conditions. 20+ P-39s, turned back from the Rabaul area, hit the Tsundawan-Porton road, vehicles in the Komai area, and AA position at Kara on Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-25s, A-20s and B-24s hit Timoeka Airfield and nearby villages, shipping off Manokwari, Seroei Village on Japen Island, positions N of Mokmer, and strafe Mokmer, Sorido and Kamiri Airfields; P-38s and P-47s battle fighters over Biak Island and over the Babo area; P-47s and P-40s hit Sawar Airfield, supplies and fuel dumps in the Sarmi and Orai River areas, and hideouts and occupied areas along the coast; B-24s and fighter-bombers maintain consistent pounding of numerous targets in the Wewak-Hansa Bay coastal region; HQ 49FG moves from Hollandia to Biak Island; and the ground echelon of the 82d TRS, 71Tactical RG, begins a movement from Saidor to Biak Island; the air echelon operates from Saidor with P-39s. B-24s of the Thirteenth Air Task Force bomb Eten and Dublon Islands, Truk Atoll.

 SUNDAY, 4 JUNE 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 2 B-24s fly an uneventful reconnaissance over Shimushiru Island; fuel shortage and equipment failure prevent flying to Matsuwa Island (the secondary). Later, a B-25 and 2 P-38s fly a guardship cover mission.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20+ P-40s hit the Myitkyina area while 19 others hit various points in N Burma, including Haka, Kamaing, Kamasaing, Tagwin, and Bilumyo. B-25s continue the ammunition lift to Imphal, India.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, P-40s bomb artillery positions and targets of opportunity in the Watien area of the Salween battle front. Others bomb railroad targets of opportunity in NE French Indochina.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Three Mission are flown to France.

Mission 389: the effort is to be divided between the Pas de Calais (COVER) area and the Normandy assault (NEPTUNE) area, however, D-Day is postponed 24 hrs and the NEPTUNE force is cancelled. 183 of 201 B-17s and 51 of 56 B-24s attack 7 targets in the Pas de Calais area; 10 B-17s are damaged; no casualties. Escorting are 130 P-47s and 42 P-51s; 2 P-51s are lost; no casualties. In the second

Mission 390: 222 of 246 B-17s and 53 of 68 B-24s bomb 8 coastal defense positions in the same area using PFF; 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 12 B-17s and 6 B-24s are damaged; 1airman is KIA.

Mission 391: consists of 263 B-17s and 185 B-24s hitting airfields, railway junctions and bridges; of the B-17s, 96 hit the Massey/ Palaiseau railroad bridge, 50 hit the Versailles/Metelots railroad bridge and 34 hit the Villeneuve/St George railroad bridge; of the B-24s, 23 hit Brourges Airfield, 72 hit the Romorantin/Prunieres Airfield, 56 hit the Avord Airfield, 55 hit the Bretigny Airfield and 8 hit the Melun bridges; 1 B-17 and 3 B-24s are damaged beyond repair; 34 B-17s and 27 B-24s are damaged; 10 airmen are KIA and 4 WIA. Escort is 135 P-47s and 277 P-51s; they claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-51 is lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; no casualties. 2 B-17s fly weather reconnaissance over the UK and the Atlantic.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 300+ B-26s and A-20s bomb highway bridge and coastal batteries; almost 200 P-47s and P-51s divebomb bridges, railroad junction, rolling stock and targets of opportunity.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 550+ B-17s and B-24s attack communications in NW Italy and on both sides of the Franco-Italian frontier. In France, B-17s hit the Antheor railroad viaduct and Var River railroad bridges. In Italy, B-24s hit the marshalling yards at Genoa, Turin, Savona and Novi Ligure, the viaduct at Recco, and the railroad bridges at Orelle and Gad. Fighters fly 200+ sorties in support of the heavy bombers.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers hit railroad bridges in NC Italy; fighter-bombers concentrate on motor transport on roads N of Rome over which the enemy is retreating as US Fifth Army columns converge on the city amidst an enthusiastic welcome by the populace; a record number of 600+ motor transport are claimed destroyed and almost as many more damaged by AAF and RAF units of the Mediterranean Allied Tactical AF (MATAF).

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): During the night B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, hit Truk Atoll; B-25s from Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, follow with a daylight raid on Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Bad weather again prevents strikes against the Rabaul area of New Britain Island. On Bougainville Island, P-39s flying a total of 55 sorties, blast a truck park near Komai, strafe huts at Doure, and attack a pier at Tunuru; 9 P-38s weathered out of the Rabaul strike the Tonolai supply area; and a lone B-25 bombs Kahili.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, A-20s bomb the town and harbor at Manokwari and shipping to the E in Geelvink Bay; B-24s bomb Namber and Borokoe Airfields while fighters battle enemy airplanes in the general area; B-24s bomb the area near the Orai River mouth while A-20s hit Wewak and fighter-bombers pound the Hansa Bay coast; a detachment of the 68TCS, 433TCG, ceases operating from Tadji with C-47s and returns to base at Nadzab.

 MONDAY, 5 JUNE 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 B-25s bomb Bhamo and 4 hit the bridge at Ledan Chaung, while others continue ammunition haul into Imphal, India; 50 fighter-bombers pound the Myitkyina area and 20+ others hit Loilaw, Tagwin, Namti, and Mogaung. In India, HQ 3Combat Cargo Group and 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Combat Cargo Squadrons are activated at Sylhet with C-47s. With this activation, the following squadrons, which have been operating from bases in India since Apr 44, will shortly return to their bases in Italy and Sicily: 4TCS, 62TCG, to Gaudo Airfield, Italy and 16th, 17th, 18th and 35TCSs, 64th TCG, to Comiso, Sicily.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 12 P-40s support ground forces at Watien and Lameng on the Salween front; 18 B-24s and 12 P-40s bomb Lashio; 7 B-24s blast the barracks and warehouse area at Namhkam; 8 P-40s hit 15 tanks at Taying; 29 P-40s attack numerous oil barges near Yuankiang, leaving 16 of them burning.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): The 20AF flies its first B-29 combat mission . Of 98 B-29s airborne from India, 77 bomb the primary target-the railroad shops at Bangkok, Siam; 5 B-29s are lost to non-battle causes.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 392: 423 of 464 B-17s and 203 of 206 B-24s hit coastal defenses in the Le Havre, Caen, Boulogne and Cherbourg, France areas; 4 B-17s and 2 B-24s are lost, 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 37 B-17s and 39 B-24s are damaged; 1airman is KIA, 10 WIA and 47 MIA. Escorting are 127 P-47s and 245 P-51s; 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost and 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair.

Mission 393: In France, 7 of 8 P-51 fighter-bomber attack a truck convoy near Lille; the 8th P-51bombs Lille/Vendeville Airfield; no losses. In preparation for D-Day, 3 B-17s fly weather reconnaissance over the UK and the Atlantic Ocean. During the night, 11 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions; 1 B-24 is lost over Belgium.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 100+ B-26s bomb coastal defense batteries; 100+ P-47s dive-bomb targets in the same area.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, 440+ B-17s and B-24s hit targets; B-17s hit railroad bridges at Pioppi and Vado; and B-24s hit marshallying yards at Bologna, Castel Maggiore, Forli, Ferrara, Faenza and 4 railroad bridges; P-38s and P-51s fly escort; 53 P-38s strafe Ferrara and Poggio Renatico Airfields and 40 strafe and dive-bomb airfields at Bologna and Reggio Emilia.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers pound road bridges just N of the forces retreating from Rome while fighter-bombers continue attacks against motor transport, railway lines and roads in the battle areas and N of Rome, destroying many vehicles and train cars, and scoring numerous hits on bridges, tracks, and roads, as most of the US Fifth Army assault forces cross the Tiber River in pursuit of the enemy and British Eighth Army forces E of Rome prepare to advance astride the Tiber River against Terni and Rieti.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Makin Island, hit Nauru Island; B-24s from Eniwetok Atoll escort photo aircraft over Guam Island, Marianas Islands, bomb the island, and proceed to Los Negros Island for rearming. B-25s from Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll strike Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s bomb a truck park at Rabaul; 22 P-39s strike Ratawul; 11 P-38s hit barges and buildings in the Vulcan Crater area. On Bougainville Island, 30+ P-39s hit vehicles in the Komai-Tobago vicinity, a wooded supply area N of Buka airfield, Buka Island, and Cape Tanabom and Kangu Hill areas.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, P-39s and RAAF aircraft attack the Wewak area; B-24s bomb the area N of Sorido airfield; during the night of 5/6 Jun an all-night series of harassing raids by Japanese airplanes destroy several Allied aircraft on Wakde Island; 7FS, 49FG, moves from Hollandia to Biak Island with P-38s; and 110TRS, 71Tactical RG, moves from Gusap to Tadji with P-39s.

 TUESDAY, 6 JUNE 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 24 B-25s attack the Waingmaw, Wuntho-Hopin area, and Imphal, India-Tiddim road; others maintain ammunition lift into Imphal; 24 A-36s, 11 P-51 s, and 45 P-40s pound Myitkyina; about 40 A-36s and P-40s hit the Mogaung, Mohnyin, Lachigahtawng, Pakhren-Sakan and Kadu areas. In India, HQ 443TCG moves from Sylhet to Sookerating; and 11th and 12th Combat Cargo Squadron, 3Combat Cargo Group, move from Sylhet to Dinjan and Fenny respectively with C-47s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 50 P-40s attack shipping, horses, and troops in the Fulinpu Kweiyi vicinity, 10 P-51s and 6 B-25s pound Tayang Chiang, and 5 B-25s bomb Pailochi Airfield; 9 P-40s hit road and rail targets of opportunity in the Yellow River area; 2 others sink a junk and damage others at Kwangchow Wan.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): The 8AF reaches its top strength as the 493BG(H) becomes operational, making a total of 40 heavy bomber groups now operational. Heavy bombers fly 4 missions in support of the Normandy invasion: 1.

Mission 394: At first light, 659 of 882 B-17s and 418 of 543 B-24s hit coastal targets in the area of the invasion beaches between Le Havre and Cherbourg; overcast and inability of the bombers to locate (or absence of): PFF leaders causes failure of some units to attack; 1 B-24 is lost, 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 14 B-17s and 1 B-24 are damaged; 12 airmen are KIA, 2 WIA and 13 MIA. 2.

Mission 394: The second Mission strikes at transportation chokepoints in towns immediately around the assault area; total cloud cover causes 84 B-17s and 259 B-24s dispatched to return with their bombs but 37 B-24s manage to bomb secondary target of Argentan; 2 B-24s are lost and 1 B-17 is damaged; no casualties. 3.

Mission 395: The third mission is dispatched against the important communications center of Caen; 58 of 73 B-24s bomb through overcast skies without loss. 4.

Mission 395: Transportation chokepoints in towns immediately S and E of the assault area are the objectives of the fourth mission; 325 of 409 B-17s and 125 of 300 B-24s hit targets including Vire, Saint-Lo, Coutances, Falaise, Lisieux, Thury-Harcourt, Pont-l'Eveque, Argentan, and Conde-sur- Noireau; 1 B-24 is lost, 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 11 B-24s and 5 B-17s are damaged; 10 airmen are KIA. In all, 1,729 bombers drop 3,596 tons of bombs during D-Day. The VIII Fighter Command has the threefold Mission of escorting bombers, attacking any movement toward the assault area, and protecting Allied shipping. The fighters fly 1,880 sorties including fighter-bomber attacks against 17 bridges, 10 marshalling yards, and a variety of other targets including convoy, railroad cars, siding, rail and highway junctions, tunnel, and a dam. Very little air opposition is encountered. The fighters claim 26-0-8 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 4-0-9 on the ground. Also destroyed are 21locomotives and 2 carloads of ammunition. Numerous targets are damaged including locomotives, trucks, tank cars, armored vehicles, goods carriers, barges, and tugboats. Targets attacked with unreported results include warehouses, radar towers, barracks, troops, artillery, staff cars, 85 trains, and a variety of other targets. 25 fighters are lost.

Mission 396: During the night, 12 B-17s drop leaflets in France and the Low Countries.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 800+ A-20s and B-26s bomb coastal defense batteries, rail and road junctions and bridges, and marshalling yards in support of the invasion; 2,000+ fighters fly sweeps, escort for B-26s and C-47s, ground support, and dive-bombing missions over W France. During the preceding night and during the day over 1,400 C-47s, C-53's, and gliders deliver glider troops and paratroops, including 3 full airborne divisions, which are to secure beach exits to facilitate inland movement of seaborne assault troops. A total of about 30 aircraft are lost.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Shuttlebombing (Operation FRANTIC) continues as 104 B-17s and 42 P-51s (having flown to the USSR from Italy on 2 Jun) attack the airfield at Galati, Rumania and return to Soviet shuttle bases; 8 enemy fighters are shot down and 2 P-51s are lost. 570+ other bombers, with fighter escort, hit targets from bases in Italy, i.e., in Yugoslavia, B-17s hit the Belgrade marshalling yard and Turnu-Severin canal installations, and in Rumania, B-24s hit Ploesti oil refineries and the marshalling yard at Brasov. 100FS, 332FG, moves from Capodichino to Ramitelli Airfield, Italy with P-47s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium, light and fighter-bombers, and fighters all hit communications lines N of Rome to slow the enemy retreat; bridges, road junctions, rail lines, roads, and motor transport are continually attacked throughout the day, as British Eighth Army forces W of the Tiber River reach Civita Castellana and US Fifth Army forces push N and W toward Viterbo and Civitavecchia; HQ 324FG and 314FS move from Pignataro Maggiore to Le Banca Airfield with P-40s; 111TRS, XII Tactical Air Command, moves from Santa Maria to Nettuno with F-6s; and 523FS, 27th FG, moves from Santa Maria to Le Banca Airfield with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s returning to Eniwetok Atoll from Los Negros Island (where they rearmed after bombing Guam Island the previous day) hit Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): P-38s bomb a supply dump near Nordup, New Britain Island. On Bougainville Island, P-39s and USN (USN) aircraft hit vehicles near Hari; other P-39s pound a pier and buildings in SE Kahili.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s and B-25s bomb shipping near Efman and Waigeo Islands; A-20s hit the airfield at Babo, and A-20s and B-25s hit Namber Airfield and tanks near Mokmer; and P-39s, A-20s and RAAF aircraft continue to pound the Wewak-Hansa Bay area, hitting supply dumps and hideouts. Thirteenth Air Task Force B-24s hit islands in Truk Atoll.

 WEDNESDAY, 7 JUNE 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 11 B-24s bomb Wuntho and Kalemyo; 9 B-25s hit the Wuntho-Shwebo railroad and bridge at Thityabin; other B-25s continue flying ammunition to Imphal, India; and a few P-51s hit Lachigahtawng.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 10 B-25s bomb Lashio and targets of opportunity along the Salween front; 3 B-25s and 15 fighter-bombers bomb tank concentrations at Taying, destroy several locomotives at Linfen, and pound railroad yards at Chenghsien; and P-40s and B-25s strafe sampans at Fort Bayard and sink a schooner off Nampang Island. 2 rocket-firing P-40s damage a processing building at the carbide mines at Na Duonp, French Indochina.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): The Allied Expeditionary AF (AEAF) directs air attacks against congested points to delay movement of more enemy forces into the assault area. In the first Mission

Mission 397: in the morning, 182 B-17s and 291 B-24s, including 20 PFFs, are dispatched; of the B-17s, 58 hit Conde sur Noireau, 60 hit Flers, and 54 hit Falaise; of the B-24s, 66 hit Argentan, 19 hit Vascoeuil, 61 hit Laigle and 83 hit Lisieux; 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 17 B-17s are damaged; 8 airmen are KIA and 3 WIA. In the second Mission

Mission 398: in the afternoon, 487 B-17s and 88 B-24s are dispatched; the primary targets for the B-17s are Nantes (190 bomb): and the Kerlin/Bastard Airfield (132 bomb); 23 B-17s hit Niort and 40 hit the Nantes Bridge; the primary target for the B-24s is Tours/La Roche (12 bomb): and 13 hit Pouance, 13 hit Blain, 13 hit Chateaubriand, 25 hit Laval Airfield, 12 hit Vitre and 3 hit Tours; 1 B-17 and 1 B-24 are lost, 1 B-17 and 7 B-24s are damaged beyond repair and 78 B-17s and 96 B-24s are damaged; 21airmen are KIA, 12 WIA and 12 MIA. Heavy cloud prevents almost 100 others from bombing targets. VIII Fighter Command furnishes area support for beachhead areas in the early morning and to heavy bomber operations at midday and in the late afternoon, at the same time maintaining harassment of communications and flying shipping patrol. 526 P-38s and 294 P-51s patrol the beachhead and provide escort in N France; they claim 2-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 0-0-2 on the ground; 8 P-51s are lost; 1airman is KIA and 7 MIA. 505 P-47s and 148 P-51s engage in general strafing over N France and claim 29-1-12 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 25-0-12 on the ground; 10 P-47s and 4 P-51s are lost and 3 P-51s are damaged beyond repair; 1airman is KIA and 12 MIA.

Mission 399: 10 B-17s drop leaflets over The Netherlands, France and Belgium. 14 B-24s participate in CARPETBAGGER operations in France.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 600+ B-26s hit bridges, junctions, trestles, coastal and field batteries, and marshalling yards in France in support of the invasion; 1,100+ fighters support ground troops by dive bombing and strafing, escort B-26s and C-47s, and make sweeps throughout the battle area as Bayeux is liberated and the Bayeux-Caen road is cut; and 400+ C-47s, C-53's, and gliders resupply paratroops in the assault area.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): The 15AF reaches its planned operational strength of 21heavy bomber groups and 7 fighter groups as the 332FG begins operations with P-47s. In Italy, 340 B-17s and B-24s, some with fighter cover, hit Leghorn dock and harbor installations, Voltri shipyards, Savona railroad junction, and Vado Ligure marshalling yard; 42 P-38s bomb the Recco viaduct and 32 P-47s fly an uneventful sweep over the Fenara-Bologna area. In France, the Antheor viaduct and Var River bridge are hit.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather hampers medium bomber operation but several rail and road bridges and viaducts are attacked; fighter-bombers blast retreating motor transport and troops, and hit bridges N of Rome; numerous vehicles are destroyed immediately N of Rome and especially in the Subiaco area near Rome; many hits are scored on roads and railroads, and several railroad cars and gun emplacements are destroyed; the US Fifth Army captures Civitavecchia; 315th and 316FSs, 324FG, move from Pignataro Maggiore to Le Banca Airfield with P-40s; and 522 and 524FSs, 27FG, move from Santa Maria to Le Banca Airfield with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Makin Island bomb Ponape Island.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): All scheduled strikes in the Rabaul area of New Britain Island are weathered out. P-39s and P-38s hit several targets of opportunity on Bougainville Island, including occupied areas at Monoitu.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-25s bomb Biak Island, hitting pun positions near Bosnik, the airstrip at Sorido, and Borokoe road; A-20s hit shipping in the Manokwari area; B-25s blast supply areas near the Orai River; fighter-bombers and A-20s continue pounding the Wewak-Hansa Bay coast. Thirteenth Air Task Force B-24s hit various targets in Truk Atoll (weather permits only 10 of the 48-airplane force to reach the target area).

 THURSDAY, 8 JUNE 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): B-24s mine the Bangkok, Siam and Mergui, Burma areas. B-25s maintain the ammunition supply to Imphal, India. In Burma, 9 B-25s pound the Imphal, India-Tiddim road and a few A-36s and P-51s hit the enemy in the Mogaung area.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 19 P-40s bomb docks, warehouses and military installations at Ichang and Shasi and strafe 2 cavalry units at Nanying; 4 P-51s attack railroad traffic in the Singtai-Chengting area.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 400: 1,178 bombers and 1,353 fighter sorties are flown on communications in France to isolate German forward elements, and airfields are bombed to prevent Luftwaffe support. Cloud conditions prevent 400+ bombers from executing attacks. 1. 640 B-17s are dispatched to La Frilliere (66 bomb), Orleans (36 bomb), Rennes Airfield (30 bomb), Orleans/Les Aubrais marshalling yard (60 bomb), Nantes (25 bomb), La Huchetiere (31bomb), Tours/La Riche (61bomb) and Cinq Mars bridge (57 bomb); 18 hit Bruz, 2 hit Rennes and 13 hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-17 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 63 damaged; 11 airmen are KIA and 10 MIA. 2. 538 B-24s are dispatched to Pontaubault (67 bomb), Angers/St Laud (24 bomb), Angers (19 bomb), Le Mans/Arnage Airfield (14 bomb), Pontaubault (13 bomb), Nantes (42 bomb) and Cinq Mars bridge (55 bomb); 5 hit Dinon, 1 hits Precey, 1 hits Cinq Mars bridge, 30 hit Grandville Harbor, 19 hit a bridge at Rennes, 9 hit Precey and 26 hit targets of opportunity; an attack on the Melun bridge by an Azon unit is foiled by clouds; 2 B-24s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 73 damaged; 17 airmen are KIA, 4 WIA and 20 MIA. Escort for the bombers is provided by 116 P-51s; they claim 3-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 P-51s are lost and 1 is damaged beyond repair. Other fighter-bomber mission s are: 1. 381 P-38s, 24 P-47s and 89 P-51s fly sweeps and patrols along the Normandy beachhead and the Channel area; P-47s claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 P-51s are lost; 1 P-38 and 1 P-51 are damaged beyond repair. 2. 333 P-47s and 526 P-51s fly fighter-bomber mission s against communications in NW France; they claim 27-2-4 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 21-0-11on the ground; 6 P-47s and 11 P-51 s are lost; 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair. Overall, the fighters fly 1,405 sorties and attack nearly 75 targets; 1 pilot is KIA and 21 MIA during the day.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Around 400 B-26s attack rail and road bridges and junctions, rail sidings, marshalling yards, town areas, fuel storage tanks, ammunition dumps, troop concentration and strong points in the Calais, France area. Around 1,300 fighter sorties provide support to B-26s and high cover over the assault area, and bomb and strafe bridges, marshalling yards, gun batteries, rail facilities, vehicles, towns, and troop concentrations. 125LS, 9AF (attached principally to Headquarters Command, ETO), arrives at Cheltenham, England from the US with L-5s; first Mission is in Aug 44. US STRATEGIC AFS IN EUROPE (USSTAF): General Carl Spaatz, Commanding General, places oil as the first priority target for USSTAF as a result of the destructive effect achieved by several missions against oil centers in May 44.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 52 B-17s, with P-47 escort, bomb the navy yard and drydocks at Pola, Yugoslavia.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather again restricts activity; many medium bomber mission s are abortive, though several bridges, railroad lines, and guns are attacked; A-20s hit the town of Bolsena and targets in the surrounding areas; fighter-bombers and fighters continue to patrol battle areas destroying motor transport, and attacking train cars, roads, rail lines, and enemy concentrations, as the US Fifth Army approaches Viterbo and the British Eighth Army pushes toward Orvieto.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): During the night of 7/8 Jun, B-24s from Eniwetok Atoll bomb Truk Atoll and Ponape Island. B-25s from Makin Island follow up during the day with a strike against Nauru Island. In Hawaii, 72FS, 318FG, moves from Haleiwa Field to Mokuleia Field with P-38s; 78FS, 15FG, moves from Mokuleia Field to Bellows Field with P-47s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 24 B-25s bomb a supply area at Ratawul, New Britain Island. On Bougainville Island, 32 P-39s bomb Tsirogei and a supply area N of Buka, Buka Island and 6 P-38s hit Monoitu Mission.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-25s, P-38s, B-24s and A-20s battle enemy fighters over Manokwari and Efman-Schouten Island areas, bomb a small freighter off Manokwari and hit gun emplacements and occupied areas at Kamiri, at Namber, and near Sorido; P-40s hit supply areas and villages in the vicinity of Sarmi; and A-20s again hit Wewak area. Thirteenth Air Task Force B-24s from the Admiralty Islands hit Truk Atoll.

 FRIDAY, 9 JUNE 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 5 B-25s carry out a strike on the Imphal, India-Tiddim road while 20+ others continue to supply ammunition to the Imphal area; 40+ A-36s, P-51s, and P-40s hit Myitkyina, Mogaung and Kadu.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, P-40s, P-51s and B-25s fly 200+ sorties against numerous targets throughout the Tungting Lake area; river shipping of all description is pounded, several troop concentrations are attacked, airfields at Hankow and Wuchang are bombed, and the towns of Ichang, Siangyin, Yuankiang and Kiaotow are hit; and 4 B-24 and fighterbomber sorties over the S China Sea result in claims of 3 sea going vessels, a tug and a barge sunk.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Bad weather prevents bomber operations; P-38s attempt to cover shipping in the English Channel; 7PRG dispatches 5 aircraft but they all turn back due to weather; and 2 B-17s fly weather flights over the UK and the Atlantic Ocean.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 70FW moves from Ibsley, England to Criqueville, France; and 112th Liaison Squadron, Ninth Air Force (attached principally to Headquarters Command, ETO) arrives at Kingston Deverill, England from the US with L-5s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Around 500 B-17s and B-24s attack targets in Germany and Italy; B-17s hit the industrial area and air depot at Munich, Germany; B-24s also hit the industrial area and ordinance depot at Munich and oil storage at Porto Marghera, Italy; P-47s, P-38s and P-51s fly 250+ sorties in support of the Munich raids; the bombers and fighters claim 30+ aircraft destroyed; 13 AAF aircraft are lost.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers again hit enemy communications, bombing bridges with good results; light bombers hit targets of opportunity in the Acquapendente area; fighter-bombers and fighters continue to pound motor transport retreating up the Italian peninsula, and to bomb roads and railways in the path of the enemy retreat, as the US Fifth Army reaches Viterbo, where the British Eighth Army shortly makes contact with it; and 86BS(L), 47BG(L), moves from Vesuvious Airfield to Ponte Galeria with A-20s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): During the night of 8/9 Jun B-24s from Eniwetok Atoll bomb Truk Atoll.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 32 B-25s, 20 P-39s and 5 P-38s pound supplies and gun positions in the Rataaul- Talili Bay area; 5 other B-25s attack a pier at New Massava Plantation and railroad to Mandres Saw Mill. On Buka Island, P-39s hit the town of Buka, a supply area to the N of the airfield, and Arigua Plantation.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): B-24s bomb the airfield on Peleliu Island, Palau Islands. In New Guinea, A-20s bomb shipping in Manokwari harbor; B-24s, A-20s, B-25s and P-39s, along with RAAF planes, drop about 140 tons of bombs on various targets in the Wewak area; and 39FS, 35FG, moves from Gusap to Nadzab with P-47s. B-24s of Thirteenth Air Task Force bomb Alet Airfield and targets of opportunity in Truk Atoll.

 SATURDAY, 10 JUNE 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 23 B-24s bomb targets at Chauk, Lonywa and Yenangyaung while 29 others supply ammunition to the Imphal, India area; 50 A-36s, P-51s and P-40s blast targets at Myitkyina, Mogaung and Tapo. 315TCS, 443TCG, moves from Sylhet to Sookerating, India with C-47s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 23 P-40s and P-51s hit railroad traffic and tracks at Linfen and Loning and a tank concentration at Lingpao; 6 P-40s hit a bridge at Tasa; B-25s, P-40s, P-51s and P-38s carry out 150+ sorties against numerous targets throughout the Tungting Lake area; numerous rivercraft are destroyed or damaged, Kukang and other villages WE of Changsha are bombed, Hankow-Wuchang Airfield revetments and buildings are pounded, the Changshowkai area is blasted and several river landings and storage installations in the lake area are attacked; 3 B-24s on a S China Sea sweep claim 1small cargo ship sunk; and 75FS, 23FG, moves from Hengyang to Lingling with P-51s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 403: Bad weather restricts operations to NW France; 883 bombers and 1,491 fighter sorties are flown but 200+ bombers abort due to cloud conditions; 1bomber and 24 fighters are lost. 1. 507 B-17s are dispatched to Equihen (24 bomb), Hardelot (23 bomb), St Gabriel (26 bomb), Gael Airfield (36 bomb), Nantes/Bouguenais Airfield (55 bomb), Vannes Airfield (59 bomb), Berck (26 bomb), Merlimont Plage (39 bomb), and Toucquet-Paris-Plage (10 bomb); 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 36 damaged; 6 airmen are KIA and 4 WIA. 2. 257 B-24s are dispatched to Wimereau (23 bomb), Boulogne (34 bomb), Dreux Airfield (26 bomb), Evreux/Fauville Airfield (65 bomb) and Boulogne (13 bomb); 39 others hit Conches Airfield; 1 B-24 is lost, 2 are damaged beyond repair and 28 damaged; 10 airmen are MIA. 3. 119 B-24s are dispatched to Chateaudun Airfield (45 bomb) and Orleans/ Bricy Airfield (66 bomb) without loss. VIII Fighter Command missions during the day are: 1. 405 P-38s fly sweep and escort; they claim 5-2-1 Luftwaffe aircraft. 2. 3 P-47s and 364 P-51s provided escort for the bombers above; they claim 0-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 7 fighters are lost. 3. 506 P-47s and 213 P-51s fly fighter-bomber mission s against communications targets in the beachhead area; they claim 8-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-1on the ground; 15 P-47s and 2 P-51are lost; 3 P-47s and a P-51are damaged beyond repair. During the day, 1 fighter pilot is KIA and 24 are MIA.

Mission 404: During the evening, 11 B-17s drop leaflets on Norway and France without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 500+ B-26s and A-20s bomb targets in the assault area including military concentrations, road and rail bridges and junctions, artillery batteries, marshalling yards and town areas; aircraft of 15+ FGs fly escort to bombers and transports, and bomb numerous targets in support of the ground assault, including rail facilities, roads, troop concentrations, artillery, and town areas; HQ IX Tactical Air Command moves from Uxbridge, England to Au Gay.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 550+ B-17s and B-24s attack targets in Italy; B-17s hit a marshalling yard at Mestre and oil storage and marshalling yard at Porto Marghera; B-24s hit oil refinery at Trieste, air depot at Ferrara and the town of Ancona. P-51s and P-38s fly escort, and in Rumania, strafe targets of opportunity between Bucharest and the Danube River and S of Craiova, and dive-bomb an oil refinery at Ploesti.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack bridges, railroads, and roads N, NE, and NW of Rome; light bombers hit motor transport in the town of Arcidosso; fighter-bombers and fighters bomb and strafe motor transport and roads N of the battle area, destroying numerous vehicles, especially along the roads between Rome and Vetralla; in ground action the Indian 4 Division takes Pescara and Chieti, while the New Zealand 2 Division reaches Avezzano E of Rome; HQ XII BC is disbanded in Corsica; HQ 47BG(L) and 84BS(L) move from Vesuvius Airfield to Ponte Galeria with A-20s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Truk Atoll and Ponape Island during the night of 9/10 Jun. B-25s from Makin Island hit Nauru Island during the day.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 8 P-38s skip-bomb supply tunnels at Keravia Bay while 4 others strafe nearby AA positions; AA guns S of Rapopo are attacked by 12 B-25s, 20 P-39s, and 20+ US Navy (USN) dive bombers; other B-25s bomb Ratawul. 31 P-39s and 20+ USN aircraft hit Chinatown at Buka on Buka Island and a supply area NE of the airstrip, a barge at Sohano Island, and on Bougainville Island, trucks near Tsirogei and a ford near Monoitu.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, A-20s hit the airfield at Babo, destroying grounded aircraft, a fuel dump, several buildings, and a gun position; A-20s, B-25s, and RAAF aircraft hit the Wewak area with 100+ tons of bombs; HQ 312BG(L) and 387th and 389BS(L) move from Gusap to Hollandia (Group and 389th) and Nadzab (387th) with A-20s; air echelon of 17th Reconnaissance Squadron (Bombardment), 71Tactical RG, that has been operating from Wakde with B-25s since 25 May, returns to base at Finschhafen.

 SUNDAY, 11JUNE 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 55 A-36s, P-51s and P-40s attack targets at Myitkyina, Mogaung, Indawgyi Lake and Padaung, Burma. In India, 30 B-25s continue flying ammunition to the Imphal area; 9BS(H), 7BG(H), moves from Pandaveswar to Kurmitola with B-24s; and detachment of 530FS, 311FG, operating from Kurmitola with P-40s, returns to base at Dinjan.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China's Tungting Lake area 80+ P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s pound the towns of Lanchi and Anking, hit a cavalry compound at Kintsing, attack Japanese HQ, positions, and river traffic N of Changsha, destroy or damage several boats, barges, and sampans at Changsha, and strafe numerous targets of opportunity throughout the entire region; in the Yellow River area, 27 B-25s and P-40s pound barracks, fortifications, tank concentration, several armored vehicles, and cavalry forces at Iching and Lingpao; 3 B-25s on a sea sweep in the S China Sea claim a 600-ft (183 m): freighter sunk.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 405: Weather prevents operations against priority targets in Germany so the bombers attack targets in France; 1,055 bombers and 914 fighter sorties are flown; over 400 bombers abort or fail to bomb due to clouds and absence or malfunction of Pathfinders; 3 bombers and 8 fighters are lost: 1. 471 B-17s are dispatched to airfields at Beaumont-le-Roger (38 bomb), Bernay/St Martin (50 bomb) and Dinard/Pluertuit (37 bomb), and Toucquet-Paris- Plage (27 bomb), Merlimont Plage (34 bomb), Pontaubault Bridge (50 bomb) and Berck (36 bomb); 33 others hit Conches Airfield and 4 hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-17s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 11 damaged; 20 airmen are MIA. 2. 584 B-24s are dispatched to airfields at Cormeilles-en-Vexin (34 bomb), Beauvais/Nivelliers (27 bomb), Beaumont-sur-Oise (36 bomb) and Creil (19 bomb) and Vicomte-sur-Rance (19 bomb), Montford Bridge (18 bomb) and Blois/St Denis (41bomb); 12 others hit Beauvais/Tille Airfield, 7 hit Poix Airfield, 32 hit Montauban marshalling yard and 52 hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost and 14 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 3 WIA and 4 MIA. 87 P-47s and 144 P-51s provide escort for the bombers without loss. Other fighter missions are: 1. 143 P-38s patrol the beachhead and claim 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft without loss. 2. 77 P-38s, 195 P-47s and 268 P-51s fly fighter-bomber mission s against communications targets in NW France; the P-38s claim 3-2-5 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 0-0-1on the ground; 3 P-38s, 1 P-47 and 4 P-51s are lost; 7 of the 8 pilots are MIA.

Mission 406: During the night, 5 B-17s drop leaflets on France and the Low Countries without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 129 B-26s and A-20s bomb rail and road bridges and intersections, rail lines, oil tanks, artillery and town areas, in morning operations; bad weather prevents afternoon operations; 10 FGs fly escort and strafe and bomb bridges, railroads, gun emplacements, rail and road traffic and marshalling yards in support of ground troops.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 126 B-17s and 60 P-51s depart Russian shuttle bases for Italy to complete the first FRANTIC operation. On the way 121 B-17s bomb the Focsani, Rumania airfield; 1 B-l7 is lost. 540+ other B-17s and B-24s attack targets in Rumania and Yugoslavia; the B-17s attack the Smederevo, Yugoslavia marshalling yard; the B-24s attack oil installations at Constanta and Giurpiu, Rumania (both raids having fighter escorts); the AAF claims 60 aircraft destroyed during the days missions. 99FS, 332FG (attached to 86FG, Twelfth AF), moves from Pignataro to Ciampino, Italy with P-47s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather cancels all light and medium bomber operations; fighter-bombers and fighters operating on a reduced scale, hit vehicles, roads, and bridges N of the battleline which the US Fifth Army's VI Corps has extended 95 mi (153 km) N of Rome; HQ 79th FG and 85th, 86th and 87FSs move from Pomigliano to Corsica with P-47s; 111TRS, XII Tactical Air Command, moves from Nettuno to Galera with F-6s; 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 64FW, moves from Pomigliano to La Banca with Beaufighters; and 524th, 525th and 526FSs, 27th Fighter Group, move from La Banca (524th) and Marcianise (525th and 526th) to Ciampino with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Eniwetok Atoll hit Truk Atoll during the night of 11/12 Jun. B-25s follow with a raid against Ponape Island during the morning.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): 130+ B-25s, P-38s P-39s and USN dive bombers pound AA positions S and SW of Rapopo, New Britain Island. On Bougainville Island, P-39s fly 44 sorties against occupied areas at Komai, Kakaura, and Quaga, AA guns at Kangu Hill, and plantations at Arigua and Tsirogei.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, B-24s bomb Sorido Airfield and surrounding areas as US carrier forces attack Saipan, Tinian and Guam Islands in the Marianas Islands; B-25s, A-20s, and P-47s continue to saturate the Wewak-Hansa Bay coastline with bombs; 388BS(L), 312BG(L), moves from Gusap to Nadzab with A-20s. Thirteenth Air Task Force B-24s bomb Dublon Island in Truk Atoll and the airfield on Peleliu Island.

 MONDAY, 12 JUNE 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 30+ B-25s continue to supply troops at Imphal, India with ammunition. 16 P-40s hit Mogaung and targets of opportunity in N Burma.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 50 P-40s, P-51s and B-25s hit troop concentrations in the Yellow River area at Lingpao and S of Loyang; in the Tungting Lake area about 100 P-40s and P-51s attack numerous supply boats and other river and lake traffic, and hit dock areas and warehouses at Lanchi, Yuankiang and at scattered points; also hit are villages and troops in the Changsha and Kuanchuang areas; 118TRS, 14AF, moves from Gushkara, India to Chengkung with P-51s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 407: With bad weather over top priority targets in Germany, 1,442 bombers are dispatched against airfields and landing grounds in NE France and rail and road bridges on the Brest Peninsula; 691 of 769 B-17s and 586 of 673 B-24s hit 16 airfields and 6 railroad bridges in the Rennes and St Nazaire area; they claim 1-1-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 B-17s and 2 B-24s are lost; 1 B-17 and 2 B-24s are damaged beyond repair; and 188 B-17s and 52 B-24s are damaged; 7 airmen are KIA, 14 WIA and 58 MIA. 988 fighter sorties are flown with the loss of 16 aircraft; 15 pilots are MIA: 1. 234 P-38s, 80 P-47s and 201 P-51 s fly escort, sweeps and patrols over the Channel NW of Paris and in the Rennes area; they claim 20-0-8 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-0 on the ground; 3 P-38s, 1 P-47 and 3 P-51s are lost; 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair. 2. 93 P-38s and 183 P-47s fly fighter-bomber mission s against 5 railroad bridges in the Tours-Paris area; they claim 5-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-0 on the ground; 1 P-38 and 8 P-47s are lost; 1each is damaged beyond repair. 3. 45 P-38s and 152 P-51s fly escort for 9AF A-20s and B-26s.

Mission 408: 7 of 7 B-17s drop leaflets on France and Belgium during the night without loss. 16 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 509 B-26s and A-20s bomb marshalling yards, road and rail junctions, bridges, artillery, town areas, troop concentrations and various targets of opportunity; aircraft of 15+ FGs fly close and area support for bombers and bomb and strafe rail lines, gun batteries, bridges, fortifications, radar installation, tanks, ammunition dumps, town areas and strongpoints in the battle area. In England, HQ 366FG begins a movement from Thruxton to France; HQ 442TCG and 303and 304TCSs move from Fulbeck to Weston Zoyland with C-47s; and 425NPS, IX Air Defense Command, moves from Chormy Down to Scorton with P-61s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers hit bridges, viaducts, and rail lines at Collazone, Perugia, Foligno, Massa Lombarda, Pietrasanta, Cattolica, Pesaro, Arezzo and Bucine; light bombers hit Arcidosso and motor transport in the area; fighter-bombers are restricted by bad weather but attack several bridges and roads in the line of enemy retreat which at its farthest point is N and W of Viterbo; moves in Italy: HQ 86FG and 527FS from Marcianise to Ciampino with P-47s; 5th Combat Mapping Squadron, 3(Photo)G (R), from Pomigliano to Nettuno with F-5s; 97BS(L), 47BG(L), from Vesuvius Airfield to Ponte Galeria; and 522 and 523FSs, 27FG, from Le Banca to Ciampino with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Eniwetok Atoll-based B-24s hit Truk Atoll during the night of 11/12 Jun and again during the day.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 6 B-24s bomb runways at Tobera and Rapopo; 22 P-39s and 10 P-38s join 20+ USN aircraft in attacks on supply dumps near Ralum; and 20 B-25s pound Malapau village. 44 P-39s hit the airfield on Buka Island and on Bougainville Island, Tsirogei plantation, barges and pier S of Kleine Island and the occupied area W of Komai.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, fierce ground fighting continues on Biak Island while Japanese aircraft attack Allied ground forces and shipping offshore; P-47s battle attacking aircraft, shooting down several; P-47s and A-20s hit troop concentrations, communications and various other targets in the Wewak and Hansa Bay areas; 82TRS, 71Tactical RG, moves from Saidor to Biak Island with P-39s; and 386BS(L), 312BG(L), moves from Gusap to Nadzab with A-20s. Thirteenth Air Task Force B-24s bomb Dublon Island, Truk Atoll and the airfield on Peleliu Island.

 TUESDAY, 13 JUNE 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): During the night of 12/13 Jun 6 B-24s dispatched to fly an offensive sweep and provide air cover for a naval task force abort the mission s due to weather.

CBI THEATER OF OPERATIONS

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): A few P-51s hit Mogaung, Burma. In India, 39 B-25s fly ammunition to the Imphal area; HQ 12BG(M) and 81, 83and 434BS(M) move from Tezgaon to Pandaveswar (group and 83d) and Madhaiganj Airfield (81 and 434th) with B-25s; and 35(Photo)RS, AAF, India-Burma Sector, arrives at Guskhara from the US with F-5s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 18 B-25s and 56 fighter-bombers pound the marshalling yard at Wuchang; about 70 other B-25s and fighterbombers attack a variety of other targets in the Tungting Lake region, including many river vessels, the airfield at Pailochi, troop positions NE of Changsha, warehouse and factory area at Shasi and numerous general targets of opportunity; 12 fighter-bombers hit Japanese HQ and barracks at Loyang; 4 B-24s over the S China Sea claim 1cargo vessel sunk; 4 P-40s pound Japanese positions at Watien and Kaitou; and 491BS(M), 341BG(M), based at Yangkai, sends a detachment to operate from Kweilin and Liuchow with B-25s. EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO) The first V-1"buzz bomb" lands in S England; more land during the night of 13/14 Jun, and throughout the rest of the month.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Bad weather cancels large-scale bombing of high priority targets in Germany; overcast bombing against tactical targets in NW France is undertaken:

Mission 409: In the first Mission of the day cloud cover is less than anticipated and visual runs are made by 129 of 139 B-17s against Evreux/ Fauville Airfield (37 bomb), Dreux Airfield (52 bomb) and St Andre de L'Eure (40 bomb); 30 B-17s are damaged; escort is provided by 101 of 113 P-51s dispatched; they claim 4-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft.

Mission 410: In the second mission, 112 B-17s and 260 B-24s are dispatched: 1. B-17s to Beaumont-sur-Oise Airfield (41bomb) and Beauvais/Nivelliers Airfield (56 bomb); 15 B-17s are damaged. 2. 148 B-24s to Dinard/Pleurtuit Airfield (10 bomb), Ploermel Bridge (26 bomb), Vannes Bride (19 bomb), Vicomte-sur-Rance Bridge (24 bomb), Montfortsur- Meu Bridge (21bomb), Porcaro Bridge (12 bomb) and 3 others hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-24s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 16 damaged; 1 airman is KIA and 19 MIA.

Mission 410: Escort is provided by 12 P-38s, 47 P-47s and 174 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost and the pilot is MIA. Other fighter sorties during the day are: 1. 97 P-38s are dispatched on fighter-bomber mission s (58 bomb) and 17 hit La Poissonniere Montjean; 2 P-38s are lost and the pilots are MIA. 2. 199 P-47s are dispatched to La Port Boulet (90 attack), Montlouis (24 attack), transport targets (33 attack) and Chinon (31attack); they claim 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-47 is lost and 1 damaged beyond repair; 2 pilots are MIA. 3. 35 P-51s fly escort for fighter bombers. 4. 12 P-38s and 35 P-47s escort 9AF bombers. 5. 62 of 64 P-38s fly patrol over the English Channel.

Mission 411: 8 of 8 B-17s drop leaflets on France during the night. 6 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions over France.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 397 B-26s and A-20s bomb rail and road junctions, marshalling yards and fuel dumps in the assault areas; aircraft of 9 FGs escort the bombers and attack bridges, marshalling yards, troop areas, rail and road traffic, gun emplacements, ammunition dumps and other targets. 305th and 306TCSs, 442TCG, move from Fulbeck to Weston Zoyland, England with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 560+ B-17s and B-24s, most with fighter escorts, attack targets in Germany and Italy; B-17s attack aircraft component plants at Munich-Allach; B-24s marshalling yards at Innsbruck and Munich, Germany and the industrial area at Porto Marghera, Italy; they claim 30+ Luftwaffe aircraft shot down; 10 AAF aircraft are lost and several others are missing.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers bomb shipping at Leghorn with excellent results and score numerous hits on bridges, viaducts, rail lines, and roads in NC Italy; fighter-bombers continue to disrupt the German retreat over the entire area N of the battle zone as the British Eighth Army's 13 Corps pushes toward Orvieto and 10 Corps reaches Terni; 85BS(L), 47BG(L), moves from Vesuvius Airfield to Ponte Galeria with A-20s; and 314FS, 324FG, moves from Le Banca Airfield to Montalto Di Castro with P-40s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): An attack during the night of 12/13 Jun by B-24s from Eniwetok Atoll against Truk Atoll and Ponape Island is followed by a daylight attack by Makin Island-based B-25s against Nauru and Ponape Islands.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 9 P-38s and 23 P-39s hit Ralum and AA positions to the S; 24 B-25s bomb Tobera AA guns and airfield; 15 others, in 2 waves, bomb Praed Point; and 6 B-24s also bomb Tobera. 31 P-39s and 12 USN aircraft attack supply dumps at Buka on Buka Island and Tapsadawato, Bougainville Island, bomb approach to the Abia River bridge, and hit a garden area at Tabago all on Bougainville Island.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, 100+ A-20s and a few B-25s and P-39s attack miscellaneous targets in the Wewak area; P-39s hit the area around Hollandia and P-47s bomb a bridge over the Orai River and fuel dumps near Sarmi; and A-20s blast enemy positions N of Borokoe. B-24s bomb the Liang Airstrip on Ambon Island, Moluccas Islands. B-24s from Los Negros Island bomb Dublon Island, Truk Atoll and Woleai and Satawan Atolls in the Caroline Islands.

 WEDNESDAY, 14 JUNE 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 4 B-24s fly extensive photo reconnaissance over the C and N Kurile Islands; they are attacked by about 20 fighters of which 3 are damaged.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): A few P-40s hit the Mogaung, Burma area. In India, 21 B-25s continue ammunition supply to the Imphal vicinity; and 436BS(H), 7BG(H), moves from Majhaiganj to Tezgaon with B-24s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 43 P-40s attack river shipping, troops and villages in the Tungting Lake area, at or near Lanchi, Changsha, Chulianchiao and Linyang.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 412: Bad weather again covers all strategic targets in Germany except one in the extreme N; a major effort is against tactical objectives, mainly in France; 1,357 of 1,525 bombers dispatched hit the targets listed below; 14 bombers are lost: 1. 502 B-17s are dispatched to hit airfields in France, i.e.,: Le Bourget (134 bomb), Coulommiers (24 bomb), Creil (25 bomb), Bretigny (69 bomb), Melun (50 bomb), Creil (66 bomb) and Etampes (69 bomb); they claim 0-5-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 11 B-17s are lost and 139 damaged; 6 airmen are KIA, 14 WIA and 97 MIA. 2. 466 B-24s are dispatched to hit airfields at Chateaudun (103 bomb), Orleans/Bricy (97 bomb), Eindhoven, the Netherlands (63 bomb) and Coxyde, Belgium (7 bomb); and 61 hit the Emmerich, Germany oil refinery, 50 hit Beauvois, 44 hit Domleger, 12 hit targets of opportunity and 4 hit the Normandy beaches; 33 B-24s are damaged. 3. Of 191 B-24s, 7 hit Ham-sur-Somme, 32 hit targets of opportunity, 52 hit Lille/Vendeville, 12 hit Calas Tres, 12 hit Denain Drousey, 39 hit Laon/ Athies and 70 hit Chievres; 2 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 56 damaged; 10 airmen are KIA, 2 WIA and 4 MIA. 4. 351 B-17s are dispatched to hit targets in Belgium: 35 bomb St Trond Airfield, 95 hit Florennes Airfield, 52 bomb Le Culot and 61attack Brussels/Melsbroek; 1 B-17 is lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 73 damaged; 1 airman is MIA. 5. 7 of 15 B-24s hit the Ham-sur-Somme Bridge and 5 use Azon missiles against targets of opportunity; no losses. Escort for the bomber mission s is provided by 103 P-47s; 2 P-47s lost, the pilots are MIA. Other fighter missions are: 1. 168 of 176 P-47s fly fighter-bomber mission s against Luftwaffe HQ at Chantilly, France and Panzer columns; they claim 0-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft. 2. 234 of 242 P-38s, 178 of 190 P-47s and 171 of 197 P-51s fly beachhead patrols and sweeps in front of the bomber force; they claim 4-1-7 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 P-38s, 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost (all pilots are MIA; and 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair.

Mission 413: 3 of 4 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night. 20 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 500+ B-26s and A-20s attack rail communications SW of Paris and highway communications centers S of the beachhead area; junctions, bridges, marshalling yards, gun emplacements and various defensive strongpoints are included; 15+ FGs fly escort and attack numerous ground targets, including rail lines running from SW of Paris to the Rennes area, and highway traffic on the Cherbourg Peninsula and S of the beachhead area to the Loire River.

MTO - (AAF, MTO): 72Liaison, AAF, MTO, arrives at Oran, Algeria from the US with L-5s; first Mission is in Aug 44.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 660+ B-17s and B-24s attack targets in Czechoslovakia and Hungary; the B-17s attack oil refineries in Budapest, Hungary; the B-24s hit five oil targets, one at Parducice, Czechoslovakia and Petfurdo, Komarom, Osijek and Sisak, Hungary. P-38s, P-47s, and P-51s escort the bombers and P-38s strafe and dive-bomb the airfield at Kecskemet, Hungary.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers bomb several bridges and viaducts in NC Italy, with especially good results on a viaduct and railway bridge N of Arezzo; ships in Leghorn harbor also are hit; A-20s pound ammunition supplies; fighter-bombers continue to attack roads and bridges in and just N of the battle area (only a small number of German vehicles are seen) as US Fifth Army forces take Magliano and Orvieto falls to elements of the British Eighth Army; HQ 324FG moves from Le Banca Airfield to Montalto Di Castro; and 416NPS, 62d FW, based at Pomigliano, sends a detachment to Tre Cancello Landing Strip with Beaufighters.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): On New Britain Island, 80+ B-25s, P-38s, P-39s and USN aircraft hit supply areas and underground storages along the N shore of Gazelle Peninsula from Vulcan Crater to Wunapope; Ralum, Keravia Bay and Wunapope stores are the hardest hit. P-39s fly 27 sorties along the E shoreline of Bougainville Island from Bonis to Kieta, hitting Monoitu, Bonis and a pier at Kieta Mission.

SWPA - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF): In New Guinea, A-20s, B-25s and P-39s hit the Wewak area; B-24s bomb Kamiri Airfield; A-20s hit the airfield at Babo, the Orai River bridge, and fuel dumps and other targets near the river's mouth. B-24s bomb the seaplane base at Halong, Celebes Islands.

 THURSDAY, 15 JUNE 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 2 B-24s fly armed photo reconnaissance over Shimushiru Island.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 27 A-36s, P-51s, and P-40s pound Mogaung and Myitkyina, Burma. In India, 30 B-25s fly ammunition to the Imphal area; and 82BS(H), 12BG(M), moves from Tezgaon to Pandaveswar with B-25s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 24 P-40s hit Japanese cavalry forces at Chuchou and several supply boats on the Siang-Chiang River; 10 P-40s destroy or damage several tanks, trucks, and train cars between Loyang and Shanhsien; 24 B-24s bomb the warehouse area at Canton, causing heavy damage.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): B-29's bomb Japan. With the exception of the 11AF's raids on the Kurile Islands, this is the first air attack against Japan since the Doolittle's raid in Apr 42. 47 B-29s operating out of Chengtu, Chian, bomb the primary target, the Imperial Iron and Steel Works at Yawata, Japan. The Twentieth's first combat loss during a bombing Mission results when Japanese fighters destroy a B-29 down with engine trouble at Neihsiang Airfield, China.

ETO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - ICELAND (Iceland Base Command): HQ 24th Composite Wing is disbanded.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 414: 1,361bombers are dispatched in 8 forces to bomb an oil refinery Germany and numerous tactical targets in France, including 9 airfields, an aircraft plant, a CROSSBOW (Vweapon): sites, 11bridges, a marshalling yard, and various scattered targets; 2 B-17s are lost: 1. Of 747 B-17s dispatched, 172 hit the Hannover/Misburg oil refinery, 16 hit Wilster, 16 hit Wesermunde, 2 hit the Hannover area and 1 hits Helgoland Island, Germany; in France, 144 hit Bordeaux/Merignac Airfield, 71 hit Nantes railroad bridge N, 71 hit La Poissonniere rail viaduct, 70 hit Angouleme marshalling yard, 59 hit Beauvoir V-weapon site, 46 hit Nantes railroad bridge S, 12 hit Gael Airfield and 10 hit a viaduct N of Nantes; 2 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 267 damaged; 7 airmen are WIA and 18 MIA. 2. Of 614 B-24s dispatched to France, 89 hit Le Port Boulet railroad bridge, 61 hit Evreux/Fauville Airfield, 59 hit Tours-la-Frillerie, 54 hit Tours-La Rice railroad bridge, 46 hit Guyancourt Airfield, 45 hit Etampes/Modesir Airfield, 44 hit Cinq Mars bridge, 27 hit St Cyr, 21 hit Buc Airfield, 12 hit Tours-La Riche highway bridge, 12 hit Le Mans Airfield, 12 hit Orleans/Saran Airfield and 8 hit targets of opportunity; 12 B-24s use Azon missiles against Etaples railroad bridge and 7 others use the missiles against the Pecrone railroad bridge. Fighter operations are: 1. 96 P-38s, 202 P-47s and 211 P-51 s escort the bombers and claim 5-0-5 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 P-38s and 1 P-51 are lost with the pilots MIA. 2. 36 of 48 P-47s bomb Etaples, France; 1 P-47s is lost (pilot is MIA). 3. 177 of 185 P-38s fly a fighter sweep in front of the bomber forces without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 550+ B-26s and A-20s direct main attacks against fuel and ammunition dumps, rail and highway communications, and armored division HQ S of the bridgehead on the Douve River; 1,400+ fighters fly armed reconnaissance in the Valognes-Cherbourg area, the W part of the Cherbourg Peninsula, and along communications lines S to Loire; fighters also attack shipping between the Channel Islands and the Cherbourg Peninsula.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Weather cancels bombing operations. P-51s and P-38s strafe La Jasse, Orange/Plan de Dieu, Orange/ Caritat, Avignon/Chateau-Blanc and Avignon/Pujaut Airfields in France. HQ 307BW(H) is disbanded at Bari, Italy and HQ 68TRG is disbanded at Blida, Algeria.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers blast rail and road bridges in the La Spezia sector and in the area S of Florence; light bombers again hit ammunition supples; fighter-bombers and fighters hit bridges and roads N of the battlelines (again only scattered motor transport targets are available for strafing); US Fifth Army patrols move into Grosseto and the British Eighth Army pushes beyond Todi toward Perugia; 315th and 316FSs, 324FG, move from Le Banca Airfield to Montalto Di Castro with P-40s; and the detachment of the 346th Fighter Squadron, 350FG, operating from Sidi Amor, Tunisia since 7 Feb, returns to base on Sardinia with P-39s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): HQ 494BG(H) and 864th, 865th, 866th and 867BS(H) arrive at Barking Sands, Territory of Hawaii from the US with B-24s.

SOPAC - SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (13AF): Commander Air Solomons (COMAIRSOLS) is dissolved, to be replaced by a new command, Commander Air North Solomons (COMAIRNORSOLS). HQ 13AF moves from Guadalcanal Island to Los Negros Island, from which the B-24s have been operating since Apr as the Thirteenth Air Task Force. Major General St Clair Streett becomes Commanding General Thirteenth AF, which becomes part of FEAF (FEAF) (see below). The B-25s and fighters, together with other COMAIRSOLS aircraft, continue to maintain the neutralization of Rabaul, New Britain Island and the pounding of the Bougainville-Buka Islands area through Jul and into Aug 44.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): FEAF is formed with jurisdiction over the Fifth and 13AFs. General George C Kenney becomes Commanding General FEAF, with HQ in Brisbane, Australia; HQ 5AF moves from Brisbane to Nadzab, New Guinea and Lieutenant General Ennis C Whitehead becomes Commanding General 5AF. In New Guinea, FEAF B-24s, B-25s, A-20s and fighters attack barges in the Manokwari area and a village in the Wakde area. Also bombed are airfields on Timor Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, and Truk Atoll. 13AF aircraft still in the Solomon Islands-Bismarck Archipelago area hit Tobera Airfield on New Britain Island and forces on Bougainville Island. USMC (USMC) amphibious forces land on Saipan Island.

 FRIDAY, 16 JUNE 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 28 A-36s, P-51s and P-40s hit Myitkyina and targets of opportunity in N Burma. In India, 11CCS, 3CCG, based at Dinjan, sends a detachment to operate from Sookerating (attached to 443TCG) with C-47s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, air echelon of 118TRS, 14AF (attached to 23FG), based at Chengkung, begins operating from Kweilin.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 416: 370 bombers, including 22 Pathfinders are dispatched to 4 airfields and 4 CROSSBOW (Vweapon): supply sites in France; 1 B-17 is lost: 1. Of 146 B-17s, 38 bomb Laon/Athies Airfield, 38 hit Juvincourt Airfield, 18 hit railroad targets of opportunity and 17 hit Laon/Couvron Airfield; 1 B-17 is lost and 58 damaged; 3 airmen are WIA and 9 MIA. 2. 224 B-24s are dispatched to bomb airfields and CROSSBOW sites; B-24s attacking V-weapon supply sites are: 48 hit Renescure, 44 hit Sautrecourt, 43 hit Domleger and 21 hit Beauvoir; airfields attacked are 17 hit Beauvais/Tille, 17 hit Authe and 12 hit St Andre de L'Eure; 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 13 damaged; 5 airmen are KIA and 2 WIA. VIII Fighter Command missions for the day are: 1. 165 P-38s, 88 P-47s and 172 P-51s escort the bombers above, they claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; no losses. 2. 70 P-51s perform a sweep against stalled trains between Angouleme and Poitiers, dropping external fuel tanks on them and firing the tanks by strafing; the same tactics are used on trains in the marshalling yard at Saint-Pierre-d'Ecideuil; heavy damage is inflicted on both targets, including heavy troop casualties. 3. 50 P-38s and 75 P-47s make fighter-bomber attacks on troops in the Arras-St Pol area; at St-Pol-sur-Ternoise a large number of railroad cars are burned by oil and phosphorus bombs and strafing attacks; other marshalling yards, a power station, railroad station, trains, barges, tanks, trucks, gun emplacements, AA tower and an armored vehicle are attacked; A total of about 400 railroad cars are attacked and about half of them set on fire. In general the fighter attacks are highly effective; 3 P-38s are lost (pilots are MIA): and 1 damaged beyond repair.

Mission 417: 10 of 10 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the evening.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, bad weather prevents bomber operations; 500+ fighters strafe and bomb rail lines, bridges and highway traffic on the Cherbourg Peninsula; and 397FS, 368th FG moves from Chilbolton, England to Cardonville with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Almost 600 bombers attack targets in Austria and Czechoslovakia; the B-17s attack the Kragan and Florisdorf oil refineries around Vienna; the B-24s bomb the industrial area at Bratislava, Czechoslovakia and the Lobau and Schwechat oil refineries and Winterhafen oil depot in the Vienna area. Between 200 and 250 fighters attack the formations and 15 AAF aircraft are shot down; the bombers and escorting fighters claim 70 aircraft destroyed.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s and B-25s hit rail and road bridges, viaduct and other communications targets at Casalecchio di Reno/Villa Vergano, Lissone, Viareggio, Pisa, Vernio, Grizzana and Pietrasanta; A-20s continue to hit ammunition supplies; fighter-bombers continue interdiction by hitting bridges, trucks, rail lines and other targets closer to the front, which now reaches across Italy from the W coast near Grosseto to the E coast in the vicinity of Macerata; and HQ 3PRG moves from Pomigliano to Nettuno.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s, based on Makin Island, hit Ponape Island. SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (SOPAC): Major General Ralph J Mitchell, USMC, becomes Commander Air North Solomons (COMAIRNORSOLS).

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): Bombers and fighters hit widespread targets in the SWPA and in SOPAC. In New Guinea, personnel areas and barges along the coast in the Wewak and Hansa Bay areas are hit throughout the day; airfields and shipping at Efman and Samate Islands and at Babo and Sorong are attacked. Dublon Island in Truk Atoll and Yap Islands, Caroline Islands are hit by B-24s. On New Britain Island, B-24s hit Vunakanan Airfield at Rabaul; B-24s, B-25s, A-20s and fighters attack a large variety of targets of opportunity on Gazelle Peninsula from Tobera Airfield to Rabaul.

 SATURDAY, 17 JUNE 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 12 B-25s fly 3 air missions for a Naval Task Force on withdrawal, following the shelling of Kurabu Cape installations on Paramushiru Island, Kurile Islands.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 8 A-36s attack forces at Mogaung, Burma. In India, 25 B-25s fly ammunition to the Imphal area; and the 492BS and 493BS(H), 7BG(H), move from Madhaiganj and Pandaveswar respectively to Tezgaon with B-24s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, B-25s and fighter-bombers attack large troop concentrations at Shanglishih and Fenglinpu, bomb the town of Lanchi and nearby villages, attack 4 villages in the Chuchou area, hit troop barges at Changsha, damage several supply boats at Yiyang, and bomb military installations at Ichang.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Targets in France, primarily airfields, are hit; 2 B-17s are lost; fighters fly 1,027 sorties during the day and destroy 15 locomotives, train cars, trucks and other vehicles.

Mission 418: 232 of 332 bombers attack targets in France: 1. Of 174 B-17s, 52 hit Monchy-Breton Airfield, 31 hit a railroad bridge at Noyen, 18 hit Chateaudun Airfield and 18 hit Villiers/L'Eveque Airfield; 2 B-17s are lost and 22 damaged; 22 airmen are MIA; escort is provided by 43 P-38s, 39 P-47s and 90 P-51s; they claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot is MIA). 2. Of 158 B-24s, 28 hit Laval Airfield, 26 hit Guyancourt/Caudron Airfield, 18 hit Le Mans/Arnage Airfield, 17 hit Bretigny Airfield, 12 hit Brunnelles, 9 hit Melun Airfield, 1 hits Dreux, 1 hits St Valery and 1 hits a target of opportunity; escort is provided by 87 P-47s and 170 P-51s; they claim 2-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 3-0-0 on the ground; no losses or casualties. 99 P-38s fly fighter-bomber mission s against railroad bridges at Corbie and Peronne; 4 P-38s are lost (pilots are MIA).

Mission 419: Of 312 B-24s dispatched, 80 hit Angers Airfield, 75 hit Laval Airfield, 55 hit Tours Airfield, 38 hit Essay airstrip, 25 hit Lonray airstrip and 1 hits LeMans; 1 B-24 is lost and 35 damaged; 10 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 122 P-47s and 148 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot is MIA). 49 P-38s and 39 P-47s, escorted by 47 P-38s, make fighter-bomber attacks on Corbie-Peronne railroad bridges; 2 P-38s are lost (pilots are MIA).

Mission 420: 9 of 10 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Operational control of air-ground coordination of fighter-bomber mission s moves from HQ 9AF and 21 Army Group Combined Control Center (in the UK) to Advanced HQ IX Tactical Air Command (in Normandy) operating in close proximity to the US First Army. In France, 265 B-26s attack fuel dumps, a bridge and a railway line S of the battle area; 1,300+ fighters fly escort and top cover, and strafe and bomb troop concentrations, military vehicles, bridges, gun emplacements, tanks and other tactical targets; units moving to France from England with P-47s: HQ 354FG and 353and 356FSs from Lashenden to Criqueville; HQ 366FG and 389FS and 391FS from Thruxton to St Pierre du Mont; HQ 371FG and 405FS and 406FSs from Bisterne to Beuzeville.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Operations are limited to reconnaissance missions. 99FS, 332FG (attached to 86FG, 12AF), moves from Ciampino to Orbetello, Italy with P-40s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, except for a B-26 attack on 1bridge and an A-20 raid on an ammunition dump, weather prevents completion of light and medium bomber mission s; fighter-bombers are also restricted but manage to hit several gun positions, communications targets, boats, small ships, barges, and targets of opportunity in the battle area and at various other locations including Capo d'Enfola and other points on Elba Island (where French forces land and begin clearing the island), and Rio Marina; 12(Photo)RS, 3PRG, moves from Pomigliano to Voltone with F-5s (detachment is operating from Nettuno); and 415NPS, 64FW, moves from La Banca to Valtone with Beaufighters.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, flying from Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, bomb Ponape Island. B-25s from Makin Island hit Nauru Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s again bomb Truk Atoll, hitting targets on Eten and Dublon Islands. On New Britain Island, B-24s hit Lakunai Airfield while A-20s, B-25s and fighters attack numerous targets between Rapopo and Tobera. In New Guinea, A-20s and B-25s and fighters hit shipping in Sorong harbor and airstrips in the Babo area; in the Wewak area, A-20s, B-25s and fighters continue to pound barges and villages; HQ 8FG and 36FS move from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands with P-38s; and in the Solomon Islands, 390BS(M), 42BG(M), based in the Russell Islands begins operating from Stirling Island with B-25s.

 SUNDAY, 18 JUNE 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 16 A-36s, P-51s, and P-40s hit Myitkyina and Mogaung, Burma.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, B-25s and P-40s bomb Yoyang and hit shipping and boats in the Siang-Chiang River delta area; P-40s and P-51s attack about 100 supply boats in the lower Tungting Lake area, strafe cavalry forces between Siangyin and Changsha, and hit a village just E of Changsha.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 421: 1,378 bombers are dispatched to targets in Germany; 11 bombers are lost, 10 to AA fire and 1 to unknown causes: 1. Of 890 B-17s dispatched, 381bomb Hamburg, 88 hit Hannover-Misburg oil refinery, 85 hit the Bremen area; 60 hit Hannover, 54 hit Hamburg-Eurotank oil refinery, 38 hit Hamburg-Ossag oil refinery, 36 hit Hamburg-Schindler oil refinery, 18 hit Bremen-Oslebshausen; 18 hit Hamburg-Ebano oil refinery and 5 hit targets of opportunity; 7 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 284 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 10 WIA and 70 MIA. 2. Of 488 B-24s, 168 hit Hamburg, 107 bomb Bremerhaven, 58 attack the Watten V-weapon sites, France, 54 hit Brunsbuttel, 45 hit Stade Airfield, 28 hit Wesermunde, 13 hit Husum Airfield, 9 hit Nordenham, 8 hit Heligoland Airfield, 5 hit targets of opportunity and 1 hits Wrist marshalling yard; 4 B-24s are lost and 53 damaged; 8 airmen are WIA and 39 MIA. Escort is provided by 198 P-38s, 172 P-47s and 215 P-51s; 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair; no losses or claims. Other VIII Fighter Command missions in France are: 1. 94 of 98 P-38s and 82 of 87 P-47s attack railroad bridges in the St Quentin area without loss. 2. 47 P-51s make a sweep of the Dol de Bretagne area; 3 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA).

Mission 422: 9 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions in France; 1 B-24 hits a tree at the drop zone.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, about 130 A-20s and B-26s bomb fuel dumps at Foret d'Andaine and Conches and marshalling yards at Rennes and Meudon during the morning and NOBALL (V-weapon) targets in the afternoon; fighters, in addition to escort duty, continue strafing and bombing rail lines, troop concentrations, and highway traffic on the Cherbourg Peninsula; HQ 48FG and 492FS and 493FS move from Ibsley, England to Deux Jumeaux with P-47s; 153LS, IX Tactical Air Command, moves from Erlestokes, England to Vouilly with L-5s; and 355FS, 354FG, moves from Lashenden, England to Criqueville with P-47s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather grounds medium and light bombers; fighter-bombers and fighters are restricted to patrols, mainly over the Piombino area and island of Elba, during which several gun positions, boats, and barges are hit; 111th Tactical RS, XII Tactical Air Command, moves from Galera to Voltone with F-6s; and 525FS, 86FG, moves from Ciampino to Orbetello with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Makin Island pound Nauru Island. B-24s stage through Eniwetok Atoll to bomb Truk Atoll.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, A-20s, B-25s, and fighters, along with RAAF aircraft, continue to pound supplies and occupied areas along the coast in the Wewak area; and 80FS, 8FG, moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands with P-38s. B-24s hit targets in Truk Atoll. A variety of fighter and bomber aircraft unload 18 tons of bombs on numerous targets around Rabaul, New Britain Island. Fighters continue sweeps against targets of opportunity along coastal areas of Bougainville Island.

 MONDAY, 19 JUNE 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 2 B-24s fly armored photo reconnaissance over Paramushiru Island and bomb the Suribachi area with unobserved results.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 30 B-25s complete an ammunition run to Imphal, India. 33 A-36s, P-51s, and P-40s strike Myitkyina, Mogaung and Pinbaw, Burma.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, about 150 fighter-bombers and 8 B-25s again pound a variety of targets throughout the Tungting Lake area; targets include much shipping from Siangyin to Chuchou, and at various points along the Siang-Chiang River, villages and compounds between Yiyang and Changsha, and boats and river area at Anking; 18 P-40s damage 2 bridges and destroy about 20 fuel trucks at Yuncheng; on the Salween front 15 P-40s hit trucks and military installations; and 4 B-25s bomb Kengluang bridge.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Morning and afternoon missions are made against targets in France.

Mission 423: In the morning, 464 B-17s are dispatched against airfields in the Bordeaux area: 92 hit Cormes Ecluse, 84 hit Bordeaux/Merignac, 39 hit Cazaux, 34 hit Landes-de-Bussac, 12 hit Cabanac and 3 hit targets of opportunity; 7 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 11 damaged; 3 airmen are WIA and 59 MIA; escort is provided by 88 P-38s and 261 P-51 s; 4 P-38s and 6 P-51s are lost (all pilots MIA).

Mission 424: In both morning and afternoon missions, 216 of 391 B-17s and 294 of 312 B-24s hit 35 V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais area; 1 B-24 is lost, 1 B-24 damaged beyond repair and 65 B-17s and 22 B-24s damaged; 2 airmen are WIA and 10 MIA. Escort is provided by 196 P-38s, 122 P-47s and 48 P-51s; 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair; 1 P-38 group, after completing escort duty, dive-bombs and strafes transportation targets in NE France, destroying a locomotive and 3 barges. 858BS(H), VIII AF Composite Command, moves from North Pickenham to Cheddington, England with B-24s (the squadron begins flying leaflet missions).

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, the airfield at Cardonville, the first US field in France, becomes operational; around 200 fighters carry out uneventful armed reconnaissance and patrols in the morning, and dive-bomb 6 NOBALL (V-weapon) targets in the afternoon; and HQ 84FW moves from Beaulieu, England to Houesville. 125LS, 9AF (attached to HQ Command, ETO), moves from Cheltenham to Chedworth, England with L-5s (first Mission is in Aug).

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather again grounds light and medium bombers; fighter-bombers hit railroads, gun emplacements, factory and shipping in an N of the battle area at scattered points in the countryside and in and near the towns of Pontedera, Leghorn, Sestri Levante and Viareggio; and HQ 86FG and 527FS moves from Ciampinto to Orbetello with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, strike Truk Atoll. B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll and B-25s out of Makin Island pound Ponape Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, 100+ A-20s and fighter-bombers maintain strikes along the coast around Wewak, hitting supply and bivouac areas, roads, personnel, and a coastal gun position; A-20s hit airfields at Manokwari, Noemfoor Island, and Moemi. B-25s hit forces in the Cape Orford region of New Britain Island. B-24s bomb Dublon and Eten Island in Truk Atoll.

 TUESDAY, 20 JUNE 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 5 B-24s fly fuel to Kamaing; 2 B-25s hit a bridge at Banchaung; and 8 A-36s and 3 P-40s attack targets at Myitkyina. In India, 13 B-25s supply ammunition to Imphal; 20TRS, 8(Photo)RG, based at Kisselbari, ceases operating from Dinjan with P-40s; and 315TCS, 443TCG, moves from Sookerating to Moran with C-47s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In the Yangtze River-Tungting Lake area of China, about 120 B-25s and fighter-bombers again attack a wide variety of targets, pound river shipping at numerous points, hit villages and supply lines in the Pinkiang area, and bomb the towns of Changsha, Pingsiang and Ikiawan; in the Salween River area 24 B-25s pound Lungling and 16 P-40s hit troops and positions at Tengchung and Chenanso; in the Yellow River area 8 P-40s pound railroad yards and strafe about 75 trucks, destroying 20+ of them; 3 B-24s over the S China Sea attack shipping, claiming a 5,000-ton commercial ship sunk; and a detachment of 26FS, 51FG, moves from Liangshan to Kweilin with P-40s (squadron is based at Kunming). EASTERN AIR COMMAND (EAC): RAF Air Commodore (AAF Brigadier General) Sir Francis J Mellersh assumes command of Strategic Air Force, EAC.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 425: In the morning 1,548 bombers are dispatched to attack 14 strategic targets in N Germany and V-weapon sites in France; 49 bombers are lost: 1. 126 of 146 B-24s bomb V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais area; 1 B-24 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 83 damaged; 4 airmen are KIA, 8 WIA and 24 MIA. Escort is provided by 44 P-47s; they claim 3-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-47 is lost (pilot is MIA). 2. Of 341 B-17s dispatched, 137 hit Fallersleben, 95 hit Magdeburg/Rothensee and 52 hit Konigsberg; they claim 2-0-6 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 116 damaged; 11airmen are WIA and 60 MIA. Of 191 B-24s, 169 hit Hannover/Misburg and 3 hit a target of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 89 damaged; 4 airmen are KIA, 6 WIA and 9 MIA. Escort is provided by 98 P-38s, 86 P-47s and 38 P-51s and 819AF P-51s; they claim 10-1-10 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 8-0-3 on the ground; 1 P-38, 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost (2 pilots MIA). 3. Of 512 B-17s dispatched, 107 hit Hamburg/Eurotank oil refinery, 60 hit Harburg/Ebano oil refinery, 54 hit Hamburg/Schliemanns oil refinery, 53 hit Harburg/Rhenania oil refinery, 53 hit Hamburg/Deut.Petr.AG, 50 hit Hamburg/Rhenania-Ossag oil refinery, 26 hit Hamburg/Schindler oil refinery, 12 hit Brunsbuttel canal lock and 2 hit targets of opportunity; 7 B-17s are lost and 349 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 13 WIA and 63 MIA. Escort is provided by 96 P-38s and 48 P-47s without claims or loss. 4. Of 358 B-24s, 245 hit Politz, 71bomb Ostermoor and 12 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 10-3-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 34 B-24s are lost and 205 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA, 6 WIA and 343 MIA. Escort is provided by 50 P-38s and 221 P-51 s; they claim 28-1-9 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 5-0-9 on the ground; 3 P-38s are lost.

Mission 426: In the afternoon, 33 of 37 B-17s and 196 of 380 B-24s attack 10 V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais area; 1 B-24 is lost and 96 damaged. Escort is provided by 72 P-47s and 40 P-51s without loss.

Mission 427: 5 of 5 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night. 25 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions in France.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, about 370 B-26s and A-20s bomb 9 V-weapon sites and a coastal defense battery at Houlgate; 1,000+ fighters operating over frontline areas, the Cherbourg Peninsula, and S to Dreux, bomb and strafe rail lines, marshalling yards, bridges, troop concentrations and other targets; HQ 368FG and 395th and 396FSs move from Chilboton, England to Cardonville with P-47s; and 390FS, 366FG, moves from Thruxton, England to Pierre du Mont with P-47s. 112th Liaison Squadron, 9AF (attached to HQ Command, ETO), moves from Kingston Deverill to Hurst Park, England with L-5s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather continues to hamper operations but 60+ medium bombers manage to attack rail targets between Genoa and La Spezia; fighter-bombers destroy several road bridges in the battle area and to the N, and damage several other road and rail bridges as the Allies' rapid advance slows down due to the enemy's ability to strengthen his position and form a delaying line across Italy to the S of the Gothic Line (Pisa-Rimini) where he is prepared to make a stand; fighterbombers also damage a 20,000-ton aircraft carrier in Genoa harbor; and 526FS, 86FG, moves from Ciampino to Orbetello with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Makin Island strike Ponape Island. Kwajalein Atoll based B-24s bomb Truk Atoll. HQ 318th Fighter Group and 19FS move from Bellow Field, Territory of Hawaii to Saipan Island with P-47s [the aircraft are launched from the deck of the USS Natoma Bay (CVE-62)].

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, A-20s, P-39s, and RAAF aircraft, pound areas along the coast in the general area of Wewak and B-24s bomb Kamiri Airfield; and 82Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 71Tactical RG, moves from Biak to Owi, Schouten Islands (squadron is operating from Saidor with P-39s). B-24s attack Woleai Atoll, Caroline Islands, and Dublon Island in Truk Atoll. B-25s, P-38s and other Allied aircraft, including some of the Royal New Zealand AF (RNZAF), blast AA positions S and SW of Rapopo on New Britain Island.

 WEDNESDAY 21JUNE 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 34 B-25s maintain an ammunition run to Imphal, India. In Burma, 61A-36s, P-51s, and P-40s pound Myitkyina and Mogaung; 20TRS, 8th Photographic RG, based at Kisselbari, India begins operating from Tingkawk Sakan with P-40s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 11 fighter-bombers hit river shipping, barracks, and cavalry forces at Siangtan and Hengshan, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 428: 1,234 bombers and 1,170 fighters are dispatched to hit targets in Germany; 45 bombers and 4 fighters are lost: 1. 145 of 163 B-17s begin shuttle bombing missions (Operation FRANTIC): between the UK and bases in the USSR; 72 P-38s, 38 P-47s and 57 P-51s escort the B-17s to the target (synthetic oil plant at Ruhland, Germany); 123 B-17s bomb the primary target, 21bomb Elsteriverda and a lone B-17 bombs Riesa due to a bomb rack malfunction; after the attack, the supporting P-51s are relieved 50 miles (80 km) SE of Poznan, Poland by 65 other P-51s which are to accompany the B-17s to the USSR; 50 miles (80 km) SE of Brest Litovsk 20 to 30 Luftwaffe fighters attack the force; in the resulting battle 1 P-51 and 6 German fighters are destroyed; 1 B-17 is lost (to unknown causes) on the flight; 144 B-17s land in the USSR, 73 at Poltava, and the rest at Mirgorod; the 64 remaining P-51s land at Piryatin; 1airman is KIA, 5 WIA and 10 MIA. During the night of 21/22 Jun the 73 B-17s which earlier landed at Poltava are attacked for 2 hours by an estimated 75 German bombers led by aircraft dropping flares; 47 B-17s are destroyed and most of the remainder severely damaged; heavy damage is also suffered by stores of fuel and ammunition. This AAF shuttle run is made in conjunction with a large-scale effort against targets in the Berlin area as follows: 2. 456 of 496 B-17s attack Berlin; 12 other hit targets of opportunity; they claim 16-20-19 Luftwaffe aircraft; 16 B-17s are lost and 216 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 10 WIA and 148 MIA; escort is provided by 99 P-38s, 95 P-47s and 73 P-51s; they claim 4-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 fighter is lost. 3. Of 368 B-24s dispatched, 69 hit Genshagen, 52 hit Marienfelde, 47 hit Berlin, 40, hit Potsdam, 28 hit Niederschonweide, 23 hit Genshagen, 16 hit Rangsdorf, 10 hit Trebbin, 8 hit Selvig, 8 hit Stendal, 7 hit targets of opportunity in the Berlin area and 1 hits Bederekesa; they claim 13-3-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 19 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 150 damaged; 21airmen are KIA, 20 WIA and 182 MIA; escort is provided by 148 P-38s, 147 P-47s and 116 P-51s; they claim 13-0-6 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA) and 1 P-38 damaged beyond repair. 4. Of 207 B-17s, 103 hit Berlin, 80 hit Basdorf and 5 hit targets of opportunity; 9 B-17s are lost; escort is provided by 108 P-38s, 81 P-47s and 91 P-51 s; 1 P-38, 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost (all pilot MIA) and 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair.

Mission 429: In the late afternoon, 31 B-24s bomb CROSSBOW (V-weapon) supply sites at Oisemont/Neuville and Saint-Martin-L'Hortier and 39 bomb a rocket site at Siracourt, France. AA fire shoots down 1 B-24; escort is provided by 99 P-47s, meeting no enemy aircraft, but 1group strafes railroad and canal targets.

Mission 430: 5 of 5 B-17s drop leaflets in France. 21 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions in France during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 250+ B-26s and A-20s bomb 13 V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais area of France. 700+ fighters escort Eighth Air Force bombers over Germany, bomb bridges S and W of Paris, and strafe rail and road traffic and communications centers N and W of Paris.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers have excellent results against rail bridges in N and NC Italy, also hitting viaducts, road bridges, and other communications targets, and bombing ships at Leghorn harbor; light bombers again hit ammunition supply while fighterbombers concentrate on rail and road bridges over a large area including locations in the vicinity of the Gothic Line and at points to the N.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s based on Kwajalein Atoll, bomb Truk Atoll. 6NPS, VII Fighter Command, based at John Rodgers Airport, Territory of Hawaii sends a detachment with P-61s to Saipan Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, P-39s and RAAF aircraft hit dumps and bivouacs at Suain and attack other targets in the Wewak area; A-20s attack various targets of opportunity in the Paniai Lakes area while B-25s hit villages on the coast of Netherlands New Guinea E of Maffin Bay; B-24s bomb Kamiri Airfield and other targets on Noemfoor Island and attack shipping in the Palau Islands and on Dublon Island in Truk Atoll.

 THURSDAY, 22 JUNE 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-24s fly fuel to Kamaing while 40 B-25s supply Imphal, India with ammunition; 40 A-36s, P-51s and P-40s hit Mogaung and Myitkyina while 10 others hit targets at Hopin, Namma and Sahmaw.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 18 P-40s destroy 20+ trucks between Hsuchang and Lohochai; 4 P-40s damage a troop steamer in Tungting Lake; 13 B-24s bomb Bakli harbor, Hainan Island, damaging dock facilities and claiming 1freighter sunk.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Because of the attack on B-17s at Poltava, USSR, on yesterday's shuttle mission, the B-17s at Mirgorod and P-51s at Piryatin are moved farther E; they are to be returned to Mirgorod and Piryatin to be dispatched to bases in Italy as soon as the weather permits; the move is fortunate as German bombers strike both Piryatin and Mirgorod during the night of 22/23 Jun.

Mission 431: In a morning

Mission 85 of 108 B-17s and 132 of 194 B-24s attack 12 CROSSBOW (V-weapon) installations in the Pas de Calais area; 1 B-17s is lost; 64 B-17s and 59 B-24s are damaged; 10 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 165 P-47s and 97 P-51s; some of the support fighters strafe coastal defenses; 1 P-51 is lost and 2 P-47s are damaged beyond repair; 1 pilot is KIA and 1 MIA.

Mission 432: During the afternoon 797 bombers are dispatched to attack 22 targets in France and Belgium; 9 bombers are lost: 1. Of 319 B-17s dispatched, 76 hit Lille/Fimes marshalling yard, 69 hit Ghent/Maritime marshalling yard, 35 hit Rouen oil depot, 13 hit La Vaubaliers, 13 hit Furnes Airfield, 13 hit Tingry, 12 hit Abbeville, 12 hit a tank area N of Rouen, 12 hit Douai railroad, 11 hit Mazingarbe, 10 hit Pont a Vendin, 1 hits Douai railroad; 3 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 81 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 5 WIA and 29 MIA. Escort is provided by 108 P-47s; they claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft. 2. Of 149 B-24s, 46 hit Guyancourt/Caudron Airfield, 43 hit St Cyr Airfield, 36 hit Buc Airfield, 13 hit targets of opportunity and 5 hit Tours/La Riche bridge; they claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 67 B-24s are damaged; 1airmen is KIA and 3 MIA. Escort is provided by 187 of 200 P-38s and 36 of 46 P-47s; they claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 P-38s are lost (pilots are MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 3. Of 216 B-17s, 70 hit Nucourt V-weapon site, 38 hit Brie-Comte-Robert Sug, 33 hit Etampes Airfield, 11 hit Lieusant railroad, 11 hit Melun bridge and 11 hit Melun marshalling yard; they claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 4 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 187 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA and 30 MIA. Of 113 B-24s, 101 hit an oil dump at Paris and 1 hits Dreux Airfield; 2 B-24s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 37 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 2 WIA and 23 MIA. Escort is provided by 78 of 86 P-51s; 3 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA). 4. 9 of 10 B-24s use Azon glide bombs against the Samur Bridge; escort is provided by 41 of 43 P-51s.

Mission 433: 1 B-17 flies a daylight leaflet

Mission to La Glacrie, France.

Mission 434: 9 of 9 B-17s drop leaflets in France and the Low Countries during the night. 10 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions in France during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, around 600 B-26s and A-20s and 1,200+ fighters fly missions during the day; the main effort consists of an attack on the tip of the Cherbourg Peninsula in support of the US VII Corps assault on the port of Cherbourg; beginning 1hour before the ground attack and continuing until the attack begins fighters and fighterbombers pound the whole area S of the city from low level; as the ground assault begins, B-26s and A-20s strike a series of strongpoints selected by the US First Army, forming a 55-minute aerial barrage moving N in advance of ground forces; later in the day B-26s attack marshalling yards, fuel dumps and a German HQ; fighter-bombers fly armed reconnaissance over various railroads and bomb rail facilities, trains, road traffic and gun emplacements; 25 fighter-bombers are lost during the day's operations.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Following 5 consecutive days of bad weather 600+ B-17s and B-24s bomb targets in N Italy; B-17s hit marshalling yards at Fornova di Taro, Modena and Parma; B-24s hit 6 marshalling yards and 2 bridges in Italy, an automobile factory at Turin and an automobile depot at Chivasso; fighters fly 250+ sorties in support of the mission s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack railway bridges and viaducts, at Marzabotto, Boccheto, and Gricigliana; A-20s again hit ammunition supplies; fighter-bombers pound road and rail bridges, mainly in the Pisa area, and cut rail lines between Bologna and Pistoia; the detachment of the 12(Photo)RS, 3Photographic Group(R), at Nettuno returns to base at Voltone with F-5s; and 414NPS, 63FW, moves from Elmas to Alghero, Sardinia with Beaufighters.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll from Kwajalein Atoll, hit Truk Atoll; 1bombs Ponape Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, B-25s, A-20s, and P-47s hit shipping at Efman Island and airfields and targets of opportunity on Noemfoor Island, attack Manokwari and hit villages in the Sarmi area; attacks by A-20s and fighters, along with RAAF aircraft, on the wide coastal area around Wewak continue; and HQ 317th Troop Carrier Group moves from Finschhafen to Hollandia. B-24s bomb Yap Islands; Sorol Atoll, Caroline Islands; and Woleai Atoll. On New Britain Island, B-25s join the Allied aircraft in pounding Nordup and Ralum.

 FRIDAY, 23 JUNE 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 2 B-25s fly a negative shipping sweep.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-24s fly gasoline to Kamaing while 29 B-25s make an ammunition run to Imphal, India; about 80 A-36s, P-51s and P-40s attack Mogaung, Myitkyina, Taungni and a bridge at Namkwi.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 20 B-24s bomb docks at Hankow; in the Tungting Lake area 70+ B-25s and fighter-bombers attack a wide variety of river shipping at several locations, bomb a runway at Hengyang, strafe cavalry troops in the area, and hit the towns and villages of Chuchou, Ikiawan, Chuting, Chwanchishih, and Siangtan; 30 B-25s and fighter-bombers hit various targets of opportunity along the Yellow River.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 435: at midday 110 of 134 B-17s and 102 of 106 B-24s attack 12 CROSSBOW (V-weapon) installations, damaging at least 6 of them; 3 B-17s and 2 B-24s are damaged. Fighter support is furnished by 4 P-51groups (141 of 161 aircraft) all of which afterward strafe transportation targets in the Paris area, destroying 3 locomotives, 100 pieces of rolling stock, and 14 motor vehicles; An exploding ammunition train causes a low-flying P-51to crash, the only aircraft lost on the mission (pilot is MIA).

Mission 436: During the late afternoon, 109 B-17s are dispatched to Nanteuil; 13 hit the primary and 2 hit targets of opportunity; the rest abort due to heavy cloud cover; 1 B-17 is lost and 2 are damaged; 1airman is WIA and 10 MIA. Of 219 B-24s dispatched to airfields in France, 113 hit Juvincourt, 46 hit Laon/Athies, 23 hit Coulommiers and 1 hits Soissons; 6 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 81are damaged; 1airman is KIA, 3 WIA and 58 MIA. Escort is provided by 155 P-47s and 83 P-51s; afterwards part of a P-47 group bombs and strafes a marshalling yard while the remainder of the group bombs and strafes a train carrying trucks and armored cars, destroying the locomotive, 3 trucks, and an armored car, and damaging 20 freight 169 of 195 P-38s fly flighter-bomber mission s in the Paris area; 2 P-38s are lost (pilots are MIA. 21 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER Mission during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Bad weather prevents A-20 and B-26 missions during the morning; in the afternoon 175+ B-26s and A-20s bomb 7 V-weapon sites in France; around 630 fighters provide escort and also bomb and strafe rail and road traffic and communications centers; 200 C-47s and C-53s fly supplies to the Continent; and 404FS, 371 FG, moves from Bisterne, England to Beuzeville with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 400+ B-17s and B-24s attack oil targets in Rumania; the B-17s hit oil refineries at Ploesti; the B-24s also hit oil refineries at Ploesti and oil storage at Guirgiu. 100+ US aircraft are shot down; the bombers and escorting fighters claim 30+ aircraft destroyed.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather cancels medium bomber operations; A-20s continue to attack ammunition supplies; fighterbomber operations are restricted but P-47s hit rail communications at 4 different points in the battle area as a fierce struggle for Chiusi takes place; and 86BS(L), 47BG(L), moves from Ponte Galeria to Ombrone Airfield with A-20s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Eniwetok Atoll-based B-24s strike Truk Atoll. B-25s from Engebi Island pound Ponape Island. During the evening, B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll also attack Ponape Island. P-47s of the 73FS, 318FG, are launched off the USS Manila Bay (CVE-61) and land on Saipan Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, the Wewak area is again pounded throughout the day by A-20s, P-39s, P-47s and RAAF aircraft; a few A-20s and A-26s on a barge search bomb offshore islands near Manokwari; this marks the SWPA debut of the A-26; P-47s on sweeps strafe areas E of Maffin; and 8FS, 49FG, moves from Hollandia to Biak Island with P-38s. B-24s hit the airfield at Yap Islands and Woleai Atoll. B-24s on armed reconnaissance bomb Dublon Island, Truk Atoll and Koror and Peleliu Islands, Palau Islands. On New Britain Island, B-24s bomb Tobera Airfield and B-25s along with other Allied aircraft, hit AA positions S and SW of Rapopo.

 SATURDAY, 24 JUNE 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s at dawn bomb the area N of the airfield at Kurabu Cape on Paramushiru Island; later 2 B-25s fly a negative shipping search.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 11 B-24s fly gasoline to Kamaing while 35 B-25s supply Imphal, India with ammunition; 60+ A-36s, P-51s, P-40s, and P-38s attack the Myitkyina, Mogaung, Mawlaik-Kin area, Pinbaw, and Hopin.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 60+ P-40s and P-38s bomb the towns of Siangsiang and Yuankiang, attack cavalry forces in the Hengyang area, and damage a pontoon bridge between Tungcheng and Pingkiang; 4 B-25s and a few P-40s knock out a bridge N of Chenghsien.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 438: During the morning 967 bombers are dispatched to hit targets in Germany and France: 5 bombers are lost: 1. Of 340 B-17s, 213 hit oil industry targets in Bremen, 53 hit an aircraft factory at Westermunde and 40 attack Bremen; 1 B-17 is lost and 105 damaged; 2 airmen are WIA and 9 MIA. Escort is provided by 6 FGs (185 P-38s and 85 P-47s); 1group strafes an airfield and rail transport in the Munster and Hamm areas and claims 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; no losses. 2. 407 B-24s are dispatched to France; 78 hit Conches Airfield, 45 hit Chateaudun Airfield, 45 hit Orleans/Bricy Airfield, 34 hit Toussus/Le Noble, 31 hit a fighter strip, 12 hit Pont Audmer, 11 hit Toussus/Paris and 9 hit Dreux Airfield; 2 B-24s are lost and 81 damaged; 20 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 45 P-38s and 36 P-47s; 1 P-38 is lost (pilot is MIA); the fighters later fly strafing missions. 3. 86 B-17s and 60 B-24s are dispatched to hit 12 CROSSBOW (V-weapon) sites in the Pas de Calais area but are prevented by overcast from bombing the sites, but 11 B-17s fly S and release bombs near the industrial area of Rouen; 1 B-17 is lost to AA fire; 13 B-17s and 1 B-24 are damaged; 9 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 35 of 36 P-47s without loss. 4. Of 74 B-17s dispatched to the Saumur bridge, 38 hit the primary and 36 hit Tours/La Riche Airfield without loss; escort is provided by 121 of 135 P-51s who claim 4-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground.

Mission 439: During the afternoon 62 B-17s and 167 B-24s are dispatched to targets in France; 2 B-24s are lost; escort for the mission is provided by 71 P-47s and 50 P-51s without loss; 25 other P-51s fly a sweep of the Angers/Le Mans area and claim 25-0-6 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground: 1. Of 62 B-17s, 32 hit V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais area, 12 hit Holque electrical stations and 12 hit Saint-Pol-sur-Mer marshalling yards; 17 B-17s are damaged. 2. Of 167 B-24s, 67 hit V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais area, 14 hit the Abbeville power station, 12 hit Pont-a-Vendin and 12 hit the Tingry electrical station; 2 B-24s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 44 damaged; 20 airmen are MIA.

Mission 440: 5 of 5 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 430+ B-26s and A-20s attack targets in France, including 4 gun positions, 3 V-weapon sites, 3 fuel dumps, 2 marshalling yards, and a railroad bridge; 200+ transports fly supplies to the Continent; 11FGs provide escort, attack fuel dumps, rail targets and bridges W of Paris and S of the Loire, and fly armed reconnaissance S of the Cherbourg Peninsula and SW of Paris; and 313FS, 50th FG, moves from Lymington, England to Carentan with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 335 bombers attack targets in Rumania; B-17s attack the railroad bridge at Piatra; B-24s bomb the railroad repair depot at Craiova and oil refinery at Ploesti; 33 P-51s sweep the Ploesti-Bucharest area while other P-51s, P-38s, and P-47s fly 220+ sorties in support of the bombers; the bombers and fighters claim 20+ aircraft shot down; 10 US aircraft are downed and several others are missing.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather cancels medium bomber operations; fighter-bomber activity is restricted but P-47s attack several bridges, railway lines, guns, and other targets in the Lucca area and other points along and N of the battleline; 5th Combat Mapping Squadron, 3PRG, moves from Nettuno to Viterbo with F-5s; and 84BS(L), 47BG(L), moves from Ponte Galeria to Ombrone Airfield with A-20s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s, based on Saipan, strafe the remnants of the enemy forces on the island and also hit forces left on Tinian Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, 5AF and RAAF aircraft continue to blast stores, personnel areas, roads, and bridges in the general area of Wewak; B-25s, A-26s, and A-20s hit enemy positions in caves E of Mokmer Airfield, attack shipping in the Babo area (on MacCluer Gulf), and bomb Kamiri and Kornasoren Airfields. On New Britain Island, B-24s, B-25s and fighters, along with other Allied aircraft, hit Tobera Airfield, AA guns at Wunapope, and buildings at Nordup.

 SUNDAY, 25 JUNE 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): Two B-24s bomb the airfield at Kurabu Cape, Paramushiru Island.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 50+ B-25s make an ammunition run to Imphal, India. In Burma, 60+ A-36s, P-51s, and P-40s pound Myitkyina and Mogaung; 2 B-25s bomb the Mohnyin-Mawhun railroad.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 31 B-25s, P-40s, and P-51s hit the towns of Siangtan and Ichang, attack sampans at Wukou, destroy about 50 trucks and strafe concentrations of troops and horses in the Tangyang-Pingkiang and Siangtan-Yungfengshih areas, and pound river dock and sampans at Siangsiang; 7 Chinese-American Composite Wing (CACW) B-25s bomb the Shayang storage area; 23 B-25s and P-40s bomb a storage area and damage a bridge at Chenghsien; and 75FS, 23FG, moves from Lingling to Kweilin with P-40s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 441: During the morning 658 bombers are dispatched to hit targets in France; 7 bombers are lost: 1. Of 263 B-17s, 104 hit Toulouse/Francazal Airfield, 72 hit Toulouse/Blangnac Airfield and 64 hit Montbartier oil depot; 5 B-17s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 114 damaged; 10 airmen are KIA, 5 WIA and 45 MIA. Escort is provided by 46 P-38s, 36 P-47s and 146 P-51s; they claim 10-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot is MIA). 2. Of 258 B-24s, 43 hit targets of opportunity, 23 hit Beuvry, 18 hit Mazingarbe, 12 hit Aube-sur-Risle, 12 hit Doullens, 12 hit La Vaupalier, 12 hit Peronne Airfield, 11 hit Amiens/St Maurice, 11 hit Calais, 11 hit Tingry, 10 hit Abbeville, 10 hit St Omer/Longuenesse, 8 hit Boulogne, 8 hit Holque, 7 hit Nunque, 7 hit Pont-a-Vendin, 2 hit Chocques; 1 B-24 is lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 26 damaged; 1airman is KIA and 2 WIA. Escort is provided by 68 P-47s and 34 P-51s without loss. 3. Of 137 B-24s, 59 hit St Avord Airfield and 48 hit Bourge Airfield; 1 B-24 is lost; 10 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 102 P-38s and 44 P-47s; they claim 8-0-4 Luftwaffe aircraft without loss.

Mission 442: During the midday 463 bombers are dispatched to targets in France; 6 bombers are lost; escort is provided by 127 P-38s, 35 P-47s and 181 P-51s; they claim 4-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot is MIA): 1. Of 274 B-24s, 63 hit Villacoublay air depot, 35 hit Bretigny Airfield and 11 hit Buc Airfield; 5 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 104 damaged; 11airmen are KIA, 7 WIA and 59 MIA. 2. Of 189 B-17s, 70 hit Soigny Bridge, 38 hit Sens Bridge, 28 hit Clamecy, 21 hit Auxerre Bridge, 21 hit Nanteuil, 20 hit Nogent, 18 hit Orly Airfield, 13 hit Romilly-sur-Seine, 12 hit Folous, 12 hit Etampes/Mondesir Airfield and 3 hit Orly marshalling yard; 1 B-17 is lost and 20 damaged; 2 airmen are WIA and 19 MIA. 41 of 43 P-47s fly a flight-bomber mission against Evreux/Fauville landing ground. In the USSR, B-17s and P-51s are flown, at daybreak, from dispersal bases to Poltava and Mirgorod and loaded and fueled with intentions of bombing the oil refinery at Drohobycz, Poland and proceed to base in Italy. Bad weather cancels the mission until the tomorrow. The aircraft return to dispersal bases for the night as precaution against air attacks. 24 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER mission.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 400+ B-26s and A-20s hit fuel dumps at Foret d'Andaine, Foret d'Ecouves, and Senonches, and rail bridges at Cherisy, Chartres, Oiseme and Epernon; 14 FGs send aircraft on escort, and on armed reconnaissance and dive bombing missions over the Chartres, Dreux, Argentan, Tours, and Orleans areas; transports fly supply and evacuation missions; and HQ 50FG and 10th and 81 FSs move from Lymington, England to Carentan with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 650+ bombers attack targets in France; B-17s attack the marshalling yard and oil installations at Sete; B-24s bomb the industrial area at Sete, the marshalling yard at Avignon and harbor facilities at Toulon; fighters fly almost 200 sorties in support; 1 FG strafes targets along the Fiume, Italy-Senje, Yugoslavia road and at other points on the Istrian peninsula.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather again prevents operations by medium bombers; light bombers hit enemy ammunition supply; fighter-bombers bomb the towns of San Quirico di Moriano and Castelflorentino and several rail lines and bridges in the battle area near the Gothic Line; Piombino falls to the US Fifth Army during the day, and the enemy withdraws from Chiusi during the night of 25/26 Jun after several days of resisting British Eighth Army forces attacking the town; and 345th and 346FSs, 350FG, move from Pomigliano and Sardinia respectively to Tarquinia and Pomigliano respectively with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s based on Saipan Island carry out reconnaissance and strafing missions over Saipan and Tinian Islands. B-24s based on Kwajelein Atoll hit Truk and Wotje Atolls.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, the Wewak area continues under attack of 5AF and RAAF aircraft; personnel areas at But, Dagua, and Suain and barges at Mushu and Kairiru Islands are hit; P-40s and B-24s strike Kamiri Airfield while A-20s, P-47s, and B-25s hit villages along the Tor River and P-47s hit tanks along the Wiske River; and air echelon of the 26(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG, based at Nadzab begins operating from Hollandia with F-5s. B-24s pound Yap Islands and Sorol Atoll. On New Britain Island, B-25s and fighters, along with other Allied aircraft, hit AA positions near Wunapope and blast plantations along Wide Bay.

 MONDAY, 26 JUNE 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 12 B-25s fly three 4-plane air cover missions for a Naval task force on withdrawal following shelling of Kurabu Cape installations on Paramushiru Island.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 30+ B-25s fly ammunition to Imphal, India. 80+ A-36s, P-51s, and P-40s pound Myitkyina; 7 other fighter-bombers hit Waingmaw, Loilaw, and Pyindaw.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 14 B-24s blast Hankow, causing heavy damage and fires; 180+ B-25s and fighter-bombers attack river shipping and several villages in the Tungting Lake area; the towns of Yuankiang, Sinshih, Siangtan, Liling, and Hengshan are bombed, as is the warehouse area at Yuhsien; numerous troop and truck concentrations and other targets of opportunity throughout the entire region are attacked; in the Salween area 14 B-25s and 36 P-40s knock out a bridge at Tingka, damage another near Mangshih, bomb military installations at Tengchung, strafe Japanese positions at Lungling, and hit targets of opportunity between Lungling and Tengchung; the Japanese bomb Lingling Airfield, damaging the runway and destroying a P-51; and the flight of the 21(Photo)RS, 14AF, operating from Suichwan with F-5s returns to base at Kunming.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 72 B-17s leave Poltava and Mirgorod, USSR, rendezvous with 55 P-51s from Piryatin, bomb the oil refinery and marshalling yard at Drohobycz, Poland (1returns to the USSR because of mechanical trouble), and then proceed to Italy; 15AF P-51s meet the formation 1hour after the attack and escort the B-17s to Foggia; it is planned to return the B-17s to bases in the UK on 27 Jun but bad weather delays this move until 5 Jul.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, weather cancels all operations save a few fighter sorties which result in claims against a few military vehicles and 3 aircraft as US ground forces capture Cherbourg; 3 US fighters are lost.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 677 B-17s and B-24s attack targets in the Vienna, Austria area, hitting an aircraft factory at Schwechat, marshalling yard at Vienna/Floridsdorf, and oil refineries at Korneuburg, Vienna/Floridsdorf, Moosbierbaum, Schwechat, Winterhafen, and Lobau; fighters fly 260+ sorties in support; an estimated 150 to 175 enemy fighters attack the formations; nearly 30 US aircraft (mostly bombers) are lost; US claims total 60+ enemy fighters.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather grounds the medium bombers; fighter-bombers, operating on a reduced schedule, hit railroad targets and other targets in the battle area S of the Gothic Line; HQ 3PRG moves from Pomigliano to Nettuno; and 85BS(L), 47BG(L), moves from Ponte Galeria to Ombrone Airfield with A-20s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based P-47s continue to hit enemy forces remaining on Saipan and Tinian Islands while P-61s carry out night patrols over Saipan. B-25s from Makin Island pound Ponape Island and Nauru Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb targets on Yap Islands and Sorol Atoll; others on armed reconnaissance bomb airstrips at Woleai Atoll and Peleliu Island. On New Britain Island, AAF and other Allied aircraft hit airfields, AA positions, and other targets in the Rabaul and Cape Orford areas. In New Guinea, the Wewak area is hit throughout the day by 5AF B-24s and P-39s, along with USN and RAAF aircraft; P-38s, P-47s, A-20s, A-26s, B-24s, and B-25s attack airfields, shipping, villages, town areas, roads, and numerous other targets at Efman, Noemfoor Island, Japen, and Biak Islands, at Manokwari and Ransiki, and near Sarmi; 9FS, 49FG, moves from Hollandia to Biak Island with P-38s; and 419NPS, 18FG, based on Guadalcanal Island, sends a detachment to operate from Nadzab with P-61s.

 TUESDAY, 27 JUNE 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 8 B-24s fly gasoline to Kamaing, Burma while 52 B-25s continue an ammunition run to Imphal, India.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In the Tungting Lake area of China, 160 B-25s and fighter-bombers hit troop concentrations, supplies, and river and road traffic between Changsha and Hengyang, bomb artillery concentrations at Sinsiang, attack waterfront and docks at Hengshan, pound villages near Chuchou, and attack numerous targets of opportunity throughout the lake region; 4 B-25s over the Formosa Strait claim 2 cargo vessels sunk and others damaged.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 443: 251bombers and 191 fighters are dispatched to hit CROSSBOW (V-weapon) supply sites around Pas de Calais, Criel and Chantilly, France; 195 B-17s hit the Pas de Calais area, 12 B-24s hit targets of opportunity and 11 B-24s hit Criel Airfield; 5 B-24s are downed by AA fire, 2 B-24s are damaged beyond repair and 104 B-24s and 8 B-17s are damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 7 WIA and 51 MIA. Escort is provided by 149 of 191 P-51 s; they claim 6-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft and lose 2 (pilots MIA); 1 P-51 is damaged; after completing the escort, the P-51s bomb and strafe targets of opportunity, including marshalling yards, bridges, railroads, transportation and airfield installations, and dispersal areas. VIII Fighter Command fighter-bomber mission s: 1. 46 of 193 P-38s attack Connantre Airfield; 3 are lost (pilots MIA), 3 are damaged beyond repair; 1 pilot is WIA. 2. 36 of 156 P-47s bomb Villeneuve/Zertes Airfield claiming 10-0-8 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air without loss. 3. 32 of 49 P-51s attack Coulommiers Airfield and 246 others attack transport in the Paris area; they claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground without loss.

Mission 444: 4 of 4 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night. 16 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions in France. A B-24 on a training flight in England is shot down by an intruder.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, bad weather precludes bomber operations; 700+ fighters take part in various operations; most of them fly high cover over the assault areas and bomb and strafe rail and road traffic and communications centers; and 386th and 387FSs, 365FG, move from Beaulieu, England to Azeville with P-47s. 15TRS, 10PRG, moves from Middle Wallop to Chalgrove, England with F-6s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Around 300 bombers attack targets in Hungary, Poland and Yugoslavia; B-17s bomb marshalling yards at Budapest, Hungary; B-24s hit marshalling yards at Brod Yugoslavia and oil industry targets at Drohobycz, Poland; 75 to 90 enemy fighters attack the formations; 3 bombers are lost; the bombers and escorting fighters claim 30+enemy planes shot down; 90 P-51s sweep Budapest area, claiming 7 fighters destroyed.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, continued bad weather cancels medium bomber operations; light bombers again hit ammunition supplies; fighter-bombers hit roads, bridges, rail lines, and other targets in and near the battleline; and HQ 47BG(L) moves from Ponte Galeria to Ombrone Airfield.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s continue strafing and rocket attacks on Tinian, Saipan, and Rota Islands, Marianas Islands, while P-61s carry out defensive night patrols. B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, pound Truk Atoll. During the night a single B-24 bombs Ponape Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, 5AF and RAAF light bombers and fighter-bombers continue to attack the Wewak area, hitting troop concentrations, villages, ammunition dumps, and warehouses; B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, A-26s, P-40s and P-47s hit airfields, gun positions, and various other targets in or near Babo, Manokwari, Biak and Noemfoor Islands, Ransiki, Waren, and Moemi; movements of units assigned to71TRG: air echelon of 17RS (Bombardment) from Finschhafen, to Biak Island with B-25s; and 82TRS ceases operating from Saidor and returns to Owi, Schouten Islands with P-39s. B-24s bomb Yap Islands and Sorol Atoll; others on a photo reconnaissance flight bomb Woleai and Ifalik Atolls, Caroline Islands. On New Britain Island, 13AF fighters and bombers join other Allied aircraft from the Solomon Islands in bombing AA positions at Ralum and other targets in the Rabaul area. 419NFS, 18FG, based on Guadalcanal Island, sends a detachment to Los Negros Island with P-61s.

 WEDNESDAY, 28 JUNE 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 B-24s fly fuel to Kamaing; ammunition delivery to Imphal, India is continued by 47 B-25s; 14 other B-25s pound the Naba-Mawlin railroad.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In the Yangtze River-Tungting Lake area of China, B-25s and fighter-bombers fly 160+ sorties attacking river shipping at several locations, bombing the towns of Hengshan, Liling, and Pingkiang, and bombing Japanese HQ and gun sites in the Siangsiang area; also in the Hengyang area the B-25s and fighter-bombers hit rear supply bases and cavalry and infantry concentrations; and 11BS(M), 341 BG(M), moves from Kweilin to Yang Tong with B-25s (detachments are operating from Kweilin and Liuchow).

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 445: 992 bombers and 638 fighters are dispatched to targets in France, Germany and Belgium; 2 bombers and 2 fighters are lost. 485 B-17s attack targets in France: 72 hit Laon/Couvron Airfield, 64 hit Juvincourt Airfield, 60 hit Laon/Athies Airfield, 36 hit Fismes bridge, 28 hit Denain/Prouvy Airfield, 24 hit targets of opportunity, 20 hit Anizy le Chateau bridge, 19 hit Le Bourget Airfield and 18 hit the Dugny oil depot; 1 B-17s is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 99 damaged; 2 airmen are WIA and 9 MIA. Of 378 B-24s, 331 hit Saarbrucken marshalling yards, 11 hit Florennes/Juzaine Airfield and 1 hits Givet Bridge; 1 B-24 is lost and 125 damaged; 8 airmen are WIA and 10 MIA. Escort is provided by 188 P-38s, 169 P-47s and 231 P-51 s; they claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost (pilots are MIA) and 2 P-51s damaged beyond repair. About one-third of the escorting fighters afterward bomb and strafe transport targets, claiming 3 locomotives and an armored vehicle destroyed. 30 of 50 P-47s fly a fighter-bomber mission against La Perthe Airfield without loss. 18 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions in France.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 220+ fighters, based in France, attack railroad facilities, bridges, fuel and ammunition dumps, artillery, troop concentrations, vehicles, and other targets; bad weather cancels bomber and fighter operations from the UK; HQ 365FG moves from Beaulieu, England to Azeville; and 107TRS, 67TRG, moves from Middle Wallop, England to Jumeaux with F-6s. In England, 422NFS, 71 fighter Wing, based at Scorton with P-61s, sends a detachment to operate from Hern.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 229 B-24s bomb marshalling yards and 2 oil refineries at Bucharest, Rumania; 138 others hit Karlovo Airfield, Bulgaria; 40 fighters carry out a sweep over the Bucharest area while other fighters fly 230+ sorties in escort of the B-24s; 20+ enemy fighters are claimed shot down, mostly by the fighters during the sweep over Bucharest.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather cancels all light and medium bomber operations; fighter-bombers carry out rail-cutting missions N of the battleline in NC Italy; 7TCS, 62d TCG, moves from Gaudo Airfield to Galera Airfield with C-47s; and 97BS(L), 47BG(L), moves from Ponte Galeria to Ombrone Airfield with A-20s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s and P-61s carry out daylight raids and defensive night patrols over Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, attacks on the Wewak area continue; Japanese HQ and communications in the Suain-Karowop Plantation area and coastal road from Babiang to Nyaparake are hit; airfield and fuel dumps on Noemfoor Island, Japanese positions and occupied areas and buildings on Biak and Efman Islands, a village near Babo, and the Tor River and Maffin Bay areas are attacked; and 421Night Fighter Squadron, V Fighter Command, moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands with P-61s (detachment is operating from Wakde Island). B-24s bomb the airfield and town on Yap Island and communications on Sorol and Woleai Atolls. On New Britain Island, AA guns E of the Tobera area are attacked.

 THURSDAY, 29 JUNE 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 2 B-25s fly a negative shipping sweep.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 16 B-24s continue the fuel lift to Kamaing; 45 B-25s haul ammunition to Imphal, India; 23 other B-25s bomb Tamu; 19 A-36s, P-51s, and P-38s hit Myitkyina and Myitnge bridge; and a B-25 bomBStargets in the Mohnyin-Naba area.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In the Tungting Lake area of China, 60+ B-25s and fighter-bombers hit shipping, gun positions, troop concentrations, and general targets of opportunity at several locations, including Lingvang, Liling, Hengyang, Yuhsien, Hengshan, Siangsiang, Chaling, and Yiyang. In Formosa, 3 B-24s bomb Takao docks. In French Indochina, P-40s damage a bridge and attack rail traffic at Phu Lang Thuong.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 447: 1,150 bombers and 779 fighters are dispatched to hit targets in Germany and the Netherlands; 15 bombers and 3 fighters are lost; cloud cover causes 400+ aircraft to abort the mission : 1. Of 179 B-17s, 81bomb the synthetic oil plant at Bohlen and 61strike an aircraft components factory at Wittenberg; 4 B-17s are lost and 111 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 5 WIA and 30 MIA. 2. Of 380 B-17s, 41 hit Leipzig/Heiterblick, 30 hit Leipzig/Taucha Airfield, 19 hit Leipzig, 18 hit Wittenberg, 15 hit Limbach, 14 hit Quackenbruck and 2 hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-17s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 76 damaged; 2 airmen are WIA and 21 MIA. 3. Of 591 B-24s, 81 hit Magdeburg, 74 hit Oschersleben, 54 hit Bernburg, 47 hit Aschersleben, 46 hit Burg Airfield, 42 hit an aviation plant at Fallersleben, 35 hit targets of opportunity, 26 hit Stendal Airfield, 9 hit Gardelegen Airfield, 8 hit Oebisfelde/Kaltendorf, 8 hit Zerbst Airfield, and 4 hit Leopoldshall marshalling yard; 9 B-24s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 204 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 12 WIA and 92 MIA. The mission s above are escorted by 203 P-38s, 216 P-47 and 352 P-51s of the 8AF and 9AFs; they claim 34-0-9 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 16-0-8 on the ground; 3 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA). 4 of 8 P-38s fly a fighter-bomber mission against shipping at Ijmuiden, the Netherlands without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, almost 200 B-26s and A-20s bomb gun batteries on Cap de la Hague, bridges and rail lines in the Rennes-Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcourt-Vitre areas, and rail bridge at Oissel; fighters fly armed reconnaissance and attack enemy aircraft, road and rail traffic, gun positions, bridges and other targets in wide areas throughout NW France; and 509th and 511FSs, 405FG, move from Christchurch, England to Picauville with P-47s. In England, the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command, moves from Knutsford to Ibsley with L-5s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, fighter-bombers, medium, and light bombers attack ammunition dumps, viaducts', bridges', railroad cars, landing grounds, roads, motor transport, and other targets along the battleline in NC Italy and at various points to the N; HQ 51Troop Carrier Wing moves from Catania, Sicily to Lido di Roma; and 4th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62TCG, moves from Gaudo Airfield to Galera Airfield with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s carry out bombing and strafing missions over Saipan, Tinian, and Rota Islands. B-24s, staging, through Eniwetok Atoll, pound Truk Atoll while B-25s based at Makin Island hit Ponape Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, Japanese concentrations at Aitape and a variety of targets of opportunity including barges, villages and bivouacs in the Wewak area are hit by A-20s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers; B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers attack airfields and AA guns at Babo, Manokwari, Waren, and Moemi, barges at Noemfoor Island, and villages E of Maffin Bay. On New Britain Island, AA positions S of Ralum are bombed.

 FRIDAY, 30 JUNE 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 47 B-25s continue the Imphal, India ammunition run while 17 B-25s haul gasoline to Kamaing; 18 B-25s bomb Tamu and 6 hit Wainggyo; and 11 P-38s attack Myitnge bridge.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, B-25s and fighter-bombers again pound numerous targets in the Tungting Lake area, concentrating on river shipping, town areas, troop concentrations, and road traffic; towns bombed include Pingkiang, Hengshan, Liling, Yuhsien, Siangyin, and Chuchou; also hit is the airfield at Hengyang and bridges at Leiyang and Liling. 15 P-40s over NE French Indochina damage bridge approaches at Phu Lang Thuong and blast 3 trains; detachment of 26FS, 51FG, operating from Kweilin with P-40s, returns to base at Kunming.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 448: 153 bombers and 539 fighters are dispatched to attack airfields; 1 fighter is lost; of 75 B-17s, 39 hit Montdidier Airfield, 24 hit Le Culot Airfield and 11 hit Coxyde/Furnes Airfield, Belgium; 27 B-17s are damaged; of 78 B-24s, 35 hit Conches Airfield and 26 hit Evreux/Fauville Airfield, France without loss. Escort is provided by 168 of 178 P-51s without loss escort and afterwards strafe marshalling yards, airfields, barges, barracks, a train, a factory, and a warehouse with good results. No enemy aircraft are encountered and no aircraft are lost. Other P-38s, P-47s and P-51s hit bridges, marshalling yards and other targets in France; they claim 3-3-4 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-0 on the ground; 1 P-38 is lost (pilot is MIA) and 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair (pilot is KIA).

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 125+ B-26s and A-20s, using blind-bombing methods in bad weather, bomb fuel dumps and road junctions at Conde-sur-Vire, Foret de Conches, Conde-sur-Noireau, and Thury- Harcourt; around 250 others are forced to abort due to weather; 600+ fighters escort bombers, fly cover over the beach, and bomb marshalling yards at Chartres and Verneuil-sur-Avres, bridges E of Paris, and Evreux-Bueil, and Breux-sur-Avre-Trappes rail lines; the fighters fly armed reconnaissance in the Seine-Loire gap and along the Loire River, and Continent-based fighters of the IX Tactical Air Command attack communications targets in advance of the US and British positions; HQ 405FG and 510th Fighter Squadron move from Christchurch, England to Picauville with P-47s. 112th Liaison Squadron, 9AF (attached primarily to HQ Command, SHAPE): moves from Hurst Park to Heston, England with L-5s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather causes 450+ bombers and 150+ fighters to abort missions. 188 B-17s and B-24s, escorted by 138 fighters, hit an airfield at Zagreb, Yugoslavia and targets of opportunity in Hungary and Yugoslavia, including marshalling yards at Kaposvar, Osztopan and Split, a highway bridge at Brac Island, airfield at Banjaluka, and the city of Budapest, Hungary.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather again restricts medium bomber operations but B-25s attack the Pietrasanta railway bridge and Marradi viaduct and tunnel; fighter-bombers hit rail lines, bridges, railroad cars, guns, motor transport, and other targets along the battleline and the area to the N in the Pistoia area; HQ 62TCG and 8th Troop Carrier Squadron move from Gaudo Airfield to Galera Airfield with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s on Saipan Island continue to pound enemy forces remaining on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota Islands. Detachment of 28(Photo)RS, 7AF (attached to VII Fighter Command), based at Kipapa Airfield, Territory of Hawaii, begins operating from Kwajalein Atoll with F-5s.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On New Britain Island, Tobera and Erventa Island are also bombed. In New Guinea, barges, troop concentrations, and other targets of opportunity near Nyaparake and Suain are attacked; Kamiri and Namber Airfields, supply areas, and defensive positions on Noemfoor Island are hit; ground echelon of 17th Reconnaissance Squadron (Bombardment), 71Tactical RG, begins a movement from Finschhafen to Biak Island (air echelon is operating from Biak with B-25s); and 389th Bombarment Squadron(L), 312BG(L), moves from Nadzab to Hollandia with A-20s.

JULY 1944

 SATURDAY, 1 JULY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): At dawn in the Kurile Islands, 4 B-24s radarbomb southern Shimushu Island and Kurabu Cape Airfield, Paramushiru Island through overcast.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 P-40s fly ground support missions in the Myitkyina area; 2 B-25s bomb rail targets at Mohnyin and Naba. In India, the 12th Combat Cargo Squadron, 3Combat Cargo Group, moves from Sylhet to Fenny with C-47s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, B-25s and fighter-bombers again pound targets throughout the Tungting Lake region; river shipping is attacked on a large scale at numerous locations and 250-300 trucks are strafed between Tungcheng and Pingkiang; Hengyang Airfield is bombed as are the towns of Pingkiang, Hengshan, Liling, and Yuhsien; a pontoon bridge and Japanese positions at Leiyang are also hit; B-24s lay mines in the river at Canton during the night; the detachment of the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, 8(Photo)RG, operating from Hsinching with F-7s, returns to base at Guskhara, India; and the detachment of the 71Liaison Squadron, AAF, India-Burma Sector, operating from Kunming, China with L-4s and L-5s, returns to base at Ledo, India. During Jul, the detachment of the 16FS, 51FG, operating from Yunnani with P-40s returns to base at Chengkung; and the 76FS, 23Fighter Group, moves from Lingling to Liuchow with P-40s.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): HQ 444BG (Very Heavy) and 676th, 677th, 678th and 679BSs(VH),: move from Charra to Dudhkundi, India with B-29s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 449: 323 bombers (78 B-17s and 245 B-24s) and 166 P-51s are dispatched to bomb 14 V-weapon sites in N France but are recalled because of clouds; the recall messages by mistake are not sent to 3 squadrons; 2 of these abort on a decision of the squadron leaders; the other continues on the mission and 9 B-24s bomb a V-weapon site at Mont Louis Ferme; 1 B-24 is lost and 10 are damaged; 1airman is WIA and 9 MIA; 124 P-51s, relieved of escort duty by the recall of the bombers, claim 5-0-5 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-51 is lost. 82 fighters of a force of 97 P-38s, 169 P-47s and 99 P-51s attack rail and road targets in N France; they claim 3-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-47 is lost and 2 damaged beyond repair; 2 pilots are KIA and 2 MIA. 18 B-24s participate in CARPETBAGGER missions in France.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): IX Air Defense Command is activated in Hampstead Borouth, England by the 9AF to provide air defense behind the advancing Allied ground forces in N Europe; Commanding General is Brigadier General William L Richardson. In France, weather prevents operations by IX BC; 47 fighters escort troop carriers and fly sweeps in the Vire area where about 20 fighters bomb tactical targets; HQ 100FW moves from Lashenden, England to Criqueville; and HQ 363FG moves from Staplehurst, England to Maupertus; during Jul, HQ IX Fighter Command from Middle Wallop, England to Les Obeaux; and HQ XIX Tactical Air Command from Aldermaston Court, England to France.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, light and medium bombers hit fuel dumps, rail bridges, viaducts, and docks in NC Italy; fighterbombers concentrate on road and rail bridges behind the battle area, destroy several fighters in combat over Reggio Emilia Airfield, and hit guns S of Carsoli; and a detachment of the 12(Photo)RS, 3PRG, begins operating from Follonica with F-5s. During Jul, the detachments of the 414NPS, 63d FW, operating from Ghisonaccia and Borgo, Corsica with Beaufighters, return to base at Alghero, Sardinia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marianas Islands, P-47s fly bombing and strafing missions over Saipan, Tinian, and Rota Islands. B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, hit Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands, during the night of 1/2 Jul and follow up with another raid during the day. Makin Island, Gilbert Island-based B-25s bomb Ponape Island, Caroline Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, B-24s bomb the airfield at Namlea and hit shipping throughout the Amboina, Ambon Island-Ceram-Boeroe, Moluccas Islands area; other B-24s, B-25s, A-20s and fighter-bombers hit airfield, AA guns, bivouacs, supplies, and Japanese defenses on Noemfoor Island in preparation for Allied landings on 2 Jul; the airfield at Manokwari is also bombed; bombers and fighters continue to pound the Wewak coastal area; many of the strikes are in conjunction with USN (USN) motor torpedo (PT) boats; and the 35FS, 8th Fighter Group, moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands with P-38s. A few B-24s on armed reconnaissance bomb targets on Yap Island, Caroline Islands and Peleliu Island, Palau Islands; during Jul 44, HQ V Fighter Command moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands; and the 39TCS, 317th Troop Carrier Group, moves from Finschhafen to Hollandia with C-47s.

 SUNDAY, 2 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 7 P-40s continue support of ground forces in the Myitkyina area; and 2 B-25s hit railroad tracks at Pinwe and Katha.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 11 B-25s and 42 fighter-bombers again attack river shipping, compounds, and troop concentrations in the Tungting Lake region; also the town of Hengshan is bombed; and B-25s and P-51s pound the airfield and town area at Lupao.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 450: 350 bombers and 171 P-51s are dispatched to hit 13 V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais area; 1 B-24 is lost: 1. Of 78 B-17s, 24 hit Fleury, 24 hit Fressin, 21 hit Blengermont and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 33 B-17s are damaged. 2. Of 272 B-24s, 36 hit Crepy, 35 hit Fiefs, 24 hit Vignacourt, 23 hit Blanc Pignon, 22 hit Courbronne, 21 hit Renescure, 13 hit Haute Cote Island, 13 hit Mont Louis Ferme, 13 hit Santrecourt and 12 hit Belloy-sur-Somme; 1 B-24 is lost and 1 damaged beyond repair; 4 airmen are WIA and 9 MIA. Escort for the above is provided by 166 of 171 P-51 s without loss. 41 P-51 s, temporarily in Italy while en route from the USSR to the UK during a shuttle mission, join 15AF fighters in escorting 15AF bombers against targets in the Budapest, Hungary area, claiming 9 aircraft destroyed and suffering 4 losses. 37 B-24s CARPETBAGGER missions in France during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, all IX BC missions are cancelled due to bad weather; fighters of 7 groups of the IX Tactical Air Command fly interception mission s in the Caen area and cover over the beach area, attack rail lines along the Loire, and hit a HQ and supply dumps and strongpoints near La Haye-du-Puits; HQ IX Tactical Air Command moves from Au Gay to Les Obeaux; and HQ 362FG moves from Headcorn, England to Lignerolles.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 620+ bombers hit targets in Hungary and Yugoslavia; B-24s attack 2 marshalling yards, an airfield, and 2 oil refineries at Budapest, Hungary; B-17s bomb an industrial area at Gyor and a railroad bridge at Szolnok, Hungary and marshalling yards at Brod and Vinkovci, Yugoslavia; fighters sweep over the Budapest area; bombers and fighters claim 50+ fighters shot down; 14 US aircraft are shot down and as many more are missing.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium and light bombers continue to pound enemy communication lines N of the battle area (mainly along and N of the Pisa-Florence line) and hit several fuel dumps with good results; fighter-bombers are active against motor transport and bridges immediately N of the battleline; and 111th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, XII Tactical Air Command, moves from Voltone to Follonica with F-6s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s on Saipan Island bomb and strafe forces on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s, and fighter-bombers, along with naval guns, bombard the Kamiri area of Noemfoor Island, after which Allied amphibious forces land with little opposition and secure the beachhead; other B-25s attack barges near Manokwari; and HQ 308BW(H) and HQ 43BG(H) move from Oro Bay and Nadzab respectively to Owi, Schouten Islands.

 MONDAY, 3 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20+ fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Myitkyina area, which also is covered by 10-plane combat patrol.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 4 B-24s bomb Yoyang railroad yards in the Tungting Lake area; B-25s and P-40s pound river shipping, bridges, gun sites, compounds, and villages at several locations, including Leiyang, Ssutang, Yungfengshih, and Tsungyang; B-25s drop ammunition to Chinese ground forces at Hengyang. In French Indochina, P-40s damage a bridge at Phu Lang Thuong and hit nearby targets of opportunity.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 55 B-17s in Italy on the USSR shuttle Mission join 15AF bombers in bombing marshalling yards at Arad, Rumania; 38 P-51s of the VIII Fighter Command, also on the shuttle run, fly escort on the mission .

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, nearly 275 fighters strafe and bomb strongpoints, gun positions, a fuel dump, communication lines, bridges, and patrol the beach in the vicinity of Lessay and Periers, S of the US First Army's advance; HQ 358FG and 365th Fighter Squadron move from High Halden, England to Cretteville with P-47s; the 30(Photo)RS, 67TRG, moves from Middle Wallop, England to Le Molay with F-5s; and the 382Fighter Squadron, 363FG, moves from Staplehurst, England to Maupertus with P-51s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 600+ B-17s and B-24s attack targets in Rumania and Yugoslavia including oil storage, oil refinery, and locomotive works at Bucharest, oil storage at Giurgiu, railroad targets at Turnu-Severin, a bridge at Piatra, marshalling yards at Arad and Timisoara, a bridge at Szeged, and oil storage at Belgrade; fighters fly 250+ sorties in support of the mission s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s and A-20s pound enemy fuel dumps while B-25s hit bridges, tunnels, and viaducts at Pietrasanta, Canneto sull'Oglio and Saviano, and fuel storage tanks in the Pontelagoscuro area; fighter-bombers blast motor transport and bridges in the battle area as the US Fifth Army begins a drive on Leghorn; vehicle park, ammunition dump, and a barge are also hit.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s continue to hit troops remaining on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota Islands. B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Truk Atoll.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, P-38s and B-25s hit personnel and supply areas S of Kamiri and support invading ground forces as they push E along the N coast of Noemfoor Island; Efman Island, Manokwari, and Biak Island are attacked by B-24s, A-20s, and fighters; the Wewak coastal area continues under sustained air attack as Allied aircraft pound targets including forces at Brandi Plantation and supplies and a bridge near But; Larat is also bombed; and the 70th Troop Carrier Squadron, 433TCG, moves from Nadzab to Hollandia with C-47s. B-24s hit airstrips, AA positions, and targets of opportunity in the Yap Island group, at Woleai Atoll in the Caroline Islands, and at Peleliu Island; Saumlakki, Tanimbar Island, Moluccas Islands is also bombed.

 TUESDAY, 4 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 30+ P-40s continue support of ground forces near Myitkyina; 20+ P-47s and P-51s fly an offensive sweep over the Lashio area, patrol the Mogaung area, and bomb targets of opportunity at Taungni, Nampadaung, and Mogaung; 4 B-25s hit bridges and railroad tracks in the Hopin and Naba areas.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 38 B-25s and 74 fighter-bombers pound targets throughout the Tungting Lake-Yangtze River region and in the Yellow River and Canton areas; river shipping is hit hard, particularly along the Siang-Chiang River; troop concentrations, road traffic, and general targets of opportunity are hit at many locations; towns bombed include Shasi, Lukou, Yungfengshih, Liling, Siangtan, and Yuhsien; Hengyang Airfield is bombed and supplies are dropped to Chinese troops in the area; airfields and warehouses in the Canton area are bombed and targets of opportunity at Linfen, Wenhsi, and Puchou in the Yellow River region are strafed.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 451: 558 bombers and 632 fighters are dispatched to attack 7 airfields N and W of Paris; bad weather and mechanical failures cause 350+ bombers to abort; 1 B-17 and 4 fighters are lost: 1. Of 300 B-17s, 24 hit Dreux Airfield, 24 hit Illiers L'Eveque Airfield, 13 hit Conches Airfield and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 1 B-17s is lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 37 damaged; 1airman is WIA and 9 MIA. 2. Of 258 B-24s, 56 hit Conches Airfield, 50 hit Beaumont le Roger Airfield, 49 hit Evreux Airfield, 25 hit Beaumont-sur-Oise Airfield and 12 hit Creil Airfield; 2 B-24s are damaged beyond repair and 52 damaged; 2 airmen are WIA. 199 P-38s, 189 P-47s and 244 P-51s are dispatched to escort the bombers but 63 abort; 2 P-38s, 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost and 1 P-47 is damaged. Of 144 P-38s and 176 P-47s, 29 hit Nevers marshalling yard, 25 hit Joinville Bridge, 16 hit Chartre-Chateaudun marshalling yard, 14 hit Perrigny marshalling yard, 14 hit Fresnes Bridge, 8 hit Cercy/La Tours marshalling yard, 8 hit Cambrai marshalling yard, 6 hit St Florentin, 5 hit targets of opportunity and 4 hit Rouen Bridge; they claim 17-0-10 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-0 on the ground; 1 P-38 is lost and 1 damaged. Total VIII Fighter Command casualties are 1 KIA, 4 WIA and 7 MIA. 36 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night; 3 airmen are MIA after a plane crashes.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France bad weather curtails bomber operations, but 95 B-26s and A-20s bomb a rail bridge at Oissel and strongly defended positions N of Anneville-sur-Mer, using the Pathfinder technique; 900+ fighters strafe and bomb numerous targets including troop concentrations, gun positions, rail lines, marshalling yards, a tunnel, a radio station, bridges, highways, and a command post; fighters also fly escort and cover the beach and assault areas; units moving from England to France: 109TRS, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, from Middle Wallop to Le Molay with F-6s; 366th and 367th Fighter Squadrons, 358FG, from High Halden to Cretteville with P-47s; 381FS, 363FG, from Staplehurst to Maupertus with P-51s; and 494FS, 48FG, from Ibsley to Deux Jumeaux with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 250+ bombers attack targets in Rumania; B-24s bomb a bridge and railroad repair works at Pitesti and B-17s bomb an oil refinery at Brasov; 350+ fighters escort the bombers and carry out sweeps in the target area; claims of enemy fighters destroyed total 17; 1 FG strafes 2 landing grounds and a troop train in Yugoslavia on the return trip to base.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather cancels light and medium bomber operations; fighter-bomber operations are greatly reduced but attacks are made on bridges, rail lines, roads, and guns in and N of the battle area as US Fifth Army elements clear parts of Rosignano, overrun Mount Vitalba and area to its E, and push into Casole d'Elsa; and the 522d, 523d and 524FSs, 27FG, move from Ciampino to Voltone with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s on Saipan Island continue fighter-bomber operations against forces on Saipan, Tinian, Aguijan and Rota Islands in the Marianas Islands. B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, pound Truk Atoll.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, A-20s continue support of Allied ground forces pushing E and SE from the Kamiri Airfield area on Noemfoor Island and taking Kamiri village and Kornasoren Airfield; P-47s strafe targets of opportunity at nearby Biak Island while B-24s bomb airfield at Efman Island; other aircraft bomb and strafe troops E of Maffin Bay; personnel areas at But and Dagua and barges at Wewak Point are also attacked; and the 388BS(L), 312BG(L), moves from Nadzab to Hollandia with A-20s. B-24s hit shipping and airfields in the Amboina, Ambon Island-Ceram Island area. B-24s bomb Yap Island and hit airstrips in Woleai and Sorol Atolls in the Caroline Islands and Peleliu Island.

 WEDNESDAY, 5 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma 20+ P-40s and A-36s continue support in the Myitkyina sector while 12 other aircraft fly armed reconnaissance in the same area; 20+ other P-40s, P-51s, and A-36s hit targets of opportunity in the areas around Hopin, Namma, and Naungtalaw; the town area of Naungtalaw also is pounded by 11 B-25s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 136 fighter-bombers and 64 B-25s attack targets throughout the Tungting Lake area; targets include river shipping, warehouses, troops, artillery, trucks, and other targets of opportunity at Liling, Lukou, Pingkiang, Yungfengshih, Siangyin, and Chuting; Hengyang Airfield is bombed, and supplies are dropped to Chinese forces in the vicinity; in the Salween area 40 transports drop supplies to Chinese forces on the battleline, and 4 fighter-bombers pound the town and vicinity of Tengchung; 22 B-24s bomb a supply and ammunition depot at Canton; 6 B-25s attack airfields in the area; and 5 B-24s lay mines in Shanghai harbor.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 453: 371bombers and 445 fighters are dispatched to attack 3 airfields in the Netherlands and 2 in Belgium, a factory near Mol, and 3 V-weapon supply sites in France; 5 fighters are lost: 1. Of 79 B-17s dispatched to the Netherlands, 38 hit Gilze-Rijen Airfield, 20 hit Volkel Airfield and 19 hit Noll without loss. 2. Of 221 B-24s, 43 hit Bois de Cassan V-weapon site, 36 hit Le Coulet Airfield, 29 hit Foret de L'Isle Adam and 29 hit hit Mery sur Oise V-weapon sites, 13 hit Eindhoven Airfield, 5 hit Melsbroek Airfield and 2 hit Tulemont Airfield; 49 B-24s are damaged; 1airman is WIA. The two missions above are escorted by 180 of 192 P-51s that claim 4-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-0 on the ground; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA). 3. 70 of 71 B-17s hit Beziers marshalling yard; 13 B-17s are damaged. 228 P-47s and P-51s escort the bombers and claim 18-1-9 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-0 on the ground; 2 P-47s and 1 P-51 are lost (pilots are MIA). Of 93 P-47s, 22 bomb Rouen, 10 hit L'Arche Bridge, 10 hit Seine River locks, 7 hit Boissy le Bois, 7 hit Pantgouin, 7 hit Veulettes Bridge and 6 hit communication targets; they claim 3-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-0 on the ground; 2 P-47s are lost (pilots are MIA). The P-47s are escorted by 181 of 190 P-38s; 2 P-38s are lost (pilots MIA) and 1 is damaged beyond repair. During the night, 8 of 8 B-17s drop leaflets in France with the loss of 1 B-17; and 8 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions. 70 B-17s on shuttle

Mission (UK-USSR-Italy-UK) attack a marshalling yard at Beziers, France (with 15AF B-24s) while on the last leg from Italy to the UK; 42 P-51s return to UK with the B-17s (of the 11 P-51 s remaining in Italy, 10 return to the UK the following day and the last several days later).

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, about 180 B-26s and A-20s bomb bridges at Caen and also sidings, tracks, and rolling stock; in the afternoon 4 NOBALL (V-weapon) HQ are hit; 600+ fighters escort the bombers, carry out armed reconnaissance of communication and enemy movements, attack rail lines, rolling stock, marshalling yards, bridges, supply dumps, and cover the beach area; HQ 67TRG and 107TRS move from Middle Wallop, England to Le Molay with F-6s; the 12TRS, 10th Photographic Group(R) (attached to 67TRG), moves from Middle Wallop, England to Le Molay with F-6s; and the 380FS, 363FG, moves from Staplehurst, England to Maupertus with P-51s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Almost 500 bombers attack targets in France; B-17s bomb the Montpellier marshalling yards; B-24s bomb Beziers marshalling yards and Toulon submarine pens and harbor installations; close to 200 fighter sorties are flown in support of the mission s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb Villafranca di Verona marshalling yard, Aulla railroad bridge, and Ostiglia fuel dumps while A-20s blast a supply dump and rail lines; fighter-bombers hit tracks, bridges, roads, and other targets in the battle area as the US Fifth Army continues fierce fighting around Rosignano.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s fly fighter-bomber operations over Saipan, Rota, and Tinian Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the area around Wewak, New Guinea, A-20s and fighter-bombers hit dumps at Dagua and attack barges during the night of 4/5 Jul; light strikes are flown in support of troops on Noemfoor Island and against barges, airfields, and troop concentrations on Efman and Biak Islands and at Moemi, Manokwari, and in the Wakde area. B-24s bomb airstrips and AA guns on Yap Island and Woleai Atoll; Sorol Atoll and Peleliu Island are also hit.

 THURSDAY, 6 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 P-40s attack a bridge near Myitkyina while 40+ others support ground forces in the area; several other P-40s attack Maingna, barracks at Sahmaw, a train at Taungni, and troops at Sakangyi; 6 B-25s bomb Maingna and 2 hit Mohnyin; and HQ 311th Fighter Group moves from Dinjan, India to Tingkawk Sakan.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, B-25s, P-40s, and P-51s continue to pound river shipping, bridges, troop concentrations, road traffic, and general targets of opportunity throughout a wide area around Tungting Lake and along the Yangtze River; hit particularly hard are the town area and supply depot at Sinshih; B-25s near the Burma border cause considerable damage at Tengehung and drop supplies to Chinese ground forces on the Salween front, and during the night of 6/7 Jul bomb Tien Ho Airfield at Canton.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): Brigadier General LaVern G Saunders becomes Commanding General XX BC with HQ at Kharagpur, India.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 455: In the morning, missions are flown to France and Germany: 1. 800 bombers and 224 fighters are dispatched to bomb 18 V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais area; 556 of 641 B-17s and 133 of 159 B-24s bomb; 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair; 161 B-17s and 59 B-24s are damaged; 2 airmen are KIA and 3 WIA. Escort is provided by 141 P-38s and 83 P-51s; they claim 4-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38 is lost (pilot is MIA). 2. 229 of 262 B-24s bomb the dock area at Kiel, Germany and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 3 B-24s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 105 damaged; 8 airmen are WIA and 22 MIA. Escort is provided by 168 of 189 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot is MIA).

Mission 456: In the late afternoon 73 of 104 B-17s and 148 of 176 B-24s strike 6 V-weapon sites and supply installations, 3 railroad bridges, a highway bridge, and an airfield in N France. Escort is provided by 443 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-47 is lost; afterwards a squadron of P-47s dive-bombs 3 airfields in the Conches area. 212 P-38s and P-47s, fly fighter-bomber mission s against rail and road traffic in the Paris area; they claim 11-1-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 P-47s are lost (pilots are MIA).

Mission 457: 7 of 7 B-17s drop leaflets in Belgium and France during the night. 20 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions; 1 B-24 is lost. A C-47 makes the first landing at a secret airstrip in the Ain, France area.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France during the morning around 500 B-26s and A-20s bomb bridges and rail lines at 8 locations; in the afternoon 5 targets are attacked, including bridges, fuel dumps, railroad tracks, and a V-weapon location; 15+ FGs escort bombers, fly armed reconnaissance of rail lines, roads, and marshalling yards, damaging or destroying tracks, trains, a tunnel, a building, and a supply dump; fighters also cover the beach and bomb and strafe troop concentrations and gun positions; HQ 404FG and 506th, 507th and 508th Fighter Squadrons move from Winkton, England to Chapelle with P-47s; the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command, moves from Ibsley, England to Nehou with L-5s; and the 388FS, 365FG, moves from Beaulieu, England to Azeville with P-47s. In England, HQ 367FG and 393and 394FSs move from Stony Cross to Ibsley with P-38s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, 530+ B-17s and B-24s attack the Verona marshalling yard, Bergamo steel works, Avisio viaduct, Tagliamento-Casarsa della Delizia railroad bridge, Aviano oil and gasoline storage, Porto Marghera oil storage, and Trieste oil refinery; P-51s and P-38s provide escort; and the 99FS, 332FG, moves from Orbetello to Ramitelli with P-51s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s hit an ammunition ship at La Spezia during the night of 5/6 Jul and continue attacks on fuel supplies during the day; medium bombers again hit communication, concentrating on bridges N of the battleline, and attack enemy warehouses and HQ; fighter-bombers hit rail lines (with especially good results between Viareggio and Massa Lombarda) and damage several bridges just N of the battle area as the US Fifth Army continues clearing Rosignano and takes Castellina Marittima and Mount Vaso.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s bomb and strafe forces on Saipan, Rota, and Tinian Islands. B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, pound Truk Atoll during the night of 5/6 Jul and follow with another raid during the day. B-25s, based at Makin Island, hit Nauru Island. The 333d FS, 318FG, moves from Bellow Field, Territory of Hawaii to Saipan Island with P-47s.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers continue to pound the Wewak area, concentrating on troops S of Matapau; B-25s and fighter-bombers sweep the N coast of the Vogelkop Peninsula and offshore islands, hitting targets of opportunity; other fighter-bombers hit the Manokwari area and buildings at Ransiki, Moari, and Oransbari; airfields, gun positions, communication targets, and supply dumps in the area around Babo are hit by B-24s, A-26s, A-20s, and P-38s. B-24s bomb the town and warehouse area of Yap Island and a few hit the airfield at Woleai Atoll.

 FRIDAY, 7 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20 fighter-bombers hit targets of opportunity at Okkyin and Namkwin and strafe trucks near Myitkyina; and 4 B-25s attack bridges and railroad tracks at Hopin and Naba.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In the Tungting Lake area of China, B-25s and fighter-bombers hit Yoyang, Siangtan, Liling, and Yungfengshih, strafe cavalry forces N of Yuhsien, hit river shipping, troops, and a pontoon bridge at Siangsiang, attack compounds in the Leiyang area, and bomb storage at Shihshow; 10 miles (16.1km) E of Ichang on the Yangtze River P-40s thoroughly blast a Japanese post; and B-25s and P-51s bomb Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields and pound the town of Tsingyun.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): 14 B-29s, operating out of Chengtu, China during the night of 7/8 Jul, bomb Sasebo, Omura, and Tobata, Japan (most of the planes hitting the Sasebo area); 3 others attack secondary and last resort targets at Laoyao and in the Hankow area of China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 458: 1,129 bombers and 756 fighters are dispatched to attack synthetic oil plants, aircraft assembly plants and engine works, airfields and an equipment depot, marshalling yards railway station and railway repair shops in Germany; 37 bombers and 6 fighters are lost: 1. Of 373 B-24s, 102 hit Lutzkendorf and 64 hit Halle oil plants, 90 hit Bernburg and 73 hit Aschersleben aircraft plants and 8 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 39-5-10 Luftwaffe aircraft; 28 B-24s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 126 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA, 11 WIA and 274 MIA. Escort is provided by 224 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; they claim 46-1-16 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38 and 3 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA). 2. Of 303 B-17s, 64 hit Bohlen and 51 hit Merseburg oil plants, 67 hit Kolleda and 32 hit Lutzkendorf Airfields, 22 hit targets of opportunity and 16 hit Gottingen marshalling yard; 2 B-17s are lost and 112 damaged; 3 airmen are WIA and 20 MIA. Escort is provided by 185 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; they claim 9-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 3-0-1on the ground; 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost (pilots are MIA). 3. Of 453 B-17s, 114 hit Leipzig/Taucha, 79 hit Leipzig/Mockau, 35 hit Leipzig/Heiterblick and 15 hit Leipzig/Abtnaundorf oil plants, 46 hit Leipzig bearing industry, 35 hit Kolleda Airfield, 19 hit Leipzig Station and 7 hit Nordhausen; 7 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 152 damaged; 15 airmen are KIA, 5 WIA and 50 MIA. Escort is provided by 247 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 20-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-0 on the ground; 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair (pilot is WIA).

Mission 459: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France and Belgium during the night. 19 B-24s participate in CARPETBAGGER operations during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 100+ A-20s and B-26s bomb rail bridge near Tours, and targets of opportunity in the Lisieux and Beuzeville areas; 500+ fighters fly escort and area cover, carry out armed reconnaissance of communication and troop activity, and bomb railroads, rolling stock, marshalling yards, ammunition dumps, and bridges in frontline areas and wide areas of W France; HQ 36FG moves from Kingsnorth, England to Brucheville; and the 377th, 378th and 379th Fighter Squadrons, 362FG, move from Headcorn, England to Lignerolles with P-47s. In England, the 392FS, 367FG, moves from Stony Cross to Ibsley with P-38s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 560+ bombers attack in Germany and Yugoslavia; B-17s bomb 2 synthetic oil plants at Blechhammer, Germany; B-24s also hit Blechhammer and a synthetic oil and coking plant at Odertal, Germany and Zagreb, Yugoslavia Airfield and marshalling yard; the bombers and fighter escorts claim 50+ aircraft shot down during fierce battle with 275- 300 fighters mainly in the Vienna-Budapest area; 18 US aircraft are listed as destroyed and a larger number missing.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy during the night of 6/7 Jul A-20s bomb La Spezia harbor and motor transport in the area, and resume an attack on fuel supplies during the day; B-26s and B-25s score direct hits on railway bridges at Reggio Emilia, and over the Fratta River and possible hits on the Santa Maria di Mugnano bridge and 2 other bridges in the area; they also hit Collecchio fuel dump, causing many fires and explosions; fighter-bombers attack Ferrara Airfield, the town of Empoli, and rail lines, bridges, fuel and ammunition dumps, motor transport, and numerous other targets in the battle area as US Fifth Army forces complete the clearing of Rosignano; and a detachment of the 346FS, 350th Fighter Group, based at Pomigliano begins operating from Piombino with P-39s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-61s carry out interceptor missions over Guam, Saipan, and Rota Islands, Marianas Islands, during the night of 6/7 Jul.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, B-24s and A-20s bomb Moemi and Nabire Airfields; supply dumps along the Wiske River are also attacked; a few fighter-bombers and RAAF (RAAF) aircraft attack barges, gun positions, and troops along the coast in the Wewak area. B-24s bomb Yap Island, Sorol Atoll radio station, and runway in Woleai Atoll.

 SATURDAY, 8 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 30+ A-36s and P-40s hit a bridge at Myitkyina and support ground forces in the area; 12 B-25s also pound Myitkyina.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, B-25s and fighter-bombers fly nearly 100 sorties against targets in the Tungting Lake area; river shipping is hit hard throughout the whole lake area; trucks, bridges, warehouses, supply dumps, troop concentrations, Japanese posts, and targets of opportunity are attacked at Sinshih, Sinyang, Leiyang, Liling, Chuchou, Puchi, Siangsiang, and Yuhsien; 18 B-24s bomb military area near Canton, and 37 P-40s attack Japanese-held villages and river shipping NW of Canton; 20 Japanese aircraft bomb Suichwan Airfield, rendering it temporarily unusable; enemy aircraft also damage Kanchou Airfield. In French Indochina 10 P-40s hit shipping all along the coast while 5 B-25s knock out 2 bridges at Cam Lo.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 460: 1,029 bombers and 714 fighters, in four forces, are dispatched to hit bridges, tunnels, rail targets and NOBALL (V-weapon) sites in France; only 462 aircraft bomb due to bad weather; 9 bombers and 1 fighter are lost: 1. Of 331 B-24s, 14 hit Schore Bridge, 9 hit Welle Bridge, 1 hits Orsel Airfield and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 20 B-24s are damaged; escort is provided by 266 P-38s and P-51s; they claim 20-0-19 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot is MIA). 2. Of 304 B-17s, 61 hit Poix Airfield, 49 hit V-1sites, 37 hit Etaples Bridge, 13 hit a road junction, 12 hit Abbeville Airfield and 11 hit Etaples choke point; 4 B-17s are lost, 2 are damaged beyond repair and 90 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 7 WIA and 32 MIA. Escort is provided by 36 of 39 P-47s. 3. Of 130 B-24s, 71 hit V-1sites, 13 hit St Vallery en Caux Airfield and 11 hit Abbeville railroad junction; 3 B-17s are damaged beyond repair and 27 are damaged. 4. Of 264 B-17s, 21 hit Jaigle, 20 hit Barenton and 10 hit Chandai rail junctions, 11 hit Nantes/Gassicourt Bridge, 11 hit Nantes railroad bridge, 9 hit railroad tracks at Yvetot, 11 hit Nogent and 6 hit Rouen marshalling yards, 24 hit Conches and 11 hit St Andre de l'Eure Airfields and 25 hit targets of opportunity; 5 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 98 damaged; 4 airmen are KIA, 16 WIA and 51 MIA. Forces 3 and 4 are escorted by 286 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; they claim 0-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground. 86 of 91 P-47s bomb St Andre de l'Eure Airfield without loss.

Mission 461: 4 of 5 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night. 17 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, about 280 A-20s and B-26s bomb V-weapon HQ at Chateau-de-Ribeaucourt, numerous strongpoints in the Caen battle area, rail bridges at Mantes-La-Jolie, Saumur, Nogent-le-Roi, and Caen and (late in evening) fuel dumps in Rennes and a bridge at Nantes; fighters escort the bombers and fly armed reconnaissance throughout wide areas of France, concentrating on the frontline area; targets hit include marshalling yards, bridges, ammunition and supply dumps, troop concentrations and tanks.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Austria, 520+ B-17s and B-24s attack targets in the Vienna, Austria area bombing refineries at Vosendorf and Korneuburg, the airfield at Zwolfaxing, Markersdorf, and Munchendorf, and marshalling yard and oil storage at Vienna/Floridsdorf, and the airfield at Veszprem; fighters fly 200+ sorties in support of the bomber mission s which are opposed by 100+ fighters; 14 US aircraft are lost; heavy bombers and fighters claim 50+ fighters shot down.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy during the night of 7/8 Jul A-20s bomb areas in or near Empoli, Agliana, and Lucca, and hit fuel dumps the following day; medium bombers pound marshalling yards at Novi Ligure, Piacenza, Mantua, and Ferrara and tracks near Parma; fighter-bombers again blast railroads, roads, and bridges N of battleline, which is advancing N from above Cecina toward Leghorn; the 17th and 35th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 64TCG, move from Comiso, Sicily to Ciampino with C-47s; and the detachment of the 416NPS, 62d FW [attached to 6505th Fighter Control Area (Provisional)] moves from Tre Cancello Landing Strip to Tarquinia with Beaufighters (squadron is based at Pomigliano).

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s fly fighter-bomber operations against troops on Saipan, Pagan, and Tinian Islands, Marianas Islands. During the night of 7/8 Jul B-24s stage through Eniwetok Atoll and bomb Truk Atoll; more B-24s follow with another raid during the day.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, medium bombers and fighter-bombers hit fuel dumps, barges, villages, and various other targets at Babo, Fak Fak, Sagan, Kokas, at the mouth of the Maroe River, along Cape Kariensore, and W of Namber; B-25s, A-20s, fighterbombers and a few B-24s attack Wewak, hitting barges, gun positions, and communication targets.

 SUNDAY, 9 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 60+ A-36s, P-51s, P-47s, and P-40s support ground forces and hit a bridge in the Myitkyina area, strafe gun positions at Shwebo and targets along the Irrawaddy River in the Katha area, and attack targets of opportunity in areas around Loilaw, Hopin, Mohnyin, Maingna, Anisakan, and Onbauk; 19 B-25s hit storage sheds at Waingmaw and railroads and bridges at Mohnyin, Naba, and Hopin. In India, HQ 443Troop Carrier Group moves from Sookerating to Dinjan.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 40 P-40s and 8 B-25s hit the town area, trucks, and supply sampans at Shayang and damage tunnel entrances and a highway bridge at Sinyang. 5 B-25s bomb a power plant and building area at Tinh Soc, French Indochina.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 462: during a morning

Mission 150 B-17s are dispatched to bomb bridges and airfields in France but cloud cover causes the bombers to hit targets of opportunity; 68 hit Chalonnes Bridge, 36 hit Chateaudun Airfield, 12 hit Bouchemaine Bridge, 12 hit Chalonnes highway bridge and 12 hit Le Creusot Bridge; 1 B-17 is lost and 10 damaged; 9 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 155 P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost (1 pilot is MIA).

Mission 463: 104 B-24s and 77 B-17s are dispatched to hit CROSSBOW (V-weapon) sites in France but encounters poor weather; Only 37 B-24s bomb V-weapon sites; 12 B-17s hit St Omber Longuenesse Airfield and 3 hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost and 60 damaged; 2 airmen are WIA. Escort is provided by 158 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 5-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft. 90 of 96 P-38s strafe the Moulin-Nevers-Tour area claiming 1-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38 is lost (pilot is MIA).

Mission 464: During the night, 5 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France. 37 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, of 250+B-26s and A-20s dispatched, about 60 bomb targets; bad weather prevents others from bombing; targets hit are a rail bridge, crossing, overpass and a highway bridge at Ablis, Orleans, Vendome, and Montfort-sur-Risle; fighters escort IX Bomber Command bombers, provide area cover over the battle area, and bomb and strafe gun positions, vehicles, rail cars, bridges, and tanks. In England, the 125LS, 9AF (attached to HQ Command, ETO), moves from Chedworth to Erlestokes with L-5s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In the Fifteenth's first Pathfinder-led mission, 222 B-17s and B-24s bomb Xenia and Concordia Vega oil refineries at Ploesti, Rumania; P-38s and P-51s fly escort; other P-51s sweep the Ploesti area during the attacks; the bombers and fighters claim destruction of 14 of the 40-50 opposing fighters; 6 AAF aircraft are shot down.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather greatly curtails operations; fighter-bombers attack rail lines between Empoli and Montelupo Fiorentino with good results; other targets include roads, bridges and gun positions; and the 415NPS, 64FW (attached to 87FW), moves from Valtone to Solonzara, Corsica with Beaufighters.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s hit the remnants of Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian Islands, as organized resistance on Saipan ends; Saipan will become a base from which B-29s will bomb Japan. Makin Island-based B-25s bomb Jaluit Atoll, Marshall Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, A-20s and fighter-bombers pound shipping, airfields, troops, and other targets at Babo, Manokwari, Efman, Biak and various points along the coastline of Geelvink Bay; B-25s and fighter-bombers sink a 3,000-ton vessel and several barges around Halmahera Island, Moluccas Islands; dumps at Marubian, Kairiru, and Niap and a bridge at But are bombed by B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers; B-24s bomb Namlea Airfield and attack Yap Island and Woleai Atoll.

 MONDAY, 10 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 24 P-40s and P-51s support ground forces at Myitkyina; 20+ A-36s P-51s, P-47s, and P-40s hit Mogaung, buildings and boxcars at Mohnyin, trucks at Sahmaw, a factory at Loiwing, and Punga pagoda; the railroad supply area at Mohnyin is bombed by 6 B-25s; a detachment of the 20TRS, 8th Photographic RG, begins operating from Myitkyina with P-40s (the squadron is based at Kisselbari, India).

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 70 P-40s and 6 B-25s hit river shipping between Siangtan and Siangsiang, between Changsha and Chuchou, and N of Hengyang; strafe and bomb posts and trucks in the Pingkiang, Tungcheng, and Tsungyang areas and in the Changsha-Kweilin area; and bomb airfields at Hankow and Wuchang; the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, 8th Photographic RG, based at Guskhara, sends a detachment to operate from Liuchow with F-7s; and the detachment of the 491BS(M), 341BG(M), operating from Kweilin and Liuchow with B-25s return to base at Yangkai.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 465: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France and the Netherlands during the night. 12 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, fighters bomb and strafe gun positions, bridges, a rail overpass, infantry concentrations, and highway junctions, and cover the battle area; HQ 71 FW arrives at Ecrammeville from England; and HQ 100FW moves from Criqueville to St-Pierre-Eglise.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers successfully hit marshalling yards, railroad bridges, and viaducts in NC Italy; weather restricts fighter-bombers and fighters but several targets are hit, including airfield at Modena and scattered gun positions, rail lines, and roads; HQ 27FG and 522 and 523FSs move from Voltone to Serragia, Corsica with P-47s; and HQ 64TCG and 16th and 18TCSs move from Comiso, Sicily to Ciampino with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s hit troops and gun positions on Tinian Island. B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, pound Truk Atoll during the night of 9/10 Jul and again during the day.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, B-24s attack Laha, Namlea, and targets of opportunity in the Boeroe Island, Sunda Islands-Ceram Island-Ambon Island area; A-20s, fighter-bombers, and a B-25 hit troops, villages, and barges in the Wewak area; the 64BS(H), 43BG(H), moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands with B-24s; and the 67TCS, 433d TCG, and 387BS(L), 312BG(L), move from Nadzab to Hollandia with C-47s and A-20s respectively. B-24s bomb airfields and town areas at Yap Island, Gagil- Tomil Island, Yap Islands and Sorol Atoll. Operations also include smallscale strikes in the Wakde area and snooper and armed reconnaissance missions over the Caroline Islands. The 529BS(H), 380BG(H), moves from Long Strip to Darwin, Australia with B-24s.

 TUESDAY, 11 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 70+ fighter-bombers pound barracks at Myitkyina, bridges at Namkwin and Mohnyin, the airfield at Lashio, and targets of opportunity at several other locations, including Nanyinbya, Indaw, Katha, Bhamo, and the Anisakan-Shwebo area; and 11 B-25s hit bridges at Hsenwi.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 28 B-24s bomb a storage base at Sinshih; 24 P-40s hit river traffic at Hengyang and E of Siangsiang; 22 other P-40s attack the town of Hengyang, hitting Japanese-occupied buildings and a bridge; 33 more P-40s attack villages, road traffic, and targets of opportunity at Leiyang and from Chuchou to Hengyang to Yungfengshih; 3 B-25s bomb Liling and Yuhsien; 14 P-51s bomb the town of Pakmoi Hu and hit gun positions at Lupao; 8 B-25s pound railroad yards at Sinyang; 12 B-25s and 14 fighter-bombers bomb Mangshih on the Burma Road and support Chinese ground forces between Tengchung and Lungling; and the 93FS, 81 FG, moves from Karachi, India to Kwanghan with P-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 466: 1,176 bombers and 795 fighters attack targets in Germany; 20 bombers and 4 fighters are lost: 1. Of 401 B-17s, 371 hit the Munich marshalling yard, Passing electrical station and a tire factory and 3 hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-17 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 42 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA, 3 WIA and 10 MIA. Escort is provide by 209 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s without loss. 2. Of 340 B-17s, 183 hit the BMW factory at Munich and 106 hit the Munich marshalling yard; 3 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 89 damaged; 1 airman is KIA, 2 WIA and 30 MIA. Escort is provided by 166 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot is MIA). 3. Of 435 B-24s, 291 hit Munich, 55 hit Munich/Riem Airfield, 29 hit Augsburg, 8 hit Eppingen and 1 hits a bridge on the Autobahn; 16 B-24s are lost and 2 damaged beyond repair; 8 airmen are KIA, 14 WIA and 149 MIA. Escort is provided by 324 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; they claim 2-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 1 P-47 and 2 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA) and 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair.

Mission 467: During the night, 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets on France. 29 of 30 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, A-20s and B-26s strike fuel dumps at Foret d'Andaine, Chateau-de-Tertu, Flers, and Foret d'Ecouves; NOBALL (V-weapon) sites at Chateau d'Helicourt and Chateau d'Ansenne; and a rail bridge at Bourth; fighters escort the bombers, patrol the battle area, and attack trains, gun positions, ammunition dumps, and other targets in the areas around Lessay, Periers, Saint-Lo, Lonrai, Tours and Folligny. In England, the detachment of the 422NFS, 71 fighter Wing, operating from Hurn with P-61s returns to base at Scorton.

MTO - AAF, MTO: The 72Liaison Squadron, AAF,

MTO - (attached to Seventh Army), arrives at Santa Maria, Italy from Oran, Algeria with L-5s (first Mission is in Aug 44).

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather curtails the bomber effort; the only target attacked is the harbor at Toulon, France, where 87 B-24s hit jetties, oil stores, a nearby telegraph cable factory, barracks, repair shops, an adjoining marshalling yard, and submarines in drydock.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather again hampers operations; medium bombers attack a marshalling yard at Alessandria, hit an approach to a railroad bridge at Chiavari, and score near misses on other bridges; fighter-bombers hit an airfield at Rimini and attack fuel dumps, rail lines, gun positions, bridges, and targets of opportunity N of the battleline as the US Fifth Army engages in hard fighting in the Pastina and Laiatico area; the 5th Combat Mapping Squadron, 3(Photo)G (R), moves from Viterbo to Borgo, Corsica with F-5s; and the 526FS, 86FG, moves from Orbetello to Poretta, Corsica with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s pound forces on Tinian and Pagan Islands. The 28(Photo)RS, Seventh Air Force (attached to VII Fighter Command), based at Kipapa Airfield, Territory of Hawaii, sends a detachment to operate on Saipan Island with F-5s.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, B-24s pound airfield at Babo while A-20s hit supply dumps at Kokas; B-25s bomb airfields at Manokwari, Waren, and Moemi during the night; A-20s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Sarmi-Sawar area and bomb airfields, shipping, and various occupied areas and installations on Halmahera Island, in the Schouten Islands, on Boeroe Island, and the Palau Islands, and in Woleai Atoll; and the 65BS(H), 43d BG(H), moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands with B-24s.

 WEDNESDAY, 12 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 44 P-40s support ground forces in the Myitkyina area; 28 P-51s and P-47s hit bridge and other targets in Hopin, bomb a Maingna pagoda, and hit the Alanbo and Tagwin areas; and 13 B-25s bomb bridges at Mongyin and hit targets of opportunity in the Myitkyina area. In India, the 9th Combat Cargo Squadron, 3Combat Cargo Group, moves from Sylhet to Moran with C-47s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 60+ P-40s hit the towns of Liling and Yuhsien, river shipping at Hengyang, troop concentrations at Leiyang and near Yuhsien, the airfield at Siangtan, and fuel dumps NW of Changsha; 34 P-51s bomb Tsingyun and pound Japanese concentrations at Lienchiangkou; 11 P-40s bomb railroad yards at Yuncheng and hit a radio station N of Tungkuan with rocket fire; 12 B-25s bomb Tengchung and 15 P-40s bomb and strafe storage areas, villages, troop areas, and general targets of opportunity in the Lungling and Mangshih areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 468: 131 B-24s, escorted by by 144 RAF Spitfires, are dispatched to bomb 10 CROSSBOW (V-weapon) sites in the Rouen area but abort because of a thick blanket of low cloud over the target area; no losses.

Mission 469: 1,271bombers and 803 fighters are dispatched to bomb Munich, Germany; 1,124 bombers bomb the city of Munich, 16 hit Enstingen and 10 hit targets of opportunity; 24 bombers are lost, 4 are damaged beyond repair and 297 are damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 7 WIA and 216 MIA. Escort is provided by 717 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair (pilot is WIA).

Mission 470: During the night, 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 300+ A-20s and B-26s fly morning and afternoon missions against fuel dumps at Foret d'Andaine and Foret d'Ecouves, military concentrations at Foret de Cinglais, rail bridges at Merey, Cinq Mars-la-Pile, Saumur, Nantes, and Nogent-le-Roi, and other rail and road targets; fighters furnish escort, cover the battle area, and fly armed reconnaissance over wide areas, attacking rail lines S and W of Rambouillet, bridges and fuel dump in the Nantes vicinity, trains and military transport at Vitry-le-Francois, and grounded aircraft S of Chateaubriant, bridges at Craon, Le Mans, Pontorson, Mayenne, S of Rennes, N of Angers, and Tours, rail traffic S of Fougeres, and infantry and artillery positions near Periers.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 420+ B-24s attack targets in SE France, scoring numerous hits on Nimes and Miramas marshalling yards and cutting rail lines at the Theoule-sur-Mer bridge and Var River bridge in Provence; around 50 enemy fighters oppose the mission s; the bombers and escorting fighters claim 14 shot down; 7 AAF aircraft are lost.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s bomb scattered motor transport in the Florence-Leghorn area during the night of 11/12 Jul; medium bombers begin Operation MALLORY MAJOR against road and rail bridges over the Po River during the day; A-20s continue attacking ammunition supplies; fighter-bombers hit barges and small boats on the Arno River and attack roads, ammunition dumps, gun positions, tracks, vehicles, and a number of other targets in that general area N of the battleline; HQ 86th Fighter Group and the 525th and 527FSs move from Orbetello to Poretta, Corsica with P-47s; and the 86BS(L), 47BG(L), moves from Ombrone Airfield to Poretta, Corsica with A-20s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): During the night of 11/12 Jul B-24s stage through Eniwetok Atoll to bomb Truk Atoll; during the day B-24s hit Truk Atoll again. P-47s on Saipan Island continue to hit Tinian Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, B-24s hit Manokwari Airfield; weather curtails further operations in the Geelvink Bay area; A-20s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers again hit troop concentrations and barges in the Wewak area; the 386BS(L), 312BG(L), moves from Nadzab to Hollandia with A-20s; and the 432FS, 475FG, moves from Hollandia to Biak Island with P-38s. Smaller strikes by B-24s and B-25s are flown against the airfield at Laha on Amboina Island, Celebes Islands; Dili on Timor Island; and on Koer Island, New Guinea. B-24s pound Yap Island.

 THURSDAY, 13 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 44 P-40s and P-51s support ground forces in the Myitkyina area; 40 more A-36s, P-51s, and P-47s hit bridges at Nyaunggon, Mohnyin, Myothit, Mawlu, and Henu, and attack the Hopin, Lashio, and Indawgyi Lake areas; and the 315TCS, 443Troop Carrier Group, based at Moran, India, sends a detachment to operate from Shingbwiyang with C-47s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 16 B-25s bomb Pailochi Airfield, causing large fires and considerable damage; 45 P-40s attack trucks, compounds, river shipping, and troop concentrations between Hengyang and Siangtan, pound the town of Liling and Siangtan Airfield, and strafe shipping from Changsha S along the Siang Chiang River; 8 B-25s bomb Chenghsfen railroad yards and storage area; and 12 B-25s bomb Tengchung and Mangshih.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 471: 1,043 bombers and 609 fighters in 3 forces are dispatched to bomb targets in Germany; 10 bombers and 5 fighters are lost: 1. Of 399 B-17s, 356 bomb Munich, 6 bomb the railroad at Munich and 3 hit targets of opportunity; 4 B-17s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 156 damaged; 8 airmen are KIA, 7 WIA and 36 MIA. Escort is provided by 292 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; they claim 2-1-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38 and 1 P-47 are lost. 2. Of 278 B-17s, 139 bomb Munich, 100 hit an aircraft engine plant at Munich and 3 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 11-4-8 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 B-17s are lost, 2 are damaged beyond repair and 129 damaged; 9 airmen are WIA and 50 MIA. Escort is provided by 170 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost and 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair. 3. Of 366 B-24s, 298 hit Saarbrucken marshalling yards and 3 hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost, 7 damaged beyond repair and 31 damaged; 23 airmen are KIA, 9 WIA and 19 MIA. Escort is provided by 81 of 85 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost and 1 damaged beyond repair. 28 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, bad weather prevents bomber operations and restricts the fighters; fighters fly armed reconnaissance in the Sens-Montargis area, hitting rail and highway traffic, warehouses, barracks, and armored cars and tanks; rail lines and bridges are hit in the Saint-Florentin-Dreux-Evreux-Chartres-Mamers-Gassicourt areas; IX Tactical Air Command fighters furnish area cover, bomb troop concentrations, vehicles, and gun positions in the Lessay-Coutances area, and attack rail traffic W of Angers, a landing field W of Alencon, marshalling yard at Vendome, and a bridge at Tours.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 581bombers attack targets in NE Italy; B-17s hit marshalling yards at Mestre and railroad bridges at Latisana, Pinzano al Tagliamento and Venzone; B-24s bomb marshalling yards at Brescia, Mantova and Verona, and oil storage at Porto Marghera and Trieste; P-38s and P-51s fly escort; other P-51s carry out a sweep over the Po River Valley.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers again bomb bridges in the Po River Valley; A-20s hit an ammunition plant; and fighter-bombers attack targets, mainly railroads, in areas N of the Arno River in advance of the battlefront. On Corsica, HQ 87FW moves from Vescovato to Furiani; and the 524FS, 27th Fighter Group, moves from Voltone, Italy to Serragia with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s continue to hit Tinian Island. Kwajalein-based B-24s bomb Truk Atoll. B-25s from Makin Island pound Nauru Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s again bomb Yap Island and Sorol Atoll. In New Guinea, B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s bomb gun positions and the airfield at Babo and in the Manokwari area and hit a supply depot at Kokas; fighter-bombers support Allied ground forces in the Aitape area while A-20s and fighter-bombers pound occupied areas and gun positions in the Wewak area and on Mushu Island; and the 498BS(M), 345BG(M), moves from Nadzab to Biak Island with B-25s. B-24s also hit Amahai Airfield on Ceram Island, Celebes Islands.

 FRIDAY, 14 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 49 P-40s pound enemy forces in the Myitkyina vicinity; 38 P-51s and P-47s hit bridges at Mohnyin, Kadu, Henu, and Mawlu, bomb supplies at Nyaungbintba, support ground forces near Myitkyina, bomb a rice mill at Mohnyin, and hit several buildings at Hopin. In India, the detachment of the 11th Combat Cargo Squadron, 3Combat Cargo Group (attached to 443TCG), operating from Sookerating with C-47s returns to base at Dinjan; and the 315TCS, 443d TCG, moves from Moran to Sookerating with C-47s, the squadron also sends a detachment to operate from Ledo.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, fighter-bombers and B-25s hit a fighter strip N of Changsha, artillery positions at Leiyang, the town of Sungpai, and road and river traffic from Hengyang to Yuhsien and from Sienning to Tungshan; also attacked are various targets of opportunity around the towns of Hengyang, Changsha, and Chaling; during the night fighterbombers blast Pailochi Airfield, destroying 20+ enemy aircraft; B-25s bomb roads in the Tengchung area; and B-25s and P-40s pound railroad yards at Siangsiang.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): With the conversion of the 55th FG from P-38s to P-51s, the Eighth acquires a majority of P-51 groups to provide longer-range high-altitude escort for the heavy bombers. Conversion to P-51s will continue until by the end of the year every group except 1will be equipped with them.

Mission 472: In a morning

Mission 319 of 359 B-17s drop 3,700 containers of supplies to French interior forces in S France; they claim 5-2-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 15 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 465 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 4-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft.

Mission 473: During the evening 131 B-24s are dispatched to hit airfields in France; 54 hit Montdidier Airfield and 39 hit Peronne Airfield; 9 B-24s are damaged. 40 other B-24s fail to bomb because of failure of blind-bombing equipment. Escort is provided by 79 P-38s and P-51s; 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair. 94 of 100 P-38s fly fighter-bomber mission s against rail targets E and SE of Paris; they claim 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38 is lost (pilot is MIA).

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, weather again curtails operations; 62 B-26s and A-20s, using Oboe, bomb a railway embankment at Bourth and rail bridge at Merey; fighters provide escort and fly armed reconnaissance over widespread areas of NW France, attacking bridges, trains, rail lines, and military transport targets; 85 enemy fighters give battle near Brezolles and Alencon; 6 fighters are claimed by US fighters, against 5 missing from the IX Fighter Command; the IX Tactical Air Command strafes and bombs defended positions ahead of the US First Army; and fighters cut rail lines in the L'Aigle-Alencon area, bomb troop concentrations near Periers, and marshalling yards at Chateaudun and Aube-sur-Rile.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 430+ B-17s and B-24s attack 4 oil refineries at Budapest and Petfurdo, Hungary and the marshalling yard at Mantua, Italy; P-51s and P-38s provide escort; P-51s fly an uneventful sweep of the Budapest area; and P-38s strafe trains N of La Spezia and dive-bomb Ghedi Airfield in Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers concentrate on Po River Valley bridges; 600 feet (183 m) (2 center spans) of the Taglio di Po road bridge and 1span of the Piacenza rail bridge are destroyed, and damaging hits are scored on the Corbola road and railroad bridges; fighter-bombers again hit gun positions and lines of communication in and N of the battle areas while light bombers attack supplies; HQ XII Fighter Command moves from Algiers, Algeria to Caserta; HQ 3d PRG and 23Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron move from Viterbo and Alghero, Sardinia respectively to Borgo, Corsica with F-5s; and the detachment of the 12(Photo)Reconnaissance Squadron, 3PRG moves from Follonica to Cecina with F-5s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s again hit Tinian Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s continue to blast Yap Island. Oil reservoirs and wells at Boela, Ceram Island are bombed and strafed by A-20s and B-24s and B-25s attack barge facilities and gun positions at Lautem, Timor Island. On the Vogelkop Peninsula of New Guinea, P-61s hit airfields while B-25s bomb a barge terminal at Kokas; A-20s hit Japanese forces at Sauri and bomb the airfield at But; fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Aitape area along the Driniumor River and Koronal Creek and blast troop concentrations near Afua; and HQ 475th Fighter Group and 433FS move from Hollandia to Biak Island with P-38s.

 SATURDAY, 15 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 38 P-40s continue support of ground forces in the Myitkyina area; 60+ P-47s and P-51s attack bridges at Manla, Henu, and Mawlu, sweep the Lashio, Katha, and Talawgyi areas, and hit a motor pool at Kadu and targets of opportunity around Sangin and Mohnyin; and 20 B-25s attack the Myitkyina area and hit bridges and a supply area at Mawhun.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 100+ B-25s, P-40s, and P-51s blast the towns of Sinshih, Chuchou, Siangtan, Siangsiang, Sungpai, and Chaling, concentrating on military and railroad installations and river shipping; villages, troop concentrations, and river craft are attacked N and W of Hengyang and from Chaling to Yuhsien; in the Salween area 26 P-40s support Chinese forces and 12 B-25s bomb Mangshih and Lungling; and 12 B-25s and P-40s bomb railroad yards at Hsuchang, causing considerable damage.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 474: 169 P-38s and P-47s make fighter-bomber attacks on enemy transport SE of Paris; 2 P-38s and 1 P-47s are lost; 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair and 10 P-38s and 2 P-47s are damaged; 4 pilots are MIA.

Mission 475: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night. 27 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions to France during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, weather cancels most operations but 4 B-26s (92 others abort) hit the L'Aigle rail bridge during the afternoon; 3 fighter-bombers fly an uneventful sweep; fighters of the IX Tactical Air Command fly area cover and bomb infantry, artillery, a marshalling yard, railroad, and a bridge in the Saint-Lo, Argentan, and Falaise areas.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Rumania, 600+ B-17s and B-24s bomb 4 oil refineries in the Ploesti area and the Teleajenul pumping station; and P-51s and P-38s fly 300+ escort sorties.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, the medium bomber campaign against Po River Valley bridges (Operation MALLORY MAJOR) reaches a successful conclusion (though the interdiction program against the bridges is subsequently continued on an expanded scale) as most of the rail and road bridges in the target area are destroyed or severely damaged by previous attacks and raids which struck bridges at Bozzolo, Desenzano de Garda, Cremona, Borgoforte, Ostiglia, Polesella, Sermide, Ferrara, Aulla, Filattiera, Ficarolo, and Chiavari and the marshalling yard at Villafranca di Verona; fighter-bombers attack road bridges N of the battleline and hit gun positions, roads, motor transport, and other targets, while supporting ground forces slowly advancing N along a line extending E from the coast below Leghorn; the 12(Photo)RS, 3(Photo)G (R), moves from Voltone to Follonica with F-5s (a detachment is operating from Cecina); the 84th, 85th and 97BSs (L), 47BG(L), move from Ombrone Airfield to Poretta Airfield, Corsica with A-20s; and the 314FS, 324th FG, moves from Castro to Corsica with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s bomb and strafe Tinian Island and B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, hit Truk Atoll.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s blast Yap Island, scoring numerous hits in the town area and on a radio station and barracks area. In New Guinea, B-24s, penetrating a heavy weather front, bomb the airfield on Efman Island while B-25s hit enemy forces along Korrido Anchorage, and A-20s blast gun emplacements on an island off Manokwari; B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers again pound troop concentrations over a wide area around Wewak; and the 431FS, 475FG, moves from Hollandia to Biak Island with P-38s.

 SUNDAY, 16 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 27 P-40s continue to hit forces in the Myitkyina area; 20+ P-51s and P-47s attack railroad bridges at Namkwin, Manla, and Hopin, and hit general targets of opportunity in the Hopin area; 12 B-25s bomb the town of Maingna and bridges at Mohnyin. In India, HQ 12BG(M) moves from Pandaveswar to Fenny.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 23 B-24s pound Changsha, causing heavy damage; 40 P-51s and P-40s hit river shipping at Changsha, attack targets of opportunity S of Hengyang, and bomb the building area at Ikiawan; and the 449FS, 51FG, moves from Kweilin to Chengkung with P-38s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 476: 1,087 bombers and 712 fighters are dispatched to hit targets in Germany; 11bombers and 3 fighters are lost: 1. Of 407 B-17s, 213 hit an aircraft engine plant at Munich, 54 hit Augsburg, 52 hit Stuttgart and 50 hit 2 targets of opportunity; they claim 2-3-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 10 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 112 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 7 WIA and 81 MIA. Escort is provided by 240 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot is MIA). 2. Of 238 B-17s, 206 hit Stuttgart and 2 hit a target of opportunity; 1 B-17 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 45 damaged; 1airman is WIA and 10 MIA. Escort is provided by 214 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot is MIA). 3. 407 of 442 B-24s hit the marshalling yards at Saarbrucken; 2 B-24s are damaged beyond repair and 45 damaged; 1airman is KIA and 3 WIA. Escort is provided by 169 P-38s and P-47s; 1 P-38 is lost and 1 damaged beyond repair.

Mission 477: 5 of 5 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night. 24 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Major General Paul L Williams, Commanding General IX Troop Carrier Command, arrives in Italy from the UK, and activates the Provisional Troop Carrier Division which will take part in the invasion of S France. In France, about 375 B-26s and A-20s, during morning and evening operations, bomb strongpoints in the Saint-Lo area, bridges in the frontline area, and bridges and a fuel dump SE of Rennes; and fighters escort the bombers and fly armed reconnaissance over the frontlines in the Chateaudun- Orleans-Tours areas. In England, a detachment of the 422Night Fighter Squadron, 71 FW, based at Scorton, begins operating from Ford with P-61s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Austria, around 380 bombers attack oil and aircraft targets in the Vienna area, bombing Munchendorf Airfield, Winterhafen oil depot, Vienna marshalling yard, and Wiener Neudorf engine factory; P-51s and P-38s fly 150+ sorties in escort while 132 other P-51s sweep the Vienna area; 100+ fighters oppose the raids; 10 AAF aircraft are lost and several others are missing; AAF claims of fighters shot down total 30+.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers hit bridges in the Po River Valley at Peschiera del Garda, Mantua, Torre Beretti, Piacenza, Casale Monferrato, and Bressana Bottarone; fighter-bombers hit railroads and a bridge just N of the battleline as US Fifth Army forces take territory SE of Leghorn and push to within sight of the Arno River Valley; British Eighth Army elements take Arezzo and thrust through to the Arno River.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s continue to pound Tinian Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s continue bombing Yap Island and also hit Atamboea Airfield on Timor Island. In New Guinea, other B-24s pound AA positions at Manokwari; fighter-bombers bomb supply dumps N of Moemi and attack shipping in the Kokas-Babo area; bombers and fighters again hit troop and supply concentrations in the Wewak sector; troop carrier missions to forward bases, especially Biak Island, increase; and the 82TRS, 71Tactical Reconnaissance Group, moves from Owi, Schouten Islands to Biak Island with P-39s.

 MONDAY, 17 JULY 1944

CBI THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 60+ P-40s, P-47s, and P-51s continue to hit forces in the Myitkyina area, pound Tagwin, and bomb a marshalling yard at Mohnyin. The 81BS(M), 12BG(M), moves from Madhaiganj Airfield to Fenny, India with B-25s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 22 B-24s bomb Changsha; 7 B-25s and 21 P-40s pound railroad yards at Kaifeng; and 6 B-25s and 12 P-40s hit Tengchung.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 478: In the morning 670 bombers and 472 fighters are dispatched to hit tactical targets in France; 1 bomber and 1 fighter are lost: 1. Of 331 B-17s, 37 hit Joigny la Roche, 36 hit Jussy, 35 hit Auxerre, 35 hit Peronne, 33 hit Ham-sur-Somme, 32 hit Anizy-le-Chateau, 25 hit Frevent, 12 hit Tergnier and 11 hit Eu Bridges; 12 hit Doullens road junction, 12 hit Hesdin fuel dump, 12 hit Frevent railroad and road junction, 11 hit Laon marshalling yard and 15 hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-17 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 64 damaged; 3 airmen are WIA and 9 MIA. 2. Of 339 B-24s, 58 hit Rilly la Montagne dump, 52 hit Belfort marshalling yard; 36 hit Gien, 34 hit Coulanges, 34 hit Neuvy-sur-Loire, 32 hit Sully, 30 hit Nanteuil and 10 hit Le Soulons Bridges; 11 hit St Dizier Airfield and 5 hit targets of opportunity; 3 B-24s are damaged beyond repair and 54 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA and 7 WIA. Escort for the 2 groups above is 433 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-47 is lost (pilot is MIA); elements of 4 FGs afterwards strafe ground targets, claiming 23 locomotives, 18 trucks, and 55 train cars destroyed.

Mission 479: During the evening 34 of 69 B-17s and 106 of 115 B-24s attack 12 V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais area; 3 B-24s are damaged beyond repair and 23 B-24s and 28 B-17s are damaged; 1airman is KIA and 5 WIA. Escort is provided by 209 of 227 P-51s; 1 is damaged beyond repair.

Mission 480: 5 of 5 B-17s drop leaflets in France and the Netherlands during the night. 16 B-24s participate in CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): With operations limited by weather in France, 69 B-26s hit fuel dumps at Rennes while 37 A-20s strike fuel dumps at Bruz and a marshalling yard at Dol-de-Bretagne; fighters escort transports, fly area cover, attack fuel dumps and landing field at Angers, dive-bomb defenses at Coutances in support of the US First Army, attack Nevers marshalling yard, and hit troop concentrations in support of the First Army assault in the Saint-Lo area.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In France, 162 B-24s attack a marshalling yard and railroad bridges at Avignon and railroad bridges at Arles and Tarascon; P-51s and P-38s provide escort.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers concentrate on Po River Valley bridges, hitting road and rail bridges and viaducts at or near Alessandria, Ostiglia, Bogliasco, Borgoforte, Moline, Imperia, Asti, Mollere, and Casale Monferrato; fighter-bombers continue to hit targets N of the battle area, concentrating on bridges and rail lines, while US Fifth Army elements take Luciana, and reach the Arno River Valley, but make little progress toward Leghorn; British Eighth Army forces pursue the enemy toward Florence.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s bomb and strafe Tinian Island. 48 B-25s from Makin Island stage through Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll to bomb Ponape Island; 47 of the B-25s (1aborts) attack airfield facilities, AA positions, and other targets throughout the atoll.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): Operations against the Caroline Islands are restricted to snooper missions against Yap Island and Woleai Atoll and Fuiloro, Timor Island is bombed by B-25s. In New Guinea, B-24s bomb gun positions around Manokwari and airfield at Moemi; B-25s sink a large lugger in Kaiboes Bay; A-20s, B-25s, and P-39s hit troop concentrations and supplies between Aitape and Wewak at Abau, Parakaviu, Nyaparake, and E of Tadji and bomb Boram airfield and Cape Moem.

 TUESDAY, 18 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 25 P-40s hit the Myitkyina area; 8 P-47s attack Theinin, and 16 P-51s support ground forces at Pyindaw; 9 B-25s bomb Myitkyina and Naungtalaw.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In the Hengyang-Tungting Lake region of China, 30+ P-40s strafe shipping between Chaling and Hengyang, bomb the town of Hengyang, and hit the airfield and several AA positions in the area; 16 P-51s and P-40s hit river shipping from Lienchiangkou to Samshui to Sainam; 13 P-40s hit a fuel dump on the railroad near Kangtsun-i.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 481: 1,394 bombers and 476 fighters are dispatched to hit targets in Germany and tactical targets in France; 3 bombers and 3 fighters are lost: 1. 644 B-24s are dispatched, in conjunction with 9AF and RAF BC, to bomb enemy equipment and troop concentrations in support of the assault by the British Second Army in the Caen area; 249 hit Solier, 146 hit Frenouville, 139 hit Troarns, 23 hit Hubert la Folie and 12 hit the Mezidon marshalling yard; 1 B-24 is lost, 2 are damaged beyond repair and 182 are damaged. 90 RAF Spitfires fly uneventful support for the B-24s. 2. Of 291 B-17s, 107 hit the Kiel port area, 55 hit the Hemminstedt oil refinery and 54 hit Cuxhaven; 21 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 48 P-38s and 84 P-51s without loss. 3. Of 459 B-17s, 377 hit the Peenemunde experimental establishment, scientific HQ at Zinnowitz, and marshalling yards at Stralsund; 3 B-17s are lost and 64 damaged. Escort is provided by 297 P-38s and P-51s; they claim 21-0-12 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 P-51s are lost (2 pilot are MIA) and 1 is damaged beyond repair. 25 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions in France during the night; 1 B-24 collides with an RAF aircraft over France and is lost.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 400+ B-26s and A-20s hit various military targets in support of the ground forces in the Caen area, and later in the day bomb rail and highway bridges beyond the frontlines; large number of fighters fly escort, dive-bomb gun positions at Rouen and Mantes-la-Jolie, hit military targets in the Chartres area (using rockets), attack gun positions, bridges, and other targets in the Benney-Alencon-Saint- Lo area, and fly armed reconnaissance and fighter sweeps over wide areas of N and W France. In England, HQ 98th Combat BW(M) moves from Earls Colne to Beaulieu; and HQ 387BG(M) moves from Chipping Ongar to Stony Cross. The following squadrons, based in England, begin operating from bases in Italy with C-47s: - 91, 92 and 94TCSs, 439TCG, based at Upottery operating from Orbetello Airfield. - 95th, 96th and 97TCSs, 440TCG, based at Exeter operating from Ombrone Airfield. - 99th, 100th and 302TCSs, 441TCG, based at Merryfield operating from Grosseto. - 303d, 304th and 305TCSs, 442TCG, based at Weston Zoyland operating from Follonica.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Germany, 200 B-24s and B-17s attack Memmingen Airfield and the Dornier aircraft works at Manzell, and Casarsa della Delizia railroad bridge in Italy; 250-300 fighters oppose the formations attacking targets in Germany, beginning the interception at the N Adriatic coast, continuing to the targets and back as far as the Brenner Pass; 20 AAF aircraft are lost; the bombers and escorting fighters claim 66 fighters shot down.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s bomb a road junction S of Campi and Sarzana and attack the La Spezia area during the night of 17/18 Jul; during the day bad weather cancels medium bomber mission s; fighter-bombers, operating on a reduced scale, hit several bridges, roads, rail lines, and other communication targets and guns N of and in the battle area as US Fifth Army forces reach Leghorn.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s pound Tinian and Pagan Islands. In the Marshall Islands, 5 B-24s, flying out of Kwajalein Atoll, hit Wotje Atoll. 25 B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, attack Truk Atoll.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s strike Yap Island, bombing the town and Blelatsch peninsula; several of the B-24s bomb Sorol Atoll. In New Guinea, bad weather prevents strikes on the Vogelkop Peninsula; fighter-bombers continue to hit barges, supply routes, and troop concentrations in the coastal area from Aitape to Wewak.

 WEDNESDAY, 19 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 30+ P-40s and P-51s hit the Myitkyina area and support ground forces near Kamaing; Myitkyina is also bombed by 9 B-25s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 80+ P-40s hit shipping in the Tungting Lake area, attack targets of opportunity, supply areas, and troop concentrations around Hengyang, bomb a radio station, storage facilities, and shipping at Changsha, hit the airfield at Siangtan, and sink about 15 sampans between Changsha and Siangtan; 31 P-40s and P-51s bomb and strafe the Samshui town and dock area and hit several troop compounds in the Lienchiangkou vicinity. In NE French Indochina, 4 P-40s claim 25 junks sunk at the coast.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 482: 1,082 of 1,242 B-17s and B-24s and 670 of 761 P-38s, P-47s, and P-51s dispatched, operating in 5 forces, attack targets in W and SW Germany including 2 plants producing hydrogen peroxide (an ingredient in V-weapon fuels), a chemical plant, 2 aircraft factories, 4 ball bearing plants, 6 marshalling yards, 4 airfields, and a river dam; 17 bombers and 7 fighters are lost. Attacks in the the Munich area are followed, within 90 minutes, by 15AF attacks. 731 fighters, operating in 19 separate units support the bombers; 8 of these units afterwards strafe ground targets, including parked aircraft, locomotives and rolling stock, and road vehicles. The bombers claim 6-4-4 Luftwaffe aircraft; the fighters claim 17-0-4 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 38-0-14 on the ground.

Mission 483: 5 of 5 B-17s drop leaflets in France and Belgium during the night. 5 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, during the afternoon 262 B-26s and A-20s bomb bridges on the Loire and Seine Rivers and a fuel dump at Bruz; fighters provide escort and, though limited by bad weather, hit rail lines and scattered enemy installations and movements in the Amiens-Tours- Chartres area and along the Ghent-Brussels, Belgium railroad; HQ 373Fighter Group arrives at Tour-en-Bassin from Woodchurch, England; and the 513FS, 406FG, moves from Ashford, England to Touren- Bassin with P-47s. The 83d, 84th, 85th and 86TCSs, 437TCG, based at Ramsbury, England begin operating from Montala Airfield, Italy with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Germany, 400+ B-17s and B-24s bomb an ordnance depot, an aircraft factory, a motor works, and an airfield in the Munich area; P-51s and P-38s fly 300+ sorties in support; enemy fighter opposition is weak but flak is heavy and accurate; 16 AAF aircraft are shot down and several are missing.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather again restricts medium bomber operations, but in the late afternoon B-26s hit bridges at Piacenza and Ostiglia; B-25s bomb a bridge at Sassuolo; fighter-bombers are limited to a few railroad targets as the US Fifth Army takes Leghorn and moves N; HQ 64FW moves from Orbetello to Santa Maria di Capua; and HQ FG and the 315th and 316FSs move from Montalto di Castro to Corsica with P-47s. The 347FS, 350th FG, moves from Corsica to Sardinia with P-39s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s continue to bomb and strafe Tinian Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s, striking in 2 waves, attack the airfield on Yap Island; several of the B-24s become separated from the formations and bomb Ngulu and Sorol Atolls in the Caroline Islands. In New Guinea, weather again cancels strikes on the Vogelkop Peninsula area; fighter-bomber's hit stores, gun positions, and targets of opportunity along the Dandriwad River and support Allied ground forces in the Sarmi-Sawar sector.

 THURSDAY, 20 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, a few P-40s attack targets in the Myitkyina area. In India, the 82BS(H), 12BG(M), moves from Pandaveswar to Fenny with B-25s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In the Tungting Lake area of China, 11 B-24s bomb the E half of Changsha, causing heavy destruction; 140+ P-40s and P-51s attack river shipping and road traffic at several locations throughout the region, pound supply villages S of Changsha and Sinshih, bomb a motor pool at Tsungyang, hit the warehouse area at Siangtan, and attack troop compounds and gun positions N of Hengyang and at Leiyang and Chaling.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 484: 1,172 bombers and 542 fighters are dispatched to hit oil and industrial targets in C Germany; 19 bombers and 8 fighters are lost: 1. Of 417 B-17s, 107 hit Dessau, 69 hit Kothen, 56 hit Leipzig/Mockau, 45 hit the Leipzig bearing industry, 36 hit Nordhuasen Airfield, 23 hit Kolleda Airfield, 20 hit targets of opportunity, 12 hit Bitterfeld, 12 hit Giessen Airfield, and 12 hit Rudolstadt; they claim 11-9-7 Luftwaffe aircraft; 15 B-17s are lost and 188 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 10 WIA and 129 MIA. Escort is provided by 253 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; they claim 5-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 2-0-0 on the ground; 2 P-47s and 4 P-51s are lost, 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair; 1airman is WIA and 3 MIA. 2. Of 295 B-17s, 155 hit Merseburg, 53 hit Lutzkendorf, 47 hit Wetzlar and 7 hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-17s are lost and 153 damaged; 2 airmen are WIA and 21 MIA. Escort is provided by 178 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; they claim 1-1-1 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-4 on the ground; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot is MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 3. Of 460 B-24s, 123 hit Erfurt Nord and 11 hit Erfurt/Bindersleben Airfields; 80 hit Schmalkalden; 72 hit Gotha; 24 hit Freiburg, 18 hit Fulda, 12 hit Idstein, 10 hit Bad Salzungen, 10 hit Wernhausen and 9 hit Homburg marshalling yards; 21 hit Berka, 12 hit Bad Nauheim, 7 hit Koblenz, 6 hit Boppard and 6 hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost and 31 damaged; 2 airmen are WIA and 9 MIA. Escort is provided by 45 of 47 P-47s; they claim 6-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 1 P-47s is lost (pilot is MIA).

Mission 485: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night. 12 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, weather forbids morning operations; in the afternoon 62 A-20s and B-26s strike the Senonches fuel dump and Chaulnes marshalling yard; fighters escort the bombers and transports and fly armed reconnaissance against rail lines, bridges, and gun positions S of the frontlines. The following units based in England begin operating from Italy with C-47s: - 75th, 76th and 78TCSs, 435TCG, based at Welford Pard operating from Tarquinia. - 79th, 80th, 81 and 82TCSs, 436th Troop Carrier Group, based at Membury operating from Voltone Airfield. - 87th, 88th and 89TCSs, 438TCG, based at Greenham Common operating from Canino Airfield.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Around 450 B-17s and B-24s bomb targets in Germany; B-17s attack the airfield at Memmingen; B-24s bomb the airfield, Zeppelin works, and aircraft factory at Friedrichshafen; P-38s and P-51s provide escort and, with the bombers, claim 19 aircraft shot down.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): The XII AF Training and Replacement Command is disbanded in Algeria. In Italy, medium bombers continue to pound Po River Valley bridges in or near Ostiglia, Parma, Mantua, Ferrara, and Alessandria; fighter-bombers again hit targets N of the battle area, concentrating on rail lines and destroying or damaging a large number of railroad cars as US Fifth Army forces push to a point SE of Pisa.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s pound Tinian Island. B-25s from Engebi Island bomb Ponape Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, B-24s hit the airfield and AA guns at Manokwari and AA at Moemi; B-25s hit shipping off Sorong, in Kaiboes Bay, and off Misool Island, and bomb Kasim Island; A-20s support Allied ground forces in the Sarmi sector; A-20s and a B-25 bomb supply dumps at Cape Moem, Wom, and Sauri while fighter-bombers hit targets of opportunity along the Yakamul coastal road and troops on Kairiru Island; and the 63BS(H), 43BG(H) moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands with B-24s. B-24s bomb the W part of Yap Island town and in the Moluccas Islands, Namlea Airfield on Buru Island and shipping in Kayeli Bay. B-25s hit shipping at Dili on Timor Island.

 FRIDAY, 21 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-25s bomb the railroad at Mohnyin and 1 hits the town of Naba. In India, the 434BS(M), 12BG(M), moves from Madhaiganj Airfield to Comilla with B-25s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 41 P-40s hit the town area, airfield, trucks, river shipping, and troops at Changsha, trucks, horses, and junks at Sinshih, and troop concentrations, artillery sites, and pillboxes at Hengyang.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 486: 1,110 bombers and 795 fighters are dispatched in 4 forces to bomb targets in Germany, among them 4 aircraft plants and 2 ball bearing plants; 31bombers and 8 fighters are lost: 1. Of 433 B-24s, 106 hit Munich, 93 hit Saarbrucken marshalling yards, 78 hit targets of opportunity, 54 hit Oberpfeffenhofen, 33 hit Neuabuing, 13 hit Bullay Bridge, and 9 hit Schorndorf; they claim 10-2-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 22 B-24s are lost, 3 are damaged beyond repair and 181 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 7 WIA and 205 MIA. Escort is provided by 262 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 2-0-1 aircraft in the air and 3-0-10 n the ground; 5 P-51s are lost. 2. Of 96 B-24s, 48 hit targets of opportunity, 17 hit Duren, 12 hit Walldrun marshalling yard and 9 hit Indenboden; 2 B-24s are lost and 12 damaged; 20 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 109 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft. 3. Of 241 B-17s, 90 hit Regensburg/Obertraubling, 44 hit Regensburg/ Prufening, 40 hit Stuttgart and 18 hit targets of opportunity; 4 B-17s are lost and 88 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 1 WIA and 38 MIA. Escort is provided by 148 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 3-0-0 aircraft; 2 P-51s are lost. 4. Of 340 B-17s, 99 hit Schweinfurt, 70 hit Ebelsbach, 59 hit Ludwigshafen, 13 hit Bad Kreuznach, 13 hit Ebelsbach, 13 hit targets of opportunity, 12 hit Bad Munster, 12 hit Lachen, 12 hit Simmern marshalling yard, 8 hit Wurzburg, and 5 hit Neckargemund; 3 B-17s are lost and 81 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 3 WIA and 25 MIA. Escort is provided by 187 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-38 is lost.

Mission 487: 8 of 8 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night; 1 B-17 is damaged.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, weather prevents all combat operations except for 1FG which is dispatched on armed reconnaissance but is recalled before reaching the Continent; Less than 15 reconnaissance and evacuation sorties are flown. In England, HQ 323d BG(M) and 453d, 454th, 455th and 456BSS(M) move from Earls Colne to Beauliu with B-26s; and the 556th, 557th, 558th and 559BS(M), move from Chipping Ongar to Stony Cross with B-26s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 362 B-17s and B-24s hit targets in Czechoslovakia; B-17s and B-24s bomb the Brux synthetic oil refinery; B-24s also hit the marshalling yard at Mestre; 100+ other bombers are forced to abort due to bad weather; P-38s and P-51s provide escort.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather cancels medium bomber operations; A-20s hit a supply dump while fighter-bombers attack rail and road bridges in the Po Valley and hit rail lines N of the battleline which is pushing into the Arno River Valley SE of Pisa; and the 111th TRS, XII Tactical Air Command, moves from Follonica to Borgo, Corsica with F-6s (a detachment moves to Santa Maria).

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s attack enemy forces on Tinian Island. 28 B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, pound Truk Atoll. US Marines and Army troops land on Guam Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s again pound Yap Island, concentrating on the airfield; fighters, many dropping phosphorus bombs on the bomber formation, attack fiercely but ineffectively; the B-24s claim 7 fighters shot down. In New Guinea, B-24s bomb AA positions and the airfield at Manokwari; A-20s hit barracks at Nabire; P-39s hit caves and barge hideouts on the N coast of Biak Island and support ground forces along the Verkam River; B-25s hit shipping at several points around the long coastline of the Vogelkop Peninsula; B-25s and A-20s pound But, and P-39s bomb a bridge nearby; P-47s follow with an attack on But and also hit Wewak jetties and Kairiru Island. In Australia, the 531BS(H), 380BG(H), moves from Long Strip to Darwin with B-24s.

 SATURDAY, 22 JULY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Aleutian Islands, 2 B-25s flying a negative shipping search encounter a bomber which evades contact.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 14 P-40s attack forces in the Myitkyina area; 7 B-25s bomb the railroad at Mohnyin while 2 hit storage sheds at Maingna.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 120+ P-40s and P-51s attack the town area, airfield, railroad yards, and shipping at Hengyang, bomb the towns of Chaling, Yuhsien, and Chuchou, hit river shipping, troops, trucks, and targets of opportunity in the areas around Changsha, Kiaotow, Siangtan, and Sinshih, and hit troop compounds and shipping at Yuhsien; 25 B-24s bomb Changsha, causing heavy damage; and 31 P-40s and P-51s blast Tsingyun and strafe about 40 junks to the S of town. 4 P-40s sink several large junks off the NE French Indochina coast.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 488: 7 of 7 B-17s drop leaflets on Bremen, Hamburg and Kiel, Germany; 1 B-17s is damaged. Escort is provided by 27 of 34 P-51s; 2 P-51s are damaged beyond repair; 1airman is KIA.

Mission 489: 7 of 7 B-17s drop leaflets in France and the Netherlands during the night. 44 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 1group of A-20s and 2 groups of B-26s attack a rail bridge at Bourth and fuel dumps at Foret de Conches and Flers; 4 groups of fighter-bombers fly armed reconnaissance and rail cutting missions during the late evening; 1group escorts the bombers; fighters of the IX Tactical Air Command escort 100+ C-47s on a supplyevacuation run to the Continent, and provide cover over the battle area; and HQ 367FG moves from Ibsley, England to Beuzeville.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Rumania, 76 P-38s and 58 P-51s begin the second 15AF shuttle missions, attacking airfields at Zilistea and Buzau (claiming the destruction of 56 enemy aircraft) and landing at Operation FRANTIC bases in the USSR; 458 B-17s and B-24s (with fighter escorts) bomb an oil refinery at Ploesti and other bombers hit alternate targets of the Verciorova marshalling yard, Orsova railroad bridge, and Kragujevac, Yugoslavia marshalling yard.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather again curtails operations; during night and day operations A-20s carry out armed reconnaissance of the Lucca, Florence, Genoa, and Milan areas, bombing scattered motor transport, and attack munitions factory; B-25s bomb bridges at Ronco Scrivia and Cogoli; fighter-bombers hit roads, railroads, bridges, gun positions, trains, and vehicles in and N of the battle area, and strafe aircraft at Bergamo Airfield.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s from Saipan Island, using napalm-bombs for the first time, hit Tinian and Pagan Islands. Makin Islandbased B-25s pound Ponape Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s again attack the airfield on Yap Island. In New Guinea, B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and an assortment of fighter-bombers direct their main attacks against several shipping terminals on the Vogelkop Peninsula area, sink a submarine chaser off Morotai, bomb Saumlakki on Tanimbar Island, and hit But Airfield and personnel areas, barge hideouts, supply and ammunition dumps, bridges and roads at, and to the W of, Wewak; HQ 35FG moves from Gusap to Owi, Schouten Islands; and 19BS(H), 22BG(H), moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands with B-24s.

 SUNDAY, 23 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 100+ fighter-bombers hit enemy positions in the Myitkyina area, support ground forces at Szigahtawng, bomb the Kamaing and Mogaung areas, blast troops and supplies at Kalang, Kyungon, and Tinzai, and hit targets of opportunity at Peau, Namma, Sahmaw, Taungni, and Hopin; 9 B-25s hit the Myitkyina and Naungtalaw areas while 8 bomb Namting.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 62 P-40s attack warehouses, trucks, and troops in the Changsha-Sinshih-Fulinpu area, bomb the airfield and river craft at Siangtan, hit enemy-held areas of Hengyang, and strafe and bomb troop compounds and villages N of it; 6 B-25s and 21 P-40s hit warehouses and railroad yards in the Yellow River area; 10 P-40s hit Japanese positions on the Salween front in support of Chinese forces; and the 449th Fighter Squadron, 51FG, based at Chengkung with P-38s, sends a detachment to operate from Yunnani until Mar 45.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 490: 280 bombers and 193 fighters are dispatched to attack airfields in France; 1bomber is lost: 1. 78 of 82 B-17s hit Creil Airfield; 1 B-17 is lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 2 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA and 1 WIA. 2. Of 198 B-24s, 61 hit Laon/Couvron Airfield, 57 hit Laon/Athies Airfield and 48 hit Juvincourt Airfield; 3 B-24s are damaged; 1airman is KIA and 2 WIA. Escort for both groups above is provided by 177 P-38s and P-51s.

Mission 491: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night. 21 of 25 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 330+ A-20s and B-26s bomb rail bridges along the Argentan-Paris and Lisieux-Bernay-Evreux railroads, and hit fuel dumps at Foret de Conches; fighters escort bombers, attack rail lines, enemy installations, and movements in the Argentan-Alencon-Chartres- Evreux areas, and bomb bridges, strongpoints, and a supply dump in support of the US First Army.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 42 B-24s bomb the Berat, Albania oil refinery; 15 P-51s provide target cover for the bombers and afterwards strafe roads and targets of opportunity in Yugoslavia near the Albanian border.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s bomb and strafe motor transport in the Po River Valley during the night of 22/23 Jul; B-25s and B-26s hit bridges and bridge approaches in the Valley, at or near Antoniassi, Acqui, Molare, Ferrara, Ostiglia, Borgoforte, and Cervo; fighterbombers, operating in small numbers, hit communication lines between the battle area (along the Pisa-Florence line) and the Po River Valley; and the 415NPS, 64FW (attached to the 87th Fighter Wing), based at Solonzara, Corsica with Beaufighters, sends a detachment to operate from Piombino.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): On Saipan Island, P-47s hit Tinian Island and the 48BS(M), 41BG(M), based on Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands, begins operating from Saipan with B-25s. B-25s from Makin Island attack Nauru Island. B-24s staging through Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Truk Atoll while others, flying out of Kwajalein Atoll, hit Wotje Atoll.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s again bomb Yap Island, hitting the town area and airfield. In New Guinea, airfields and shipping terminals over widespread areas of the Vogelkop Peninsula and nearby islands are pounded by B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers; But Airfield is again the main target in NE New Guinea; communications, supplies, barges, and troop concentrations from Wewak to Yakamul are also bombed and strafed throughout the day; HQ 345BG(M) and 500th and 501 BS(M) move from Nadzab to Biak Island with B-25s; the 25th and 26(Photo)RSs, 6th Photographic RG, move from Nadzab to Biak Island and Hollandia respectively with F-5s; and the 460FS, V Fighter Command, moves from Gusap to Nadzab with A-20s.

 MONDAY, 24 JULY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Aleutian Islands, 2 B-25s fly a negative shipping search.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 14 P-51s hit the Kamaing and Mogaung areas while 28 P-40s hit Myitkyina; 8 B-25s bomb Mohnyin and Naungtalaw.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 13 B-25s and 20 P-40s bomb railroad facilities at Sienning; 22 P-40s pound Pailochi Airfield, destroying about 30 aircraft and causing heavy destruction in general; 9 B-25s and 20 P-40s hit the town of Puchi, causing several fires; 46 P-40s hit river and road traffic, enemy concentrations, and targets of opportunity at Changsha, Sinshih, Fulinpu, Hengshan, Liling, Leivang, and Hengyang; and in the Canton area 7 P-51s dive-bomb White Cloud Airfield and the town of Tsingvun. In French Indochina, 3 P-40s on armed reconnaissance bomb Ben Thuy railroad yards and strafe junks and barges in coastal areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 492: Heavy bombers are scheduled to participate in a US First Army offensive (Operation COBRA) to penetrate the German defenses W of Saint-Lo and secure Coutances; 1,586 bombers and 671 fighters are dispatched but bad weather causes the ground forces to delay the attack until next day, and cloud conditions cause 1,102 bombers to abort. Targets hit are: 1. Of 909 B-17s, 343 hit the Periers/St Lo area and 35 hit the Granville railroad junction; 1 B-17 is lost and 70 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 11 WIA and 1 MIA. 2. 109 of 677 B-24s bomb targets of opportunity including road intersections and rail lines; 2 B-24s are lost and 74 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 1 WIA and 20 MIA. Escort for the bombers is provided by 478 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; they claim 1-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-1on the ground; 3 P-38s are lost (pilots are MIA) and 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair and 1 P-47 is damaged. 143 of 169 P-51s fly a sweep over Lechfeld and Leipheim Airfields in Germany; they claim 3-0-0 aircraft in the air and 12-0-16 on the ground; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA), 1 damaged beyond repair and 6 damaged.

Mission 493: 7 of 7 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night. 6 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 11groups of bombers scheduled to participate in Operation COBRA have missions cancelled due to weather; 5 groups of B-26s hit rail bridges and 5 groups of B-26s and A-20s strike 3 fuel and ammunition dumps; fighters fly escort to the bombers, fly area cover, bomb installations in the Laval-Nantes-Le Mans-Chartres areas, and hit bridges and supply dumps in support of the US First Army; and HQ 370FG arrives at Cardonville from Andover, England. In England, HQ 394BG(M) and 584th and 585BSs (M) move from Boreham to Holmsley with B-26s.

MTO - AAF, MTO: The 121Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO, arrives at Pomigliano, Italy from Telergma, Algeria with L-4s and L-5s.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 200+ bombers attack targets in France and Italy; B-17s attack tank repair and ball bearing works in Turin, Italy; B-24s attack the harbor at Genoa, Italy, and airfields at Valence/La Tresorerie and Les Chanoines, France; fighters hit troop concentrations at Sjenica, Prijepolje, Pljevlja, and Andrijevica; fighters provide escort and strafe the Prizren, Yugoslavia area.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack bridges at Chivasso, Peschiera del Garda, Imperia, and Ronco Scrivia, and viaduct at Ovada; A-20s hit ammunition supplies while fighter-bombers attack rail lines in the Po River Valley, destroying and damaging numerous railway cars, as the US Fifth Army begins regrouping along the Arno River.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s hit Tinian Island, on which US Marines land, and Rota Island. B-25s from Engebi Island bomb Ponape Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): Operations in the Caroline Islands are restricted to B-24 snooper strikes; other B-24s bomb AA positions at Saumlakki, Tanimbar Island. In New Guinea, bad weather cancels scheduled strikes in the Vogelkop Peninsula area; 18 A-20s and a B-25 bomb But Airfield, P-47s hit supply areas at Sauri, and P-39s bomb and strafe bridges and supply dumps in the Suain area; HQ 85FW moves from Gusap to Hollandia; and the 499BS(M), 345BG(M), moves from Nadzab to Biak Island. In the Solomon Islands, the 390BS(M), 42BG(M), based in the Russell Islands ceases operating from Stirling Island with B-25s.

 TUESDAY, 25 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 24 P-40s and P-51s hit targets around Myitkyina, Kamaing, and Mogaung.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 24 B-24s bomb Yoyang, blasting the storage area and railroad yards; 51 P-40s and P-51s attack road and river traffic, troop compounds and cavalry units at Chaling, Siangsiang, Changsha, Siangyin, and Sinshih and NW of Hengyang; 27 P-40s escorting the B-24s over Yoyang claim 6 Japanese interceptors shot down; and 11 fighter-bombers support Chinese ground forces in the Salween area.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 494: 1,581bombers and 500 fighters are dispatched to support a US First Army assault (Operation COBRA): with saturation bombing in the VII Corps area in the Marigny-Saint-Gilles region, just W of Saint-Lo; 5 bombers and 2 fighters are lost; 843 of 917 B-17s and 647 of 664 B-24s hit the Periers/St Lo area and 13 B-17s hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-17 and 4 B-24s are lost, 2 B-24s are damaged beyond repair and 41 B-17s and 132 B-24s are damaged; 9 airmen are WIA and 46 MIA. Escort is provided by 483 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s and also provide escort for 9AF B-26s; they claim 12-1-3 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 2-0-0 on the ground; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA) and 5 damaged. Due to a personnel error, bombs from 35 bombers fall within US lines; 102 US troops, including Lieutenant General Lesley J McNair, are killed and 380 wounded.

Mission 295: Late in the afternoon 106 B-24s are dispatched to bomb the Brussels/Melsbroek Airfield, Belgium but they are recalled because of heavy cloud formations. Escort for this

Mission is provided by 26 P-38s and 110 P-51s. 1 P-38 and 78 P-47s fly a fighter-bomber mission against the Fournival/Bois de Mont fuel dump; they claim 0-0-1 aircraft; 1 P-38 and 4 P-47s are damaged. 17 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France during the morning 11 B-26 and A-20 groups attack tactical targets in the vicinity of Saint-Lo in support of the US First Army; in the afternoon 4 groups bomb bridges on the Seine and Loire Rivers; 42 B-26s, repeating errors of the previous day, shortbomb behind US lines and casualties again are concentrated in the 30th Infantry Division; fighters strafe and bomb military targets in the Saint-Lo area in support of Operation COBRA, fly area patrol and sweeps S of the battle area, and carry out armed reconnaissance against installations in the Laval-Ghent-Amiens areas; and the 422NFS, 71 fighter Wing, moves from Scorton, England to Maupertus with P-61s (a detachment is at Ford, England).

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Austria, 420 B-17s and B-24s bomb the Hermann Goring tank works in Linz while other bombers hit the Villach marshalling yard and targets of opportunity in Austria and Yugoslavia; fighters provide escort and carry out sweeps; 175-200 enemy fighters oppose the attacks; 21AAF aircraft are lost; the bombers and fighters claim 60+ fighters shot down. Operating from USSR Operation FRANTIC bases, 34 P-51s and 33 P-38s attack the airfield at Mielec, Poland and return to the USSR.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s hit a storage dump and rail lines while medium bombers pound bridges in NW Italy at Borgo San Dalmazzo, Fossano, Albenga, Casale Monferrato, Cervo, Legnano, Rovigo, and Chivasso; fighter-bombers continue to attack communications in the Po River Valley, hitting numerous targets and completely destroying a railroad bridge at Crema.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s continue to hit Tinian and Pagan Islands. B-24s, based at Kwajalein Atoll, bomb Truk Atoll. The 819BS(H), 30BG(H), arrives on Saipan Island from Wheeler Field, Territory of Hawaii with B-24s.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb the airfield and other targets in Woleai Atoll. In New Guinea, bad weather again cancels strikes in the Vogelkop Peninsula, but C-47s complete 48 missions to Biak Island despite the weather; communications and troop concentration along the coast in the general area of Wewak are attacked throughout the day; and the detachment of the 419NPS, 18FG, operating from Nadzab with P-61s, returns to base on Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands.

 WEDNESDAY, 26 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 42 P-40s pound the Myitkyina area while 16 P-51s hit the Mogaung and Kamaing sectors; about 20 other fighterbombers hit targets of opportunity at Hopin, Bhamo, Myothit, Wuntho, and the N part of Mandalay; 9 B-25s bomb storage sheds at Mohnvin.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 27 B-25s and 3 P-40s blast the town of Tengchung, breaching the SE wall in several places; 32 P-40s and P-38s attack targets of opportunity throughout the Tengchung, Lungling, and Mangshih areas; 97 P-40s attack troops, horses, trucks, fortified points river shipping, and other targets of opportunity at numerous locations in or near Siangtan, Changsha, Hengshan, Fulinpu, Leiyang, Pingkiang, Hengyang, Chaling, and Nanyo; the airfield at Hengyang is also bombed.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 496: Of 192 P-47s, 93 attack the St. Just marshalling yards and 40 attack Givet fuel dump in France; 1 P-47 is lost (pilot is MIA) and 10 damaged.

Mission 497: 7 of 7 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night. 9 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, weather forces the recall of several groups of B-26s and A-20s, assigned to support the US First Army, but about 160 aircraft manage to bomb a fuel dump at Senonches with good results; fighters escort the bombers, fly cover over the assault area, carry out close support for ground troops in the Saint-Lo area, and fly armed reconnaissance in the Poix, Amiens, Chartres, Laval, and Angers areas; and the detachment of the 422NFS, 71 FW, operating from Ford, England with P-61s returns to base at Maupertus.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Fighters on the second shuttle

Mission leave USSR Operations FRANTIC bases, strafe enemy aircraft in the Bucharest-Ploesti, Rumania area, and return to bases in Italy. In Austria, 330+ B-17s and B-24s attack the Wiener Neudorf aircraft factory, the airfield at Markersdorf, Thalerhof, Zwolfaxing, and Bad Voslau, and targets of opportunity in the Vienna area. Also hit are Szombathely Airfield, Hungary and oil storage at Berat, Albania. Fighters fly escort and carry out patrols and sweeps in the Brod-Zagreb, Yugoslavia and Ploesti-Bucharest, Rumania areas; bombers and fighters claim 70+ enemy aircraft shot down.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy during the night of 25/26 Jul A-20s bomb roads and motor transport in the Vado Ligure area and hit fuel supplies during following day; B-25s and B-26s hit bridges in N Italy at Ronco Scrivia, Vado, Asti, Ostiglia, Carasco, Verona, and Poggio Renatico; fighter-bombers attack road and rail bridges in N Italy at several points, strafe and bomb many gun positions, destroy or damage 20+ aircraft at Valence Airfield, and hit numerous targets of opportunity.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s and B-25s from Saipan Island pound Tinian Island. B-25s from Engebi Island attack Ponape Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s again hit supply areas, communication, and other targets on Woleai Atoll. In New Guinea, B-24s bomb airfields at Babo and Ransiki; A-20s and B-25s, along with RAAF fighter-bombers, hit troop concentrations, small shipping, mortar positions, shore guns, and other targets of opportunity along the Hollandia- Aitape-Wewak coastline; B-25s bomb Langgoer; the 408BS(H), 22BG(H), moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands with B-24s; and the 419NPS, 18th Fighter Group, based on Guadalcanal Island, sends a detachment to operate from Noemfoor Island with P-61s.

 THURSDAY, 27 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 40+ fighter-bombers hit Taungni, Myitkyina, the Kamaing-Mogaung area, and a bridge at Sahmaw.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 17 P-40s hit river and lake shipping S of Yogang and in the Siangtan area, strafe truck columns S of Changsha, and bomb and strafe troops, horses, and compounds in the Nanyo area.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 498: 26 B-17s are dispatched to hit coastal batteries at Ostend and Cap Gris Nez/Calais area but weather prevented bombing. In Belgium, of 120 B-24s, 34 hit a Luftwaffe communication center at Brussels/Vilvorde, 20 hit a coastal battery at Gravelines, 11 hit oil installations and industrial plants at Ghent and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 32 damaged. Escort is provided by 154 P-38s, P-47s and P-51; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft on the ground; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot is MIA).

Mission 499: 193 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s fly fighter-bomber mission against rail traffic S of Rouen and Amiens; they claim 0-0-1 aircraft on the ground; 2 P-38s and 1 P-51 are lost (pilots are MIA); 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair and 2 P-47s are damaged.

Mission 500: 7 of 7 B-17s drop leaflets in the Netherlands and France during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, bad weather causes the recall of B-26s and A-20s sent to bomb Loire and Seine River bridges; fighters attack rail lines, enemy installations and movements NW and SW of Paris, and bomb gun positions and other military targets in the Coutances- Saint-Lo area in support of US ground forces which break through W of Saint- Lo; the 393and 394FSs, 367FG, move from Ibsley, England to Crettevile with P-38s; and the 512th and 514th Fighter Squadrons, 406FG, move from Ashford, England to Tour-en-Bassin with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Hungary, 366 B-17s and B-24s bomb an armament works at Budapest; 24 other B-24s attack Pecs marshalling yards; P-38s and P-51s escort the Budapest mission.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s fly patrols on the night of 26/27 Jul over the Po River Valley, bombing lights and vehicles at Piacenza, Modena, and Verona; both medium and fighter-bombers concentrate on bridges in the Po River Valley and NW Italy throughout the day; numerous hits are scored on bridges and other targets, including parked aircraft, guns, and railroads.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s and B-25s from Saipan Island hit Tinian Island. B-24s from the Marshall Islands bomb Truk Atoll. B-25s based at Makin Island, hit Jaluit Atoll.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s hit the airfield on Woleai Atoll and supply areas on Mariaon and Tagaulap Islands in the Caroline Islands. In the Moluccas Islands, B-24s bomb the airfield at Lolobata and Miti while B-25s hit Galela Airfield on Halmahera Island. B-24s bomb Laha, Amboina Island; Namlea, Buru Island; and Cape Chater and Dili, Timor Island. In New Guinea, B-24s and B-25s bomb shipping and air facilities at Ransiki, Moemi, and Babo, hit a freighter in Kaiboes Bay, and bomb AA positions at Kokas, while A-20s blast fuel dumps at Nabire; P-39s strafe concentrations and small vessels along the W coast of Geelvink Bay; A-20s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers hit troop concentrations, supply dumps, gun positions, barges, and a variety of other targets along the coast from Aitape to Wewak to Cape Moem.

 FRIDAY, 28 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 100+ fighter-bombers hit the Myitkyina, Kamaing, Mogaung, and Taungni areas; 16 others attack targets of opportunity at Bhamo, Indaw, Mohnyin, and hit a bridge at Sihet; and 8 B-25s pound a troop area at Sihet.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 18 B-25s, with fighter support, pound the Yoyang railroad yards; other B-25s in groups of 1to 3 hit a Yellow River bridge and White Cloud, Tien Ho, and Hankow Airfields; 18 P-40s hit Pailochi Airfield, destroying several aircraft; and 30+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance hit troop concentrations, river and road traffic and other targets of opportunity at Leiyang, Chaling, Chinlanshih, and in the Tungting Lake area.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 501: 1,057 bombers and 753 fighters are dispatched to bomb targets in Belgium, France and Germany; 7 bombers and 2 fighters are lost: 1. 291 B-24s in 2 forces are dispatched to hit signal depots, fuel dumps and V-weapon supply sites and a bridge in Belgium and France but the forces are recalled because of cloud cover over the targets; the first force of 180 B-24s is dispatched to NW France V-weapon sites, fuel dumps and a railroad bridge; 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 8 are damaged; 10 airmen are KIA; escort is provided by 235 P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-47 and 2 P-51s are damaged (pilots are MIA). The second force of 111 B-24s is dispatched to hit Brussels and Vilvorde fuel and supply depots; 8 B-24s are damaged; escort is provided by 40 of 53 P-51s. 2. 766 B-17s are dispatched to bomb the synthetic oil plant at Merseburg, Germany; 652 hit the primary while 36 hit Leipzig/Taucha oil refinery, 18 hit the Wiesbaden marshalling yards and 8 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 1-2-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 7 B-17s are lost and 217 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 7 WIA and 67 MIA. Escort is provided by 386 P-38s and P-51s; they claim 4-1-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 P-51s are lost and 3 are damaged; 3 pilots are MIA.

Mission 502: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, the IX BC operates in support of the US First Army, bombing rail bridges, supply dumps and ammunition dumps in the Foret de Conches, Dreux, and Le Mans areas; fighters escort bombers, fly armed reconnaissance in the Le Mans, Laval, and Dreux areas and furnish cover over assault areas and armed columns; and HQ IX Air Defense Command moves from Hampstead Borough, England to Ecrammeville and Brigadier General Ned Schramm assumes command. In England, the 586th and 587BS(M), 394BG(M), move from Boreham to Holmsley with B-26s.

MTO - AAF, MTO: In Italy, the 72Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO, based at Santa Maria, sends a flight to operate from Caserta with L-5s.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 345 B-17s and B-24s attack 2 oil refineries at Ploesti, Rumania and a marshalling yard at Florina, Greece; P-51s and P-38s provide support for the Ploesti raid.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s bomb scattered lights and vehicles in the Po River Valley during the night of 27/28 Jul; and during the day light, medium, and fighter-bombers hit targets in the Po River Valley, concentrating on bridges. Some fighter-bombers attack motor transport in the Rhone River Valley in France.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s and P-47s based on Saipan Island bomb and strafe Tinian Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): Targets in Woleai Atoll are bombed by 4 squadrons of B-24s; the airfield and supply area are well covered; Laha, Amboina Island and Cape Chater, Timor Island are hit by B-24s while B-25s bomb supply dumps at Maumere, Flores Island, Lesser Sunda Islands. In New Guinea, B-24s and A-20s pound airfields at Manokwari and Babo, bivouac areas at Kasoeri, and shipping in Kaimana Bay; P-39s hit Windissi and other Geelvink Bay villages; A-20s and fighter-bombers blast stores, troop concentrations, communications targets, barges, and targets of opportunity in the Wewak, Cape Moem, and But areas; HQ 309BW (H) moves from Saidor to Noemfoor Island; and the 403BS(H), 43BG(H), moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands with B-24s.

 SATURDAY, 29 JULY 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s fly bombing and reconnaissance runs over Shimushu Island and Paramushiru Island sites including Kurabu Cape installations.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, about 100 fighter-bombers bomb the Myitkyina, Kamaing, and Mogaung areas and strafe Indaw; 20+ others attack targets at Myothit, Chyahkan, Mainghka, Nawna and Nansawlaw, and hit a bridge at Panghkam; a troop area at Naungtalaw is bombed by 9 B-25s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 26 B-24s bomb a storage area in Samah Bay, Hainan Island; 27 B-25s hit Yulin harbor, Hankow Airfield, Kaifeng railroad yards, and the town of Tengchung; 80+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance hit bridges, troops, supplies, and river, road, and rail traffic throughout a vast area including the towns of Liling, Sinsiang, Hengshan, Changsha, Siangtan, Chaling, Liuyang, and Chuchou.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): In China, 70+ B-29s out of Chengtu bomb the Showa Steel Works at Anshan and harbor at Taku; the first B-29 to be shot down on a combat

Mission falls to 5 fighters near Chenghsien (which the B-29 bombs after engine trouble causes an abort from the primary mission); another B-29 bombs Chinwangtao before making a forced landing at a friendly field near Ankang.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 503: 1,228 bombers and 755 fighters are dispatched to hit oil targets in Germany and airfields in France; 17 bombers and 7 fighters are lost: 1. Of 657 B-17s, 569 hit the Merseburg/Leuna synthetic oil plant, 13 hit Gottingen, 11 hit Hildesheim marshalling yard, and 10 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 15-8-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 15 B-17s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 349 are damaged; 1airman is KIA, 17 WIA and 138 MIA. Escort is provided by 429 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; they claim 21-2-3 Luftwaffe aircraft (including a jet aircraft) in the air and 3-0-2 on the ground; 7 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA) and 1 P-47 and 6 P-51s are damaged. 2. Of 473 B-24s, 442 hit Bremen/Oslebshausen oil refinery, 2 hit targets of opportunity and 1 hit Cuxhaven; 2 B-24s are lost and 96 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA, 2 WIA and 15 MIA. Escort is provided by 106 of 109 P-51s. 3. Of 98 B-24s, 38 hit Juvincourt Airfield and 26 hit Laon/Couvron Airfield in France; 2 B-24s are damaged beyond repair; 5 airmen are KIA and 7 WIA. Escort is provided by 142 of 150 P-51s.

Mission 504: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night. 44 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions; 12 abort.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, bad weather cancels all IX BC missions; fighters fly armed reconnaissance in the Rouen, Amiens, Beaumont-en-Beine, Tours, Vendome, and Le Mans areas, furnish assault area cover, carry out armed reconnaissance of enemy installations and movement in the battle area, and provide cover in support of the US First Army.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Weather cancels all bombing operations. 14 P-38s, taking off from USSR bases, sweep the Kecskemet, Hungary area.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather cancels medium bomber operations; fighter-bombers, operating on a reduced scale, hit buildings at Diano Marina and bridges, rail lines, airfields, and vehicles in N Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s continue to hit Tinian Island. B-24s hit Truk Atoll and B-25s attack Ponape Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb supply areas in Woleai Atoll; the nearby islands of Mariaon and Tagaulap are also hit. Other B-24s bomb airfields at Boela on Ceram Island, Namlea on Buru Island and Cape Chater on Timor Island. In New Guinea, B-24s pound Moemi, Sagan, Otawiri, and Urarom; B-25s hit oil targets at Karaka, shipping off Sorong and Cape Fatagar, and a supply village W of Babo; P-39s bomb Windissi and strafe troop concentrations along the W shore of Geelvink Bay for the third consecutive day; in NE New Guinea bombers and fighters continue pounding the N coast, hitting troops, bridges and stores at Wewak and along Harech Creek, and targets of opportunity in the Yakamul area; and the 17th RS (Bombardment), 71Tactical RG, moves from Finschhafen to Biak with B-25s.

 SUNDAY, 30 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 30+ fighter-bombers attack Myitkyina and the Kamaing-Mogaung area and hit a bridge at Sihet; the Japanese commander at Myitkyina orders withdrawal and commits suicide.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 11 B-24s pound the town of Wuchang; 70+ P-40s and P-51s attack a bridge and the town area at Liling, railroad yards at Hsuchang, and troop concentrations, storage, and road, river and rail traffic in areas around Yungfengshih, Puchou, Hengyang, Chuchou, Chaling, Tungting Lake, and Liuyang. In French Indochina, 20+ P-40s and P-38s hit shipping and road traffic around Hanoi, Lang Son, Dong Dang, Mon Cay, and Campha Port.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): HQ issues an order regularizing under the VIII AF Composite Command certain special and provisional units carrying out special tactical activities; this is a result of suggestion made on 2 Mar by Lieutenant General James H Doolittle, Commanding General 8AF, that units engaged in CARPETBAGGER, H2X (blindbombing), night leaflet, and weather missions be put under centralized control.

Mission 505: 237 P-47s and P-51s fly sweeps of Evreux, St Quentin, Paris and Orleans, France claiming 3-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 9-0-0 on the ground; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot is MIA) and 3 P-47s and 2 P-51s are damaged.

Mission 506: 1 B-17 is dispatched on a night leaflet

Mission but is recalled. 31 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 450+ A-20s and B-26s bomb defenses in the Chaumont area in support of the US First Army; fighters fly escort, cover the assault area and armored columns, and carry out armed reconnaissance in the Orleans-Paris area; 200+ C-47s fly supply and evacuation missions to the Continent; and the 410th, 411th and 412th Fighter Squadrons, 373FG, arrive at Tour-en-Bassin from Woodchurch, England with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 300+ bombers attack targets in Hungary and Yugoslavia: B-24s bomb Duna Airfield; B-17s bomb the aircraft factory at Budapest, and marshalling yards at Brod, Yugoslavia; P-38s and P-51s escort the mission s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy during the night of 29/30 Jul A-20s bomb Savona and surrounding areas; overcast in the W Po River Valley causes some medium bomber aborts but several bridges at Ovada, Bistagno, Cherasco, and Ferrara are successfully attacked; fighter-bombers attack road and rail bridges in N Italy, hit shipping between Savona and Ventimiglia, silence 8 flak guns at the Ferrara bridge, and hit several transportation targets of opportunity.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s and P-47s from Saipan Island again hit Tinian Island. B-25s from Makin Island bomb Jaluit Atoll.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): The supply area on Woleai Atoll is again bombed by B-24s; other B-24s and P-38s attack the airfield and oil installations at Boela, Ceram Island while more P-38s attack shipping off E Ceram Island, off Amboina Island, and near Talaga, Sanana Island, Moluccas Islands; B-25s hit airfields at Penfoei and Koepang on Timor Island. B-24s hit Morotai Island, Celebes Islands. In New Guinea, P-39s support Allied ground forces on Biak Island and continue to patrol W Geelvink Bay, hitting barges in Bentoni Bay and troops at Idorra; Allied forces (Task Force TYPHOON) land on the N coast of Vogelkop Peninsula near Mar; the landings, made without preparatory bombardment to achieve surprise, meet no opposition; bombers and fighters continue to pound troop concentrations, barges, ships, fuel dumps, communications and other targets between Wewak and Aitape.

 MONDAY, 31 JULY 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20 fighter-bombers hit Myitkyina, 11attack the Kamaing-Mogaung area, 12 bomb a bridge at Mohnyin, 14 support ground forces near Myitkyina, and 11others hit targets of opportunity at Sahmaw, Bilumyo, and Pinhe; 9 B-25s pound the Hopin troop area; the Japanese are in retreat down the Tiddim road.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 12 B-24s bomb the Wuchang railroad yards; B-25s, operating individually or in pairs, bomb Hengshan, Siangtan, and Hankow and attack Tien Ho, White Cloud, Hengyang, and Wuchang Airfields; 60+ P-40s and P-51s attack troop compounds, town areas and road and river traffic at several locations in or near Changsha, Hengyang, Kaishowkiao, Liling, Luchi, and Liuchow.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 507: 1,295 bombers and 701 fighters are dispatched to hit targets in Germany and airfields in France; 16 bombers and 3 fighters are lost: 1. Of 705 B-17s, 567 bomb Munich, 43 hit Schleissheim Airfield, 36 hit aircraft engine plants at Munich-Allach and 4 hit targets of opportunity; 10 B-17s are lost and 331 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 6 WIA and 82 MIA. Escort is provided by 439 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 0-1-0 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 18-0-12 on the ground; 1 P-47 and 2 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA): and 5 P-47s and 3 P-51s are damaged. 2. 447 of 486 B-24s bomb the chemical works and city at Ludwigshafen, and SW part of the city of Mannheim; 6 B-24s are lost and 186 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 7 WIA and 62 MIA. Escort is provided by 135 P-38s; 1 is damaged. 3. Of 104 B-24s, 47 hit Laon/Athies Airfield, 36 hit Creil Airfield and 1 hits Poix Airfield; 4 B-24s are damaged. Escort is provided by 38 P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair (pilot is KIA) and 2 damaged. 13 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, around 500 A-20s and B-26s attack bridges on the Seine, Loire, Mayenne, and Ruisseau la Forge Rivers and a fuel dump at Foret de la Guerche; fighters fly armed reconnaissance of activities in the Dieppe-Rouen areas, escort bombers, provide armored column cover, dive-bomb military targets in support of the US First Army and fly a few night intruder missions over enemy territory; HQ 303FW moves from Ashford, England to La Combe; the 392Fighter Squadron, 367FG, moves from Ibsley, England to Carentan with P-38s; and the 401, 402 and 485FSs, 370FG, arrive at Cardonville from Andover, England with P-38s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 360+ bombers attack targets in Rumania; B-17s hit an oil refinery at Ploesti; B-24s bomb 2 oil refineries at Bucharest, 1at and Doicesti, and oil storage at Targoviste. Fighters escort the bombers.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather grounds medium bombers; fighter-bombers hit several bridges in the W Po River Valley while fighters strafe airfields with good results; the fighter-bombers also destroy around 50 railroad cars and damage numerous others.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s and P-47s based on Saipan Island bomb and strafe Tinian Island. B-25s from Makin Island pound Nauru Island. B-24s from the Marshall Islands bomb Truk Atoll.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s again strike Woleai Atoll; airfields at Lolobata and Galela on Halmahera Island also are hit by B-24s. In New Guinea, P-39s continue to hit villages on the W coast of Geelvink Bay; in NE New Guinea fighter-bombers continue pounding Japanese concentrations and targets of opportunity on the N coast, particularly between Wewak and Yakamul; A-20s support Australian ground forces in the Hansa Bay area, hitting troop positions W of the Sepik River and troop concentrations at Singarin and Kopa.

AUGUST 1944

 TUESDAY, 1 AUGUST 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 B-25s bomb several points along the railway from Naba to Hopin; fighter-bombers attack Shwegu, hit bridges in the Mohnyin area, and support ground forces in the Myitkyina and Taungni sectors. During Aug, the 89FS, 80FG, based at Nagaghuli, India with P-47s, sends a detachment to operate from Dergaon.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 8 B-25s bomb Wuchang Airfield; 2 others hit the town of Siangyin; 90+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance hit trucks, troops, supplies, and river shipping in and around Hengyang, Leiyang, Sinshih, Hengshan, Liling, Changsha, and Siangyin; the airfield and railroad yards at Hengyang are also bombed. During Aug, the 21(Photo)RS, Fourteenth Air Force, based at Kunming with F-4s and F-5s, sends a detachment to operate from Kanchow, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 508: 1,291bombers and 432 fighters are dispatched to attack airfields, bridges and tactical targets in France; 5 bombers and 4 fighters are lost: 1. 193 of 195 B-17s drop 2,281containers of supplies to French Resistance forces (Operation Buick) at four locations in SE France, i.e., Chalon-Sur- Saone, the Savoie area, Haute-Savoie and W of Geneva; 5 B-17s are damaged; 3 P-51groups furnish escort. 2. 76 of 100 B-17s bomb Tours Airfield; 1 B-17 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 5 damaged; 6 airmen are WIA and 10 MIA. Escort is flown by 51 of 53 P-51s; 2 P-51s are lost and 2 damaged beyond repair. 3. 400 of 416 B-17s attack 5 airfields and a railway bridge in the area S and SW of Paris; 112 hit Orleans/Bricy Airfield, 108 hit Chateaudun Airfield, 59 hit Melun Airfield, 58 hit Chartres Airfield, 36 hit Chartres Bridge, 15 hit targets of opportunity, and 12 hit Etampes/Mondesir Airfield; 3 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 32 damaged; 9 airmen are KIA and 27 MIA. Escort is provided by 138 P-38s and P-51s; 3 P-51s are damaged and 1 pilot is KIA. 4. 284 of 389 B-24s is dispatched to bomb targets in the Paris environs; bad weather causes 100+ aborts; 66 hit Rouen, 47 hit Melun Airfield, 44 hit Nogent Bridge, 33 hit targets of opportunity, 29 hit Orleans/Bricy Airfield, 24 hit Montereau Birdge, 12 hit Nanteuil Bridge, 12 hit Villeroche Airfield, 11 hit Coulommiers Bridge, and 6 hit Chartres Airfield; 1 B-24 is lost, 3 are damaged beyond repair and 85 damaged; 20 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 127 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 3-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 2 P-47s are lost, 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair and 3 P-47s are damaged. 5. 191 B-24s, sent against 8 V-weapon sites in NW France, runs afoul of bad weather which causes multiple aborts; 61 of the planes manage to bomb 3 sites; 5 B-24s are damaged; escort is provided by 81 of 84 P-47s.

Mission 509: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets on France and Belgium during the night. In Aug, HQ 95CBW(H) moves from Halesowrth to Ketteringham, England.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, the XIX Tactical Air Command becomes operational in conjunction with the US Third Army; the Ninth's fighter and fighter-bomber groups (9AF refers to them collectively as fighter-bomber groups) are divided between the IX and XIX Tactical Air Commands; about 250 B-26s and A-20s bomb rail bridges at Mezieres-sur-Seine, Maintenon, Les Ponts-de-Ce, Chartres, Cinq Mars-la-Pile, Bouchmaine, Nogent-sur-Loir, and Bourth; XIX Tactical Air Command fighters carry out armd reconnaissance and rail bombing missions in the Alencon, Dreux, Chartres, Nogent-sur-Loir, Le Mans, Sable-sur-Sarthe, Laval and Sillele- Philippe areas, while IX Tactical Air Command fighters fly armored column and assault area cover, and armed reconnaissance in the battle areas; and HQ 71 FW moves from Ecrammeville to St-Pierre-Eglise. In France during Aug, HQ IX Fighter Comand moves from Les Obeaux to Canisy and HQ 354FG moves from Criqueville to Gael.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather limits operations to reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers hit bridges in the Po Valley, N of Genoa, at Canneto sull'Oglio, Balossa, Vigone, Ronco Scrivia, and Ovada, and marshalling yard at Imperia; fighter-bombers concentrate on airfields in the Po Valley (at Villanova d'Albenga, Airasca, and Venaria Reale), hit small landing grounds throughout the area, and attack several communications targets including roads, rail lines, bridges, and railroad cars. PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA) ARMY AFS, PACIFIC OCEAN AREAS (AAFPOA): AAFPOA is activated at Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii with Lieutenant General Millard Harmon as Commanding General. Harmon is to be responsible to Lieutenant General Robert C Richardson, Jr, Commanding General US Army Forces, Pacific Ocean Areas (USAFPOA), for logistics and administration, and to Admiral Chester W Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas (CINCPOA), for operations of AAF air units except those of the 20AF. Harmon also is Deputy Commander of the 20AF and is responsible directly to General Henry H "Hap" Arnold in all matters affecting the Twentieth in the POA. 7AF: The 7AF comes under control of AAFPOA. B-25s based on Makin Island, Gilbert Islands, hit Ponape Island, Caroline Islands. In the Mariansas Islands, organized resistance ends on Tinian Island; P-47s and P-61s on Saipan Island will continue steady daylight and night combat patrols and strikes almost around the clock to the fall of Guam Island on 10 Aug; most of the P-47 flying is devoted to neutralizing airfields on Pagan and Rota Islands and to direct support of Marine and Army forces fighting on Saipan, Guam, and Tinian Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24's bomb Utagal Island, Caroline Islands and Namlea Airfield on Buru Island, Moluccas Islands. In New Guinea, weather cancels scheduled strikes against the Vogelkop Peninsula area, but a few B-25s hit shipping in the islands to the W, sinking luggers off Kaboe and Salawat Islands and strafing troops on the shores of MacCluer Gulf; the weather also restricts operations against the Wewak area; and a few P-39s strafe coastal trails. During Aug, HQ 42BG(M) moves from Sterling Island, Solomon Islands to Hollandia, New Guinea; and in the Solomon Islands, the 12FS, 18FG, that has been operating from the Treasury Islands returns to base on Guadalcanal Island.

 WEDNESDAY, 2 AUGUST 1944

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): The detachment of the 28FS, XXVI Fighter Command, operating from Pocri, Panama with P-39s, returns to base at Chame, Panama.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, P-51s, P-47s and A-36s support ground forces in the Taungni area; P-51s and P-47s on patrols and armed reconnaissance hit various targets of opportunity around Katha, Mainghka, Meza, Helon, Mohnyin, Bilumyo, and Namma; and P-40s attack gun positions and strongpoints at Myitkyina. In India, HQ 3Combat Cargo Group moves from Sylhet to Dinjan; and the 315TCS, 443Troop Carrier Group, moves from Sookerating to Ledo, India with C-47s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 11 B-25s and 32 P-40s and P-38s bomb and strafe the town of Tengchung; 9 P-40s and P-38s damage a bridge at Tingka; and Yangtze River shipping and supplies are attacked at Shihlipu by 8 P-40s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Two missions are flown today.

Mission 510: 319 bombers and 158 fighters are dispatched to attack oil and supply dumps and bridges in the Paris area (number in parenthesis indicates number of bombers attacking); 2 bombers and 2 fighters are lost: 1. Targets for 156 B-17s are Paris/Gennevilliers (51), Paris/Dugny (38), Mery-sur-Oise (37), Bernay marshalling yard (12), Courtalain rail junction (7) and targets of opportunity (4); 2 B-17s are lost and 47 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 2 WIA and 18 MIA. 2. Targets for 163 B-24s are bridges at Neuvy-sur-Loire (36), Nogent-sur- Seine (31), Mantereau (28); 26 hit Sens oil depot; airfields at St Dizier (12) and Creton (3); and Pacy-sur-Armancon (10); 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 23 damaged; 2 airmen are WIA. The two forces above are escorted by 132 of 158 P-51s; 2 P-51s are lost and 1 damaged; 1 pilot is KIA and 2 MIA.

Mission 511: 517 bombers and 249 fighters are dispatched to attack CROSSBOW (V-weapon) sites and bridges in France; 3 bombers and 5 fighters are lost: 1. Of 195 B-17s, 77 hit V-weapon sites, and rail bridges at Jussy (31), Aulnoye (21), Beautor (21) and Crocal de St Quentin (11); 3 B-17s are lost and 45 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA, 1 WIA and 28 MIA. 2. Of 322 B-24s, 182 hit V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais area, 22 hit Thennes Bridge, 12 hit Peronne Rail Bridge, 11 hit Achiet Airfield and 8 hit targets of opportunity; 5 B-24s are damaged beyond repair and 78 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA. Escort for the 2 forces above is provided by 236 of 249 P-51s; 5 are lost and 1 is damaged beyond repair; 5 pilots are MIA. 49 P-38s, 183 P-47s and 51 P-51 s fly fighter-bomber mission s against rail and road transport in the Paris-Amiens-Brussels-St Quentin area; they claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair and 6 P-47s and 2 P-51s are damaged; 2 pilots are MIA. 42 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, the IX BC halts bombing of bridges, fuel dumps, and similar targets in Brittany except on the request of the 12th Army Group, as the US Third Army wants the use of bridges access to all fuel they may find in their advance across France; around 300 A-20s and B-26s attack bridges at Mezieres-sur-Seine, Mainvillers, Cinq Mars-la-Pile, Nantes, and Lisle, and ammunition dumps at Caudebec-les- Elbeuf and Le Lude; fighters fly armed reconnaissance in wide areas surrounding Paris and the SW as far as Laval, escort IX BC aircraft, and provide cover for armored columns and close support for ground forces; HQ IX Tactical Air Command moves from Les Obeaux to Canisy; HQ 84FW moves from Houesville to Criqueville; HQ 303FW moves from La Combe to Houesville; and the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command (attached to Third Army) moves from Nehou to Le Bepas with L-5s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 330+ bombers are dispatched to hit targets in France and Italy; B-24s attack Genoa, Italy harbor; B-17s hit targets in S France, including Le Pouzin oil storage, Portes-les-Valences torpedo factory and marshalling yard, Le Pontet oil storage, and Avignon railroad bridges; P-38s and P-51s provide escort.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers strike at bridges near the border between Italy and France, doing some damage at Gilette, Taggia, Alessandria, and at 2 points along the Var River; fighterbombers pound bridges and airfields in NW Italy and S France and attack targets of opportunity in the area.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb the airfield at Yap Island, Caroline Islands; B-24s and B-25s carry out wide sweeps over the Moluccas and Lesser Sunda Islands, hitting airfields at Maumere, Amahai, and Liang, and shipping off Ceram and Amboina Islands; on Timor Island, B-24s hit Cape Chater and Lautem while B-25s bomb a camp near Poeloeti; and fighter-bombers hit coastal vessels and shore targets at Talaud, Sunda Islands. In New Guinea, A-20s bomb Nabire Airfield while in the Wewak area bombers and fighters hit a bridge and airfield at Boram and bridges, communications lines, troop concentrations, and other targets along the coastline, especially between But and Cape Karawop; and fighter-bombers hit Mapia Island

 THURSDAY, 3 AUGUST 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, B-25s bomb Wanling, knock out a bridge at Panghkam, and attack bridges along the railroad from Naba to Myitkyina; P-51s and P-47s support ground forces N of Taungni and near Sahmaw, hit the towns of Shwegu and Mosit, attack the factory area at Mohnyin, and pound boats, troop concentrations, and gun positions at Myitkyina and Maingna.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 23 B-24s bomb the town of Yoyang; 6 B-25s hit Mangshih; nearly 150 P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance attack targets of opportunity, including airfields, troops, town areas, supply areas, and rail, road, and river traffic at numerous locations, including the areas of Tengchung, Tingka, Mangshih, Loyang, Changsha, Hengyang, Tangyang, Chingmen, Chaling, Siangyin, Nanchang, Siangtan, Hengshan, Chuchou, Ikiawan, and Leiyang.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Two missions are flown.

Mission 512: 672 bombers and 352 fighters are dispatched to hit rail and other targets in the French/German border area and oil dumps and bridges SE of Paris; 6 bombers and 6 fighters are lost: 1. Of 345 B-17s, 106 hit the Merkwille Oil Refinery, 68 hit Strasbourg marshalling yard, 62 hit Saarbrucken marshalling yard, 54 hit Mulhouse marshalling yard, 16 hit Toul/Croix de Metz Airfield, 11 hit a railroad near Saarbrucken and 6 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 4-1-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 98 damaged; 9 airmen are KIA, 9 WIA and 54 MIA. Escort is provided by 175 of 200 P-51s; they claim 6-0-0 aircraft in the air and 5-0-1on the ground; 6 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA). 2. Of 155 B-17s, 38 hit Troyes Bridge and 36 hit Joigny/La Roche Bridge; 11 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 96 of 103 P-51s. 3. Of 172 B-24s, 27 hit Conches Airfield, 12 hit Melun marshalling yard, 11 hit Etampes Mondesir Airfield and 3 hit targets of opportunity; 51 B-24s are damaged. Escort is provided by 47 P-47s.

Mission 513: 482 bombers and 178 fighters are dispatched to oil installations and dumps in the Brussels, Paris and Lille areas and CROSSBOW (V-weapon) sites in the Pas de Calais; 2 bombers are lost: 1. 112 of 126 B-17s and 117 of 121 B-24s hit V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais; 1 B-24 is lost; 6 B-17s and 20 B-24s are damaged. Escort is provided by 43 of 46 P-51s. 2. Of 76 B-24s, 62 hit Brussels/Vivorde, 10 hit Ghent/Terneuzen and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 49 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA. Escort is provided by 33 of 36 P-47s. 3. Of 159 B-24s, 49 hit Harnes, 28 hit Courchelettes, 22 hit Pas de Calais V-weapons sites, 10 hit Lille/Marquette, 10 hit Lille/Sequedin and 8 hit Ghent marshalling yard; 1 B-24 is lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 38 damaged; 4 airmen are KIA, 4 WIA and 10 MIA. Escort is provided by 90 of 96 P-51s. 133 P-38s and P-47s fly fighter-bomber mission s against rail traffic in the Metz-Strasbourg-Saarbrucken area; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft in the air and 1-0-0 on the ground; 1 P-47 is lost.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 180+ A-20s and B-26s bomb rail bridges, overpasses, and junctions at Mantes-la-Jolie, Chartres, La Chenaie and Merey, fuel dump at Maintenon, and alternate rail targets in N France; fighters escort IX BC bombers and a few C-47s, provide cover for ground forces, and fly armed reconnaissance over wide areas of N and W France; and the 22 and 23FSs, 36FG, move from Kingsnorth, England to Brucheville with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 600+ bombers hit targets in Germany; B-17s and B-24s hit industry in the Friedrichshafen area, including chemical works, fabric works, and 2 aircraft factories; B-24s also bomb communications targets in the Brenner Pass area, attacking Avisio viaduct and bridges at Ora and San Michele all'Adige; fighters fly about 300 sorties in support; the bombers and fighters claim 18 enemy aircraft shot down; 11AAF airplanes are destroyed.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers achieve fair results in attacks on bridges at Gilette, Levens, Lesegno, Albenga, and Asti, and at 2 locations along the Var River; fighter-bombers have a successful day against communications targets (mainly road and railroad bridges) and airfields in N Italy; at least 15 bridges are damaged or demolished and several parked aircraft are destroyed.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): HQ VII Air Service Area Command is activated. B-24s from the Marshall Islands pound Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb Yap Island and islands in the Woleai Atoll group; an ammunition dump and oil derrick at Boela, Ceram Island, Moluccas Islands, are also destroyed. In New Guinea, bad weather cancels scheduled strikes over the Vogelkop Peninsula area; however, B-25s hit troop concentrations at Bira and other points on MacCluer Gulf, bomb Urarom, and support Allied ground forces on Biak Island by hitting troops in the Korim Bay area; supply dumps, communications targets, and bridges are hit as fighter-bombers and A-20s continue to blast areas around But, Dagua, and Wewak.

 FRIDAY, 4 AUGUST 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 4 P-38s accompanied by 1 B-25 fly top cover for a naval force near Massacre Bay, Attu Island, Aleutian Islands; 4 B-25s fly an uneventful shipping sweep.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, B-25s bomb the town of Sahmaw in support of advancing Allied ground forces; P-51s also support ground forces in the Sahmaw-Taungni area; fighter-bombers hit various targets, including town areas, gun positions, troops, and communications lines in or near Shwegu Pinbaw, Kazu, Bhamo, Myitkyina, Bilumyo, Mawhe, Mainghka, and Onsansaing.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 20 B-25s bomb the town of Mangshih and airfields at Lashio and Hsenwi; 32 P-40s hit the town area and targets of opportunity at Tengehung; 70 P-40s attack troops, supplies, river shipping, and trucks at several points in the Tungting Lake-Yangtze River region; and 4 P-38s knock out 2 bridges at Mongyu.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 3 missions are flown:

Mission 514: 1,307 bombers and 746 fighters are dispatched to strategic targets in Germany; 15 bombers are lost: 1. Of 358 B-17s, 181 hit Hamburg oil refineries, 50 hit Bremen oil refineries, 23 hit Nordhof Airfield, 22 hit Ostend, Belgium coastal defenses, 14 hit Einswarden and 7 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 0-4-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 8 B-17s are lost, 8 damaged beyond repair and 196 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 8 WIA and 63 MIA. Escort is provided by 234 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 38-1-5 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 9-0-1on the ground; 2 P-47s and 3 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA) and 2 P-47s and 2 P-51s are damaged. 2. Of 425 B-27s, 221 hit Peenemunde, 110 hit Anklam Airfield and 70 hit Anklam aircraft factories; they claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 B-17s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 94 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 2 WIA and 40 MIA. Escort is provided by 223 of 250 P-51s; they claim 4-0-4 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 9 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA) and 1 is damaged beyond repair; 1 pilot is KIA. 3. Of 446 B-24s, 148 hit Rostock aviation factories, 89 hit Kiel, 88 hit Schwerin aviation factories, 71 hit Wismar aviation factories, 12 hit Schlutup, 11 hit Warien and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 4 B-24s are lost and 114 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 2 WIA and 40 MIA. Escort is provided by 209 P-38s and P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost and 1 P-38 is damaged; 1 pilot is KIA. 4. Of 78 B-24s, 39 hit Husum Airfield and 29 hit Hemmingstedt/Heide oil refinery without loss.

Mission 515: The first APHRODITE

Mission is flown using 4 radio-controlled war weary B-17s as flying bombs; targets are Mimoyecques, Siracourt, Watten, and Wizernes V-weapon sites but none are hit; 1drone B-17 crashes killing 1 crew. Escort is provided by 16 P-47s and 16 P-51s.

Mission 516: In France, 154 B-17s and 36 fighters are dispatched to hit V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais and coastal defenses at Middelkerke and Gravelines: 1. Of 95 B-24s, 24 hit the Pas de Calais, 12 hit Achiet Airfield, 11 hit Gravelines, 11 hit Middelkerke, 6 hit Lens marshalling yard and 6 hit Villy/Montigne marshalling yard; 17 B-24s are damaged. 2. Of 59 B-17s, 13 hit targets of opportunity, 12 hit Lille/Vendeville Airfield and 11 hit a bridge at Gravelines; 12 B-17s are damaged. Escort for the two groups above is provided by 35 P-47s and P-51s. 67 of 69 P-47s fly a fighter-bomber mission against Plantlunne Airfield; they claim 30-0-5 aircraft on the ground; 1 P-47 is lost (pilot is MIA), 1 is damaged beyond repair and 8 damaged.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 62 A-20s and B-26s bomb rail bridges at Oissel, Epernon, and Saint-Remy-sur-Avre and an ammunition dump and bivouac area in Foret de Sille; fighters furnish cover over the battle area and for an armored column, fly sweeps, dive-bomb enemy positions and also fuel dumps at Angers, attack an ammunition dump at Tours, and fly armed reconnaissance in the Quimper-Nantes, Amines, and Saint-Quentin areas; HQ 70FW moves from Criqueville to Villedieu les Poeles; the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command (attached to Third Army), moves from Le Repas to Beauchamps with L-5s. The 596th and 598BSS(M), 397BG(M), move from Rivenhall to Hurn, England with B-26s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In an attempt to comply with the first direct Soviet request for AAF air strikes, 70+ P-38s and P-51s leave Italy, attack the airfield and town of Focsani, Rumania and land at Operation FRANTIC bases in the USSR.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather severely hampers the day's operations. medium bombers attacking bridges at Levens, Ventimiglia, Fontan, and along the Var River achieve poor results; fighterbombers in same the general area hit bridges, tracks, guns, junction, and airfield, and strike at Nice, France harbor.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Marianas Islands, Saipan Island Island-based B-25s fly 2 strikes against Guam Island. B-25s staging from the Marshall Island, hit Ponape Island. HQ 30BG(H) and 27th, 38th and 392BS(H) move from Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands to Saipan Island with B-24s; and the 9th TCS, 7AF, moves from Abemama Island, Gilbert Islands to Saipan Island with C-47s.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb the supply area on Utagal Island, the airfield at Yap Island and oil installations at Boela, Ceram Island. In New Guinea, B-24s attack Fann; B-25s and A-20s hit oilfields at Klamono and at Kasim Island and bomb Nabire Airfield; P-39s strafe Pegun Island; A-20s and fighter-bombers in support of Allied forces pound enemy concentrations, supplies, and barges E of the Driniumor River, at Abau, S of Torricelli Range, at Boram, and just W of Wewak; and HQ 86FW moves from Finschhafen to Toem.

 SATURDAY, 5 AUGUST 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A weather mission is followed by a shipping sweep flown by 2 B-25s which is aborted early due to weather.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 14 B-25s bomb the town area of Taungni and stores area at Bilumyo; 50 P-51s also pound the Taungni area; 21 P-47s attack targets of opportunity throughout the widespread area around Bhamo. In India, the 10th Combat Cargo Squadron, 3Combat Cargo Group, moves from Sylhet to Dergaon with C-47s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 15 B-25s bomb the town of Wanling; 3 hit Lashio Airfield, Burma; 36 P-40s again pound Tengchung; in the Tungting Lake area 50+ P-40s attack communications targets, troops, and numerous trucks.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 519: In the morning, 1,171 bombers and 646 fighters are dispatched to attack strategic targets in the Magdeburg-Brunswick-Hannover region of Germany including oil refineries and tank and aircraft production; 13 bombers and 4 fighters are lost: 1. Of 215 B-17s, 93 hit Magdeburg/Neustadt, 87 hit Magdeburg/Krupp, 14 hit Helmstedt Airfield and 6 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 3-1-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 B-17s are lost and 189 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 8 WIA and 28 MIA. Escort is provided by 174 P-38s and P-51s; they claim 19-1-7 aircraft in the air and 1-0-2 on the ground; 1 P-38 and 3 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA) and 1 P-38 and 5 P-51s are damaged; 1 pilot is KIA and 1 WIA. 2. 70 of 78 B-24s hit Halberstadt Airfield and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost and 7 damaged; 9 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 41 of 47 P-47s; they claim 4-0-1 aircraft. 3. Of 452 B-24s, 98 hit Brunswick Aero-Engineering, 85 hit Fallerslaben, 69 hit Brunswick/Wilhelmitor, 65 hit Brunswick/Me 110 Assembly Plant, 44 hit Brunswick/Bussing, 30 hit Brunswick aircraft components factory, 9 hit Goslar Airfield and 8 hit targets of opportunity; 7 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 147 damaged; 13 airmen are KIA, 5 WIA and 55 MIA. Escort is provided by 172 of 188 P-51s; they claim 5-0-1in the air and 3-0-3 on the ground; 1 P-51 is damaged. 4. Of 426 B-17s, 176 hit Nienburg, 143 hit Hannover/Langenhagen Airfield, 72 hit Dollbergen and 3 hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-17s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 130 are damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 5 WIA and 15 MIA. Escort is provided by 186 of 197 P-51s; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft; 2 P-51s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 6 damaged; 2 pilots are MIA.

Mission 520: 38 of 39 B-17s hit 6 V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais; 19 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 10 of 12 P-51s; they claim 0-0-1 aircraft on the ground.

Mission 522: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in the Netherlands and France during the night. 19 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night. In England, HQ 492BG(H) moves from North Pickenham to Harrington; and the 406BS(H), VIII AF Composite Command [attached to 801BG (Provisional)], moves from Harrington to Cheddington with B-24s.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In order that operations controlled by the 9AF be developed in close association with HQ 12th Army Group, the Ninth's HQ at Uxbridge and Grandcamp-les-Bains are closed and a single HQ opened the following day (6 Aug) at Saint-Sauveur-Lendelin, France near both Advance HQ 12th Army Group and Advance HQ Allied Expeditionary Air Force (AEAF). HQ 50th and 53Troop Carrier Wings of the IX Troop Carrier Command are attached to the Mediterranean Allied AF (MAAF) for the purpose of forming, with HQ 51Troop Carrier Wing, a Provisional Troop Carrier Air Division to handle the airborne phase of the invasion of S France; and HQ 406FG moves from Ashford, England to Tour-en- Bassin. In England, HQ 397BG(M) and 597th and 599BS(M) move from Rivenhall to Hurn with B-26s. In France, 300+ A-20s and B-26s bomb Saint-Malo harbor and Foret de Sille fuel dump during the night of 4/5 Aug, and during the day, rail bridges at 6 cities in N and W France, and marshalling yard at Compiegne; fighters furnish cover for ground forces and fly armed reconnaissance over wide areas of N France.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather again restricts operations; A-20s on armed reconnaissance in the Po Valley during the night of 4/5 Aug attack lights and vehicles; fighter-bombers fly a few unsuccessful missions against bridges; and the detachment of the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 64FW (attached to 87FW), operating form Piombino, Italy returns to base at Solonzara, Corsica with Beaufighters.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Saipan Island fly 2 strikes against Guam Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb personnel and supply areas on Yap Island; other B-24s bomb oil facilities at Boela, Ceram Island and a few bomb Sasa Airfield, Philippine Islands while B-25s hit villages and small boats near Seleman Bay, Celebes Islands and afterwards bomb Besar Island, Sunda Islands. In New Guinea, B-24s attack a seaplane anchorage at Kokas while P-39s strafe barges in the W Geelvink Bay area; despite bad weather, P-39s manage to hit Luain gun positions and ammunition dump; and HQ 6(Photo)RG and 26(Photo)RS move from Nadzab and Hollandia respectively to Biak Island with F-5s.

 SUNDAY, 6 AUGUST 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-25s bomb the town area of Mohnyin while 2 others destroy a bridge at Hsenwi; 21 P-51 s hit 4 railroad bridges in the Naba-Pinbaw area, destroying 2 of them; P-51s and P-47s hit numerous targets of opportunity at Mohnyin, Hopin, Bhamo, Myothit, Katha, Indaw, and other points in N Burma; a few P-40s strafe targets of opportunity in the Myitkyina area.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 28 P-40s again pound Tengchung; 47 P-40s and P-51s hit trucks, troop compounds, and gun positions in the Hengyang area; 19 P-40s attack sampans and trucks around Changsha; 20 others hit supplies, trucks, barracks, and targets of opportunity at Chefang and Mangshih, between Changsha and Hengyang, and between Siangyin and Siangtan.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 524: 1,186 bombers and 740 fighters are dispatched to attack oil refineries, aircraft, ordnance and other factories in Germany and V-weapon sites in France; 24 bombers and 8 fighters are lost: 1. Of 414 B-17s, 126 hit Brandenburg assembly plants, 74 hit Genshagen, 69 hit Brandenburg munitions industry, 12 hit Stendal Airfield and 8 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 0-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 11 B-17s are lost and 106 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 4 WIA and 105 MIA. Escort is provided by 168 of 195 P-51s; they claim 19-0-2 aircraft; 2 P-51s are lost and 1 damaged beyond repair; 1 pilot is KIA and 2 MIA. 2. Of 154 B-17s, 83 hit Berlin aircraft engine factories, 45 hit Berlin diesel factories, 7 hit targets of opportunity and 4 hit Nordholz Airfield; they claim 0-2-3 aircraft; 5 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 103 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 6 WIA and 45 MIA. Escort is provided by 107 of 144 P-51s; they claim 4-0-0 aircraft in the air and 2-0-4 on the ground; 1 P-51 is lost and 3 damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 1 MIA. 3. In an Operation FRANTIC mission, 75 of 78 B-17s hit Gdynia/Rahmel aircraft factories in Poland and procedes to bases in the USSR; they claim 0-2-2 aircraft; 23 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 154 of 160 P-51s; they claim 7-2-3 aircraft; 4 P-51s are lost and 1 is damaged beyond repair; 1 pilot is KIA and 5 MIA. 4. Of 445 B-24s, 72 hit Hamburg/Schulau oil refinery, 62 hit Hamburg/ Rhenania-Ossag oil refinery, 61 hit Hamburg/Rhenania oil refinery, 58 hit Kiel naval installation, 54 hit Hamburg/Deutsche oil refinery, 33 hit Hamburg/Eband oil refinery, 32 hit Hamburg/Schlieman oil refinery, 23 hit Hemmingstedt and 4 hit targets of opportunity; 8 B-24s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 290 damaged; 13 airmen are KIA, 16 WIA and 83 MIA. Escort is provided by 196 P-38s and P-47s; they claim 1-0-2 aircraft; 1 P-47 is lost (pilot is MIA). 5. 24 of 91 B-24s hit 2 V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais area; 9 B-24s are damaged. Escort is provided by 24 P-47s.

Mission 526: 7 of 7 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night. 36 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions in France; 1 B-24 is MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, A-20s and B-26s hit bridges, fuel and ammunition dumps, and a locomotive depot at Beauvais, Beaumont-sur-Sarthe, Courtalain, Foret de Perseigne, and Blois; fighters escort IX BC and furnish cover to ground troops in the Vire, Rennes, and Redon areas; HQ 474FG and 428th, 429th and 430FSs move from Moreton, England to Neuilly with P-38s; a detachment of the 112th Liaison Squadron, 9AF, based at Heston, England begins operating from Valognes with L-5s; and the 153Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command, moves from Vouilly to Canisy with L-5s. In England, the 90TCS, 438TCG, based at Greenham Common, begins operating from Welford Park with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 60 fighters take off from Operation FRANTIC bases in the USSR, attack Craiova marshalling yard and other railroad targets in the Bucharest-Ploesti, Rumania area, and land at Italian bases. Close to 700 B-17s and B-24s, operating against targets in SE France, attack oil storage at Le Pouziii, Le Pontet, and Lyon, railroad bridges at Le Pouzin, Avignon, Tarascon, Rambert, and Givors, marshalling yards at Portes-les-Valences and Miramas, and submarine pens at Toulon; 43 P-38s dive-bomb airfields at Orange/Plan de Dieu, and Valence; P-38s and P-51s fly about 200 sorties in support of bombing missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Medium bombers strike bridges in SE France in the Rhone Valley and areas to the E, in or near Tarascon and Arles, and alone the Var River; fighter-bombers enjoy a successful day against targets in NW Italy and SE France, including bridges, railroad lines, motor transport, trains, roads, airfields, and town areas, plus shipping at Imperia, Genoa, and La Spezia, Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-25s from Saipan Island strike Guam Island twice; B-25s flying out of the Marshall Islands hit Ponape Island, and others from the Gilbert Islands hit Nauru Island, Gilbert Islands; and B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll bomb Wotje Atoll, Marshall Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): The Yap Island supply area is bombed by B-24s; heavy frontal weather activities over the Vogelkop Peninsula and the Moluccas Islands cancels strikes in that area. In New Guinea, B-25s and fighters, though restricted by the weather, support ground operations near Sarmi, hit gun positions at Dagua, and strafe fuel dumps and targets of opportunity at Cape Djeruen; the 100BS(M), 13AF [attached to 42BG(M)] based on Stirling Island with B-25s, begins operating from Hollandia.

 MONDAY, 7 AUGUST 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, B-25s destroy 2 bridges, damage 2 others, and hit targets of opportunity in areas around Naba and Mawhun; fighter-bombers attack Mohnyin, Myothit, and Pinbaw, hit motor pool at Namana, damage 2 bridges S of Bhamo, and attack targets of opportunity during sweeps of Onbauk Airfield and the town of Bhamo; fighter-bombers also support ground forces in the Taungni area.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 37 P-40s hit Hengyang and trucks, troops, and gun positions in the surrounding area; 21 P-40s bomb Changsha, 4 hit rivercraft at Siangsiang, 4 bomb the wall at Tengchung, and 6 attack Hsiaoshuipu.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 4 missions are flown:

Mission 527: 905 bombers and 471 fighters are dispatched to hit fuel dumps and bridges in France but heavy cloud cover forces many aircraft to return with bombs and other formations to be recalled; 1bomber and 5 fighters are lost; targets hit (number in parenthesis indicates bombers bombing) are: 1. Of 112 B-17s, 71 hit Montbartier and 34 hit St Loubes; 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 26 are damaged; 2 airmen are WIA. Escort is provided by 123 of 139 P-51s; they claim 1-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 0-0-1on the ground. 2. The primary targets of 224 B-17s are Nanteuil Bridge (36), Sens (26), St Florentin (25), Dueny (24), Bourron Marlotte (23) and Paris-St Quen (12); other targets hit are Chartres Airfield (23), Maintenon Bridge (23), Houden marshalling yard (14), Chateaudun Airfield (11) and Rouglaf (1); 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 80 damaged. Escort is provided by 96 of 97 P-51s. 3. 1 of 182 B-17s hits Montdidier Airfield; 35 B-17s are damaged; 1airman is WIA. Escort is provided by 90 P-38s and P-51s. 4. Of 51 B-24s, 10 hit Andenne Bridge, 8 hit Semuse and 8 hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost and 19 damaged; 11airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 34 of 35 P-47s. 5. The primary targets of 333 B-24s are Doullens Bridge (37), Saleux (24), Recques-sur-Course (23), Frevent Bridge (15), Rieme/Ertveld (11) and Langerbrugge (9); 12 also hit a factory near Wendelghem and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 45 damaged; 8 airmen are KIA and 1 WIA. Escort is provided by 94 of 100 P-51s.

Mission 528: 1 of 3 B-17s flies a Mico H test

Mission (Micro H was a radar system which combned the Gee-H and H2X radar functionality for use by pathfinders).

Mission 529: 271 P-47s and P-51s fly fighter-bomber mission s to marshalling yards and railroads N and E of Paris; they claim 4-0-1 aircraft on the ground; 3 P-47s and 2 P-51s are lost and 11 P-47s damaged; 5 pilots are MIA. And, 5 of 5 B-17s fly a leaflet

Mission over France during the night. In the USSR, a shuttle

Mission is flown in accordance with a Soviet request; 55 B-17s and 29 P-51s attack an oil refinery at Trzebina, Poland without loss; the aircraft return to Operation FRANTIC bases in the USSR.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): To maintain close a association with ground forces, HQ IX Tactical Air Command and HQ XIX Tactical Air Command constitute mobile units to accompany Advance HQ of the US First and Third Armies, respectively, as they advance rapidly to the E; Lieutenant General Lewis H Brereton relinquishes command of the 9AF to become Commanding General First Allied Airborne Army. In France, 380+ A-20s and B-26s bomb bridges at Nogent-sur-Seine and Neuvysur- Loire; fighters escort IX BC aircraft, furnish defensive cover in the Vire, Laval, and Rennes areas, and support ground forces in the assault area; HQ 71 FW moves from St-Pierre-Eglise to Ecrammeville; and the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command, moves from Beauchamps to Poilley with L-5s. In England, the following squadrons begin operating from Ramsbury with C-47s: - 93TCS, 439TCG, based at Upottery - 98TCS, 440TCG, based at Exeter - 301TCS, 441TCG, based at Merryfield The 306TCS, 442TCG, based at Weston Zoyland, begins operating from Ramsgate with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 353 B-17s and B-24s bomb 2 synthetic oil reflneries at Blechhammer S (B-17s) and Blechhammer N (B-24s); 300+ fighters provide support; 76 B-24s hit Alibunar Airfield and Novi Sad oil facilities, Yugoslavia; the bombers and fighters claim nearly 30 aircraft shot down.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s bomb shipping at Genoa, Finale Ligure, and Alassio and Monaco, Monaco during the night of 6/7 Aug; during the day, B-25s and B-26s bomb bridges at Les Censies, Ventimiglia, La Voulte-sur-Rhone, Livron, Avignon, and Pont-Saint-Esprit; fighter-bombers hit rail and road bridges, marshalling yards at Alessandria and Albenga, shipping at Imperia and Nice, and airfields in NW Italy and S France.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based B-25s hit Guam Island twice during the day.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb power plant, AA positions, and barracks area on Yap Island, phosphate plant on Fais Island, Caroline Islands, and airfields at Galela and Lolobata on Halmahera Island, Moluccas Islands, where 35-50 aircraft are destroyed or damaged. In New Guinea, the 20th Combat Mapping Squadron, 6(Photo)Reconnaissance Group, based at Nadzab begins operating from Biak Island with F-7s; the 39FS, 35FG, moves from Nadzab to Noemfoor Island with P-47s; and the 390BS(M), 42BG(M), moves from the Russell Islands, Solomon Islands to Hollandia with B-25s.

 TUESDAY, 8 AUGUST 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, B-25s are weathered out of their primary target, the town of Shwekyina; the B-25s hit alternates, destroying the Meza bridge and damaging 3 others, and bombing railroad tracks at several points between Naba and Meza; weather severely curtails fighter-bomber mission s; and the detachment of the 315TCS, 443Troop Carrier Group, operating from Shingbwiyang with C-47s returns to base at Ledo, India.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 6 B-25s and 7 P-40s bomb a storage area in Hengshan and destroy several trucks in the area; 29 P-40s hit gun positions and targets of opportunity in the Hengyang vicinity; 14 P-51s and P-40s hit bridge, trucks, and river craft at Siangtan while 8 blast trucks, barges, and a compound between Siangtan and Hengyang; 12 P-40s attack river shipping from Sinti to Hankow; 15 P-40s bomb storage areas and radio stations at Amoy and Swatow.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Shuttle missions continue as 78 B-17s with 55 P-51s escort, leave bases in the USSR to hit airfields in Rumania; 38 hit Bizau and 35 hit Zlistea; no Luftwaffe fighters are encountered during the mission and the force flies to Italy.

Mission 530: 414 B-24s and 265 fighters are dispatched to attack airfields and V-weapon sites in France; 115 hit V-weapons sites in the Pas de Calais; 91 hit Clastres Airfield, 53 hit Romilly air depot, 50 hit La Perthe Airfield, 12 hit Laon/Athies Airfield, 14 hit railroad bridges, 13 hit targets of opportunity and 11 hit Bretigny Airfield; 1 B-24 is lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 139 are damaged; 11airmen are KIA, 9 WIA and 9 MIA. Escort is provided by 265 P-47s and P-51s; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA).

Mission 531: 681 B-17s and 100 P-51s are dispatched to bomb enemy troop concentrations and strongpoints S of Caen; 25 Canadian soldiers are killed and 131wounded by short bombing; 231 hit Cauvincourt, 99 hit Bretteville-sur- Laise strongpoint, 99 hit St Sylvain strong point, 67 hit targets of opportunity and 1 hits Gouvix strongpoint; they claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 7 B-17s are lost, 4 damaged beyond repair and 294 damaged; 8 airmen are KIA, 15 WIA and 35 MIA. Escort is provided by 91 of 100 P-51s; they claim 4-1-6 aircraft; 3 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA). 41 of 50 P-51s escort RAF Coastal Command Beaufighters on a convoy strike in Norway; 3 P-51s are lost and 3 damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 3 MIA. 175 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s fly a fighter-bomber mission against the railroad N and W of Dijon; 2 P-47s and 2 P-51s are lost; 1 P-38, 1 P-47 and 1 P-51are lost; 5 airmen are MIA.

Mission 532: 5 of 5 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Lieutenant General Hoyt S Vandenberg assumes command of the 9AF. In France, 406 B-26s and A-20s bomb a rail embankment and bridges at 8 locations in N and W France, attack radar installations between Argentan and Alencon, and give tactical support to ground forces near Saint-Malo; fighters escort IX BC aircraft, give defensive air cover, and fly armed reconnaissance E of Paris and in the battle area; and HQ 100FW moves from St-Pierre-Eglise to Rennes.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather limits operations to reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack targets in Po Valley and Rhone Valley in France, hitting bridges and railroad tracks in or near Alessandria, and Avignon, Pont-Saint-Esprit, and along the Var River in France; A-20s hit a storage dump and the nearby town of Savigliano; fighter-bombers hit a barge in San Stefano al Mare harbor and pontoon and railroad bridges nearby, and attack the Mantua causeway and nearby bridges, scoring many hits and destroying several vehicles.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based B-25s bomb Guam Island where effective resistance ends. B-25s from the Marshall Islands hit Ponape Island while B-24s bomb Truk Atoll.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb Yap Island and Gagil-Tomil Island, Caroline Islands, concentrating on airstrips, and airfields at Galela and Lolobata on Halmahera Island. In New Guinea, B-24s hit Babo Airfield and the towns of Urarom and Manokwari; A-20s bomb a radio station near Hollandia and hit troop concentrations in the Musu area; fighter-bombers bomb bridges and buildings at Boram, troops at But, and guns at Dagua; and HQ 71Tactical RG moves from Nadzab to Biak Island.

 WEDNESDAY, 9 AUGUST 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 24 fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Taungni-Sahmaw area; several others unsuccessfully attack a bridge N of Hopin and bomb the town of Tagwin. The 426th Night Fighter Squadron, 10AF arrives at Madhaiganj, India from the US with P-61s (first Mission is 21Nov).

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 6 B-25s bomb a compound and vehicle shed on the NE edge of Hengyang; 36 P-40s and P-51s attack trucks, gun positions, and buildings at several points in the Hengyang-Siangtan area; 21 P-51s and P-40s knock out a pontoon bridge and hit junks and sampans at Changsha, and attack rivercraft at points along the C Yangtze River.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 533: 824 bombers and 675 fighters are dispatched to strategic targets (aircraft and tank factories, airfields and fuel depots) in SE Germany; weather deteriorated enroute and many bombers were recalled when confronted with a front rising to 28,000-feet (8,534 m) and most units attacked targets of opportunity; only 25 bombers hit their primary (Sindelfingen); 18 bombers and 3 fighters are lost; targets were (numbers in parenthesis indicate number of bombers bombing): 1. Of 359 B-17s, 103 hit Pirmasens; 56 hit Elsenborn, 41 hit Karlsruhe, 30 hit Ulm, 8 hit Spreicher and marshalling yards at Saarbrucken (34) and Luxembourg (29); they claim 1-1-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 11 B-17s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 157 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 5 WIA and 96 MIA. Escort is provided by 243 P-47s and P-52s; they claim 33-0-10 aircraft in the air and 24-0-15 on the ground; 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost (pilots are MIA); 2 P-47s and 5 P-51s are damaged beyond repair. 2. Of 218 B-17s, 16 hit Aacen, 12 hit Eindhoven, 12 hit St Vith marshalling yard and 7 hit targets of opportunity; 3 B-17s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 94 are damaged; 5 airman are WIA and 18 MIA. Escort is provided by 162 P-47s and P-51s without loss. 3. Of 247 B-24s, 147 hit Saarbrucken marshalling yard and 25 hit an aircraft engine plant at Sindelfingen; 4 B-24s are lost, 2 are damaged beyond repair and 126 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 10 WIA and 39 MIA. Escort is provided by 165 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; they claim 6-0-4 aircraft; 1 P-38 is lost (pilot is MIA).

Mission 535: 3 of 4 B-17s fly a Micro H test

Mission against Aubigny, France airstrip. Escort is provided by 16 P-38s without loss.

Mission 536: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France and the Netherlands during the night. 116 P-47s, escorted by 40 P-51s, are dispatched on fighter-bomber mission s against communications in France without loss. In England, HQ 325(Photo)Wing(R) is activated at High Wycombe; and HQ 25BG(R) and 652d BS (Heavy, Weather Reconnaissance) with B-24s, the 653d BS (Light, Weather Reconnaissance) with B-24s and Mosquito XVIs and 654BS (Heavy, Reconnaissance, Special) with B-24s, B-26s and Mosquito XVIs are activated at Watton.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, close to 400 B-26s and A-20s attack an ammunition dump in Foret de Blois, shipping at Brest, and other targets, including rail bridges at 10 locations in N and W France; fighters escort IX BC aircraft, cover ground forces, and fly armed reconnaissance in the wide areas of N France (around Paris, as far S as Orleans, and as far NE as Reims and Chalons-sur-Marne).

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Around 400 bombers, with fighter escort, hit targets in Hungary and Yugoslavia; B-17s bomb an aircraft assembly plant and a rolling stock plant at Gyor, Hungary and marshalling yard and oil refinery at Brod, Yugoslavia; B-24s bomb 2 airfields and an oil refinery at Budapest, Hungary.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bomber efforts are restricted by bad weather; however, during the night of 8/9 Aug A-20s hit targets along the coastal road from Nice, France to Genoa, and during the day B-25s hit the railroad at Ventimiglia and B-26s attain excellent results on the Bergamo/Orio al Serio Airfield; fighter-bombers sink a motor vessel in Imperia harbor and attack railroad facilities in NW Italy; the detachment of the 111TRS, XII Tactical Air Command, operating from Santa Maria with F-6s, returns to base at Borgo, Corsica.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s blast AA positions in 3 different areas of Yap Island; other B-24s bomb airfields at Boela, Ceram Island and at Liang, Ambon Island, Moluccas Islands. In New Guinea, A-20s hit shipping facilities at Asap Island and bomb Nabire Airfield; fighters strafe the villages S of Manokwari; B-25s bomb forces on the N coast of Waigeo Island; A-20s and fighter-bombers hit troops at Dagua and near Haur and bomb stores at Cape Moem and machine-guns at Cape Wom. HQ 380BG(H) and 530BS(H) move from Fenton to Darwin, Australia with B-24s.

 THURSDAY, 10 AUGUST 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 4 B-25s on a shipping sweep spot 2 patrol boats 75 miles (121km) ESE of Shimushu Island, Kurile Islands; one is sunk, the other is damaged.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 B-25s bomb the town of Shwekyina; a few P-51s support ground forces by hitting a railroad station at Mingon.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 9 P-40s strafe Taiyuan Airfield claiming 20+ aircraft destroyed; 16 P-40s destroy 4 trucks and damage about 50 others at Siangtan and in the Changsha area; 2 P-40s strafe numerous junks along the S China coast.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): 2 missions are flown during the night of 10/11Aug; in one, 24 B-29s, out of Chengtu, China, bomb the urban area of Nagasaki, Japan and 3 others hit targets of opportunity; the B-29s claim 1 fighter shot down, the first such claim (except probables) by the B-29s. In other missions, the first staged through China Bay, Ceylon, 31 B-29s bomb oil refineries at Palembang, Sumatra, 8 mine the Moesi River nearby, and 3 hit targets of opportunity and a secondary target; the first attack, from Ceylon to Sumatra, is the longest single-stage combat flight (about 3,900 miles or 6,276 km) by B-29s during the war.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 45 P-51s in Italy during an Operation FRANTIC Mission are dispatched with 15AF aircraft to escort a troop carrier evacuation mission.

Mission 537: 175 B-24 and 249 fighters are dispatched against fuel dumps and bridges SE of Paris; 38 hit Clamecy Bridge, 31 hit Joigny, 31 hit Pacysur- Armencon, 26 hit Sens, 23 hit St Florentin and 13 hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 19 damaged; 1 airman is WIA and 1 MIA. Escort is provided by 238 of 249 P-51s; they claim 8-0-0 aircraft; 3 P-51s are lost.

Mission 538: 138 fighters are dispatched to hit rail targets in C and E France; 5 fighters are lost.

Mission 539: 1 of 1 B-17s drops leaflets on Brest, France.

Mission 540: 4 of 4 B-17s drop leaflets in France and Norway during the night. 583 fighters are dispatched to hit rail targets in France; they claim 19-0-8 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 P-38s and 4 P-51s are lost. In England, the 788BS(H), 467BG(H), moves from Harrington to Rackheath with B-24s; and the 856th, 857th, 858th and 859BS(H), 492BG(H) move from North Pickenham to Harrington with B-24s (the squadrons fly CARPETBAGGER missions until Apr 45).

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, almost 200 B-26s and A-20s bomb rail bridges and embankments in wide areas around Paris; fighters escort bombers, support ground forces, give defensive cover, and fly armed reconnaissance in battle areas and around Amiens, Paris, Cambrai, Meaux, Dijon, and Troyes; HQ 362FG and 379FS move from Lignerolles to Rennes with P-47s; and the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron and 155(Photo)RS, 10th Photographic Group(R), move from Chalgrove, England to Rennes with F-6s and A-20s, respectively.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 450+ B-17s and B-24s, with fighter escort, hit 6 oil refineries in the Ploesti, Rumania area. In Italy, the 37FS, 14FG, ceases operating from Corsica with P-38s and returns to base at Triolo Airfield; and the 94FS, 1FG, based at Salsola Airfield with P-38s, sends a detachment to operate from Aghione, Corsica.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Medium bomber and A-20 missions are cancelled by bad weather; fighter-bombers, operating on a reduced scale, hit gun positions along the S coast of France in preparation for the Allied invasion of S France (Operation DRAGOON).

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s, flying their first Mission from Saipan Island, pound Iwo Jima Island, Volcano Islands, beginning the AAF's neutralization campaign of that island. Saipan-based P-47s hit Tinian and Pagan Islands. All organized resistance on Guam Island ends. B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll hit Wotje Atoll.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s attack Yap Island, concentrating on AA positions, airfields and the town of Yap; others hit airfields at Galela and Lolobata, Halmahera Island and Namlea, Buru Island. In New Guinea, B-25s bomb Langgoer Airfield; fighter-bombers attack Sorong, Manokwari, and villages along the W coast of Geelvink Bay; fighterbombers continue to pound forces between Aitape and Wewak; large-scale troop carrier missions are flown to forward bases, especially on Schouten Islands; HQ 5AF moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands; HQ 91 Photographic Wing(R) moves from Nadzab to Biak Island; HQ 308BW(H) moves from Owi, Schouten Islands to Hollandia; and HQ 90BG(H) and 319th and 320BS(H) move from Nadzab to Biak Island with B-24s.

 FRIDAY, 11 AUGUST 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 5 B-25s bomb an encampment area and underground shelters at Kadu; 4 others abort because of bad weather; 6 P-40s attack a Japanese-occupied temple at Shwekyina and Japanese HQ at Bhamo.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 23 B-24s bomb Changsha, 16 B-25s pound Hengyang and 40+ P-51s and P-40s bomb bridges, villages, warehouses, trucks, troops, and other targets of opportunity in the Hengyang area; 26 P-40s attack targets of opportunity at or near Chuting, Puchou, and Yungfengshih.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Three missions are flown today (numbers in parenthesis indicate number of bombers attacking the target).

Mission 541: 660 bombers and 300+ fighters are dispatched to attack 13 marshalling yards, fuel dumps, airfields, and targets of opportunity, in NE France and the Paris area; 4 bombers are lost: 1. 157 B-17s are dispatched to attack Belfort (76) and Mulhouse (76): marshalling yards and 1 B-17 hit a target of opportunity; 16 B-17s are damaged. 2. Of 141 B-24s, 47 hit Coulommiers Airfield, 36 hit Pacy-sur-Armancon and 34 hit St Florentin; 5 B-24s are damaged. 3. 76 of 77 B-17s hit Villacoublay aircraft depot; 1 B-17 is lost and 17 damaged; 1airman is WIA and 9 MIA. 4. 45 of 65 B-24s dispatched hit Toussus le Noble Airfield; 9 others hit Orleans/Saran Airfield; 1 B-24 is damaged. 5. Of 220 B-24s, 66 hit Strasbourg fuel dump; marshalling yards at Strasbourg (65) and Saarbrucken (60); Nivelles Airfield (10) and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 3 B-24s are lost and 112 damaged; 7 airman are KIA, 7 WIA and 19 MIA.

Mission 542: 275 of 294 B-17s attack 23 arsenal areas, barracks, concrete emplacements and heavy artillery posts in and around Brest, France; 1 B-17 is lost and 37 damaged.

Mission 541 and 542 are escorted by 356 P-38s and P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost and 1 damaged beyond repair; 1 pilot is WIA and 1 MIA.

Mission 543: 1 of 2 B-17s flies a Micro H test against La Chenaie rail bridge. Escort is provided by 7 of 8 P-47s.

Mission 544: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in Franc during the night. 165 of 180 P-47s fly a fighter sweep of the Paris area; they claim 3-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 2-0-0 on the ground. 28 of 31 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions in France.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, A-20s and B-26s attack bridges at Montrichard, Oissel, Fismes, and Creil/Saint-Maximin, gun defenses at Ile de Cezembre and Saint-Malo, and an ammunition dump at Foret de Roumare; fighters cover the assault area, escort IX BC aircraft, and fly armed reconnaissance in the battle area and extensively over N France; HQ 10PRG and the 12th Tactical RS and 34(Photo)RS move from Chalgrove, England, Le Molay and Chalgrove respectively, to Rennes with F-6s and F-5s; the 153Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command (attached to First Army), moves from Canisy to St Pois with L-5s; and the 353Fighter Squadron, 354FG, moves from Cricqueville to Gael with P-51s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): The 27th and 71 fighter Squadrons, 1FG, based at Salsola Airfield with P-38s, Italy, send detachments to operate from Aghione, Corsica for 10 days

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): B-25s, B-26s, and P-47s strike gun positions along the French and Italian coasts W of Genoa as the Operation DRAGOON assault force begins a movement from the Naples area toward targets in S France.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Makin Island based B-25s hit Ponape Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, A-20s hit shipping off Urarom and in Wandammen Bay and barges and a radar station along the coast of Geelvink Bay; A-20s pound Japanese HQ and bivouac areas S of Sawar, A-20s and B-25s bomb forces at Haur village while P-39s hit the Kairiru Island barge terminal, coastal guns at several points, and troops, supplies, and buildings from But to Rocky Point; the 2BS(H), 22BG(H), moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands with B-24s; and the 8(Photo)Reconnaissance Squadron, 6(Photo)RG, based at Nadzab, begins operating from Biak Island with F-5s.

 SATURDAY, 12 AUGUST 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, 4 B-24s and 2 F-7As over Paramushiru and Shimushu Islands hit targets which include shipping in Higashi Banjo Strait and buildings and runway on Suribachi; enemy fighters give battle; the B-24s score 3 kills and 13 probables and damaged; 6 more B-25s fly an uneventful shipping sweep and take photos over Shimushiru Island.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, about 20 fighter-bombers hit Shwekyina, damage a bridge near Manla, bomb railroad yards at Pinwe, strafe a river boat near Bhamo, and attack troops in the Myothit area; 24 fighterbombers support ground forces in the Taungni-Pinbaw area. The 427th Night FS, 10AF arrives at Pomigliano, Italy with P-61s; the squadron will fly missions in the

MTO - for training before arriving in the CBI Theater.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 7 B-25s bomb the railroad yards at Hengyang; 19 P-51s and P-40s hit targets of opportunity in this area; 39 P-40s attack various targets of opportunity at Chiuchiang, Yungfengshih, Loyang, Siangtan, and Tengchung.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): The shuttle-bombing Mission UKUSSR- Italy-UK is completed; of the 72 B-17s taking off from 15AF bases in Italy, 3 have various problems; the others bomb Toulouse/Francazal Airfield, France and then proceed to the UK; 62 P-51s (part of the shuttlemission force) and 43 from the UK provide escort; no aircraft are lost; 70 B-17s and 58 P-51s land in the UK; 5 B-17s and 6 P-51s, either left in Italy or returning there during this mission, subsequently return to the UK.

Mission 545: 577 bombers and 436 fighters are dispatched to make visual attacks on the Metz marshalling yard and airfield in C and E France; 3 bombers and 3 fighters are lost (number in parenthesis are the number of bombers attacking the target): 1. 276 B-24s are dispatched to hit airfields at Mourmelon (75), Laon/Athies (63), Laon/Couvron (61) and Juvincourt (52); 3 B-24s are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 46 damaged; 10 airmen are KIA, 7 WIA and 32 MIA. 2. 301 B-17s are dispatched to hit airfields at Chaumont (72), Buc (67), La Perthe (58) and Etampes/Mondesir (12); 69 hit the Metz marshalling yard; 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 28 damaged; 9 airmen are KIA and 1 WIA. The 2 groups above are escorted by 386 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA).

Mission 546: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night. 486 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s attack transportation targets in the Paris and Brussels areas; they claim 5-0-0 aircraft in the air and 13-0-0 on the ground; 1 P-38s, 5 P-47s and 7 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA). 220 P-47s and P-51s attack transportation targets in NE France; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA) and 3 are damaged beyond repair. 1FG escorts 9AF B-26s. The 850BS(H), 490BG(H), moves from Harrington to Eye, England with B-24s.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, A-20s and B-26s attack Oissel rail bridge, Corbeil-Essonnes refueling siding, and numerous points along highways in the Argentan area with the aim of bottling up enemy troops; fighters fly ground forces cover and armed reconnaissance over wide areas of W and N France, also escort IX BC aircraft; HQ IX Tactical Air Command moves from Canisy to Coulouvray; the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command (attached to Third Army), moves from Poilley to St Germain with L-5s; and the 377FS, 362FG, moves from Lignerolles to Rennes with P-47s. The 425NPS, IX Air Defense Command, moves from Scorton to Stoneman Park, England with P-61s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Almost 550 fighter-escorted B-17s and B-24s attack targets in France and Italy; the B-17s bomb gun positions in the Savona, Italy area; B-24s attack gun positions in the Genoa, Italy and the Marseille, Toulon, and Sete areas of France; 100+ P-51s strafe radar installations and other coast-watching facilities along the French S coast; these and Twelfth AF strikes are preparatory to Operation DRAGOON.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Medium bombers, A-20s, and fighter-bombers attack targets, mainly gun positions, in the battle area N of the Arno River and in S France.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based B-24s hit shipping, seaplane base, and airfield at Chichi Jima Island, Bonin Islands. B-25s pound Pagan Island while P-47s hit Rota Island. B-24s from the Marshall Islands bomb Truk Atoll while Gilbert Island-based B-25s pound Nauru Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, long-range reconnaissance is greatly increased thanks to the strategic position of newly acquired Schouten Islands bases; B-24s pound the airfield at Babo while B-25s and P-39s hit Nabire Airfield; other P-39s attack defenses at Mansinam Island and shore concentrations along W Geelvink Bay; P-47s support ground operations in the area of Sansapor Point by bombing Dore; A-20s and P-47s hit forces and targets of opportunity in the Sarmi area and along the Metimedan River; A-20s and P-39s attack troops at Haur, coastal targets in cooperation with motor torpedo (PT) boats, and fuel dumps at Boram; and the 321 and 400BS(H), 90BG(H), move from Nadzab to Biak Island with B-24s.

 SUNDAY, 13 AUGUST 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, of 3 B-24s departing Shemya Island, Aleutian Islands during the night of 12/13 Aug, 1aborts while the other 2 bomb the Kashiwabara staging area on Paramushiru Island; later 6 B-25s fly a shipping sweep E of the N Kurils during which a fighter is downed.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20 fighter-bombers hit troops and supplies at Mankwi, Myothit, and Tali; 7 others knock out a bridge at Kyauktalon and damage another near Namkwin; 26 fighter-bombers attack the village of Pinwe and hit targets of opportunity near Mawlu and Pinbaw; 9 B-25s strike a bomb storage area at Pinwe considerably damaging the village.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 30+ B-25s bomb Tungling, Sinsiang, and Hengyang, Pailochi Airfield, shipping at Takao harbor and nearby coastal areas; 3 cargo vessels are claimed sunk; 51 P-40s and P-51s attack trucks, bridges, railroad yards, troops, and other targets of opportunity in the Hengyang area; 18 P-40s and P-38s pound Tengchung; 50+ other P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s attack troops, bridges, railroad tracks, shipping, trucks, and other targets of opportunity at several locations including Lienhwa, Siangsiang, Sinshih, Puchou, Tungyangtun, Hengshan, Weichow Island, Luichow Peninsula, Tingka, Mangshih, Nanchang, Puchi, and along the Yunglo River. R.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 4 missions are flown:

Mission 548: 1,264 bombers and 131 fighters are dispatched to make visual attacks in support of ground forces on coastal batteries and transportation choke points between Le Havre and Paris; 12 bombers are lost: 1. Of 798 B-17s, 634 hit battle area targets, 69 hit Le Manoir Bridge and 54 hit targets of opportunity; 7 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 484 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 8 WIA and 63 MIA. 2. Of 466 B-24s, 347 hit battle area targets, 69 hit Ile de Cezembre and 34 hit St Malo; 5 B-24s are lost; 1airman is KIA, 4 WIA and 50 MIA. The 2 forces above are escorted by 131 of 136 P-51s.

Mission 549: 1APHRODITE B-17 with 2,000-pounds (907 kgs) of bombs is launched against Le Havre; B-17, P-38 and Mosquito support aircraft assist; the target is missed and the Mosquito is destroyed by the exploding bombs.

Mission 550: 2 of 4 B-17s fly a Micro H test

Mission to La Chenaie rail junction.

Mission 551: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Belgium during the night. 36 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night. 844 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s fly fighter-bomber mission s against transportation targets in the Seine River area; they claim 0-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 4 P-47s and 9 P-51s are lost, 4 P-47s are damaged beyond repair and 1 P-47 is damaged; 1 pilot is KIA, 1 WIA and 13 MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, around 575 B-26s and A-20s with fighter escort bomb fuel storage at Les Buissons, points along highways around Lisieux and SE to Rugles with the aim of containing the enemy in the Falaise pocket, railroad targets at Peronne, Doullens, and Corbeil- Essonnes; fighters cover ground forces, and fly armed reconnaissance in the Alencon, Le Mans, Domfront, and Chartres areas; about 125 C-47s fly ferry and evacuation missions; during the night of 13/14 Aug, 28 B-26s bomb the Foret de Halouze ammunition dump and bivouac area; and the 378FS, 362FG, moves from Ligneroller to Rennes with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Almost 500 B-17s and B-24s attack gun positions around Genoa, Italy and Toulon, and Sete, France, and strike at bridges at Pont-Saint-Esprit, Avignon, Orange, and Crest, France; 31 P-38s dive-bomb Montelimar Airfield; other fighters fly 180+ sorties in support of the bombers; and 28 bombers hit military installations at Pec, Yugoslavia.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In France, medium bombers blast coastal defense guns in the Marseille area while A-20s during the night of 12/13 Aug attack targets along the Monaco-Toulon road, and fighter-bombers hit guns and barracks in the area; and fighters strafe airfields at Les Chanoines, Montreal, Avignon, La Jasse, Istres-Le-Tube, Valence, and Bergamo. In Italy, A-20s attack explosive stores in the battle area in the Arno River Valley.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): Bad weather in the SWPA curtails operations. In New Guinea, B-24s bomb bivouacs and supply dumps at Manokwari; bombers hit a Cape Wom storage area while P-39s cooperate with PT boats to hit Dagua personnel areas and Suain coastal positions; P-47s and P-39s hit Cape Wom, troops at Ulban, Matapau, and Suain, and support ground forces at Sarmi; and C-47s complete nearly 90 missions to Owi Island and other forward bases.

 MONDAY, 14 AUGUST 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, B-25s bomb Mohnyin and Indaw; 18 P-51s pound targets in the Myothit area; 46 other fighter-bombers hit various N Burma targets including Naba junction, the active area near Pinbaw, a building and targets of opportunity at Thaikwagon, a command post at Hopin, a motor pool at Nansiaung Forest, ammunition and other supplies in the Mohnyin area, and bridges S of Bhamo one of which is slightly damaged; and the 2TCS, 443TCG, moves from Dinjan, India to Shingbwiyang with C-47s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 24 B-25s blast Lungling while 16 P-40s hit a fortified pass and targets of opportunity to the S; 12 B-25s bomb the railroad yards at Siangtan; 31 P-40s and P-51s hit the railroad yards, river shipping, and general targets of opportunity at Hengyang; 13 P-40s attack Tengchung; 13 others hit trucks, troops, and rivercraft at Pailochi and Sinying and 4 bomb a bridge at Hsenwi.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 552: 1,183 bombers and 429 fighters are dispatched to attack 9 airfields, 2 aero engine factories, 1oil plant, 2 bridges, 2 rail junctions and other secondary and targets of opportunity in SW Germany, E France, and the Bordeaux, France region; 2 bombers and 1 fighter are lost (numbers in parenthesis indicate number of bombers attacking the target): 1. Of 376 B-24s dispatched to France, the following airfields are hit: Lyon/Bron (108), Dijon/Longvi (83) and Dole/Evaux (70); bridges hit are at Anizy (46) and Fismes (34); and 12 B-24s hit Liart rail junction and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 32 are damaged; 2 airmen are WIA. Escort is provided by 92 P-47s and P-51s without loss. 2. 77 B-24s are dispatched to hit French rail junctions at Saintes (38) and Angouleme (38) without loss. Escort is provided by 40 of 42 P-51s without loss. 3. 349 B-17s dispatched to Germany hit Ludwigshafen (144), Mannheim (110): and Mannheim/Sandhofen Airfield (72); 4 others hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-17s are lost and 232 damaged; 8 airmen are WIA and 18 MIA. Escort is provided by 88 of 99 P-51s without loss. 4. 381 B-17s dispatched to Germany hit airfields at Hagenau (92), Metz/ Frascaty (72), Florennes (24) and Chievres (9); and Stuttgart/Echterdingen (72), Kaisereslautern (46), Sindelfingen (12), Trier (10) and targets of opportunity (16); 20 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 168 of 193 P-51s; they claim 10-0-11 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot is MIA).

Mission 553: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night; they claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft. 37 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions in France; 1 B-24 is lost. 136 P-38s and P-47s fly fighter-bomber mission s in the Paris area; they claim 3-0-0 aircraft; 1 P-38 and 2 P-47s are lost, 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair and 2 P-47s are damaged; 2 pilots are MIA. The 36BS(H), VIII AF Composite Command, moves from Harrington to Cheddington, England with B-24s; the squadron will convert from CARPETBAGGER to ECM missions over Europe.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, A-20s and B-26s with fighter escort hit several highway and rail bridges, junctions and sidings mostly beyond the battlelines to delay and complicate the German retreat; fighters fly armed reconnaissance over the Falaise, Broglie, and Chartres areas, and support ground forces, especially 7 armored and infantry divisions, over wide areas of N and W France; a XIX Tactical Air Command squadron uniquely effects the surrender of a number of German ground troops, Germans on roads being strafed by the squadron NE of Carrouges wave white flags, whereupon the planes buzz the road and shepherd the enemy troops into a column which then proceeds to US lines to surrender; HQ 358FG and the 365th, 366th and 367FSs move from Cretteville to Pontorson with P-47s; HQ 367FG moves from Beuzeville to Cricqueville; and the 355FS, 354FG, moves from Cricqueville to Gael with P-51s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 540 B-24s and B-17s bomb gun positions in the Toulon, France and Genoa, Italy areas as the Operation DRAGOON convoy heads for the French Mediterranean coast; 145 P-38s and P-51s strafe radar installations at several coastal points.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In France, medium bombers hit coastal defenses while fighter-bombers pound various gun positions, tracks, enemy HQ, and targets of opportunity in the Toulon-Nice area; fighters strafe radar installations and targets of opportunity along the S coast as Operation DRAGOON forces approach. In Italy during the night of 13/14 Aug, A-20s hit targets of opportunity in the W Po Valley and a fuel dump N of the battle area; and the 416NPS, 62FW, based at Pomigliano with Beaufighters and Mosquitos, sends detachments to operate from Alghero, Sicily and Borgo, Corsica.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): The 7AF is reorganized as a "mobile tactical airforce" retaining only units that will function in the combat area; the VII BC includes the 11th, 30th and 494BGS(H), and the 41BG(M); the VII Fighter Command includes the 15th, 21(in Hawaii) and 318FGs and the 6NPS; the recently activated VII Air Service Area Command is composed of 4 service groups; and the 9th Troop Carrier and 28(Photo)RSs assigned directly to HQ 7AF. Saipan-based B-24s bomb Iwo Jima Island and B-25s hit Pagan Island and P-47s hit Rota Island. From the Marshall Islands, B-25s hit Ponape Island and B-24s bomb Wotje Atoll. HQ VII BC moves from Kwajalein Atoll to Saipan Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-25s and B-24s attack Ternate Island, Moluccas Islands, AA positions, oil dumps, barracks, supply areas, and other targets throughout the Halmahera Islands. In New Guinea, B-24s pound the airfield at Babo while A-20s and fighter-bombers, along with (RAAF) aircraft, blasting bivouac, and troops at Terabu, Kaiten, and Wewak Point; and the 33BS(H), 22BG(H), moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands with B-24s.

 TUESDAY, 15 AUGUST 1944

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): The 24FS, XXVI Fighter Command, moves from Madden Field, Panama to France Field, Canal Zone with P-39s.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 70+ P-51s, P-47s, P-40s, and A-36s hit numerous N Burma targets including general targets of opportunity in the Bhamo area, a monastery at Pegu, troops E of Mawhun, Loiwing and Lashio Airfield and rail targets between Naba and Hopin; close support strikes are flown for ground forces in the Pinbaw and Naba areas; and supply dumps at Mainghka are bombed and 2 villages N of Kazu are hit and burned out.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 12 B-25s bomb Kutkai, demolishing 2 large buildings and leaving 14 burning; 35 P-40s attack Tingka, Hsenwi, Lungling, and Tengchung; and nearly 100 P-40s and P-51s attack troops, horses, trucks, river shipping, artillery pieces, warehouses, and general targets of opportunity in or near Sungpai, Sinshih, Hengyang, Chaling, Leiyang, Sinyang, Siangtan, Hukow, and Changsha. In French Indochina, 4 P-40s hit coastal shipping at Hongay and Nam Dinh. EASTERN AIR COMMAND (EAC): Air Marshall (USAAF Lieutenant General) William A Coryton assumes command of the Third Tactical AF, a major component of EAC; tactical AF functions remain under Coryton until it is dissolved on 4 Dec 44.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 554: 932 bombers and 443 fighters are dispatched to attack 11airfields in NW Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium in conjunction with 1,000 RAF heavy bombers and Mosquitos raiding 9 airfields in the Netherlands and Belgium; 16 bombers and 5 fighters are lost; numbers in parenthesis indicate the number of bombing attacking: 1. 219 B-17s are dispatched to hit German airfields at Cologne/Ostheim (108), Frankfurt/Eschborn (65) and Wiesbaden (38); 3 others hit targets of opportunity; they claim 4-2-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 9 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 86 damaged; 7 airmen are KIA, 8 WIA and 81 MIA. Escort is provided by 112 of 141 P-51 s; they claim 10-0-1 aircraft; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA) and 2 damaged. 2. 350 B-24s are dispatched to German airfields at Wittmundhaafen (91), Zwischenahn (90), Vechta (67), Plantlunne (54) and Hopstein (10); they claim 9-1-2 aircraft; 4 B-24s are lost and 6 damaged; 1airman is WIA and 40 MIA. Escort is provided by 163 P-38s and P-51s; they claim 4-0-0 aircraft in the air and 7-0-9 on the ground; 2 P-38s and 2 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA); 3 P-51s are damaged; 1 pilot is WIA. 3. 298 B-17s are dispatched to Dutch airfields at Handorf (109), Venlo (104) and Twente/Enschede (75); 3 others hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-17s are lost and 6 damaged; 19 airmen are MIA. 4. In Belgium, 59 of 65 B-24s hit Florennes/Juzaine Airfield and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost and 3 damaged. The two missions above are escorted by 118 of 124 P-51s without loss. 33 of 35 P-47s dive-bomb and skip-bomb a repair shop and locomotives in the marshalling yard at Braine-le-Comtes; 1 P-47 is lost and 4 damaged; 4 pilots are MIA. 12 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night. HQ 491BG(H) and the 852d, 853d, 854th and 855BS(H) move from Metfield to North Pickenham, England with B-24s.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): The 50th and 53Troop Carrier Wings, on loan to the Mediterranean Allied AF (MAAF), participate in the invasion of S France as part of the Provisional Troop Carrier Air Division. In France, 330+ A-20s and B-26s with fighter escort bomb Marseilleen- Beauvaisis and Foret de Chantilly ammunition and fuel dumps, rail bridges at Auvers-sur-Oise and L'Isle-Adam, Serqueux marshalling yard, and coastal defense at Saint- Malo; fighters fly cover for 5 infantry and armored divisions, and fly extensive armed reconnaissance over N and W France; HQ 365FG and 388FS move from Azeville to Lignerolles with P-47s; HQ 370FG and the 401, 402 and 485FSs move from Cardonville to La Vielle with P-38s; the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command (attached to Third Army), moves from St Germain to La Bozoge with L-5s; the 33Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 67TRG, moves from Chalgrove, England to Le Molay with F-5s; the 356FS, 354FG, moves from Cricqueville to Gael with P-51s; and the 392d, 393and 394th Fighter Squadrons, 367FG, move from Carentan to Cricqueville with P-38s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In the 15AF's first mass night raid, 252 B-17s and B-24s after a predawn takeoff pound beaches in the Cannes-Toulon, France area in immediate advance of Operation DRAGOON; 28 other fighter-escorted B-17s bomb highway bridges over the Rhone River; B-17s sent against coastal gun positions abort the mission owing to poor visibility; and 166 P-51s escort Mediterranean Tactical AF (MATAF): C-47s carrying airborne invasion troops.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In France during the night of 14/15 Aug A-20s bomb Le Vallon, Istres, and Orange/Plan de Dieu Airfields and other Rhone Valley targets while the US Seventh Army carries out preliminary operations to isolate Operation DRAGOON invasion beaches; the US Special Service Force invades Levant and Port-Cros Island and secures the left flank of the assault area; French commandoes land E of Cap Negre and clear coastal defenses, the French Naval Assault Group lands SW of Cannes and secures the right flank; the 1Airborne Task Force drops in the rear of assault beaches and blocks off the invasion area from the interior; the main force, the US VI Corps, lands 3 divisions abreast between Nice and Toulon at 0800 hours local; A-20s bomb barracks in the invasion area while B-25s, B-26s, P-38s, and P-47s, supporting the invasion, pound beaches, enemy concentrations, and gun positions in coastal areas and later in the day move attacks inland to interdict enemy communications lines successfully hitting numerous bridges; fighters maintain constant patrol over the convoys and invasion area; HQ 64FW moves from Santa Maria di Caputa, Italy to St Tropez; and the 111TRS, XII Tactical Air Command, based at Borgo, Corsica, sends a detachment to operate from St Maxime and Grimaud with F-6s.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb Lolobata Airfield on Halmahera Island and B-25s attack shipping in the Ternate Island area, setting a 1,200-ton vessel afire and damaging several luggers and barges; aircraft on armed reconnaissance hit targets of opportunity in the Ceram Island area and Tanimbar Island. In New Guinea, P-39s dive-bomb AA positions at Wewak Point; HQ V BC moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands; HQ XIII Fighter Command moves from Guadalcanal Island to Sansapor; HQ 347FG and 339FS move from Stirling Island, Treasury Islands to Sansapor with P-38s; and the 67FS, 347FG moves from the Russell Islands to Middleburg Island with P-38s.

 WEDNESDAY, 16 AUGUST 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, as the last Japanese resistance in India ceases, 16 B-25s bomb Indaw; 20 P-51s hit airfields at Lashio, Nawnghkio, Shwebo, Anisakan, and Onbauk; 37 P-40s and P-51s hit strong points, pillboxes, and machinegun positions in the Pinbaw area; 19 P-47s and P-51s attack targets of opportunity at Katha, a bridge S of Bhamo, the town of Tagwin, railroad targets of opportunity between Naba and Hopin, an enemyheld monastery, and an ammunition dump at Pegu; and the 9th Photographic RS, 8(Photo)RG, based at Barrackpore, India, sends a detachment to operated from Tingkawk Sakan with F-5s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 18 B-25s bomb the Wanling area and warehouses while 12 hit the Chaling area and warehouses at Siangtan; 90 P-40s and P-51s hit bridges, fortified positions, troops, trucks, rivercraft, supplies, gun positions, and other targets of opportunity in the Hsenwi and Lungling areas and in the widespread area around Tunating Lake and the C Yangtze River.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 556: 1,090 bombers and 692 fighters are dispatched to make visual attacks on oil refineries and aircraft plants in C Germany; 23 bombers and 3 fighters are lost (number in parenthesis indicate number of bombers attacking): 1. 425 B-17s are dispatched to hit Delitzsch air depot (102), the aviation industry at Schkeuditz (92) and Halle (60) and the oil industry at Bohlen (88); other targets are Naumburg (15), Halberstadt Airfield (13) and targets of opportunity (9); they claim 6-4-6 Luftwaffe aircraft; 10 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 234 damaged; 4 airmen are KIA, 9 WIA and 93 MIA. Escort is provided by 246 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 15-1-3 aircraft in the air and 0-0-3 on the ground; 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair; 1 pilot is WIA. 2. 234 B-17s are dispatched to hit the oil industry at Rositz (105) and Zeitz (101); 3 others hit targets of opportunity; 6 B-17s are lost and 88 damaged; 3 airmen are WIA and 56 MIA. Escort is provided by 166 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 5-0-1 aircraft; 2 P-47s are lost (pilots are MIA). 3. 65 B-24s are dispatched to Halberstadt Airfield (51); 10 others hit Quedlinburg Airfield and 1 hits a targets of opportunity; 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 8 damaged. Escort is provided by 42 of 46 P-38s without loss. 4. 366 B-24s are dispatched to hit the aviation industry at Dessau (99), Kothen (71) and Magdeburg/Neustadt (67) and the oil industry at Magdeburg/Rothensee; 2 others hit targets of opportunity; 7 B-24s are lost and 173 damaged; 5 airmen are WIA and 66 MIA. Escort is provided by 156 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 12-0-0 aircraft; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot is MIA).

Mission 557: 8 of 8 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, about 130 B-26s and A-20s, with fighter escort, hit a Foret de Roumare ammunition dump and rail bridges at Pont-Audemer, Thibouville, Brionne, Nassandres, and Le Bourg; fighters give air cover to an armored division and infantry forces, and fly patrol and armed reconnaissance over N and W France; HQ 70FW moves from Villedieu les Poeles to Le Teilleul; and HQ 50FG and the 10th, 81 and 313FSs move from Carentan to Meautis with P-47s. The 93TCS, 439TCG, based at Upottery, England, ceases operating from Ramsbury and begins operating from Membury.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 89 B-24s, with fighter escort, bomb a chemical works at Friedrichshafen, Germany. In France, 108 B-17s, supporting Operation DRAGOON, attack railroad bridges at Saint-Vallier, Saint-Pierre-d'Albigny, Grenoble, and Isere-Valence; 42 P-51s escort MATAF C-47s on a supply dropping

Mission to DRAGOON beachheads.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In support of Operation DRAGOON forces, fighters and fighter-bombers continue to blast enemy defenses and communications on the beaches and in the invasion area of S France; A-20s hit lights and vehicles during the night of 15/16 Aug from N of the beachhead to the Rhone River and during the day raid ammunition stores; medium bombers pound Rhone River bridges and gun positions throughout the general area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Saipan Island hit Chichi Jima Island and Pagan Island. Marshall Island-based B-24s bomb Truk Atoll.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Molucca Islands, B-24s and B-25s bomb Miti and Lolobata Airfields on Halmahera Island, warehouses and shipping facilities on Ternate Island, shipping in Wasile and Veda Bays, and Japanese positions on Tanimbar Is; and off Alor Island, Sunda Islands, B-25s sink small vessel. In New Guinea, bombers hit installations at Ajoe; A-20s support ground forces in the Maffin Bay area while P-39s hit troops and positions from Manokwari to Windissi and bomb the airfield at Ransiki, Moemi, and Waren. The 13TCS, 403d TCG, based at Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Islands begins operating from Los Negros Island, Admiralty Islands with C-47s.

 THURSDAY, 17 AUGUST 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 47 fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Pinbaw area; 9 B-25s bomb Katha; 12 fighter-bombers pound the town areas of Nanyinbya and Bilumyo; and 12 other fighter-bombers attack artillery positions and storage areas in the Momauk area. India is cleared of all Japanese forces.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 25 B-24s blast Yoyang; 18 B-25s bomb the railroad yards and storage area at Chiuchiang and 4 hit the road and airfield in the Hengyang area and storage buildings at Nanyo; 100+ P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on offensive reconnaissance attack town areas, bridges, hangars, supply dumps, railroad targets, and road and river traffic in E Burma, around Hsenwi, Tungling, and Tengchung, and throughout the Tungling Lake-C Yangtze River area, particularly in the Hengyang area. In French Indochina, 8 P-40s attack shipping in the Haiphong area and between Dong Trieu and Ha Duong.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Three missions are flown: 1.

Mission 558: 10 B-24s are dispatched to drop Azon missiles on the Les Foulous, France rail bridge but the mission is abandoned due to deteriorating weather. 2.

Mission 559: 1 B-17 drop a BATTY TV bomb on the port area at La Pallice, France. 3.

Mission 560: 7 of 7 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night. Fighter-bomber mission s flown by the VIII Fighter Command: 1. 397 P-38s and P-47s hit the Paris/Brussels area; they claim 3-0-3 aircraft; 1 P-47 is damaged. 2. 318 P-51s are dispatched to hit communications targets; 7 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA) and 4 are damaged; 1 pilot is WIA. 33 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 400+ A-20s and B-26s bomb road bridges at Montfort-sur-Risle, Pont-Audemer, Nassandres, Beaumont-le- Roger, Le Bourg, Brionne, and Beaumontel, and a rail bridge at La Ferrieresur- Risle; fighters fly ground force cover over Saint-Malo and Dreux and armed reconnaissance in NW France; IX Tactical Air Command fighters attack and severely damage Gestapo HQ near Chateauroux; and HQ 406FG and 512th, 513th and 514FSs move from Tour-en-Bassin to Cretteville with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 53 B-17s, with fighter cover, bomb Nish Airfield, Yugoslavia. 250 B-24s, escorted by P-51s, bomb 3 oil refineries and targets of opportunity in the Ploesti, Rumania area.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In France, despite bad weather, medium bombers attack railroad bridges leading to the beachhead area of the S coast and hit coastal guns SW of Toulon; A-20s hit motor transport during the night and drop ammunition to invasion forces; fighter-bombers and fighters on armed reconnaissance and patrol score excellent results against motor transport and rail cars and destroy several airplanes on airfields in the S.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Saipan Island bomb Iwo Jima Island Island. Makin Island-based B-25s hit Ponape Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s pound airfields on Ambon and Ceram Islands and Boeroe Island in the Sunda Islands. B-25s strafe installations at Dili on Timor Island, on Moloe Island and Kai Islands in the Molucca Islands; and B-25s sink a transport vessel off Halmahera Island. In New Guinea, A-20s bomb Klamono oil fields while fighterbombers hit gun positions, storage areas, and other targets at Ransiki and Manokwari and troop concentrations along the N shore of MacCluer Gulf; on Biak Island P-40s, supporting ground forces landing at Wardo, pound shore positions and troops inland as the enemy remnants on Biak Island break up into small groups; P-39s strafe troops from Cape Wom to the the Dandriwad River and near But, and hit gun positions at Marubian; HQ 5BG(H) moves from Los Negros Island to Wakde Island; HQ 22d BG(H) moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands; and the 68FS, 347FG, moves from Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands to Middleburg Island with P-38s.

 FRIDAY, 18 AUGUST 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 16 P-47s and P-51s knock out a road bridge, attack town areas, and hit general targets of opportunity in the Bhamo area; 4 P-47s knock out both approaches to a bridge in Hsenwi; a troop concentration in Moda is pounded by 15 P-47s and P-51s and an A-36; 39 P-47s, P-40s and P-51s closely support ground forces in various Pinbaw area sectors; 8 P-47s sweep Lashio Airfield, strafing several targets of opportunity.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 12 B-25s bomb storage areas at Mangshih; 6 pound a storage area at Changsha; 60+ P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance attack troops, town areas, bridges, and other targets of opportunity in E Burma; Lashio, Burma; the Tengchung, Lungling, and Mangshih areas; and in the Tungting Lake-C Yangtze River area at points including Yoyang, Chaling, Yuhsien, Hengshan, Chuchou, and Hsuchang.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Three missions are flown (numbers in parenthesis are numbers of bombers attacking):

Mission 561: 52 B-24s are dispatched to hit Roye/Amy Airfield, France (42): and 10 hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-24s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 37 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 1 WIA and 21 MIA. Escort is provided by 96 of 99 P-51s without loss.

Mission 562: 720 bombers and 242 fighters are dispatched against bridges, airfields, fueld dumps and an aircraft engine factory in France and Belgium; 2 bombers and 1 fighter are lost: 1. 269 B-17s are dispatched against bridges at Namur (37), Liege/Benoit (36), Huy (35), Yvoir (35), Liege/Seraing (26), Vise (25) and Maastricht (24); 13 hit Tongres marshalling yard, 12 hit Eindhoven Airfield and 12 hit targets of opportunity; 57 B-17s are damaged and 5 airmen are WIA. Escort is proivded by 99 of 153 P-38 and P-51s; they claim 46-0-15 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; 1 P-38 is lost (pilot is MIA), 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair and 1 P-38 is damaged. 2. 256 B-24s are dispatched to hit airfields at Metz (78) and Nancy/Essey (70) and Woippy (60) and Laneureville (35); 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair; 4 airmen are KIA and 2 WIA. Escort is provided by 38 of 43 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot is MIA). 3. 195 B-17s are dispatched to hit St Dizier Airfield (116), Pacy-sur- Armancon (39) and Bourran (38); 1other hits a target of opportunity; 7 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 93 of 96 P-51s; they claim 2-0-3 aircraft on the ground; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA).

Mission 564: 7 of 7 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, nearly 100 B-26s and A-20s strike a fuel dump, ammunition dump, rail and road overpass, rail embankment, and junction beyond the battleline to disorganize retreating German forces; 1,000+ fighters fly cover over ground forces in the Argentan- Paris area, along the Seine River, and armed reconnaissance over N and W France; the 31(Photo)RS, 10th Photographic Group(R), moves from Chalgrove, England to Rennes with F-5s; and the 425NPS, IX Air Defense Command, moves from Stoneman Park, England to Vannes with P-61s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 370 fighter-escorted B-17s and B-24s bomb 5 oil refineries around Ploesti, Rumania; 89 B-24s, with fighter cover, bomb Alibunar Airfield, Yugoslavia. The detachment of the 94th Fighter Squadron, 1FG, operating from Aghione, Corsica with P-38s returns to base at Salsola Airfield, Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In France, medium bombers blast coastal guns in the Toulon area and shipping in Toulon harbor; fighterbombers closely support beachhead troops, hit rolling stock and rail lines, and generally disrupt communications as the US VI Corps overruns the primary defenses in the coastal area of SE France; fighters maintain beachhead patrols and area cover for the bombers; and HQ XII Tactical Air Command moves from Italy to France.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s from Saipan Island bomb and strafe Pagan Island I.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): Armed reconnaissance missions continue over wide stretches of the SWPA including Ambon-Ceram, Palau Islands, and Halmahera Islands; several targets of opportunity are attacked. In New Guinea, fighter-bombers and A-20s pound troops and a storage area at Suain and hit defensive lines near Sarmi. The detachment of the 419NPS, 18FG, operating from Los Negros Island with P-61s, returns to base on Guadalcanal Island.

 SATURDAY, 19 AUGUST 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Aleutian Islands, a weather sortie and a 4-plane shipping sweep are flown with negative results.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 4 P-47s support ground forces SW of Thaikwagon; and 4 others strafe trucks carrying troops between Bhamo and Myothit.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 25 B-24s bomb Puchi, severely damaging the warehouse area; 11 B-25s hit Sienning; 3 hit railroad tracks and runway N of Hengyang; and 70+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance attack river shipping, troops, trucks, and other targets of opportunity at or near Pengtse, Hengyang, Chaling, Yoyang, Siangtan, and Changsha.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): The 50th and 53Troop Carrier Wings, on loan to the Mediterranean Allied AF (MAAF) to participate in the invasion of S France, are ordered to return to UK. No IX BC operations. In France, fighters cover ground forces in the battle areas and fly armed reconnaissance along the Seine River and surrounding areas and in wide areas around Paris, Orleans, and Tours; and HQ 373FG moves from Tour-en-Bassin to St-James.

MTO - AAF, MTO: The 72Liaison Squadron, AAF,

MTO - (attached to Seventh Army), moves from Santa Maria, Italy to St Tropez, France with L-5s; a flight is operating from Caserta, Italy.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bombing the Ploesti, Rumania area for the fourth consecutive day, 65 B-17s supported by 125 P-51s blast 2 oil refineries.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In France, A-20s hit marshalling yards while B-25s and B-26s bomb road and rail bridges throughout SE France; fighter-bombers and fighters continue to pound enemy communications N and W, of the beachhead and guns in the immediate battle area as the US Seventh Army's Task Force Butler crosses the Durance River and moves N to Sisteron and Digne.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based P-47s bomb installations on Anatahan Island, Mariana Islands and drop fire-bombs on Tinian Island to aid ground forces in mopping-up operations.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): Weather restricts operations. In New Guinea, P-40s bomb the port of Napido; P-39s bomb and strafe coastal positions along the W shore of Geelvink Bay; A-20s operating in force in support of ground troops pound targets in the Sawar-Sarmi sector; P-39s support ground forces in Wewak area; HQ 86FW moves from Toem to Sansapor; and the 72BS(H), 5BG(H), moves from Momote Airfield, Los Negros Island to Wakde Island with B-24s.

 SUNDAY, 20 AUGUST 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Aleutian Islands, 4 B-25s fly a negative shipping sweep.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 24 P-47s and P-51s fly close support strikes for ground forces immediately S of Thaikwagon; 4 P-51s hit targets of opportunity at Myintha and Aledaw; and the detachment of the 88FS, 80FG, operating from Myitkyina with P-47s returns to base at Shingbwiyang.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 4 B-25s and 7 P-40s damage buildings and a pontoon bridge and strafe about 30 sampans in the Hengyang area; 13 P-40s hit buildings, trucks, and river shipping in the Hengshan area; and 60+ P-40s and P-51s attack numerous trucks, rivercraft, and general targets of opportunity at Tingka, Anjen, Yangtien, S of Yoyang, between Hankow and Chinchiang, and between Sinshih and Changsha.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): 61Chengtu, China-based B-29s bomb the Imperial Iron and Steel Works at Yawata, Japan during the day, followed by 10 more during the night of 20/21Aug, 5 hitting targets other than the primary; 14 B-29s are lost, including 1to AA and 4 to enemy aircraft (1by air-to-air bombing and 1by ramming); B-29 gunners claim 17 air victories.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 61 B-26s bomb troop and equipment concentrations waiting at Foret de la Lande to be ferried across the Seine River; fighters fly armed reconnaissance along the Seine River, support ground troops in the battle area, and fly an escort

Mission to 100+ C-47s on a supply and evacuation run; HQ 71 FW moves from Ecrammeville to Rennes; the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command (attached to Third Army), moves from La Bozoge to Dampierre with L-5s; the 410th, 411th and 412FSs, 373FG, moves from Tour-en-Bassin to St-James with P-47s; and the 584th and 585BS(M), 394BG(M), move from Holmsley, England to Tour-en- Bassin with B-26s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 460+ B-24s and B-17s, some fighter-escorted, bomb the airfield and marshalling yard at Szolnok, Hungary and oil refineries at Dubova, Czechoslovakia, and Czechowice and Auschwitz, Poland.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In France during the night of 19/20 Aug A-20s attack lights and motor transport from the battleline NW to the Rhone River; B-26s, joined by fighter-bombers and fighters, hit coastal defense guns in the Toulon area, while B-25s bomb Rhone Valley bridges and airfields achieving especially good results at the airfield near Valence; and the 23(Photo)RS, 5(Photo)Reconnaissance Group, based at Borgo, Corsica with F-5s, sends a detachment to Le Luc, France.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based B-24s hit Yap Island for the first time. A B-24 bombs Alamagan Island, Mariana Islands while P-47s pound Pagan Island. Marshall Islands-based B-24s bomb Truk Atoll.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb the town and airfield at Namlea, Buru Island and others pound personnel areas and warehouses at Tobelo, Halmahara Island. In New Guinea, B-25s bomb Langgoer Airfield; P-39s hit Windissi and enemy shipping off Manokwari while P-40s pound gun positions, buildings and stores at Manokwari; other P-40s support ground forces by hitting troop concentrations at Napido; A-20s and fighterbombers hit a personnel center near Marubian, supplies at Wom, and numerous targets during coastal sweeps in the Wewak general area; and the 23and 31 BS(H), 5BG(H), move from Momote Airfield, Los Negros Island to Wakde Island with B-24s. The 528BS(H), 380BG(H), moves from Fenton to Darwin, Australia with B-24s.

 MONDAY, 21 AUGUST 1944

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): The 74BS, VI Bomber Command, moves from Rio Hato, Panama to the Galapagos Islands with B-24s.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-25s knock out and damage 3 river bridges in the Mu area and at Hsipaw, 36 P-51s support ground forces near Pinlon, Ingyingon, and Nansankyin; and 8 P-51s bomb a storage area at Chyahkan. HQ 1Combat Cargo Group and the 1Combat Cargo Squadron arrive at Sylhet, India from the US with C-47s (first Mission is 10 Sep).

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 8 B-25s bomb Anjen and targets of opportunity in the surrounding area; 7 others attack Hengyang Airfield, the town of Nanyo, and several buildings and other targets of opportunity near Yangtien; 90+ fighter-bombers hit town areas, river and road traffic, and other targets of opportunity at Pengtse, Kinhwa, Tenchung, Anjen, Hengyang, and Yangtsishih; S of Sintsaing, N of Tungting Lake, between Hankow and Sinti, and in the Changsha area.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Bad weather grounds all bombers and fighters; in France, less than 20 C-47s fly supply and evacuation missions.

MTO - AAF, MTO: The 14th Liaison Squadron, AAF,

MTO - (attached to Seventh Army), moves from St Tropez to Brignoles with L-5s (a detachment is operating from Caserta, Italy).

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 117 B-24s, escorted by P-51s, bomb Nish Airfield, Yugoslavia. 102 B-24s, with P-51escort, hit Hajduboszormeny Airfield, Hungary which 46 other P-51s sweep, some making low-level strafings on parked aircraft. In Italy, the detachments of the 27th and 71FSs, 1FG, operating from Aghione, Corsica with P-38s, return to base at Salsola Airfield; and the detachment of the 37FS, 14FG, operating from Corsica with P-38s, returns to base at Triolo Airfield.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers hit roads and bridges in the Po Valley while A-20s during the night of 20/21Aug strike motor transport in the W part of the Valley and bomb Alessandria barracks during the day. Fighter-bombers and fighters again blast enemy communications lines and gun positions in S France, marshalling yard and rail lines at Alessandria and Casale Monferrato, and motor transport and train cars in NW Italy and SE France. The detachments of the 111th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, XII Tactical Air Command, operating from St Maxime and Grimaud, France with F-6s returns to base at Borgo, Corsica; another detachment begins operating from St Raphael, France.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Saipan Island hit Yap Island, P-47s bomb Pagan Island, and Makin Island-based B-25s hit Nauru Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Molucca Islands, B-24s blast supply dumps and AA guns on the Wasile Bay coast; B-25s hit Kaoe Airfield and town on Halmahera Island and villages and supply areas on Karakelong Island. In New Guinea, fighter-bombers blast warehouses and other targets in the Manokwari area; A-20s and fighter-bombers hit supply dumps in the Sawar-Sarmi sector and attack troops along the coast, particularly from Babiang to Luain. The 419NPS, 18th FG, moves from Guadalcanal Island to Middelburg Island with P-61s (a detachment is operating from Noemfoor Island).

 TUESDAY, 22 AUGUST 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): P-51s and P-47s fly 53 sorties against Tengchung, China in support of attacking Chinese forces. In Burma, 28 P-47s attack buildings, supply dumps, troops, and gun positions near Ingyingon, Nansankyin, and Pinlon; 8 P-47s strafe targets of opportunity between Tingka, China and Bhamo; 2 rocket-firing P-51s seriously damage several buildings at Aledaw; and 9 B-25s bomb Hopin.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 11 P-40s and P-38s hit bridges and road targets around Tingka, Mangshih, Loiwing, and Pangpying; and 6 others attack a landing strip and river traffic at an island near Foochow.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): IX BC operations are cancelled because of weather. In France, fighters fly sweeps, provide air cover for 2 infantry and 1armored division, strafe numerous military and transportation targets, and fly armed reconnaissance from Evreux to Troyes; HQ IX Tactical Air Command moves from Coulouvray to Haleine; HQ 70th Fighter Wing moves from Le Teilleul to Aillieres; HQ 387BG(M) moves from Stony Cross, England to Maupertus; and the 380th Fighter Squadron, 363FG, moves from Maupertus to Azeville with P-51s (the 380th will be redesignated 160TRS on 25 Aug). The 93TCS, 439TCG, ceases operating from Membury and returns to base at Upottery, England with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Around 530 B-17s and B-24s supported by P-51s and P-38s bomb hit targets in Austria and Germany; B-17s bomb oil refineries at Odertal, Germany; B-24s bomb oil refineries at Korneuburg, Austria and Blechhammer, Germany, and oil storage at Lobau, Austria.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Weather restricts operation in SE France; B-26s attack targets in the Po Valley of Italy where they destroy 1 bridge and severely damage another; A-20s hit motor transport SW of Alessandria, Italy and in the Nice, France area during the night of 21/22 Aug and hit industrial buildings in S France during the day; fighters hit motor transport W of the Rhone River and in scattered parts of SE France; the 85th, 86th and 87FSs, 79FG, move from Corsica to Southern France with P-47s; and the 315FS, 324th Fighter Group, moves from Corsica to Le Luc, France with P-47s. The detachment of the 416NPS, 62FW, operating from Alghero, Sicily with Mosquitos, returns to base at Pomigliano, Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based B-24s bomb airfields on Yap and Pagan Islands; P-47s also pound the airfield on Pagan Island and AA emplacements. Kwajalein Atoll-based B-24s hit Mille Atoll, Marshall Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, fighter-bombers continue to blast supply and personnel targets in Manokwari and the surrounding areas; fighter-bombers again hit N coastal areas, including shipping facilities at Wewak, barge terminal on Mushu Island, and trains and troop positions at various coastal points; and the 370th, 371, 372 and 424BS(H), 307BG(H), move from Los Negros Island to Wakde Island with B-24s.

 WEDNESDAY, 23 AUGUST 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 32 P-47s support British advances down the railroad in the Pinbaw area hitting gun positions, troops, and HQ buildings, immediately N of Pinbaw, and along Nansonti Creek; and 6 P-47s pound Onsansaing, and 8 P-51s bomb an encampment near Kadu. In China, 4 P-51s hit Lungling and Mangshih; 5 others attack guns, fuel dump, and other targets of opportunity along the Burma Road from Wanling to Lungling while 7 more hit buildings and vehicles during sweeps of the general Mangshih-Chefang area; and 12 P-51s hit targets of opportunity SW of Lungling and 2 P-40s strafe trucks at Chefang.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 7 B-25s and 21 fighter-bombers attack villages, compounds, other targets of opportunity near Hengyang, Lingyang, and Anjen; 40+ fighter-bombers hit villages, shipping, troops, supplies, and other targets of opportunity around Ichang, Yangtien, Siangtan, and Yiyang, and S of Sungpai and Siangyin; and the 529FS, 311FG, moves from Dinjan, India to Pungchacheng with P-51s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 142 of 163 P-47s bomb and strafe rail transportation from Saint-Omer to Reims, France; 2 P-47s are damaged.

Mission 567: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France and Belgium during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 4 B-26s drop leaflets in the Lisieux-Bernay area; fighters fly ground forces cover, sweeps, armed reconnaissance over the battle areas and along the Seine River, and attack artillery positions; 150+ C-47s fly supply and evacuation missions and several hundred reconnaissance aircraft fly tactical, visual, photographic, and artillery adjustment reconnaissance missions; HQ 98th Combat BombardmentWing(M) arrives at Lessay from Beaulieu, England; HQ 36FG moves from Brucheville to Le Mans; HQ 363FG and the 381 and 382FSs move from Maupertus to Azeville with P-51s (the 363d will be redesignated the 363Tactical RG and the 381 and 382FSs to 161 and 162TRSs on 25 Aug); HQ 368FG moves from Cardonville to Chartres; the 125LS, 9AF (attached to Ninth Army), based at Erlestokes, England begins operating from bases in France with L-5s; the 153d Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command (attached to First Army), moves from St Pois to Couterne with L-5s; and the 397FS, 368th FG, moves from Cardonville to Chartres with P-47s. The 98th Troop Carrier Squadron, 440TCG, ceases operating from Ramsbury with C-47s and returns to base at Exeter, England. The following units that have been operating from bases in Italy with C-47s since Jul return to the bases indicated: - 76th and 78TCSs, 435TCG, from Tarquinia to Welford Park - 79th, 80th and 81TCSs, 436TCG, from Voltone Airfield to Membury - 83d, 84th, 85th and 86TCSs, 437th Troop Carrier Group from Montala Airfield to Ramsbury - 87th, 88th and 89TCSs, 438TCG from Canino Airfield to Greenham Common

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Austria, 472 B-24s and B-17s supported by P-51s and P-38s bomb the S industrial area of Vienna, the Wiener-Neudorf aircraft engine factory, Vosendorf oil refinery, and Markersdorf Airfield, and attack targets at Ferrara, Italy, missing a river bridge but hitting a synthetic rubber factory.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack road and rail bridges N of the Arno River and roads leading N from Florence, and also hit bridges in the Rhone Valley of France; widespread haze in parts of France and Italy prevents accurate bombing; fighter-bombers continue to attack communications, gun positions, and road movements in the Provence battle areas; the 314FS, 324FG, moves from Corsica to Le Luc, France with P-47s; and the detachment of the 416th Night FS, 62FW, operating from Borgo, Corsica with Mosquitos returns to base at Pomigliano.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Saipan Island bomb Yap and Iwo Jima Islands while P-47s hit Pagan and Aguijan Islands, Mariana Islands. Gilbert Island-based B-25s attack Ponape Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s pound the Galela, Halmahera Island area; in New Guinea, B-24s hit Langgoer Airfield and Saumlakki; fighter-bombers hit the airfield at Nabire, Moemi, and Urarom, the village of Moari, and town of Manokwari; B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers continue to attack barge hideouts, troops, villages, and general targets of opportunity around Wewak; HQ 18FG and it's 12th and 70 Fighter Squadrons move from Guadalcanal Island and New Georgia Island, Solomon Islands (70FS) to Sansapor with P-38s; and the 69th and 390BSS(M), 42BG(M), move from Stirling Island to Hollandia with B-25s.

 THURSDAY, 24 AUGUST 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 B-25s bomb Kangon; 3 P-47 flights support British troops NE of Pinbaw, hitting forces and gun emplacements near Namyin Te and Nansankyin; 4 P-47s bomb Nankan; and 4 P-51s strafe vehicles along the Shweli River and bomb a storage area S of Hopin.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, town areas, river and road traffic, railroad targets, and other targets of opportunity in or near Hengyang, Chuchou, Siangtan, and Yangtien are attacked by 8 B-25s and 25 P-40s; 19 other P-40s hit similar targets of opportunity at Yungeheng, Anjen, along the C Yangtze River, and S of Mangshih; and the 528FS, 311th FG, moves from Tingkawk Sakan, Burma to Shwangliu with P-51s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 568: 1,319 bombers and 739 fighters are dispatched on visual attacks on strategic targets in Germany with some PFF on targets of opportunity; 26 bombers and 4 fighters are lost; targets are (numbers in parenthesis indicate bombers attacking): 1. 433 B-24s are dispatched to attack aviation industry targets at Brunswick/Waggum (125), Brunswick/Querum (99) and Hannover/Langenhagen (72): and an oil refinery at Misburg (88); 5 others hit targets of opportunity; they claim 0-0-1 aircraft; 5 B-24s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 183 damaged; 1airman is WIA and 54 MIA. Escort is provided by 248 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; they claim 2-0-0 aircraft in the air and 8-0-0 on the ground; 2 P-51s are lost and 2 damaged; 1 pilot is MIA. 2. 451 B-17s are dispatched to hit Merseburg oil refinery (185), Weimar (129) and Kolleda Airfield (30); targets of opportunity hit are airfields at Goslar (37), Nordhausen (11), Vorden (11) and Stade (2), and Leipzig (10): plus 7 others; they claim 10-3-3 aircraft; 16 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 189 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA, 39 WIA and 148 MIA. Escort is provided by 121 of 152 P-51s; they claim 4-0-1 aircraft without loss. 3. 383 B-17s are dispatched to hit oil industry targets at Brux (139), Ruhland (135) and Freital (65); 15 hit targets of opportunity; 3 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 143 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 5 WIA and 18 MIA. Escort is provided by 240 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 4-0-0 aircraft in the air and 6-0-0 on the ground; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA) and 1 is damaged. 4. 43 of 52 B-24s hit Kiel/Walther; 3 others hit Hemmingstedt Airfield and 2 hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-24s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 32 damaged; 27 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 17 of 17 P-51s without loss.

Mission 569: 1 B-17 drops leaflets on Brest, France during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, weather cancels a IX BC

Mission against 4 fuel dumps N of the Seine River; fighters give air cover to ground forces, mainly for 3 armored and 2 infantry divisions, bomb Seine River bridges, and fly armed reconnaissance along the Seine and around Troyes, Orleans, and Tours; about 270 C-47s fly supply and evacuation missions; HQ 303FW moves from Houesville to Rennes; HQ 10PRG and 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron move from Rennes/St-Jacques to Chateaudun with F-6s; and HQ 366th FG and 389th and 391FSs move from St Pierre du Mont to Dreux/Vermouillet with P-47s. In England, the 90th Troop Carrier Squadron, 438TCG, that has been operating from Welford Park returns to Greenham Common. The following units that have been operating in Italy with C-47s return to base: - 91, 92 and 94TCSs, 439TCG, from Orbetello Airfield to Upottery. - 95th, 96th and 97TCSs, 440TCG, from Ombrone Airfield to Exeter. - 99th, 100th, 301 and 302TCSs, 441Troop Carrier Group, from Grosseto to Merryfield. - 304th, 305th and 306TCS, 442TCG, from Follonica to Weston Zoyland.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 530+ B-17s and B-24s bomb 3 oil refineries at Kolin and Pardubice, Czechoslovakia; marshalling yard at Vinkovci, Yugoslavia; Szeged, Hungary; and Ferrara, Italy railroad bridge and several targets of opportunity; around 70-80 fighters escort the Czechoslovakian missions; and US bombers and escorting fighters claim nearly 40 air victories.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): During the night of 23/24 Aug, A-20s hit motor transport and targets of opportunity in the Rhone Valley of France and at Genoa, Milan, and Turin, Italy; medium bombers bomb bridges at Montpellier, Avignon, and Lunel, France and Solignano Nuovo, and Castel del Rio, Italy, and score direct hits on gun positions in the Marseille, France area; and fighters bomb and strafe gun positions, vehicles, roads and bridges throughout SE France. In Italy, the 346FS, 350th Fighter Group, moves from Pomigliano to Tarquinia with P-47s (the detachment at Piombino also moves to the new base). PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA) AAF, POA (7AF): Saipan Island-based P-47s pound Aguijan and Pagan Islands. Marshall Island-based B-24s bomb Truk Atoll while B-25s hit Nauru Island.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): The advanced air echelon of Brigadier General Emmett O'Donnell Jr's HQ 73BW(VH), arrives in the Mariana Islands with B-29s, the first 20AF contingent to arrive; the ground echelon arrives by water on 16 Sep.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): Shipping in Lembeh Strait, Celebes Island, is attacked by B-25s, while B-24s bomb Lolobata Airfield on Halmahera Island. In New Guinea, HQ 307BG(H) moves from Los Negros Island to Wakde Island; the 100BS(M), 13AF [attached to 42d BG(M)], moves from Stirling Island to Sansapor but continues operating from Hollandia with B-25; and the 340th and 341 fighter Squadrons, 348FG, move from Wakde Island to Noemfoor Island with P-47s.

 FRIDAY, 25 AUGUST 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, 1 B-24 flies reconnaissance over Shasukotan, Onnekotan, and Harumukotan Islands but drops no bombs due to accurate AA fire.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 B-25s bomb Kondangyi; 4 P-47s knock out a bridge S of Bhamo and hit several targets of opportunity in the area; 2 P-51s bomb a probable factory at Hopin; 6 flights of P-51s attack buildings and targets of opportunity at Pinlon and Kyagyigon; 32 other P-51s support ground forces at Ingyingon and along the Hsai-hkao and Namsang River; and the detachment of the 20TRS, 8th Photographic RG, ceases operating from Myitkyina with P-40s and returns to base at Kisselbari, India (the squadron is operating from Tingkawk Sakan).

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 3 B-24s bomb Kowloon docks in Hong Kong; 3 B-25s and 12 P-40s hit buildings, troop compounds, and general targets of opportunity in the Yangtien area; 4 B-25s and 21 P-40s attack similar targets in and around Anjen; 2 B-25s bomb the fighter strip at Leiyang and 2 others hit the town of Nanyo; 40 P-51s and P-40s attack a wide variety of targets of opportunity throughout the Hengyang, Siangyin, Siangtan, and Siangsiang areas, Chenghsien, Lishui, Samshui, Chiangmen, Luichow Peninsula, and the Red River delta.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Four missions are flown.

Mission 570: 1,191bombers and 708 fighters make visual bombing attacks against aircraft component plants, Luftwaffe experimental stations and the synthetic oil industry; 18 bombers and 7 fighters are lost; numbers in parenthesis indicate number of bombers attacking the target: 1. 435 B-24s are dispatched to hit aircraft component plants at Rostock (116), Schwerin (106), Wismar (91) and Lubeck (81); 11others hit Grossenbrode Airfield and 4 hit targets of opportunity; 5 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 55 damaged; 5 airmen are WIA and 64 MIA. Escort is provided by 243 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 11-2-3 aircraft; 1 P-51 is lost. 2. 380 B-17s are dispatched to the Rechlin Experimental Station (179) and oil refinery at Politz (169); 6 others hit targets of opportunity; 8 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 182 damaged; 10 airmen are WIA and 64 MIA. Escort is provided by 215 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 4-0-2 aircraft on the ground; 4 P-51s are lost. 3. 376 B-17s are dispatched to the Peenemunde Experimental Station (146), Neubrandenburg Airfield (108) and Anklam Airfield (73); 21others hit Parow Airfield and 5 hit targets of opportunity; 5 B-17s are lost and 75 damaged; 1 airman is KIA, 9 WIA and 45 MIA. Escort is provided by 171 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 36-0-28 aircraft on the ground; 2 P-51s are lost.

Mission 571: 10 of 10 B-24s fly an Azon glide bomb

Mission to Moerdijke, the Netherlands but the target is missed. Escort is provided by 36 of 36 P-47s without loss.

Mission 572: 107 bombers and 172 fighters are dispatched to make visual attacks on liquid oxygen and ammonia plants in Belgium and N France: 1. 31 of 38 B-17s hit Henin Littard without loss. 2. 69 B-24s are dispatched to hit Willerbroeck (18), Tertre (17), Tiller/ Liege (12) and La Louviere (10); 4 others hit St Trond Airfield and 1 hits a target of opportunity; 24 B-24s are damaged and 4 airmen are WIA. Escort for

Mission 572 is provided by 152 P-38s and P-51s without loss.

Mission 573: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets on France and Belgium during the night. 1C-47 flies a CARPETBAGGER Mission during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, about 240 A-20s and B-26s attack various enemy strongholds in and around Brest supporting the ground forces' attempt to capture Brest harbor; fighters provide air cover for 5 divisions, fly armed reconnaissance along the Seine River, and sweeps in wide areas around Paris which is liberated; fighters of the IX Tactical Air Command raid, and set afire with napalm tanks, the reported HQ of Field Marshall Walter Model (Commander-in-Chief West) and Verzy; HQ IX Air Defense Command moves from Ecrammeville to Rennes; HQ 394BG(M) moves from Holmsley, England to Tour-en-Bassin; the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command (attached to Third Army), moves from Dampierre to Courcy with L-5s; the 34(Photo)RS, 10PRG, moves from Rennes to Chateaudun with F-5s; the 153Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command (attached to First Army), moves from Couterne to Maillebois with L-5s; and the 390FS, 366FG, moves from Pierre du Mont to Dreux with P-47s. The 303TCS, 442TCG, that has been operating from Follonica, Italy with C-47s, returns to base at Weston Zoyland, England.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Czechoslovakia, 300+ B-17s and B-24s supported by P-38s and P-51s bomb aircraft factories at Brno and Kurim and airfields at Brno and Prostejov. The 885BS(H), 15AF (attached to Mediterranean Allied AFs), moves from Blida to Maison Blance, Algeria with B-17s and B-24s (the squadron transports supplies to partisans and drop leaflets in the MTO).

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): A-20s hit targets of opportunity during the night of 24/25 Aug, and during the day fly armed reconnaissance over the Po and Rhone Valleys in Italy and France respectively, and hit ammunition stores in S France. In France, B-25s and B-26s attack Rhone River bridges at Avignon, Culoz, Saint-Alban-du-Rhone, Pont d'Ain, and Loyes, and hit gun positions around Marseille; fighter-bombers on armed reconnaissance in the battle area and in Italy, along the battleline N of the Arno River attack gun positions, roads, and bridges. HQ 27FG and the 522d, 523and 524FSs move from Serragia, Corsica to Le Luc France with P-47s; HQ 79FG moves from Corsica to S France; HQ 324FG moves from Corsica to Le Luc, France. PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA) AAF, POA (7AF): B-24s from Saipan Island hit the airfield on Iwo Jima Island while P-47s blast AA positions and troops on Pagan Island. A B-24 bombs Yap Island. Gilbert Island-based B-25s bomb Ponape Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s strike Koror and Malakal Islands, Palau Islands, Caroline Islands; B-24s pound Lolobata on Halmahera Island; B-25s on a shipping sweep over Lembeh Strait, Celebes Island claim a merchant ship sunk and hit several small vessels. In the Lesser Sunda Islands a few B-25s on a shipping sweep attack several small vessels. In New Guinea, A-20s and fighter-bombers hit Babo Airfield, Sagan, and Otawiri; P-39s strafe troops near But; the 394BS(H), 5BG(H), moves from Momote Airfield, Los Negros Island to Wakde Island; and the 822BS(H), 38BG(M), moves from Nadzab to Biak Island with B-25s.

 SATURDAY, 26 AUGUST 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, 3 B-24s hit the Kashiwabara staging area on Paramushiru Island during the early morning, starting several fires; later 6 B-25s strafe and bomb the E coast of the N Kurile Islands, sinking a patrol boat; 1out of 4 interceptors and one of the B-25s are hit; 7 more B-24s bomb targets on Kashiwabara and on Otomari Cape, including docks, piers, boats, and a fuel dump. 6 P-38s unsuccessfully attempt to intercept 4 unidentified aircraft W of Attu Island.

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): The 3BS(H), VI Bomber Command, moves from Howard Field, Canal Zone to Rio Hato, Panama with B-24s.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): The 490BS(M), 341BG(M), moves from Kurmitola to Dergaon, India with B-25s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 3 B-24s bomb a storage area at Amoy; 3 B-25s bomb a barracks area near Wenchow harbor and damage a bridge near Sincheng; 31 fighter-bombers attack railroad targets, troops, sampans, and other targets of opportunity in or near Yangtien, Yungfengshih, Siangsiang, Anjen, Laiyuan, Kinhwa, and Pengtse.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 8 missions are flown (numbers in parenthesis indicate number of bombers attacking).

Mission 575: 359 B-17s are dispatched to attack gun batteries in the Brest, France area; targets are Brest/Pte de St Mathieu (35) and coastal batteries at Kerandieu (27), Cornovailles (21), Brest/Ile Longue (20), Brest/Kerviniov (9) and Brest/Ponscorf (7); targets of opportunity are Brest/Pte des Espagnoles II (21) and Brest/Pte des Espagnoles III (18); 3 B-17s are damaged beyond repair and 4 damaged; 18 airmen are KIA. Escort is provided by 48 of 49 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost.

Mission 576: 588 bombers and 402 fighters attack oil refineries, fuel stores and chemical works in Germany; 10 bombers and 3 fighters are lost: 1. 109 B-24 are dispatched to the chemical works at Ludwigshafen (41); secondary targets hit are marshalling yards at Ehrang (33) and Kons/Karthaus (8); 11others hit Alzey and 2 hit other targets of opportunity; 7 B-24s are lost and 53 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 3 WIA and 70 MIA. Escort is provided by 77 of 81 P-51 s; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft on the ground; 1 P-51 is lost. 2. 259 B-17s are dispatched to oil refineries at Gelsenkirchen/Buer (89): and Gelsenkirchen/Nordstern (85); 19 hit Deelen Airfield, a secondary target, and 11 hit targets of opportunity; 3 B-17s are lost and 89 damaged; 5 airmen are WIA and 26 MIA. Escort is provided by 159 P-47s and P-51s without loss. 3. 220 B-24s are dispatched to Dulmen fuel dump (73) and oil refineries at Salzbergen (71) and Emmerich (36); 36 others hit Eindhoven Airfield; 2 B-24s are damaged. Escort is provided by 129 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-38 and 1 P-51are lost (pilots are MIA) and 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair.

Mission 577: 9 of 10 B-24s fly an AZON bomb

Mission to Moerdijk rail bridge, the Netherlands but clouds prevent an attack. Escort is provided by 32 P-51s.

Mission 578: 37 B-17s are dispatched to hit liquid oxygen plants at La Louviere, Torte and Willebroeck, Belgium but the mission is aborted due to clouds. Escort is provided by 18 of 18 P-51s.

Mission 579: 3 of 3 B-17s fly a special bomb test using Micro H radar against aviation industry targets at Meaulte, France. Escort is provided by 7 P-47s.

Mission 580: 3 B-17s fly a Micro H test mission; 2 of the aircraft also drop leaflets.

Mission 581: 7 B-24s are dispatched on a radio countermeasures

Mission to aid the RAF BC.

Mission 582: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France and Belgium during the night. 183 P-47s and 206 P-51s attack transport targets in Belgium, E France and W Germany; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft; 2 P-47s and 7 P-51s are lost and 9 P-47s and 6 P-51s are damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 8 are MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ IX Troop Carrier Command is relieved of its assignment to the 9AF upon transfer of the command and its service organizations from the IX AF Services Command to HQ First Allied Airborne Army commanded by Lieutenant General Lewis H Brereton. In France, IX BC, with fighter escort, strikes fuel dumps at Saint-Gobain, Fournival/Bois-de-Mont, and Compiegne/Clairoix, and troop and equipment concentrations at Rouen; fighters fly ground forces and assault area cover, and armed reconnaissance in the Rouen, Dijon, Chatillon-sur-Seine and S Loire areas; HQ 323BG(M) and 453d, 454th, 455th and 456BS(M) move from Beaulieu, England to Lessay with B-26s; and the 15TRS, 10PRG, moves from Rennes to Chateaudun with F-6s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 470+ bombers escorted by P-38s and P-51s attack targets in Italy and Rumania; B-17s hit viaducts and bridges at Venzone, Avisio, and Latisana, Italy; in Rumania, B-24s hit a train ferry and terminal at Giurgiu, Otopeni Airfield, barracks and troops in the Baneasa area and a viaduct at Borovnica.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): During the night of 25/26 Aug fighter-bombers on armed reconnaissance over the W Po Valley, Italy, and over the Nice, France area bomb vehicles and other targets of opportunity, and during the day bomb ammunition dumps in SE France and in NC Italy; in France, medium bombers hit guns in the Marseille area but several missions into the Rhone Valley are aborted due to bad weather; fighter-bombers and fighters fly armed reconnaissance over N Italy and SE France, attacking rail lines, roads, guns, vehicles, and other targets of opportunity. PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA) AAF, POA (7AF): Saipan Island-based B-24s bomb the airfield on Iwo Jima Island. P-47s blast AA guns and troops on Pagan and Aguijan Islands. A B-24 on armed reconnaissance bombs Woleai Atoll and Yap Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Palau Islands, B-24s bomb Koror and Peleliu Airfields. Other B-24s bomb Haroekoe and Liang Airfields on Ambon Island. In New Guinea, A-20s in close ground support hit troop concentrations in the Sarmi sector; fighter-bombers hit targets of opportunity in the Wewak and Suain areas; P-39s maintain patrols over the W shore of Geelvink Bay; HQ 348FG moves from Wakde Island to Noemfoor Island; the 6th and 21TCSs, 374th TCG, move from Garbutt Field and Archerfield, Australia respectively to Nadzab with C-47s; and the 823BS(M), 38BG(M), moves from Nadzab to Biak Island with B-25s.

 SUNDAY, 27 AUGUST 1944

NOTE: A number in parenthesis after a target name indicates the number of bombers attacking.

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 5 B-24s bomb and photograph Kashiwabara, Parmushiru Island in 2 raids; and 4 B-25s on a shipping sweep E of the N Kurile Islands bomb and strafe picket boats damaging 1 and leaving another sinking.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 23 P-47s support ground forces in the Pinbaw area, hitting Kondangyi and troops and strongpoints near Pinbaw; and the 90FS, 80FG, moves from Moran, India to Tingkawk Sakan with P-47s. In India, the 2Combat Cargo Squadron, 1Combat Cargo Group, arrives at Sylhet from the US with C-47s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 7 B-25s bomb Hengyang, Tien Ho, White Cloud, and Pailochi Airfields; 9 others hit road and river traffic in the Yoyang, Hankow, Changsha, and Hengyang areas; 120+ P-40s and P-51s hit targets of opportunity in the above areas plus Yangtien, Chachiang, Anjen, Leiyang, Sintsiang, Siangsiang, and Siangtan, damaging or destroying numerous trucks, many rivercraft and hitting several troop concentrations.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Two major missions are flown against Berlin and strategic targets in N and C Germany; 3 bombers and 10 fighters are lost:

Mission 583: 426 B-17s are dispatched but encounter very high clouds over Denmark and N Germany and are recalled; 5 hit Ausum Airfield, 4 hit targets of opportunity and 1 hits Flensburg marshalling yard; 2 B-17s are lost and 16 damaged; 9 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 180 of 194 P-51s; 3 P-51s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 2 damaged; 1 pilot is KIA and 3 MIA.

Mission 584: 777 bombers and 351 fighters are dispatched: 1. Of 371 B-17s dispatched, targets hit are Esbjerg Airfield (60), Emden marshalling yards and docks (37), Wilhelmshaven (34), Heligoland Island (11), Island of Fano (1) and Island of Sylt (1); 1 B-17 is lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 54 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 5 WIA and 10 MIA. Escort is provided by 156 of 167 P-51s; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft in the air and 1-0-0 on the ground; 7 P-51s are lost and 1 damaged; 7 pilots are MIA. 2. 34 of 406 B-24s hit Heligoland Island; 3 B-24s are damaged. Escort is provided by 169 P-38s and P-51s; 7 P-51s are damaged. 316 of 326 P-47s fly fighter-bomber mission s against transport in E France; they claim 14-0-4 aircraft on the ground; 1 P-47 is lost (pilot is MIA).

Mission 585: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France and the Netherlands during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, the IX BC attacks troop concentrations in the Rouen area, Rouen bridge, Boulogne-sur- Mer/Boursin navigational beam station, and Bucy-les-Pierrepont and Foret de Samoussy fuel dumps; fighters cover ground forces and fly sweeps and armed reconnaissance in the Senlis area and S of the Loire River claiming 16 aircraft (11in the air) destroyed, and losing 6; the 31Photographic RS, 10PRG, moves from Rennes to Chateaudun with F-5s; the 112th Liaison Squadron, 9AF, moves from Heston, England to Jullouville with L-5s; and the 395th and 396FSs, 368FG, moves from Cardonville to Chartres with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 530+ fighter-escorted bombers attack targets in Germany and Italy; the B-17s hit an oil refinery in Blechhammer, Germany; the B-24s also hit an oil refinery in Blechhammer and in Italy, a railroad bridge at Ferrara, and viaducts at Avisio, Venzone, and Borovnica.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In France, medium bombers hit gun emplacements in the Marseille area and the 111th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, XII Tactical Air Command, moves from Borgo, Corsica to St Rahael with F-6s. In Italy, medium bombers attack bridges at Berceto; fighterbombers continue armed reconnaissance in the Po Valley and over roads leading N from the battle line N of the Arno River; A-20s bomb targets of opportunity in the Po Valley during the night of 26/27 Aug, fly armed reconnaissance and during the day hit ammunition stores in NC Italy; and the detachment of the 12(Photo)RS, 3(Photo)G (R), moves from Cecina to Malignano with F-5s (the squadron is based at Follonica).

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): A Saipan Island-based B-24 bombs Iwo Jima Island while another, after photo reconnaissance of Woleai Atoll, bombs Yap Island. P-47s bomb AA positions on Pagan Island and strafe buildings on Alamagan Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In New Guinea, fighter-bombers hit Miti and airfields at Babo, Ransiki, Sagan, and Manokwari; fighter-bombers hit bivouacs near Boram, troops between Abau and Boikin, and a fuel dump and barges at Kairiru Island; and the 75BS(M), 42BG(M), moves from Stirling Island to Hollandia with B-25s.

 MONDAY, 28 AUGUST 1944

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): Brigadier General Haywood S Hansell, Jr assumes command of the XXI BC at Peterson Field, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Brigadier General Lauris Norstad succeeds Hansell as Chief of Staff of the 20AF.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 4 P-47s bomb a tank pool at Momauk, while 5 others hit Myintha; and 2 P-47s support ground forces in the Pinbaw area.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 8 B-25s bomb Tien Ho, White Cloud, Hankow, and Pailochi Airfields; 8 more attack river and road traffic from Chiuchiang to Hankow and from Hengyang to Puchi; 32 P-40s pound targets of opportunity at Hengyang and Pailochi; 23 P-40s attack Taying storage buildings and 10 P-40s and P-51s hit Anjen and nearby targets of opportunity; and HQ 311FG moves from Tingkawk Sakan, Burma to Pungchacheng.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Weather prevents heavy bomber operations; 835 fighters are dispatched on fighter-bomber and strafing attacks on rail targets in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany: 20 fighters are lost: 1. 174 of 260 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s attack transportation targets on the German/French border; they claim 12-1-0 aircraft in the air and 3-0-4 on the ground; 1 P-38 is lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 1 P-38 and 1 P-47 damaged; 1 pilot is MIA. 2. 143 of 195 P-38s and P-47s hit transportation targets in France, Belgium and the Netherlands; they claim 4-0-0 aircraft in the air and 3-0-2 on the ground; 3 P-47s are lost (pilots MIA) and 2 damaged. 3. An unknown number of 380 P-51s strafe transportation targets on the French/German border; they claim 3-0-0 aircraft in the air and 5-0-2 on the ground; 16 P-51s are lost and 12 damaged; 15 pilots are MIA.

Mission 588: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France and the Netherlands during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, B-26s and A-20s escorted by fighters bomb fuel dumps at Doullens, Barisis-aux-Bois, an ammunition dump at Querrieu, an ammunition and fuel dump at Compiegne/Foret de Laigue, and an alcohol distillery and fuel storage depot at Hamm; fighters escort about 400 C-47s on supply and evacuation runs, attack airfields at Bourges and Peronne, support ground forces, and fly armed reconnaissance from Amiens to E of Dijon; the 155(Photo)RS, 10th Photographic Group(R), moves from Rennes to Chateaudun with A-20s and F-3s; the 422NFS, IX Air Defense Command, moves from Maupertus to Chateaudun with P-61s; the 507FS, 404FG, moves from Chapelle to Bretigny with P-47s; and the 514FS, 406FG, moves from Cretteville to St Leonard with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 560+ bombers escorted by P-38s and P-51s strike targets in Austria, Hungary and Italy; B-17s hit Moosbierbaum oil refinery and adjacent chemical works in Austria; B-24s hit an oil refinery at Szony and marshalling yards at Miskolc, Hungary; and railroad bridges and viaducts at Szolnok, Hungary; and Zambana, Avisio, and Ora Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): B-25s bomb railroad bridges in the Lyon, France area. In Italy, B-26s destroy several airplanes at Villafranca di Verona Airfield and a bridge at Parma; A-20s hit motor transport and other targets of opportunity during the night of 27/28 Aug, fly armed reconnaissance over the Po Valley and blast a command post SE of Genoa; fighter-bombers hit vehicles in the Rhone Valley of France, bomb and strafe roads and bridges in the battle area N of Arno River and hit shipping in Imperia and Savona harbors.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based B-24s pound Iwo Jima Island by day and night. P-47s hit Pagan and Maug Islands, Mariana Islands. A B-24 on armed reconnaissance bombs Yap Island. Gilbert Island-based B-25s strike Ponape Island; Marshall Islands-based B-24s hit Truk Atoll.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Palau Islands, B-24s hit the airfield on Koror Island, and the seaplane base on Arakabesan Island. A-20s and fighter-bombers attack small vessels along the E coast of Ceram Island. In New Guinea, fighter-bombers hit Kokas, vessels off Point Karakra, barracks at Nabire, storage facilities at Moemi and Manokwari and Boram fuel dumps.

 TUESDAY, 29 AUGUST 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 B-25s attack targets in Katha and hit 2 bridges just N of the town area; 8 P-51s attack Bilumyo; 5 P-47s destroy a road bridge at Mainghka and 5 others hit buildings in Bhamo; and HQ 80FG moves from Nagaghuli, India to Tingkawk Sakan.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 24 B-24s escorted by 45 fighters, blast railroad yards at Yoyang; 15 B-25s bomb Pailochi, White Cloud, Tien Ho, and Hankow Airfields; 10 others hit trucks and other targets of opportunity from Hengyang to Yoyang, from Hankow to Chinchiang, and near Anjen; 18 P-40s hit a storage area and targets of opportunity around Tangyang; 17 attack trucks and buildings from Siangtan to Changsha; 14 P-40s claim 8 fighters downed over Shayang; 22 others attack trucks, supplies, and troops at Wuhu, Ichang, S of Isuho, SW of Lungling, and N of Hengshan; and the 491 BS(M), 341BG(M), based at Yankai, sends a detachment to operate from Liuchow with B-25s.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): Major General Curtis Emerson LeMay becomes Commanding General XX BC with HQ at Kharagpur, India.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Bad weather restricts bomber operations. 104 of 202 P-38s and P-47s attack transportation targets in France, Belgium and Germany; 2 airfields, 3 marshalling yards, rail lines at several points, and a large number of rail and road vehicles are attacked; they claim 20-0-7 aircraft on the ground; 3 P-47s are lost (pilots are MIA): and 8 damaged.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, bad weather allows only minimum bomber and fighter operations; B-26s attack 1fuel dump while a few fighters fly sweeps over NW France; 100+ C-47s complete supply and evacuation missions; HQ 48FG and 492d, 493and 494FSs move from Deux Jumeaux to Villacoublay with P-47s; HQ 67th Tactical RG and 107th and 109TRSs move from Le Molay to Toussus le Noble with F-6s. HQ 404FG and the 506FS move from Chapelle to Bretigny with P-47s; HQ 474FG moves from Neuilly to St Marceau; and the 586BS(M), 394BG(M), moves from Holmsley, England to Tour-en-Bassin with B-26s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 550 bombers strike targets in Italy, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Yugoslavia; in Italy, communications targets in the Po Valley and railway bridges at Ferrara, Salzano, and Ferrara; in Czechoslovakia, oil refineries and communications targets in the Silesian Plain, including the Bohumin area, steel works and marshalling yard, Moravska-Ostrava marshalling yard, oil refineries and industrial area including, tank works, and marshalling yards; in the Hungarian Plain, marshalling yards at Szolnok and Szeged, and a railway bridge at Szeged; and in Yugoslavia, a railway bridge at Borovnica; P-38s bomb Latisana Bridge, Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers hit 4 bridges and a viaduct in NE Italy while A-20s hit a fuel station; fighterbombers hit roads and bridges in N Italy and support ground forces in the Arno River Valley; P-47s fly medium bomber escort and armed reconnaissance, claiming 100 vehicles destroyed. In France, fighters attack targets in the Rhone Valley; and the 316FS, 324FG, moves from Corsica to Le Luc with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based B-24s bomb Iwo Jima and Pagan Islands during the evening. P-47s strafe AA positions on Pagan Island while a B-24 on armed reconnaissance bombs Yap Island. Gilbert Island-based B-25s bomb Nauru Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Palau Islands, B-24s bomb Koror, and Malakal Islands, a seaplane base on Arakabesan Island, and supply area N of Ingesebus Airfield. B-24s bomb barracks at Amboina on Ambon Island and P-38s hit a seaplane base at Halong on the Celebes Island. In New Guinea, the 22TCS, 374th Troop Carrier Group, moves from Garbutt Field, Australia to Finschhafen with C-47s; and the 868BS(H), 13AF, moves from Los Negros Island to Noemfoor Island with B-24s (the squadron uses airborne radar for low-level attacks at night and PFF operations).

 WEDNESDAY, 30 AUGUST 1944

NOTE: A number in parenthesis after a target name indicates the number of bombers attacking.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): Several P-47s bomb and strafe the town of Man Sai, Burma. The 3Combat Cargo Squadron, 1Combat Cargo Group, arrives at Sylhet, India from the US with C-47s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, B-25s attack Hengyang, Pailochi, and Hankow Airfields, roads in the Nanyo and Changsha areas, and boats between Changsha and Hengyang, and Kichun and Wuhsueh; in the Kweiyi and Sintsiang areas 33 P-40s claim 58 trucks destroyed, 175 damaged, and at least 100 Japanese killed; 10 P-51s hit scattered targets of opportunity in the same areas; 21 P-40s hit barracks, trucks, and a bridge in the Siangsiang and Siangtan region; and 34 P-40s and P-51s attack a variety of targets, including railroad traffic and facilities, occupied areas, and trucks, at Yangtien, between Hengshan and Nanyo, NE of Ichang, SW Hengshan, and near Hengyang.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Three missions are flown.

Mission 590: 107 of 159 B-17s and 108 of 145 B-24s dispatched hit 8 V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais area of France; one wing uses GH and H2X methods; 22 bombers are damaged. Escort is provided by 16 of 16 P-51s without loss.

Mission 591: Later in the day, 637 B-17s are dispatched to bomb the U-boat base and shipyards at Kiel (282), and aircraft plant and other industry in the Bremen area (327); 4 others hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 136 damaged. Escort is provided by 258 of 294 P-51s without loss.

Mission 592: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France and Belgium during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, about 75 A-20s and B-26s bomb a fuel dump near Arques-la-Bataille, Rouxmesnil-Bouteilles, and gun positions around Ile de Cezembre; weather grounds the fighters; HQ 84FW moves from Criqueville to Aillieres; HQ 100FW moves from Rennes to Le Mans; the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command (attached to Third Army), moves from Courcy to St Maurice-aux-Riches-Hommes with L-5s; the 33(Photo)RS, 67th Tactical RG, moves from Le Molay to Toussus le Noble with F-5s; the 313FS, 50FG, moves from Meautis to Orly with P-47s; and the 596BS(M), moves from Hurn, England to Gorges with B-26s. The 82TCS, 436th Troop Carrier Group, that has been operating from Voltone Airfield, Italy, returns to base at Membury, England with C-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 100+ B-24s and B-17s hit targets in Yugoslavia; the B-17s bomb railroad bridges at Novi Sad and Vranjeco; the B-24s attack bridges at Cuprija. Nearly 100 P-51s strafe airfields at Kecskemet, Hungary and Oradea, Rumania.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Weather grounds the medium bombers; A-20s hit targets of opportunity during the night of 29/30 Aug and fuel storage while fighter-bombers pound roads and railroads in the Po Valley in Italy and, on armed reconnaissance over the Rhone Valley in France, attack rail lines and motor and horsedrawn vehicles, as US Seventh Army elements continue up the Rhone Valley toward Lyon. HQ 27FG and 522d, 523and 524FSs move from Le Luc to Salon, France with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): A B-24 on armed reconnaissance from Saipan Island bombs Yap Island. P-47s strafe positions and storage areas on Pagan Island. Kwajalein Atoll-based B-24s hit Mille Atoll.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): Koror and Malakal Islands are pounded by B-24s. B-24s hit Wasile Bay storage and personnel areas in the Moluccas Islands while B-25s make a low-level attack on Kaoe town on Halmahera Island. P-38s bomb oil tanks, barracks, and AA positions at Boela, Ceram Island. In New Guinea, P-47s hit Urarom runway and Manokwari storage area, P-38s bomb airfields at Babo and Ransiki, and P-39s hit targets of opportunity along the W coast of Geelvink Bay; HQ 58FG moves from Saidor to Noemfoor Island; and HQ 403TCG moves from Espiritu Santo Island to Los Negros Island.

 THURSDAY, 31 AUGUST 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-25s bomb targets of opportunity at Katha and 3 hit bridges at Bawgyo and Hsenwi.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 12 B-24s bomb Takao harbor, damaging the dock area and claiming 2 tankers sunk; 14 B-25s attack Tien Ho, White Cloud, Kai Tek, and Hengyang Airfields; 8 B-25s attack numerous trucks S of Sintsiang and near Sinshih, hit roads S of Nanyo and damage a freighter near Sinshih; and 60+ fighter-bombers attack trucks, barracks, supplies, rivercraft, bridges and troops in or near Sinshih, Changsha, Yangtien, Hengyang, Nanyo, Siangtan, Teian, and Shihhweiyao.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 594: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night. 37 B-24s and C-47s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 99 B-26s and A-20s bomb an ammunition dump at Foret d'Arques and gun positions at Ile de Cezembre; fighters fly armed reconnaissance in the Amiens, Saint-Quentin, Albert, and Arras areas, ground forces cover for 3 armored divisions, battleship cover, and also dive-bomb Ile de Cezembre; HQ 70FW moves from Aillieres to Versailles; the following squadrons assigned to the 67th Tactical RG move: 30(Photo)RS from Le Molay to Toussus le Noble with F-5s; and the 109th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron from Toussus le Noble to Buc with F-6s; the 386th and 387th Fighter Squadrons, 365FG move from Azeville to Lignerolles with P-47s; the 587BS(M), 394BG(M), moves from Holmsley, England to Tour-en-Bassin with B-26s; and the 597th, 598th and 599BS(M), 397BG(M), move from Hurn, England to Gorges with B-26s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Rumania, 45 P-51s strafe the airfield at Reghin, while 97 others strafe airfields at Oradea and Kecskemet, Hungary; fighters claim a record number of 150+ aircraft destroyed on the ground; and starting Operation REUNION (the evacuation of US airmen interned in Rumania), 36 B-17s evacuate US airmen from Bucharest (which falls to the Soviet Army today) to Bari, Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack railroad bridges in the Po Valley, cutting the bridge at Mira; and A-20s attack targets of opportunity in the Po Valley during the night of 30/31Aug and along with fighter-bombers hit communications N of the Arno River. Other fighter-bombers attack communications targets in France as the US Seventh Army pushes toward Lyon.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based P-47s strafe gun positions at the airfield on Pagan Island. Yap and Pagan Islands are bombed by single B-24s.

SEPTEMBER 1944

A number in parenthesis after a target name indicates the number of bombers attacking.

 FRIDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A B-24 bombs Kashiwabara on Paramushiru Island, Kurile Islands during the night of 31Aug/1Sep; a B-25 bombs a shack on the SW coast of Paramushiru Island and sinks a nearby ship; and 5 other B-25s on this

Mission turn back due to overcast.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): A few P-47s attack Bhamo, Burma and strafe river boats in the area. In India, the 164th, 165th and 166th Liaison Squadrons (Commando), with UC-64s and L-5s, and the 319th Troop Carrier Squadron (Commando), with C-47s, are activated at Asansol and assigned to the 1Air Commando Group.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 4 B-24s claim a small freighter sunk in Formosa Strait; 12 B-25s bomb Kai Tek Airfield, Hong Kong, and a supply depot S of Canton; B-25s hit a road S of Nanyo, a runway at Hengyang, and targets of opportunity near Anjen; 61 P-40s and P-51s attack bridges, roads, shipping, airfields, troops, and other targets of opportunity at or near Yangtien, Nanyo, Hengyang, Anjen, Changning, and Chiuchiang; and the 35(Photo)RS, 14AF, moves from Guskhara, India to Kunming with F-5s. During Sep, the 528FS, 311FG, based at Shwangliu, China with P-51s, sends detachments to operate from Hanchung and Liansshan.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 3 missions are flown. 1.

Mission 595: 679 B-17s and 294 B-24s are dispatched to hit Ludwigshafen, Haguenan, Gustavsburg, Mainz and Hallach, Germany and Foret de Haguenan, France; high clouds are encountered over France and the mission is recalled; 1 B-17 bombs Hallach; 2 B-17s and 1 B-24 are damaged beyond repair and 5 B-17s are damaged; 30 airmen are KIA and 2 WIA. Escort is provided by 508 P-38s and P-51s; 3 P-51s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; 2 pilots are MIA. 2.

Mission 597: 12 of 12 Azon-equipped B-24s hit the Ravenstein rail bridge, the Netherlands without loss. Escort is provided by 15 of 15 P-51s. 3.

Mission 599: 3 of 3 B-17s fly a Micro H

Mission to attack a fuel dump in the Bois del la Haussiere, Belgium without loss. Escort is provided by 2 of 2 P-51s. VIII Fighter Command fighter-bomber mission s: 1. 265 of 273 P-47s attack railroads in N and NE France; they claim 5-0-2 aircraft on the ground; 3 P-47s are lost (pilots are MIA), 1 damaged beyond repair and 28 damaged. 2. 33 of 33 attack targets in the Brussels, Belgium area without loss. 31 of 44 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ IX Troop Carrier Command comes under administrative control of HQ US Strategic AFs in Europe (USSTAF): and under operational control of HQ First Allied Airborne Army, to increase efficiency, especially for planning, training, and preparation of airborne operations. Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) now can deal directly with all elements of an airborne force through a single unified command instead of through various army groups and AFs [i.e. 12th and 21Army Groups, 9AF, and RAF components]. In France, B-26s attack fortifications in the Brest area which artillery fire had been unable to reduce; escorting fighters fly sweeps and armed reconnaissance in N and E France, and fly cover for 6 divisions in the Amiens, Saint-Quentin, Cambrai, Reims, and Verdun areas and the Brussels, Belgium area; the 125LS, 9AF (attached to Ninth Army) moves from Erlestokes, England to St Sauveur-Lendelin with L-5s; the 425NPS, IX Air Defense Command, moves from Vannes to Le Moustoiris with P-61s; and the 556th, 557th, 558th and 559BSS(M), 387BG(M), move from Stony Cross, England to Maupertuis with B-26s. During Sep, HQ IX Fighter Command moves from Canisy, France to Charleroi, Belgium.

MTO - AAF, MTO: In France, the flight of the 72Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO, operating from Caserta, Italy with L-5s returns to base at Brignoles; and the 121Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO, based at Pomigliano, Italy sends "A" Flight to operate from St Tropez with L-4s and L-5s. During Sep, the detachment of the 16RS (Heavy, Special), AAF, MTO, operating from Borgo, Corsica with B-17s, returns to base at Foggia, Italy (the squadron serves as a radar detection and ECM unit in the

MTO - until 26 Sep 44).

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 480+ B-17s and B-24s attack targets in Italy, Hungary and Yugoslavia; B-24s attack Boara Pisani, Italy; in Yugoslavia, B-17s and B-24s attack railroad bridges at Tesica/Moravac, Mitrovica, and Kraljevo, marshalling yards at Novi Sad and the airfield at Nish; in Hungary B-24s attack railroad bridges at Szolnok, and Mezotur, marshalling yards at Szajol, Debreczen, and Berettyoujfalu; 51 P-51 s successfully strafe Debreczen Airfield, Hungary; 16 B-17s evacuate interned US airmen from Rumania; fighters support bombing and evacuation missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy during the night of 31 Aug/1Sep A-20s hit gun positions and targets of opportunity in the W Po Valley; weather grounds B-26s during the day but B-25s score excellent results against road and railroad bridges N and NE of Venice; fighter-bomber and fighters bomb and strafe roads, troop concentrations, supply dumps, and German HQ in the battle area N of Florence, and fly armed reconnaissance from Ventimiglia along the coast to La Spezia; and the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, 62FW, moves from Pomigliano to Rosignano with Mosquitos leaving a detachment at Pomigliano. In France, the 23Photographic RS, 5(Photo)RG [attached to 3PRG] and based at Borgo, Corsica with F-5s begins operating from Le Luc; the 314th and 315FSs, 324th FG, move from Le Luc to Istres with P-47s; and the 415th Night FS, 64FW, moves from Solonzara, Corsica to Le Vallon with Beaufighters.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Mariana Islands, Saipan Island-based P-47s carry out rocket and strafing strike against Pagan Island. In the Caroline Islands, a lone B-24 on armed reconnaissance bombs Yap Island and Marshall Island-based B-24s bomb Truk Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): 50+ B-24s bomb Sasa, Matina, and Likanan Airfields on Mindanao Island, Philippine Islands; others, failing to reach Mindanao, hit Beo in the Talaud Islands. Fighterbombers hit Boela and Amahai Airfield on Ceram Island, Moluccas Islands. In New Guinea, A-20s, P-40s and B-25s bomb runways at Babo and Urarom; and HQ 374TCG moves from Townsville, Australia to Nadzab.

 SATURDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 B-25s hit targets along the Burma Road S of Wanling, including the road itself and bridges at Kawnghka and Namhpakka; another B-25 hits an alternate target, an area in Indaw; and 24 B-24s haul fuel to Kunming, China.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 2 B-25s bomb the runway at Hengyang Airfield; 30 P-40s attack gun positions, troop concentrations, and sampans in the Hengyang and Changning areas; 20 P-40s hit similar targets S of Changsha, W of Pengtse, and in the Siangtan area; and 12 P-51s damage a bridge at Yangtien.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Missin 596: 34 of 36 P-47s strafe gun positions and road and rail traffic in the Bruges-Ghent-Courtrai-Roulers, Belgium area; 2 P-47s are damaged beyond repair and 7 are damaged. 2 C-47s fly CARPETBAGGER missions to France.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, weather grounds the bombers; fighters fly armed reconnaissance and area support to ground forces in Belgium and NW, NE, and E France; HQ IX Tactical Air Command, moving with HQ US First Army, moves from Haleine to Versailles; the 153Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command, moves from Maillebois to Sy Cyr with L-5s; the 428th, 429th and 430FSs, 474FG, move from Neuilly to St Marceau with P-38s; and the 508FS, 404th FG, moves from Chapelle to Bretigny with P-47s.

MTO - AAF, MTO: The 72Liaison Squadron, AAF,

MTO - (attached to Seventh Army), moves from Brignoles to Grenoble, France with L-5s.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): HQ XV Fighter Command (Provisional) is activated and given control of the 306FW and it's 7 FGs; in Yugoslavia, 380+ B-24s hit the Kraljevo railroad bridge and marshalling yard, a railroad bridge at Mitrovica, road a bridge at Supovac, and 3 marshalling yards at Nish; 27 P-38s dive-bomb the Cuprija road bridge while 57 P-38s and 112 P-51s strafe roads and railways in the Nish and Belgrade areas; other P-51s escort Nish and Supovac bombing missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb 3 bridges in the Po Valley, following a raid during the night of 1/2 Sep by A-20s which hit a pontoon bridge and targets of opportunity in the Valley; and fighterbombers blast roads, bridges and gun emplacements in Po Valley, docks at Savona, and shipping off shore. In France, fighter-bombers, hampered by poor weather, hit barracks and rail lines in the Lyon area; and HQ 324th Fighter Group moves from Le Luc to Istres.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 2 Saipan Island-based B-24s hit Yap and Pagan Islands. P-47s hit AA positions on Pagan Island with rocket and strafing attacks. Marshall Islands-based B-25s bomb Ponape Island, Caroline Islands and Nauru Island, Gilbert Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Mindanao Island, 24 B-24s bomb supply and personnel areas at Lasang, 12 B-24s hit shipyards and personnel areas at Bunawan, and 22 B-24s hit Likanan Airfield. B-25s hit warehouses and shipyards along Lembeh Strait, while other B-25s hit a position near Pitoe Airfield on S Morotai Island, Moluccas Islands. B-24s bomb Koror Island, Palau Islands. In New Guinea, fighter-bombers hit the Sorong area and forces at Cape Pus and Boikin.

 SUNDAY, 3 SEPTEMBER 1944

CBI THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 4 B-25s attack and slightly damage the Tabpalai Bridge NE of Hsipaw; 1 B-25 knocks out the center span of a railroad bridge in the area and another causes considerable damage at Indaw. In India, HQ 33FG moves from Pungchacheng, China to Nagaghuli; and the 4th Combat Cargo Squadron, 1Combat Cargo Group, arrives at Sylhet from the US with C-47s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 12 B-24s pound marshalling yards at Nanking; 7 B-25s destroy at least 45 trucks and damage about 100 others during armed reconnaissance from Hengyang to Tungting Lake and Yoyang; 2 others bomb Hengyang Airfield; 100+ P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s attack troops, railroad targets, bridges, and other targets of opportunity in areas around Changning, Hengyang, Sungpai, Chuki, Yangtien, Hengshan, and in French Indochina, near Haiphong, and in the Red River Valley.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown. 1.

Mission 601: 393 of 404 B-17s make a visual attack on 16 gun batteries and defensive installations in the Brest, France area; 2 B-17s are lost and 13 damaged; 16 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 15 of 16 P-51s without loss. Bad weather cancels fighter-bomber mission by 50 P-38s against strongpoints in the Brest area. 2. 345 B-17s are dispatched to bomb the Ludwigshafen/Opau synthetic oil plant in Germany (325); 1 hits a target of opportunity and 5 drop leaflets; 1 B-17 is lost and 103 damaged; 9 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 233 of 254 P-51s; they claim 7-0-1 aircraft; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA) and 2 damaged. 125 of 127 P-47s strafe transportation targets in the Tilburg, the Netherlands, Namur, Belgium and Cologne, Germany areas; they claim 0-0-1 aircraft on the ground; 1 P-47 is lost (pilot MIA), 1 damaged beyond repair and 18 damaged; 1 pilot is WIA. 40 B-24s and 4 C-47s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, B-26s and A-20s supporting ground troops pound strongpoints and bridges in the Brest area; fighters fly armed reconnaissance, ground support, and sweeps in N and E France, Belgium, and W Germany; HQ 365FG and the 386th, 387th and 388FSs move from Lignerolles to Bretigny with P-47s; and the 125LS, 9AF (attached to Ninth Army), moves from St Sauveur-Lendelin to Rennes with L-5s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 300+ B-17s and B-24s hit key escape routes of retreating German forces in the Balkans, and bomb rail communications and supply lines S from Budapest, Hungary, 3 bridges in the Belgrade, Yugoslavia area, bridges at Szajol and Szeged, Hungary, and badly damage ferry docks at Smederovo, Yugoslavia; 3 B-17s evacuate interned airmen from Bucharest, Rumania; 40 P-38s divebomb the Smederovo ferry and strafe Kovin and Baviniste, Yugoslavia airfields and a landing ground, destroying many parked aircraft, motor transport, vehicles, and fuel tanks; and 75 P-51s strafe roads, railroads, vehicles, bivouac areas, railroad repair shops, and miscellaneous targets in the Skoplje-Nish-Krusevac-Belgrade, Yugoslavia areas. HQ 306FW moves from Torremaggior to Lesina, Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers pound railroad and road bridges in the W Po Valley while fighter-bombers blast motor transport and rolling stock in the Turin area; and on the night of 2/3 Sep A-20s on armed reconnaissance, start fires in Genoa harbor. In France, fighter-bombers blast German vehicles retreating up the Rhone Valley; the capture of Lyon is completed by French elements of the US Seventh Army; and the 316FS, 324FG, moves from Le Luc to Istres with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based B-24s bomb Iwo Jima Island, Volcano Islands. In the Mariana Islands, P-47s hit Pagan and Maug Islands with rockets. A lone B-24 on armed reconnaissance bombs Yap Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Celebes Island, B-24s pound Langoan Airfield and Lembeh Strait warehouses and shipping. B-25s hit the village of Tobelo on Halmahera Island. Fighter-bombers hit oil tanks and a radio station at Boela on Ceram Island. In New Guinea, fighter-bombers hit Babo, Warren and Nabire Airfields, Manokwari storage and personnel areas, strafe areas along MacCluer Gulf, and fly coastal sweeps in the Wewak area, strafing troops, supplies, and occupied areas; HQ XIII BC moves from Los Negros Island, Admiralty Islands to Wakde Island; and the 20th Combat Mapping Squadron, 6(Photo)RG, moves from Nadzab to Biak Island with B-24s and F-7s.

 MONDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 6 B-25s fly an antishipping sweep close to Paramushiru Island and draw shore-based AA fire; 8 fighters intercept but there are no losses on either side.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 24 B-24s haul 32,000 US gallons (121,133 l): of fuel to Kunming, China; and though heavy rains curtail combat operations, 9 P-47s attack Bhamo and Myothit, Burma.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 12 B-25s blast sampan, barge, and motor launch concentrations in the Kweiyang area; 6 B-25s, with P-51support, pound the Paishul and Lingling areas, considerably damaging the town of Lingling and killing an estimated 60 soldiers and 10 horses; 100+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance kill large numbers of troops and horses, pound river and road traffic, and a variety of other targets of opportunity in the E Burma-SW China region around Changning and Lungling and throughout areas mainly to the S of the Tungting Lake-Yangtze River section of inland SE China, mainly around Hengyang, Lingling, Leiyang, Yangtien, and Kiyang.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Belgium, the British complete the liberation of Brussels and clear most of the resistance from Antwerp. In France, weather prevents bomber activity; fighters fly armed reconnaissance over Belgium, E France, Luxembourg, and E and C Germany, and defensive night patrols over W and NW France; HQ 50FG moves from Meautis to Orly; HQ 367FG and the 393FS move from Criqueville to Peray with P-38s; HQ 406FG and the 512th and 513FSs move from Cretteville to Le Mans with P-47s; and the 14LS XIX Tactical Air Command (attached to Third Army), moves from St Maurice-aux-Riches-Hommes to Marson with L-5s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): HQ 305FW (Provisional) is organized and given control of the 3 P-38 groups of the 306FW. In Italy, almost 400 B-17s and B-24s, with fighter escort, attack submarines in Genoa harbor and hit communications in N Italy including the Avisio viaduct, marshalling yards at Trento, Bronzola, and Ora, and railroad bridges at Ora, Casarsa della Delizia, and Latisana.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s and B-26s hit several road and railroad bridges and tunnel in the Po Valley while fighterbombers strike pontoon bridges, roads, bridges, and motor transport in preparation for an Allied ground assault on the Gothic Line; during the night of 3/4 Sep A-20s on armed reconnaissance of the Po Valley bomb vehicles in the Turin-Milan areas; fighters fly armed reconnaissance and offensive patrols in the Po Valley and the Rhone Valley in France. In France, the 85BS(L), 47BG(L), moves from Poretta, Corsica to Salon with A-20s; and the detachment of the 416th Night FS, 62FW, operating from Tarquinia returns to base at Rosignano with Mosquitos.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 5 B-24s, on armed reconnaissance, snooper mission, and training flight, bomb Iwo Jima Island, Marcus Island in the N Pacific, Yap Island, and Pagan Island. P-47s hit Pagan Island with rockets and strafing attacks. In the Marshall Islands, B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll strike Wotje Atoll.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): Bad weather cancels most large-scale operations. In New Guinea, A-20s and B-25s hit Urarom Airfield and fighter-bombers attack Moemi and hit Napido. During the night of 4/5 Sep B-24s bomb Kendari Airfield on Celebes Island.

 TUESDAY, 5 SEPTEMBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 8 B-25s pound targets at Indaw, Burma, 21 B-24s fly fuel to Kunming, China and numerous other cargo and troop carrier sorties are flown to various CBI terminals.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 25 B-25s pounding Kiyang and Hengyang cause considerable damage in both towns and at the Hengyang Airfield; 6 others attack trucks and other targets of opportunity at the Siangtan ferry crossing, near Hengyang and Kiyang, in the Lingling and Yoyang areas, and at Samshui; 2 more B-25s bomb Kowloon shipyards; 26 P-40s blast concentrations of river junks, troops and horses in the Kiyang-Wangyang area; and other fighter-bombers, operating individually or in flights of 2-10 aircraft, hit a variety of targets of opportunity throughout the Hengyang, Kiyang, Yungfengshih, and Lishui area.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 3 missions are flown:

Mission 605: 739 bombers and 315 fighters are dispatched to SE Germany; 6 bombers are lost; during the mission s, a P-51shoots down a Swiss Bf 109 near Dubendorf. 1. 203 of 218 B-17s attack a Stuttgart aero engine plant and targets of opportunity (4); 2 B-17s are lost and 109 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 5 WIA and 18 MIA. Escort is provided by 147 of 160 P-51s; they claim 19-0-0 aircraft in the air and 14-0-27 on the ground; 2 P-51s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 4 damaged; 2 pilots are MIA. 2. 277 of 303 B-17s hit a Ludwigshafen synthetic oil plant and target of opportunity (1); 2 B-17s are lost and 163 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 11 WIA and 18 MIA. Escort is provided by 155 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA) and 2 damaged. 3. 183 of 218 B-24s hit Karlsruhe marshalling yard and targets of opportunity (2); 2 B-24s are lost, 4 damaged beyond repair and 78 damaged; 22 airmen are MIA.

Mission 606: 143 of 143 B-17s make a visual attack on enemy positions in the Brest, France area; 2 B-17s are lost and 1 damaged; 18 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 21 of 22 P-51s without loss.

Mission 608: 7 of 8 B-17s drop leaflets in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany during the night. 46 B-24s and 2 C-47s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night; 1 B-24 is lost. VIII Fighter Command fighter-bomber mission s: 1. 48 P-38s and 167 P-47s attack transportation targets in W Germany and claim 0-0-2 aircraft in the air and 62-0-30 on the ground; 4 P-47s are lost (pilots MIA), 2 damaged beyond repair and 10 damaged. 2. 67 P-38s and P-47s attack 3 airfields in the Hanau/Giessen, Germany area and claim 2-0-0 aircraft in the air and 66-0-28 on the ground; 1 P-38 and 3 P-47s are lost (pilots are MIA), 1 P-47 damaged beyond repair and 1 P-38 and 3 P-47s damaged.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 300+ B-26s and A-20s bomb strongpoints in the Brest area and a coastal battery at Pointe du Grand Gouin, fighters hit gun positions and other military targets in the Brest area and fly cover for 6 armored and infantry divisions; the 10th and 81 FSs, 50FG, move from Meautis to Orly with P-47s; the 22FS, 36FG, moves from Brucheville to Le Mans with P-47s; and the 394FS, 367FG, moves from Cricqueville to Peray with P-38s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 430+ B-17s and B-24s, with fighter escort, attack communications targets in Hungary and N Italy to impede the withdrawal from the lower Balkans and to disrupt railroad communications in N Italy; targets hit are 2 railroad bridges at Budapest and 1each at Szolnok and Szob, Hungary and a railroad bridge at Ferrara, Italy. B-24s dispatched to Yugoslavia cannot bomb the target because of total cloud cover.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers again strike, with excellent results, road and rail bridges in the Po Valley while fighter-bombers blast rail lines and rolling stock S of the river; A-20s hit the Milan and Genoa areas during the night of 4/5 Sep and attack ammunition stores during the day; fighters support the limited ground force advance in preparation for a major assault on the Gothic Line. In France, fighters fly sweeps through the Rhone Valley; the 23Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5(Photo)RG [attached to 3Photographic Group(R)] moves from Borgo, Corsica to Valence with F-5s (the squadron is operating from Le Luc); the 84th and 86BSs (L), 47BG(L), move from Poretta Airfield, Corsica to Salon with A-20s; the 111TRS, XII Tactical Air Command, moves from St Raphael to Valence with F-6s; and the 314FS, 324FG, moves from Istres to Amberieu with P-47s. The 414NPS, 63FW, moves from Alghero, Sardinia to Borgo, Corsica with Beaufighters.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 20 Saipan Island-based B-24s bomb Iwo Jima Island and 2 others on armed reconnaissance hit Marcus and Yap Islands. P-47s make strafing and rocket attacks on AA positions on Pagan Island. Gilbert Islands-based B-25s attack Nauru and Ponape Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s hit the airfield on Peleliu Island, Palau Islands. Small-scale B-24 strikes hit Kendari Airfield on Celebes Island while fighter-bombers attack Galela and nearby villages on Halmahera Island, Moluccas Islands. Almost 60 B-24s blast Langoan Airfield on Celebes Island while a sizeable B-25 force bombs Djailolo Airfield, several villages, and Kaoe AA positions on Halmahera Island. In New Guinea, fighter-bombers hit Soepiori Peninsula villages and Waren and Moemi Airfields; the 405BS(M), 38BG(M), moves from Nadzab to Biak Island with B-25s; and the 547th Night FS, 5AF, arrives at Oro Bay from the US with P-38s and P-61s.

 WEDNESDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-25s hit Indaw while 3 bomb Katha; 24 B-24s fly about 34,000 US gallons (128,704 l) of fuel to Kunming, China; and large-scale daily troop carrier and cargo operations to a variety of CBI terminals continue.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 20 B-25s pound Yiyang, Lingkuantien railroad yards, trucks N of Lingling, troops and occupied areas around Kiyang and Paishui, and Hengyang Airfield; 45 P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance attack troops, shipping, and communications targets in the Yiyang area, bomb warehouses at Hukow, destroy a fuel barge at Pengtse, hit railroad yards, trucks, troops, and sampans at Kweiyang and Lingkuantien, and attack general targets of opportunity at Yangtien.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 607: 49 P-38s and 165 P-47s strafe rail and highway traffic in the Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and the Aachen and Koblenz, Germany areas; 1 P-38 and 3 P-47s are lost to flak (pilots are MIA) and 5 P-38s and 7 P-47s are damaged. 70 B-24s fly TRUCKIN' missions (carrying cargo to airfields in France).

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, B-26s and A-20s hit Brest area strongpoints, a coastal battery at Pointe du Grand Gouin, defenses at Saint-Pierre-Quilbignon, and a Brest area bridge; fighters hit Brest area gun positions and ammunition dump and fly cover for several armored and infantry divisions; HQ 370FG and the 401, 402 and 485th Fighter Squadrons move from La Vielle to Lonray with P-38s; HQ 474FG moves from St Marceau to Peronne; and the 23FS, 36th Fighter Group, moves from Brucheville to Le Mans with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 542 B-24s attack communications targets in Rumania, Yugoslavia and Hungary and troop and tank concentrations in S Yugoslavia; in Rumania, 2 marshalling yards are hit at Oradea, and 2 nearby bridges over the Sebes Koros River; targets in Yugoslavia are a marshalling yard at Novi Sad, a bridge at Belgrade, and tanks and troops at Leskovac; and a marshalling yard at Nyiregyhaza, Hungary. 2 bombers, with fighter escort, evacuate interned airmen from Bucharest, Rumania.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy during the night of 5/6 Sep A-20s attack targets of opportunity in the Savona and Milan areas. In France during the day, weather grounds XII Tactical Air Command aircraft except for a few fighters based in France which fly armed reconnaissance over the Belfort, Dijon, and Colmar areas, destroying or damaging numerous motor transport and railroad cars and several locomotives, field guns, trailers, and a tank; HQ 324FG and the 315th and 316FSs move from Istres to Amberieu with P-47s; and the 35TCS, 64TCG, based at Ciampino, Italy, begins operating from Istres with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based B-24s strike Iwo Jima Island while P-47s make strafing and rocket runs on AA positions on Pagan Island. B-24s on armed reconnaissance bomb Marcus Island. Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Island-based B-24s bomb Truk Island.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): HQ 498BG(VH),: arrives at Isley Field, Saipan Island from the US.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Mindanao Island, B-24s pound Santa Ana port and B-25s bomb Buayan Airfield in the first medium bomber raid in the Philippine Islands since early 1942; several B-24s, turning back from the Santa Ana strike, bomb Rainis in the Talaud Islands; B-25s hit Galela on Halmahera Island and the S coast of Morotai Island while on Halmahera Island, fighter-bombers hit Kaoe Airfield and bomb a Djailolo Airfield runway. In New Guinea, A-20s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers hit airfields at Manokwari, Moemi, Ransiki, and Waren, and stores and personnel area at Nabire; P-40s attack S Soepiori Island and Napido; P-39s strafe barges and huts at Suain; the 69th, 310th and 311FSs, 58th FG, move from Saidor to Noemfoor Island with P-47s; and the 71 BS(M), 38BG(M), moves from Nadzab to Biak Island with B-25s.

 THURSDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, 6 B-25s on a shipping sweep attack a small fishing fleet between Paramushiru and Onnekotan Islands.

CBI THEATER OF OPERATIONS -

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 22 B-24s fly fuel to Kunming, China and many other troop carrier and cargo sorties are flown to numerous CBI terminals.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 24 B-25s attack town areas, river shipping and trucks in and around Kiyang, Lingling, and Yoyang; 11 B-25s bomb Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields at Canton and 2 bomb the Siangtan ferry; 5 B-24s hit 4 freighters SW of Hong Kong; nearly 100 P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance over vast areas of SE China attack numerous targets of opportunity including troops, railroad targets, river shipping, warehouses, and bridges. In French Indochina, 4 P-38s hit targets of opportunity in the Hanoi-lower Red River area.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, bad weather grounds the bombers; fighters provide air cover for the US 8th and 29th Infantry Divisions; the 391FS, 366FG, moves from Dreux to Laon/Couvron with P-47s; and the 392FS, 367th Fighter Group, moves from Cricqueville to Peray with P-38s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Weather cancels all flying in France and Italy except for weather reconnaissance by a few P-47s. In France, HQ 47BG(L) and the 97BS(L): move from Poretta, Corsica to Salon with A-20s; the 16th and 18th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 64TCG, based at Ciampino, Italy begin operating from Istres with C-47s; and the 23Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5(Photo)RG [attached to 3Photographic Group(R)] ceases operating from Le Luc and returns to base at Valence; at the same time, a detachment begins operating from Satolas-et- Bonce with F-5s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Mariana Islands, Saipan Island-based P-47s make strafing and rocket attacks on Pagan and Aguijan Islands. B-24s on snooper and armed reconnaissance missions hit Iwo Jima and Marcus Islands.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): Ground echelons of the 873d, 874th and 875BSs(VH), 498BG(VH), arrive at Isley Field, Saipan Island from the US (first Mission is 28 Oct).

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s pound Menado area on Celebes Island and B-25s hit Wasile Bay villages on Halmahera Island; other B-24s strike Galela in force while P-38s dive-bomb Djailolo and airfield on Halmahera Island. A-20s bomb Boela Airfield, Ceram Island and B-25s sink a lugger in Bara Bay. In New Guinea, A-20s hit Mongosah Airfield while fighter-bombers hit Manokwari Airstrip and villages in the Schouten Islands and strafe and bomb Wewak Airfield and surrounding areas; and the 25LS, 91Photographic Wing(R), moves from Nadzab to Biak Island with L-5s.

 FRIDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 B-25's bomb Katha; 23 B-24s haul fuel to Kunming, China; large-scale troop carrier operations to many CBI terminals continue.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 18 B-24s attack 5 railroad bridges at Giap Nat, Dui Giang, Hue, Trach, Duc Tho, and Quang Tri, knocking out the Quang Tri bridge. 3 B-24s claim a destroyer sunk S of Hong Kong. In China, 5 B-25s destroy a bridge near Kiyang, bomb Hengyang and Lingling, and damage a bridge near Hengyang; 100+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance hit a large variety of targets of opportunity including troops, river shipping, bridges, airstrips, supplies, trucks, and railroad targets over the vast SE China areas at Lingling, Kiyang, Tunganhsien, Hengyang, Lingkuantien, and Leiyang; HQ 23FG moves from Kweilin to Liuchow.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): In China, 90 Chengtu-based B-29s bomb the Showa Steel Works at Anshan, 3 others bomb other targets in Anshan, 5 hit Sinsiang railroad yards, and 3 others hit various targets of opportunity; Major General Curtis Emerson LeMay, Commanding General XX Bomber Command, accompanies the mission . During the night of 8/9 Sep Japanese bombers attack HQ, storage areas, and parked aircraft at Hsinching (near Chengtu) damaging a B-29, a C-46, and wounding 2 soldiers.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): The first V-2 fired in combat explodes in a Paris suburb; the second strikes a London suburb a few hours later.

Mission 611: 1,070 bombers and 349 fighters are dispatched to hit industrial targets in the Mainz and Ludwigshafen, Germany area; attacks were visual at the primary targets; 10 bombers are lost: 1. 348 of 384 B-17s attack the Ludwigshafen/Opau oil refinery; 5 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 185 damaged; 11airmen are KIA, 15 WIA and 45 MIA. Escort is provided by 88 of 95 P-51s without loss. 2. 247 of 300 B-24s hit Karlsruhe marshalling yard; 1 hits a secondary target at Ludwigshafen; 4 B-24s are lost and 92 damaged; 7 airmen are KIA, 9 WIA and 29 MIA. Escort is provided by 82 of 93 P-51s; 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair. 3. 386 B-17s are dispatched to hit an armored vehicle factory at Gustavsburg (167) and oil depot at Kassel (166); 23 others hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-17 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 132 damaged; 3 airmen are WIA and 9 MIA. Escort is provided by 144 of 161 P-51 s without loss.

Mission 615: 7 of 8 B-17s drop leaflets in the Low Countries, France and Germany during the night. VIII Fighter Command fighter missions: 1. 160 P-38s strafe and bomb rail transportation E of the Rhine River; they claim 7-0-1 aircraft on the ground. 2. 194 P-47s and P-51s strafe targets in the Heidelberg-Darmstadt-Wurzburg and Frankfurt/Main-Koblenz areas; 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost and 9 P-47s and 4 P-51s are damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 2 MIA. A C-47 flies a CARPETBAGGER Mission in France. 110 B-24s fly TRUCKIN'

Mission to Orleans/Bricy Airfield, France.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, weather prevents bomber mission s; fighters fly cover for troops in the Brest area and for the US 2d, 5th, 8th, and 29th Infantry Divisions, and the XX Corps area, escort troop movements and fly defensive patrols; several hundred C-47s fly supply and evacuation missions; HQ IX Air Defense Command moves from Rennes to Versailles; HQ 366FG and the 390FS move from Dreux/Vermouillet to Laon/Couvron with P-47s; HQ 367FG moves from Peray to Clastres; HQ 439TCG and the 91, 92d, 93d and 94TCSs move from Upottery, England to Juvincourt with C-47s; HQ 441TCG and the 99th, 100th, 301 and 302d TCSs move from Merryfield, England to Villeneuve/Vetrus with C-47s.

MTO - AAF, MTO: The 72Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO - (attached to Seventh Army), moves from Grenoble to Lons-le-Saunier with L-5s.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Yugoslavia, 354 B-17s and B-24s escorted by P-38s hit railroad bridges at Brod and Belgrade and marshalling yards at Sarajevo and Nish; 77 P-51s strafe airfields at Ecka, Petrovgrad, Ilandza, and Alibunar; other P-51s escort RAF Beaufighters to Trieste, Italy and Mediterranean Allied Tactical AF (MATAF) C-47s on evacuation missions to Bucharest, Rumania and back to Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In France, A-20s fly supply missions to an airfield near Lyon; fighters strafe the Belfort area, hitting 10 trains with good results, and blast a horse-drawn vehicle convoy near Strasbourg; the 17TCS, 64TCG, based at Ciampino, Italy begins operating from Istres. In Italy, bad weather grounds B-25s and B-26s; P-47s on armed reconnaissance in the Po Valley area attack 2 pontoon bridges and several barges, cut a road, and hit several vehicles and other targets of opportunity; HQ 350FG moves from Corsica to Tarquinia; the detachment of the 23Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5(Photo)RG [attached to the 3d PRG] ceases operating from Le Luc with F-5s and returns to base at Valence.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan-based B-24s bomb Iwo Jima and Pagan Islands and hit shipping at Chichi Jima Island, Bonin Islands. B-25s from the Gilbert Islands hit Ponape Island and B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll bomb Wotje Atoll.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s pound Langoan Airfield, Celebes Island. On Halmahera Island, B-25s hit Galela and Tobelo while B-24s bomb Lolobata and P-47s attack Kaoe Airfield and AA positions, Djailolo Airfield and barges at Point Lelo; P-38s hit Boela, Ceram Island while B-25s hit small shipping at Ceram. In New Guinea, B-24s bomb airfields at Langgoer, Faan, Letfoean, and Toeal; fighter-bombers and A-20s hit airstrips and targets of opportunity at Efman, Samate, Babo, Urarom, Manokwari, Moemi, and Ranski; P-39s strafe the Wewak coastal area; and the 673and 674BS(L), 417BG(L), move from Saidor to Noemfoor Island with A-20s.

 SATURDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 6 B-25s hunt shipping off Paramushiru Island; 4 return to Attu Island, Aleutian Islands with bombs, finding no targets; one hits the mast of a vessel and ditches in the water; the other lands on one engine in Petropavlovsk, USSR; 3 B-24s make an uneventful raid during the night of 9/10 Sep on Kashiwabara, Paramushiru Island; later 2 photo planes escorting 2 bombers over the Kurile Islands on a mapping project are attacked by fighters which inflict no damage.

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): The 29BS(H), VI BC, moves from Howard Field, Canal Zone to Rio Hato, Panama with B-24s.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 B-25s bomb a Japanese HQ and other buildings at Manwing; 17 B-24s run fuel to Kunming, China; numerous other transport sorties are flown to several points in the CBI.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 24 B-25s hit river traffic and troop compounds in areas around Kiyang, Lingling, and Lingkwantien, bomb the towns of Lingling and Samshui, and knock out the W end of a bridge at Lingling; about 50 P-40s and P-51s hit numerous targets of opportunity throughout inland SE China including rivercraft and troop areas around Lingling, Lupao, Tsingyun, Kiyang, Leiyang, and Yungfengshih, and a railroad bridge at Tunganhsien; 5 B-24s over the S China Sea claim 4 freighters sunk or heavily damaged; and the 322TCS, Fourteenth Air Force, is activated at Kunming with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 3 missions are flown.

Mission 613: 68 of 72 B-17s fly Operation GRASSY to drop 180 containers of supplies to French Resistance Fighters 25 miles (40 km) S of Besancon without loss. Escort is provided by 30 of 32 P-51s without loss.

Mission 614: 1,140 bombers and 435 fighters are dispatched to hit targets in W Germany; the primaries are attacked by both visual and PFF means; 14 bombers and 1 fighter are lost: 1. 419 B-17s are dispatched to hit the marshalling yard at Mannheim (387); 2 others hit targets of opportunity; 5 B-17s are lost and 197 damaged; 10 airmen are WIA and 54 MIA. Escort is provided by 140 of 152 P-51s without loss. 2. 337 B-24s are dispatched to hit the marshalling yard at Mainz (265); targets of opportunity are the marshalling yard at Worms (24) and Koblenz (6); 3 B-24s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 104 damaged; 5 airmen are KIA and 33 MIA. Escort is provided by 125 of 128 P-51s without loss. 3. 384 B-17s are dispatched to an armaments plant at Dusseldorf (251); targets of opportunity are Bonn (12), Leverkusen (11) and others (16); 6 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 148 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 3 WIA and 63 MIA. Escort is provided by 142 of 155 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost.

Mission 618: 7 of 7 B-17s drop leaflets on Belgium, France and Germany during the night. VIII Fighter Command fighter-bomber mission s: 1. 44 P-47s sweep the Lingen-Munster-Haltern area to spot flak positions and troop concentrations and strafe an airfield; they claim 1-1-0 aircraft in the air and on the ground. 2. 196 P-47s and P-51s bomb and strafe shipping between the German mainland and Schouwen, Overflakee and Walcheren Islands, the Netherlands, installations on the islands, and rail and road traffic NW and NE of Frankfurt/Main; they claim 13-0-5 aircraft in the air and on the ground; 7 P-47s and 1 P-51 are lost; 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are damaged beyond repair and 14 P-47s and 3 P-51s are damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 7 MIA. 40 B-24s and C-47s fly CARPETBAGGER Mission during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): B-26s fly a leaflet

Mission to coastal France and Belgium. In France, fighters fly escort, furnish ground force cover for the US VIII Corps in the Brest area, the 2d, 5th, and 8th Infantry Divisions of the US Third Army's XX Corps area W of Metz, and fly armed reconnaissance in areas around Nancy, and Aachen, Cologne, Koblenz, Bonn, and Saarbrucken, Germany; fighters also hit bridges at Custines and Pompey; 700+ C-47s fly missions; HQ 71 FW moves from Rennes to Versailles; the 15TRS, 10th Photographic Group(R), moves from Chateaudun to St Dizier with F-6s; the 96TCS, 440TCG, moves from Bottesford, England to Reims with C-47s; the detachment of the 112th Liaison Squadron, 9AF, operating from Valognes with L-5s, returns to base at Jullouville; and the 160TRS, 363Tactical RG, moves from Azeville to Montrevil with F-6s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s achieve excellent results against rail bridges in the E Po Valley while B-25s bomb troop concentrations and supply points S of Bologna; fighter-bombers and fighters attack railways and roads in the Po Valley and from Genoa to Turin; motor transport and rolling stock are bombed and strafed in N Italy and E France, with particular success in the Belfort-Mulhouse-Freiburg, France areas; and the detachment of the 416NPS, 62FW, operating from Pomigliano with Mosquitos, returns to base at Rosignano. In France, the 111TRS, XII Tactical Air Command, moves from Valence to Satolas-et-Bonce with F-6s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): A B-24 on a snooper Mission from Saipan Island bombs Iwo Jima Island during the night of 9/10 Sep. B-25s based in the Gilbert Islands bomb Nauru Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb Mapanget Airfield, Celebes Island. 100+ fighter-bombers and A-20s pound airfields in the Moluccas Islands, i.e., Liang on Ambon Island, Haroekoe on Haroekoe Island, Boela on Ceram Island, and Namlea on Buru Island. B-24s hit Galela Airfield on Halmahera Island. In New Guinea, fighter-bombers hit Moemi, Manokwari, and Ransiki airstrips while B-25s hit Babo Airfield; and HQ 417BG(L) moves from Saidor to Noemfoor Island.

 SUNDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 6 B-25s fly shipping sweep off Suribachi, Kurile Islands.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, troop carrier and cargo hauls continue on a large scale to numerous points in the CBI; 24 B-24s haul fuel to Kunming, China.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 45 B-25s bomb the towns of Kutkai, Ssutang, Samshui, Tunganhsien, Lingling, and Tunghsiangchiao, and hit a fuel dump near Lingling; about 140 P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance over E Burma, SW China, and inland SE China attack a huge number of targets of opportunity including troops, aircraft, river shipping, trucks, runways, bridges, and supply areas; and a flight of the 21Photographic RS, 14AF, based at Kunming, begins operating from Liuchow with F-5s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 4 missions are flown.

Mission 619: 1,144 bombers and 570 fighters are dispatched to targets in the Stuttgart, Germany area; 7 bombers are lost mostly to flak and 5 fighters are lost: 1. 388 B-24s are dispatched and hit secondary targets, the marshalling yards at Ulm (247) and Heilbronn (100); 2 others bomb targets of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 65 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 2 WIA and 10 MIA. Escort is provided by 153 P-38s and P-51s; 2 P-51s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 1 P-38 and 3 P-51s damaged; 1 pilot is KIA and 2 MIA. 2. 385 B-17s are dispatched to hit a tank factory at Nurnberg (173), Giebelstadt Airfield (112) and an aircraft components plant at Furth (60); 8 others hit targets of opportunity; 3 B-17s are lost and 147 damaged; 7 airmen are WIA and 28 MIA. Escort is provided by 221 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft in the air and 38-0-44 on the ground; 3 P-51s are lost and 2 damaged; 3 pilots are MIA. 3. 372 B-17s are dispatched to attack a motor vehicle factory at Gaggenau (140), a jet-propulsion units plant at Zuffenhausen (116) and an engine factory at Sindelfingen (73); 19 others hit targets of opportunity; 3 B-17s are lost, 5 damaged beyond repair and 169 damaged; 9 airmen are WIA and 27 MIA. Escort is provided by 135 of 153 P-51s; they claim 1-1-0 aircraft in the air and 29-0-1on the ground without loss.

Mission 620: 1 B-17 flies a mission to trial the GB-4 radio/visual control bomb against Duren, Germany

Mission 621: 3 of 3 B-17s fly a radar and photo reconnaissance mission over Germany; leaflets are also dropped. 6 of 7 B-17s drop leaflets on France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night. 121 of 135 P-47s strafe airfields and ground and rail traffic in a sweep over the Cologne, Frankfurt/Main, and Kassel areas; they claim 10-0-21 aircraft on the ground; 8 P-47s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 4 damaged; 8 pilots are MIA. 35 B-24s and C-47s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Advance HQ, 9AF, assigns rail lines approaching the Rhine River from the W, N of Karlsruhe, to be attacked by IX and XIX Tactical Air Command fighters in the first of a series of orders setting up rail interdiction programs to cut lines W and E of the Rhine River in Sep and early Oct; changes and additions to targets appear on 12 and 14 Sep when a list of all lines to be cut is published. In France, about 340 B-26s and A-20s hit strongpoints and ammunition stores in the Foret de Haye, Custines rail bridge, and a road bridge over the Mosel River; escorting fighters provide general air cover in the Metz-Nancy area, and support US Third Army ground forces in stemming a counterattack there; 800+ C-47s complete supply and evacuation missions; the southern invading forces and those of the Normandy invasion meet; the City of Luxembourg is liberated; HQ 70FW moves from Versailles to Marchais; and the 153Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command (attached to First Army), moves from St Cyr to Vuel, Belgium with L-5s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Austria, 344 B-17s and B-24s bomb 5 ordnance depots and SE industrial area in Vienna and 2 oil refineries in the area. 88 B-24s escorted by P-38s and P-51s bomb the port of Trieste, Italy. and 45 B-24s, with P-51s escorting, fly a supply

Mission to Lyon, France.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers continue the campaign against railroad bridges in the Po Valley and execute 4 attacks against supply and ammunition dumps; fighter-bombers hit dumps and communications as the ground assault on the Gothic Line commences during the early morning. In France, XII Tactical Air Command fighters and fighterbombers blast communications in the Belfort and Dijon areas, cutting railroads and hitting several trains.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Saipan Island hit Iwo Jima Island and strike shipping near Iwo Jima. Eniwetok Atoll-based B-24s bomb Truk Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Celebes Island, B-24s pound airfields at Langoan and Mapanget and hit Tomohon and the waterfront area of Menado. On Halmahera Island, Lolobata and Hate Tabako Airfields are bombed and areas along Wasile Bay strafed. B-25s, A-20s, and P-38s hit airfields and oil storage at Namlea on Buru Island, and Amahai and Boela on Ceram Island while B-24s hit Laha Airfield, Celebes Island. In New Guinea, A-20s and fighters hit airfields at Samate, Sagan, Nabire, Urarom, Manokwari, Moemi, and Ransiki; the 8(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG, moves from Nadzab to Biak Island with F-5s; and the 672BS(L), 417BG(L), moves from Saidor to Noemfoor Island with A-20s.

 MONDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 4 B-25s on a shipping search sink a small craft off Shimushu Island, Kurile Islands; 2 other B-25s fly a search mission for a B-25 (which force-landed in USSR on 9 Sep but is still reported as missing).

CANADA: The second Quebec conference opens; President Franklin D Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston S Churchill discuss Pacific war plans and completion of the European war.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 12 P-47s hit roads, towns, and general targets of opportunity in the Bhamo, Burma and Tengchung and Lungling, China areas; 23 B-24s fly fuel to Kunming, China; numerous other transport flights throughout the CBI continue. Detachments of the 2 and 4th Combat Cargo Squadrons, 1Combat Cargo Group, based at Sylhet, India, begin operating from Yunnani, China with C-47s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 18 B-24s blast a storage area at Manling; 30 B-25s bomb Tunganhsien and Kiaotow and hit targets of opportunity in the Lingling area; 12 P-40s blast trucks along Burma Road and around Lungling; 59 P-40s and P-51s hit river shipping, railroad targets, troop concentrations, supply dumps, and other targets of opportunity in the Canton- Tungting Lake area.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): HQ 440th Troop Carrier Group moves from Exeter, England to Reims.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Two missions are flown.

Mission 623: 1,131bombers and 440 fighters are dispatched to hit synthetic oil plants and refineries in Germany; AAF encounters an estimated 525 Luftwaffe fighters; 40 bombers and 17 fighters are lost; AAF claim 115-7-23 aircraft in the air and 42-0-43 on the ground: 1. 384 B-17s are dispatched to hit oil refineries at Bohlen (75), Chemnitz (75), Brux (39) and Ruhland (22); the Chemnitz force is an Operation FRANTIC force that along with 64 P-51s, continues on and lands in the USSR; targets of opportunity are a tire plant at Fulda (66), a marshalling yard at Fulda (40) and 16 others; they claim 12-16-1 aircraft; 16 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 94 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 4 WIA and 153 MIA. Escort is provided by 252 of 275 P-51s; they claim 57-2-12 aircraft in the air and 26-0-25 on the ground; 4 P-51s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 5 damaged; 4 pilots are MIA. 2. 351 B-17s are dispatched to hit oil refineries at Merseburg (111) and Lutzkendorf (96); targets of opportunity hit are Eisennach (71), Labejum (12), Rossla (6) and 25 others; they claim 1-1-2 aircraft; 13 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 106 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 21 WIA and 120 MIA. Escort is provided by 247 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 13-0-1 aircraft in the air and 4-0-2 on the ground; 3 P-51s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 2 P-47s and 4 P-51s damaged; 3 pilots are MIA. 3. 396 B-24s are dispatched to hit an engine factory at Hannover (88), oil refineries at Misburg (87) and Magdeburg (33) and an ordinance depot at Magdeburg (27); targets of opportunity hit are Magdeburg (70), Stendal (45), Diepholz (9) and 3 others; they claim 4-8-1 aircraft; 10 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 179 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 13 WIA and 102 MIA. Escort is provided by 164 P-38s and P-51s; they claim 45-5-10 aircraft in the air and 12-0-16 on the ground; 10 P-51s are lost, 4 damaged beyond repair and 7 damaged; 14 pilots are MIA.

Mission 625: 6 of 6 B-17s drop leaflets on France and Germany during the night. 38 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 358 B-26s and A-20s, escorted by fighters, in support of the US Third Army, hit gun positions and strongpoints in the Metz area; in Germany, fighters fly armed reconnaissance over the Lissendorf and Duren areas, and support Third Army ground forces in the Metz area; armored reconnaissance elements of this Army cross into Germany, the first Allied unit to do so; fighters also support ground forces in the Brest, France area; HQ IX Tactical Air Command moves from Versailles to Janoulx, Belgium; HQ 363Tactical RG and the 161 TRS move from Azeville to Le Mans and Montrevil respectively with F-6s; HQ 368FG and the 395th, 396th and 397FSs move from Chartres to Laon/Athies with P-47s; HQ 370th FG and the 402 and 485FSs move from Lonray to Roye/Amy with P-38s; HQ 397BG(M) moves from Gorges to Dreux; the 386th and 388FSs, 365FG, move from Bretigny to Juvincourt with P-47s; the 394FS, 367th Fighter Group, moves from Pera to Clastres with P-38s; the 425th Night Fighter Squadron, IX Air Defense Command, moves from Le Moustoiris to Coulommiers with P-61s; the 506FS, 404FG, moves from Bretigny to Juvincourt with P-47s; and the 510FS, 405th FG, moves from Picauville to St Dizier with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather limits operations to supply

Mission by 54 B-24s to France.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s hit defensive positions as US Fifth Army elements push through N Italian mountain passes toward Gothic Line defenses; B-25s bomb railroad bridges at Vigevano and Canneto sull'Oglio and supply areas; fighter-bombers and fighters attack roads, railroads, guns, supply areas, bridges, and other targets at Vernio, and in the Alessandria, Turin, Piacenza, and Milan areas; and the 65th and 66FSs, 57FG, move from Alto, Corsica to Ombrone, Italy with P-47s. The 522FS, 27FG, moves from Salon to Loyettes, France with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based B-24s bomb Iwo Jima Island and hit shipping off Chici Jima Island. P-47s pound Pagan Island with strafing attacks and rockets.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s hit airfields at Galela and Miti on Halmahera Island. B-25s bomb Kairatoe Airfield and village on Celebes Island and Boela Airfield on Ceram Island while P-38s hit airfields at Namlea on Buru Island and Amahai and oil tanks at Boela, Ceram Island. A-20s and B-25s hit Kaoe Airfield on Halmahera Island and scattered targets of opportunity. In New Guinea, A-20s strike Otawiri, Sagan, Nabire, and Urarom Airfields while fighter-bombers hit airfields and AA guns at Manokwari and Ransiki; the 110TRS, 71 Tactical RG, moves from Tadji to Biak Island with P-40s.

 TUESDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, 6 bombers fly a negative shipping sweep over Shimushu Island; 3 more attack Suribachi Airfield and offshore shipping targets; 1 B-24 flies negative reconnaissance.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 4 B-25s pound buildings in the Katha area; 25 B-24s haul fuel to Kunming, China; 8 P-47s sweep a river from Bhamo to Katha, 3 strafe official buildings at Bhamo, and 16 hit targets of opportunity on the Burma Road from Lungling, China to Wanling to Namhkam and blast gun positions N of Loiwing Airfield.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 10 B-25s and 6 P-40s pound Lungling; 14 B-25s hit the town area and destroy 2 bridges and damage another at Sungpai; 22 others bomb Kaochishih, Tunghsiangchiao, and the area E of Kiyang; 27 P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance over Hunan and other areas of inland SE China attack road and river traffic and general targets of opportunity around Lingling, Hengyang, Kiyang, Yangtien, and Patpo; and 15 P-40s hit coastal and river shipping in S China and in Indochina on the S China Sea, in Chikhom Bay, and along the Red River; the flight of the 21 (Photo)RS, 14AF, operating from Kweilin with F-5s since Jul 43, returns to base at Kunming; and the 74FS, 23FG, moves from Kweilin and Liuchow to Luliang with P-40s and P-51s.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): 400+ C-47s complete supply and evacuation missions.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Two missions are flown.

Mission 626: For the second day, 888 bombers and 662 fighters are dispatched on a major assault on the German oil industry; they are intercepted by 400-450 Luftwaffe fighters; AAF claims 81-16-20 aircraft in the air; 35 bombers and 12 fighters are lost: 1. 299 B-17s are dispatched to hit oil refineries at Brux (79) and Ruhland (59); targets of opportunity are Lauta (48), Plauen (30), Etterwinden (12), Karlsbad (11), Kitzingen (11) and others (21); PFF methods are used for all targets; they claim 14-9-7 aircraft; 19 B-17s are lost, 4 damaged beyond repair and 94 damaged; 6 airmen are KIA, 11 WIA and 171 MIA. Escort is provided by 238 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 29-2-4 aircraft in the air and 21-0-16 on the ground; 10 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA) and 2 damaged beyond repair. 2. 348 B-17s are dispatched to hit Magdeburg/Rothensee (144), Magdeburg/ Friedrichstadt (73) and Bohlen (35); targets of opportunity are Fulda (46), Molbis (11) and other (8); they bomb visually; they claim 13-5-5 aircraft; 12 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 161 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 9 WIA and 109 MIA. Escort is provided by 236 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 25-0-4 aircraft in the air and 5-0-15 on the ground; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA). 3. 241 B-24s are dispatched to hit Hemmingstedt (66), Kiel (58) and Misburg (34); targets of opportunity are Laharte (38), marshalling yard at Northeim (12), Hannover (11), Hemmingstedt (3) and other (3); PFF was used for bombing; 4 B-24s are lost and 49 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA, 1 WIA and 37 MIA. Escort is provided by 105 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s without loss.

Mission 627: 7 of 7 B-17s drop leaflet in France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night. 36 B-24s and C-47s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, B-26s and A-20s hit Westwall fortifications, Sankt Wendel station, where an armored division and important technicians are to entrain, and fortifications around Nancy, France; fighters continue ground support in the French/German border area. In France, HQ 84FW moves from Aillieres to St Quentin; HQ 10PRG and the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron and the 31, 34th and 155(Photo)RSs move from Chateaudun to St-Dizier/Robinson with A-20s, F-3s F-6s and F-5s; the 389FS, 366FG, moves from Dreux to Laon/ Couvron with P-47s; the 393FS, 367FG moves from Peray to Clastres with P-38s; and the 401FS, 370th Fighter Group, moves from Lonray to Roye/Amy with P-38s; the 405FS, 371FG moves from Beuzeville to Perthes with P-47s; the 428th, 429th and 430FSs, 474FS, move from St Marceau to Peronne with P-38s. In Belgium, the 153Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command (attached to First Army) moves from Vuel to Ham with L-5s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Germany, nearly 330 B-17s and B-24s supported by P-38s and P-51s bomb Lechfeld Airfield, Munich/Allach engine works, and Wasserburg jet aircraft factory. 50+ B-24s fly supply

Mission to S France.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Brigadier General Benjamin W Chidlaw assumes command of the XII Fighter Command. In Italy, B-26s blast defended positions in the C battle sector of the Gothic Line; B-25s pound Po River railroad bridges and attack guns and strongpoints in the battle zone as the enemy falls back to prepared Gothic Line defenses and the rapid Allied advance halts; fighter-bombers strike at guns, troop concentrations, strongpoints, and flak positions in the Genoa and Milan areas; and HQ 57FG and the 64FS move from Alto, Corsica to Ombrone Airfield with P-47s. In France, French-based fighter-bombers cut tracks in the Belfort, Basel, and Freiburg areas; and the 417NPS, 63FW, arrives at La Valon from Borgo, Corsica with Beaufighters; and the 523and 524FSs, 27FG, move from Salon to Loyettes with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s from Saipan Island hit AA positions on Pagan Island with a rocket and bombing attack. A lone B-24 on armed reconnaissance bombs the building area on Marcus Island. B-25s from the Gilbert Islands bomb Nauru Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s pound 3 airfields in the Menado area on Celebes Island. B-24s and B-25s bomb Kaoe and Galela Airfields on Halmahera Island, and radar facilities on Morotai Island. B-24s hit Lautem on Timor Island. P-38s dive-bomb Namlea runways on Buru Island while P-47s hit Boela on Ceram Island. In New Guinea, A-20s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers hit airfields, AA guns, and other targets at Babo, Mongosah, Manokwari, Sagan, Moemi, and Samate; and the 39FS, 35FG, move from Noemfoor Island to Owi, Schouten Islands with P-47s.

 WEDNESDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 P-47s hit targets at Mawhun and some of the fighter-bombers afterwards strafe targets of opportunity on the Irrawaddy River from Katha to Shwegu; 8 others sweep the river between Bhamo and Katha; 12 more hit targets along a road in the Kutkai area; large-scale transport operations in the CBI continue.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): B-24s claim 3 cargo vessels sunk off the Pescadores Islands near Formosa.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): In France, C-47s fly numerous supply and evacuation missions; and the 95th, 97th and 98th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 440TCG, move from Exeter, England to Reims with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 3 missions are flown.

Mission 628: 1,015 bombers and 477 fighters attack oil and industrial targets in S Germany by visual means; 15 bombers and 8 fighters are lost: 1. 376 B-17s are dispatched to oil refineries at Stuttgart/Sindelfingen (109) and Ludwigshafen (74); secondary targets hit are Darmstadt (95) and Wiesbaden (8); targets of opportunity hit are Mainz (22), a marshalling yard near Wiesbaden (12) and others (3); 4 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 134 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 2 WIA and 37 MIA. Escort is provided by 73 of 74 P-47s, they claim 6-0-2 aircraft on the ground. 2. 342 B-24s are dispatched to hit Schwabish Hall Airfield (65), a munitions dump at Ulm (65) and Weissenhorn (45); a target of opportunity hit is Reichelsheim (1); 4 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 127 damaged; 3 airman are WIA and 39 MIA. Escort is provided by 99 P-38s and P-51s; they claim 14-0-5 aircraft on the ground; 2 P-51s are lost. 3. 297 B-17s are dispatched to hit oil refineries at Merseburg (141) and Lutzkendorf (77); targets of opportunity hit are Giessen (17), Eisenach (12), Altenburg (7), Gera (7) and other (19); they claim 1-0-0 aircraft; 7 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 145 damaged; 4 airmen are KIA, 8 WIA and 67 MIA. Escort is provided by 233 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 33-0-4 aircraft in the air; 6 P-51s are lost.

Mission 629: 11 B-24s are dispatched on an Azon

Mission to the oil refinery at Hemminstedt (6); 5 hit the secondary target, ammunition dumps at Kropp. Escort is provided by 15 of 15 P-51s without loss.

Mission 631: 8 of 8 B-17s drop leaflets on the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. 73 of 74 B-17s, escorted by 63 P-51s, continuing the UK-USSR-Italy-UK shuttle-bombing mission, take off from USSR bases, bomb steel and armament works at Diosgyor, Hungary and proceed to 15AF bases in Italy. 40 of 48 P-51s fly a strafing mission S of Munich hitting an aircraft dispersal area, airfield and marshalling yard; they claim 5-0-0 aircraft on the ground; 2 P-51s are lost.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, HQ XIX Tactical Air Command accompanies HQ US Third Army HQ to ChaIons-sur-Marne; B-26s fly a leaflet

Mission to coastal N France and Belgium; fighters support ground forces in the Brest and Nancy-Metz areas (air-ground coordination being especially effective between XIX Tactical Air Command and French 2Armored Division in defeating the enemy move on Vittel), and in Germany, fly armed reconnaissance over the Cologne, Aachen, Koblenz, Linz/Rhine, and Wahn areas; the XIX Tactical Air Command inaugurates a rail cutting campaign; HQ 97th Combat BW(M) moves from Little Walden, England to Voisenon; HQ 404FG and the 508th and 509FSs move from Bretigny to Juvincourt with P-47s; the 162Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 363Tactical RG, moves from Azeville to Montrevil with F-6s; and the 392FS, 367FG, moves from Pera to Clastres with P-38s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 350+ fighter-escorted B-17s and B-24s bomb targets in Czechoslovakia, Germany, Italy, and Poland; B-17s hit Blechhamer N oil refinery; B-24s hit the oil refinery at Odertal, Germany and, in Poland, the Auschwitz oil and rubber works and the Cracow-Auschwitz area, and bomb the marshalling yard at Vrutky, Czechoslovakia. In Italy, 100+ B-24s attack the Avisio viaduct, and Mezzocorona and Ora railroad bridges.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s destroy a bridge at Peschiera del Garda, cutting the Milan-Verona line; B-25s and B-26s bomb guns and defensive positions N of Florence; fighter-bombers attack railroads, rolling stock, and bridges in N Italy, although a heavy overcast hampers operations in the NW.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based P-47s hit buildings on Pagan Island with rockets and machinegun fire. B-24s on armed reconnaissance, snooper, and training missions bomb Iwo Jima, Marcus, and Pagan Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s and B-25s hit 4 airfields and bomb villages on Morotai Island. In New Guinea, B-25s hit Langgoer Airfield while A-20s and fighter-bombers hit 2 airfields on Efman Island; A-20s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers hit Babo AA positions and airfields at Manokwari and Ransiki; HQ Thirteenth AF moves from Los Negros Island to Hollandia.

 THURSDAY, 14 SEPTEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): During the night of 13/14 Sep 3 B-24s strike Kurabu Cape shipping and airfield on Paramushiru Island.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 4 B-25s drop fragmentationboobytrap bombs on Bhamo; large-scale C-47 operations continue to various points in the CBI.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 6 B-25s bomb Tunganhsien; 91 P-40s and P-51s attack inland shipping, troop compounds, supplies, and numerous buildings around the Lungling area, throughout the vast expanse of inland SE China, mainly in Hunan, and other areas S of Tungting Lake; HQ 23Fighter Group moves from Liuchow to Luliang; the air echelon of the 118th Tactical RS, 14AF (attached to 23Fighter Group), moves from Kweilin to Liuchow with P-51s (ground echelon is at Chengkung; and the 373BS(H), 308BG(H), moves from Yangkai to Luliang with B-24s.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): C-47s continue large-scale supply and evacuation missions in France.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 632: 2 B-17 control aircraft and 2 B-17 CASTOR drones fly an APHRODITE

Mission to the oil refinery at Hemmingstedt, Germany; the target is missed.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, HQ XXIX Tactical Air Command (Provisional) is activated at Vermand, in anticipation of operating with the US Ninth Army, shortly to join the Twelfth Army Group; Brigadier General Richard E Nugent is Commanding General; about 140 B-26s and A-20s bomb gun emplacements and strongpoints in the Brest area; fighters fly armed reconnaissance in various battle areas; HQ 358FG moves from Pontorson to Vitry-le-Francois; HQ 405FG and the 511th Fighter Squadron move from Picauville to St-Dizier with P-47s; the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command (attached to Third Army), moves from Marson to Gussainville with L-5s; the 387FS, 365th Fighter Group, moves from Bretigny to Juvincourt with P-47s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack defensive positions in the E and C parts of the Gothic Line as the enemy fiercely resists, especially at Il Giogo Pass and on Monte Altuzzo; fighterbombers continue strikes against communications and movement in the Po Valley. In France, bad weather limits fighters to a few sweeps in the S; and HQ 17BG(M) moves from Sardinia to Corsica.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Saipan Island bomb Iwo Jima Island. P-47s make strafing and rocket attacks on warehouses and shelters on Pagan Island. B-24s on armed reconnaissance bomb Marcus Island; others from Eniwetok Atoll bomb Truk Island while Gilbert Islands-based B-25s hit Ponape Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Celebes Island, B-25s pound Mapanget airstrip and the Menado area. B-24s hit 4 airfields on Halmahera Island. In New Guinea, A-20s and B-25s bomb Babo Airfield while fighter-bombers make scattered small raids on AA positions, airfields, and targets of opportunity on the Vogelkop Peninsula; the 69BS(M), 42BG(M), moves from Hollandia to Sansapor; and the 100BS(M), 13AF [attached to 42BG(M)], ceases operating from Hollandia with B-25s and returns to base at Sansapor.

 FRIDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 P-47s bomb Kutkai, 16 sweep the river from Bhamo to Katha and bomb Naba, Katha, and Mohnyin; several other P-47s sweep the Burma Road from Lungling, China to Muse to Bhamo and strafe a boat on the river at Myothit; 12 P-51s hit Mawhun while 8 B-25s hit fuel storage and targets of opportunity in the the Chefang, China area; 13 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow, China; a detachment of the 1Combat Cargo Squadron, 1Combat Cargo Group, based at Sylhet, India begins operaing from Yunnani, China with C-47s; and the 89FS, 80FG, moves from Nagaghuli, India to Myitkyina with P-47s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 19 B-24s bomb a military storage area at Hengyang; 20 B-25s hit Chuanhsien and 5 pound a ferry crossing and bus station at Lingling; 90+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance attack river shipping, numerous buildings, troops, and general targets of opportunity from NE of Ichang to Liuchow Peninsula concentrating on the Kiyang and Changsha areas; and HQ 68th Composite Wing moves from Kweilin to Liuchow. EASTERN AIR COMMAND (EAC): Combat Cargo Task Force is formed as a command of EAC; Brigadier General Frederick W Evans is Commanding General; HQ is temporarily located at Hastings AB and later moved to Comilla, India; the command is responsible to air deliver supplies to the British Fourteenth Army and other organizations as required, a task it fulfills until its disbandment on 1Jun 45.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 632: As part of Operation FRANTIC, 110 B-17s are dispatched to drop supplies to Warsaw patriots and then proceed to bases in the USSR; a weather front is encountered over the North Sea and the bombers are recalled. Escort is provided by 149 of 156 P-51s; 2 P-51s collide in a cloud and are lost. Three FWs and the 15 FGs are reassigned from the VIII Fighter Command to the three Bombardment Divisions as follows: 1Bombardment Division 67FW: 20th, 352d, 356th, 359th and 364FGs 2Bombardment Division 65FW: 4th, 56th, 355th, 361 and 479FGs 3Bombardment Division 66FW: 55th, 78th, 339th, 353and 357FGs

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, bad weather prevents bomber operations; the IX Tactical Air Command supports US First Army troops and in Germany, flies armed reconnaissance around Cologne and from Trier to the Rhine River area; the XIX Tactical Air Command supports the US Third Army and flies armed reconnaissance in the Nancy-Strasbourg area; HQ 9AF moves from Sunninghill Park, England to Chantilly; HQ 48FG and the 492 and 494FSs move from Villacoublay to Camrai/ Niergnies with P-47s; HQ 50FG and the 10th, 81 and 313FSs move from Orly to Laon with P-47s; HQ 365FG moves from Bretigny to Juvincourt; the 365th, 366th and 367th Fighter Squadrons, 358FG, move from Pontorson to Vitry-le-Francois with P-47s; and the 597th and 598BS(M), 397BG(M), move from Gorges to Dreux with B-26s.

MTO - AAFMTO: "A" Flight of the 121Liaison Squadron, AAFMTO, moves from St Tropez to Lyons, France with L-5s (squadron is based at Pomigliano, Italy).

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Greece, 276 B-17s and B-24s bomb Tatoi, Eleusis, and Kalamaki Airfields and Salamis submarine base; P-38s and P-51s fly escort, target cover, and sweep target areas; the attacks are aimed at hampering the withdrawal of enemy forces from the area. 53 B-24s fly a supply

Mission to S France and 24 B-24s begin evacuating aircrews formerly imprisoned in Bulgaria from Cairo, Egypt to Bari, Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): HQ 87FW, 47BG(L), 57th and 86FGs, and several other units are transferred from HQ XII Tactical Air Command to HQ XII Fighter Command; HQ XII Tactical Air Command, based in S France, remains assigned to the Twelfth AF but is put under operational control of the 9AF. In Italy, all medium bomber mission s are cancelled or aborted due to weather; fighter-bombers, though restricted by weather, carry out armed reconnaissance against enemy communications and defensive positions in the Milan-Genoa- Modena-Pistoia areas, as Allied forces (joined on this date by elements of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force) attempt to penetrate enemy strongholds in the N Apennines; HQ XII Fighter Command moves from Caserta to Florence; HQ 62FW moves from Naples to Antignano; and the 347th Fighter Squadron, 350FG, moves from Sardinia to Tarquinia with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s from Saipan Island hit AA positions on Pagan Island with machinegun and rocket fire. A lone B-24 on a snooper mission bombs Iwo Jima Island; all other B-24 missions abort. US forces land on Morotai and Peleliu Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Halmahera Island, B-24s, A-20s, and P-47s bomb Kaoe, Lolobata, and Hate Tabako. In New Guinea, P-39s bomb Manokwari Airfield and town area; and the 675BS(L), 417BG(L), moves from Saidor to Noemfoor Island with A-20s.

 SATURDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s bomb Kataoka naval base on Shimushu Island; 4 B-25s abort a shipping sweep due to weather and mechanical difficulties.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 19 B-24s haul fuel to Liuchow, China. In spite of bad weather in Burma, 4 P-47s sweep the Lungling, China-Wanling- Loiwing road and 5 damage a bridge approach at Manyut. A detachment of the 3d Combat Cargo Squadron, 1Combat Cargo Group, based at Sylhet, India, begins operating from Yunnani, China with C-47s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 20 B-24s bomb Hengyang; 12 B-25s bomb Kutkai; 28 B-25s hit targets in China, including the Yuangshaho ferry, Pakmushih, Chuanhsien, and Lengshuitang; 130+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance hit targets of opportunity in the Mangshih and Lungling area and from N of Tangyang and along the Yangtze River southward including areas around Changsha, Kiyang, Samshui, Chuanhsien, Lingling, and Kwongning; flights of the 35(Photo)RS, 14AF, based at Kunming, begin operating from Nanning and Yunnani with F-5s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 635: 178 P-47s and 149 P-51s are dispatched to bomb and strafe the Hannover-Bremen-Osnabruck areas and bomb Ahlhorn Airfield and the Mannheim- Kaiserslautern area, all in Germany; they claim 6-0-1 aircraft on the ground; 1 P-51 is lost and 10 damaged; 1 pilot is MIA.

Mission 636: 7 of 9 B-17s drop leaflets in France, Germany and the Netherlands during the night. 32 B-24s and C-47s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER missions; 1 B-24 is lost.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In the Netherlands, 150+ B-26s and A-20s, escorted by fighters, attack the Bath dike and Arnemuiden road and rail embankment. In France, fighters fly sweeps, and armed reconnaissance over Rastatt, Germany and Haguenau, and support the US Third Army's XII and XV Corps in repelling counterattacks in NE France; HQ IX BC is redesignated 9th Bombardment Division(M); the 353FS, 354FG, moves from Gael to Orconte with P-47s; the 404th Fighter Squadron, 371FG, moves from Beuzeville to Perthes with P-47s; the 493FS, 48FG, moves from Villacoublay to Cambrai/Niergnies with P-47s; and the 596BS(M), 397BG(M), moves from Gorges to Dreux with B-26s. In Belgium, HQ 67TRG and the 107th Tactical RS move from Toussus le Noble, France to Gosselies with F-6s; the 153Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command (attached to First Army), moves from Ham to Stree with L-5s; and the 422Night Fighter Squadron, IX Air Defense Command, moves from Chateaudun, France to Florennes with P-61s;

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather cancels bombing operations. 2 P-38s fly weather reconnaissance and 54 B-24s fly supplies to S France.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack fuel and supply dumps and defensive positions in the Bologna and Rimini areas while fighter-bombers and fighters bomb and strafe rail and road targets N of the battle areas in the N Apennine Mountains as US Fifth Army forces struggle to break through strong enemy defenses in the hills N of Prato, along the main Monte Altuzzo ridge, on Monte Veruca, Monte Monticelli, and other mountain positions; the 85BS(L), 47BG(L), moves from Salon, France to Follonica with A-20s; and the 526FS, 86FG, moves from Poretta, Corsica to Grosseto with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 17 Saipan Island-based B-24s bomb Iwo Jima Island; 3 others on training and armed reconnaissance missions bomb Pagan and Marcus Islands. P-47s pound enemy positions on Pagan Island. B-24s in the Marshall Islands bomb Emidj Island, Jaluit Atoll, Marshall Islands. The 548th NFS, 7FW, arrives at Hickam Field, Hawaii from the US with P-61s and begins flying patrols over the Pacific.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Celebes Island, B-24s bomb Kendari air depot and Ambesia Airfield while B-25s attack a large warehouse at Gorontalo and B-24s and B-25s hit Kairatoe and Kamarian. B-25s and B-24s pound Namlea on Buru Island, Liang on Ambon Island, Haroekoe on Haroekoe Island, and Laha on Amboina Island. In New Guinea, fighter-bombers hit Manokwari, Sagan, Moemi, and Warren airstrips; HQ 42BG(M) moves from Hollandia to Sansapor; the 64TCS, 403TCG, moves from Henderson Field, Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands, to Biak Island with C-47s; and the 418th Night Fighter Squadron, 310BW(M), moves from Hollandia to Owi, Schouten Islands with P-61s.

 SUNDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, 2 B-24s abort a mission to Suribachi due to weather. 4 B-25s fly an unsuccessful shipping sweep.

CBI THEATER OF OPERATIONS -

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 P-47s bomb Katha, 8 hit Momauk and Wanling, and 8 others attack Bhamo; 6 B-25s hit Mangshih while 3 others bomb Indaw; 16 B-24s haul fuel to Liuchow, China; C-47s fly 200+ sorties delivering personnel and supplies to various points in the CBI.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 29 B-24s bomb Changsha; 27 B-25s hit Hwangshapu, Kiyang, and Nanyo; 130+ P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance attack town areas, strongpoints, shipping, railway targets, gun positions, trucks, and other targets of opportunity from NE of Ichang southward through Hunan Province and beyond; areas hit include Changsha, Kiyang, Lingling, Chuanhsien, Siangtan, Hengshan, Kweiyang, and Lingkuantien, plus scattered targets of opportunity elsewhere; the 35th Photographic RS, 14AF, moves from Kunming to Chanyi with F-5s (flights are operating from Nanning and Yunnani).

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): Between 17-26 Sep, the IX Troop Carrier Command supports Operation MARKET-GARDEN as follows: Aircraft dispatched: 3,996 of which 3,634 are successful Gliders dispatched: 1,899 of which 1,635 are successful Losses: 98 aircraft and 137 gliders Troops dropped or landed: 30,481 Vehicles dropped or landed: 1,001 Artillery weapons dropped or landed: 463 Tons of equipment, including fuel, dropped or landed: 3,559

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): The last UK-USSR-Italy-UK shuttle

Mission (Operations FRANTIC) is completed as 72 B-17s and 59 P-51s fly without bombs from Italy to the UK; 2 B-17s and a P-51abort and a P-51 crashlands SW of Paris; 70 B-17s 57 P-51s land safely in the UK.

Mission 637: 875 B-17s are dispatched bomb 117 flak batteries and installations and an airfield, all in the Netherlands; 815 B-17s attack the primaries and 6 hit Eisenach; 2 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 119 damaged; 9 airmen are KIA, 6 WIA and 15 MIA. Escort is provided by 141 of 153 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot is MIA). 503 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s escort aircraft of the First Allied Airborne Army making a parachute and glider drop of 20,000 troops into the Netherlands to secure the axis of advance toward the Zuider Zee for the British Second Army, as part of Operation MARKET-GARDEN, 17-30 Sep; troops dropped are the I Airborne Corps, consisting of the British 1Airborne Division (with Polish Parachute Brigade) and US 82 and 101Airborne Divisions; the fighters also bomb and strafe flak positions and other ground targets, encountering intense flak and about 30 fighters; they claim 7-0-0 aircraft in the air, 1-0-0 on the ground and the destruction of 107 flak positions; 6 P-47s and 7 P-51s are lost, 3 P-47s and 2 P-51s damaged beyond repair and 41 P-47s and 6 P-51s damaged; 2 pilots are WIA and 11 MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): No combat bomber mission s are flown; weather permits 1leaflet mission. XIX Tactical Air Command supports US VIII Corps in the Brest, France area and in Germany, flies armed reconnaissance over the Trier and Saarbrucken areas and IX Tactical Air Command flies armed reconnaissance in the Dusseldorf, Duren, Cologne, and Linz/Rhine areas, supports the US 2 and 5th Armored Divisions and 4th Infantry Division in the Netherlands, and participates in Operation MARKET-GARDEN. In France, HQ 84th and 303FWs move from St Quentin and Rennes, respectively, to Vermand; the 507FS, 404FG, moves from Bretigny to Juvincourt with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 440+ B-17s and B-24s, with fighter escort, attack 2 oil refineries and 4 marshalling yards in the Budapest, Hungary area in an attempt to hit Germany's principal remaining oil supply and to aid the Soviet and other friendly forces on the S Russian front by pounding the focal rail traffic point in that area; some of the escorting fighters strafe targets of opportunity in the general target area. Bad weather hampers all but 8 of 54 B-24s flying supplies to S France. 25 bombers return from Cairo, Egypt to Italy with Allied airmen formerly imprisoned in Bulgaria; 2 B-17s, escorted by 41 P-51 s, evacuate wounded airmen from Czechoslovakia to Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In France, the US Seventh Army's French II Corps makes contact with the US Third Army's French 2Armored Division near Bains-les-Bains; and the 314th and 315FSs, 324FG, move from Amberieu to Tavaux with P-47s. In Italy, B-25s hit troop concentrations in the British Eighth Army battle area in the vicinity of Rimini; B-25s pound rail bridges in the W Po Valley, while fighter-bombers operating in the Po Valley attack rails, roads, rolling stock, road bridges, motor transport and other targets; in the mountains S of the Po Valley US Fifth Army forces break through the Gothic Line at Il Giogo Pass, take Monte Altuzzo and Pratone, finish clearing Monte Veruca, and gain the crest of Monte Monticelli; and HQ 86FG and the 527FS move from Poretta, Corsica to Grosseto with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): A B-24 on a snooper Mission from Saipan Island bombs Iwo Jima Island; armed reconnaissance over Marcus Island is unsuccessful due to bad weather. Gilbert Islands-based B-25s pound Nauru Island.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): Ground echelon of HQ 497BG(VH), and the 869th, 870th and 871BSs (Very Heavy), arrive at Isley Field, Saipan Island from the US (first Mission is 28 Oct).

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-25s bomb Buayoan Airfield on Mindanao Island. B-24s, B-25s, and P-38s hit Langoan Airfield on Celebes Island. B-25s and P-39s, fighting bad weather, attack a variety of targets, including airfields and villages in Amboina-Ceram Islands area. In New Guinea, P-47s and P-40s pound the airfield on Samate Island.

 MONDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 P-47s pound Japanese positions in the Myothit area; 8 B-25s hit supply dumps and installations at Chefang, China; 18 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow, China; and 200+ other sorties by C-47s deliver men and supplies to several points in the CBI. The detachment of the 2Combat Cargo Squadron, 1Combat Cargo Group, operating from Yunnani, China with C-47s returns to base at Sylhet, India.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 30 B-25s attack town areas and fuel dumps at Lingling, Taohsien, and Chuanhsien and damage the approaches to the Lingling ferry crossing; 4 B-24s over the Formosa Strait claim 1freighter sunk; about 115 P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance attack troops, trucks, tanks, shipping, town areas, and other targets of opportunity throughout Hunan Province S of Tungting Lake to Luicbow Peninsula and Chikhorn Bay; and the 529FS, 311FG, based at Pungchacheng with P-51s, sends a detachment to operate from Hsian.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 3 missions are flown. 1.

Mission 639: 248 of 252 B-24s drop supplies to the First Allied Airborne Army in the Netherlands; intense flak downs 7 B-24s, 6 are damaged beyond repair and 154 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 26 WIA and 61 MIA. 500+ P-38s, P-47s and P-51s escort the B-24s, escort C-47s of the First Allied Airborne Army as the second troop echelon is dropped in the Netherlands to participate in heavy fighting around the Arnhem area; 2 FGs strafe rail and highway traffic and 50+ fighters bomb flak positions; 100+ Luftwaffe fighters attack; AAF claims 29-0-1 aircraft in the air; 20 fighters are lost, 9 damaged beyond repair and 46 damaged; 1 pilot is KIA and 20 MIA. 2.

Mission 640: In the last Operations FRANTIC mission, 107 of 110 B-17s drop 1,248 containers of supplies to Polish forces in Warsaw; 1 B-17 is lost and 7 damaged. Escort is provided by 137 of 150 P-51s (64 P-51s continue to the USSR), they claim 4-0-0 aircraft in the air and 3-0-6 on the ground; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA). 3.

Mission 641: 8 of 8 B-17s drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather cancels all bomber activity; <100 fighters support US VII Corps in W Germany and fly cover in the area of Brest, France, where organized resistance comes to an end. In France, HQ 9th Bombardment Division(M) moves from Marks Hall, England to Chartres; HQ 371FG moves from Beuzeville to Perthes; HQ 387BG(M) and the 556th, 557th, 558th and 559BSs (M) move from Maupertuis to Chateaudun with B-26s; HQ 394BG(M) moves from Tour-en-Bassin to Bricy; and HQ 409BG(L) and the 640th, 641, 642 and 643BSs (L) move from Little Walden, England to Bretigny with A-20s.

MTO - AAFMTO: The 72Liaison Squadron, AAF

MTO - (attached to Seventh Army), moves from Lons-le-Saunier to Vesoul, France with L-5s.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 463 B-17s and B-24s, some with fighter escort, hit marshalling yards at Subotica and Szeged, Hungary and railroad bridges at Novi Sad and Belgrade, Yugoslavia and Szob, and Budapest, Hungary; fighters maintain cover over the Budapest area.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s continue to hit troop concentrations and gun positions, in support of the British Eighth Army forces which open an assault on defenses in the Rimini area; despite bad weather B-26s and P-47s maintain attacks on bridges, rail lines, and transportation in the Po Valley; HQ 47BG(L) moves from Salon, France to Follonica; HQ 320BG(M) moves from Decimomannu, Sardinia to Alto, Corsica with B-26s; and the 525th Fighter Squadron, 86FG, moves from Poretta, Corsica to Grosseto with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 2 B-24s on armed reconnaissance from Saipan Island bomb Marcus Island. 28 Eniwetok Atoll-based B-24s bomb Truk Island. Gilbert Islands-based B-25s pound Ponape Island.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): HQ 499th and 500BGs (Very Heavy) arrive at Isley Field, Saipan Island from the US; and the 3(Photo)RS(VH), 11(Photo)G (Mapping), arrives on Saipan Island from the US with F-13s (the squadron will fly photo, electronic and weather recon in the W Pacific, 1Nov 44-Sep 45).

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s blast several targets in the Davao, Mindanao Island area, including oil storage at Sasa. B-25s hit Langoan Airfield and lake area on Celebes Island. Bad weather forces B-24s over the Ceram-Amboina Islands area to individually attack targets which include 4 airfields. In New Guinea, B-25s hit Samate Airfield and fighter-bombers hit the airfield and town of Manokwari and AA guns at Moemi; HQ 310BW(M) moves from Hollandia to Morotai Island; and the 371BS(H), 307BG(H), based on Wakde Island with B-24s begins operating from Noemfoor Island.

 TUESDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, 2 B-25s fly a shipping sweep over Tomari Cape; and 4 B-24s off to strike Kurabu Cape turn back due to weather and mechanical failures.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 18 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow and Chengkuing, China. C-47s transports fly 100+ sorties carrying men and supplies to several CBI locations.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 28 B-25s bomb Lingling, Lengsbuitang, Chuanhsien, Sinning, and Shanhsien; 150+ P-40s and P-51s pound numerous targets of opportunity during armed reconnaissance flights from the Tungting Lake-C Yangtze River area to the S China Sea; and the fighterbombers particularly concentrate on road transport in the Changsha area and supply dumps, buildings, and trucks near Sintsiang.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 642: 796 B-17s are dispatched against marshalling yards in W Germany; weather prevents about half from bombing primary targets but most manage to bomb targets of opportunity; 7 bombers and 1 fighter are lost: 1. Of 380 B-17s dispatched, all hit targets of opportunity, i.e., marshalling yards at Koblenz (87), Dillenburg (39), Limburg (37) and Darmstadt (24); bridges at Limburg (35), Koblenz (25) and a bridge over the Rhine River at Koblenz (13); and Wiesbaden (38), Wetzlar (14), the railroad line at Koblenz (13) and Wiesbaden Airfield (12); 4 B-17s are lost and 159 damaged; 3 airmen are WIA and 37 WIA. Escort is provided by 131 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 3-0-1 aircraft in the air; 1 P-47 is lost (pilot MIA). 2. 416 B-17s are dispatched to hit marshalling yards at Hamm (186) and Soest (32) and depot at Dortmund/Unna (64); other targets hit are marshalling yards at Raesfeld (11), Wesel (9), Rheine (6) and Munster (3); Dillenburg (11), Emmerich (7), Hamm (5), Osnaburck (2) and others (6); 3 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 120 damaged; 3 airmen are WIA and 18 MIA. Escort is provided by 109 P-47s and P-51s without loss. 100 B-17s and 61 P-51 s takeoff from bases in the USSR and bomb the marshalling yard at Szolnok, Hungary and continue to bases in Italy. 172 of 182 P-51s supporting the First Allied Airborne Army in the Netherlands engage 100+ fighters, claiming 23-4-14; 6 P-51s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 2 damaged; 1 pilot is KIA and 6 MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, B-26s hit marshalling yards in the Duren area to prevent reinforcements from reaching the Aachen area by rail; IX Tactical Air Command supports the US V Corps in repelling a counterattack at the Wallendorf bridgehead, supports Operation MARKETGARDEN and flies armed reconnaissance in W Germany. XIX Tactical Air Command escorts A-20s and B-26s, flies cover both for MARKET-GARDEN and in the Brest and Nancy, France areas, and armed reconnaissance over Metz, Germany area; HQ 100FW moves from Le Mans to St-Dizier; HQ 362FG and the 379FS move from Rennes to Prosnes with P-47s; HQ 373FG moves from St-James to Reims; and HQ 391BG(M) moves from Matching, England to Roye/Amy, France.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 96 B-24s attack railroad bridges at Kraljevo and Mitrovica, Yugoslavia; 70 P-38s provide target area cover.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather grounds medium bombers; fighter-bombers hit guns and defensive positions along the Gothic Line and attack roads and bridges in the Bologna area; the 86th and 97BS(L), 47BG(L), move from Salon, France to Follonica with A-20s; the 95BS(M), 17BG(M), moves from Villacidro, Sardinia to Poretta, Corsica with B-26s; and the 441 and 444BSs (M), 320BG(M), move from Decimomannu, Sardinia to Alto, Corsica with B-26s. In France, HQ 64FW moves from St Tropez to Dole.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 29 Saipan Island-based B-24s blast shipping at Chichi Jima Island. 24 P-47s bomb and strafe AA positions and storage areas on Pagan Island. 3 B-24s on snooper and armed reconnaissance missions bomb Iwo Jima and Marcus Islands.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): Ground echelons of the 881, 882 and 883d BSs(VH), 500BG(VH), arrive at Isley Field, Saipan Island from the US (first Mission is 11Nov).

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): Striking all principal targets in NE Celebes, B-24s, B-25s, and P-38s hit the Amoerang port area, Menado fuel tanks and shipping personnel areas and AA guns at Mapanget and Sidate, bivouac, supply areas, and lookout towers along Lembeh Strait, Langoan Airfield, and Kakas rest camp. In New Guinea, HQ 8th FG and the 36FS move from Owi, Schouten Islands to Morotai Island with P-38s; and HQ 347FG and the 339FS move from Sansapor to Middleburg Island with P-38s.

 WEDNESDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, P-47s hit the Kadu rail siding, Nyaungbintha, Indaw, and troops at Hkaungtung; 3 B-25s weathered out of the Bhamo area hit alternates at Indaw; C-47s continue large-scale operations to several points in the CBI.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 27 B-25s bomb Lingling, Chuanhsien, and Kiyang and hit targets of opportunity throughout the Chuanhsien area; 100+ P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance over wide areas of SE China attack troops, horses, trucks, shipping, and other targets of opportunity, particularly concentrating on areas around Chuanhsien, Lingling, Kiyang, Changsha, and Yiyang.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): HQ IX Troop Carrier Command moves from Grantham to Ascot, England.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 679 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s are dispatched to support the First Allied Airborne Army in the Arnhem and Nijmegen areas of the Netherlands; 644 aircraft strafe and bomb ground targets; intense light flak claims 1 P-51 plus 1 P-38, 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 damaged beyond repair and 3 P-47s and 4 P-51s damaged; air attacks aid ground troops in taking valuable bridges in the area and in the advance toward Arnhem.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, about 40 B-26s hit the marshalling yard at Trier and defensive positions at Herbach to complicate rail transportation and aid in the Allied ground attack on Aachen; fighters fly air cover for the US V and VII Corps in W Germany near the Dutch boundary and the US XV and XX Corps in the Nancy, France area, and fly armed reconnaissance over the Bonn, Mannheim, Hamburg, Koblenz, and Ruhr Valley areas. In Belgium, the 109TRS, 67th Tactical RG, moves from Buc to Gosselies with F-6s; and the 153d Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command (attached to First Army), moves from Stree to Verviers with L-5s. In France, the 406FS, 371FG, moves from Beuzeville to Perthes with P-47s; and the 512FS, 406FG, moves from St Leonard to Mourmelon-le-Grand with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Hungary, 500 B-17s and B-24s escorted by P-38s and P-51s attack 3 railroad bridges at Budapest, 2 marshalling yards at Hatvan and 1at Gyor and, in Czechoslovakia, bomb Malacky Airfield and the Bratislava oil district.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, the 27th and 79th FGs are added to HQ XII Fighter Command which on this day begins operations in support of the US Fifth Army; weather again grounds medium bombers and severely restricts fighters which fly uneventful reconnaissance missions; the 427NPS, Twelfth AF (attached to 62d FW), departs Pomigliano for India with P-61s. In France, HQ 324th FG and the 316FS move from Amberieu to Tavaux with P-47s; the 437BS(M), 319BG(M), moves from Decimomannu, Sardinia to Serragia, Corsica with B-26s; and the 442 and 443BS(M), 320BG(M), move from Decimomannu, Sardinia to Alto, Corsica with B-26s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s from Saipan Island bomb and strafe gun positions on Pagan Island. A lone B-24 on armed reconnaissance bombs Marcus Island. B-24s in the Marshall Islands hit Jaluit Atoll while Makin Island, Gilbert Islands-based B-25s pound Nauru Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): Despite poor weather over Celebes Island, the Menado area is again attacked and B-24s hit Mapanget and Sidate Airfields and supply dumps and other targets of opportunity. On Halmahera Island, B-24s hit Djailolo and A-20s and P-47s during the night of 19/20 Sep strike Kaoe Airfields. B-24s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers, striking during the night of 19/20 Sep and during the day, pound airfields at Amahai on Ceram Island, Namlea on Buru Island, Liang and Laha on Amboina Island, the town of Lautem on Timor Island, and several targets of opportunity. During the night of 20/21Sep a few B-24s again hit the Menado and Sidate area on Celebes Island. In New Guinea, fighter-bombers hit AA guns and targets of opportunity at Moemi and Ransiki Airfields and hit a supply dump further E along the Orai River; the 75BS(M), 42BG(M), moves from Hollandia to Sansapor with B-25s; the 80FS, 8FG, moves from Owi, Schouten Islands to Morotai Island with P-38s; the 370th and 372BS(H), 307BG(H), based on Wakde Island with B-24s, begin operating from Noemfoor Island.

 THURSDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 7 B-25s hit Man Mawn and 1other bombs Indaw; 21 B-24s haul fuel to Liuchow, China. 170+ other transport sorties are flown to various terminal points in CBI.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 27 B-25s pound Kiyang, Yungming, Lingling and areas to the N, and the area W of Chuanhsien; 100+ P-40s and P-51s attack buildings, river shipping, troops, horses, and supplies at numerous points especially around Sinshih, Kiyang, Wuchou, and Isuho.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 644: 486 bombers are dispatched to hit targets in W Germany using PFF methods; 2 bombers are lost: 1. 154 B-17s are dispatched to hit the synthetic oil plant at Ludwigshafen/ Opau (147); 2 others hit targets of opportunity; 54 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 39 P-38s and P-51s; 1 fighter is lost. 2. 153 B-17s are dispatched to hit the marshalling yard at Mainz (141); 52 B-17s are damaged; 2 airmen are WIA. Escort is provided by 34 of 35 P-51s without loss. 3. 179 B-24s are dispatched to hit the marshalling yard at Koblenz (144); 12 others hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-24s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 83 damaged; 15 airmen are KIA, 3 WIA and 18 MIA. Escort is provided by 44 of 46 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA). 90 P-47s and P-51s support the First Allied Airborne Army C-47s dropping supplies and paratroops of the Polish 1Brigade near Driel, the Netherlands; they encounter about 50 Luftwaffe fighters, claiming 20-0-2; 3 P-47s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 2 damaged; 3 pilots are MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, 79 B-26s and A-20s bomb marshalling yards at Gerolstein, Pronsfeld, and Ebrang; fighters escort the bombers, fly armed reconnaissance over the Bonn, Koblenz, Karlsruhe, Cologne, and the Strasbourg area, and support the US First and Third Armies in W Germany and E France; the IX Tactical Air Command is exceptionally effective in aiding the V Corps withdrawal from the Wallendorf bridgehead; during the evening IX Air Defense Command fighters patrol the Luxembourg- Chaumont, France area. In Belgium, the 33Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 67TRG, moves from Toussus le Noble, France to Gosselies with F-5s. In France, HQ 323BG(M) and the 453d, 454th, 455th and 456BS(M) move from Lessay to Chartres with B-26s; HQ 354FG moves from Gael to Orconte; the 355th and 356FSs, 354FG, move from Gael to Orconte with P-47s; the 410FS, 373Fighter Group, moves from St-James to Reims with P-47s; the 584BS(M), 394BG(M), moves from Tour-en- Bassin to Bricy with B-26s; and the 670BS(L), 416BG(L), moves from Wethersfield, England to Melun with A-20s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 345 B-17s and B-24s attack marshalling yards at Debreczen and Bekescsaba, Hungary, the railroad at Brod, Yugoslavia and in Hungary, highway bridges at Baja, in the Kiskore area, and at Tiszafured, plus the Novi Sad, Yugoslavia railroad bridge; 42 P-38s dive-bomb the Osijek, Yugoslavia marshalling yard; other fighters escort the bombers. 2 C-47s, with 8 P-51s escorting, evacuate 15AF personnel from Yugoslavia to Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather and unserviceable landing grounds cancel all operations; and the 12(Photo)RS, 3PRG, moves from Follonica to Florence/Peretola with F-5s (a detachment is operating from Malignano). In Corsica, HQ 42BW(M) moves from Elmas, Sardinia to Borgo; HQ 319BG(M) and the 439th and 440BSs move from Decimomannu, Sardinia to Serragia with B-26s; and the 34th, 37th and 432BSs (M), 17BG(M), move from Villacidro, Sardinia to Poretta with B-26s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 5 B-24s on armed reconnaissance and training missions from Saipan Island bomb Marcus and Pagan Islands. B-25s, based in the Gilbert Islands, strike Ponape Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s attack Laha on Amboina Island and Kairatoe Airfield on Celebes Island and shipping in Piroe Bay. On Celebes Island, P-38s and B-25s hit Menado, Tomohon, the Kakas rest camp, small craft near Belang Island, Kairatoe, and Namlea Airfield on Buru Island, and a barge off Kaoe Point, Halmahera Island. In New Guinea, fighter-bombers hit Windissi and Ransiki and strafe targets of opportunity near the Orai River; during the night of 21/22 Sep fighter-bombers hit the Geelvink Bay-Bentoni Bay area; the 13TCS, 403Troop Carrier Group, moves from Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Islands to Biak Island with C-47s (squadron is operating from Los Negros Island); the detachment of the 421NFS, V Fighter Command, operating from Wakde Island with P-38s and P-61s, returns to base at Nadzab.

 FRIDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 13 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow, China; C-47s fly 170+ sorties to various points in the CBI. The detachment of the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, 8th Photogrpahic RG, moves from Liuchow to Chanyi, China with F-7s (the squadron is based at Guskhara, India).

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 24 B-24s pound Hankow; 12 B-25s and 7 P-51s hit the Hengyang road junction and ferry; 7 B-25s bomb Kianghwa while 6 P-51s damage a nearby bridge; 5 B-25s hit Yungming; 44 P-40s and P-51s blast targets of opportunity along roads in the Changsha, Siangtaii, and Sintsiang areas. 50+ other P-40s and P-51s hit various targets of opportunity around Chuanhsien, Paoching, Lingling, Hankow, and Kiyang.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 645: 661bombers are dispatched to hit armoured vehicle and votor vehicle factories at Kassel/ Henschel, Germany bombing by PFF; 453 B-17s are dispatched; 410 hit the primary, 10 hit Wetzlar and 7 hit targets of opportunity; 3 B-17s are lost and 104 damaged; 7 airmen are WIA and 27 MIA; 208 of 208 B-24s hit the primary; 3 bombers are damaged. Escort is provided by 268 of 286 P-51s; 1 is lost (pilot MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. The last Operations FRANTIC missions ends as 84 B-17s and 51 P-51 s return to the UK from Italy; the remaining aircraft return on 8 Oct. 77 of 79 P-47s patrol the Arnhem, the Netherlands area; 1 P-47 is lost and 1 damaged beyond repair. 108 B-24s fly fuel to France.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): No bomber mission s are flown. In Germany, fighters attack railroads, supply and ordnance depots, and strongpoints, and fly sweeps and armed reconnaissance over the Cologne, Dusseldorf, Aachen, Koblenz, Trier, Bonn, Mannheim, and Strasbourg areas. In France, HQ 406FG and the 513FS move from Le Mans to Mourmelon-le-Grand with P-47s; the 377FS, 362d FG, moves from Rennes to Prosnes with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Germany, 366 B-24s and B-17s escorted by 270 fighters bomb the NE industrial area of Munich and Munich/ Riem Airfield. 76 B-24s bomb the marshalling yard at Larissa, Greece. 68 B-24s fly a supply

Mission to S France.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy operating N of the Italian battle area, medium bombers bomb road and rail bridges, while fighterbombers continue hitting roads, railroads, and transportation, and support ground forces as US Fifth Army elements prepare to pursue the enemy withdrawing from N of Pistoia and to drive N to Raticosa Pass and NE to Imola; British Eighth Army forces battle the enemy along the Marecchia River; HQ 87FW moves from Furiani, Corsica to Caserta; the 84BS(L), 47BG(L), moves from Salon, France to Follonica with A-20s; the 438BS(M), 319BG(M), moves from Decimomannu, Sardinia to Serragio, Corsica with B-26s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 15 Saipan Island-based B-24s strike shipping at Chichi Jima Island. In the Mariana Islands, 24 P-47s strafe Pagan Island and bomb Anatahan Island. 3 B-24s on a snooper mission and armed reconnaissance flight bomb Iwo Jima and Marcus Islands. 15 B-25s, flying out of Makin Island, bomb Nauru Island.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): Ground echelons of the 877th, 878th and 879BSs(VH), 499BG(VH), arrive at Isley Field, Saipan Island (first Mission is 24 Nov).

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Celebes Island, B-24s again pound Sidate and Mapanget. B-24s and B-25s bomb Amahai on Ceram Island and Liang on Ambon Island and the airfield on Haroekoe Island. In New Guinea, A-20s pound Urarom Airfield while fighter-bombers hit Idorra, Windissi, Moemi, and Kaimana; HQ 5BG(H) moves from Wakde Island to Noemfoor Island; the 342FS, 348th Fighter Group, moves from Wakde Island to Noemfoor Island with P-47s.

 SATURDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 19 P-47s attack bridges along a line Wanling-Bhamo-Myitkyina destroying 1bridge; 6 B-25s hit bridges S of Meza, destroying 1 and extensively damaging several others. In China, 19 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow while 2 deliver fuel to Kunming.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 15 B-24s pound the Burma Road in the Chefang area; 36 B-25s hit Chuanhsien and targets of opportunity in surrounding areas; 6 B-25s bomb Kuanyang, 5 hit Yungming, 6 damage Dara bridge, 12 bomb Lungling, and 2 knock out a bridge near Jinyang; 2 B-24s bomb docks at Amoy; again 90+ P-40s and P-51s hit numerous targets of opportunity throughout SE China concentrating on Japanese troops in the Chuanhsien area and various targets around Jungyun, Yuankiang, Yungming, Lingling, and Hsuchang.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 559 of 586 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s bomb and strafe flak positions and other ground targets in 2 landing zones in the Nijmegen, the Netherlands area, immediately preceding the arrival of the remainder of the US 82 and 101Airborne Divisions and the Polish 1 Brigade; the P-38s are flown by 8AF and 9AF units; they engage 150+ Luftwaffe fighters; AAF claims 27-2-6 aircraft in the air; 4 P-47s and 10 P-51s are lost, 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are damaged beyond repair and 25 P-47s and 10 P-51s are damaged; 1 pilot is WIA and 14 MIA. 162 B-24s fly a TRUCKIN'

Mission to France delivering fuel.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): B-26s and A-20s sent against targets in W Germany are recalled due to weather; fighters support the US First Army in W Germany, US Third Army in the Chateau-Salins, France area, escort bombers (recalled), and fly armed reconnaissance over wide areas of W Germany. In France, HQ 36FG and the 22FS move from Le Mans to Athis with P-47s; HQ 322BG(M) and the 450th and 451BS(M) move from Rougham, England to Beauvais/Tille with B-26s; HQ 416BG(L) and the 669th and 671BS(L) move from Wethersfield, England to Melun with A-20s; the 412FS, 373FG, moves from St-James to Reims with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 147 B-17s, escorted by 290 P-38s and P-51s bomb the Brux, Czechoslovakia synthetic oil refinery and the marshalling yard at Wels, Austria. 229 B-24s attack communications targets in Italy, including a viaduct at Venzone and road and railroad bridges at Casarsa della Delizia, Pinzano al Tagliamento, Ponte di Piave, Latisana, San Dona di Piave, and Susegana.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Although several missions are aborted because of bad weather in Italy, medium bombers attack several railroad bridges in the Po River Valley; fighter-bombers hit guns and rail and road targets in the battle area as the US Fifth Army pushes on through the Gothic Line defenses. In France, the detachment of the 23Photographic RS, 5(Photo)RG [attached to 3PRG], moves from Satolas-et-Bonce to Dijon with F-5s (squadron is based at Valence); the 111th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, XII Tactical Air Command, moves from Satolas-et-Bonce to Dijon with F-6s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 15 B-24s from Saipan Island bomb Chichi Jima, Haha Jima, and Ani Jima Islands, Bonin Islands. 2 B-24s on armed reconnaissance bomb Marcus Island while 1on a training

Mission hits Pagan Island. On the night of 23/24 Sep a B-24 from Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands bombs Wake Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): During night and day raids B-24s and B-25s concentrate on Sidate and Mapanget Airfields on Celebes Island. P-47s pound Kaoe Airfield on Halmahera Island. In New Guinea, P-47s and P-40s bomb AA guns at Manokwari, Moemi, and Ransiki Airfields; HQ 13AF moves from Hollandia to Noemfoor Island; the 460FS, 348FG, moves from Nadzab to Noemfoor Island with P-47s.

 SUNDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 8 B-24s striking Kurabu Cape Airfield on Paramushiru Island 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.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 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.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 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.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Weather grounds the bombers and fighters. 47 of 53 B-24s fly a TRUCKIN'

Mission delivering fuel to France.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather grounds the bombers. XIX Tactical Air Command supports the 7th Armored Division of the US Third Army in E France and flies armed reconnaissance over E France and W Germany. IX Air Defense Command flies night patrols from Paris to Aachen, Germany. In France, HQ 98th Combat BW(M) moves from Lessay to Chartres; the 112th Liaison Squadron, 9AF, moves from Jullouville to Buc with L-5s; the 162TRS, 363Tactical RG, moves from Montrevil to Dijon with F-6s; the 514FS, 406FG, moves from St Leonard to Mourmelon with P-47s; the 572BS(H), 391BG(M), moves from Matching, England to Roye/Amy with B-26s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Greece, 362 B-24s, with fighter escort, bomb Eleusis, Kalamaki, and Tatoi Airfields, the marshalling yard at Salonika, and harbor at Skaramanga. P-51s escort B-24s transporting personnel from Bari to Marcianise, Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather cancels medium bomber and A-20 operations; fighter-bombers support ground forces, bombing and strafing strongpoints, troop concentrations, and frontline communications targets as the US Fifth Army pushes through N Apennines; HQ 3Photographic Group(R) and the 5(Photo)RS move from Borgo, Corsica to Rosia and Malignano respectively with F-5s; HQ 57th FG and the 64th and 65FSs move from Ombrone Airfield to Grosseto with P-47s; the detachment of the 12th Photographic RS, 3PRG, operating from Malignano with F-5s returns to base at Florence/Peretola. PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA) (7AF): 18 B-24s from Saipan Island hit harbor facilities in the Bonin Islands, mostly at Chichi Jima Island; 2 others on an armed reconnaissance mission bomb Marcus Island. 16 P-47s strafe AA positions on Rota Island, Mariana Islands. 26 B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll bomb Truk Island while 11 B-25s, based in the Gilbert Islands, hit Ponape Island; the detachment of the 28(Photo)RS, 7AF, operating from Kwajalein Atoll with F-5s begins a movement to Peleliu Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s and B-25s bomb Amahai Airfield and Boela on Ceram Island, Namlea Airfield on Buru Island, and Haroekoe Airfield on Haroekoe Island and B-24s hit Lautem on Timor Island. In New Guinea, fighter-bombers attack Babo, Urarom, and Manokwari Airfields while B-25s bomb Sorong.

 MONDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 2 B-25s fly a negative shipping sweep.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 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 1at Yungning and the 10AF flies 220+ other transport sorties to various CBI terminals.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 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.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 647: 1,306 bombers and 622 fighters are dispatched to attack marshalling yards in W Germany and the synthetic oil plant at Ludwigshafen bombed by PFF; 5 bombers and 3 fighters are lost: 1. 534 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Ludwigshafen/Opau oil plant and the marshalling yard at Ludwigshafen (400); 46 others hit targets of opportunity; 3 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 86 damaged; 9 airmen are WIA. Escort is provided by 200 of 216 P-51s without loss. 2. 444 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Frankfurt industrial area (410); 2 others hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-17s are lost and 41 damaged; 18 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 210 P-38s and P-51s; 2 fighters are lost (pilots MIA) and 1 damaged. 3. 257 of 328 B-24s hit the Koblenz/Mosel and Koblenz/Rhein marshalling yards; 14 B-24s are damaged. Escort is provided by 157 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; they claim 0-0-2 aircraft on the ground; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA): and 2 damaged. 176 B-24s on a TRUCKIN'

Mission fly fuel to France; 1 B-24 is lost.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): No bomber mission s are flown. IX Tactical Air Command flies cover for US First Army units in W Germany, divebomBSrail lines, and flies armed reconnaissance over the Trier-Koblenz- Aachen, Germany area. IX Air Defense Command flies night patrols from Paris E to Luxembourg and the German border. In France, HQ 99th Combat BombardmentWing(M) moves from Great Dunmow, England to Beaumont; the 378th Fighter Squadron, 362FG, moves from Rennes to Prosnes with P-47s; the 449BS(M), 322BG(M), moves from Great Saling, England to Beauvais/Tille with B-26s; the 585th and 587BS(M), 394BG(M), move from Tour-en-Bassin to Bricy with B-26s; the 668BS(L), 416BG(L), moves from Wethersfield, England to Melun with A-20s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 51 B-24s, with P-51s and P-38s providing target cover and close escort, bomb Piraeus, Skaramanga, and Salamis harbors in Greece.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers and A-20s cancel operations due to bad weather; fighter-bombers hit barracks areas, railroads, roads, and transportation in or near Bologna, Bozzolo, Parma, Castelfranco Veneto, and Canneto sull'Oglio, and in the immediate battle areas as the US Fifth Army meets strong opposition, especially in the vicinity of Monte Bastione, and near Torre Poggioli, Monte Gamberaldi, and Monte Castelnuovo; the 66FS, 57FG, moves from Ombrone to Grosseto with P-47s. In France, the 415NPS, 64FW, moves from Le Vallon to Longvic with Beaufighters.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based B-24s strike Iwo Jima and Marcus Islands. During the night of 25/26 Sep Kwajalein Atoll-based B-24s stage through Eniwetok Atoll on a strike at shipping at Truk Island; failing to locate the primary targets the B-24s bomb Tol, Eten, Param, and Moen Islands while others hit Wake Island during the night of 25/26 Sep.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Celebes Island, 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 on Halmahera Island. Namlea Airfield on Buru Island is again bombed by B-24s. P-38s pound Kairatoe Airfield on Celebes Island and Boela Airfield on Ceram Island. In New Guinea, B-25s and A-20s hit Sagan and Urarom Airfields while P-40s attack Kaimana.

 TUESDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A B-24 flies weather reconnaissance; later 4 B-24s radar-bomb Suribachi Airfield in the Kurile Islands.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 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.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 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.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): 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.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 648: 1,159 bombers and 432 fighters are dispatched to hit rail targets and armored vehicle factories in W Germany; 9 bombers and 2 fighters are lost: 1. 422 B-17s are dispatched to hit the marshalling yard and steel industry at Osnabruck (383); other targets hit are Rheine Airfield (10), Hesepe Airfield (3) and others (4): 2 B-17s are lost and 101 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 2 WIA and 18 MIA. Escort is provided by 134 of 144 P-51s; they claim 2-0-3 aircraft on the ground; 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair. 2. 274 of 317 hit the marshalling yard at Hamm and 1 hits Liesborn; 3 B-24s are lost and 53 damaged; 31airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 138 of 146 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA). 3. 420 B-17s are dispatched to hit armored vehicle factories at Bremen (381); other targets hit are Bremerhaven (13) and other (1); 4 B-17s are lost and 208 damaged; 10 airmen are WIA and 21 MIA. Escort is provided by 133 of 142 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA) and 2 damaged beyond repair.

Mission 649: 3 B-24s and 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night. 320 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s (P-38s from 9AF) support the First Allied Airborne Army in the Netherlands; they claim 32-1-8 aircraft in the air; 1 P-38 is lost (pilot MIA), 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair and 5 P-47s and 4 P-51s are damaged. 165 B-24s fly a TRUCKIN'

Mission carrying fuel to France. HQ 361FG moves from Bottisham to Little Walden, England.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): No bomber mission s are flown. In Germany, IX Tactical Air Command supports the US First Army in the Bonn area and cuts rail lines W of the Rhine River; XIX Tactical Air Command hits fortifications near Metz. In Belgium, HQ 370FG and the 402 and 485FSs move from Roye/Amy, France to Florennes/Juxaine with P-38s. In France, the 23FS, 36FG, moves from Le Mans to Athis with P-47s; the 404FS, 371FG, moves from Perthes to Dole/Tavaux with P-47s; the 646BS(L), 410BG(L), moves from Gosfield, England to Coulommiers with A-20s. US STRATEGIC AFS IN EUROPE (USSTAF): HQ USSTAF moves from Bushy Park, England to St-Germain-en-Laye, France.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy during the night of 25/26 Sep A-20s bomb targets of opportunity in the Po Valley; throughout the day B-25s and B-26s pound rail and road bridges in the E and NW parts of the Po Valley while fighter-bombers and fighters of the XII Fighter Command attack road nets, rails, motor transport, and supply points at many locations in the valley.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 2 B-24s from Saipan Island on armed reconnaissance bomb Marcus Island. During the night of 26/27 Sep another B-24 snooper hits Iwo Jima Island. B-25s from the Gilbert Islands bomb Nauru Island. B-24s from the Marshall Islands hit Wake Island during the night of 26/27 Sep.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): 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. In New Guinea, P-40s hit Kokas; the 31BS(H), 5BG(H), moves from Wakde Island to Noemfoor Island with B-24s; the 424BS(H), 307BG(M), based on Wakde Island with B-24s, begins operating from Noemfoor Island.

 WEDNESDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 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.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 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.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 650: 1,192 bombers and 678 fighters are dispatched to hit industrial and transportation targets in W Germany and use PFF methods for all targets; 28 bombers and 2 fighters are lost: 1. 421 of 462 B-17s hit a secondary target (Cologne) and 10 others hit Blatzheim; 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 165 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA; 7 WIA and 1 MIA. Escort is provided by 221 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 5-0-0 aircraft in the air; 3 P-47s are damaged. 2. 415 B-17s are dispatched to hit Ludwigshafen/Opau oil refinery (214) and Mainz (171); 4 others hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-17s are lost and 142 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA, 9 WIA and 19 MIA. Escort is provided by 212 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft in the air; 1 P-47 is damaged. 3. 315 B-24s are dispatched to hit Kassel/Henschel aircraft plant (248); 35 also hit Gottingen; they claim 5-3-0 aircraft; 26 B-24s are lost, 6 damaged beyond repair and 41 damaged; 20 airmen are KIA, 2 WIA and 245 MIA. Escort is provided by 207 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; they claim 25-0-6 aircraft in the air and 5-0-1on the ground; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA), 1 P-51 damaged beyond repair, and 2 P-38s and 2 P-47s damaged.

Mission 651: 8 of 10 B-17s drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night. 163 B-24s on a TRUCKIN'

Mission carry fuel to France.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Fighters fly armed reconnaissance, cover US First and Third Army forces in W Germany and E France and later fly night patrols in Belgium, Luxembourg, and W German areas. In France, nearly 300 B-26s and A-20s abort missions due to weather; 8 manage to bomb a target at Foret de Parroy. In Belgium, the 401FS, 370th Fighter Group, moves from Roye/Amy, France to Florennes/Juxaine with P-38s. In France, the 586BS(M), 394BG(M), moves from Tour-en-Bassin to Bricy with B-26s; the 644BS(L), 410BG(L), moves from Gosfield, England to Coulommiers with A-20s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy during the night of 26/27 Sep A-20s bomb motor transport in the Po Valley; during the day bad weather cancels medium bomber operations and restricts the XII Fighter Command; yet fighter-bombers effectively support the US Fifth Army, especially on Monte Oggioli, blasting defensive positions, troop concentrations, roads, and motor transport, and cutting rail lines between Parma and Piacenza.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based P-47s bomb and strafe Pagan Island. 2 B-24s on armed reconnaissance hit Marcus Island. 14 Marshall Islands based B-24s strike Truk Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb Menado personnel and supply areas on Celebes Island. B-25s attack oil tanks at Boela, Ceram Island and hit Old Namba Airfield on Buru Island. In New Guinea, P-40s hit Ransiki, Kokas, and Warren Airfield and shipping in the Vogelkop Peninsula area; HQ 375TCG moves from Nadzab to Biak Island; the 72 and 394BS(H), 5BG(H), move from Wakde Island to Noemfoor Island with B-24s. HQ 35th FG moves from Owi, Schouten Islands to Morotai Island.

 THURSDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 4 P-47s bomb and strafe Mawhun and Nansiaung. 21 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow, Yungning, and Kunming, China.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 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.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): In France, HQ 439th Troop Carrier Group and the 91, 92 and 94TCSs move from Juvincourt to Lonray with C-47s; the 95th, 96th and 97th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 440TCG, move from Reims to Le Mans with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 652: 1,049 bombers and 724 fighters are dispatched to hit oil and military vehicle factories in C Germany using PFF means; they claim 37-8-18 Luftwaffe aircraft; 34 bombers and 7 fighters are lost: 1. 445 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Magdeburg/Rothensee oil refinery (23); 359 hit the secondary at Magdeburg and 35 hit targets of opportunity; they claim 10-7-5 aircraft; 23 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 126 damaged; 8 airmen are WIA and 208 MIA. Escort is provided by 263 P-38s and P-51s; they claim 24-0-13 aircraft in the air and 1-0-0 on the ground; 5 P-51s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 4 damaged; 5 pilots are MIA. 2. 342 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Merseburg/Leuna oil refinery (301); 10 others hit targets of opportunity; 10 B-17s are lost, 4 damaged beyond repair and 251 damaged; 4 airmen are KIA, 15 WIA and 92 MIA. Escort is provided by 212 of 231 P-51 s; they claim 2-1-0 aircraft in the air; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA). 3. 262 B-24s are dispatched to hit the Kassel/Henschel motor transport plant (243); 1 hits a target of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost and 86 damaged; 10 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 171 of 195 P-47s; 1 P-47s is lost and 3 damaged; 1 pilot is MIA.

Mission 653: 4 B-24s and 6 B-17s drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night. 194 B-24s fly a TRUCKIN'

Mission to France with fuel. The 374th, 375th and 376FSs, 361FG, move from Bottisham to Little Walden, England with P-51s.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, bombers hit the defended area of Foret de Parroy; fighters escort bombers, attack railroads W of the Rhine River, fly sweeps and armed reconnaissance in Arnhem, the Netherlands (from which British airborne troops have relinquished their hold because of strong German opposition), the Koblenz, Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, and Mannheim, Germany areas, and support US First and Third Armies in E France and W Germany. Night patrols continue over Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany. In France, HQ 50FG moves from Laon to Lyons/Bron; HQ 410BG(L) moves from Gosfield, England to Coulommiers; the 645th and 647BS(L), 410BG(L), moves form Gosfield, England to Coulommiers with A-20s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather cancels bombing operations, limiting missions to weather reconnaissance.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather grounds A-20s and medium bombers; fighter-bombers, operating on a reduced scale bomb Bologna and hit roads and rail lines at 4 locations.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Saipan Island bomb naval installations at Chichi Jima Island. P-47s bomb defenses on Pagan Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Celebes Island, 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 Islands. In New Guinea, P-47s pound Manokwari Airfield.

 FRIDAY, 29 SEPTEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, 2 B-24s bomb Katooka naval base and Kokutan Cape.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 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.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 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.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 654: 5 B-17s and 5 B-24s drop leaflets on the Netherlands, France and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, 400+ B-26s and A-20s hit marshalling yards and rail sidings at Prum, Euskirchen, and Bingen, dragon's teeth antitank defenses near Webenheim, and marshalling yards, rail sidings, warehouses and barracks at Julich and Bitburg; 1,500+ fighters escort the bombers, hit railroads, fly sweeps and armed reconnaissance over wide areas of the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, E France, and in W Germany as far E as Frankfurt/Main. In France, the 10th, 81 and 313FSs, 50FG move from Laon to Lyon/Bron with P-47s; the 411th Fighter Squadron, 373FG, moves from St-James to Reims with P-47s; the 452BS(H), 322BG(M), moves from Great Saling, England to Beauvais/Tille with B-26s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, A-20s and medium bombers are again grounded by weather; fighter-bombers, hampered by weather, fly 52 sorties in the afternoon, cutting rail lines leading S from Milan.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 3 B-24s from Saipan Island bomb Marcus Island; 2 others hit Iwo Jima and Pagan Islands. P-47s bomb and strafe gun positions on Pagan Island. B-24s from Eniwetok Atoll pound Truk Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): Kendari Airfield on Celebes Island is bombed by B-24s. B-25s hit both Namlea Airfields on Buru Island while B-24s blast Liang on Ambon Island and Haroekoe Airfield on Haroekoe Island. In New Guinea, A-20s and RAAF (RAAF): aircraft, continue to pound Urarom Airfield; other A-20s bomb Faan Airfield.

 SATURDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 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.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 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.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): In France, HQ 440th Troop Carrier Group and the 98TCS move from Reims to Le Mans with C-47s; the 93TCS, 439TCG, moves from Juvincourt to Lonray with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 655: 834 bombers and 629 fighters are dispatched to make PFF attacks on marshalling yards and airfields in W Germany; 8 bombers are lost: 1. 257 of 266 B-17s hit Bielefeld marshalling yard; 4 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 24 damaged; 3 airmen are WIA and 28 MIA. Escort is provided by 240 P-47s and P-51s without loss. 2. 255 B-24s are dispatched to hit the marshalling yard at Hamm (206); targets of opportunity are Munster (12) and other (1); 1 B-24 is lost and 32 damaged; 10 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 170 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s without loss. 3. 313 B-17s are dispatched to hit the marshalling yard at Munster (35) and Munster/Handorf Airfield (14); targets of opportunity are Munster (239) and other (1); 3 B-17s are lost and 85 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 2 WIA and 36 MIA. Escort is provided by 177 P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair. 86 of 97 P-51s fly a sweep over NW Germany; 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair. 116 B-24s fly a TRUCKIN'

Mission carrying fuel to France.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 14 B-26s bomb the Arnhem, the Netherlands road bridge with poor results; fighters fly sweeps over Belgium, E France, and W Germany and attack rail targets. In Belgium, HQ 48th Fighter Group and the 492 and 494FSs move from Cambrai/Niergnies, France to St Trond with P-47s. In France, HQ 344BG(M) and the 494th, 495th, 496th and 497BS(M) move from Stansted, England to Cormeilles-en-Vexin with B-26s.

MTO - AAF, MTO: The 72Liaison Squadron, AAF,

MTO - (attached to Seventh Army), moves from Vesoul to Epinal, France with L-5s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb road and railroad bridges in the Po Valley at Piacenza, Voghera, Sesto Calende, Lonate Pozzolo, Galliate, Cittadella, Borgoforte, and Tortona; B-26s hit fuel dumps at Cremona, and bridges at Padua, Turbigo, and San Nazzaro; XII Fighter Command fighters hit motor transport, rail lines, roads, bridges, and rolling stock in the Po Valley; HQ 62TCG moves from Galera Airfield to Malignano Airfield.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based P-47s blast the airfield area on Pagan Island; later in the day a B-24 hits the same target. During the night of 30 Sep/1Oct a Kwajalein Atoll-based B-24 bombs Wake Island. HQ 494BG(H) and the 864th, 865th, 866th and 867BS(H) move from Barking Sands, Hawaii to Angaur Island, Palau Islands with B-24s (first Mission is 22 Nov).

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s strike oil installations at Balikpapan, Borneo. On Celebes Island, 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 Island waters. P-38s hit Amahai on Ceram Island, Kairatoe and Halong seaplane base on Celebes Island, and Haroekoe Airfield on Haroekoe Island. In New Guinea, A-20s and fighter-bombers hit Babo, Urarom, and Fak Fak; A-20s and B-25s bomb Faan; the 23BS(H), 5BG(H), moves from Wakde Island to Noemfoor Island with B-24s.

OCTOBER 1944

 SUNDAY, 1 OCTOBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 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 9BS(H), 7BG(H), moves from Kurimitola to Pandaveswar, India with B-24s. During Oct 44, the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, 8(Photo)RG, based at Guskhara, India, sends an element to operate from Hsinching, China with F-7s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 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.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): In France, HQ 50th Troop Carrier Wing moves from Exeter, England to Le Mans; the 99th and 301Troop Carrier Squadrons, 441TCG, move from Villeneuve/Vertus to St Marceau with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 657: 9 of 10 B-17s drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Belgium during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, HQ XXIX Tactical Air Command (Provisional) locates advance HQ at Arlon; weather prevents bomber operations; a few fighters fly armed reconnaissance over E France and wide areas of W Germany and patrol the battle areas; night patrols are flown over E France and Luxembourg; HQ 36FG moves from Athis to Juvincourt; HQ 371FG and the 406FS move from Perthes to Dole/Tavaux with P-47s; the 553BS(H), 386BG(M), moves from Great Dunmow, England to Beaumont-sur-Oise with B-26s; the 573d, 574th and 575BSs (M), 391BG(M), move from Matching, England to Roye/Amy with B-26s. In Belgium, HQ 84FW moves from Vermand, France to Arlon; HQ 404FG and the 506th, 507th and 508FSs move from Juvincourt, France to St-Trond with P-47s; HQ 474FG moves from Peronne, France to Florennes; the 125LS, 9AF (attached to Ninth Army), moves from Rennes, France to Arlon with L-5s. In Luxembourg, HQ 363Tactical RG moves from Le Mans, France to Luxembourg City. In Belgium, during Oct 44, HQ IX Fighter Command moves from Charleroi to Verviers.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): HQ 5th Photographic RG and the 15th, 23and 32Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons are assigned to HQ 15AF, completing the full establishment of 21heavy bomber groups, 7 FGs, and 1RG, as authorized in the War Department directive of 23 Oct 43. Weather permits only photo and weather reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s and B-26s attack bridges, fuel dumps, factory, and barracks in C and W Po Valley, including 3 attacks on Piacenza while XII Fighter Command's A-20s hit a fuel dump and bivouacs and fighter-bombers blast guns and communications in the mountainous battle areas between Florence and Bologna; the 416NPS, 62FW, moves from Rosignano to Pisa with Mosquitos.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Saipan Island, Mariana Islands, strike the airfield on Iwo Jima Island, Volcano Islands. In the Gilbert Islands, B-25s from Makin Island bomb Nauru Island while B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, hit Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Celebes Island, B-24s bomb Langoan while B-25s hit Lembeh Island, Menado, and Bolaang-oeki port. B-24s bomb Taka in the Moluccas Islands while P-38s hit Amahai, Ceram Island, Kairatoe, Celebes Island, and shipping off Amboina, Ambon Island. B-25s and P-38s on shipping sweeps off Halmahera Island 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 Island and targets of opportunity in Windissi, Idorra, and MacCluer Gulf; P-47s and A-20s hit Doeroa, Langgoer, and Faan Airfields; the 63and 70TCSs, 403Troop Carrier Group, move from Los Negros Island, Admiralty Islands and Hollandia respectively, to Biak Island with C-47s. The 82Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 71Tactical RG, moves from Biak Island, New Guinea to Morotai Island, Moluccas Islands with P-40s and F-6s.

 MONDAY, 2 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, photo reconnaissance missions, by 4 B-25s to Paramushiru Island and by 2 B-24s to Onnekotan Island, abort due to weather.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 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 1 and 3Combat Cargo Squadrons, 1Combat Cargo Group, operating from Yunnani, China with C-47s return to base at Sylhet, India.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 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.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): In France, HQ 441Troop Carrier Group and the 100th and 302TCSs move from Villeneuve/Vetrus to St Marceau with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 4 missions are flown:

Mission 658: 887 B-17s and 549 fighters are dispatched to make PFF attacks on industrial targets at Cologne and Kassel, Germany; 2 B-17s are lost: 1. 305 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Bettenhausen ordnance depot at Kassel (129); targets of opportunity are Kassel (143), Fritzlar Airfield (12): and other (1); 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 89 damaged; 5 airmen are WIA. Escort is provided by 228 P-47s and P-51s without loss. 2. 458 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Henschel motor vehicle plant at Kassel (384); targets of opportunity are Wiesbaden (31), Gesecke (9) and other (17); 2 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 144 damaged; 16 airmen are KIA, 1 WIA and 20 MIA. Escort is provided by 219 P-47s and P-51s without loss. 3. 110 of 124 B-17s hit the Ford motor vehicle plant at Cologne; 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 36 damaged. Escort is provided by 53 P-47s and P-51s without loss.

Mission 659: 308 B-24s are dispatched to make a PFF attack on the marshalling yard at Hamm (266); targets of opportunity are Handorf Airfield (29) and Munster (1); 2 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 144 damaged; 1airman is KIA and 18 MIA. Escort is provided by 212 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA), 2 damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; 1 pilot is KIA.

Mission 660: 2 B-17s, escorted by 15 P-51s, drop leaflets on Dutch islands during the day.

Mission 661: 5 B-24s and 3 B-17s drop leaflets in the Netherlands, France and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ XXIX Tactical Air Command (Provisional) goes into operation along with the US Ninth Army (this new Tactical Air Command is formed from elements of the IX and XIX Tactical Air Commands); in Germany, the 9th Bombardment Division strikes the industrial area of Ubach and defended positions at Herbach; fighters fly armed reconnaissance (and later night patrol) over Belgium, E France, and W Germany and support the US First, Third, and Seventh Armies in E France and W Germany. In Belgium, HQ IX Tactical Air Command moves advanced HQ from Janoulx to to Verviers maintaining the close association with the US First Army; HQ 368FG and the 395th, 396th and 397FSs move from Laon, France to Chievres with P-47s; the 428th, 429th and 430FSs, 474FG, move from Peronne, France to Florennes. In France, HQ 386BG(M) and the 552d, 554th and 555BS(M) move from Great Dunmow, England to Beaumont-sur-Oise with B-26s. In Luxembourg, the 161Tactical RS, 363Tactical RG, moves from Montrevil, France to Sandwieler with F-6s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Unfavorable weather again cancels bombing missions and limits operations to weather reconnaissance. The 885BS(H), 15AF (attached to Mediterranean Allied AFs), begins a movement from Maison Blanche, Algeria to Brindisi, Italy with B-24s (the squadron transports supplies to partisans and drops leaflets in the MTO).

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather grounds medium bombers and restricts fighters to reconnaissance and patrols; during the night of 1/2 Oct A-20s bomb targets of opportunity in the Po Valley; HQ 27th FG and the 522d, 523and 524FSs move from Loyettes, France to Tarquinia with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based B-24s hit Marcus Island in the North Pacific and shipping W of Chichi Jima Island, Bonin Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-25s pound Laha Airfield on Ambon Island while B-24s hit Haroekoe Island; P-38s cover the Laha raid, attack shipping in Seri and Amboina Bays and hit Amahai on Ceram Island and Kairatoe Airfield on Celebes Island. Off Halmahera Island 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 Island and bomb Otawiri and Ransiki Airfields; the 64th Troop Carrier Squadron, 403TCG, based on Biak Island begins operating from Wakde Island with C-47s.

 TUESDAY, 3 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, 2 B-24s flying offshore reconnaissance over Onnekotan, Harumukotan, and Shasukotan Islands also strafe several small vessels.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): Troop carriers fly 240+ sorties, delivering men and supplies to various points in the CBI. In Burma, the 5th Liaison Squadron, 10AF [attached to 1Liaison Group (Provisional)], moves from Shaduzup to Myitkyina with L-1s and L-5s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 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.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown:

Mission 662: 1,065 bombers and 753 fighters make PFF and visual attacks against airfields and industrial targets in Geramny; 3 bombers and 4 fighters are lost: 1. 380 B-17s are dispatched to hit Giebelstadt Airfield (49); targets of opportunity are Nurnberg (256), Ludwigshafen (13), Ulm (11) and others (24); 130 B-17s are damaged; 2 airmen are WIA. Escort is provided by 260 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 2-0-0 aircraft on the ground; 4 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA0 and 1 is damaged beyond repair. 2. 228 B-17s are dispatched to hit motor vehicle facotry at Nurnberg (198); 10 others hit Ottingen Airfield; 3 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 63 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 4 WIA and 28 MIA. Escort is proivded by 227 P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair. 3. 119 B-17s are dispatched to hit the oil refinery at Wesseling (87); targets of opportunity are Cogogne (26) and 1other; 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 51 damaged. Escort5 is provided by 24 of 24 P-47s. 4. 338 B-24s are dispatched to hit Gaggenau (139) and Lachen/Speyerdorf (111) visually; secondary targets hit are Offenburg marshalling yard (19) and Pforzheim Airfield (19); targets of opportunity are Speyer Airfield (30) and Lachen (2); 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 38 damaged; 2 airmen are WIA. Escort is provided by 188 P-38s and P-47s.

Mission 663: 6 B-24s and 4 B-17s drop leaflets in France, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 220+ B-26s and A-20s sent to bomb targets at Durena and Aldenhoven, Germany, and Arnhem, the Netherlands are recalled because of weather; fighters fly armed reconnaissance over W Germany, hit railroads W of the Rhine River, and support the US Third Army in the Metz, France area. The IX Air Defense Command continues night patrols. In Belgium, HQ 70FW moves from Marchais, France to Liege; HQ 303d FW moves from Vermand, France to Arlon. In France, HQ 98th Combat BW(M) moves from Chartres to Laon/Athies; the 23Fighter Squadron, 36FG, moves from Athis to Juvincourt with P-47s; and the 405FS, 371FG, moves from Perthes to Dole/Tavaux with P-47s.

MTO - AAF, MTO: "A" Flight of the 121Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO, moves from Lyons to Vittel, France with L-4s and L-5s (squadron is based at Pomigliano, Italy).

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): For the eighth consecutive day bad weather prevents bombing operations.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers continue to pound road and rail bridges and fuel dumps in the Po Valley; A-20s, fighter-bombers, and fighters of the XII Fighter Command hit fuel dumps, rail lines, and transportation in the Valley and support US Fifth Army forces in the battle areas in the N Apennines S and SW of Bologna and N of the Arno River Valley; the 4TCS, 62TCG, moves from Galera Airfield to Malignano Airfield with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Saipan Island hit shipping in the Bonin Islands while P-47s pound gun positions, buildings, and a wharf on Pagan Island, Mariana Islands. B-24s on special reconnaissance missions bomb the airfield on Iwo Jima Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): For the second time B-24s bomb oil refineries in the Balikpapan, Borneo area, B-25s hit shipping and bomb Sanana on Sanana Island, Moluccas Islands; on Halmahera Island, B-25s smash Kaoe runway and bomb Galela; B-25s and B-24s over Ceram Island- 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 Celebes Island and Namlea Airfield on Buru Island and Haroekoe Airfields on Haroekoe Island. On the Vogelkop Peninsula in New Guinea, fighter-bombers again hit Fak Fak and Otawiri.

 WEDNESDAY, 4 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, a B-24 weatheraborts a photo run off Matsuwa Island; 4 B-25s bomb a freighter and a barge off Shimushu Island; 15-17 fighters intercept and the B-25s score 1 victory.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 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.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 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.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): The 306th Troop Carrier Squadron, 442TCG, moves from Weston Zoyland, England to Peray, France with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 664: 5 B-24s and 4 B-17s drop leaflets in the Low Countries, France and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Bombers drop leaflets in the Metz and Saint-Die, France and Saarburg, Germany areas; fighters support the US First and Third Armies in W Germany and E France, escort B-26s, and fly armed reconnaissance in forward areas, attacking rail and military targets. In Belgium, HQ 365FG and the 386th, 387th and 388th Fighter Squadrons move from Juvincourt, France to Chievres with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 327 B-17s and B-24s, with fighter escort, bomb the Munich W, Germany marshalling yard. In Italy, around 400 other heavy bombers, attack the rail line in the Trento-Mezzaselva area covering 50+ miles (80+ km) of the Brenner route, Aviano Airfield, Avisio viaduct, and railroad and road bridges at Pinzano al Tagliamento, Pordenone, Latisana, Casarsa della Delizia, Mezzocorona, Ora, and San Dona di Piave. In Greece, 39 P-51s strafe Tatoi, Kalamaki, and Eleusis Airfields. Other P-51s escort Mediterranean Allied Tactical AF (MATAF) C-47s and fly reconnaissance.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather restricts medium bombers to attacks on 2 bridges at Bistagno and Villafranca d'Asti; fighterbombers closely support ground forces fighting in the Loiano-Quinzanod'Oglio- Sassoleone areas, and hit communications N of the battle areas; HQ 47BG(L) and the 84th, 85th and 86BSs (L) move from Follonica to Rosignano Airfield with A-20s; HQ 79th Fighter Group and the 86th and 87FSs move from Southern France to Iesi with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Saipan Island attack shipping W of Iwo Jima Island and bomb airfields, the radio station, buildings, and area targets on Marcus, Pagan, and Iwo Jima Islands. P-47s hit gun positions, beach defenses, buildings, and the wharf area on Pagan Island. B-24s from the Marshall Islands bomb the airfield on Moen Island, Truk Atoll.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Celebes Island, B-25s bomb Sidate and Bolaang-oeki. 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 Amboina on Ambon Island, hit a wharf at Halong on Celebes Island, and attack shipping and shore targets of opportunity at various points. In New Guinea, HQ 403TCG moves from Los Negros Island, Admiralty Islands to Biak Island; the 13th Troop Carrier Squadron, 403TCG, based on Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides Islands, ceases operating from Los Negros Island and begins operating from Wakde Island with C-47s; the 63TCS, 403d TCG, based on Biak Island, begins operating from Wakde Island with C-47s. In the Moluccas Islands, the 35FS, 8th Fighter Group, moves from Owi, Schouten Islands to Morotai Island with P-38s.

 THURSDAY, 5 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): At dawn on Paramushiru Island, 2 B-24s bomb Kashiwabara and Kurabu Cape.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 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 493BS(H), 7BG(H), moves from Tezgaon to Pandaveswar, India with B-24s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 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.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): HQ 442TCG and the 303and 304TCSs move from Weston Zoyland, England to Bonnetable and Peray, France respectfully, with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): General Order 507 implements the decision of 15 Sep to assign staff officers of HQ VIII Fighter Command to HQ 8AF to represent units in administrative functions, thus eliminating the administrative and operational control from HQ VIII Fighter Command and placing it under HQ 8AF; this is necessitated by the transfer of FGs to Bombardment Divisions. 2 missions are flown:

Mission 665: 1,090 bombers and 733 fighters are dispatched to hit industrial targets, airfields and railways in W Germany; 9 bombers and 5 fighters are lost: 1. 348 B-17s dispatched hit targets of opportunity at Cologne (248), Brechten (27), Dortmund (14) and Coblenz (11) using GH and H2X; 3 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 156 damaged; 1airman is KIA and 16 MIA. Escort is provided by 181 of 193 P-51s; 3 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA). 2. 360 B-24s are dispatched to hit Lippstadt Airfield (175), Rheine marshalling yard (107) and Paderborn Airfield (28) visually; targets of opportunity hit are Herford marshalling yard (8) and Lipperode Airfield (2); 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 7 damaged. Escort is provided by 260 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft in the air and 15-0-7 on the ground; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA) and 3 P-47s and 1 P-51 damaged. 3. 382 B-17s are dispatched to hit Munster/Loddenheide Airfield (235) and Munster/Handorf Airfield (68) using PFF means; targets of opportunity hit are the Rheine marshalling yard (10) and other (2); 6 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 190 damaged; 6 airmen are WIA and 55 MIA. Escort is provided by 234 P-47s and P-51s without loss.

Mission 666: 8 of 10 bombers drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 330+ B-26s and A-20s dispatched against targets in Arnhem, the Netherlands and Aldenhoven and Duren, Germany are recalled; fighters hit pillboxes along the Westwall, support ground forces of the XV Corps in France, fly armed reconnaissance in the Prum, Bonn, Koblenz, Trier and Landau, Germany areas, hit targets along the Rhine-Marne Canal, and during the night of 5/6 Oct fly patrol in Belgium, E France, and W Germany. In Belgium, the 493FS, 48FG, moves from Cambrai/Niergnies, France to St Trond with P-47s. In France, the 22d FS, 36FG, moves from Athis to Juvincourt with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather causes the recall of heavy bombers.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy during the night of 4/5 Oct A-20s bomb targets of opportunity in the battle area in the mountains S of Bologna and N of the Arno River Valley; during the day weather grounds medium bomber wings and the XII Fighter Command; the 8th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62TCG, moves from Galera Airfield to Malignano Airfield with C-47s; the 85FS, 79FG, moves from Southern France to Iesi with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based P-47s hit Pagan Island with rockets and bombs; a B-24 bombs gun positions on the island. B-25s from the Gilbert Islands bomb runways and gun positions on Nauru Island while B-24s from the Marshall Islands bomb an airfield at Moen Island, Truk Atoll and during the night of 5/6 Oct strike Wake Island. The 28th Photographic RS, 7AF, based at Kipapa Airfield, Hawaii, sends a detachment to Peleliu Island, Palau Islands with F-5s.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb airfields in the Kendari area on Celebes Island. B-25s and P-38s hit Kairatoe Airfield on Celebes Island, the town of Amboina on Ambon Island and numerous coastal and shipping targets of opportunity in the Ambon-Ceram Islands area. In New Guinea, A-20s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers attack Urarom, the Simora Point area, Doom Island, 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 Island. In the Moluccas Islands, the 418NPS, V Fighter Command [attached to HQ 310BW(M)], moves from Owi, Schouten Islands to Morotai Island with P-61s.

 FRIDAY, 6 OCTOBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 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 7BG(H) moves from Kurmitola to Pandaveswar while it's 436th and 492BS(H) move from Tezzgaon to Madhaigani with B-24s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 12 B-25s bomb Wucbou and attack boats and other targets of opportunity in the Canton area; 50+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance over areas of China S of the Yangtze River attack rivercraft, bridges, town areas, troop concentrations and targets of opportunity along the N French Indochina coast; the flight of the 35(Photo)RS, 14AF, at Nanning, returns to base at Chanyi with F-5s.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): The first P-61night 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.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): The 305th Troop Carrier Squadron, 442TCG, moves from Weston Zoyland, England to Peray, France with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 667: 1,271bombers and 784 fighter are dispatched to hit industrial targets in N Germany; with one exception, all attacks are visual; 19 bombers and 4 fighters are lost: 1. 447 B-17s are dispatched to hit Stargard Airfield (199), aircraft factories at Neubrandenburg (73) and Stettin (12); targets of opportunity are Stralsund (110), Kappeln (36), Freienwalde (1) and other (1); 1 B-17 is lost and 34 damaged; 9 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 180 of 202 P-51s; they claim 3-1-3 aircraft in the air and 30-0-14 on the ground; 3 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA), 2 damaged beyond repair and 4 damaged. 2. 418 B-17s are dispatched to Berlin to hit a munitions dump at Berlin/ Spandau (144), aircraft factories at Berlin/Spandau (138) and tank factory at Berlin/Tegel (100); 10 hit a target of opportunity. 17 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 234 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA, 4 WIA and 154 MIA. Escort is provided by 363 of 414 P-51s; they claim 15-0-5 aircraft; 1 P-51 is lost and 3 damaged. 3. 406 B-24s are dispatched to hit Harburg/Rhenania oil refinery (121) with PFF methods, munitions dumb at Hamburg/Glinde (89) and aircraft factories at Hamburg/Klockner (79) and Wenzendorf (46); targets of opportunity are Stade Airfield (29), the Hamburg area (8), Nordhoz Airfield (2), Bremervorde (1): and Ottersberg (1); 1 B-24 is lost and 127 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 2 WIA and 10 MIA. Escort is provided by 156 of 168 P-47s; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft in the air; 6 P-47s are damaged.

Mission 668: 6 B-24s and 4 B-17s drop leaflets in Germany, the Netherlands and France during the night without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 300+ B-26s and A-20s hit marshalling yards, barracks, and ammunition dump at Hengelo, the Netherlands and Duren, Germany and bridges at Arnhem, the Netherlands and Aldenhoven, Germany; in Germany, fighters fly armed reconnaissance in the Dusseldorf, Aachen, Trier, Dieuze, and Koblenz areas, sweeps and patrols in forward areas, attack railroads in the Dorsel area, and support the First, Third, and Seventh Armies' forces in E France and W Germany. In France, HQ 397BG(M) moves from Dreux to Peronne.

MTO - AAF, MTO: The 121Liaison Squadron, AAF MTO, moves from Pomigliano to Florence, Italy with L-4s and L-5s ("A" Flight is at Vittel, France).

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Weather cancels bombing operations; in Greece, 35 P-38s strafe airfields at Sedhes, Megalo Mikra, Megara, Eleusis, and Tatoi, and 55 P-51s strafe Kalamaki airfield.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather cancels all operations of the medium bomber wing and the XII Fighter Command. In France, the 34(Photo)RS, XII Tactical Air Command (attached to Provisional RG), moves from Dijon to Azelot with F-5s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Saipan Island hit Iwo Jima Island in harassment attacks during the night of 6/7 Oct. In the Marshall Islands, 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 Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Halmahera Island, P-38s hit Kaoe Airfield and shipping near Djailolo. In the Ceram Island-Amboina, Ambon Island-Boeroe, Sunda Island area B-25s and P-38s attack Namlea on Buru Island, Waai on Celebes Island, Amahai on Ceram Island, and several small craft. In New Guinea, P-47s bomb Kaimana; and the 547th Night FS moves from Oro Bay to Owi, Schouten Islands with P-38s and P-61s.

 SATURDAY, 7 OCTOBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 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.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 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.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 669: 1,422 bombers and 900 fighters are dispatched to hit oil installations and armored vehicle plants in Germany; with one exception, bombing is visual; 40 bombers and 11 fighters are lost: 1. 142 of 149 B-17s hit the oil refinery at Politz; 17 B-17s are lost and 106 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 17 WIA and 171 MIA. Escort is proivded by 93 of 108 P-51s; they claim 7-0-3 aircraft; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA). 2. 333 B-17s are dispatched to hit the oil refinery at Ruhland (59); targets of opportunity hit are Zwickau Airfield (60), motor vehicle facotry at Zwickau (58), Dresden (30), Freiburg (24) and other (87); 3 B-17s are lost and 172 damaged. Escort is provided by 214 of 256 P-51s; they claim 12-0-0 aircraft in the air and 1-0-1on the ground; 4 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA), 1 damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; 1 pilot is WIA. 3. 451 B-17s are dispatched to hit oil refineries at Merseburg/Leuna (129), Lutzendorf (88) and Bohlen (86); targets of opportunity are Bielefeld (51), Hameln (27) and Nordhausen Airfield (24); they claim 11-13-10 aircraft; 16 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 240 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 15 WIA and 149 MIA. Escort is provided by 250+ P-47s and P-51s; tehy claim 10-0-1 aircraft; 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost (pilots MIA), 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair and 2 P-47s and 1 P-51 are damaged. 4. 489 B-24s are dispatched to hit an armored vehicle plant at Kassel/ Henschel (122) and oil refineries at Kassel/Altenbauna (88), Magdeburg/Buckau (62) and Magdeburg/Rothensee (25); targets of opportunity are Clausthal (129), Bergen/Steinfort (10), Hengelo marshalling yard (4) and other (6); 4 B-24s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 183 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 6 WIA and 38 MIA. Escort is provided by 214 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; they claim 8-0-0 aircraft on the ground; 1 P-47 and 3 P-51s ar elost and 1 P-47 and 1 P-51are damaged; 3 pilots are MIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 9AF cancels previous instructions against bombing bridges and opens to attack all bridges on the US front, except those over the Rhine River. 300+ B-26s and A-20s strike bridges at Arnhem, the Netherlands and in Germany, bridges at Bullay and Dillingen, a supply depot at Euskirchen, and marshalling yard and warehouse at Hengelo and Trier; fighters fly bomber escort, sweeps and armed reconnaissance in the forward areas, hitting railroads, barges, and troop concentrations, and support ground forces in E France and W Germany. In France, the 597th, 598th and 599BS(M), 397BG(M), moves from Dreux to Peronne with B-26s.

MTO - AAF, MTO: "D" Flight of the 121Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO, moves from Florence, Italy to Vittel, France with L-4 and L-5s and joins "A" Flight.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Austria, 350+ B-17s and B-24s bomb the Lobau and Schwechat oil refineries and Winterhafen oil depot in the Vienna area; nearly 30 others hit targets of opportunity in Hungary including marshalling yards at Szombathely and Zalaegerszeg. 330+ B-24s, escorted by P-38s and P-51s, attack marshalling yards at Nove Zamky, Czechoslovakia and Komarom, Hungary and airfield at Gyor, Hungary. 6 B-17s escorted by 54 P-51s, evacuate US airmen from Czechoslovakia to Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather again grounds the medium bombers; fighter-bombers hit guns and troop concentrations in the battle area, which extends over a wide front S of Bologna in the region of Monte Stanco, Monte Cauala, Monte Castellaro, and Monte Ceei, and communications to the N; the 12TCS, 60th Troop Carrier Group, moves from Brindisi to Pomigliano with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Saipan Island, on armed reconnaissance, attack Marcus Island and nearby shipping.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s over Mindanao Island, Philippine Islands, bomb Zamboanga while a P-38 cover force hits seaplanes, shipping, and other targets of opportunity in the area. On Celebes Island, B-25s bomb Langoan, Tompaso, and Tondegesang. P-38s attack Kaoe on Halmahera Island, and hit oil tanks at Boela on Ceram Island. B-25s bomb a storage area at W Amboina, Ambon Island. In New Guinea, P-38s and B-25s strike Doom Island and Babo airfield.

 SUNDAY, 8 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): Photo missions to Paramushiru, Matsuwa, Onnekotan and Shasukotan Islands turn back due to weather.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 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 443TCG moves from Dinjan to Ledo.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 12 P-40s and P-51s hit locomotives, trucks, and river traffic at Yuncheng and NE of Pengtse.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): A revision and elaboration (from 28 Sep-8 Oct) of the 9AF interdiction program against railroads connected with the Rhine River results in the issuance of a new interdiction program; it includes rail lines further to the E and requires attacks by all 4 Tactical Air Commands of the 9AF, plus aid from the British Second Tactical AF. 300+ B-26s and A-20s, with fighter escort, hit strongpoints and bridges over wide areas of E France and W Germany; fighters support ground forces of the US VII, XV, XIX, and XX Corps in E France and W Germany, and attack airfields, railroads, and numerous military targets in forward areas. In France, HQ 394BG(M) and the 584th and 585BS(M) move from Bricy to Cambrai/Niergnies with B-26s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather limits operations to reconnaissance and sea-search missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather forces medium bombers to cancel missions; XII Fighter Command fighters are airborne to support ground forces over the battle area and abort all missions; HQ 60th TCG and the 28TCS move from Brindisi to Pomigliano with C-47s. In France, the detachment of the 23Photographic RS, 5(Photo)RG [attached to 3PRG] operating from Dijon with F-5s returns to base at Valence.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 3 Saipan Island-based B-24s hit Pagan and Marcus Islands. 24 P-47s hit buildings, beach defenses, and gun positions on Pagan Island. During the day and night of 8/9 Oct B-24s from the Marshall Islands bomb Wake Island. In Hawaii, the 531FS, 21 fighter Group, moves from Kuoloa to Mokuleia Field with P-38s and P-51s.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Ceram Island, P-47s bomb Amahai and Boela. In the Moluccas Islands, P-38s hit Dodinga Bay barge hideouts, supplies and targets of opportunity along Wasile and Kaoe Bays on Halmahera Island. In New Guinea, B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers hit Sorong, Doom Island, runways and targets of opportunity at Efman and Samate, and gun positions, bivouacs, and supplies at Simora Point; a detachment of the 17(Photo)RS, 4th Photographic Group(R), begins operating from Noemfoor Island with F-5s (squadron HQ begins a movement from Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands to Morotai Island; another detachment is operating from Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands).

 MONDAY, 9 OCTOBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 50+ P-47s knock out a bridge at Manyut and thoroughly pound the town area, bomb enemy positions at Nyaunggon, Pinhe, and near Mawhun, damage a bridge near Mawlu, and hit a variety of targets in the Katha area; 9 B-25s attack road bridges SW of Lashio, knocking out Na-lang and Nampawng bridges; the B-25s hit several targets of opportunity in the area. Transport aircraft continue a steady supply of various points in the CBI. A detachment of the 9th Photographic RS, 8(Photo)RG, begins operating from Chittagong, India with F-5s (squadron is based at Barrackpore, India).

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 2 B-25s bomb the area N of Mangshih; 3 B-24s hit shipping along the lower Yangtze River; 29 P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance attack river traffic, troops, bridges, and other targets of opportunity in areas around Tanchuk, Tengyun, Anking, and Amoy; the airstrip at Tanchuk is temporarily put out of commission.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 670: 1,110 bombers and 878 fighters are dispatched to make PFF attacks on industrial targets in S and C Germany; 1bomber is lost: 1. 329 of 345 B-17s hit the secondary target, ball bearing plants at Schweinfurt; 1other hit a target of opportunity; 15 B-17s are damaged. Escort is proivded by 338 of 364 P-51s; 3 P-51s are damaged beyond repair; 1 pilot is WIA. 2. 381 B-17s are dispatched to hit the marshalling yard at Mainz (210): and aircraft engine plant at Gustavsburg (148); 84 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 202 9AF P-38s and P-47s; 2 P-38s are damaged. 3. 360 of 384 hit the secondary, the marshalling yard at Koblenz; 1 hit a target of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 17 damaged; 1airman is KIA and 10 MIA. Escort is provided by 271 of 295 P-51s; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft in the air and 1-0-0 on the ground.

Mission 671: 2 B-24s drop leaflets in the Netherlands during the night. HQ 12BW is inactivated at Marks Hall, England.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 9AF gives the Tactical Air Commands an initial attack list of 10 bridges on the US front; other lists follow. 30 9th Bombardment Division aircraft attack a rail bridge at Euskirchen, Germany; fighters provide escort and fly uneventful armed reconnaissance; P-47s sent against airfields in Germany are recalled because of bad weather.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, bad weather restricts operations to weather reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather again grounds the medium bombers; fighter-bombers, and fighters hit roads, rail crossing, transport and other targets in the Bologna and Sabbioso areas; the 97BS(L), 47BG(L), moves form Follonica to Rosignano Airfield with A-20s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 18 B-24s from Saipan Island pound Iwo Jima Island. 25 B-25s from the Marshall Islands bomb Truk Atoll. The 28(Photo)RS, 7AF (attached to VII Fighter Command), moves from Kipapa Airfield to Kualoa Airfield, Hawaii with F-5s (detachments are operating from Saipan and Peleliu Islands).

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers attack Boela on Ceram Island, Namlea and Kairatoe on Celebes Island, and Liang on Ambon Island, concentrating on oil tanks and airfields. On Halmahera Island, B-25s and fighter-bombers hit Lolobata and Hate Tabako Airfields and nearby barges, supplies, and other targets of opportunity. In New Guinea, A-20s and fighter-bombers strike Faan and Langgoer Airfields, P-40s hit Manokwari, and B-25s bomb Samate.

 TUESDAY, 10 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 4 B-24s abort a strike at Kashiwabara, Paramushiru Island due to weather.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 28 P-47s support ground forces near Pinhe, bomb the towns of Tawbon and Man Naung, and hit targets of opportunity in and near Momauk. Transport operations to various points in the CBI continue at the rate of 250+ sorties.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 12 B-25s bomb and considerably damage the Kunlong ferry; 38 P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance attack a bridge and other targets of opportunity near Mangshih, hit troop areas around Tanchuk and Wuchou, river traffic near Dosing, and locomotives and barges along the N French Indochina coast.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather cancels daytime bomber and fighter operations. IX Air Defense Command during the night of 10/11Oct flies patrol over Belgium and W Germany.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, almost 170 B-17s and B-24s attack 4 marshalling yards at Treviso and Mestre and bridges at Susegana and San Dona di Piave plus rail lines in surrounding areas; about 90 fighters provide support in the Udine-Treviso area; 350+ other heavy bombers are forced to abort a mission because of weather.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers are again grounded due to weather; fighter-bombers, though also hampered by weather, manage to closely support ground forces, particularly at Monte delle Formiche where US 85th Infantry Division elements are stopped short of the the crest, and attack communications N of the battle area in the N Apennines; the 11th TCS, 60TCG, moves from Brindisi to Pomigliano with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 14 B-24s from Saipan Island bomb the airfield on Iwo Jima Island and shipping off the E shore. 24 P-47s pound buildings and storage caves on Pagan Island; later a B-24 bombs the radio station N of the airfield on Pagan Island. 12 B-25s from Makin Island bomb runways and adjacent AA positions on Nauru Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s strike oil refineries and an airfield in the Balikpapan, Borneo area; the B-24s and escorting P-47s and P-38s claim 30+ Japanese fighters downed. On Halmahera Island, P-38s and B-25s bomb Djailolo, Kaoe, and Hate Tabako Airfield and the Wasile town area. P-47s hit Liang Airfield on Ambon Island. In New Guinea, A-20s hit the Sarmi area and A-20s and B-25s bomb Urarom Airfield.

 WEDNESDAY, 11 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, 4 B-25s over Shimushiru and Paramushiru Islands blow up 3 buildings and damage 2 others at Cape Namikawa.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 15 P-47s hit guns and enemy positions near Pinhe while 9 attack the town of Manwein and hit targets of opportunity in the area; 8 others hit the towns of Nayakaung and Nansiaung; 8 B-25s attack bridges at Man Pwe, Tahpalai, and Namyao damaging only the Man Pwe bridge; 23 P-47s hit troops and stores near Tawbon and at Hkawan, knock out Kawnghka bridge and damage the Wanling bridge. Transport flights continue to points throughout the CBI. The detachment of the 4th Combat Cargo Squadron, 1Combat Cargo Group, operating from Yunnani, China returns to base at Sylhet, India with C-47s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 2 B-25s knock out a bridge S of Mangshih; 3 P-40s attack sampans from Tanchuk to Tengyun while 8 hit general targets of opportunity N of Mangshih.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 672: 135 B-17s are dispatched to bomb the Wesseling synthetic oil plant (57); 73 others hit the secondary, the Koblenz marshalling yard; 4 B-17s are lost and 61 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA, 6 WIA and 38 MIA. Escort is provided by 135 of 139 P-47s; 1 P-47 is lost.

Mission 673: 9 aircraft drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, 99 B-26s and A-20s, with fighter escort, sent to bomb the Camp-de-Bitche military camp are recalled when Pathfinder equipment malfunctions and weather prevents visual bombing. In Germany, fighters fly armed reconnaissance, cut rail lines in the Aachen- Rhine area, and support the US VII and XIX Corps in the Aachen area, and US XII, XV, and XX Corps in the Metz-Saarlautern area. In Luxembourg, the 160TRS, 363Tactical RG, moves from Montrevil, France to Sandweiler with F-6s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Austria, about 180 B-17s and B-24s, with fighter escort, bomb Vienna S ordnance depot, Graz motor works, S and SW areas of Vienna, the towns of Hirtenberg and Enzesfeld, the marshalling yard at Zeltweg, the Dravograd, Yugoslavia railroad bridge on the Yugoslav-Hungarian boundary, and in Italy, railroad and highway bridges at Cesara, and Trieste harbor; 250+ heavy bombers fail to complete missions because of bad weather; 18 P-51s strafe targets in the Bratislava, Czechoslovakia and Budapest, Hungary areas, including supply dumps, and trains and destroy 17 airplanes at Esztergom landing ground, Hungary; 37 other P-51s strafe Prostejov Airfield, Czechoslovakia and targets of opportunity in the surrounding area, destroying nearly 30 aircraft and trucks, locomotives, and railroad cars. HQ 5(Photo)Reconnaissance Group moves from San Severo to Bari, Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, despite bad weather medium bombers attack bridges and supply dumps in the Po Valley; fighterbombers and fighters closely support ground forces in the Apennine Mountains between Florence and Bologna where fierce fighting rages on Monte delle Formiche, Livergnano escarpment, Monte delle Tombe, Gesso ridge, and Monte Battaglia; also hit are communications behind the battle area and as far W and N as Genoa, Turin, and Savona; the detachments of the 16th and 35th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 64TCG, operating from Istres, France returns to base at Ciampino with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Saipan Island-based P-47s hit buildings on Pagan Island with rockets and bombs. A Kwajalein Atoll-based B-24 bombs Wake Island during the night.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb the Koeandang and Langoan area on Celebes Island. P-38s pound Miti Airfield on Halmahera Island. A-20s and fighter-bombers attack airfields at Liang on Ambon Island, Kairatoe on Celebes Island, Laha on Ambon Island, Haroekoe on Haroekoe Island, and Namlea on Buru Island. In New Guinea, Langgoer Airfield is bombed by P-47s and P-47s hit Babo Airfield while A-20s attack Sarmi troop concentrations. At night B-24s bomb Sasa Matina and Buayoan Airfield on Mindanao Island, Philippine Islands

 THURSDAY, 12 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): B-24s hit the airfield and shipping targets in the Matsuwa Island-Onnekotan Island area.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 18 P-47s bomb railroad targets in the Naba-Mawlu rail corridor damaging a bridge approach, and strike troops and stores near Nayakaung; 12 other P-47s hit various targets at Pintha and Nyaunggon; 4 B-25s knock out a bridge just N of Lashio and 3 others knock out a bridge at Kawlin and damage tracks near the Man Pwe bridge.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 3 B-25s and 12 P-40s hit the Chefang storage area and a bridge and general targets of opportunity in the Mangshih area; 40+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance covering wide areas of S China and extending into W Burma attack troop concentrations, river traffic, storage areas, and buildings in areas around Taochuan, Kweiping, Hsinganhsien, Yuncheng, Tanchuk, and Hsenwi.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): The following B-29 units are inactivated in India: HQ 58BW(VH), and the 795BS(VH), 468BG(VH), at Kharagpur; the 679BS(VH), 444BG(VH), at Dudhkundi; the 771BS(VH), 462BG(VH), at Piardoba.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 674: 552 bombers and 514 fighters are dispatched to hit targets in Germany; they claim 18-3-1 aircraft; 3 bombers and 5 fighters are lost: 1. Weather prevents the 290 B-24s dispatched to hit the primaries at Vechta, Achmer, Rheine and Varrelbusch; PFF means were used to hit the secondary, the marshalling yard at Osnabruck (267); 5 others hit Diepholz Airfield, a target of opportunity; 2 B-24s are lost and 67 damaged; 19 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 210 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 1-1-0 aircraft in the air. 2. 262 B-17s are dispatched to aviation industries at Bremen (267) bombing visually; 1other hits a target of opportunity; 1 B-17 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 59 damaged. 7 airmen are KIA, 1 WIA and 9 MIA. Escort is provided by 273 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 17-2-1 aircraft; 5 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA).

Mission 675: 8 aircraft are dispatched to drop leaflets in the Netherlands, France and Germany during the night; 2 B-24s are lost.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 9AF is delegated administrative (in addition to operational) control over HQ XII Tactical Air Command hitherto assumed by US Strategic AFs in Europe (USSTAF). Advanced HQ XIX Tactical Air Command arrives at Nancy, France, following the advance of the US Third Army. Almost 250 B-26s and A-20s bomb Camp-de-Bitche, France military camp, rail bridges at Grevenbroich and Ahrweiler, Germany, city areas of Langerwehe and Aldenhoven, Germany, and Venraij, the Netherlands, and various targets of opportunity; escorting fighters also fly armed reconnaissance and rail cutting in the Dusseldorf and Aachen, Germany and Belfort, France areas, and support the VIII, XII, XV, and XX Corps in E France and W Germany. In France, the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command (attached to Third Army), moves from Gussainville to Nancy with L-5s; the 365th, 366th and 367FSs, 358FG, based at Vitry-le-Francois, begins operating from St Dizier with P-47s; the 586th and 587BS(M), 394BG(M), moves from Bricy to Cambrai/Niergnies with B-26s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Around 700 B-17s and B-24s, with fighter support, pound ammunition and fuel dumps and depots, bivouac area, barracks, vehicle repair shop, munitions factory and targets of opportunity in the Bologna, Italy area (Operation PANCAKE) supporting the US Fifth Army offensive in that sector. 160 P-51s strafe the mainline railroad and Danube River traffic in the Vienna, Austria-Gyor, Hungary-Budapest, Hungary areas and strafe Seregelyes Airfield, Hungary, disrupting traffic and destroying many enemy airplanes.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers, supporting the US Fifth Army, attack communications, supply dumps, and bivouac and barracks areas S of Bologna; fighter-bombers and XII Fighter Command fighters, mainly in support of the US Fifth Army, blast supply dumps, gun positions, troop concentrations, and communications in the high country S of of Bologna while the Desert AF (DAF) gives similar support to the British Eighth Army in the Rimini area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Saipan Island bomb the harbor and shipping at Chichi Jima and shipping S of Haha Jima in the Bonin Islands, AA positions on Marcus Island, and the airfield area on Pagan Island. P-47s hit the Pagan Island Airfield area with bombs and rockets. B-24s from Kwajalein Atoll bomb Wake Island during the night of 12/13 Oct.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): The first B-29, JOLTIN' JOSIE, THE PACIFIC PIONEER, arrives on Saipan Island, piloted by Brigadier General Haywood S Hansell, Jr, Commanding General XXI BC, for whom temporary HQ are set up on Saipan Island; also the regular air echelon of HQ 73BombardmentWing(VH), arrives on Saipan Island on this date, followed during Oct 44 and the first week in Nov 44 by 4 BGs and 4 air service groups; HQ 313BW(VH), will be established in the theater in Dec 44, HQ 314BW(VH), in Jan 45, HQ 58BW(VH), in Mar 45, and HQ 315BW (Very Heavy) in Apr 45. In Mar 45 HQ VII Fighter Command will be established on Iwo Jima Island from where some of its units escort B-29 missions.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Celebes Island, B-24s bomb Ambesia, Langoan, Mapanget, and Sidate Airfields. B-25s, A-20s, and P-47s again pound airfields at Liang and Laha on Ambon Island, Namlea on Buru Island, Kairatoe on Celebes Island and Haroekoe on Haroekoe Island, and the town of Boela on Ceram Island. P-38s hit numerous targets of opportunity on Halmahera Island. In New Guinea, fighter-bombers hit Manokwari and Urarom and A-20s bomb pillboxes in the Sarmi area.

 FRIDAY, 13 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): On Paramushiru Island, 4 B-25s bomb Kurabu Airfield and bomb and strafe buildings on Tomari Cape, scoring hits on canneries, warehouses, and barracks; later, 4 B-24s photograph and bomb targets at Kashiwabara.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 38 P-47s strike Okkyin, Yebyangale, and Theinlon, and hit troops in the Myothit area; 8 P-47s support ground forces in the Mohnyin area, 12 attack and considerably damage Wanling bridge and 4 hit targets of opportunity in the area. Transports fly 280+ sorties hauling troops and supplies to CBI terminals.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 138 P-40s and P-51s on numerous armed reconnaissance missions throughout S China and into W Burma attack troop areas, rivercraft, town areas, bridges, trucks, and other targets of opportunity; 71 of the fighter-bombers hit targets in the Kweiping area while the others attack targets around Chuanhsien, Litou, Shepchung, Tengyun, Lungfukwan, Kingshan, Mangshih, and Chefang.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 9th Bombardment Division bombers hit bridges at Saarlouis, France, Roermond and Venlo, the Netherlands, and Euskirchen and Mayen, Germany, plus several targets of opportunity. Escorting fighters also fly armed reconnaissance over the areas of Metz, France and extensively over W Germany, attacking railroads and other targets, and support the US First, Third, and Seventh Armies. In France, HQ 323d BG(M) and the 453d, 454th, 455th and 456BSS(M) move from Chartres to Laon/Athies with B-26s; the 425th NFS, XIX Tactical Air Command, moves from Coulommiers to Prosnes with P-61s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 650+ fighter escorted B-17s and B-24s bomb oil refineries at Blechhammer, Germany and Vienna/Floridsdorf, Austria; motor works, locomotive shops, and marshalling yard at Vienna and Graz, Austria; Banhida, Szekesfehervar and Papa, Hungary; and Hranice and Mezirici, Czechoslovakia; some of the escorting fighters strafe railroads, roads, and an airfield in the areas of Balaton Lake, Hungary; Neusiedler Lake and Vienna, Austria; and Prostejov, Czechoslovakia; other fighters strafe roads, railroads, and Danube River traffic in the Vienna-Gyor, Hungary- Budapest, Hungary areas.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather cancels all medium bomber operations except for attacks on 4 targets (bridges and supply dumps) in the battle area S of Bologna; fighter-bombers support US Fifth Army operations more successfully in the area, hitting gun emplacements, troop concentrations, supply dumps, bridges, and vehicles; the 23Photographic RS, 5(Photo)RG [attached to 3PRG] moves from Valence, France to Malignano with F-5s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Saipan Island bomb Yap Island, Caroline Islands. From the Marshall Islands B-24s pound Truk Atoll. Gilbert Islands-based B-25s bomb Nauru Island. In Hawaii, HQ 21FG moves from Wheeler Field to Mokuleia Field.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-25s bomb Menado on Celebes Island and the surrounding area. P-38s hit AA positions, enemy concentrations, and other targets in NE Celebes and Halmahera Islands. A-20s and fighter-bombers attack Boela on Ceram Island, oil installations and airfields at Amahai on Ceram Island, Kairatoe on Celebes Island, and Namlea on Buru Island. In New Guinea, the 17(Photo)Reconnaissance Squadron, 4PRG, enroute from Guadalcanal Island to Morotai Island, sends a detachment to operate from Sansapor with F-5s (other detachments are at Bougainville and Noemfoor Islands).

 SATURDAY, 14 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 4 B-25s bomb and strafe buildings at Otomae Bay, Kurile Islands.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): Transport aircraft fly 200+ sorties, delivering men and supplies to various points in the CBI. The 165th Liaison Squadron (Commando), 1Air Commando Group, moves from Asanol, India to Tamu, Burma with C-64s and L-5s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 32 P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance attack troops, town areas, and river traffic around Samshui, Mangshih, Kweiping, Hsinganhsien, Konghow and Tajungchiang.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): 103 Chengtu, China-based B-29s bomb the Okayama aircraft plant on Formosa; 12 more hit last-resort targets and targets of opportunity; this is the first 20AF

Mission during which 100+ B-29s attack targets and the first of a series of missions against Formosa in conjunction with the US invasion of Leyte Island, Philippine Islands.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 676: 211bombers and 258 fighters make GH attacks on 2 targets in Germany: 1 fighter is lost: 1. 90 of 94 B-17s hit a marshalling yard at Saarbrucken; 8 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 105 of 107 P-51s; 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair. 2. 117 of 117 B-24s hit Kaiserslautern; 8 B-24s are damaged. Escort is provided by 148 of 151 P-51 s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA).

Mission 677: 1,040 bombers and 491 fighters are dispatched to make PFF attacks on Cologne, Germany; 5 bombers are lost: 1. 434 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Gereon marshalling yard (326); 1 hits a target of opportunity; 2 B-17s are lost and 93 damaged; 3 airmen are WIA and 20 MIA. Escort is provided by 141 of 153 P-51s; 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair. 2. 318 B-24s are dispatched to hit the Gremberg (127) and Eifelter (121): marshalling yards; 9 others hit Euskirchen; 3 B-24s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 137 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 2 WIA and 20 MIA. Escort is provided by 177 of 184 P-47s and P-51s without loss. 3. 314 of 379 B-17s hit the secondary target, the Gereon marshalling yard; 1other hits a target of opportunity; 2 B-17s are damaged beyond repair and 123 damaged; 1airman is KIA and 3 WIA. Escort is provided by 151 of 154 P-47s and P-51s without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Bad weather grounds the A-20s and B-26s; fighters escort a leaflet mission, fly sweeps and rail cutting operations, armed reconnaissance over E France and W Germany, and support the US Third Army.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 317 B-17s and B-24s hampered by bad weather, bomb oil refineries at Blechhammer and Odertal, Germany, and several targets of opportunity including marshalling yards at Bratislava and Nove Zamky, Czechoslovakia, and in Hungary, Komarom and the Nove Zamky railroad bridges, Borzavar industrial area, and Ugod military garrison; escorting fighters strafe airfields, rail and road traffic and other targets of opportunity in the target areas; 52 B-24s bomb a railroad bridge and marshalling yard at Maribor, Yugoslavia; 54 P-51s on a strafing mission in the Balaton Lake area of Hungary attack airfields at Szekesfehervar and Seregelyes; 55 P-38s escort MATAF C-47s carrying airborne forces to Megara Airfield, Greece.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather cancels all medium bomber operations; 100+ fighters and fighter-bombers pound troop concentrations, gun positions, supplies, bridges, roads, and rail lines S, of Bologna where hard fighting is taking place in the Monterumici, Livergnano, and Gesso ridge areas.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 3 B-24s on armed reconnaissance from Saipan Island bomb Marcus Island. P-47s on a sweep over Pagan Island bomb and strafe storage caves. 1 B-24 from the Marshall Islands bombs Wake Island during the night of 14/15 Oct. HQ 41BG(M) and the 48th, 396th and 820BS(M) move from Makin Island to Wheeler Field, Hawaii with B-25s.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s again bomb oil refineries and associated industries in the Balikpapan, Borneo area; others bomb Pombelaa mine on Celebes Island. A-20s, B-25s, and fighterbombers again hit Laha Airfield on Ambon Island and Haroekoe Airfield on Haroekoe Island. In New Guinea, HQ 374TCG and the 21 TCS move from Nadzab to Biak Island with C-47s.

 SUNDAY, 15 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 4 B-25s on armed reconnaissance over Paramushiru Island turn back when the flight drifts off course; 1 B-24 strafes a freighter off Shimushiru Island.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, about 40 P-47s attack positions in the Mohnyin area and at Man Naung, supply concentrations at Kyungyi, railroad targets in the Mawhun area, ammunition stores at Manwing, and buildings near Muse; 12 B-25s hit the town of Onbauk, storage facilities at Indaw, and vicinity of Thabeikkyin. Transport operations in the CBI continue on a large scale; the 71Liaison Squadron, 10AF [attached to 1Liaison Group (Provisional)], moves from Ledo, India to Sahmaw with L-4s and L-5s. In India, the 5th and 6FSs (Commando), 1Air Commando Group, based in Asansol, send detachments to operate from Cox's Bazar with P-47s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 28 B-24s, 33 P-51s, and 18 P-40s pound White Cloud Airfield in Canton and shipping in the Hong Kong area; 2 B-24s bomb Amoy; 6 fighter-bombers hit targets of opportunity near Mangshih and Tajungchiang.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 3 missions are flown.

Mission 677: 754 bombers and 464 fighters are dispatched to hit industrial, oil and rail targets in the Cologne, Germany area; all but 1force bombs by PFF methods; 7 bombers and 3 fighters are lost: 1. 454 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Geron (141), Nippes (127) and Kalk (111) marshalling yards; 11others hit the Koblenz/Lutzel marshalling yard; 4 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 293 damaged; 14 airmen are KIA, 15 WIA and 40 MIA. Escort is provided by 146 of 151 P-51 s; 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair. 2. 385 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Eifeltor (148) and Imbert (24): marshalling yards; secondary targets are the Kalk (117) and Gereon (50): marshalling yards; other targets are Wester marshalling yard (11) and other (1); 2 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 230 damaged; 10 airmen are KIA, 19 WIA and 18 MIA. Escort is provided by 150 of 154 P-51s; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 3. 369 B-24s are dispatched to hit oil facilities at Monheim/Rhenania (64): and Reisholz (61) visually; secondary targets are Cologne/Gereon marshalling yard (185) and Dormigeon (13); targets of opportunity are Worringen (12), Cologne Airfield (12) and Limburg marshalling yard (6); 1 B-24 is lost and 106 damaged; 3 B-24s are lost and 106 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA, 7 WIA and 10 MIA. Escort is provided by 131 of 141 P-51 s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair.

Mission 678A: 2 of 9 B-17s make an APHRODITE attack on naval installations on Heligoland Island, Germany; 23 of 24 B-17s fly a cover

Mission to the same targets. Escort is provided by 15 of 16 P-51s and 2 P-38s without loss.

Mission 679: 5 B-17s and 4 B-24s fly a night leaflet

Mission over the Netherlands, France and Germany without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather prevents bomber operations; fighters fly rail cutting missions and support elements of the US First, Third, Seventh, and Ninth Armies in E France and W Germany.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather limits operations to weather reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb bridges in the W Po Valley; B-26s hit bridges in the E part of the Valley, and have excellent success bombing a railway fill at Ossenigo, trapping 300+ railway cars N of the target; fighters and fighter-bombers concentrate their efforts toward support of ground forces along a wide front in the mountains S of Bologna; HQ 63FW moves from Bastia, Corsica to San Pietro.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 27 B-24s from Saipan Island strike fuel storage, AA positions, and installations at the airfield on Iwo Jima Island; 1other B-24 bombs the airfield at Pagan Island. 2 B-24s from the Marshall Islands bomb Wake Island during the night of 15/16 Oct.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): A-20s again pound airfields and oil storage on Ceram Island; P-38s carry out a shipping sweep over the Flores Island area n the Lesser Sunda Islands and on Halmahera Island bomb the Pitoe and Kaoe areas; P-38s bomb Amahai Airfield on Ceram Island while bombers on armed reconnaissance hit nearby targets of opportunity. In New Guinea, P-47s attack Sagan Airfield; the 33Troop Carrier Squadron, 374TCG, moves from Port Moresby to Hollandia with C-47s; the 70TCS, 433Troop Carrier Group, moves from Hollandia to Biak Island with C-47s. HQ 38BG(M) and the 405th and 823BS(M) move from Biak Island, New Guinea to Morotai Island with B-25s.

 MONDAY, 16 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 7 B-24s fly cover sorties for a naval task force.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 11 P-47s attack 2 railroad bridges in the Naba-Mawlu area, damaging approaches to both targets; 5 other P-47s hit Japanese forces in the NW part of Madangyang; 12 B-25s, supported by an escort of 8 P-47s, pound the airfield at Shwebo. Transports fly 300+ sorties in the CBI.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 28 B-24s, 8 B-25s, 26 P-51s, and 21 P-40s blast shipping and the Kowloon Dock area of Hong Kong; 15 cargo vessels are damaged or sunk; 3 other P-51s hit the Wuchou area; 36 P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s hit village and town areas, bridges, and troop concentrations in the Kweiping, Tanebuk, Hsinganbsien, Tingka, and Chefang areas.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): Over 40 B-29s, out of Chengtu, China, bomb the Okayama aircraft plant aircraft plant and Heito Airfield on Formosa; 20+ other B-29s bomb alternate or chance targets at Takao, Taichu Airfield and Toshien harbor on Formosa, and Swatow and Sintien harbors, Hengyang, and several airfields in China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 680: 2 B-17s and 7 B-24s are dispatched on a night leaflet

Mission to France, the Netherlands and Germany.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 9AF advance HQ follows HQ Twelfth Army Group to Luxembourg. All operations are cancelled due to weather. In France, HQ 358FG and the 366th and 367th Fighter Squadrons move from Vitry-le-Francois to Mourmelon with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Nearly 600 B-17s and B-24s, with fighter escort, hit targets in Austria and Czechoslovakia; in Austria, they hit a tank factory, tank assembly plant, and aero engine works at Steyr, benzol plant and ordnance depot at Linz, plus alternate targets and targets of opportunity, including Graz, Neudorf aircraft engine factory, Trieben, Linz, Graz, Villach, Salzburg, Klagenfurt, and Sankt Veit an der Glan; in Czechoslovakia, they hit the Brux synthetic oil refinery, and armament works in Plzen. 20+ P-51s and P-38s fly photo and weather reconnaissance missions and sea patrol; 29 P-38s escort MATAF C-47s (transporting airborne troops) to Greece and back to Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bomber operations are cancelled by bad weather; A-20s and fighter-bombers hit troop concentrations, bridges, gun positions, road, rail lines, and vehicles in the battle area, particularly in the Monte Belmonte vicinity.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 15 P-47s and 1 B-24 from Saipan Island hit Pagan Island. From the Marshall Islands 14 B-24s hit Truk Atoll. The 548th NFS, 7FW, moves from Hickam Field to Kipapa Field, Hawaii with P-61s.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): P-38s hit the harbor, shipping, airfield and trucks on Cagayan Islands, Philippine Islands. B-24s blast the Makassar area on Celebes Island. B-24s, B-25s, and fighterbombers again pound the Boeroe Island-Ceram Island airfields and the towns of Boela on Ceram Island and Amboina on Ambon Island and hit shipping in Binnen Bay in the Moluccas Islands. In New Guinea, fighter-bombers hit Timoeka and Mongosah and Sagan Airfields; Langgoer Airfield is pounded by A-20s. HQ 5BG(H) and the 23and 31BS(H) move from Noemfoor Island, New Guinea to Morotai Island with B-24s.

 TUESDAY, 17 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 7 B-24s fly cover sorties for a naval task force.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 15 P-47s bomb a supply area near Naba, hit Japanese HQ and a supply area near Mawhun, and blast a supply base and permanent camp at Myazedi; 8 B-25s bomb Nawnghkio airfield and 3 attack bridges near Kawlin and Thityabin; an approach to the latter bridge is damaged. Transports fly almost 300 sorties to various points in the CBI.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 15 B-25s, 12 P-40s, and 10 P-51s pound a supply depot at Tien Ho Airfield at Canton; 2 B-24s bomb a supply depot at Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong; 44 P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance attack rivercraft, troop concentrations, villages, and other targets of opportunity around Kweiping, Tengyun, Mangshih, Tajungchiang, Wuchou, and Dosing; a runway at Tanchuk Airfield suffers considerable damage.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): 10 B-29s, flying out of Chengtu, China, bomb Einansho air depot on Formosa; 14 others bomb alternate targets.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 681: 1,338 bombers and 811 fighters are dispatched on PFF attacks in the Cologne, Germany area; 4 bombers and 1 fighter are lost: 1. 465 B-17s are dispatched to hit marshalling yards at Cologne/Eifeltor (216) and Cologne/Gremberg (34); targets of opportunity are Cologne/Kalk marshalling yard (151) and other (2); 1 B-17 is lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 263 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 6 WIA and 9 MIA. Escort is provided by 274 P-47s and P-51s without loss. 2. 453 B-17s are dispatched to hit marshalling yards at Cologne/Gereon (295) and Cologne/Kalk (142); 3 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 150 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 10 WIA and 37 MIA. Escort is provided by 271 P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA). 3. 430 B-24s are dispatched to hit a chemical plant at Leverkusen but weather prevents the attack; targets of opportunity hit are the Cologne/ Gereon (231) and Cologne/Kalk (179) marshalling yards; 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 73 damaged. Escort is provided by 229 P-47s and P-51s.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): All Rhine River rail and road bridges are cleared for attack; 2 days later Advance HQ prescribes bridges as having priority on the target list second only to rail lines. In Germany, 35 B-26s hit rail bridge at Euskirchen; fighters escort the bombers, fly armed reconnaissance in the Strasbourg-Colmar-Mulhouse area, attack railroads in the Allendorf an der Lahn-Gemunden area, and marshalling yard at Dielkirchen. In France, the 365th, 366th and 367FSs, 358FG, move from Vitry-le-Francois to Mourmelon with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 330+ heavy bombers attack the oil refinery at Blechhammer S, Germany and the industrial area of Vienna, Austria, plus alternate targets and targets of opportunity including marshalling yards at Banhida, Nagykanizsa and Szombathely, Hungary; Strass and Graz, Austria; and Maribor, Yugoslavia, a railroad bridge at Maribor, a rail line at Furstenfeld, Austria, and targets of opportunity scattered throughout the Balkans. P-51s escort a C-47 picking up personnel at Valjevo Airfield, Yugoslavia, a B-17 carrying a photo crew to Rumania (to photograph Ploesti), and several C-47s transporting personnel to Araxos Airfield, Greece.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather cancels all medium bomber operations and limits fighter-bombers to limited sorties in the battle area S of Bologna, hitting roads, rail lines and bridges; A-20s during the night of 16/17 Oct on armed reconnaissance over the Po Valley bomb targets of opportunity and cause explosions on N edge of Ravenna.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Bonin Islands, 11 B-24s from Saipan Island hit shipping off Haha Jima Island, and the town of Okimura; later, during the night of 17/18 Oct, 1 B-24 bombs an airfield on Iwo Jima Island. B-25s from the Gilbert Islands hit Nauru Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): Fighter-bombers and B-25s hit airfields, shipping and scattered targets of opportunity in the Halmahera Island area. In the Ceram Island-Ambon Island-Boeroe Island area A-20s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers continue to pound airfields and oil facilities. In the principal strike of the day almost 60 B-24s hit oil installations, barracks, and shore targets on Ilang and N Davao Bay areas of Mindanano Island. HQ XIII BC moves from Wakde Island to Morotai Island. In New Guinea, HQ 433TCG moves from Port Moresby to Biak Island; the air echelon of the 82TRS, 71Tactical RG, begins operating from Biak Island with F-6s and P-40s (squadron is based on Morotai Island).

 WEDNESDAY, 18 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 4 B-25s bomb Kurabu Cape Airfield on Paramushiru Island and Suribachi; 8-12 interceptors attack the B-25s, which claim 2 victories.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 13 P-47s attack Mingaladon Airfield, 21support ground forces in the Mohnyin area, 8 knock out 2 bridges at Wanting, and 6 hit troops near Hwemun; 6 B-25s damage approaches to 2 road bridges at Wuntho; 6 other B-25s damage approaches to 2 bridges at Namhkai and Meza. Transports again fly nearly 300 sorties to several locations in the CBI. In India, the 3Combat Cargo Squadron, 1Combat Cargo Group, moves from Sylhet to Tulihal with C-47s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 100+ P-40s and P-51s fly armed reconnaissance over vast areas of China S of the Yangtze River, attack town areas, troops, rivercraft, gun positions, supply facilities, airfields, and other targets of opportunity around Kweiping, Shangkaishow, Tajungchiang, Konghow, Wuchou, Shepchung, Hsinganhsien, Tengyun, Liutu, Tanchuk, and Takhing. Railroad targets at Lang Son, French Indochina are also attacked. The flight of the 21(Photo)RS, 14AF, operating from Liangshan moves to Hanchung, China with F-5s (squadron is based at Kunming).

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 682: 567 bombers and 604 fighters are dispatched to hit targets in Germany; 5 bombers and 5 fighters are lost: 1. 337 B-17s are dispatched to make a PFF attack on Kassel/Mittefeld (300); targets of opportunity are Cologne (1) and other (2); 2 B-17s are lost; 1 airman is WIA and 18 MIA. Escort is provided by 388 P-47s and P-51s; 4 P-51s are lost. 2. 118 B-17s are dispatched to make a GH attack on the Ford Plant at Cologne (79); 30 others hit Cologne/Nippes marshalling yard; 22 B-17s are damaged; 1airman is KIA and 2 WIA. Escort is provided by 38 of 45 P-47s without loss. 3. 112 B-24s are dispatched to make a GH attack on the industrial complex at Leverkusen (39); 30 others hit the Cologne/Nippes marshalling yard; 3 B-24s are lost and 26 damaged; 27 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 139 of 146 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather prevents operations of all commands (including the 9th Bombardment Division) except IX Tactical Air Command fighters which fly sweeps, rail cutting missions, and night patrols, and provide air cover for the US 1Infantry Division in the Aachen, Germany area.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 38 P-38s dive-bomb Vinkovci, Yugoslavia. 41 P-51 s escort C-47s to Greece.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, most medium bomber mission s are aborted because of weather, but B-26s effectively hit Castel San Pietro dell'Emilia warehouses and a railroad bridge at Padua; fighters and fighter-bombers, operating on restricted schedule due to weather, offer effective close support to ground forces in the mountains S of Bologna and hit communications targets in the Bologna and Modena areas; during the night of 17/18 Oct A-20s on armed reconnaissance bomb lights and vehicles E of Bologna.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s out of Saipan Island bomb Haha Jima Island while P-47s bomb and strafe Pagan Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): Bad weather curtails a major strike on Balikpapan, Borneo; of 120+ B-24s and fighters, only 8 B-24s and 8 P-38s reach the target. P-38s hit barges, small shipping, and vehicles on W coast of Mindanao Island. In New Guinea, B-24s attack Sagan and Babo Airfields. B-25s and fighter-bombers again hit Namlea on Buru Island, Amboina and Liang on Ambon Island, and nearby targets, attack targets of opportunity at Djailolo on Halmahera Island and in the Wasile Bay area, and pound Urarom, Manokwari, Babo, Sagan, Otawiri, and other Vogelkop area targets in New Guinea. HQ 307BG(H), moves from Wakde Island, New Guinea to Morotai Island. The 65TCS, 433d TCG, moves from Nadzab to Biak Island, New Guinea with C-47s.

 THURSDAY, 19 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A B-24 bombs Kurabu Cape on Paramushiru Island.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 10 P-47s blast approaches to 2 bridges in the Mawlu area and 15 support ground forces in the Mohnyin area, hitting the village of Nyaunggaing and damaging a nearby bridge and pounding the railroad station at Kadu. In India, a detachment of the 1Combat Cargo Squadron, 1Combat Cargo Group, begins operating from Hathazari, India with C-47s (squadron is based at Sylhet, India).

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 100+ P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance over S China hit numerous targets of opportunity from the Tungting Lake area to Luichow Peninsula; the fighter-bombers concentrate on rivercraft, troop compounds, and building areas; the 35th Photographic RS, 14AF, based at Chanyi, sends a detachment to operate from Chihkiang with F-5s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 683: 1,022 bombers and 753 fighters attack targets in Germany using PFF or GH; 6 bombers and 2 fighters are lost: 1. 381 B-24s are dispatched to hit the diesel engine and armored vehicle plant at Gustavsburg (50) and the Mainz marshalling yard (280) the secondary target; 5 B-24s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 148 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA and 49 MIA. Escort is provided by 195 P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-47 is lost (pilot MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 2. 217 of 267 B-17s hit the secondary target, Mannheim; 34 others hit a target of opportunity; 1 B-17 is lost and 97 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 1 WIA and 10 MIA. Escort is provided by 286 P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA). 3. 374 B-17s are dispatched to hit an artillery tractor plant at Mannheim (25); 257 hit the secondary, Mannheim; targets of opportunity are Karlsruhe (32), Kreuznach (10), Rudesheim (9), Bad Kreuznach (8), Steyer (2) and other (21); 182 B-17s are damaged; 2 airmen are KIA and 4 WIA. Escort is provided by 226 P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair.

Mission 684: 5 B-17s and 5 B-24s are dispatched to drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather prevents bomber operations; fighters attack a tank concentration E of Luneville, France, strafe targets NW of Kaiserslautern, Germany, fly reconnaissance in W Germany, and provide cover for US Third and Seventh Army forces in E France.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather restricts operations to reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Twelfth AF redesignates HQ XII Fighter Command as HQ XXII Tactical Air Command following a reorganization period during which the XXII Tactical Air Command was temporarily referred to as "X" Tactical Air Command and "X-Ray" Tactical Air Command, to distinguish it from HQ XII Fighter Command around which it was formed. In Italy, B-26s attack the Mantua causeway, a railway fill at Ossenigo, and bridges at Calcinato and Peschiera del Garda; a Luftwaffe fighter attack NW of Mantua accounts for 2 B-26s lost and 1missing; at least 2 of the attacking fighters are destroyed; B-25s attack bridges in the Milan area at Lonate Pozzolo, Cameri, and Magenta; fighter-bombers of the XXII Tactical Air Command hit targets in support of ground forces, concentrating on the Monte Grande area, and attack rail lines and bridges N of the battle zone. On the night of 18/19 Oct A-20s hit targets of opportunity during armed reconnaissance in the Genoa and Bologna areas.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s on armed reconnaissance from Saipan Island bomb a bridge, a pier, and the town area on Yap Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s hit Parepare, Celebes Island. Fighter-bombers hit Amboina on Ambon Island and Boela Airfield on Ceram Island and shipping from Zamboanga S in the Sulu-Mindanao Island area, pound the airfield on Cebu Island, Philippine Islands, hit nearby shipping, and strafe Miti, Djailolo, and Hate Tabako on Halmahera Island. In New Guinea, A-20s and fighter-bombers blast airfields at Urarom, Sagan, and Babo; the 13th and 63TCSs, 403Troop Carrier Group, cease operating from Wakde Island with C-47s and returns to base on Biak Island.

 FRIDAY, 20 OCTOBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 P-47s hit encampments and stores near Naha; 5 others knock out a road bridge near Wanling and hit a supply dump in the area, while 4 more attack troops and supplies in the Nansiaung area. Transports fly 200+ sorties in the CBI. In India, the 490BS(M), 341BG(M), moves from Dergaon to Moran with B-25s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 18 B-25s bomb docks and storage area at Samshui and the town of Kweiping; 28 P-51s and P-40s join the attack on the Samshui area; 77 P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance pound road, river, and rail traffic, town and village areas and other targets of opportunity around Kweiping, Menghsu, Shawan, Kaotienhsu, Pingnam, Hsenwi, Wuchou, Dosing, Tanchuk, and coastal areas of French Indochina including Hongay.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In the Netherlands, the 9th Bombardment Division hits the Geertruidenberg/Parenboom and Moerdijke rail bridges; attacks on other targets are aborted because of bad weather. Fighters fly armed reconnaissance over E France and widespread areas of W Germany, attack railroads and various military targets, and support US Third and Seventh Armies' elements in E France.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 480+ B-17s and B-24s attack an oil refinery at Brux, Czechoslovakia, oil storage at Regensburg, an airfield at Bad Aibling, and marshalling yard at Rosenheim, Germany and marshalling yard at Innsbruck, Austria, motor transport, armament plants, and ordnance works at Milan, Italy, plus scattered targets of opportunity. P-38s and P-51s escort the Brux, Czechoslovakia and Regensburg, Germany missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, the weather clears, permitting for the first time in several days a maximum effort by medium bombers which attack 12 bridges and railroad fills in the Po Valley; fighterbombers of the XXII Tactical Air Command, operating on full scale, blast gun positions, troop concentrations, supply dumps, and communications targets in close support of the US Fifth Army's drive on Bologna from the S; the fighterbombers concentrate on approaches to the Monte Grande area to prevent counterattacks.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 6 Saipan Island-based P-47s bomb and strafe Pagan Island; later in the day 4 B-24s hit the island. During the night of 20/21Oct a B-24 on a snooper mission bombs Iwo Jima Island. In Hawaii, HQ VII Fighter Command moves from Ft Shafter to Hickam Field; the 549th Night FS, 7FW, arrives at Kipapa Field from the US with P-61s.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb Davao on Mindanao Island. B-25s hit Amboina town on Ambon Island. In New Guinea, the 2Photographic Charting Squadron, 311(Photo)Wing, arrives at Hollandia from the US with F-7s; the 6TCS, 374th Troop Carrier Group, moves from Nadzab to Biak Island with C-47s; the ground echelon of the 8(Photo)RS, 6th Photographic RG, begins a movement from Biak Island to Leyte Island, Philippine Islands (air echelon continues operating from Biak with F-5s); the 67TCS, 433TCS, moves from Hollandia to Biak Island with C-47s.

 FRIDAY, 21 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN: The 1 Composite Squadron, AAF Composite Force 8012, begins a movement from Ascension Island to the US.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 15 P-47s damage at least 3 bridges throughout the railroad corridor in N Burma; 15 other P-47s support ground forces in the Mohnyin area, hitting gun positions and defensive works at Ywathit; 12 others attack positions and occupied areas around Bhamo and Muse, 6 knock out the Paungni River bridge, and 4 attack the town of Mawhun; about 270 sorties are flown by 10AF transports in the CBI. The detachments of the 5th and 6FSs (Commando), 1Air Commando Group, operating from Cox's Bazar, India with P-47s, return to base at Asansol, India.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 3 B-25s and 130+ P-40s and P-51s attack shipping, gun positions, troop areas, bridges, town areas, road traffic, and other targets of opportunity around Yuma, Takhing, Dosing, Konghow, Shawan, Kuanyang, Kweiping, Tungpingchi, Tingka, Muse, Wan Lai-Kam, Shekpo, Menghsu, and Amoy; the 530FS, 311FG, moves from Dinjan, India to Kwanghan with P-51s.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Bad weather grounds the bombers. Fighters fly armed reconnaissance and attack railroads in W Germany and support elements of the US Third and Seventh Armies in E France and W Germany. In the Netherlands, the 125LS, 9AF (attached to Ninth Army), moves from Arlon, Belgium to Maastricht with L-5s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Hungary, 104 B-24s with fighter escort attack marshalling yards at Gyor and Szombathely; almost 100 P-38s and P-51s strafe Szombathely and Seregelyes Airfields and rail lines between Sajoszentpeter to Ipolyszog.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): B-26s, in the day's only medium bomber mission in Italy, attack Nervesa della Battaglia railroad bridge and causeway; fighters and fighter-bombers operate in close support of US Fifth Army forces S of Bologna and fighter-bombers also hit communications in N Italy as far N as Verona and as far W as Turin; during the night of 20/21Oct A-20s bomb targets of opportunity during intruder missions N of battle area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 28 B-24s from Saipan Island bomb Iwo Jima Island. 2 B-24s, in the first US air strike from Guam Island, Mariana Islands, hit Yap Island. The 26th, 98th and 431BSs (H), 11BG(H), arrive on Guam Island from Kwajalein Atoll with B-24s.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb Cagayan in the Philippine Islands and Parepare on Celebes Island. B-25s and fighterbombers hit Misami Island, New Guinea and blast a truck convoy near Kibawe on Mindanao Island. Other fighter-bombers hit Kaoe Bay supply areas on Halmahera Island; fighter-bombers hit Boela Airfield on Ceram Island and the Amboina town area on Ambon Island. In New Guinea, Mongosah and Sagan Airfields are also bombed; the ground echelon of the 17th Reconnaissance Squadron (Bombardment), 71Tactical RG, begins a movement from Biak Island to Leyte Island (air echelon operations from Biak Island with B-25s until Dec 44); the 64TCS, 403Troop Carrier Group, based on Biak Island ceases operating from Wakde Island with C-47s.

 SUNDAY, 22 OCTOBER 1944

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 40+ P-47s hit a variety of targets including bridges at Panghkam, and at 2 other points along the N Burma rail corridor, the towns of Manna and Kyaungle, a bivouac in the Indaw area, and various targets of opportunity.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 2 B-25s knock out 2 railroad bridges at Pingnam while 8 P-51s pound the town area; 54 P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance attack town areas and general targets of opportunity at Nampang, Kuanyang, Shekpo, Pingnam, Kweiping, near Menghsu and Wanling, Burma.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): HQ 492BG(H) and the 856th, 857th, 858th and 859BS(H), i.e., the CARPETBAGGER group assigned to HQ VIII Fighter Command, is transferred to the 1Bombardment Division to operate as a night bombing group; only the 856th Squadron remains on CARPETBAGGER operations over the Netherlands, Norway and Denmark under operational control of HQ 8AF; this reduction of supply dropping forces results from the recapture of major portions of France. The 859th Squadron is sent to Italy in Dec 44 and did not return; the 857th and 858th started night bombing sorties on a limited scale in Dec 44.

Mission 685: 1,131bombers and 785 fighters are dispatched on PFF attacks on targets in W Germany; 2 bombers and 1 fighter are lost: 1. 379 B-17s are dispatched to hit military vehicle plants at Hannover/ Hanomag (171) and Brunswick/Bussing (148); targets of opportunity are Bielefeld (35) and other (6); 2 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 15 damaged; 20 airmen are KIA, 3 WIA and 16 MIA. Escort is provided by 379 P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 2. 353 of 373 B-24s hit the Hamm marshalling yard; 29 B-24s are damaged. Escort is provided by 196 of 212 P-51s; 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair. 3. 352 of 379 B-17s hit the Munster marshalling yard; 8 others hit targets of opportunity; 13 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 147 of 157 P-51s.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Advance HQ XXIX Tactical Air Command (Provisional) and HQ 84th and 303FWs move from Arlon, Belgium to Maastricht, the Netherlands to maintain close association with the US Ninth Army. Weather forbids bomber operations; fighter sweeps and armed reconnaissance support US Third and Seventh Army elements in E France and W Germany. In Belgium, HQ 373FG moves from Reims, France to Le Culot.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather limits operations to reconnaissance flights.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather grounds all medium bombers and A-20s; fighters and fighter-bombers, flying less than 20 sorties, hit rail lines and trains in N Italy; the 7th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62TCG, moves from Galera Airfield to Brindisi with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Guam Island-based B-24s hit Yap Island with harassment raids during the day, operating singly or in groups of 2 or 3. Makin Island-based B-25s bomb Nauru Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-25s and P-38s attack shipping in the Sulu Archipelago and Jolo harbor on Jolo Island and Zamboanga harbor on Mindanano Island while B-24s hit Opon and Lahug Airfields on Cebu Island; B-25s hit Ternate on Samar Island and B-24s pound Matina Airfield in the Cagayan Islands, and Likanan on Mindanao Island; and HQ 308BW(H) moves from Hollandia, New Guinea to Leyte Island. B-25s hit Piroe Bay supply dumps in the Moluccas Islands and gun positions and fighter-bombers hit Kairatoe Airfield on Celebes Island and Amahai Airfield on Ceram Island and targets of opportunity in Binnen Bay. A-20s blast pillboxes and occupied areas in the Metimedan-Sawar Rivers sector of New Guinea.

 MONDAY, 23 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, 3 B-24s hit Kashiwabara targets on Paramushiru Island; 3 more B-24s bomb Otomari and fly a photo mission over Onnekotan Island; and 5 B-25s bomb the Asahi Bay area.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20 P-47s hit Japanese concentrations at Nanhlaing and Kyungyi; 16 support ground forces at Mawlu and Henu and in nearby areas; a bivouac area S of Indaw is pounded by 4 fighter-bombers while 7 knock out a bypass bridge at Panghkam; 3 B-25s blast train cars and sidings at Kyaukme, 3 hit a nearby motor pool, 2 hit a motor pool at Namhsim, and 1blasts a rail line at Nawngpeng. Transports fly 270+ sorties in the CBI.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 3 B-25s knock out a bridge at Lobochai while 7 P-40s hit trucks and locomotives nearby; 6 B-25s and 11 P-51s pound the town area of Menghsu; 50+ P-40s and P-51s hit small towns and other targets of opportunity in the Menghsu area; 40+ others attack shipping, bridges, and general targets of opportunity around Anfu, Kweiping, Shepchung, Kuanyang, Ssuwangshu, Mangshih, Chefang, Panghkam, Takhing, Tanchuk, Dosing, Wuchou, and Tengyun and Wanling, Burma.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 686: 6 B-24s and 3 B-17s drop leaflets in France and the Netherlands during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather prevents all commands, including the 9th Bombardment Division, from flight operations. In Belgium, HQ 36FG moves from Juvincourt, France to Le Culot. In France, HQ 71 FW moves from Versailles to Vittel.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Around 500 B-24s and B-17s bomb the Skoda armament works at Plzen, Czechoslovakia, and in Germany, a marshalling yard at Rosenheim, industrial area at Plauen, aircraft engine plant at Munich, diesel engine factory at Augsburg, and oil storage depot at Regensburg, and communications targets in N Italy including a marshalling yard at Bressanone, bridges at or near Casarsa della Delizia, Pordenone, Santo Stino di Livenza, and Maniago, and rail line running N to the Brenner area; fighters escort missions to Germany and Czechoslovakia.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather grounds medium bombers; fighters and fighter-bombers, although cancelling many operations, cause much damage to transportation, destroying or damaging numerous locomotives, railroad cars, and motor transport, and damaging vessels in the Savona, Turin, Padua, and Genoa areas; HQ 86FG and the 526FS move from Grosseto to Pisa with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 8 B-24s from Guam Island bomb Yap Island, 2 from Saipan Island hit Pagan Island and, during the night of 23/24 Oct, 1 bombs Iwo Jima Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s and P-38s maintain shipping sweeps in the Makassar area on Celebes Island. B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers hit oil storage at Boela on Ceram Island, Amboina town on Ambon Island, 2 airfields and other targets in the Amboina Ceram Island-Boeroe Island area. In New Guinea, fighter-bombers hit Sagan while A-20s support ground forces further E in the Sawar River-Orai River area. In the Philippines, vehicles and small vessels in the Mindanao area are attacked by fighter-bombers while B-25s attack small shipping in the Sulu Archipelago. Fighter-bombers over Halmahera Island hit scattered bivouacs. In New Guinea, the detachment of the 17(Photo)Reconnaissance Squadron, 4PRG, ceases operating from Noemfoor Island with F-5s (the ground echelon is enroute from Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands to Morotai Island and other detachment are operating from Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands and Sansapor, New Guinea). The 39FS, 35FG, moves from Owi, Schouten Islands to Morotai Island with P-47s.

 TUESDAY, 24 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): On Paramushiru Island in the Kurile Islands, 3 B-24s bomb Kashiwabara and Kurabu Cape; 4 B-25s weather-abort a photo mission to the island; 2 others on a shipping sweep off Kurabu hit a freighter, which is observed listing and smoking, and strafe 2 subchasers.

CBI - CHINA-BURMA-INDIA (CBI) THEATER OF OPERATIONS: The CBI Theater is split into 2 theaters, China and India-Burma.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): About 80 P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance over SE China, SW China, and E Burma hit runways, storage facilities, town areas, troops, horses, gun positions, and other targets of opportunity around Amoy, Lohochai, Tanchuk, Sinthe, Menghsu, Pingnam, Mangshih and Chefang, and Lashio, Burma. HQ 14AF is reassigned from US Army Forces, CBI Theater to US Forces, China Theater.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma from 24 Oct through 27 Oct, fighter-bombers and B-25s steadily support Allied troops on the N Burma front, pounding road and rail communications, troop concentrations and supply dumps, and sweeping airfields; the strikes include close support of British troops advancing on the right flank of the front known as the "Rail Corridor," and of Chinese forces pushing down the left flank along the Myitkyina-Bhamo road.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): By this date, all Pathfinder aircraft of the 482BG (Pathfinder), engaged in H2X and other radar training at RAF Alconbury, have been dispersed to BGs within the bombardment division, which set up their own H2X training. In Germany, 415 P-47s and P-51s are dispatched to attack aircraft and ground targets in the Hannover-Kassel area; 73 bomb flak positions at Elburg, a factory near Nienburg, and miscellaneous ground targets; bad weather causes other fighter-bombers to jettison bombs in the English Channel and Zuider Zee; the fighter-bombers strafe transportation and other ground targets with good results.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In France, bad weather cancels all operations except fighter patrols by the IX and XXIX Tactical Air Commands over W Germany; the fighters attack rail targets. In Belgium, the 153d Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command (attached to First Army), moves from Verviers to Spa with L-5s; the 410th and 411FSs, 373d FG, moves from Reims, France to Le Culot with P-47s. US STRATEGIC AFS IN EUROPE (USSTAF): The 173LS, USSTAF, is activated at Orly Airport, Paris with L-4s and UC-78s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Weather cancels all offensive operations.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather grounds the medium bombers; 300+ XXII Tactical Air Command fighters and fighter-bombers attack targets in support of the US Fifth Army S of Bologna and hit communications and shipping in the Turin-Genoa and E Po Valley areas, destroying 14 locomotives and 100+ railroad cars; during the night of 23/24 Oct A-20s attack targets of opportunity in the Po Valley.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Guam Island-based B-24s bomb Yap Island while Saipan Island-based P-47s hit Pagan Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb Buayoan Airfield on Mindanao Island while B-25s on armed reconnaissance hit small shipping and troops. B-24s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers hit the Sandakan, Borneo area. P-38s bomb Amboina, Ambon Island reservoir areas. In New Guinea, A-20s and fighter-bombers again pound Babo, Moemi, Sagan, Manokwari, Otawiri, and other Vogelkop Peninsula area targets. The following units move from New Guinea to Leyte Island: HQ 85FW from Hollandia; HQ 49FG and the 7th and 9FSs from Biak Island to Tacloban with P-38s. The 72BS(H), 5BG(H), moves from Noemfoor Island, New Guinea to Morotai Island with B-24s.

 WEDNESDAY, 25 OCTOBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 6 B-25s and 4 P-38s damage railroad tracks at Dara bridge in Thailand. In China, 7 P-38s and P-51s hit the Mongyu bridges and destroy the Kawnghka bridge; 4 others strafe Nawnghkio Airfield; 20+ P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance attack targets of opportunity at Tengyun, Kweiping, and Ssuanghsu, and about 50 strike targets throughout the Menghsu area.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): 59 B-29s, flying out of Chengtu, China, bomb an aircraft plant at Omura, Kyushu Island, Japan; several other B-29s hit alternate targets and targets of opportunity.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 688: 1,250 bombers and 522 fighters are dispatched to hit oil and industrial targets in W Germany; 2 bombers and 1 fighter are lost; the first three forces use H2X while the 4th and 5th use GH: 1. 455 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Harburg (221) and Rhenania oil refineries (214) at Hamburg; 1other hits a target of opportunity; 1 B-17 is lost and 94 damaged; 9 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 129 of 139 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost and 1 damaged beyond repair. 2. 225 B-24s are dispatched to hit Neumunster Airfield (216); targets of opportunity are Munster (3) and Utersum (1); no losses. Escort is provided by 41 of 42 P-51s without loss. 3. 297 B-17s dispatched to hit the primary hit secondaries, Harburg (179): and Rhenania oil refineries (106) at Hamburg; 1other hits a target of opportunity; 1 B-17 is lost and 16 damaged; 1airman is WIA and 9 MIA. Escort is provided by 221 of 255 P-51s without loss. 4. 131 B-17s are dispatched to hit synthetic oil targets at Gelsenkirchen/ Nordstern (27); 100 others hit the secondary, the marshalling yard at Hamm; 49 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 50 of 50 P-47s without loss. 5. 142 B-24s are dispatched to hit synthetic oil targets at Scholven/Buer (91); 34 hit the secondary at Munster and 1 hits Gronua; 39 B-24s are damaged. Escort is provided by 34 of 36 P-47s without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ First Tactical AF (Provisional) is established, but not yet organized, therefore HQ 9AF continues to administer, supply, and control all XII Tactical Air Command and assigned units until mid Nov when the First Tactical AF assumes full control. 9th Bombardment Division's missions are cancelled because of bad weather. Fighters fly sweeps, hit rail and military targets in the Saarbrucken, Germany area, and support the US XIX Corps in W Germany.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Weather again limits operations. In Austria, 3 B-17s bomb a Klagenfurt aircraft factory and Sankt Veit an der Glan marshalling yard. 5 P-38s complete 3 weather reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather again grounds medium bombers; fighter-bombers blast guns, vehicles, and communications in the battle area S of Bologna while fighters destroy 20+ locomotives in the Piacenza area; the 10TCS moves from Brindisi to Pomigliano with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 29 Saipan Island-based B-24s bomb Iwo Jima Island during the morning. Later during the day 4 B-24s from Saipan and Guam Islands, on armed reconnaissance missions, bomb Yap Island. 8 P-47s from Saipan Island bomb Pagan Island. HQ 11BG(H) moves from Kwajalein Atoll to Guam Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): 50+ B-24s, supported by P-38s and P-47s, attack naval forces in the Mindanao Sea of the Philippine Islands, firing small vessels and claiming a light cruiser damaged. On Celebes Island, B-24s bomb Ambesia Airfield and attack shipping in the Makassar-Kendari area. In the Moluccas Islands, fighter-bombers hit barges and villages in areas of Dodinga and Wasile Bays. B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers hit Piroe and Saparoea in the Moluccas Islands, Boela on Ceram Island, Halong on Celebes Island, Amboina on Ambon Island, Haroekoe on Haroekoe Island, and N Ceram coastal targets. A-20s pound supply and fuel dumps in the Sarmi, New Guinea area. The 8FS, 49th Fighter Group moves from Biak Island to Tacloban, Leyte Island with P-38s; and the 421NFS, V Fighter Command, moves from Owi, Schouten Islands to Tacloban, Leyte Island with P-38s and P-61s.

 THURSDAY, 26 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): Of 6 B-24s which abort a naval task force cover

Mission after failing to find the ships, 2 bomb installations on Onnekotan Island.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, B-24s and B-25s attack shipping off the E Luichow Peninsula; B-25s also hit river shipping from Dosing to Takhing and a Yellow River bridge; fighters attack the town of Menghsu, hit targets of opportunity around Menghsu and Kweiping, and make an armed reconnaissance attack on Hongay, French Indochina; B-25s and fighters bomb railroad yards at Hsuchang.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 689: 1,225 bombers and 674 fighters make PFF attacks on industrial and communications targets in W Germany; 1 fighter is lost: 1. 430 B-17s are dispatched to attack a storage depot at Bielefeld (155): and aircraft repair plant and Ludwig marshalling yard at Munster (108); targets of opportunity are Munster (87), Gutersloh (24) and other (1); 10 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 204 of 215 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA). 2. 432 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Hannover/Hanomag military vehicle plant (155); targets of opportunity are Hannover (221), Bielefeld (36) and other (1); 2 B-17s are damaged beyond repair and 14 damaged; 16 airmen are KIA, and 1 WIA. Escort is provided by 235 P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair. 3. 242 of 246 B-24s hit the aqueduct and Mittelland Canal at Minden; 5 B-24s are damaged. Escort is provided by 128 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft without loss. 4. 117 B-24s are dispatched to hit the Welheim synthetic oil plant at Bottrop (65); 33 others hit Munster; 37 B-24s are damaged; 1airman is WIA. Escort is provided by 59 of 66 P-51s without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): No bomber operations as bad weather prevails; fighters sweep areas of E France and W Germany from Metz, France to Cologne, Germany, attacking rail and road traffic, rail bridges, and marshalling yards. The 112th Liaison Squadron, 9AF (attached to SHAEF), based at Buc, France with UC-78s and L-5s, send a flight to operate from Namur, Belgium.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Weather curtails operations; 7 B-17s bomb a marshalling yard at Innsbruck, Austria.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Weather suspends all operations. The 527FS, 86FG, moves from Grosseto to Pisa, Italy with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 8 Saipan Island-based P-47s bomb and strafe Pagan Island. 15 B-25s based in the Gilbert Islands, bomb the airfield area on Nauru Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s attack a naval force of 2 battleships, 5 aircraft carriers, and 5 destroyers W of Panay Island; hits are claimed on a battleship and 2 carriers; on Mindanao Island, P-38s hit vehicles in the Davao area and B-25s bomb Iligan. On Halmahera Island, P-40s attack targets of opportunity in the Dodinga-Kaoe Bay area, Djailolo, supply area S of Galela, and guns S of Doro. In New Guinea, A-20s and B-25s bomb Urarom; the 318TCS (Commando), 3Air Commando Group, arrives at Nadzab with C-47s.

 FRIDAY, 27 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 7 B-24s weather-abort an attempt to fly cover for a naval task force.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, fighters bomb and strafe the town of Mengmao and nearby hill positions, river traffic, troops, and horses from Tanchuk to Tengyun, bridges NE of Hsinganhsien, the town of Kaotienhsu, troops in the Kweilin area, rail traffic W of Puchi, and airfields at Siangtan and Changsha.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): HQ 10AF is reassigned from AAF, India-Burma Sector to AAF, India-Burma Theater.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 690: 2 B-17s and 7 B-24s drop leaflets on 38 locations in the Netherlands, France and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Brigadier General William L Richardson reassumes command of the IX Air Defense Command. Adverse weather prevents all operations except patrols by XIX Tactical Air Command and supply dropping missions (to VI Corps near Saint-Die, France) by the XII Tactical Air Command. In Belgium, the 22FS, 36th FG, moves from Juvincourt, France to Le Culot with P-47s; the 412FS, 373FG, moves from Reims, France to Le Culot. In France, the 394FS, 367FG, moves from Clastres to Juvincourt with P-38s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather limits operations to 5 weather reconnaissance flights.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Weather curtails operations; fighter-bombers on armed reconnaissance in the Genoa-Novi Ligure-Turin area hit communications and transportation targets.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 2 B-24s on armed reconnaissance from Saipan Island bomb Yap Island. During the night of 27/28 Oct a B-24 on a snooper mission hits Iwo Jima Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, 40+ fighter-bombers, operating in 3 waves, hit shipping off Cebu Island and W of Mactan Island. B-24s attack Malili and Palopo on Celebes Island.

 SATURDAY, 28 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 8 B-25s fly cover for a naval task force.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, fighters strafe villages, troops, and horses in the Menghsu-Konghow area, pound bridges around Kaotienhsu, and hit Yangtong Airfield and shipping at Hongay, French Indochina and Wuchou.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 80+ fighter-bombers pound numerous targets including town areas, troops, railroad facilities, and a variety of targets of opportunity at Mannaun, Manoi, Sinkan, Winwa, Man Mao, Myazedi, Pinwe, Naba, Yebawgyi, and Kangon.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 691: 382 bombers and 217 fighters are dispatched on PFF attacks on marshalling yards in Germany; 3 bombers and 2 fighters are lost. 1. 184 of 192 B-17s hit the marshalling yard at Hamm; 1other hits a target of opportunity; 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 42 damaged. Escort is provided by 93 of 105 P-51s without loss. 2. 178 of 190 B-17s hit the marshalling yard at Munster; 3 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 96 damaged; 12 airmen are WIA and 29 MIA. Escort is provided by 106 of 112 P-51s; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA).

Mission 692: 3 B-17s and 6 B-24s drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ 9th Bombardment Division moves from Chartres to Reims, France. In Germany, 45 B-26s bomb rail bridges at Sinzig, Kempenich, and Ahrweiler, and airfield at Euskirchen; fighters escort the bombers, fly sweeps and armed reconnaissance over W Germany, attack 6 bridges and 1tunnel, and support US XIX Corps in Belgium near the German border. In Belgium, the 23FS, 36FG, moves from Juvincourt, France to Le Culot with P-47s. In France, HQ 367FG and the 392 and 393FSs move from Clastres to Juvincourt with P-38s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather again limits operations; 10 B-17s bomb a Klagenfurt, Austria aircraft factory; 6 P-38s fly reconnaissance missions, during the early part of the night; 8 B-17s bomb Municb W, Germany marshalling yard; 1bombs Erlsbach, Austria.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather again grounds the medium bombers, and restricts the XXII Tactical Air Command; fighter-bombers and fighters, flying 65 sorties, attack vehicles and trains in the Turin-Milan-Genoa area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Saipan Island bomb Haha Jima while others, from Guam Island, hit Yap Island. Saipan Island-based P-47s bomb Pagan Island. In Hawaii, the 6NPS, VII Fighter Command, moves from John Rodgers Airport to Kipapa with P-47s and P-61s (a detachment is operating from Saipan Island).

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): Mariana Island-based XXI BC flies its first combat

Mission when 14 B-29s attack submarine pens on Dublon Island, Truk Atoll; 4 others, 1carrying Brigadier General Haywood S Hansell, Jr, Commanding General XXI BC, abort; about a third of the bomBSfall in the general target area.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s, fighting bad weather, bomb the airfield at Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island, Philippine Islands. During the night of 28/29 Oct, B-24s bomb the Wilhelmina Docks area on Celebes Island. B-25s and P-38s blast town of Amboina, Ambon Island. In the Philippines, HQ 475FG moves from Biak Island, New Guinea to Dulag, Leyte Island.

 SUNDAY, 29 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): On Paramushiru Island, 4 B-25s on reconnaissance hit Tomari Cape buildings and a freighter which is left listing.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, fighters in support of Chinese ground forces blast hill positions in the Lungling and Mangshih areas; others damage a bridge at Sinshih, bomb Kweiyi and Paoching, hit railroad targets between Siaokan and Sinyang, and strafe airfields at Chingmen, Tangyang, and Ichang.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 80+ fighter-bombers again attack a wide variety of targets including troop concentrations, bridges, supply dumps, and numerous targets of opportunity at Kawlin, Wingnang, Hsenwi, Bhamo, Shwegu, Kyungon, Tugyaung, Yebyangale, Henu, and Kayin.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): About 170 B-26s and A-20s bomb rail bridges at Mayen, Konz-Karthaus, and Euskirchen, Germany and Ellern and Moerdijke, the Netherlands; fighters fly escort to bombers, sweeps, defensive patrols, armed reconnaissance over wide areas of E France, the Netherlands, and Germany, bomb rail targets and bridges, and fly cover for the US XIX Corps in Belgium. In Belgium, HQ 363Tactical RG and the 160TRS move from Luxembourg, Luxembourg to Le Culot with F-6s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Germany, 35 of over 155+ B-24s dispatched with fighter escort, bomb Munich W marshalling yard; the remainder and 670 other bombers, dispatched against targets in S Germany, abort the mission due to bad weather. In Austria, 30 P-38s, after escort duty, strafe communications lines from Wels to Kienberg destroying 17 locomotives and several other road and rail transportation targets.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather again restricts operations; XXII Tactical Air Command fighter-bombers fly 15 sorties against railroad targets in the Po Valley.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 19 B-24s from Saipan Island bomb Chichi Jima Island. 2 B-24s from Guam Island strike Yap Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): Fighter-bombers and B-25s, operating in small forces, are active against airfields, AA positions, and targets of opportunity on Halmahera Island. In New Guinea, fighterbombers also hit Ransiki while fighter-bombers, A-20s, and B-25s bomb Urarom and Soeli and strafe targets of opportunity throughout the Urarom-Kaimana area. HQ Thirteenth AF moves from Noemfoor Island, New Guinea to Morotai Island. The 63and 64TCSs, 403TCG, based on Biak Island, begin operating from Wakde and Noemfoor Islands respectively with C-47s.

 MONDAY, 30 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s fly armed reconnaissance over Matsuwa and Onnekotan Islands.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 13 B-24s lay mines in Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong. P-40s bomb installations around Phu Lang Thuong, French Indochina and hit junks at sea. The detachment of the 529FS, 311FG, operating from Hsian with P-51s, returns to base at Pungchacheng.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 10 B-25s knock out bridges at Namhkai, Wuntho, Thegyaung, and Nankan and damage others at Okkyin and Zawchaung; 50+ P-47s knock out the Hpao Nam River bridge and strafe targets of opportunity at several locations; hit several bridges throughout the N Burma rail corridor, damaging or knocking out each target; support ground forces at Naba Station and Pinwe; and hit troop concentrations at Mansi and Manyut.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 3 missions are flown.

Mission 693: 1,279 bombers and 978 fighters fly a major mission against German oil production facilities; 2 bombers and 5 fighters are lost: 1. 357 B-24s are dispatched to hit the Harburg oil refinery (72) and Rhenania oil refinery (67) at Hamburg; targets of opportunity are Hamburg (28), Cuxhaven (25), Wesermunde (21), Uetersen (9), Bremen (1) and other (1); 2 B-24s are lost and 30 damaged; 19 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 293 P-47s and P-51s; 4 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA). 2. 463 B-17s dispatched hit secondary targets, the marshalling yards at Hamm (209) and Munster (192); targets of opportunity are Osnabruck (12), Enschede (2) and other (4); 17 B-17s are damaged; 1airman is WIA and 2 MIA. Escort is provided by 123 of 135 P-47s; 1 P-47 is lost (pilot MIA). 3. 459 B-17s dispatched to hit the Leuna oil refinery at Merseburg are recalled due to deteriorating weather; 2 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 482 of 508 P-51s without loss.

Mission 693A: 2 of 5 B-17s make an APHRODITE attack on Heligoland Island, Germany; escort is provided by 7 of 7 P-47s. 26 of 27 B-17s, escorted by 8 of 8 P-47s, fly a cover

Mission to Heligoland without loss.

Mission 694: 2 B-17s and 7 B-24s drop leaflets in the Netherlands and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): B-26s are recalled from a mission (mainly against bridges) because of bad weather; fighters fly patrols and armed reconnaissance over NE France and in W Germany around Aachen and the Rhine River; XIX Tactical Air Command escorts B-26s and heavy bombers of the 8AF. In France, HQ 387BG(M) moves from Chateaudun to Clastres.

MTO - AAF, MTO: The 16RS (Heavy, Special), AAF, MTO, begins a movement from Foggia, Italy to the US; the squadron flew combat in the

MTO - and ETO with B-17s as a radar detection and countermeasures unit from Sep 43 to Sep 44.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): During the night of 30/31Oct, 3 B-24s bomb a marshalling yard at Klagenfurt, Austria, P-38s fly reconnaissance missions, while bad weather cancels all other operations.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather again grounds the medium bombers and limits XXII Tactical Air Command fighter-bombers and fighters to 51sorties against scattered targets in the Po Valley. In France, the 111TRS, XII Tactical Air Command (attached to Provisional RG), moves from Dijon to Azelot with F-6s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 8 B-24s on armed reconnaissance missions from Guam Island bomb Yap Island. 1 B-24 from Saipan Island, during the night of 30/31Oct snooper mission, bombs Iwo Jima Island. Saipan Island-based P-47s hit Pagan Island. B-25s from Makin Island strike Nauru Island.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): 8 B-29s from the Mariana Islands bomb submarine pens on Dublon Island, Truk Atoll; 9 others bomb 2 miles (3.2 km): beyond the target.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s pound Bacolod Airfield on Negros Island, while on Mindanao Island, B-25s and fighter-bombers hit San Roque Airfield and barges at Zamboanga. P-38s hit Sandakan Airfield in Borneo. B-24s bomb the wharf area at Makassar, Celebes Island while P-40s, over the NE peninsula, hit various targets of opportunity. P-38s hit Piroe on Ceram island. Urarom Airfield in New Guinea is again bombed by A-20s and B-25s.

 TUESDAY, 31 OCTOBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 4 B-25s score direct hits on a cannery at Tomari Cape on Paramushiru Island and leave nearby buildings burning; 1 of 2 B-25s hit by AA heads for and safely lands in the USSR.

CBI - CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER AAF, INDIA-BURMA SECTOR: The 427NPS arrives at Pandaveswar, India from Italy with P-61s (first Mission is 23 Nov).

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 6 P-51s hit shipping targets of opportunity at Swatow and Amoy; about 70 fighters support Chinese ground forces by pounding positions in the Lungling area; 4 B-25s and 12 P-40s bomb a railroad bridge at Pengpu.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Buram, 60+ P-47s attack occupied areas and supply areas at Namun, Bhamo, and Nakang, and railroad bridges, locomotive shelters, and rolling stock along the Kyaikthin-Naba line; 2 B-25s attack targets of opportunity from Katha to Bhamo along the Irrawaddy River.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 695: 3 B-17s and 5 B-24s drop leaflets in the Netherlands, France and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather forbids bomber operations and limits fighters; the XII and XIX Tactical Air Commands fly patrols, sweeps, and armed reconnaissance over E France and W Germany; the XII Tactical Air Command also supports US Seventh Army elements in the Metz, France area. In Belgium, the 161TRS, 363d Tactical RG, moves from Sandwieler, Luxembourg to Le Culot with F-6 and P-51s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): P-38s fly photo and weather reconnaissance; 174 B-24s, dispatched against a target in Yugoslavia, are forced to return because of weather. The 885BS(H), 15AF (attached to Mediterranean Allied AFs), arrives at Brindisi, Italy from Algeria with B-17s and B-24s (the squadron transports supplies to partisans and drops leaflets in the MTO).

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-26s hit a bridge and causeway at Nervesa della Battaglia and bridges at Montebello and Piazzola sul Brenta; fighter-bombers attack guns and positions in the battle area S of Bologna in the Apennines, and communications and shipping targets in the Po Valley and on the Po River.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): During the night of 31Oct/l Nov a B-24 on a snooper Mission from Saipan Island bombs Iwo Jima Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): P-47s and A-20s bomb Kairatoe Airfield and Saharoe village on Celebes Island. B-25s and P-40s hit Loloda and Soasioe in the Moluccas Islands. In New Guinea, P-38s and A-20s, concentrating on airfields, attack Samate Efman, Sagan, and Doom Island.

NOVEMBER 1944

 WEDNESDAY, 1 NOVEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, a B-24 on an armed weather mission bombs Otomari Cape.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, about 70 fighters again support Chinese ground forces in the Lungling area; 13 fighters strafe river, road, and rail traffic from Kunghsien to Loyang; the detachments of the 11BS(M), 341BG(M), operating from Kweilin and Liuchow with B-25s, return to base at Yang Tong; the detachment of the 26FS, 51FG, operating from Nanning with P-51s, returns to base at Kunming.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 70+ fighter-bombers knock out the bridge at Panghkam, slightly damage bridges in the Wingkang and Kawnghka area, hit railroad targets of opportunity between Indaw and Naba, attack Japanese positions near Bhamo, Si-in, Hantet, and Shwegu, and bomb the towns of Loiwing and Lagaw; 9 B-25s damage bridge approaches at Hsenwi, Namhkai, and Kawnghka. The elements of the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, 8(Photo)RG, operating from Hsinching and Pengshan with F-7s, return to the detachment base at Changyi (squadron is based at Guskhara, India).

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 696: 324 bombers and 321 fighters are dispatched to attack 2 synthetic oil plants near Gelsenkirchen and a bridge at Rudesheim, Germany; 1 P-51 is lost: 1. 142 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Norstern oil plant at Gelsenkirchen (113); 23 hit the secondary, the Hamm marshalling yard; 1 hits a target of opportunity; 24 B-17s are damaged; 1airman is KIA. Escort is provided by 140 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA). 2. 143 of 144 B-24s hit the Buer oil plant at Gelsenkirchen; 25 B-24s are damaged. Escort is provided by 109 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft; 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair. 3. 38 B-17s are dispatched to hit a railroad bridge at Rudesheim (13); 24 hit the secondary, a marshalling yard at Koblenz; 7 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 37 of 38 P-51s.

Mission 697: 3 B-17s and 5 B-24s drop leaflets in the Netherlands during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather prevents bomber operations; fighters fly patrols, sweeps, armed reconnaissance over Belgium, E France, and large areas of W Germany and attack bridges, railroads, and various other targets.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Austria, 320+ B-17s and B-24s, with fighter escorts, bomb diesel and ordnance works, and marshalling yard at Vienna; also hit are marshalling yards at Graz, a tank factory at Kapfenberg, targets of opportunity including marshalling yards at Gussing, Ljubljana and Cakove, Yugoslavia, and scattered communications targets in S Germany, Hungary, Austria, and Yugoslavia; several fighters strafe road and rail transport targets and troops in the Gyor, Hungary-Parndorf and Neusiedler Lake areas.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, operations are again curtailed by bad weather; however, fighters and fighter-bombers successfully attack bridges, rail lines, roads, vehicles, and trains in the C Po Valley and hit scattered targets elsewhere in N Italy; the 525FS, 86FG, moves from Grosseto to Pisa with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 8 B-24s from Guam Island, Mariana Islands, attack shipping NE of Iwo Jima Island, Volcano Islands. 12 B-24s escorting a USN photo aircraft over Iwo Jima Island and Haha Jima and Chichi Jima Islands in the Bonin Islands, bomb airfields, a warehouse, and shipping. P-47s from Saipan Island strafe Pagan Island, both in the Mariana Islands. During the night of 1/2 Nov a B-24 on a snooper Mission from Saipan Island bombs Iwo Jima Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s bomb airfields at Cebu City on Cebu Island and Alicante on Negros Island and supply dumps at Del Monte on Mindanano Island; fighterbombers hit Bacolod, Alicante, and Carolina Airfields on Negros Island; P-47s attack shipping and shore targets during a sweep over the Sulu Archipelago. P-38s and B-25s pound Namlea Airfield on Buru Island in the Moluccas Islands. A-20s and B-25s hit Babo Airfield in New Guinea. The 394BS(H), 5BG(H), moves from Noemfoor Island off New Guinea to Morotai Island, Moluccas Islands. During Nov 44: - HQ V BC and HQ V Fighter Command move from Owi, Schouten Islands to Leyte Island, Philippine Islands. - HQ 2Combat Cargo Group and the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Combat Cargo Squadrons arrive on Biak Island off New Guinea from the US with C-46s.

 THURSDAY, 2 NOVEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, 4 B-24s bomb Suribachi on Paramushiru Island and Onnekotan Island; 4 B-25s on a photo and offensive sweep bomb targets at Torishima Island and Hayakegawa setting fire to 15 buildings, including a cannery.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 100+ P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance over SW and SE China and N French Indochina attack targets of opportunity in the Lungling and Mangshih, China area, knock out bridge at Dara, Thailand and hit Nantingshun and Pinglo, China; in China, the fighterbombers also damage 4 factories at Kweilin, hit tanks and troop concentrations N of town, attack targets of opportunity near Pinglo, Tahsu and E of Yungfu, and the airfield, barracks, town area, and trains at Gia Lam, French Indochina. In China, the 11BS(M), 341BG(M), moves from Yang Tong to Yangkai with B-25s; the detachment of the 491BS(M), 341BG(M), operating from Liuchow with B-25s, returns to base at Yangkai.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 80+ P-47s hit a variety of targets; the fighter-bombers bomb a bridge at Ho-hko, support ground forces at Myothit, bomb supply dumps at Namdaungmawn, personnel and supply areas at Naungletgyi and Mawtaung, knock out a bridge at Meza, hit nearby railroad cars, attack airfields at Nawnghkio and Sinlanzu and strike boats and boxcars S of Katha; 8 B-25s knock out 2 bridges at Tangon and Tantabin; a single B-25 bombs Indaw; transports fly 268 sorties to forward areas; HQ 10AF moves from New Delhi, India to Myitkyina. In India, the 6FS (Commando), 1Air Commando Group, based at Asansol, India with P-47s, sends a detachment to operate from Cox's Bazar; the 317TCS (Commando), 2Air Commando Group, arrives at Sylhet from the US with C-47s.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): In France, HQ 440th Troop Carrier Group moves from Le Mans to Orleans; the 302TCS, 441TCG, moves from St Marceau to Dreux with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): HQ 8AF is ordered to increase the size of the 406BS(H), VIII Fighter Command, the night leaflet squadron, as the liberation of Europe and the conquest of Germany accelerate. 2 missions are flown.

Mission 698: 1,174 bombers and 968 fighters in 5 forces are dispatched to hit synthetic oil installations in C Germany and rail targets at Bielefeld, Germany; an estimated 500 Luftwaffe fighters meet the bombers at Merseburg and the AAF claims 163-40-52 Luftwaffe aircraft; 40 bombers and 16 fighters are lost: 1. 460 B-17s are dispatched to the Leuna oil installation at Merseburg (383) using PFF; targets of opportunity are Halle (23), Wolfenbuttel (13) and other (17); they claim 6-2-2 aircraft; 12 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 339 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA, 13 WIA and 101 MIA. The 9AF provides 31 of 34 P-38s and 433 of 483 P-51s as escort; they claim 46-3-10 aircraft in the air and 25-0-0 on the ground; 8 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA). 2. 223 B-17s are dispatched to the Leuna oil installation at Merseburg (210) using PFF; 5 others hit targets of opportunity; they claim 30-33-25 aircraft; 26 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 152 damaged; 11 airmen are WIA and 260 MIA. Escort is provided by 209 of 245 P-51s; they claim 56-2-15 aircraft; 6 P-51s are lost (5 pilots MIA). 3. 208 B-24s are dispatched to hit Bielefeld; 172 hit the primary, a bridge, 10 hit the secondary, the marshalling yard, and 9 hit the town; all attacks are with GH and visual; 17 B-24s are damaged. Escort is provided by 143 of 146 P-47s; 2 P-47s are lost. 4. 131 of 146 B-24s hit the Rauxel oil installations at Castrop using GH; 1 B-24 is lost and 23 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 2 WIA and 10 MIA. Escort is provided by 37 of 40 P-47s without loss. 5. 137 B-17s are dispatched to hit an oil installation at Sterkrade (107); 20 others hit the secondary, the Rheine marshalling yard; 1 B-17s is lost and 52 damaged; 9 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 20 of 20 P-47s without loss.

Mission 699: 3 B-17s and 5 B-24s drop leaflets during the night over the Netherlands and Germany.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, 147 bombers of the 9th Bombardment Division, with fighter escort, attack rail bridges at Mayen, Euskirchen, Bullay, Konz-Karthaus, and Trier. Fighters attack bridges, fly armed reconnaissance and night patrol, and provide support for ground forces in frontline areas. In France, the 162TRS, 363Tactical RG, moves from Dijon to Azelot with F-6s and P-51s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather curtails operations. In Austria, 5 B-17s bomb the Moosbierbaum oil refinery, while 2 others hit an airfield N of the city and bomb Klagenfurt. 6 P-38s fly weather reconnaissance missions. All other operations are cancelled.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, clouds over the Po Valley prevent medium bomber operations; XXII Tactical Air Command aircraft are also grounded due to unserviceable fields and bad weather over Italian battle areas.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 11Saipan Island, Mariana Islands-based B-24s bomb Chichi Jima Island; 3 from Guam Island, on armed reconnaissance, hit Marcus Island in the North Pacific Ocean.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): 17 Mariana Islands-based B-29s bomb the submarine pens on Dublon Island, Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s over Ormoc Bay on Leyte Island attack a Japanese convoy, claiming 1transport sunk and another damaged; P-38s hit smaller shipping in Ormoc Bay, strafe vehicles from Ormoc to Valencia, Mindanao Island, and bomb San Enrique; on Mindanao Island, B-25s pound Matina, Libby, Davao and Likanan Airfields; the 17RS (Bombardment), 71Tactical RG, arrives at Tacloban, Leyte Island from Biak Island with B-25s; the 432FS, 475FG, arrives at Dulag, Leyte Island from Biak Island with P-38s. During the night of 2/3 Nov B-24s bomb Makassar on Celebes Island, concentrating on the wharf area. The 17(Photo)RS, 4(Photo)G (R), arrives on Morotai Island from Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands with B-25s and F-5s (detachments are operating from Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands and Sansapor, New Guinea).

 FRIDAY, 3 NOVEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 69 P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance over E Burma, SW and SE China, and N French Indochina hit targets of opportunity in the Lungling, China area, damage a railroad bridge S of Lashio, Burma, hit the town of Mangshih, China and destroy a nearby warehouse. In China, the fighter-bombers hit the town areas and docks at Takhing and Tengyun, attack troops in the Mosun area, destroy 2 Japanese fighters near Amoy, hit trains at Hongay, French Indochina, and bomb areas on Hainan Island.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s, supported by 18 P-47s, hit Nawnghkio Airfield; a single B-25 attacks targets of opportunity between Myitkyina and Lashio; 90+ fighter-bombers attack bridges, enemy forces, town areas and numerous targets of opportunity at and Hinlong, China and Kawngmu, Namhai, Tonlon, Ho-hko, Namhsum, Hkusan, Hkawngwa, Wingkang, Namhkam, and S of Mansi. 10AF transports fly 240+ sorties to forward areas.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): 49 B-29s, operating from rear bases in the Calcutta, India area, bomb the Malagon railroad yards in Burma; almost as many others hit alternate targets.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): In France, HQ 50th Troop Carrier Wing moves from Le Mans to Chartres; HQ 441TCG and the 100th and 301TCSs move from St Marceau to Dreux with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, 140+ B-26s and A-20s hit a rail overpass at Kaiserslautern, and rail bridges at Neuwied-Irlich, Bad Munster am Stein, Morscheid and Konz-Karthaus; fighters fly armed reconnaissance, ground forces cover, attack railroads, bridge, and observation posts in W Germany, and escort 9th Bombardment Division aircraft. In France, HQ 64FW moves from Dole to Ludres; HQ 50FG and the 10th, 81 and 313FSs move from Lyons/Bron to Toul/Ochey with P-47s; the 34(Photo)Reconnaissance Squadron, XII Tactical Air Command (attached to Provisional Reconnaissance Group), moves from Dijon to Azelot with F-5s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Austria, 46 B-17s and B-24s, in an operation adapted to bad weather and flying without escort, bomb Vienna S ordnance depot, Moosbierbaum oil refinery, Munich W marshalling yard in Germany, Klagenfurt aircraft factory, the towns of Innsbruck and Graz, and the rail line SE of Graz; the bombers attack individually, depending on cloud cover for protection; 30+ other heavy bombers abort due to clearing weather.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Heavy clouds over most of N Italy begin to disperse; medium bombers are still grounded but fighter-bombers manage to fly 8 sorties against gun positions in mountains S of Bologna, Italy.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 14 B-24s from Guam Island pound shipping at Chichi Jima and Haha Jima Islands. 34 P-47s from Saipan Island bomb and strafe Pagan Island. B-24s from Saipan Island continue armed reconnaissance and snooper missions over Marcus and Iwo Jima Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-25s bomb Alicante Airfield on Negros Island and P-40s hit a highway and oil dump N of Ormoc on Leyte Island; HQ 6th Photographic RG moves from Biak Island to Leyte Island; the 110TRS, 71Tactical RG, moves from Biak Island to Dulag, Leyte Island but the air echelon operates from Tacloban, Leyte Island with P-40s. A-20s and B-25s bomb Babo Airfield on New Guinea. During the night of 3/4 Nov harassing strikes are flown at airfields in the C Philippine Islands, on the NE peninsula of Celebes Island, and on Halmahera Island in the Moluccas Islands.

 SATURDAY, 4 NOVEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 6 B-24s strike the airfield, buildings, and offshore shipping at Suribachi and Kurabu on Paramushiru Island.

ZI - ZONE OF INTERIOR: The first report is received of a Japanese balloon SW of San Pedro, California; the USN recovers some apparatus, envelope, and rigging.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 34 P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s attack road traffic and other targets of opportunity in the Mangshih and Lungling areas; 4 P-38s bomb the pass near Menghsu, blocking the highway.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 17 P-47s pound Shwebo Airfield while 6 others bomb stores of guns and ammunition at Mong Yaw.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): In France, HQ 439th Troop Carrier Group and the 93TCS move from Lonray to Chateaudun with C-47s; the 95th, 96th and 97TCSs, 440th TCG, move from Le Mans to Orleans with C-47s; the 99th Troop Carrier Squadron, 441TCG, moves from St Marceau to Dreux with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 700: 1,160 bombers and 890 fighters are dispatched in 6 forces to make PFF attacks on the oil industry in W Germany; 5 bombers and 2 fighters are lost: 1. 228 B-17s are dispatched to hit the oil plant at Neunkirchen (151); secondary targets hit are the marshalling yards at Saarbrucken (35) and Neunkirchen (13); 5 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 76 of 77 P-47s and 50 9AF P-51s without loss. 2. 210 of 222 B-24s hit the Misburg oil plant at Hannover; 3 B-24s are lost and 93 damaged; 28 airmen are MIA. Escort is provided by 371 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 0-0-1 aircraft on the ground; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA). 3. 257 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Harburg oil plant at Hamburg (238); targets of opportunity are the aviation industry at Nordholz (9) and other (2); 9 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 124 of 139 P-51s; they claim 0-0-1 aircraft on the ground; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 4. 186 of 193 B-17s hit the Rhenania oil plant at Hamburg; 2 others hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-17s are lost and 61 damaged; 1airman is WIA and 18 MIA. Escort is provided by 110 P-51s without loss. 5. 91 of 119 B-17s hit the Welhun oil plant at Bottrop; 26 others hit the secondary, the marshalling yard at Hamm; 24 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 37 of 40 P-51s; they claim 0-0-1 aircraft; 1 P-51 is lost. 6. 133 of 141 B-24s hit Gelsenkirchen/Nordstern without loss. Escort is provided by 50 of 54 P-47s.

Mission 701: 3 B-17s and 6 B-24s drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, 218 B-26s and A-20s hit the Trier ordnance depot, Baumholder, and Eschweiler gun positions; fighters escort the 9th Bombardment Division, attack railroads, bridges, and other targets, and support the US XIX Corps in the Aachen area. In France, the 556th, 557th, 558th and 559BS(M), 387BG(M), move from Chateaudun to Clastres with B-26s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 715 B-17s and B-24s with fighter escorts pound oil storage at Regensburg and marshalling yards at Munich and Augsburg, Germany, the main marshalling yard and a benzol plant at Linz, Austria, a troop concentration at Podgorica, Yugoslavia, as well as attacking several alternate targets and scattered targets of opportunity including marshalling yards at Wels and Kufstein, Austria, Erding Airfield, Germany, railroad targets in and near Rosenheim, Germany, and the towns of Strass and Muhldorf, Austria.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, 200o+ B-25s and B-26s of the 42BW(M) hit railway and road bridges in the Brenner Pass; 130+ B-25s of the 57BW strike communications in the W Po Valley, cutting at least 4 bridges; fighters and fighter-bombers of XXII Tactical Air Command concentrate on communications targets and trains in the Po Valley and defenses in the battle area S of Bologna; some XXII Tactical Air Command aircraft hit guns on the N Italian coast, some hit a rocket launching site and communications N of battle area, and 4 P-47s bomb a Milan hotel where Adolf Hitler is rumored to be staying.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 18 Saipan Island-based B-24s bomb Iwo Jima Island airfields; 2 others, on shipping reconnaissance, bomb Naha Jima. 2 B-24s on armed reconnaissance from Guam Island bomb Marcus Island. 16 P-47s bomb landing strip on Pagan Island. The 316TCS, VI Air Service Area Command, arrives at Kahuku AAB, Hawaii from the US with C-47s.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s again pound Alicante Airfield on Negros Island; the 8(Photo)RS, 6(Photo)RG, arrives at Dulag, Leyte Island from Biak Island with F-5s. The detachment of the 17(Photo)RS, 4(Photo)G (R), ceases operating from Sansapor, New Guinea with F-5s and returns to base on Morotai Island.

 SUNDAY, 5 NOVEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 4 B-25s abort an offensive sweep off Suribachi on Paramushiru Island due to intense shore fire; 4 more B-25s fly armed reconnaissance over Shimushu Island and at decklevel bomb Torishima Island targets; of 4 fighters intercepting the B-25s, 1 is downed; 4 B-24s bomb Onnekotan and Matsuwa Islands; 3 more B-24s bomb Katalka naval base on Shimushu Island, starting fires; 7 fighters intercept and the B-24s down 1.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 49 P-40s, P-38s, and P-51s attack storage facilities and other targets of opportunity around Wanling, Burma and Mangshih, Chefang, and Kweihsien; the 22BS(M), 341BG(M), based at Yangkai, sends a detachment to operate from Yunnani with B-25s; the 426th Night Fighter Squadron, 14AF, moves from Madhaiganj, India to Chengtu with P-61s (detachment begin operating from Kunming during the month).

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, about 70 P-47s attack Lashio Airfield, hit gun positions on Kyundaw Island, bomb the Kanbalu marshalling yard, hit targets of opportunity along the Naba-Wuntho railroad and on the Burma Road and bomb the town of Namhpakka and the Lasai area; 28 other P-47s maintain patrols S of Myitkyina; transports fly 300+ sorties carrying men, equipment and supplies to various forward areas.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): 53 Calcutta, India-based B-29s bomb the Singapore naval base in Malaya putting the King George VI Graving Dock (one of the world's best drydocks) out of operation for 3 months, and blast other targets at the base; 7 other B-29s bomb the secondary target and Pangkalanbrandan refinery on Sumatra while 4 more hit other target.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): In France, HQ 442Troop Carrier Group moves from Bonnetable to St-Andre-de-L'Eure; the 91Troop Carrier Squadron, 439TCG, moves from Lonray to Chateaudun with C-47s; the 98TCS, 440th Troop Carrier Group, moves from Le Mans to Orleans with C-47s; the 303Troop Carrier Squadron, 442TCG, moves from Peray to St-Andre-de-L'Eure with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 702: 1,272 bombers and 666 fighters in 3 forces attack marshalling yards in W Germany; H2X radar is used by all forces; 12 bombers and 6 fighters are lost. 1. 452 B-17s are dispatched to the marshalling yard at Frankfurt (396); 36 hit the marshalling yard at Hanau and 4 hit other targets; 1 B-17s is lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 126 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 3 WIA and MIA. Escort is provided by 206 P-47s and P-51s; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA): 2. 454 B-17s are dispatched to hit the marshalling yard (219) and industrial area (177) at Ludwigshafen; targets of opportunity are the marshalling yard at Kaiserslautern (33) and other (4); 11 B-17s are lost and 298 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 5 WIA and 103 MIA. Escort is provided by 192 P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA). 3. 333 of 366 B-24s hit the secondary target, the Karlsruhe marshalling yard; 12 others hit Landau; 3 B-24s are damaged beyond repair and 28 damaged; 6 airmen are KIA and 8 WIA. Escort is provided by 228 P-47s and P-51s; 2 P-47s and 1 P-51 are lost (pilots are MIA).

Mission 703: 3 B-17s and 7 B-24s drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 160 B-26s and A-20s strike ammunition, ordnance, and supply depots at Hamburg, Germany; fighters escort the bombers, fly armed reconnaissance, attack railroads and bridges, and cover ground forces of the V and XIX Corps; the IX Tactical Air Command aids the US 28th Infantry Division in withstanding a counterattack near Kommerscheidt, Germany. HQ 362FG moves from Prosnes to Rouvres, France. The 33(Photo)RS, 363d Tactical RG, moves from Gosselies to Le Culot, Belgium with F-5s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 500 B-24s and B-17s bomb the Floridsdorf oil refinery at Vienna, Austria in the largest operation against a single target during World War II; 10 other heavy bombers bomb about 20 scattered targets of opportunity and 1alternate target, the Kapfenberg, Austria tank works; 139 P-38s and 198 P-51s provide escort; 16 of the fighters strafe targets of opportunity in the target area; 42 other B-24s, with fighter escort, bomb troop concentrations at Mitrovica and Podgorica, Yugoslavia.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers, flying 300+ sorties, bomb bridges in the Brenner Pass and in the NE Po Valley to interdict the Germans' 2 main supply routes from the N; fighters and fighterbombers hit defenses and forces in the battle areas in the N Apennines S of Bologna and attack communications targets to the N as well as in battle zone.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Guam Island hit shipping in the Bonin Islands and, during an armed reconnaissance mission, bomb Marcus Island.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): 24 Mariana Islands-based B-29s bomb 2 Iwo Jima Island airfields, starting tactical operations against the island in preparation for the US invasion in Feb 45.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s and P-40s attack airfields and barges in the C Philippine Islands. B-24s also hit the town of Bima and Waingapoe Bay shipping on Soembawa Island in the Lesser Sunda Islands. B-25s and fighter-bombers strike airfields, troop concentrations, and communications targets throughout the Halmahera Island area and NE peninsula of Celebes Island. Fighter-bombers and A-20s hit Amahai and targets of opportunity on the S coast of Ceram Island. Almost 50 A-20s, supporting ground forces, blast installations in Sarmi, New Guinea area. HQ 71Tactical RG arrives on Leyte Island from Biak Island. The ground echelons of the 35th and 36FSs, 8th Fighter Group, move from Morotai Island to Dulag, Leyte Island (air echelon continues to operate P-38s from Morotai).

 MONDAY, 6 NOVEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): In the Kurile Islands, 4 B-25s bomb Torishima Island, score a hit on a large building, sink two nearby barges, and probably hit other shipping targets; about 20 fighters intercept, downing 1 B-25; the B-25s claim 3 victories.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 16 P-40s pound the Mangshih and Lungling areas; 15 others hit buildings and other targets of opportunity at Wanling, Burma and around Chefang and Kweihsien; the detachment of the 21(Photo)RS, 14AF, operating from Liuchow with F-5s, returns to base at Kunming.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): AAF, India-Burma Sector, China- Burma-India Theater is redesignated AAF, India-Burma Theater. In Burma, 70+ P-47s, sweep airfields at Anisakan, Onbauk, Shwebo, Kin, and Kawlin; destroy and damage bridges at Hinlong, China and Wingkang; bomb the town of Mawtaung and marshalling yard at Kanbalu; hit boxcars at Wuntho and Meza, boats along the Irrawaddy River from Katha to Twinnge, and attack several scattered targets of opportunity; 28 P-47s fly combat patrols S of Myitkyina; 8 B-25s bomb the military area at Namun and supply dump at Mansi; large-scale transport operations continue; the 165th Liaison Squadron (Commando), 1Air Commando Group, moves from Tamu to Yazagyo with UC-64s and L-5s.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): In France, the 92 and 94th TCSs, 439TCG, move from Lonray to Chateaudun with C-47s; the 306TCS, 442Troop Carrier Group, moves from Peray to St-Andre-de-L'Eure with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 704: 1,131bombers and 802 fighters in 6 forces make PFF attacks on the oil industry in W Germany; 5 bombers and 5 fighters are lost: 1. 291 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Harburg (142) and Rhenania (138) oil refineries at Hamburg; 3 others hit the Lubeck oil refinery at Hamburg; 4 B-17s are lost and 103 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 2 WIA and 36 MIA. Escort is 238 of 258 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 2. 262 B-17s are dispatched to hit the aviation industry at Neumunster (23); 231 hit the secondary, the Neumunster marshalling yard; 3 others hit targets of opportunity; 10 B-17s are damaged; 1airman is KIA. Escort is 93 of 102 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA). 3. 215 B-24s are dispatched to hit the Mittelland Canal at Minden; 2 others hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost and 31 damaged; 10 airmen are MIA. 43 of 44 P-47s escort without loss. 4. 101 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Bottrop oil refinery; 12 others hit the secondary, the marshalling yard at Hamm; 39 B-17s are damaged. 257 of 271 P-51s escort without loss. 5. 143 B-24s are dispatched to hit the Sterkrade oil refinery (134); 1 other hit Vreden; 27 B-24s are damaged. 40 of 43 P-51s escort claiming 0-0-1 aircraft; 3 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA). 6. 119 B-17s are dispatched to hit the benzol oil plant at Duisburg (65); 43 hit a target of opportunity, the marshalling yard at Rheydt; 18 B-17s are damaged. 51 of 54 P-47s escort without loss. 30 P-51s of the Scouting Forces patrol the area without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather grounds the 9th BombardmentDivision; fighters, during armed reconnaissance, attack railroads and bridges; the IX Tactical Air Command also supports ground forces in the Schmidt, Germany area.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Austria, 580+ fighterescorted B-17s and B-24s bomb the Moosbierbaum oil refinery and Vienna S ordnance depot, alternate targets of Maribor, Yugoslavia marshalling yard, the Kapfenberg steel works and the Deutsch Wagram and Graz marshalling yards, and the railroad power sub station at Bolzano, Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers strike electric transformers and converters, railway bridges and railway fills on the rail line through the Brenner Pass; fighter-bombers and fighters again hit troops and gun positions in the battlelines S of Bologna and communications targets N of the battle area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Bonin Islands, B-24s from Saipan Island bomb shipping at Okimura and Higashi-minato and hit Ani Jima Island. During the night of 6/7 Nov a snooper mission is flown over Iwo Jima Island airfields; the dispersal areas and runways are bombed. Beginning on this date and continuing through 24 Dec 44, B-24s on Saipan Island fly 24 missions to lay 170 mines in several anchorages throughout the Bonin Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s strike Lahug, Cebu Island and Fabrica, Negros Island Airfields, while fighter-bombers pound Palompon on Leyte Island, a bridge N of Valencia on Mindanao Island, and barges in Ormoc Bay, Leyte Island, all in the Philippine Islands. B-24s bomb Malili on Celebes Island. The 822BS(H), 38BG(M), moves from Biak Island to Morotai Island with B-25s.

 TUESDAY, 7 NOVEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 6 B-25s bomb the railroad yards at Yuncheng; 2 B-25s and 21 P-51 s, P-40s, and P-38s hit targets of opportunity around Wanling, Burma and Mangshih, Chefang, and Lungling; HQ 68th Composite Wing moves from Liuchow to Luliang; the air echelon of the 118TRS, 14AF (attached to 23d FG), ceases operating from Liuchow and returns to base at Chengkung with P-51s.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 80+ P-47s hit gun positions, supply areas, and troops at Bhamo, Pintin, and in the vicinity of Myazedi, bomb airfields at Kawlin, Shwebo, and Onbauk, hit a fuel dump near Panghkam road junction, attack railroad targets of opportunity between Indaw and Shwebo, and targets of opportunity along the Irrawaddy River between Bhamo and Katha; 28 other P-47s maintain overlapping patrols over the area S of Myitkyina; transports fly 260+ sorties to forward areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): No bomber operations because of unfavorable weather; fighters fly patrols and armed reconnaissance, attacking railroads, gun positions and other targets; the IX Tactical Air Command supports the US V Corps as fierce counterattacks force the US 28th Infantry Division to retreat from the village of Kommerscheidt, Germany; the V Corps decides to withdraw the Kall River bridgehead.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 550+ B-17s and B-24s attack Maribor and Alipasin Most, Yugoslavia and Brunico, Italy marshalling yards; the Floridsdorf oil refinery at Vienna, Austria; the Brenner Pass railroad route; railroad bridges at Pinzano al Tagliamento, Casarsa della Delizia, Mezzocorona, Ora, and Albes, Italy; and troop concentrations at Novi Pazar, Sjenica, Prijepolje, and Mitrovica, Yugoslavia; fighters escort all operations except the attacks on troop concentrations; in Yugoslavia, 124 P-38s strafe troop concentrations at Podgorica and roads and railroads near Raska, between Visegrad-Prijepolje-Sjenica and from Sjenica to Novi Pazar.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): The Adjutant General officially orders the de facto action of 19 Oct redesignating HQ XII Fighter Command to HQ XXII Tactical Air Command. In Italy, medium bombers of the 42BombardmentWing(M) aid the RAF's (RAF's) Desert AF (DAF) in supporting the British Eighth Army's attack on Forli; the 57th BombardmentWing continues an interdiction campaign against railway supply lines in NE Italy; fighter-bombers closely support US Fifth Army forces astride the Idice River in the mountains S of Bologna and bomb communications N of the Apennines, scoring many hits on bridges between Piacenza and Bologna.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Guam Island strike Iwo Jima Island and, during an armed reconnaissance flight, bomb AA positions on Marcus Island. P-47s strafe the airfield on Pagan Island during the early morning and follow up with rocket and strafing runs later in the morning.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s and fighter-bombers hit Fabrica, Alicante, and Bacolod Airfields on Negros Island, and Opon Airfield on Cebu, Island; shipping at various C Philippine Islands locations, and communications and supply targets at Tambuco, Ormoc, and Palompon on Leyte Island, Valencia on Mindanao Island, and other areas; P-38s and B-25s hit Del Monte Airfield on Mindanao Island and targets of opportunity in Macajalar Bay on Mindanao Island, and Mandai Airfield on Celebes Island; the 89BS(L), 3d BG(L), moves from Hollandia, New Guinea to Dulag, Leyte Island with A-20s. On Celebes Island, B-25s hit Tanamon, Mapanget, and Langoan. On Halmahera Island, B-25s and fighter-bombers hit Galela, Miti, and Kaoe Airfields. In sweeps over Boeroe Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, and Ceram Island, Moluccas Islands, small groups of B-25s and P-38s hit runways and small shipping. B-24s bomb Raba Estate in the Sunda Islands. In New Guinea, the 4(Photo)Charting Squadron, 311(Photo)Wing (Mapping and Charting) (attached to Thirteenth AF), arrives at Hollandia from the US with F-7s (the squadron will begin mapping of the SW and W Pacific in Dec 44).

 WEDNESDAY, 8 NOVEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): An 8-aircraft shipping sweep is cancelled due to weather.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In S China and N French Indochina 2 B-25s hit railroad tracks at Lohochai, China and 2 others hit tracks at Duc Tho, French Indochina. 4 P-51s blast road machinery near Muse, Burma. 15 B-25s, 13 P-40s and P-51s pound storage buildings, villages, and other targets of opportunity throughout the Mangshih, China area.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 80+ P-47s support ground forces in the Mawlu area, bomb personnel, supplies, and communications facilities at Tunhong, Chaungdauk, and Kutkai, gun positions at Hsipaw, the Man Hpa town area, Kawlin Airfield and targets of opportunity along the Kawlin-Pinwe railroad; 8 B-25s knock out the Bawgyo railroad bridge. 270+ transports fly sorties to forward areas. In India, a detachment of the 5FS (Commando), 1Air Commando Group, begins operating from Fenny with P-47s; the detachment of the 6FS (Commando), 1 Air Commando Group, operating from Cox's Bazar return to base at Asanol.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): The transfer of training functions from VIII AF Composite Command to combat groups is completed; the VIII AF Composite Command ceases to function as personnel are attached to the Air Disarmament Command (Provisional) by the US Strategic AFs in Europe (USSTAF). The airfield at Denain/Prouvy, France is assigned to HQ 8AF; this is the first step in establishing an VIII AF Services Command Service Center on the European continent so that 8AF can service and administer its own aircraft and personnel in the area. 2 missions are flown.

Mission 705: 690 bombers and 890 fighters are dispatched to make a PFF attack on Merseburg oil plants and Rheine marshalling yard; bad weather causes the recall of 350+ bombers; 3 bombers and 11 fighters are lost: 1. 267 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Leuna oil plant at Merseburg (193); 2 others hit a target of opportunity; 9 of 12 B-17s fly as a screening force; 3 B-17s are lost and 85 damaged; 1airman is WIA and 27 MIA. Escorting are 752 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 2-0-1 aircraft in the air and 0-0-1on the ground; 2 P-47s and 9 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA) and 2 P-51s are damaged beyond repair. 2. 145 B-24s are dispatched to hit the Rheine marshalling yard (77); targets of opportunity are Enschede (8), Nordhorn Canal (8) and other (1); 15 B-24s are damaged. Escorting are 36 of 37 P-47s without loss. 3. 266 B-17s dispatched to hit the Leuna oil plant at Merseburg are recalled due to weather. 11 of 14 P-51s fly a scouting missions without loss.

Mission 706: 5 B-17s and 12 B-24s (2 abort) drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather cancels operations against military depots and troop concentrations in Germany, and fortified positions in France; a mission against rail bridges in Germany is recalled due to weather; fighters fly escort, attack railroads, bridges, factories, supply dumps, and command posts; the IX and XIX Tactical Air Commands support the US 28th Infantry Division in the Schmidt, Germany area (V Corps begins withdrawing the Kall River bridgehead) and Third Army elements start an assault on enemy fortifications in the Metz, France area.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Yugoslavia, 34 B-24s bomb troop concentrations at Mitrovica, Prijepolje, and Sjenica. Heavy cloud over the targets forces 70+ others to abort.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers strike the rail line in the Brenner Pass and other lines running into Italy from the NE and bomb bridges in the C and W Po Valley, damaging several and destroying the bridge at Mantua; fighters and fighter-bombers hit communications in the Bologna area, but concentrate most of their operations against bridges and rail lines in the Parma area in an effort to disrupt battle area supply lines.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Saipan Island hit shipping at Chichi Jima and Haha Jima Islands. A single B-24 on a snooper mission bombs Iwo Jima Island during the night of 8/9 Nov. P-47s attempt a fighter sweep over Pagan Island but must abort because of bad weather.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): 17 XXI BC B-29s are airborne against the airfield on Iwo Jima Island; 6 manage to bomb through a hole in the cloud cover; others fail to bomb the target; enemy aircraft drop phosphorus bombs on the formations, damaging 1 B-29; 1 B-29 ditches, the first aircraft lost by the XXI BC on a combat mission .

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s again hit Alicante Airfield on Negros Island. On Celebes Island, B-25s bomb Langoan Airfield while P-38s on sweeps over the Kendari area hit parked aircraft, shipping, the nickel mine, and other targets of opportunity. On Halmahera Island, B-25s attack Kaoe and Hate Tabako Airfield while others hit targets of opportunity on Ceram Island. The 12FS, 18th Fighter Group, based at Sansapor, New Guinea, begins operating from Morotai Island with P-38s. The 424BS(H), 307BG(H), that has been operating from Noemfoor Island with B-24s, returns to base on Wakde Island.

 THURSDAY, 9 NOVEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 11AF: An 8-plane armed reconnaissance sweep and a 4-plane bombing Mission are cancelled due to weather.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 8 B-25s bomb Mangshih while 10 P-38s hit targets of opportunity in the Mangshih-Chefang area; 6 B-25s bomb Kaifeng while 6 others hit sampans, storage areas, and other targets of opportunity in the Yiyang area; 160 P-40s, P-38s, and P-51s on armed reconnaissance over wide expanses of S China and N Indochina attack trucks, gun positions, river and coastal shipping, and other targets of opportunity at or near Pingnam, Kweihsien, Changsha, Yoyang, Siangtan, Lushan, Kioshan, Paoching, Hengyang, Liangshan, Liuchow, Suikai, and Weichow Island and Gia Lam and Kien An, French Indochina.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 70+ aircraft bomb concentrations and supply areas at Kutkai, Shwebo, Mawtawng, and Kunhailong, bomb the airfield at Kawlin, knock out a bridge at Ho-hko, and support ground forces and hit targets of opportunity near Chyauhkawng, Namakyaing, Sepein, Tonlon, and at other points in the same general area; 6 B-25s bomb rail yards at Kanbalu; transports continue large-scale operations, flying nearly 300 sorties to forward areas; the 20TRS, 8(Photo)RG, moves from Kisselbari, India to Myitkyina with P-40s.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): The 304th Troop Carrier Squadron, 442TCG, moves from Peray to St-Andre-de-L'Eure, France with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 707: 1,309 bombers and 738 fighters are dispatched to hit front line strongpoints and tactical targets in the Metz and Thionville, France areas; 4 bombers and 5 fighters are lost: 1. 460 B-17s are dispatched to hit transportation targets at Thionville (47); 276 hit the secondary, the marshalling yard at Saarbrucken; targets of opportunity are Saarlautern (34) and other (3); 4 B-17s are lost, 4 damaged beyond repair and 96 damaged; 8 airmen are KIA, 6 WIA and 27 MIA. Escort is provided by 187 of 192 P-51s without loss. 2. 437 B-17s are dispatched to hit transportation targets at Metz (345); 41 hit the secondary, the marshalling yard at Saarbrucken; 28 hit Koblenz; 3 B-17s are damaged beyond repair and 13 damaged; 19 airment are KIA. Escort is provided by 176 of 184 P-51s without loss. 3. 402 B-24s are dispatched to hit transportation targets at Metz (385); 15 hit the secondary, the marshalling yard at Saarbrucken; 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 5 damaged. Escort is provided by 113 of 119 P-51s; 3 P-51s are damaged beyond repair. 4. 10 of 10 B-17s fly a screening force mission. 5. 139 P-47s and P-51s fly fighter-bomber mission s in the Frankfurt- Lannheim area of Germany; 1 P-47 and 4 P-51s are lost; 4 pilots are MIA. 6. 30 of 32 P-51s fly a scouting forces mission.

Mission 708: 5 B-17s and 12 B-24s drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night. The 27(Photo)RS, 7(Photo)G (R) (attached to VIII AF Service Command), moves from Mount Farm, England to Denain/Prouvy, France with F-5s.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 74 planes of the 9th BombardmentDivision attack road junctions, barracks, ordnance arsenals, artillery camps, military storage depot, and other targets in the Dieuze and Faulquemont, France and Landau and Sankt Wendel, Germany areas; the IX Tactical Air Command flies sweeps over W Germany and attacks marshalling yard at Duren, Germany, while the XXIX Tactical Air Command escort attacks Rahling, Germany and an airfield and supports US Third Army elements (2 infantry and 2 armored divisions) as an allout assault on Metz, France is pushed. In France, HQ 358th FG moves from Mourmelon to Toul; the 379FS, 362d FG, moves from Prosnes to Rouvres with P-47s; the 425th Night FS, XIX Tactical Air Command, moves from Prosnes to Etain with P-61s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather limits operations to 4 weather reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather hampers medium bombers operations in the Po Valley as 7 of 9 missions abort; in the 2 others, bridges in the Valley are hit; fighters and fighter-bombers fly less than 100 sorties, but successfully strike road and railroad bridges in the Bologna-Modena areas.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Guam Island, fly shipping reconnaissance over the Bonin Islands attacking vessels and AA positions at Haha Jima Island, shipping and town at Okimura and returning, strafe Iwo Jima Island. P-47s from Saipan Island Island strafe storage caves on Pagan Island. During the night of 9/10 Nov a lone B-24 from Guam Island, on a snooper mission, bombs Iwo Jima Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, fighter-bombers attack a convoy off the W coast of Leyte Island and hit barges and shipping near Ormoc; B-24s bomb Carolina Airfield on Negros Island. B-25s attack several airfields and villages in the NE peninsula of Celebes and Halmahera Islands. A-20s strike Piroe on Ceram Island. HQ 309BW(H) moves from Noemfoor Island to Owi, Schouten Islands. The 70FS, 18FG, based at Sansapor, New Guinea, begins operating from Morotai Island with P-38s. The 408BS(H), 22BG(H), moves from Owi, Schouten Island to Leyte Island with B-24s; the 431FS, 475th Fighter Group, moves from Biak Island to Dulag, Leyte Island with P-38s.

 FRIDAY, 10 NOVEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 11 B-25s pound storage buildings and the town area of Wanling, Burma. In China, 130+ P-40s, P-38s, and P-51s on armed reconnaissance over S China attack river, road and rail traffic, storage, airfield and villages at or near Tingka, Chefang, Kweilin, Yoyang, Nanyo, Changsha, Paoching, Kweihsien, Yungfu, Wuchou, Siangtan, Tanchuk, Mosun, Kweiping, Yuncheng, Chenghsien, Hankow, and Chikhom.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 60+ P-47s again attack a variety of targets including Japanese concentrations at Bhamo, Indaw, Hkapra, and Nawngtao, the town of Naba Station, bridges at Meza and in the Kawlin area, and targets of opportunity along the Irrawaddy River and along the railroad corridor in N Burma and support ground forces S of Bhamo; transports fly 250+ sorties to forward areas; the 20TRS, 8(Photo)RG, that has been operating from Tingkawk Sakan since Jun 44 with P-40s, returns to base at Myitkyina.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 709: 752 bombers and 808 fighters in 3 forces are dispatched to make PFF attack on airfields in W Germany; 4 bombers are lost. 1. 302 B-24s are dispatched to hit the Langendiebach Airfield at Hanau (229); 61 hit the secondary, the marshalling yard at Hanau; 1 B-24 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 46 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 2 WIA and 9 MIA. Escort is provided by 261 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 4-0-0 aircraft without loss. 2. 235 B-17s are dispatched to hit Wiesbaden Airfield (105); 73 hit the secondary, Wiesbaden/Halle; 4 others hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-17s are lost, 4 damaged beyond repair and 90 damaged; 7 airmen are WIA and 20 MIA. Escort is provided by 142 of 154 P-51s without loss. 3. 203 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Butzweilerhof (96) and Ostheim (97): Airfields at Cologne; 1 B-17s is lost and 95 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 5 WIA and 9 MIA. Escort is provided by 182 of 191 P-51 s; they claim 2-0-0 aircraft without loss. 4. 12 of 12 B-17s fly a screening mission. 5. 79 of 87 P-47s hit communications targets in N and C Germany; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft on the ground. 6. 35 P-51s fly a scouting force mission. 7. 58 of 60 P-51s make strafing runs in Germany.

Mission 711: 6 B_17s and 9 B-24s (1abort) drop leaflets on the Netherlands and Germany during the night without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 150+ bombers dispatched against an ordnance arsenal and camp area are recalled due to weather; 7 others drop leaflets; the XXIX Tactical Air Command attacks railroads while the XIX Tactical Air Command escorts bombers and supports the 80th and 5th Infantry Divisions in the US Third Army assault in the Metz, France area.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Continued bad weather limits operations to reconnaissance missions and reconnaissance escorts by P-38s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): HQ and HQ Squadron, XII Tactical Air Command; HQ and HQ Squadron, 64FW; 324FG; 415NPS; 11TRS; and several signal, fighter control, and service units are relieved from duty with the Twelfth AF and assigned to the European Theater of Operations, US Army (ETOUSA) and the First Tactical AF (Provisional). In Italy, medium bombers continue the interdiction campaign against railways in NE Italy, principally the Brenner Pass, Brenta River and Po River bridges, rail ferry at Ostiglia, and several dumps; fighter-bombers hit rail targets and guns at several points in Po Valley.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 27 Saipan Island-based B-24s pound Iwo Jima Island. In the Palau Islands, 6 B-24s from Angaur Island bomb Koror Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-25s and A-20s over Ceram Island bomb Haroekoe Airfield, Piroe, and targets of opportunity on the S coast. In the Philippine Islands, fighter-bombers again hit Ormoc Bay, Leyte Island shipping while B-25s join USN aircraft in shipping strikes throughout the same area; at least 3 destroyers are claimed sunk; B-24s in the area bomb the town of Ormoc; the 19th and 33BS(H), 22BG(H), move from Owi, Schouten Islands to Leyte Island with B-24s; the 460FS, 348th Fighter Group, moves from Noemfoor Island to Tacloban, Leyte Island with P-47s; the 500BS(M), 345BG(M), moves from Biak Island to Dulag, Leyte with B-25s (squadron continues operating from Biak). The 371, 372 and 424BSs, 307BG(H), move from Wakde Island to Morotai Island with B-24s (squadrons are operating from Noemfoor Island).

 SATURDAY, 11 NOVEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 18 B-25s hit Phuc Yen, French Indochina, Wan Lai-Kam, Burma, and damage a bridge on the Mekong River in French Indochina. 10 B-25s bomb Kweilin Airfield in China while 4 hit Wanling, Burma. 5 B-25s and 6 P-40s attack Chingmen Airfield, China. 70+ P-40s, P-51s and P-38s over S China and N Indochina on armed reconnaissance hit targets of opportunity at several locations, concentrating on Lampang, Thailand, and the Changsha, Lingling, and Hengyang, China areas.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, nearly 90 P-47s hit troop concentrations at Chaungdauk, Nawngtao, Mankang, and in the Indaw vicinity; damage and knock out bridges at Meza and S of Kawlin, score near misses on bridges in the Hsenwi and Namhkai area; blast a radio installation near Manoi, bomb Kawlin Airfield, hit rail traffic between Shwebo and Padu, and attack targets of opportunity along the Irrawaddy River from Tigyaing to Twinnge. Transports fly 237 sorties to forward areas. The 115th Liaison Squadron, 10AF, arrives at Ledo, India from the US with L-1s and L-5s. A detachment of the 317TCS (Commando), 10AF, begins operating from Tulihal, India with C-47s (squadron is based at Sylhet, India).

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): The 305th Troop Carrier Squadron, 442TCG, moves from Peray to St-Andre-de-L'Eure with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 712: 482 bombers and 367 fighters make PFF attacks on oil refineries and marshalling yards in W Germany; 1bomber and 1 fighter are lost: 1. 197 B-17s are sent to hit the Oberlahnstein marshalling yard (146); 24 hit the secondary, the Koblenz marshalling yard; 2 hit a target of opportunity; 1 B-17s is damaged beyond repair and 31 damaged; 1airman is KIA. Escorting are 170 P-47s and P-51s without loss. 2. 129 B-17s are sent to hit the Buer oil refinery at Gelsenkirchen (100); 23 hit the secondary, the Rheine marshalling yard; 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged; 7 airmen are KIA. Escorting are 52 P-51s; 1 is lost. 3. 143 B-24s are sent to hit the Bottrop oil refinery (124); 1 hit Recklinghausen, a target of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost and 39 damaged; 10 airmen are MIA. Escorting are 98 P-47s and P-51s. 12 of 13 B-17s fly a screening mission. 31 P-51 s fly a scouting mission.

TACTICAL OPERATIONS 1TAF (Provisional): HQ 320BG and the 441, 442d, 443and 444BS(M) move from Corsica to Longvic Airfield at Dijon, France with B-26s. (9AF): In Germany, 190 B-26s and A-20s hit strongpoints at Putzlohn and rail bridges at Sinzig, Euskirchen, Ahrweiler, and Mayen; the IX Tactical Air Command hits railroads and other targets, escorts the bombers, and supports the US 28th Infantry Division in the Schmidt area. The XXIX Tactical Air Command hits targets in W Germany. The XIX Tactical Air Command flies armed reconnaissance and supports the US XII and XX Corps in the Thionville-Metz, France area. In France, the 405FS, 371FG, based at Tavaux Airfield at Dole begins operating from Dijon with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 220+ heavy bombers attack marshalling yards in Rosenheim, Germany; Salzburg, Villach, Linz, and Lienz, the railroad at Zell am See and highway bridge at Sillian, and Wurzen Pass, Austria; railroad bridges at Pinzano al Tagliamento, Latisana, and Casarsa della Delizia, and Aviano Airfield, Italy. Fighters escort all missions except the bridge attacks. Bad weather grounds 100+ other heavy bombers, and another 320+ are recalled before reaching their target areas.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers strike at railroad bridges in NC and NE Italy, damaging a bridge at Piazzola sul Brenta and knocking out 2 spans of a bridge at Latisana; fighter-bombers continue support of ground forces S of Bologna, attack vehicles, trains, and communications in the Genoa-Alessandria area, bomb Villafranca di Verona Airfield and set most of the area aflame; during the night of 10/11Nov A-20s bomb Ghedi Airfield and targets of opportunity in the Po Valley. The 17th and 18TCSs, 64TCG, cease operating from Istres, France and return to base at Ciampino, Italy with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Escorted by newly arrived P-38s (some of which also escort the B-29 raid on Truk Atoll) 29 Guam Island-based B-24s pound Iwo Jima Island airfields. 16 Saipan Island Island-based P-47s hit Pagan Island beach defenses and storage caves.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): The last of the 6 preliminary training missions of the XXI BC is directed at Truk Atoll where 8 B-29s bomb Dublon Island submarine pens.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s hit Dumaguete Airfield on Negros Island while fighter-bombers hit shipping in the Palompon area of Leyte Island and targets of opportunity at Valencia on Mindanao Island. Over Halmahera Island, fighter-bombers and B-25s hit shipping and Namlea Airfield on Buru Island. On Celebes Island, P-38s hit Kendari Airfield and B-24s bomb the Ninring River area.

 SUNDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 2 B-24s fly armed reconnaissance over Onnekotan and Matsuwa Islands.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 8 B-25s knock out a railway bridge and damage 2 others near Thanh Hoa, French Indochina. In Burma, 4 B-25s bomb the town of Man Pwe while 4 attack Wanling. In China, 38 P-51s and P-40s hit Hengyang Airfield and attack river, rail, and road traffic, artillery pieces, pillboxes, and storage around Hengyang, Lingling, and Kweilin; 13 P-40s hit the Changsha area; 40 P-51s and P-38s hit various targets of opportunity at several other locations scattered throughout S China and N French Indochina; the 21(Photo)RS, 14AF, based at Kunming, sends a flight to operate from Suichwan with F-5s (other flights are operating from Kanchow and Hanchung).

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 16 P-47s support ground forces in the Pinwe area and near Indaw; 24 attack supplies and communications targets in the Kawlin area while 9 bomb Japanese concentrations at Indaw and Man Hkong; the town of Pegon is attacked by 11 P-47s and 20+ others and 9 B-25s hit targets of opportunity during the sweeps of the Irrawaddy River from Singu to Katha and along rail lines at several points in N Burma. 250+ transport sorties are flown to forward bases and frontline areas. HQ 2Air Commando Group arrives at Kalaikunda, India from the US.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): 29 Chengtu, China-based B-29s bomb Omura, Kyushu Island, Japan; 20+ others bomb the last resort target of Nanking, China (due to bad weather over Omura), and 20+ more hit various alternate targets and targets of opportunity.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command):

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): The operational tour of duty for fighter pilots is set at 270 hours.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather prevents operations by the 9th Bombardment Division; fighter operations are limited but IX and XIX Tactical Air Command's fly patrols and armed reconnaissance in W Germany and along the French-German border. In France, the 404FS, 371 FG, based at Tavaux Airfield, Dole begins operating from Dijon with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Italy, 107 fighter-escorted B-24s strike at bridges at Ora, Albes, and Mezzocorona, a viaduct at Avisio, plus the alternate target of Casarsa della Delizia railroad bridges and targets of opportunity in NE Italy including the Latisana railroad bridge and an airfield to the N.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather grounds medium bombers; fighter-bombers support ground forces in the N Apennines and hit railway targets in the Po Valley, cut rail lines in 18 places and destroy or seriously damage 8 bridges; during the night of 11/12 Nov A-20s hit motor transport, Bergamo Airfield, and the Po River crossing at San Benedetto Po.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 29 Saipan Island-based B-24s with P-38 escort bomb the airfield on Iwo Jima Island. 11 P-47s strafe the runway and storage area on Pagan Island. During the night a B-24 on a snooper mission bombs Iwo Jima Island. B-24s from Angaur Island bomb Koror Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s bomb Alicante Airfield on Negros Island while on Leyte Island, fighter-bombers hit Linao barges on the W coast and shipping in Ormoc Bay; B-25s bomb Daliao and Matina Airfields on Mindanao Island. B-24s and fighterbombers over NE Celebes and Halmahera Islands attack shipping and Djailolo Airfield on Halmahera Island. 50+ B-25s blast Mapia and Asia Islands, New Guinea. Units moving to Leyte Island, Philippine Islands: HQ 91 Photographic Wing(R) moves from Biak Island; HQ 345BG(M) and the 498th and 499BSs (M) from Biak Island with B-25s (squadrons continue to operate from Biak Island). The 370BS(H), 307BG(H), ceases operating from Noemfoor Island with B-24s and returns to base on Wakde Island.

 MONDAY, 13 NOVEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In Burma, 4 B-25s bomb Man Pwe while 4 others blast 3 warehouses at Wanling. 60+ P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance over S China and as far W and SW as Burma and Thailand hit numerous targets of opportunity including shipping, troops, and railroad targets.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 100+ fighter-bombers pound numerous targets in N Burma; close support strikes are made on the Pinwe area, bridges at Namhkai, Meza, and Thegyaung, on troop concentrations and on supplies at Loi-Lum and Namhpakka; the ferry crossing at Shweli is hit by 12-hour delay bombs, the Nawnghkio landing ground is strafed, and numerous targets of opportunity along the Irrawaddy River and rail lines in N Burma are hit. Transports fly 300+ sorties to forward areas; the 166th Liaison Squadron (Commando), 1Air Commando Group, moves from Asansol, India to Yazagyo with UC-64s and L-5s; the 427NPS, AAF, India-Burma Theater, based at Pandaveswar, India, sends detachment to operate from Myitkyina with P-61s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 713: 4 B-17s and 8 B-24s drop leaflets in the Netherlands, France and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather prevents all operations except for night patrol and weather reconnaissance by the IX Tactical Air Command.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): During the night of 12/13 Nov 14 B-17s and B-24s hit the oil refinery at Blechhammer, Germany; 5 others hit alternate targets and targets of opportunity at scattered locations including Gleiwitz, Germany, Karvina, Poland and Ruzomberok and Vac, Czechoslovakia. Day operations are limited to reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy during the night of 12/13 Nov A-20s bomb ammunition dumps, pontoon bridge, and targets of opportunity in the Po Valley; a thick overcast covering N Italy the following morning vastly curtails medium bombers which attack only a railway bridge at Padua; fighter-bombers continue to hit communications N of the battle area and also the oil pipeline across the Po River at Ostiglia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 6 B-24s from Guam Island, escorting USN photo aircraft over Iwo Jima Island and the Bonin Islands, attack shipping at Futamiko in the Bonin Islands; 1 B-24 from Saipan Island, carrying out an unsuccessful shipping search, bombs Iwo Jima Island. 7 B-24s from Angaur Island hit oil storage on Malakal Island, Palau Islands and attack a bridge between Malakal and Koror Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s pound Fabrica Airfield on Negros Island while fighter-bombers hit shipping and other targets of opportunity; a few fighter-bombers hit Legaspi Airfield on Luzon Island; B-25s, with P-38 cover, hit San Roque Airfield and the town of Zamboanga on Mindanao Island; the 433Fighter Squadron, 475FG, moves from Biak Island to Dulag, Leyte Island with P-38s; the 501BS(M), 345BG(M), moves from Biak Island to Dulag, Leyte Island but continues to operate from Biak. Over Halmahera Island and in the Ceram Island area fighter-bombers and A-20s bomb airfields and various targets of opportunity. Pegun Island, New Guinea, is blasted by 2 waves of 70 A-20s.

 TUESDAY, 14 NOVEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In E Burma and in the China-Burma boundary areas 8 B-25s bomb Wanling and Hsenwi, Burma; 15 P-38s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance hit targets of opportunity around Wanling, Burma and Mangshih, China.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s bomb a supply area near Lashio; 56 fighter-bombers hit supply areas, enemy concentrations, town areas, and general targets of opportunity at Tingka, China and Kutkai, Sandaya, Palaung, Kawlin, and in the Shwebo-Kyaukmyaung area. 12 support ground forces in the Pinwe area, 4 bomb Sindaw River bridges and 30+ others maintain patrols S of Myitkyina. 300+ transport sorties are flown to forward areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather prevents all operations except a few fighter patrols and reconnaissance flights. In France, the 353and 356FSs, 354FG, based at Orconte, begin operating from St Dizier with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather limits operations to reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather restricts operations to fighter-bomber attacks by 17 P-47s on rail lines and road N of the battleline.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 22 Saipan Island and Guam Island-based B-24s bomb Woleai Atoll, Caroline Islands, hitting an airfield and adjacent installations and firing an oil dump. 4 Saipan Island-based P-47s hit the airfield on Pagan Island. During the night of 14/15 Nov a B-24 from Saipan Island on a snooper mission attacks shipping SW of the Bonin Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-25s pound Pegun Island, New Guinea in preparation for allied amphibious landings early the following morning. B-24s strike Langoan Airfield on Celebes Island. In the Philippine Islands, B-24s, with P-38 and P-47 cover, bomb Bacolod Airfield on Negros Island while fighter-bombers hit trucks and buildings in the Valencia, Mindanao Island area and near Linao on Leyte Island and hit shipping S of Ormoc on Leyte Island; on Cebu Island, B-25s and fighter-bombers pound Lahug and Opon Airfield; the 310BW(M) moves from Morotai Island to Leyte Island; the ground echelon of the 418th Night Fighter Squadron, Thirteenth AF, moves from Morotai Island to Dulag, Leyte Island (the air echelon remains on Morotai with P-61s). The 370BS(H), 307BG(H), moves form Wakde Island to Morotai Island with B-24s.

 WEDNESDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 1944 1.

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 8 B-25s weather-abort an armed photo reconnaissance over Paramushiru Island.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 19 B-25s and 16 P-51s and P-40s over SW China, W Burma, and N Indochina hit railroad targets, villages, town areas, and general targets of opportunity at or near man Pwe and Wanling, Burma; Mangshih and Tingka, China; Quang Yen, Nam Dinh, and Thanh Hoa, French Indochina.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s attack the airfield at Kawlin; 42 P-47s hit supplies, troop and vehicle concentrations, and targets of opportunity at Mansak, Gyogon, Banmauk, Namtao, and Wuntho; 20 support ground forces in the Pinwe area while 16 attack bypass bridges at Kawnghka and Namhkai, knocking out the latter; 8 P-47s bomb Kyaikthin rail sidings and junction, 8 strafe Anisakan Airfield, and 12 hit targets of opportunity during N Burma road sweeps. 280 transport sorties are flown.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 714: 6 B-17s and 6 B-24s drop leaflets in the Netherlands, France and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): HQ XII Tactical Air Command, along with the 71 FW, 50th, 358th, and 371FGs, 86th Air Depot Group, and 83and 312th Service Groups, is assigned to the First Tactical AF (Provisional); when hostilities cease the First Tactical AF will be disbanded and all of its units will revert to the 9AF. Weather prevents bomber operations and limits fighters; the XIX Tactical Air Command flies armed reconnaissance in Merzig-Trier-Saarbrucken, Germany area and supports the XX Corps in same area.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Austria, 80 B-17s and B-24s attack a benzol plant at Linz, marshalling yard at Innsbruck, and troop concentration at Novi Pazar, Yugoslavia (all primary targets), and make single bomber attacks on Wolfsburg, Salzburg, Hieflau, the Kapfenberg steel works, Schwaz, Ybbs, and airfields near Linz, and Passau, and Traunstein, Germany; fighters escort the Novi Pazar, Yugoslavia raid.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Twelfth AF loses HQ 63Fighter Wing; HQ 42BW(M); HQ 17th and 320BGs (M), and 310th Service Group to European Theater of Operations, USA Army (ETOUSA). Bad weather cancels all operations except for reconnaissance by 4 P-47s and attack by 2 on railroad bridge and rolling stock in the Po Valley.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Guam Island-based B-24s on a shipping strike to the Bonin Islands, attack vessels at Haha Jima Island and near Chichi Jima Island. 1Saipan Island-based B-24, during the night of 15/16 Nov snooper mission, bombs Iwo Jima Island after failing to find shipping targets in the Bonin Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-25s and fighterbombers support allied amphibious landings in Mapia Islands off the NW coast of New Guinea. In NE Celebes B-24s bomb Tanamon, Celebes Island while other B-24s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers hit scattered targets of opportunity on Celebes and Halmahera Islands. In the Philippine Islands, B-24s, with P-38 support, bomb La Carlota Airfield on Negros Island while B-25s hit Lahug on Cebu Island; B-25s and fighter-bombers attack targets of opportunity on Cebu Island and shipping off the W coast of Leyte Island; on Mindanao Island B-24s hit 3 airfields while P-38s hit shipping and other targets of opportunity; HQ 22 and 43BGS(H) move from Owi, Schouten Islands to Leyte Island; the 8BS(L), 3BG(L), moves from Hollandia, New Guinea to Dulag, Leyte Island; the 20th Combat Mapping Squadron, 6(Photo)RG, moves from Biak Island to Dulag, Letye Island (air echelon continues operating from Biak Island with F-7s; the 80FS, 8FG, moves from Morotai Island to Dulag, Leyte Island but continues to operate from Morotai with P-38s. In New Guinea, the 68TCS, 433Troop Carrier Group, moves from Nadzab to Biak Island (detachment remains at Biak): with C-47s.

 THURSDAY, 16 NOVEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 23 B-24s bomb Changsha; 8 B-25s hit Lohochai and bomb the Wanling, Burma area. In French Indochina, 16 B-25s hit Nghia Trang, Duc Tho, Nha Trang, and Do Len. 70+ P-40s and P-51s over SE and SW China on armed reconnaissance attack road, river, and rail traffic, town areas, and other targets of opportunity at several scattered locations.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 30 P-47s hit troop concentrations and supply areas at Naungmo, Nawngmoloi, and Lashio; 11 support ground forces in the Pinwe area, 4 attack bridges at Meza and over the Sindaw River; 4 bomb the Meza railroad station, 16 sweep the railroad from Sagaing to Kanbalu, and 16 strafe Nawnghkioand Hsumhsai Airfields. Transports fly 270+ sorties to forward bases and frontline areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 715: 1,243 bombers and 282 fighters, along with 9AF and RAF aircraft, are dispatched to attack tactical targets E of Aachen, Germany in support of the US First and Ninth Armies' offensive; 1 fighter is lost: 1. 486 of 495 B-17s hit transportation targets in the Duren area; 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 8 damaged; 1airman is WIA. Escort is 151 of 159 P-51s; 1 is damaged beyond repair. 2. 490 of 501 B-17s and 228 of 243 B-24s hit transportation targets in the Eschweiler area; 2 B-17s are damaged beyond repair and 8 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 2 WIA and 6 MIA. Escort is 98 of 107 P-51s; 1 is lost (pilot MIA): and 3 damaged beyond repair. 4 of 4 B-17s fly a screening force mission. 16 of 16 P-51s fly a scouting force mission.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, 80 9th BombardmentDivision bombers hit defended areas and strongpoints at Echtz, Luchem, and Eschweiler; IX Tactical Air Command fighter-bombers dive-bomb gun positions and other targets in the Stolberg and Hurtgen areas and XIX Tactical Air Command supports the US XX Corps in the Merzig, Trier, and Saarbrucken area; the XXIX Tactical Air Command attacks targets in 12 W German towns; the US First and Ninth Armies begin an eastward thrust (Operation QUEEN) into hit by the IX and XXIX Tactical Air Commands.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 550+ B-17s and B-24s attack Munich, Germany W marshalling yard and troop concentrations at Visegrad, Yugoslavia as well as an alternate target of Innsbruck, Austria marshalling yard and scattered targets of opportunity; 250+ P-51s and P-38s support the attack on Munich; 26 other P-38s strafe transport targets on roads between Sarajevo and Novi Pazar, Yugoslavia.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers fly 250+ sorties against rail lines in the Brenner Pass and other parts of NE Italy destroying the railroad bridge at Sacile; fighter-bombers in support of the British Eighth Army advance to the NW of Forli, hit guns, ammunition supplies, and other military targets, attack pipeline crossings of the Po River at Ostiglia and Ferrara, and pontoon stores near Ficarola, as well as hitting communications targets N of the battle area; the 346th Fighter Squadron, 350FG, moves from Tarquinia to Pisa with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 12 Saipan Island-based B-24s bomb shipping at Chichi Jima Island while 2 others attack barges at Haha Jima. 12 P-47s and 3 P-38s hit the airfield on Pagan Island in the first combat strike by P-38s in the Mariana Islands. During the night of 16/17 Nov a snooper mission in the Bonin Islands, a B-24 attacks shipping.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): Colonel Willard R Wolfinbarger becomes Commanding Officer of the XIII Fighter Command. In the C Philippine Islands and in the Mindanao Island area B-25s, B-24s, and fighter-bombers hit airfields, harbors, shipping, and targets of opportunity. In the Kendari area and on the NE peninsula of Celebes Island, and on Halmahera Island, B-24s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers pound airfields, villages and shipping. B-25s also support ground forces in the Mapia Island and bomb Namlea Airfield on Buru Island. Units moving to Leyte Island, Philippine Islands: HQ 3BG(L) and 90BS(L) from Hollandia, New Guinea with A-20s; HQ 348th Fighter Group from Noemfoor Island.

 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 4 B-24s bomb Suribachi Airfield on Paramushiru Island; 2 fighters intercept and damage 1 B-24 which force-lands on Kamchatka, USSR.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 3 B-24s bomb Kowloon Docks, Hong Kong; 15 B-25s, in flights of 2 or 3 each, attack gun positions, storage areas, and village and town areas N of Chuchou, W of Nanyo, and at Chefang and Nanyo and S of Hpalen, Burma; also a bridge at Tingka is knocked out; 100+ P-40s and P-51s hit targets of opportunity throughout SE and SW China, concentrating on the Mangshih and Changsha areas.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 33 P-47s hit troop and vehicle concentrations and supply areas at Manlu, Loi-Lum, Nawngmoloi, and Kyaukme; 10 P-47s support ground forces in the N Burma railroad corridor near Meza; 16 others sweep the rail line from Hsipaw to Sedaw hitting rolling stock, gun positions and other targets of opportunity while 3 bomb the Meza railroad station; 16 others strafe airfields at Nawnghkio, Anisakan, and Onbauk; 9 B-25s bomb bridges at Lashio, knocking out a bypass bridge and damaging others; several machinegun positions are silenced in the bridge area; transports continue to operate on large scale, flying 266 sorties to forward areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 30 bombers of the 9th BombardmentDivision hit Haguenau, France; weather prevents 100+ bombers from attacking targets; fighters escort bombers, fly patrol and armed reconnaissance over a wide area of W Germany, and support the US 104th and 4th Infantry Divisions and 2Armored Division, E of Aachen and near Hurtgen, Germany.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 630+ B-17s and B-24s attack Blechhammer S oil refinery, Germany; Floridsdorf oil refinery in Vienna, Austria; the industrial area in and near Vienna; marshalling yards at Maribor, Yugoslavia; Gyor, Hungary; Graz, Salzburg, Villach, and the town of Sankt Johann in Tirol, Austria; plus several scattered targets of opportunity.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): For the first time in several months the Twelfth's medium bombers attack targets in Yugoslavia, hitting bridges along the Brod-Zagreb-Maribor railroad; in Italy, medium bombers also hit rail bridges and viaducts in the NE, concentrating on the Brenner Pass where ground haze and smoke screen at the Avisio viaduct hamper the attacks; fighter-bombers of the XXII Tactical Air Command cut rail lines, hit larger concentrations of railroad cars, and blast several ammunition and fuel dumps N of the battleline below Bologna; fighter-bombers closely supporting ground forces also hit guns and other military targets in battle area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): In the Bonin Islands, 15 B-24s, flying a shipping strike out of Saipan Island, attack vessels SW of Muko Jima Island and the attack harbor and town of Okimura.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s bomb Legaspi Airfield on Luzon Island; on Mindanao Island, B-24s bomb Sasa and Likanan Airfields; other B-24s and B-25s fly heckling missions over the C Philippine Islands, Mindanao Island, and NE Celebes Island B-25s continue to support ground forces on Mapia Island. HQ 317th TCG moves from Hollandia, New Guinea to Leyte Island.

 SATURDAY, 18 NOVEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): On Paramushiru Island, 4 B-24s strike Suribachi shore batteries, including one on Takikawa Cape. A shipping sweep by 6 B-25s is cancelled due to weather.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 10 B-25s blast stores at Hengshan and hit populated areas from Ishan to Liuchow; 130+ P-51s, P-40s, and P-38s pound targets of opportunity scattered over vast areas of S China; troops, shipping, supplies, trucks, and railroad targets are hit particularly hard N of Lingling, from Liuchow to Ishan, from Hengshan to Hengyang, from Kweilin to Liuchou, from Siangtan to Paoching, and at Chuanhsien, Hwaiyuanchen, Chingmen, Chuchiang, and Shihkiachwang.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 27 fighter-bombers support ground forces S of Pinwe and in the Bhamo area; 16 attack troops and supply area at Panglong and Nga-pwegyi while 7 hit the ferry area at Meza; 20 hit targets of opportunity along the Kanbalu-Wuntho railroad and at Maymyo and Wetwin; 9 B-25s pound Man Pwe rail yards, destroying warehouses and other buildings and causing much general damage. Transports continue large-scale operations to forward areas. In India, the detachment of the 317th Troop Carrier Squadron (Commando), 2Air Commando Group, operating from Tulihal with C-47s returns to base at Sylhet.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 716: 402 fighters (47 P-47s and 355 P-51s) are dispatched to strafe oil storage depots in the Hanau and Ulm areas, airfields at Leipheim and Lechfeld, and miscellaneous ground targets in Germany; 374 actually attack; about 70 Luftwaffe fighters are encountered and the AAF claims 26-2-6 in the air and 69-0-41on the ground; 2 P-47s and 5 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA) and 2 P-51s are damaged beyond repair.

Mission 717: 4 B-24s and 6 B-17s drop leaflets in Belgium, the Netherlands and France during the night. HQ 92CBW(H) moves from Sudbury to Bury St Edmunds, England.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 340+ bombers of the 9th BombardmentDivision strike barracks areas, rail bridges, rail facilities, strongpoints, and defended positions at 13 locations in Germany; fighters escort the bombers, fly sweeps and armed reconnaissance over W Germany, and support ground forces E of Aachen, Germany and in the Sarreguemines, France area. In France, the 355FS, 354FG, based at Orconte with P-47s, begins operating from St Dizier.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 680+ B-17s and B-24s bomb the Floridsdorf oil refinery at Vienna, Austria and the Korneuburg, Austria oil refinery; airfields at Aviano, Villafranca di Verona, Udine, and Vicenza, Italy; and troop concentrations at Visegrad, Yugoslavia; 126 P-38s escort the Austrian missions while 12 others bomb the troop concentrations at Visegrad, Yugoslavia; 186 P-51s provide cover for raids on the Italian airfields and sweep target areas; 50+ other fighters fly reconnaissance and reconnaissance escort. The 37(Photo)RS, 5(Photo)RG, arrives at Naples, Italy from the US with F-5s (first mission is 3 Feb 45).

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): Medium bombers bomb bridges at Pizzighettone, Romano di Lombardia, Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Migazzone, Casarsa della Delizia, and Casale Monferrato, Italy; and at Zidani Most, Yugoslavia and also pound the Brod-Ljubljana, Yugoslavia railway, the principal German escape route in the Balkans; fighter-bombers continue successful attacks on rail lines, dumps, guns, and pipelines in the N Apennines and the Po Valley, XXII Tactical Air Command claiming 100+ train cars, 8 locomotives, and nearly 75 vehicles destroyed.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): B-24s from Saipan Island and Guam Island hit shipping at Chichi Jima and Haha Jima Islands. P-38s and B-24s from Saipan Island escort photo planes over Iwo Jima Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Mindanao-NE Celebes Islands areas B-24s, B-25s and A-20s again hit airfields and targets of opportunity. Fighter-bombers, A-20s, and B-25s over several locations in the Philippine Islands pound shipping, supply and personnel areas, harbors, barges, airstrips, and communications targets. In Borneo, B-24s, with P-38s and P-47s supporting, launch a major strike against oil installations at Tarakan; other B-24s and B-25s hit shipping off Tarakan and in Brunei Bay. On Celebes Island in the Makassar and Kendari area B-24s bomb Polewali shipyards; B-24s pound airfields in the Ceram Island-Ambon Island area while P-38s strafe shipping. B-25s continue to support ground forces on Mapia Island off the NW coast of New Guinea. In the Philippine Islands, HQ 58FG and the 310th and 311FSs move from Noemfoor Island to San Roque, Leyte Island with P-47s. In New Guinea, the 66TCS, 433TCG, moves from Nadzab to Biak Island with C-47s.

 SUNDAY, 19 NOVEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 3 B-24s bomb Samah Bay docks on Hainan Island. In China, 10 B-25s damage 2 buildings N of Chefang and score hits on bridges at Tingka and Wan Lai-Kam, Burma; 8 P-40s and P-38s hit targets of opportunity S of Tingka and Chefang; 19 P-40s blast troops and river, rail, and road traffic in the Hankow area; 27 P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s hit numerous targets of opportunity in the Mangshih area. The 35(Photo)RS, 14AF, based at Chanyi, sends a flight to operate from Suichwan with F-5s.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 15 P-47s support ground forces attacking Bhamo and fighting in the Pinwe area; 36 P-47s pound enemy concentrations at Man Mao, Sekang, and Manlu. Transports fly 290 sorties to forward areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 450+ A-20s, A-26s, and B-26s bomb storage depots, bridge, junction, ordnance depots, and defended positions in or near 10 German towns and cities; fighters escort the bombers, carry out patrols, and fly armed reconnaissance hitting rail facilities and other targets over W German areas including Euskirchen, Trier, Saarbrucken, Julich, and Cologne; the IX, XIX, and XXIX Tactical Air Commands support the US VII, XII, XIX, and XX Corps areas E of Aachen and near Hurtgen, Germany, between Metz, France and Saarlautern, Germany and near Sarreguemines, France. In Belgium, HQ 366FG moves from Couvron Airfield at Laon, France to Assche.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 500+ B-24s and B-17s bomb the Schwechat and Vosendorf oil refineries, Winterhafen oil depot and Lobau oil plant in Vienna, Wiener-Neudorf aircraft factory, Linz benzol plant, and Horsching Airfield, Austria; Gyor, Hungary and Maribor, Yugoslavia marshalling yards, plus several scattered targets of opportunity; 19 P-38s dive-bomb troop concentrations at Prijepolje and Novi Pazar, Yugoslavia, while 126 P-51s strafe roads and railroads between Esztergom and Veszprem, Hungary and Vienna, Austria, and also attack Veszprem and Tapolcza Airfields in Hungary; other fighters cover heavy bomber and reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, fog and low clouds force cancellation of missions against W Po Valley targets and limit fighterbombers to a midday attack on rail lines, guns, troop concentrations, motor transport, and other military targets in and near the battle area S of Bologna. During the night of 18/19 Nov A-20s on armed reconnaissance bomb Ghedi Airfield and targets in the Bologna, Ferrara, Mantua, Cremona, and Parma areas.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 5 B-24s from Guam Island, on armed reconnaissance over Iwo Jima Island and the Bonin Islands, bomb airfields on Iwo Jima while 15 hit shipping at Chichi Jima and Haha Jima Islands. 1 B-24 from Angaur Island in the Palau Islands bombs Legaspi Airfield on Luzon Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s bomb Alicante on Negros Island and Palompon on Leyte Island while P-47s hit the Valencia, Mindanao Island and Ormoc, Leyte Island areas. On Mindanao Island B-24s hit Libby Airfield; others bomb airfields at Sasa on Mindanao Island, and Sidate, Mapanget, and Borebore on Celebes Island. B-25s and A-20s hit airfields and shipping in the Ceram Island-Ambon Island-Boeroe Island area. B-25s and A-20s hit targets on Asia Island, New Guinea. Units moving to Leyte Island: HQ 312BG(L) and the 386th, 387th, 388th and 389BS(L) from Hollandia, New Guinea with A-20s; 2BS(H), 22BG(H), from Owi, Schouten Islands with B-24s; 39TCS, 317TCG, from Hollandia; 403BS(H), 43BG(H) from Owi, Schouten Islands with B-24s.

 MONDAY, 20 NOVEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s fly an air cover Mission for the US Navy.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 8 B-25s hit the barracks area at Lashio, Burma; 60+ P-38s, P-40s, and P-51s on armed reconnaissance over parts of SE and SW China and French Indochina attack shipping--especially severely in the Chiuchiang, China area--and barracks, radio stations, villages, and other targets of opportunity. In China, the flight of the 21Photographic RS, 14AF, operating from Kanchow with F-5s, returns to base at Kunming.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 7 B-25s knock out the Hsipaw road bridge; 4 others fail to damage the Bawgyo bridge; 12 P-47s support ground forces in the Pinwe sector; 20+ others hit defenses at Mong Nge, a horse transport unit at Selan, bomb storage areas at Kyungon and Kyakataing, Japanese HQ and troop concentration at Man Mao, and several scattered targets of opportunity. Transports maintain continuous flights to forward bases and frontline areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 718: 172 B-17s are sent to hit the Schowen oil plant at Gelsenkirchen (61); 93 hit the secondary, the marshalling yard at Munster; 25 B-17s are damaged. Escort is 214 P-47s and P-51s; no losses. Other flights: 12 of 12 B-17s fly a screening mission. 310 P-47s and P-51s make fighter-bomber strikes agains miscellaneous targets in W Germany; 1 P-47 and 7 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA) and 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair. 12 of 12 P-51s fly a scouting mission.

Mission 719: 6 B-17s and 7 B-24s drop leaflets on the Netherlands, France and Germany during the night.

TACTICAL OPERATIONS 1TAF (Provisional): HQ 17BG(M) and the 34th and 37BSs Medium) move from Corsica to Dijon, France with B-26s. (9AF): Bad weather prevents bomber operations; fighters fly sweeps and night patrols over broad areas of W Germany and strafe and bomb numerous railroads, trains, buildings and various military targets. In France, the 365th, 366th and 367FSs, 358FG, move from Mourmelon to Toul with P-47s. In Belgium, the 389th Fighter Squadron, 366FG, moves from Couvron, France to Asch with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 192 B-24s and B-17s bomb the Blechhammer S oil refinery in Germany and the town of Prerov, Czechoslovakia, a target of opportunity; 284 others encounter bad weather and attack several alternate targets and targets of opportunity in Czechoslovakia including the town of Zlin and marshalling yards at Brno, Hodonin, and Breclav and other targets of opportunity in C and SE Europe. In Yugoslavia, 92 B-24s attack the Sarajevo marshalling yard, and railroad bridges at Doboj, Zenica, and Fojnica and 11 P-38s divebomb a marshalling yard at Brod, while 43 others strafe communications between Esztergom and Veszprem, Hungary, and Vienna, Austria; other fighters fly bomber escort, reconnaissance, and reconnaissance escort.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy during the night of 19/20 Nov 44 A-20s attack Po River crossings, airfields and lights in the Po Valley. During the day bad weather prevents medium bombers from successfully attacking targets; fighter-bombers able to operate during the late morning destroy 2 factories E of Modena, and supply dumps near Parma, and cause large explosions in a dump near San Felice del Benaeo.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Bad weather cancels all bombing missions.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-25s bomb Haroekoe Airfield on Haroekoe Island and Laha Airfield on Amon Island. On Celebes Island, P-38s hit targets of opportunity over Sidate and in the Makassar areas. Units moving to Leyte Island: HQ 5AF moves from Owi, Schouten Islands; 13BS(L), 3BG(L), from Hollandia, New Guinea to Dulag with A-20s. The 371BS(H), 307BG(H), ceases operating form Noemfoor Island with B-24s and moves forward to Morotai Island.

 TUESDAY, 21 NOVEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): Advance HQ 11AF is established on Shemya Island, Aleutian Islands with Brigadier General Harry A Johnson as Deputy Commander. 5 B-24s fly air coverage for naval units; another fleet coverage mission by 10 B-25s is cancelled due to weather; before clearance can be obtained from the Soviets through diplomatic channels, a B-24 airdrops provisions to a marooned crew of a B-24 which forcelanded on Kamchatka Island on 17 Nov 44.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 42 P-51s and P-38s on armed reconnaissance attack fuel supplies and the town area at Ishan and road and rail traffic and other targets of opportunity N of Wanling, Burma and in the Chiuchiang area, S of Foochow, and at Hsuchang, Sincheng, and Sheklung.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): 61 B-29s from Chengtu, China bomb an aircraft plant at Omura, Kyushu Island, Japan; 13 B-29s bomb Shanghai, China, and several others hit alternates and targets of opportunity; the B-29s claim 27 fighters downed, the highest 20AF claim to date.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 28 P-47s support ground forces in the Pinwe and Bhamo areas; 37 others hit supply areas, troop concentrations and strongholds at Langwa, Pinmalut, Hlebwe, Mutawng, and Nawnghkem; 15 P-47s hit targets of opportunity while sweeping the Kyaukme- Namyao road; 10 B-25s knock out bridges at Hsipaw and Bawgyo. Transports fly 280+ sorties to forward areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 720: 1,291bombers and 954 fighters are dispatched to make PFF attacks using H2X on oil targets in Germany; they claim 73-7-25 Luftwaffe aircraft; 25 bombers and 15 fighters are lost: 1. 421 B-17s are sent to hit the Leuna synthetic oil plant at Merseburg (200); targets of opportunity are Meppen (24), Friedburg (21), Hersfeld (12): and Hunfeld (12) marshalling yards, flak gun batteries at Merseburg (12), Leeuwarden Airfield (11), Apolda (10) the Autobahn at Hersfeld (10), Quakenbruck (10), and other (69); the AAF claims 1-0-1 aircraft; 14 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 205 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 16 WIA and 129 MIA. Escort is 268 of 310 P-51s; they claim 63-7-20 aircraft in the air and 3-0-2 on the ground; 9 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA). 2. 402 B-17s are sent to Sterkrade, Lendorf and Hamburg but hit the secondary, the Osnarbruck marshalling yard (166) and last resort targets, i.e., Giessen marshalling yard (77), Wetzlar (62), Lingen (24), Koblenz marshalling yard (23), Bielefeld marshalling yard (9), and targets of opportunity (35); 7 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 142 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 6 WIA and 65 MIA. Escort is 382 of 420 P-51s; 4 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA). 3. 366 B-24s are sent to hit the Dpag (178) and Rhenania (171) oil plants at Hamburg; 4 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 220 damaged; 19 airmen are KIA, 8 WIA and 89 MIA. Escort is 177 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 5-0-2 aircraft in the air and 2-0-1on the ground; 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost (pilots MIA). 4. 12 of 12 B-17s fly a screening mission. 5. 31 of 33 P-51s fly a scouting mission.

Mission 721: 7 B-17s and 5 B-24s drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night.

TACTICAL OPERATIONS 1TAF (Provisional): The 95BS(M), 17BG(M), moves from Poretta, Corsica to Dijon, France with B-26s. 9AF: In Germany, the 9th Bombardment Division hits rail bridges and defended areas at several points including Bergstein, Echtz, Sinzig, Neuwied, and Derichsweiler; fighters escort the B-26s and also 8AF B-17s (to Merseburg), fly area cover, sweeps, and dive-bombing missions in W Germany, and support the US 1, 8th, and 104th Infantry Divisions in the Hurtgen area and the XII and XX Corps between Merzig and Sarreguemines, France. The 378FS, 362FG, moves from Prosnes to Rouvres, France with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 25 B-24s bomb troop concentrations, railroad, and highways at Novi Pazar and Cacak, Yugoslavia. 155 P-38s dive-bomb communications lines in S Yugoslavia, destroying several vehicles, blasting roads at Vucitrn, Rogatica, Tvrdosevo, and Duga Poljana, hitting bridges at Vrbasici, and Kukavica and causing a landslide at Pavlica; 87 P-51s strafe communications over wide areas of S Yugoslavia; other fighters fly reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s blast defenses and troop concentrations in the Faenza area as the British Eighth Army's 5 Corps opens a general offensive N towards that town; fighter-bombers hit targets in the US Fifth Army battle area S of Bolonga, in the Po Valley, and in NE Italy; particularly good results are achieved against supply dumps and a rail line in the Brenner Pass is cut in 3 places.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 7AF service groups are reassigned from the VII Air Service Area Command to the VII BC and VII Fighter Command, with one service group to support each tactical group in the field. B-24s from Guam Island bomb shipping and naval shore installations at Chichi Jima and Haha Jima Islands. During the night of 21/22 Nov a lone B-24 on a snooper mission bombs Iwo Jima Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s bomb Matina and Lumbia Airfields on Mindanao Island; on Leyte Island, fighter-bombers hit troop barges and supply dumps in Ormoc Bay and numerous targets of opportunity throughout the C Philippine Islands. On Celebes Island, B-25s hit Langoan and Mapanget Airfields while B-24s in the Kendari area bomb Ambesia Airfield.

 WEDNESDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 4 B-25s abort an air coverage mission due to weather.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 22 B-24s bomb Hankow; 11 B-25s pound the Ishan and Liuchenghsien areas while 8 hit storage facilities at Wanling and Kutkai, Burma; 95 P-51s, P-40s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance over wide expanses of S China attack town areas, supplies, and road and rail traffic, hitting the Chefang area especially hard.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 15 P-47s support ground forces at Bhamo while 37 others fly close support in the Pinwe area; supply and personnel areas at Nawngchio, Kutkai, Ingon, Selong, Man Mao, and in the vicinity of Kanbalu are pounded by more than 40 P-47s; 12 others attack the airfield at Kawlin Transports fly 188 sorties to forward areas. In India, the 2Combat Cargo Squadron, 1Combat Cargo Group, moves from Sylhet to Imphal with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): The 2 and 4th Combat BombardmentWingS(H) of the 3Bombardment Division are combined to form the Administrative BW (Provisional); this type of unit is expected to be highly suitable for conditions in the Pacific theater where bomb division HQ might be located far from its wing HQ; under this new plan, the administrative wing can absorb many functions of the division HQ; this experiment will be judged acceptable during Feb 45.

TACTICAL OPERATIONS 1TAF (Provisional): HQ 63FW moves from San Pietro Italy to Vittel, France; the 432BS(H), 17BG(M), moves from Poretta, Corsica to Dijon, France with B-26s. 9AF: Bomber operations are cancelled due to bad weather; fighter operations are limited. 16 aircraft from the IX and XIX Tactical Air Commands patrol over the V and VII Corps area (SE of Aachen), the Bonn- Cologne area, and fly reconnaissance around Saarbrucken, Homburg/Saar, Neukirchen and Kaiserslautern, Germany, and Sarrebourg, France. In France, the 377FS, 362FG, moves from Prosnes to Rouvres, France with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 205 B-17s and B-24s hit E and W marshalling yards at Munich, Germany; 214 others fail to reach primaries because of impenetrable weather and attack alternates and targets of opportunity including marshalling yards at Regensburg, Germany, Salzburg, Lienz, and Villach, Austria and several targets of opportunity at scattered points; fighters provide escort to Munich, Germany. In Italy, 88 B-24s attack a bridge at Ferrara and rail line at Carbola, while 39 P-38s bomb the Osoppo motor transport depot.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s again pound defenses in the Faenza area as British Eighth Army forces push into that area from the SE; fighter-bombers and fighters fly nearly 350 sorties against rail lines in the Po Valley and very successfully hit guns, vehicles, troops and other targets in the US Fifth Army battle area S of Bologna, and supply dumps and pipelines N of the battle area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 22 B-24s from Saipan Island escorted by 22 P-38s (the first long-range P-38 escort of 7AF bombers), bomb airfields on Moen and Param Islands in the Caroline Islands. P-47s from Saipan Island pound the airfield on Pagan Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers pound Bacolod Airfield and Ipil on Negros Island, and Ormoc, Leyte Island area bridges, barges, and targets of opportunity; B-24s bomb Sasa Airfield on Mindanao Island. On Celebes Island, fighter-bombers hit targets of opportunity in the Makassar area, B-24s bomb the nickel mine and targets of opportunity in the Kendari area and hit airfields in NE Celebes. Other B-24s hit small shipping during sweep over Brunei Bay, Borneo.

 THURSDAY, 23 NOVEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s bomb a storage area near Lashio and 8 hit Kutkai and Wanling. 2 B-24s bomb Kowloon Docks in Hong Kong. 120+ P-40s, P-51s and P-38s hit targets of opportunity throughout SW and SE China; 32 of the fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Chefang, China area.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 50+ P-47s support ground forces in the Pinwe and Bhamo areas; 16 sweep and strafe airfields and many targets of opportunity from Anisakan to Nawnghkio; 3 hit an ammunition dump at Man Naung; 21 P-47s sweep roads in the Ye-U area and strafe rail installations at Kanbalu; 10 B-25s knock out the Tantabin main bridge and Tangon and Thegyaung bypass bridges, and blast approaches to the Tangon main bridge and Tantabin bypass bridge. 282 transport sorties are flown to forward bases and frontline areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 722: In Germany, 134 of 155 B-17s and 73 of 78 P-51s make a GH attack on the Norstern benzol manufacturing plant near Gelsenkirchen and the marshalling yard at Duisburg with the loss of 1 P-51 (pilot MIA) and 1 P-51 damaged beyond repair; 13 of 13 B-17s fly a screening Mission and 10 of 12 P-51s fly a scouting mission.

TACTICAL OPERATIONS 1TAF (Provisional): HQ 42BW(M) moves from Borgo, Corsica to Dijon, France. 9AF: Unfavorable weather cancels all flights.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Yugoslavia, 81 B-24s attack road and railroad bridges at or near Zenica, Brod, and Doboj; 30 P-38s bomb the Doboj marshalling yard, 13 hit Doboj road and rail bridge, and 4 attack, but miss, a bridge at Maglaj; 13 B-24s and B-17s drop supplies at points in Yugoslavia.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather restricts operations; medium bombers over the Faenza area abort due to overcast, P-47s hampered by low clouds over the Apennines Mountains, fly only 16 sorties, against rail lines S of Bologna, but succeed in cutting the lines in 6 places.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 17 B-24s from Guam Island hit shipping at Chichi Jima and Haha Jima Islands and bomb the town of Okimura in the Bonin Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s bomb Matina Airfield on Mindanao Island; the 63and 64BS(H), 43BG(H), move from Owi, Schouten Islands to Tacloban, Leyte Island with B-24s.

 FRIDAY, 24 NOVEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 21 B-24s bomb the warehouse area and docks at Hankow, China. 3 others hit the Haiphong, French Indochina area. 22 B-25s bomb a storage area near Lashio, Burma, targets of opportunity in the Hankow, China area, and the towns of Wanling and Wan Lai-Kam, Burma, and Siangtan, and Wuchang, China. 120+ P-40s, P-38s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance attack many targets of opportunity in E Burma and SW and SE China, concentrating on river and rail traffic and supplies at Chefang, Hengshan, and the Sinshih-Changsha, China area.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 32 P-47s fly close support strikes in the Pinwe and Bhamo sectors; 50 P-47s attack troops and supply areas at Panma, Hpa-Hpen, Nawng-Sang, Kawlin, Wahkyet, Kawngai, and in the Pintha area, 8 damage bridges at Meza, Namhkai, and Hsenwi while 10 others hit Lashio Airfield; 6 B-25s pound the storage and ferry area at Meza and 4 damage approaches to the Namhkai and Hsenwi road bridges. 323 transport sorties are flown to forward areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather cancels all operations except for 3 XIX Tactical Air Command (Provisional) fighters which fly a night intruder

Mission in Saarbrucken, Zweibrucken, and Homburg/Saar areas of Germany.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): P-38s and P-51s fly photo and weather reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s, in support of the British Eighth Army, bomb defenses in the Faenza area; bad weather restricts fighter-bombers to 2 missions which damage a road bridge and cut rail line S of Modena.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 2 B-24s from Saipan Island on a shipping reconnaissance attack vessels at Haha Jima and Chichi Jima Islands. 3 B-24s from Guam Island on armed reconnaissance bomb Marcus Island. 14 Saipan Island-based P-47s strafe landing ground on Pagan Island.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): The XXI BC flies its first mission against Japan; the objective is Tokyo; the 111 B-29s are led by 73d BW(VH), Commanding General, Brigadier General Emmett O'Donnell Jr piloting DAUNTLESS DOTTY, copiloted by Major Robert K Morgan, erstwhile pilot of the famed B-17, MEMPHIS BELLE; 35 B-29s bomb the primary target, the Musashino aircraft plant; 50 bomb the secondary target, the urban area and docks; 17 abort enroute; the remainder are unable to bomb due to mechanical difficulties; 1 B-29 crashes off Honshu Island when a fighter rams the bomber, shearing off the elevator and right horizontal stabilizer, becoming the first XXI BC B-29 lost to Japanese action; 1other ditches after running out of fuel; B-29 gunners claim 7 aircraft downed.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s bomb AA positions and targets of opportunity at Camp Downes and Panalisan Point and US fighters attack and destroy several aircraft over Carigara Bay and the Leyte Island area; B-24s hit AA positions and other targets at Matina Airfield on Mindanao Island; units arriving on Leyte Island: 25(Photo)RS, 6th Photographic RG, at Dulag from Biak Island with F-5s; 65BS(H), 43BG(H), at Tacloban from Owi, Schouten Islands with B-24s.

 SATURDAY, 25 NOVEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A B-24 aborts an armed photo mission over Matsuwa Island due to weather and instead radarbombs Kurabu Airfield on Paramushiru Island; B-25s cancel a shipping sweep due to weather.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 12 B-25s hit warehouses, village and town areas at Lashio and Wanling, Burma. 6 attack rail targets, trucks, and buildings at Phu Lang Thuong, French Indochina. 75 P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance attack river, road, and rail traffic, troops, buildings, and other targets of opportunity at several Thailand, Burma, S China, and N French Indochina locations, including areas around Bhre and Lampang, Thailand; Paoching, Ankang, Ishan, and Hochih, China; Namsang, and Mongyu, Burma; and Phu Lang Thuong, French Indochina.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 24 fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Bhamo area; 24 bomb an airfield at Kawlin while 8 more strafe Tabingaung Airfield and town area; 12 attack the Meza railroad station and boxcars in nearby bridge area, storage and personnel areas in the Lashio area and at Nawngyang, Ashang, and Man Mao; 8 P-47s strafe targets of opportunity along the Wuntho-Shwebo rail line. Transports fly 325 sorties to forward bases and frontline areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 723: 1,043 bombers and 965 fighters are dispatched to hit the synthetic oil plant at Merseburg, Germany using H2X and a marshalling yard; 8 bombers and 6 fighters are lost: 1. 671 of 766 hit the Leuna oil plant at Merseburg and 9 hit targets of opportunity; 8 B-17s are lost, 4 damaged beyond repair and 197 damaged; 7 airmen are KIA, 5 WIA and 64 MIA. Escort is 716 of 800 P-51s; they claim 9-0-8 aircraft on the ground; 6 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 2. 254 of 271 B-24s hit the Bingen marshalling yard; 43 B-24s are damaged; 1airman is WIA. Escort is 129 of 130 P-47s.

Mission 724: 7 B-17s and 6 B-24s drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night. The 36BS(H), VIII Fighter Command starts daily operations as a screening force for the bombardment divisions; it is assigned the task of protecting the Eighth's primary VHF and fighter-to-bomber communications from interception during assembly; the increase of flak batteries around German military and industrial installations soon compels the 36th to increase radar countermeasures on each mission; the 36th remains on this assignment until the end of war in Europe

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, the 9th BombardmentDivision hits an ordnance arsenal at Landau, road junctions, and an ammunition dump at Neustadt and Kaiserslautern; fighters escort the 9th Bombardment Division and 8AF, fly armed reconnaissance and support ground forces E of Aachen and between Merzig and Sarreguemines, France. The 356FS 354FG, moves from Orconte to Rosieres-en-Haye, France with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): During the night of 24/25 Nov, 40+ B-17s and B-24s bomb the Linz benzol plant, Klagenfurt, and Innsbruck, Austria, and Munich W W marshalling yards in Germany, and 2 unidentified targets of opportunity; during the day P-38s fly photo and weather reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather again hampers operations; 3 FGs fly only 53 sorties against railway targets and targets of opportunity N of the US Fifth Army battle area, cutting lines at 14 places and destroying several vehicles. The 414th Night FS, 62FW, moves from Pisa to Pontedera, Italy with Beaufighters.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 7 Guam Island-based B-24s, escorting a photo aircraft over the Bonin and Kazan Islands, bomb Chichi Jima, Muko Jima, and Haha Jima Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, fighter-bombers range over wide areas of Masbate, Cebu, and Leyte Islands, and surrounding waters, attacking shipping, airfields, bivouacs, and a variety of targets. B-25s and fighter-bombers hit airfields on Ceram and Boeroe Islands and B-24s on armed reconnaissance over N Borneo hit shipping and other targets of opportunity. During the night of 25/26 Nov, B-25s hit airfields in NE Celebes and Halmahera Islands.

 SUNDAY, 26 NOVEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A shipping sweep by 4 B-25s is called off due to weather.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 19 B-25s and 20 P-51s blast railway cars, station, and track, hit several trucks, and hit town areas at Hochih, China and Phu Lang Thuong, French Indochina. 6 B-25s damage a bridge at Kengluang, Thailand. 90+ P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s hit river, rail, and road traffic and other targets of opportunity over wide S China areas, 40 of them concentrating on targets between Kweiyi and Changsha and around Liuchow, China. A flight of the 21(Photo)RS, 14AF, begins operating from Luliang, China with F-5s (squadron is based at Kunming).

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 16 P-47s continue close support strikes; about 60 fighter-bombers hit concentrations, supply and ammunition dumps, and rail targets at Panghkai, Kunmong, Mabein, Lashio, Panku, and around Meza; 7 others on a railroad sweep hit targets of opportunity between Maymyo and Man Pyen. Transports fly 300+ sorties to forward areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 725: 1,137 bombers and 732 fighters are dispatched to make attacks on rail viaducts, marshalling yards and oil installations in W Germany; all but 1attack is with radar; about 550 Luftwaffe fighters intercept and 34 bombers and 9 fighters are lost; the AAF claims 133-14-42 aircraft: 1. 406 B-17s are sent to hit an oil refinery at Misburg (243) and a rail viaduct at Altenbekin (118); 19 hit the secondary, the marshalling yard at Osnabruck; 3 others hit a target of opportunity; they claim 4-6-7 aircraft; 10 B-17s are lost, 4 damaged beyond repair and 160 damaged; 4 airmen are KIA, 6 WIA and 93 MIA. Escorting are 292 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 67-2-11 aircraft; 3 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA) and 2 damaged beyond repair. 2. 350 B-24s are sent to hit the Schidesche rail viaduct at Bielefeld (240): and the Misburg oil refinery (57); targets of opportunity are Hannover marshalling yard (26) and other (1); they claim 12-5-4 aircraft; 21 B-24s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 53 damaged; 15 airmen are KIA, 6 WIA and 196 MIA. Escorting are 208 P-47s and P-1s; they claim 42-0-18 aircraft; 2 P-47s and 3 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA). 3. 381 B-17s are sent to hit the marshalling yard at Hamm (266); other marshalling yards hit are at Gutersloh (37), Bielefeld (36), Herford (24): plus 3 hit other targets; 3 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 86 damaged; 1airman is WIA and 27 MIA. Escorting are 132 of 138 P-51s; they claim 3-0-1 aircraft on the ground; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA). 4. 36 of 36 P-51s fly a scouting mission; they claim 5-1-2 aircraft without loss.

Mission 726: 8 B-17s and 6 B-24s drop leaflets on France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, 173 B-26s and A-20s bomb supply, storage, stores, and ordnance depots at Gaulsheim, Bergzabern, Giessen, Reichenbach, and Homburg/Saar; fighters fly sweeps and armed reconnaissance over W Germany, search for a lost A-20, escort 9th BombardmentDivision, and support the US 29th Infantry Division at Bourheim and the XX and XII Corps in the area of the Maginot Line and German-French border. The 390th and 391FSs, 366FG, move from Couvron Airfield at Laon, France to Asch, Belgium with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 39 P-38s fly an offensive sweep over Seregelyes Airfield, Hungary and strafe nearby road and rail traffic; other fighters fly reconnaissance and escort.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, a slight improvement in the weather permits fighter-bombers to increase operations; P-47s closely support ground forces in the US Fifth Army battle area in the Apennines S of Bologna and cut rail lines in over 30 places N of the immediate battle zone.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s from Saipan Island strafe the airfield on Pagan Island. During the night a B-24 on a snooper Mission from Guam Island bombs Iwo Jima Island. B-24s from Angaur Island bomb Arakabesan Island in the Palau Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, 40+ B-24s, some with fighter support, bomb La Carlota and Talisay Airfields on Negros and Cebu Islands respectively; fighter-bombers hit an airfield and various targets of opportunity throughout the area. B-25s pound airfields in the Ambon-Ceram Islands area and B-24s bomb an airfield near Davao, Mindanano Island. Other bombers and fighters fly light strikes and armed reconnaissance missions against a variety of targets on N Celebes, N Borneo, S Luzon, Mindanao, and Halmahera Islands. HQ 22BG(H) and the 33BS(H) move from Leyte Island, Philippine Islands to Angaur Island, Palau Islands with B-24s.

 MONDAY, 27 NOVEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 17 B-24s bomb Gia Lam, French Indochina. 17 B-25s blast the Hochih, China area, 6 bomb Phu Lang Thuong, French Indochina, and 8 pound warehouses at Lashio, Burma. 56 P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance over E Burma, N French Indochina, and vast areas of S China attack town areas, railroad targets, bridges and other targets of opportunity around Lampang, Thailand; Phu Binh, French Indochina; Pachai, Ishan, and Chefang, China; and Wanling, Hsenwi, and Kawnghka, Burma. A detachment of the 426NPS, 14AF, begins operating from Hsian, China with P-61s (squadron is based at Chengtu with a detachment at Kunming).

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 P-47s fly close support strikes in the Pinwe area; 21 fighter-bombers destroy bridges at Inailong and Thegyaung and damage bridges at Ho-hko and Kawnghka; 60+ fighter-bombers attack personnel and supply areas at Kutkai, Kyungon, Kodaungbo, Mongmit, Datwin, Man Namsawk, Old Lashio, and Ugingyi. Transports fly 280+ sorties, carrying men and supplies to forward bases and frontline areas. A detachment of the 9(Photo)RS, 8th Photographic RG, begins operating from Myitkyina, Burma with F-5s (squadron is based at Barrackpore, India); the 165th Liaison Squadron (Commando), 1Air Commando Group, moves from Yazagyo, Burma to Asansol, India with UC-64s and L-5s; the 434BS(M), 12BG(M), moves from Comilla to Fenny, India with B-25s.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF): Operating from the Calcutta, India area, 55 B-29s bomb the Bangsue railroad yards at Bangkok, Thailand; 3 others hit individual targets.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 727: 530 bombers and 770 fighters are dispatched to make PFF attacks on marshalling yards in Germany and fighter-bomber strikes on 4 oil centers in N and C Germany; they claim 102-4-12 aircraft; 15 fighters are lost: 1. 148 of 190 B-17s hit the Bingen marshalling yard; 2 others hit targets of opportunity; 46 bombers are damaged; 2 airmen are WIA. Escorting are 91 of 95 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA). 2. 181 of 186 B-17s hit the Offenburg marshalling yard; 1 hits Freiburg; 14 B-17s are damaged; 1airman is WIA. Escorting are 105 of 107 P-51s; 2 P-51s are lost (pilot MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 3. 144 of 154 B-24s hit the Offenburg marshalling yard; 7 others hit targets of opportunity; 9 B-24s are damaged. Escorting are 45 of 48 P-51s without loss. 4. 460 P-47s and P-51s fly fighter-bomber mission s against oil targets in N and C Germany; about 750 Luftwaffe fighters, the largest sighting to date, attack in the Magdeburg-Munster-Hannover areas when the Germans mistake the fighters for a heavy bomber formation; the AAF claims 98-4-11 aircraft in the air and 4-0-1on the ground; 2 P-47s and 10 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA).

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather forbids bomber mission s; fighters patrol over W Germany, dive-bomb a bridge at Rurdorf, and support the US 104th, 8th, and 1Infantry Divisions near Hurtgen and in the Weisweiler-Franz area, and the XIX Corps (mainly the 2Armored Division) at Merzenhausen.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): P-51s and P-38s fly reconnaissance and reconnaissance escort missions; bad weather cancels other operations.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather grounds all missions except 5 weather reconnaissance sorties.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 24 B-24s from Saipan Island, escorted by 12 P-38s, hit Iwo Jima Island; 29 more B-24s, from Guam Island, fly a second strike against the island. 25 B-24s from Angaur Island bomb Del Monte Airfield on Mindanano Island.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): 81Mariana Islands-based B-29s fly against Tokyo; none of the B-29s bomb the primary targets, the Musashino and Nakajima plants, but 59 hit the secondary, the urban area and docks; 7 bomb Hamamatsu, a target of opportunity; while the mission is in progress 11enemy airplanes attack Isley Field on Saipan Island, destroying or damaging several B-29s; AA and intercepting fighters down 10 aircraft.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s bomb Malogo and Bacolod Airfields on Negros Island and Daliao Airfield on Mindanao Island. B-25s blast Namlea Airfield on Buru Island; Liang and Laha Airfields on Ambon Island. A variety of FEAF aircraft attack airfields, shipping, and targets of opportunity on Celebes Island, N Borneo, and in the Halmahera and the Ceram Islands areas. The detachment of the 419th NFS, XIII Fighter Command, operating from Noemfoor Island moves to Morotai Island with P-61s (squadron is based on Middleburg Island).

 TUESDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 1 B-24 photographs and bombs the Matsuwa Island shore area in the Kurile Islands.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In French Indochina, 17 B-24s, escorted by 12 P-51s, bomb Gia Lam and 6 B-25s hit a railroad bridge at Phu Lang Thuong. In Burma, 3 B-25s blast 6 warehouses at Hsenwi, 3 bomb Wan Lai- Kam, 1 hits Kutkai, and 4 attack buildings in the Wanling and Chefang, China areas. 60+ P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance over wide areas of E Burma and S China hit troops, bridges, horses, and other targets of opportunity at many locations.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 39 P-47s support ground forces in the Pinwe and Bhamo areas; supply and personnel concentrations and targets of opportunity at Nwegyo, Kutkai, the Meza area, Mankang, Manai, Nawnglok, Nawnglong, Loimawk, Man Myeng, Mong Wi and Kungmong are attacked by about 80 fighter-bombers; 16 hit targets of opportunity along the Maymyo- Bawgyo rail line. Transports fly 317 sorties to forward areas. HQ 4th Combat Cargo Group and the 13th Combat Cargo Squadron arrive at Sylhet, India from the US with C-46s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 728: 6 B-17s and 6 B-24s drop leaflets on the Netherlands and Germany during the night. The 845BS(H), 489BG(H), departs Halesworth, England for the US; the squadron will transition to B-29s in 1945.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, the 9th BombardmentDivision hits the defended villages of Birgel and Merken, a rail bridge at Sinzig, and a Billiger Forest ammunition dump; fighters fly escort, night intruder missions, and armed reconnaissance in the Kall-Trier area, and support the US 1, 8th, and 104th Infantry Divisions as they take Langerwehe, Jungersdorf, Hurtgen, and the bridge at Inden.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather limits operations to reconnaissance flights.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s hit railroad bridges at Magenta, Torre Beretti, and Casale Monferrato, and an abandoned ship in La Spezia harbor; fighters and fighter-bombers support ground forces in the battle area in the Apennines S of Bologna, hit communications targets N of the battle zone, and cut railroad lines in 40+ places in the Brenner Pass and NC Po areas.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 21Saipan Island-based B-24s bomb the airfield on Iwo Jima Island; 3 others, flying an armed reconnaissance mission, bomb Marcus Island. During the night of 28/29 Nov 1, a B-24 on a snooper mission hits Iwo Jima Island. 3 B-24s from Angaur Island bomb the radio station on Arakabesan Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Mindanao Island, B-24s bomb Daliao and Matina Airfields. Small attacks by B-24s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers are launched against airfields, shipping, and targets of opportunity over wide areas of the SWPA, including C Philippine Islands and the Halmahera and Timor Islands area. The 2BS(H), 22BG(H), moves from Leyte Island to Angaur Island with B-24s; the 35FS, 8FG, that has been operating from Morotai Island, joins the ground echelon at Dulag, Leyte Island with P-38s.

 WEDNESDAY, 29 NOVEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-24s bomb Kashiwabara on Paramushiru Island. B-25s call off a shipping sweep due to weather.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 6 B-25s bomb Ninh Binh, French Indochina and 8 hit Lashio and 3 attack Hsenwi, Burma. 20 P-40s, P-38s, and P-51s hit targets of opportunity in the Chefang, China area. 23 P-38s and P-51s attack bridges, horses, shipping, and rail traffic around Hochih and Nanning, China; Quang Yen, French Indochina; and Hsenwi, Kawnghka, and Namhkai, Burma.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 50+ fighter-bombers fly close support strikes in the battle areas around Bhamo and Pinwe; bridges at Tonbo, Pauktaw, Man Loi, Meza, Bon Chaung, and at 2 unnamed points in N Burma are pounded by 60+ fighter-bombers; 8 others bomb supplies, personnel and ammunition stores at Tigyaing. 323 transport sorties are flown to forward areas. The 1Combat Cargo Squadron, 1Combat Cargo Group, moves from Sylhet to Tulihal, India with C-47s; the 490BS(M), 341BG(M), moves from Moran, India to Warazup, Burma with B-25s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 729: 1,077 bombers and 946 fighters are dispatched to make PFF attacks on viaduct rail targets and oil refineries in Germany; 1bomber is lost: 1. 445 B-17s are sent to hit the oil refinery at Misburg (391); targets of opportunity are Osnabrcuk (36) and others (5); 6 B-17s are damaged. Escorting are 419 P-47s and P-51s without loss. 2. 307 B-24s are sent to hit the Schildesche rail viaduct at Bielefeld (152) and the Altenbeken rail viaduct (144); 2 others hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-24 is lost and 9 damaged; 10 airmen are MIA. Escorting are 261 P-47s and P-51s without loss. 3. 312 B-17s are sent to hit the Hamm marshalling yard (294); 4 others hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 87 damaged; 3 airmen are WIA. Escorting are 112 of 120 P-51s without loss. 4. 12 of 13 B-17s fly a screen mission and hit a target of opportunity. Escorting are 26 of 32 P-47s without loss. 5. 31 of 34 P-51s fly a scouting mission.

Mission 730: 6 B-17s and 7 B-24s drop leaflets in the Netherlands and Germany during the night. HQ 489BG(H) and the 844th, 846th and 847BS(H) depart Halesworth, England for the US; this B-24 group will become a B-29s outfit that is destined for the Pacific.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, 301 B-26s and A-20s hit defended areas, barracks, and military depots at Wittlich, Mariaweiler, Pier, Eisdorf, Limburg, Rastatt, and Landau; fighters escort the 9th BombardmentDivision and 8AF, fly armed reconnaissance over W Germany, and support the 104th Infantry Division in a holding action against counterattacks at Inden and Lammersdorf, the 8th Infantry Division at Hurtgen, and the 7th Armored Division in the XIII Corps drive toward the Roer. HQ 10PRG and teh 31Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron with F-5s moves from Robinson Airfield, St-Dizier to Doncourt Airfield, Conflans and Jarny, France respectfully.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Weather limits operations to photo and weather reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy during the night of 28/29 Nov A-20s fly armed reconnaissance over the Po Valley, dropping incendiaries at several points including bridges at Piacenza and Castel Maggiore and the airfields at Ghedi and Villafranca di Verona; during the day weather grounds the medium bombers however, fighters and fighter-bombers can operate, and blast enemy communications on the Brenner line and in the NC Po Valley, cutting rail lines in numerous places and destroying a large number of vehicles and railroad cars.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 18 B-24s from Guam Island bomb Iwo Jima Island. 4 P-47s from Saipan Island strafe Pagan Island.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): 24 Mariana Islands-based B-29s strike the Tokyo dock and industrial area during the night of 29/30 Nov; 2 B-29s bomb the last resort targets of Yokohama and Numazu.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s bomb Matina Airfield on Mindanao Island while A-20s and P-47s hit the airfield at Pangsagan; B-24s, with fighter cover, pound Puerto Princesa Airfield on Palawan Island and Kendari Airfield on Celebes Island. B-24s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers fly several light raids against Halmahera Island airfields and against shipping and other targets of opportunity in the Philippine Islands, the Ceram Island area, N Celebes Island, and N Borneo.

 THURSDAY, 30 NOVEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A weather sortie is the only mission.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 12 B-25s and 8 P-51s damage 2 railroad bridges and several buildings at Phu Lang Thuong and Phu Ly, French Indochina. 11bomb 5 warehouses and several other buildings at Lashio and Wanling, Burma. 9 fighter-bombers hit shipping, rail targets, and troops at various points in Thailand. In China, 23 fighter-bombers attack targets of opportunity in the Chefang area; the 25FS, 51 fighter Group, based at Yunnani with P-40s and P-51s, sends a detachment to operate from Poashan.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 B-25s knock out and damage bridges at Bawgyo, Namhkai, and Hsenwi; 16 P-47s support ground forces at Bhamo; the town of Pinwe is found to be free of enemy forces; about 70 fighter-bombers attack troops and supply areas at several locations including Molo, Naungmo, Namun, Hkumpen, Myadaung, Kutkai, Kanbalu, Kyauk, and Natpe; 13 others attack bridges at Meza and in the Bawdwin area; 8 strafe targets of opportunity along the Kyaukme-Panglong road. 321transport sorties are flown to forward areas. In India, HQ 1 Combat Cargo Group and the 4th Combat Cargo Squadron move from Sylhet to Tulihal with C-47s; the detachment of the 5FS (Commando), 1Air Commando Group, operating from Fenny with P-47s, returns to base at Asansol; the detachment of the 9(Photo)RS, 8(Photo)RG, operating from Tingkawk Sakan, Burma with F-5s, returns to base at Barrackpore (other detachments are at Myitkyina, Burma and Chittagong); the 317TCS (Commando), 2Air Commando Group, moves from Sylhet to Bikram with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 731: 1,281bombers and 972 fighters are dispatched to hit synthetic oil plants in SE Germany and rail targets; intense accurate flak downs 29 bombers and 3 fighters are lost: 1. 451 B-17s are sent to hit the Zeitz (132) and Bohlen (68) oil plants; 116 hit the secondary, the Leuna oil plant at Merseburg; targets of opportunity are Gotha (22), Gera (17), Rudolstadt (17), Fulda (12), Saalfeld (12), Ohrdruf (10), Meerane (6) and other (9); 11 B-17s are lost, 4 damaged beyond repair and 287 damaged; 8 airmen are KIA, 16 WIA and 100 MIA. Escorting are 357 of 384 P-51s; they claim 4-0-0 aircraft in the air; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA). 2. 539 B-17s are sent to hit the Leuna oil plant at Merseburg (301) and the Lutzkendorf (169) oil plant; targets of opportunity are Zeitz oil plant (19), Weissenfels (9) and other (12); 17 B-17s are lost, 6 damaged beyond repair and 325 damaged; 17 airmen are KIA, 42 WIA and 295 MIA. Escorting are 452 P-47s and P-51s; 2 P-51s are damaged beyond repair. 3. 291 B-24s are sent to hit marshalling yards at Neunkirchen (180) and Homburg (104). Escorting are 56 of 60 P-47s; 1 P-47 is lost (pilot MIA). 4. 30 of 33 P-51s fly a scouting mission.

Mission 732: 7 B-17s and 6 B-24s drop leaflets in the Netherlands and Germany during the night.

TACTICAL OPERATIONS 1TAF (Provisional): The 415NPS, 64FW, moves from Longvic to Ochey, France with Beaufighters. 9AF: In Germany, 288 B-26s and A-20s attack the defended villages of Vettweiss, Stockheim, Erp, and Pirmasens, an armored vehicle repair center at Gemund, a rail tunnel, a military camp at Malsbenden, and a marshalling yard at Zweibrucken; fighters escort the 9th BombardmentDivision, give area support to 8AF heavy bombers at Leipzig, fly sweeps, dive bombing missions, and reconnaissance over W Germany, and support elements of the US VII Corps in the Hurtgen area (especially the 104th Infantry Division at Lammersdorf and Inden). The 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 10PRG, moves from St Dizier to Giraumont, France with F-6s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Austria during the night of 29/30 Nov, 18 B-17s bomb a benzol plant at Linz; 3 others hit marshalling yards at Villach, Klagenfurt, and Gmunden. B-24s hit marshalling yards at Munich, Germany and Innsbruck, Austria. During the day P-38s and P-51s fly reconnaissance over Yugoslavia, Italy, and Germany.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s bomb bridges at Romano di Lombardia and Crema; fighters and fighter-bombers attack communications in the Po Valley, cutting rail lines and destroying a large number of railroad cars and motor transport; targets also include bridges, guns, and buildings.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 23 B-24s from Saipan Island bomb the airfield on Iwo Jima Island. 8 Guam Island-based B-24s, escorting photo aircraft over the Kazan and Bonin Islands, bomb Haha Jima Island. 37 from Angaur Island hit Legaspi Airfield on Luzon Island. During the night of 29/30 Nov, 2 B-24s from Guam and Saipan Islands, bomb the Iwo Jima airfield during snooper missions.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s in major strikes of the day hit Malimpoeng and Parepare Airfields on Celebes Island, Legaspi Airfield on Luzon Island, Matina Airfield on Mindanao Island, and 4 airfields on Halmahera Island. B-25s strike Dumaguete Airfield on Negros Island. Fighter-bombers, B-24s, and B-25s fly armed reconnaissance, harassing strikes, and light raids over various areas of the Netherlands East Indies and Philippine Islands. The air echelons of the 36th and 80th Fighter Squadrons, 8FG, operating from Morotai Island with P-38s, return to base at Dulag, Leyte Island; the 340FS, 348th FG, moves from Noemfoor Island to Tacloban, Leyte Island with P-47s; the ground echelon of the 418NPS begins a movement from Dulag, Leyte Island to San Jose, Mindoro Island (air echelon is on Morotai Island with P-61s).

DECEMBER 1944

 FRIDAY, 1 DECEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 6 B-24s attack targets of opportunity in the S China Sea. 8 B-25s destroy 3 storage buildings and damage 6 others at Wanling, Burma; 9 fighter-bombers pound troop positions in the area and destroy or damage several trucks. Several other fighter-bombers hit trucks, locomotives, and villages in the Chefang, China area; between Lashio and Hsenwi, Burma; and from Linfen to Taiyuan, and at Kunlong, China.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 30+ P-47s continue support of ground forces in the Bhamo area; town areas, troops, warehouses, and supply dumps at Myitson, Mingon, Alezeik, Lenaung, and Old Lashioare are pounded by 30+ P-47s; 17 more hit bridges in N Burma and 8 strafe the Hsenwi landing ground. 290 transport sorties are flown to forward areas. In India, a detachment of the 6FS (Commando), 1Air Commando Group, begins operating from Fenny with P-47s (squadron is based at Asansol); the 14th and 15th Combat Cargo Squadrons, 4thCCG, arrive at Sylhet from the US with C-46s; during Dec 44, the detachment of the 1 Combat Cargo Squadron, 1Combat Cargo Group, operating from Hathazari with C-47s, returns to base at Tulihal, the 427NPS, AAF, India-Burma Theater, moves from Pandaveswar to Myitkyina, Burma with P-61s, and the 436BS(H), 7BG(H), based at Madhaiganj, India with B-24s sends a detachment to Luliang, China to ferry gasoline to Suichwan, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 733: 7 B-17s and 7 B-24s drop leaflet in the Netherlands, France and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, 134 B-26s and A-20s strike defended areas at Fraulautern, Ensdorf, and Saarlautern; fighters fly sweeps, armed reconnaissance, and bombing missions over W Germany and support US VII Corps elements at Inden and the Hurtgen Forest and the 8th Infantry Division of the V Corps at Tiefenbach Creek and Brandenberger Forest. In France, HQ 354FG and the 355FS move from Orconte to Meurthe-et-Moselle and Rosieres-en-Haye respectively with P-47s (the 355th is operating from St Dizier); the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 10PRG, moves from St Dizier to Giraumont with F-6s; the 72Liaison Squadron, 9AF, moves from Epinal to Buhl with L-5s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): During Dec 44, HQ 305BW(H) moves from Bari to Torremaggiore, Italy.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s attack 4 railroad bridges in the W Po Valley, damaging the bridges at Voghera and Torre Beretti; the XXII Tactical Air Command hits motor transport and train cars at several points in N Italy and hits rail lines over a widespread area N of the Apennines Mountains, including the Brenner Pass where lines are cut at 3 points; the 524FS, 27FG, moves from Tarquinia to Pontedera with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 26 Guam Island, Mariana Island-based B-24s pound the airfield on Iwo Jima Island, Volcano Islands. During the night of 1/2 Dec, a B-24 bombs Iwo Jima during a snooper mission.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): Major FEAF strikes in the Philippine Islands include B-24 raids on Bacolod and Fabrica Airfields on Negros Island, and a B-25 attack, with P-47 support, on Lahug Airfield on Cebu Island; and B-25s attack Cagayan Airfield on Mindanao Island. B-25s and fighter-bombers also hit several airfields and numerous targets of opportunity on Halmahera Island, Moluccas Islands, during a series of raids. Other FEAF aircraft maintain armed reconnaissance and sweeps over a wide area of the Netherland East Indies and Philippine Islands. HQ 3Air Commando Group, the 3FS (Commando) and the 157th, 159th and 160LS (Commando), arrive on Leyte Island from the US with P-51s and UC-64s and L-5s (first Mission is 8 Jan and 7 Feb 45); a detachment of the 4(Photo)Charting Squadron, 311(Photo)Wing (attached to Thirteenth AF), begins operating from Morotai Island, Moluccas Islands, with F-7s (squadron is based at Hollandia, New Guinea); the 342FS, 348FG, moves from Noemfoor Island, New Guinea to Tacloban, Leyte Island with P-47s; the 408BS(H), 22d BG(H), moves from Leyte Island to Angaur Island, Palau Islands, Caroline Islands with B-24s.

 SATURDAY, 2 DECEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 4 B-25s damage several buildings at Hsenwi, Burma. 39 P-51s, P-40s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance attack troops, horses, trucks, railroad yards, shipping, storage facilities, and road machinery between Yungfengshih and Paoching, China; N of Wanling, from Wanling to Lashio and in Lashio Burma; in the Chiuchiang area, Nan Tan, and at Kichang, China.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 40 fighter-bombers fly close support strikes in the Bhamo battle sector; supply areas, ammunition dumps, personnel and tank concentrations, and strongholds at Mayathein, Kwingyi, Nanthe, Hsai-hkao, Hsenwi, Man Hkam, Wuntho, Tedaw, and Old Lashio are hit by 60+ fighter-bombers; 16 others hit rolling stock on the rail line between Hsipaw and Lashio and strafe a supply train in Pangkyawng; 10 B-25s pound several N Burma bridges, knocking out road bridges at Tonglau and Nam Nung and 2 railroad bridges at Tangon. Transports fly 286 sorties to forward areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 734: 455 bombers and 604 fighters make GH attacks on marshalling yards and fighter bomber attacks; they claim 34-3-7 Luftwaffe aircraft; 11 bombers and 4 fighters are lost: 1. 135 of 143 B-24s hit the Bingen marshalling yard; 1others hit a target of opportunity; they claim 2-1-1 aircraft; 11 B-24s are lost and 4 damaged; 2 airmen are WIA and 102 MIA. Escorting are 97 of 104 P-51s; they claim 4-1-2 aircraft without loss. 2. 152 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Lutzel marshalling yard at Koblenz (9) and the Oberlahnstein marshalling yard (125); 6 others hit targets of opportunity; no losses. Escorting are 158 of 169 P-51s; they claim 6-0-0 aircraft without loss. 3. 160 B-17s are dispatched to Koblenz but abort the mission due to heavy clouds. Escorting are 153 of 156 P-51s; they claim 7-0-0 aircraft without loss. 4. 133 P-47s and P-51s fly fighter sweeps over the Cologne, Kassel, Meiningen, Mannheim and Frankfurt area; they claim 15-1-4 aircraft; 3 P-47s and 1 P-51 are lost (pilots MIA) and 2 P-51s are damaged beyond repair. 5. 28 of 30 P-51s fly a scouting mission.

Mission 735: 7 B-17s and 6 B-24s drop leaflets in the Netherlands, France and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, 210 A-20s, A-26s, and B-26s bomb areas of Saarlautern, Ensdorf, and Fraulautern; fighters escort the 9th Bombardment Division, fly armed reconnaissance over W Germany (targets hit include a marshalling yard and bridges), and support the US 1 Infantry Division at Luchem, 104th Infantry Division at Inden, and 8th Infantry Division in the Brandenberger Forest-Tiefenbach Creek area.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Around 500 B-17s and B-24s attack Blechhammer N and S and Odertal, Germany oil refineries; the Floridsdorf oil refinery at Vienna and the marshalling yard at Strasshof, Austria; Celldomolk, Hungary marshalling yard; and Medvedov, Czechoslovakia highway bridge, plus scattered targets of opportunity in C and E Europe; fighters fly escort and carry out reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers hit several bridges in N and NE Italy, scoring effective hits on 2 bridges across the Piave and Brenta Rivers and 4 on the Brenner line; fighters and fighterbombers attack communications in the Po Valley and support US Fifth Army forces in the battle area S of Bologna; on the night of 1/2 Dec, A-20s hit Ghedi Airfield and targets of opportunity in the NC Po Valley and trains on the Brenner line; HQ 350FG and the 347FS move from Tarquinia to Pisa with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 23 B-24s from Guam Island hit Iwo Jima Island. During the night of 2/3 Dec 3 B-24s on snooper missions from Saipan Island, Mariana Islands and Guam Island bomb an airfield on Iwo Jima.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s hit Dumaguete Airfield on Negros Island and Matina and Cagayan Airfields on Mindanao Island. B-24s and B-25s attack Borebore Airfield and Kendari on Celebes Island. Fighter-bombers in the C Philippine Islands and Mindanao Island support ground forces and hit supplies, communications, and a variety of targets of opportunity. B-25s bomb Namlea Airfield on Buru Island and attack shipping off Ceram Island. The 19BS(H), 22BG(H), moves from Leyte Island to Angaur Island with B-24s.

 SUNDAY, 3 DECEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 5 B-24s place delayed action bombs near Pengpu bridge; 4 B-25s and 10 P-51s bomb a storage area at Sintsiang; 67 fighter-bombers on armed reconnaissance blast trucks, railroad targets, warehouses, shipping and other targets of opportunity at Wanling, Burma, and in China, Loyang, Yuncheng, Hei-Shih Kuan, Wuhu, and particularly in areas around Shihhweiyao and from Hengyang to Siangtan and Lingling.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 32 P-47s continue close support of ground forces attacking Bhamo; 18 others damage road bridges at Hay-ti and Tonbo and 6 attack several railroad bridges in N Burma; 4 drop delay-fuse bombs on the Myitson ferry landing; 30+ fighter-bombers hit troop and equipment concentrations, fuel and other supplies, artillery, ammunition dumps, and general town areas in or near Hopaw, Loipao, Man Kat, Namhpai, and Indaw; 9 strafe targets of opportunity along the Shwebo-Wuntho rail line; 4 B-25s during the night of 3/4 Dec, destroy a train on the Tangon railroad bridge and attack several other targets of opportunity. 323 transport sorties are flown to forward bases and frontline areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather cancels bomber operations. In Germany, fighters fly defensive patrols and armed reconnaissance, hitting rails and bridges and dive-bomb targets in W Germany including the marshalling yard at Grevenbroich; the 104th Infantry Division is supported as it extends the Inde River, Germany bridgehead beyond Lucherberg, Germany, the US 1Infantry Division as it seizes Luchem, the US 8th Infantry Division in the Brandenberger Forest-Tiefenbach Creek area, and units of the US XII Corps at Sarre-Union, France as it checks a counterattack. The 353Fighter Squadron, 354FG, moves from Orconte to Rosieres-en-Haye, France with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Austria, 85 B-24s and B-17s bomb the Vienna SE freight depot, Linz industrial area, marshalling yards at Innsbruck, Villach, and Klagenfurt, and various targets of opportunity; P-38s and P-51s escort the bombers and fly reconnaissance and reconnaissance escort. 14 B-17s and B-24s drop supplies in Yugoslavia.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather hampers operations; many missions are aborted; medium bombers score effective hits only on a bridge E of Mantua; the 57th and 350FGs fly 60 sorties against targets in the US Fifth Army battle area S of Bologna and against communications in N Italy; during the night of 2/3 Dec, A-20s bomb lights throughout the Po Valley; the 345FS, 350th Fighter Group moves from Tarquinia to Pisa with P-47s; the 522 and 523Fighter Squadrons, 27FG, moves from Tarquinia to Pontedera, Italy with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 17 Guam Island-based B-24s pound Iwo Jima Island; 7 others, escorting photo aircraft over the Bonin and Kazan Islands, bomb Haha Jima and Iwo Jima Islands. B-24s on snooper missions from the Mariana Islands during the night of 3/4 Dec, continue to bomb Iwo Jima.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF):

Mission 10: 86 Mariana Island-based B-29s are dispatched to attack the Musashino aircraft plant and docks and urban areas in Tokyo, Japan; 60 B-29s hit the primary target and 15 hit alternate targets; they claim 10-11-18 Japanese aircraft; 5 B-29s are lost.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): Major B-24 strikes include raids against Malimpoeng and Mandai on Celebes Island. B-25s pound 4 airfields on Halmahera Island while A-20s attack Point Noejew, New Guinea. In the Philippine Islands, fighter-bombers hit a storage area at Palompon on Leyte Island and airfields near Masbate Island.

 MONDAY, 4 DECEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A weather aircraft aborts shortly after takeoff.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 24 B-25s, supported by 12 P-40s, hit bridges, buildings, and river, road, and rail traffic at several points in China, French Indochina, and Burma including Lashio, Kutkai and Namhkai, Burma; and Saiping, Hsiangcheng, Lingling, the Kweilin area, between Minkiang, and Sinantien, and between Sinyang and Saiping, China; 90+ fighter-bombers on armed reconnaissance pound numerous targets of opportunity from Hsenwi, Burma to Nanning, China; Lang Son, French Indochina; and Namhkai, Burma and across S China from the Burma border to Amoy, China.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 28 P-47s attack and damage bridges at Kawnghka, Namyao, Nampawng, Namhkai, and Hsenwi and demolish the main bridge at Ho-kho; 8 P-47s support ground forces in the Bhamo area; 60+ fighter-bombers hit enemy-held positions, troop concentrations, supply areas, warehouses, and general targets of opportunity at Man Mau, Nwegyo, Mogok, Hkayanzatkon, Pangpong, Namahokgyi, Kyu-sa, Man Maw, Mongnaw, and Man Htam. Transports fly 308 sorties to forward areas. The 319th Troop Carrier Squadron (Commando), 1Air Commando Group, based at Asansol, India with C-47s begins operating from various forward bases in Burma.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 736: 1,191bombers and 977 fighters are dispatched to make PFF attacks on rail targets in Germany; 3 bombers and 3 fighters are lost: 1. 419 B-17s are dispatched to hit marshalling yards at Kassel (212) and Soest (188); 2 others hit targets of opportunities; 4 B-17s are damaged beyond repair and 3 damaged. Escorting are 375 P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA). 2. 315 B-24s are sent to hit the Bebra marshalling yard (199); targets of opportunity are marshalling yards at Koblenz (78) and Giessen (21) and other (1); 1 B-24 is lost and 15 damaged; 10 airmen are MIA. Escorting are 290 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 6-0-11 aircraft on the ground. 3. 457 B-17s are sent to hit marshalling yards at Mainz (221) and Giessen (62); targets of opportunity are the Friedburg marshalling yard (119), Fulda (24), barges on the Rhine River (11) and other (6); 2 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 106 damaged; 1airman is WIA and 18 MIA. Escorting are 238 of 244 P-51s; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA). 4. 36 of 37 P-51s fly a scouting mission.

Mission 737: 10 of 11 B-17s and B-24s drop leaflets in the Netherlands, France and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather prevents bomber operations. In Germany, fighters fly armed reconnaissance and support the US 1, 8th, and 104th Infantry Divisions at Luchem, Bergstein, and E of Inde River; and the XII and XX Corps in drive toward the Saar River and around Saarlautern.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 26 P-38s bomb a railroad bridge at Zenica, Yugoslavia. 14 B-17s and B-24s drop supplies in N Italy; P-38s and P-51s fly reconnaissance and escort missions. Bad weather prevents heavy bomber operations.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s hit defenses in the Bagnaeavallo and Faenza areas and an ammunition dump at Tortona; XXII Tactical Air Command aircraft hit targets in the US Fifth Army battle area S of Bologna in the Apennines Mountains and communications to the N of the battle zone. During the night of 3/4 Dec, A-20s again bomb targets of opportunity in the Po River Valley; the 7TCS, 62d TCG, moves from Tarquinia to Brindisi with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 3 B-24s from Guam Island hit Marcus Island in the North Pacific Ocean while 3 from Saipan Island bomb Pagan Island in the Mariana Islands. Snooper missions continue as 2 Mariana Islands-based B-24s bomb Iwo Jima Island during the night of 4/5 Dec.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): HQ XXI BC arrives at Harmon Field, Guam Island from the US.

 TUESDAY, 5 DECEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 6 B-24s off for a strike on Kakumabetsu in the Kurile Islands abort due to weather and B-25s cancel a shipping sweep.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 7 B-24s on sweeps over the Gulf of Tonkin, the S China Sea, and Formosa Strait bomb Ft Bayard, China and Kowloon Docks in Hong Kong and damage a freighter. 6 B-25s pound targets of opportunity from Liuchow to Liuchenghsien, China; 61 P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance hit river, road, and rail traffic and other targets of opportunity at scattered points mainly in S China.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 31 fighter-bombers support ground forces in the Bhamo area; 25 fighter-bombers hit Hay-ti, Meza, and 3 other road bridges; 20+ fighter-bombers attack town areas, troop concentrations and storage facilities in or near Kawngwai, Kunmong, Settawagon, and Thitpoklwin; 8 attack targets of opportunity along the Shwebo-Wuntho rail line; transports complete 285 sorties carrying troops to forward bases and dropping supplies to frontline forces; 10 B-25s bomb a communications center, supplies, and personnel concentration at Mogok; on this date 10AF aircraft begin Operation GRUBWORM, flying the Chinese 14th and 22Divisions from Burma to China in preparation for the Yunnan campaign to counter a probable Japanese drive toward Kunming, China; the 9(Photo)RS, 8(Photo)RG, moves from Barrackpore, India to Myitkyina with B-25s and F-5s (a detachment is operating from Chittagong, India); the 317TCS (Commando), 2Air Commando Group, moves from Bikram, India to Myitkyina with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 3 missions are flown.

Mission 738: 589 bombers and 884 fighters are dispatched to make attacks on Germany; an estimated 275-300 Luftwaffe fighters attack and AAF fighters claim 90-7-30 aircraft; 12 bombers and 17 fighters are lost: 1. 451 B-17s are dispatched to make PFF attacks on munitions and tank plants at Berlin (404); targets of opportunity are Nienburg (2) and other (23); 12 B-17s are lost and 169 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 8 WIA and 115 MIA. Escorting are 630 of 711 P-51 s; they claim 90-7-23 aircraft in the air and 0-0-2 on the ground; 15 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 2. 114 of 129 B-24s hit the marshalling yard at Munster; 10 B-24s are damaged. Escorting are 141 P-47s and P-51s; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA) and 1 P-47 damaged beyond repair. 3. 6 of 6 B-24s fly a screening mission. 4. 23 of 25 P-51s fly a scouting mission.

Mission 739 is an APHRODITE

Mission with 2 B-17 Castor drones, 3 B-17 control and observation aircraft, a P-38 observation aircraft and 17 of 17 P-51s as escort; the P-51s claim 1-0-0 aircraft.

Mission 740: 11 of the 4 B-17s and 8 B-24s dispatched drop leaflets in the Netherlands, France and Germany.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, 172 A-20s, A-26s, and B-26s attack a marshalling yard, road junction, fuel storage dump, defended positions, and rail bridge at 8 locations; fighters escort 9th BombardmentDivision aircraft, fly numerous armed reconnaissance missions, and provide cover for the US 1, 8th, and 104th Infantry Divisions in the Luchem, Bergstein, and Lucherberg areas.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather again cancels heavy bomber operations. P-38s, escorted by P-51s, fly photo and weather reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather severely restricts operations; medium bomber mission s are cancelled except for a weather reconnaissance flight; fighters and fighter-bombers hit a few rail lines and other communications targets in the E Po River Valley but devote a major effort to closely support the US Fifth Army in the battle area S of Bologna; HQ 79FG and the 85th and 86FSs move from Iesi to Fano with P-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): P-47s from Saipan Island strafe the runway on Pagan Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Halmahera Island, B-24s strike Hate Tabako, Galela, and Djailolo Airfields while B-25s and A-20s lightly raid Miti and Kaoe Airfields. B-25s hit Langoan on Celebes Island while B-24s flying in pairs hit targets of opportunity nearby and in N Borneo. Fighter-bombers over the C Philippine Islands area hit Japanese positions, barges, and communications targets.

 WEDNESDAY, 6 DECEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 4 B-24s bomb Suribachi Airfield on Paramushiru Island, scoring hits on the runway, and blast batteries; on the return flight, 1 is hit by AA fire. 1 B-25 flies a negative shipping search. A B-24 weather airplane force-lands in the USSR.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In Burma, 8 P-51s attack road traffic in the Hsenwi area and from there to Wanling.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 P-47s damage a bridge at Namhkai and knock out a bridge at Mongmit; 10 B-25s knock out the main bridge at Bawgyo and damage the bypass; 15 P-47s support ground forces in the Bhamo area, 4 bomb Hsenwi Airfield, and 8 strafe Bawgyo AA positions; 12 P-47s hit troops, artillery, and supplies at Banmauk, the W side of Indawgyi Lake, and Namhkam. Transports fly 300 sorties to forward areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 741: 818 bombers and 830 fighters are dispatched to hit oil and rail targets in Germany; all except 9 aircraft bomb using H2X; 4 bombers and 1 fighter are lost: 1. 533 B-17s, in 2 forces, are sent to hit the Leuna oil plant at Merseburg (446); targets of opportunity are Hannover (16), Merseburg (14) and other (24); 4 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 172 damaged; 4 airmen are WIA and 37 MIA. 12 of 12 B-17s fly a screening mission. Escorting are 534 P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA), 1 damaged beyond repair and 1 damaged. 2. 112 of 119 B-24s hit the marshalling yard at Bielefeld; 1 hits a target of opportunity; 52 B-24s are damaged. Escorting are 94 of 104 P-51s without loss. 3. 140 of 154 B-24s hit Minden Aqueduct; 9 hit the Lockum rail junction; 26 B-24s are damaged. Escorting are 91 P-47s and P-51s without loss. 4. 28 of 32 P-51s fly a scouting force mission.

Mission 742: 11 of the 4 B-17s and 11 B-24s drop leaflets in the Netherlands, France and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, 154 A-20s and B-26s bomb the defended areas of Munstereifel, Erkelenz, Nideggen, and Daun; fighters escort the bombers, fly armed reconnaissance and night patrol, attack bridges, gun positions, and other targets, and provide air cover for the US V, VII, and XII Corps in the areas of Sarreguemines, France and Bergstein, and Lucherberg, and along the Saar River, Germany.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 270+ B-17s and B-24s attack marshalling yards at Graz, Austria; Szombathely, Sopron, Nagycenk, Hegyeshalom, and the town of Zalaegerszey, Hungary; Maribor, Yugoslavia; and Bratislava, and Devinska Nova Ves, Czechoslovakia, plus scattered targets of opportunity; P-51s and P-38s escort the bombers, cover RAF: supply missions to Yugoslavia, and strafe Vienna, Austria.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, heavy cloud cover, increasing in density throughout the day, severely restricts operations; medium bombers are grounded except for 1reconnaissance sortie; XXII Tactical Air Command fighters and fighter-bombers fly less than 100 sorties, attacking communications in the Brescia, Verona, and Mantua areas; the 87th Fighter Squadron, 79FG, moves from Iesi to Fano with P-47s; the 97BS(L), 47BG(L), moves from Rosignano Airfield to Grossetto with A-20s.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s pound Bacolod Airfield on Negros Island; P-38s over Bacolod and others covering a convoy off S Leyte Island claim several aircraft downed; B-25s, with P-47 support, hit Cagayan, Jacgol, and Del Monte Airfields on Mindanao Island. B-24s hit airfields at Kendari and Borebore on Celebes Island. Fighterbombers and B-25s attack Halmahera Island airfields while A-20s and B-25s bomb the Namlea area on Buru Island. HQ 417BG(L) and the 672d, 673d, 674th and 675BSs move from Noemfoor Island to Tacloban, Leyte Island with A-20s.

 THURSDAY, 7 DECEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 9 bombers fly 2 negative shipping searches.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 8 B-25s hit a storage area at Lashio, Burma. In China, 4 B-25s and 8 P-40s attack and considerably damage Sankiao; 4 B-25s, operating individually, attack truck convoys and other targets of opportunity in the Hengyang area and in Siang-Chiang Valley; 2 B-24s claim 1 cargo vessel sunk in the S China Sea while 15 P-51s hit shipping at Hong Kong, claiming a destroyer and freighter sunk; 65 P-51s, P-40s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance over wide areas of China attack storage areas, troops, bridges, railroad targets, and gun positions around Paoching, Anking, Hengyang, Tuhshan, Nan Tan, Kengtung, and Luchai and between Kweilin and Liuchow.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 B-25s knock out the E span of the road bridge at Tonbo; 21 P-47s support ground forces in the Bhamo area; 63 blast concentrations of enemy troops and supplies at Male while 4 others hit supplies at Myauk-le; 14 P-47s knock out a bridge at Mansam and damage 3 bridges at Mongmit and Namyao; 17 others hit Nawnghkio and bomb supply areas at Na-kawnkongnyauiig. Transports fly 267 sorties to forward areas. The 16th Combat Cargo Squadron, 4thCCG, arrives at Sylhet, India from the US with C-46s.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (20AF):

Mission 19: 108 B-29s, operating from Chengtu, China, are dispatched to bomb the Manchuria Airplane Manufacturing Company and an adjacent arsenal at Mukden, Manchuria; 80 hit primary target and 10 other B-29s bomb a rail yard short of the primary target, and several other bombers strike alternate targets; the B-29s claim 10-10-30 fighters; 7 B-29s are lost.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): All missions except a few fighter patrols are cancelled because of bad weather. In Belgium, the 107th and 109TRSs, 67TRG, based at Gosselies begin operating from Chievres with F-6s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Austria, 31 B-17s and B-24s make a predawn raids on Salzburg, Klagenfurt, Villach, and the Lienz marshalling yards, communications targets in Wolfsberg, Spittal an der Drau, Mittersill, and Sankt Veit in Defereggen, and Trieste, Italy. P-38s, and P-51s fly reconnaissance and reconnaissance escort missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather grounds medium bombers; fighters and fighter-bombers, despite the weather, attack railroads, roads, bridges, rolling stock, and other targets over widespread areas of N Italy, from La Spezia to N of the Po River Valley; bad weather obscures most primary targets but alternate targets are fairly successfully hit.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Immediately following an enemy bombing raid on Saipan Island, 4 P-47s fly reconnaissance over Pagan Island searching for aircraft but observe none.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s pound Malogo Airfield, the town of Masbate on Masbate Island, and Legaspi Airfield on Luzon Island. On Halmahera Island, B-25s hit Miti, Kaoe, Galela, and Lolobata Airfields. Other FEAF aircraft fly armed reconnaissance and harassing missions over Mindanao Island, N Borneo, and Makassar, Celebes Island areas, attacking various targets of opportunity.

 FRIDAY, 8 DECEMBER 1944

ATO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CARIBBEAN (6AF): The 3BS(H), VI BC, moves from Rio Hato to David, Panama with B-24s; and the 29BS(H), VI BC, moves from Rio Hato to Howard Field, Canal Zone with B-24s.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 4 B-25s hit the Nan Tan area, killing many horses; 14 P-51s hit the airfield and other targets at Nanking, claiming 24 airplanes, a freighter, and 2 locomotives destroyed; 15 P-40s blast railroad targets and buildings from Nan Tan area to Liuchow; 25 P-51s hit Hochih and troops, warehouses, trucks and ammunition dump in the area; 20+ other fighter-bombers on armed reconnaissance hit various targets of opportunity around the Lipo, Shihhweiyao, Tuhshan, Santon, Paoching, Hengyang, Taiyuan, and Linfen areas.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 30+ P-47s support ground forces in the Bhamo area; 28 hit supply areas at Kyingyi, Loi-lun, and Hke-hkun; 12 bomb troop concentrations at Namti and 4 hit village on the Nawnghkem River; 16 fighter-bombers attack a Shwebo motor pool and radio station while 6 others hit the Namun ferry landing; 7 aircraft knock out a bypass bridge at Namhkai and 8 fighter-bombers hit railroad targets of opportunity between Sedaw and Nawnghkio. Large-scale transport operations continue.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): As part of a move to create selfsustaining, mobile air divisions, all sub-depots are relieved from assignment to the VIII AF Services Command and assigned to the 3 bomb divisions with VIII AF Services Command retaining technical supervision.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, 29 A-26s hit the Sinzig rail bridge; fighters escort the RAF, bomb gun positions, bridges, and city areas, fly armed reconnaissance, and support the US V and VII Corps W of Schmidt and Duren, and XX Corps and XII Corps in the Sarreguemines, France and Dillingen areas. In Belgium, the 30(Photo)Reconnaissance Squadron, 67TRG, based at Gosselies with F-5s, begins operating from Florennes Juzaine. The 72Liaison Squadron, 9AF (attached to the Sixth Army Group), based at Buhl, France, sends a detachment to Steinbourg, France with L-5s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Austria, again hitting communications targets in a predawn attack, 24 B-17s and B-24s bomb the Moosbierbaum oil refinery and Graz, Klagenfurt, and Villach marshalling yards. Later in the day P-38s fly photo and weather reconnaissance missions; P-51s escort the photo reconnaissance flights over the Vienna area, W Hungary, and N Yugoslavia.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather again greatly curtails operations; 4 P-47s on weather reconnaissance of the W Po River Valley attack trains, claiming the destruction of 4 locomotives and damage of almost 100 train cars. During the night of 7/8 Dec 3 A-20s bomb targets of opportunity in Po River Valley.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 89 B-24s from Guam and Saipan Islands join B-29s and naval vessels in bombarding Iwo Jima Island airfields; 28 P-38s escort the B-29s; the strikes are aimed at reducing the raids against US bases in the Mariana Islands.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF):

Mission 11: 82 B-29s from the Mariana Islands join 7AF P-38s, B-24s and Navy cruisers in a strike against airfields on Iwo Jima Island from which Japanese strikes against US airfields in the Mariana Islands are being launched; 61 B-29s bomb the airfields and 4 bomb other targets without loss; [Japanese aircraft strike the Mariana Island airfields on 2, 7, and 27 Nov, 7 and 25 Dec (the largest attack-25 aircraft), and from 25 Dec 44 to 2 Jan 45 in very minor degrees; altogether about 80 Japanese aircraft attack, and nearly 40 are downed; 11 B-29s are destroyed and 43 damaged on the ground in these attacks].

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): 60+ B-25s and fighter-bombers, along with (RAAF) aircraft, hit airfield and various other targets on Halmahera Island. 60+ B-24s bomb Mandurriao, Lahug and La Carlota Airfields on Cebu and Negros Island while fighter-bombers hit the San Isidro area. FEAF aircraft fly armed reconnaissance and light raids over N Borneo, N Celebes, Flores Island in the Lesser Sunda Islands, and the Wewak, New Guinea area.

 SATURDAY, 9 DECEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 12 B-25s bomb Lipo, Tuhshan, and Hochih; a B-25 attacks a truck convoy in the Siang-Chiang Valley while a B-24 claims 1cargo ship sunk in the S China Sea; 19 P-40s and P-51s hit river, road, and rail shipping and other targets of opportunity from Kweiyi to Siangtan; 65 P-51s and P-40s hit similar targets of opportunity around Kweilin, Liuchow, Lingling, Hengyang, Tuhshan, and Chuchou; 50 more fighter-bombers hit targets of opportunity at several other locations scattered throughout S China.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 P-47s knock out a bridge at Mongmit, damage another and blast approach to the Namyao bridge; villages and building areas, supply dumps, and targets of opportunity are attacked at Man Mao, Etgyi, Namhsim, Tawma and other points in N Burma. Transports continue flying men and supplies to forward areas, completing nearly 300 sorties.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 743: 413 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Unterturkheim marshalling yard (262) and Boblingen (94) and Echterdingen (25) Airfields at Stuttgart, Germany using GH; targets of opportunity are Halingen (10) and other (4); 1 B-17 is lost, 4 damaged beyond repair and 63 damaged; 3 airmen are WIA and 9 MIA. Escorting are 247 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft without loss; 6 of 7 P-51s fly a scouting mission.

Mission 744: 4 B-17s and 7 B-24s drop leaflets in the Netherlands, France and Germany during the night without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, 254 A-20s, A-26s, and B-26s bomb defended villages, storage depots, barracks area, and marshalling yard in W Germany; fighters escort the 9th Bombardment Division, sweep the Landau and Saarbrucken areas, attack Zulpich and a bridge at Euskirchen, and support the XII and XX Corps in the Sarreguemines, France and Saar River area and around Dillingen.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 170 B-17s and B-24s attack the Linz industrial area and Villach marshalling yard in Austria, an oil refinery at Regensburg, Germany, and several armament works at Plzen, Czechoslovakia. P-51s and P-38s escort the heavy bombers and fly reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather grounds medium bombers; fighters and fighter-bombers attack communications in the C and NE Po River Valley.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): During the night of 9/10 Nov, 2 B-24s from Saipan Island fly harassment strikes against Iwo Jima Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In Borneo, B-24s bomb the Lingkas tank farm, Dondang River bridge and Sanga Sanga oil installations, and 3 airfields in the Ambon Island-Ceram Island area. P-38s hit Old Namlea Airfield on Buru Island. B-25s attack the Wasile Bay area in the Moluccas Islands.

 SUNDAY, 10 DECEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 8 B-25s bomb Kutkai, Burma and hit targets of opportunity in the Liuchow, China area. In China, 25 B-24s bomb the city of Hankow; 3 others bomb Samah Bay docks on Hainan Island; 118 P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance over wide areas of China attack numerous targets of opportunity, concentrating on rail, river, and road traffic, especially in the Hochih, Changsha, and Yuncheng areas.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 20 P-47s fly close support strikes in the Bhamo area; 8 others blast approaches to the Hay-ti road bridge; 50+ P-47s hit warehouses and other storage areas, troop concentrations, and positions at Daungbin, Myebalin, Kyaunghkam, Pongon, Thinbaung, Kawnghkang, Pangteng, and Hsipaw; 12 B-25s hit storage areas at Meza, Namun, and Kungmong. Transports fly 178 sorties to forward areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 745: 534 bombers and 690 fighters are dispatched to make PFF attacks and a fighter sweep in Germany; 2 fighters are lost: 1. 173 of 225 B-24s hit the marshalling yard at Bingen and 3 hit targets of opportunity; 4 B-24s are damaged. Escorting are 287 P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost and 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are damaged beyond repair. 2. 277 of 309 B-17s hit the Lutzel marshalling yard at Koblenz and 13 hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-17s are damaged beyond repair and 27 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA. Escorting are 226 P-47s and P-51s without loss. 3. 96 of 111 P-51 s make a fighter sweep E of the bomber's targets; they claim 0-0-1 aircraft; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 4. 22 of 22 P-51s fly a scouting mission.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, about 130 B-26s bomb defended positions at Birkesdorf, and Huchem-Stammeln; fighters escort the 9th Bombardment Division, strafe and dive-bomb numerous targets in W Germany, and support the US 8th, 9th, 83d, and 104th Infantry Divisions and 3and 5th Armored Divisions in areas around Bergstein, Duren, and along the W bank of the Roer River.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 550+ B-17s and B-24s dispatched to bomb oil targets in Germany are recalled because of overcast weather; 6 B-17s manage to bomb the Klagenfurt, Austria marshalling yard as a target of opportunity.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers bomb bridges, fills, and a tunnel in the Brenner Pass area, hit the Fidenza bridge and barracks at Bologna, and support the British Eighth Army in the Faenza area, bombing defensive positions; XXII Tactical Air Command targets are again predominantly communications N of the US Fifth Army battle zone; the 85BS(L), 47BG(L), moves from Rosignano Airfield to Grosseto with A-20s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 3 B-24s from Saipan Island and 1from Guam Island fly harassment strikes against Iwo Jima Island during the night of 10/11Dec.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In principal strikes of the day B-24s hit the Pamoesian tank farm and nearby alternates of Lingkas tank farm, Labuan Islands docks, and Lutong refinery all in Borneo, while B-25s pound Sidate Airfield on Celebes Island. In smaller raids P-38s hit Port Misamis on Mindanao Island. B-25s bomb airfields on Boeroe Island in the Sunda Islands and Ambon Island in the Moluccas Islands, and fighterbombers pound storage facilities and targets of opportunity in the C Philippine Islands.

 MONDAY, 11 DECEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 4 B-25s fly a negative enemy shipping search.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 6 B-24s and 6 B-25s, supported by 8 P-51s, pound the Hai Duong, French Indochina area. 12 B-25s bomb Kutkai, Burma. 16 fighter-bombers attack Tien Ho Airfield at Canton and the Kengtung barracks in China; and Lashio, and Wan Lai-Kam, Burma.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s hit the stores area at Hpaklon; 16 P-47s support ground forces in the Bhamo area; 21 P-47s knock out and damage bridges at Mongmit, Man Aitau, Ho-hko, and Pa-mao; 7 fighter-bombers severely damage the Hsipaw ferry; supply and personnel concentrations and town areas are hit at Lawa, Myitson, Pemnegon, Nam Pan, Hsenwi, and Nawngpeng. 270 transport sorties are flown to forward areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 746: The largest number of bombers so far dispatched, 1,586, and 841 fighters are sent to hit rail targets and bridges in W Germany using PFF means; 5 bombers and 2 fighters are lost: 1. 319 of 334 B-17s hit the marshalling yard at Frankfurt; 2 others hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-17s are damaged beyond repair and 9 damaged. Escorting are 167 of 181 P-51 s without loss. 2. 297 of 353 B-24s hit the marshalling yard at Hanau; 5 hit the secondary, Karlsruhe, and 2 hit targets of opportunity; 4 B-24s are lost and 7 damaged; 36 airmen are MIA. Escorting are 143 of 159 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA): and 1 damaged beyond repair. 3. 353 of 540 B-17s hit the marshalling yard at Giessen; 135 hit the secondary, the marshalling yard at Koblenz; targets of opportunity are Euskirchen (12) and other (11); 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 9 damaged; 2 airmen are WIA. Escort is provided by 349 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 0-0-1 aircraft on the ground; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 4. 171 of 182 B-17s hit bridges at Mannheim; 1 B-17 is lost and 18 damaged; 9 airmen are MIA. Escorting are 54 of 59 P-51s without loss. 5. 154 of 177 B-24s hit a bridge at Maximiliansau; 6 other hit the secondary, the marshalling yard at Hanau; 8 B-24s are damaged; 2 airmen are MIA. Escorting are 34 of 37 P-47s without loss. 6. 30 of 30 P-51s fly a scouting mission.

Mission 747: 3 B-17s and 8 B-24s drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Germany; 1 B-24 is lost.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, 200+ bombers dispatched to bomb defended villages and storage areas are recalled because of weather; 1bomber manages to bomb a stores depot at Reichenbach; fighters escort the RAF, divebomb targets in cities, and support the US 3Armored Division in the Echtz-Geich area, the 104th Infantry Division at Merken, the 9th Infantry Division at Merode and Derichsweiler, and the 83Infantry Division at Strass.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): In Austria, 435 B-17s and B-24s, with fighter escorts, attack the Moosbierbaum oil refinery, and in Vienna, the Matzleinsdorf railroad station, S ordnance depot, and SE goods depot; alternate targets include the Kapfenberg tank works, the town of Tulln, Parndorf Airfield, Graz marshalling yard, and various targets of opportunity.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers hit the Motta di Livenza bridge; fighters and fighter-bombers hit occupied areas, houses, guns, and defensive positions S of Bologna and attack railroad targets in the C Po River Valley; during the night of 10/11Dec, A-20s attack vehicles, lights, railway lines, roads, river ferries, and pontoon bridges in the Po River Valley; HQ 47BG(L) moves from Rosignano Airfield to Grosseto.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Colonel Lawrence J Carr becomes Commanding Officer of the VII BC. On Iwo Jima Island, 28 B-24s from Guam Island pound the airfield and ammunition storage area; night harassment continues as individual B-24s from Guam and Saipan Islands fly 3 snooper strikes against the island during the night of 11/12 Dec.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In major air activity B-24s bomb Mandurriao Airfield on Cebu Island; B-25s, with P-47 support, hit Padada Airfield on Mindanao Island and 5AF fighters join US Marine Corps aircraft in attacks on a 13-ship convoy off NW Leyte Island. B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers hit Goeroea in the Moluccas Islands. Other FEAF planes make small raids on oil and shipping targets around N Borneo.

 TUESDAY, 12 DECEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): The weather aircraft aborts the mission due to the weather.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 6 B-25s bomb Kutkai, Burma, damaging 3 warehouses and 2 other buildings. 50+ P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance attack many targets of opportunity including town areas, road and rail traffic, and supplies at or near Wan Pa-Hsa, Burma, Chiengmai, Thailand, and Sinantien, Paoching, Hengyang, Changsha, Kweilin, Nan Tan, Hochih, and Szeenhsien, China. Several fighter-bombers drop napalm on Yangtong Airfield, China. The 2Combat Cargo Squadron, 1Combat Cargo Group, moves from Imphal, India to Tsuyung, China.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 11 B-25s bomb several storage areas N of Lashio; 20+ P-47s knock out bridges at Namyao and Inailong, Burma, and Kunlong, China, and damage others at Ho-hko, Burma and Hinlong, and Kunlong, China; 40+ fighter-bombers hit Japanese HQ, trucks, town areas, troop concentrations, and supplies at Sedo, Pale, Chaunggyi, Tada-u, Hsenwi, Shwebo, and Thabyetha. 263 transport sorties are flown to forward areas. The 166th Liaison Squadron (Commando), 1Air Commando Group, moves from Yazagyo to Inbaung, Burma with UC-64s and L-5s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 748: 895 bombers and 928 fighters are dispatched to make a H2X attack on Merseburg, Germany and visual attacks on rail targets in Germany; 4 bombers and 7 fighters are lost: 1. 337 of 380 B-17s hit the Leuna synthetic oil plant at Merseburg, 10 hit the secondary, Nordhausen and 12 hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-17 is lost and 25 damaged; 1airman is KIA and 10 MIA. Escorting are 392 of 447 P-51s; they claim 0-0-1 aircraft on the ground; 7 P-51s are lost (6 pilots MIA) and 2 damaged beyond repair. 2. 378 B-24s are sent to hit the Hanau (270) and Aschaffenburg (69): marshalling yards; 17 hit the secondary, Gelnhausen and 8 hit a last resort target, the marshalling yard at Friedburg; 3 B-24s are lost and 45 damaged; 11airmen are KIA and 20 MIA. Escorting are 193 P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair. 3. 461 of 497 B-17s hit the marshalling yard at Darmstadt, 9 hit a last resort target, Dieburg and 4 hit a target of opportunity; 2 B-17s are damaged beyond repair and 7 damaged. Escort is provided by 214 P-47s and P-51s without loss. 4. 15 of 20 B-17s and B-24s fly a screening mission. 5. 32 of 32 P-51s fly a scouting mission.

Mission 749: 7 B-24s and 4 B-17s drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, 90 B-26s and A-20s strike the defended villages of Gemund, Harperscheid, Hellenthal, Schleiden, Schoneseiffen, and Wollseifen, and the towns of Dorsel, Mayen, and Wiesbaden; fighters fly armed reconnaissance and strafing and bombing missions in W Germany and support the US 83Infantry Division in the Strass-Gey area, cover the VII Corps in the Duren area and support the XII and XX Corps in the Habkirchen and Bliesbruck areas (the 35th Infantry Division assault across the Blies River) and Saarlautern-Dillengen.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 75 B-17s and B-24s bomb Blechhammer S oil refinery, Germany; Moravska-Ostrava, Czechoslovakia; and several targets of opportunity; around 40 P-51s and P-38s fly reconnaissance and reconnaissance escort.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather cancels all except 11weather reconnaissance sorties.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 24 Saipan Island-based B-24s pound Iwo Jima Island. Individual B-24s from Saipan and Guam Islands fly 5 snooper strikes against Iwo Jima during the night of 12/13 Dec.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): The service groups of the 313th BombardmentWing(VH), arrive on Tinian Island, Mariana Islands.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s, with fighter cover, bomb Bacolod Airfield on Negros Island while B-25s hit San Roque Airfield on Mindanao Island. B-24s pound Kendari Airfield on Celebes Island. In the Ambon-Ceram-Boeroe Islands area B-25s hit 3 airfields and attack barges. A-20s hit the airfield on Efman Island, New Guinea. HQ 4PRG moves from Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands to Morotai Island. The 460FS, 348FG, moves from Tacloban to Tanauan, Leyte Island with P-47s.

 WEDNESDAY, 13 DECEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 4 B-25s weatherabort a shipping search.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 6 B-25s severely damage the warehouse area at Hsenwi, Burma. 2 bomb the town of Wuming, China. 24 P-51s and P-38s hit the town of Bac Ninh and the rail yards at Phu Lang Thuong, French Indochina, and damage a bridge at Chiengmai, Thailand. HQ 341BG(M) moves from Kunming to Yangkai, China.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s bomb the storage and personnel area at Mongmit; 7 P-47s damage the approach to the Hay-ti road bridge while 4 support US infantry forces near Tonkwa; supply areas, personnel, Japanese-held buildings, vehicles, and general targets of opportunity are hit by 60+ fighter-bombers at several places including Hosi, Longkin, Kyauktaing, Tigyaing, Kantha, Man Pwe, and Konnyaung. 260+ transport sorties carry men and supplies to forward areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, 250 A-20s, A-26s, and B-26s hit a supply dump at Schleiden, plus defended positions in several villages and marshalling yard at Euskirchen; fighters escort the 9th Bombardment Division, fly night bombing missions, attack targets in the Cologne area, and support the XX Corps in the Dillengen-Saarlautern bridgehead area, and the XII Corps in the Habkirchen-Bliesbruck area along the Blies River. The 158LS, 9AF, arrives at Nantwich, England from the US with L-1s and L-4s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Weather restricts operations to reconnaissance and escort missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather again hampers operations; the only B-25 bombing Mission of the day aborts; fighters and fighter-bombers attack mainly occupied areas and buildings in the battle area S of Bologna, communications throughout the C Po River Valley, and coastal defense and AA guns S of La Spezia.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): With most of its personnel aboard the SS Sea Flasher and its equipment aboard the SS Cape Catoche, HQ 7AF arrives at Tanapag, Saipan Island from Hawaii; the remainder of HQ arrives by air, 14-19 Dec. 15 Guam Island-based B-24s bomb Iwo Jima Island; 3 from Saipan Island, on an armed reconnaissance mission, bomb Marcus Island in the North Pacific Ocean. During the night of 13/14 Dec, 6 B-24s make individual harassment raids against Iwo Jima Island from Saipan and Guam Islands.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF):

Mission 12: 90 B-29s from the Mariana Islands are dispatched to attack the Mitsubishi aircraft engine plant at Nagoya, Japan; 71 hit the primary target causing considerable damage as bombing accuracy is improved; 9 others hit alternate targets; they claim 4-1-0 Japanese aircraft; 4 B-29s are lost.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb Carolina and Talisay Airfields on Negros Island. B-25s bomb San Roque Airfield on Mindanao Island; Haroekoe Airfield on Haroekoe Island, Moluccas Islands; Amahai Airfield on Ceram Island; Old Namlea Airfield on Buru Island; and Liang Airfield on Ambon Island. B-25s, P-38s, and P-47s on small raids hit shore positions at Galela Bay on Halmahera Island, while covering an attempted rescue of a downed pilot by a PT boat, and bomb the Goeroea supply area in the Moluccas Islands. Other B-25s and B-24s on reconnaissance hit targets of opportunity in the Sulu Archipelago. The 2Photographic Charting Squadron, 311(Photo)Wing (attached to FEAF), moves from Hollandia, New Guinea to Morotai Island with F-7s.

 THURSDAY, 14 DECEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 6 B-25s bomb Loi Mwe, Burma while 10 P-38s and P-51s hit Kentung, China.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF):

Mission 20: 48 B-29s, flying out of the Calcutta, India area, are sent to bomb a railroad bridge at Bangkok, Thailand; 33 hit the primary and 14 others hit targets of opportunity and alternate targets; they claim 0-1-0 enemy aircraft; 4 B-29s are lost.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s again bomb the supply and personnel area at Mongmit; Bodegon railroad bridge is severely damaged by 4 P-47s; 48 P-47s hit troop concentrations, supplies, and areas of active enemy movement at Nawngkyaung and Kunlong, China and Panghkam, Hohai, Dobin, Kyaukpyintha, and Ho-naw; 4 others support ground forces near Tonkwa. Large-scale transport operations to forward areas continue. The Japanese garrison at Bhamo, Burma prepares to withdraw. The 1FS (Commando), 2Air Commando Group, arrives at Kalaikunda, India from the US with P-51s (first Mission is 14 Feb 45).

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Bad weather grounds the bombers. In Germany, fighters fly armed reconnaissance, hit rail targets and bridges, and support the US 2 and 99th Infantry Divisions in the Monschau Forest, the 8th Infantry Division in the Bergstein area, the 78th Infantry Division in the Simmerath-Resternich area, and the XII and XX Corps around Habkirchen and Saarlautern.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather cancels all operations except 1 P-38 reconnaissance mission.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers score effective hits on railroad bridges at Parma and Chivasso; fighters and fighter-bombers attack rail lines N of the immediate battle area and in the Po River Valley and hit guns and occupied areas on the US Fifth Army front S of Bologna.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 24 Saipan Island-based B-24s pound Iwo Jima Island. During the night of 14/15 Dec, 6 B-24s from Guam and Saipan Islands fly individual snooper strikes against Iwo Jima Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s pound airfields on Negros Island. B-25s hit Zettlefield airdrome on Jolo Island, Philippine Islands and Namlea on Buru Island. Other planes carry out sweeps, armed reconnaissance, and light raids against various targets in the C Philippine Islands, Luzon, Mindanao and Palawan Islands, Halmahera Island, N Borneo, and the Sulu Archipelago. The 38(Photo)Reconnaissance Squadron, Thirteenth AAF [attached to 4PRG] arrives at Hollandia, New Guinea from the US with B-25s (first Mission is 21Feb 45); the 340FS, 348FG, moves from Tacloban to Tanauan, Leyte Island with P-47s; the 550th NFS, XIII Fighter Command, arrives at Hollandia, New Guinea from the US with P-61s (first Mission is 15 Jan 45).

 FRIDAY, 15 DECEMBER 1944

ZI - ZONE OF INTERIOR: HQ Continental AF is activated at Bolling Field, Washington, DC, to coordinate the work of the domestic AFs (First, Second, Third and Fourth) and the I Troop Carrier Command but will not assume jurisdiction until 8 May 45. General Henry H "Hap" Arnold, Commanding General USAAF and Commanding General 20AF, is promoted to General of the Army.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 6 B-25s blast a storage building at Kunlong, China. 5 P-51s hit and damage a bridge and a building S of Huizan, Thailand. 4 P-38s knock out a bridge at Hawng Luk, Burma.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 10 B-25s destroy the Hsipaw railroad bridge and a bypass bridge at Namhkai and damage other bridges at Namhkai; 4 P-47s severely damage 2 bridges at Ho-hko; 7 P-47s fly close support strikes along the Namh-Kam-Bhamo road; the Japanese garrison at Bhamo escapes through Chinese lines early in the morning and later Chinese troops occupy the town; 13 P-47s hit Lashio Airfield; town areas, troop concentrations, and supply areas are attacked at Panglong, Nanponpon, Panghkam, Kinu, Man Hpai, and Namhkam; a steady air movement of men and supplies to forward bases and frontline areas continues. The 2Fighter Squadron (Commando), 2Air Commando Group, arrives at Kalaikunda, India from the US with P-51s (first Mission is 14 Feb 45).

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 750: 674 B-17s and 434 fighters are dispatched to attack rail targets and an armored car factory in Germany using H2X; 1bomber and 2 fighters are lost: 1. 318 of 334 B-17s hit the marshalling yard and tank factories at Kassel; 5 others hit targets of opportunity; 6 B-17s are damaged beyond repair and 11 damaged; 25 airmen are KIA and 1 WIA. Escorting are 268 of 296 P-51s; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 2. 327 of 340 B-17s bomb the marshalling yard at Hannover and 6 hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-17 is lost and 7 damaged. Escorting are 241 P-47s and P-51s without loss. 3. 19 of 24 P-51s fly a scouting mission.

Mission 751: 2 of 3 B-17s drop leaflets in France and Germany during the night. SUPREME HEADQUARTERS, ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCES (SHAEF): Major Alton Glenn Miller, s/n 0505273, Director of the USAAF band, boards a UC-64A for a flight to Paris. Miller's big band was one of the most popular prior to WWII; he enlisted in the AAF in 1942 and formed a band to entertain the troops in the ETO. Miller is on his way to Paris to make arrangements for a Christmas Show; he and the Flight Officer pilot takeoff, disappear in low cloud and are never seen again.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, 300+ A-20s, A-26s, and B-26s hit defended positions, camp area, and oil storage at Heimbach, Wollseifen, Harperscheid, Schonau, Ruthen, and Dorsel; fighters escort the 9th Bombardment Division, hit supply and ammunition dumps and other targets during bombing attacks and armed reconnaissance, and support the US 2 and 99th Infantry Divisions in the area of Westwall fortifications, the 78th Infantry Division at Kesternich, and the 8th Infantry and 5th Armored Divisions N of Kesternich; fighters support the XX and XII Corps in the Dillingen-Saarlautern area and at Habkirchen and heights along the Blies River.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 330+ B-17s and B-24s attack main marshalling yards, main station, and freight yard at Linz, marshalling yards at Amstetten, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, Austria, and Rosenheim, Germany (all primary targets) and targets of opportunity including the Klagenfurt and Waldhausen marshalling yard and the town of Sankt Johann in Tirol, Austria; the Schwaz, Austria marshalling yard is also hit (due to malfunction of instruments). 250+ P-38s and P-51s provide escort

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, B-25s, attack ammunition dumps at Cremona, Bologna, and Pavia, a fuel dump at Castellar Guidobono, and severely damage railway bridges S of Asti and at Voghera; fighters and fighter-bombers again hit targets in the US Fifth Army battle area S of Bologna and communications in the C Po River Valley and make numerous rail cuts throughout the area (especially on the vital Brenner Line) destroying many vehicles and train cars; several bridges are hit, 3 being left impassable.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 13 B-24s from Guam Island bomb Iwo Jima Island. During the night of 15/16 Dec, a B-24 on a snooper raid from Guam hits Iwo Jima.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In major strikes of the day in the Philippine Islands, fighter-bombers hit a fuel dump at San Fernando on Negros Island; B-24s and B-25s bomb Sasa and San Roque Airfields on Mindanao Island; and B-24s bomb Puerto Princesa on Palawan Island. B-25s hit airfields on Ceram and Ambon Islands. Miscellaneous armed reconnaissance and light raids by fighters and bombers are flown against airfields on Boeroe and Halmahera Islands; shipping and other targets of opportunity are attacked at several points throughout the Netherland East Indies. HQ 310th BombardmentWing(M) moves from Leyte Island to San Jose, Mindoro Island, Philippine Islands; the 36(Photo)RS, 5AF, arrives are Hollandia, New Guinea from the US with F-5s (first Mission is 25 Mar 45); the 341FS, 348FG, moves from Tacloban to Tanauan, Leyte Island with P-47s; the ground echelon of the 418th Night Fighter Squadron, Thirteenth AF, arrives at San Jose, Mindoro Island from Dulag, Leyte Island (air echelon is on Morotai Island with P-61s.

 SATURDAY, 16 DECEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, the 16FS, 51FG, based at Chengkung with P-51s, sends a detachment to operate from Liangshan.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 4 P-47s support US ground forces near Tonkwa; locomotives, storage areas, buildings, personnel, and areas of Japanese activity are attacked at Se-eng, Nanponpon, Kangon, Winghsa, Inywa, Molo, and Mabein. Large-scale air supply to forward areas continues. The 127th, 155th and 156LS (Commando), 2Air Commando Group, arrive at Kalaikunda, India from the US with UC-64s and L-5s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 752: 236 B-17s are dispatched to attack rail targets at Stuttgart, Germany but extremely poor weather conditions result in many aborts; primary targets are the marshalling yard at Stuttgart (81) and Bietingheim (33); 1other B-17 hits a target of opportunity; 1 B-17s is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 9 damaged; 3 airmen are KIA and 9 MIA. Escorting are 106 of 114 P-51s without loss. 10 P-51s fly a scouting mission.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Bad weather cancels 9th BombardmentDivision combat operations. In Germany, fighters escort RAF aircraft, fly night patrol and intercept missions, and support US First Army elements in the Ardennes in Belgium as Field Marshall Gerd von Rundstedt begins an allout counteroffensive, and the XII and XX Corps at Saarlautern the bridgehead and in Saint-Avold-Saarbrucken area where news of the Ardennes counteroffensive cancels the XII Corps plans for an assault on the Westwall. HQ IX Air Defense Command moves from Versailles to Paris, France.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Almost 600 B-24s and B-17s bomb a synthetic oil plant at Brux and armament works at Plzen, Czechoslovakia; a benzol plant at Linz and marshalling yards at Innsbruck and Villach, Austria; plus several scattered targets of opportunity; P-38s and P-51s escort operations to Czechoslovakia; other P-38s fly reconnaissance missions while P-51s fly reconnaissance escort.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather grounds medium bombers; XXII Tactical Air Command fighter-bombers hit occupied buildings and guns in the battle zone S of Bologna, continue attacks on the Brenner rail line effecting 16 rail cuts, hit and set aflame 3 vessels in La Spezia drydock, and blast several railroad bridges N of the battle area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): Daytime activities are limited to reconnaissance flights by B-24s over the Bonin and Kazan Islands and by P-47s over Pagan Island. During the night of 16/17 Dec, 3 B-24s from Guam and Saipan Islands fly individual snooper strikes against Iwo Jima Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, major operations of FEAF include B-24 strikes on Padada Airfield on Mindanao Island and Puerto Princesa Airfield on Palawan Island. B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers attack airfields and targets of opportunity including shipping in the Ceram Island area and in the C Philippine Islands. Targets of opportunity are also attacked in N Borneo and in the Vogelkop Peninsula area. The 342FS, 348FG, moves from Tacloban to Tanauan, Letye Island with P-47s.

 SUNDAY, 17 DECEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 9 B-24s pound the Camranh Bay area of French Indochina. 5 B-25s bomb a road at Wan Pa-Hsa, Burma while 12 fighter-bombers hit a nearby railroad bridge, damaging it severely.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 P-47s support ground forces in the Namhkam sector; 8 more P-47s hit rail targets of opportunity between Kyaikthin to Kinu, then E to the Irrawaddy River and up the river to Tigyaing; 4 hit rivercraft at Tagaung; 50+ fighter-bombers attack storage areas, vehicles, bivouacs, personnel areas, and general targets of opportunity at Pang-hsao, Kyaukme, Manai, Kutkai, Ma-ugon, Hpa-ye, and Man Namman; 12 more strafe targets of opportunity during a Kyaukme-Nampyao railroad sweep. 290 transport sorties are flown. The 493BS(H), 7BG(H), based at Pandaveswar, India with B-24s, sends a detachment to operate from Luliang, China to transport gasoline to Suichwan, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 753: 3 B-17s and 7 B-24s are dispatched to drop leaflets on France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night. The 859BS(H), 492BG(H) is detached to Italy and begins a movement to Brindisi today.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, weather prevents bomber operations; 1,000+ fighters fly armed reconnaissance, defensive patrols, and attacks on bridges and gun positions; the IX and XIX Tactical Air Commands also support ground forces (8th, 28th, 78th, 99th, and 106th Infantry Divisions, 5th Armored Division, and V, VII, VIII, XII, and XX Corps) against the counteroffensive in the Ardennes and in a battle to hold the Saarlautern, Germany bridgehead.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 550+ B-17s and B-24s bomb oil refineries at Blechhammer N and S and Odertal, Germany, and Moravska-Ostrava, Czechoslovakia; marshalling yards at Gross Strehlitz, Germany, and Villach, Saak, Salzburg, and Wels, Austria. P-38s and P-51s escort the bombers, fly reconnaissance, strafe the railroad running from Rosenheim, Germany into Austria, and escort photo reconnaissance operations; enemy fighters appear in force for the first time since Aug 44; the AAF claims 55 air victories.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, bad weather again cancels medium bomber operations; the XXII Tactical Air Command hits communications in the Po River Valley and attacks the Trento marshalling yard on the rail line running N to the Brenner Pass.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 24 B-24s from Saipan Island and 26 from Guam Island pound Iwo Jima Island. 3 B-24s from Saipan, on armed reconnaissance, bomb Woleai and Eauriprik Atolls, Caroline Islands. During the night of 17/18 Dec, B-24s from Saipan and Guam fly 3 single-plane harassment strikes against Iwo Jima.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, on Negros Island B-24s pound Bacolod Airfield while B-25s hit Silay Airfield, P-40s join USMC fighter-bombers in attacking the Cananga area and P-38s destroy several aircraft during sweeps; B-25s bomb Likanan on Mindanao Island while B-24s with P-47 support, hit the airfield on Jolo Island; and fighter-bombers hit positions at Valencia on Mindanao Island. B-24s and fighter-bombers attack Jesselton Airfield in Borneo and Laha Airfield on Ambon Island.

 MONDAY, 18 DECEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 33 B-24s bomb barracks and administrative buildings at Hankow; 23 B-25s hit Wuchang; 7 B-25s bomb barracks and damage a bridge at Siaokan Airfield while 6 others pound storage buildings at Kunlong; 149 P-40s and P-51s support the Hankow, Siaokan, and Wuchang raids and claim 42 aircraft downed and destroyed on the ground; 20 P-51s and P-38s follow the B-25 strike on Kunlong with napalm attacks, causing considerable damage; 28 other P-40s and P-51s attack various targets of opportunity around Hochih, Nanning and Mengmao, China; Wanling, Burma; and Sang Song and and Phu Lang Thuong, French Indochina.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF):

Mission 21: 94 B-29s, flying out of the Chengtu, China area, are dispatched to drop incendiaries on the docks at Hankow, China in the first mass firebomb attack by B-29s; the strike is made in conjunction with 200 aircraft of the 14AF; 84 bomb the primary target and 5 others hit alternate targets; they claim 1-3-10 Japanese aircraft.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): 17 P-47s destroy bypass bridges at Hinlong, China and Wingkang, Burma. In Burma, 12 B-25s knock out two railroad bridges at Wetlet and damage another at Saye; 11 P-47s hit the airfield at Nawnghkio while 12 others sweep airfields at Anisakan, Hsumhsai, and Nawnghkio; 9 fighter-bombers provide close support to ground forces in Namhkam; 17 P-47s attack personnel and supply areas at Man Ton and Hseinghkai. 292 transports fly men and supplies to forward bases and battle areas. The 427NPS, 10AF, based at Myitkyina, Burma with P-61s, sends a detachment to operate from Kunming, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 754: 985 bombers and 773 fighters are dispatched to hit communication and tactical targets in Germany using PFF; 4 fighters are lost: 1. Extensive cloud formations force the recall of 358 B-24s without loss. Escorting are 103 of 110 P-51s. 2. 385 B-17s are sent to hit the Kalk marshalling yard at Cologne (32); secondary targets hit are the Lutzel marshalling yard at Koblenz (102) and Kaiserslautern (74) marshalling yard; 11 hit Bonn, a last resort target; 1 B-17 is damaged. The escort is 110 of 116 P-51s; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA). 3. 157 of 220 B-17s hit the marshalling yard at Mainz; 13 others hit targets of opportunity; 1 B-17 is lost and 2 damaged beyond repair; 1airman is MIA. Escort is provided by 150 of 162 P-51s without loss. 4. 22 of 22 B-17s fly a screening mission. 5. 255 P-47s and P-51s fly a fighter sweep in W Germany; they claim 3-0-0 aircraft; 1 P-47 and 1 P-51 are lost (pilots MIA). 6. 29 of 31 P-51 s fly a scouting mission.

Mission 755: 4 B-17s and 9 B-24s are sent to drop leaflets in France, Germany and the Netherlands during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): In Germany, 160+ A-26s, A-20s, and B-26s hit defended positions at Harperscheid, Hellenthal, Blumenthal, Dreiborn, and Herhahn; fighters fly sweeps and armed reconnaissance over W Germany (claiming 40+ enemy airplanes downed plus hitting numerous ground targets) and support the US 2d, 4th, 28th, and 106th Infantry Divisions W of Butgenbach and W of Trier; SE of Clervaux, Luxembourg; and SE of Saint-Vith, Belgium; and the XII Corps at Niedergailbach; the IX Tactical Air Command hits Panzer units spearheading the Bulge. In Belgium, the detachments of the 30(Photo)Reconnaissance and 107th and 109th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadrons, 67TRG, operating from Florennes Juzaine and Chievres with F-5s and F-6s respectively, return to base at Gosselies; the 153Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command (attached to Twelfth Army Group), based at Spa with L-5s, begins operating from Liege.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 560+ B-17s and B-24s hit oil refineries at Blechhammer N and S and Odertal, Germany; Floridsdorf refinery at Vienna, Austria; Moravska-Ostrava, Czechoslovakia; and Auschwitz, Poland; marshalling yards at Graz and Studenzen, Austria, and Sopron, Hungary; the Bruck an der Mur, Austria industrial area, and various scattered targets of opportunity; fighters fly escort and reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather again curtails operations; the XXII Tactical Air Command fighters and fighter-bombers hit communications in the E Po River Valley, scoring particular success against lines in the N part of the Valley in the Padua region, and support US Fifth Army operations in the battle area S of Bologna.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): On Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands, 6 Guam Islandbased B-24s flying armed photo reconnaissance over Moen, Param, and Eten Islands and bomb Dublon Island; after photographing the airfields on the 3 islands, the B-24s return by way of Woleai and Puluwat Atolls, and Namonuito Island in the Caroline Islands and photograph all 3. During the night of 18/19 Dec, 4 B-24s from Guam and Saipan Islands fly snooper strikes against Iwo Jima Island.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF):

Mission 13: 89 B-29s flying out of the Mariana Islands are sent to hit the Mitsubishi aircraft plant at Nagoya, Japan; 63 hit the primary target and 10 bomb last resort targets and targets of opportunity; they claim 5-11-12 enemy aircraft; 4 B-29s are lost.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Leyte Island, Philippine Islands, fighter-bombers destroy a bridge on the the Palompon- Cananga road and pound Calatagan Airfield; B-25s hit San Roque Airfield on Mindanao Island; fighter-bombers attack Tanao harbor and airfield and targets of opportunity in the Tarakan Island, Borneo area, strafe seaplane facilities at Sanga Sanga, Borneo, and bomb Haroekoe Airfield on Haroekoe Island.

 TUESDAY, 19 DECEMBER 1944

ZI - ZONE OF INTERIOR: (HQ AAF): 4 fighters of the 4AF, directed by the Los Angeles Control Group to search for a Japanese balloon reported over Santa Monica, California, are unable to locate the target.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 16 B-25s, escorted by 24 P-40s, attack Pengpu; 4 P-51s claim 2 freighters sunk off Hong Kong; and 2 P-40s destroy 3 locomotives and a truck at Sinyang. In Burma, 4 P-38s bomb the Wanling-Mongyu road causing a traffic block.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF):

Mission 22: 36 B-29s, from the Chengtu, China area, are dispatched to hit an aircraft plant at Omura, Japan; 17 hit the primary target and 13 others hit secondary target of Shanghai, China, and another 2 strike other alternates; they claim 5-4-12 Japanese aircraft; 2 B-29s are lost.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s hit road junctions at Mongmit and S of Kyaukme, the Kyaukme railroad station, and Hsenwi bridge; 7 P-47s severely damage the Tonbo road bridge, and 11others hit targets of opportunity during a Onmaka-Hsoplong rail sweep; 42 P-47s pound supply and personnel areas and troops at Myadaung, Tantabin, and Twinnge, the village of Nyaugbintha, and a truck park near Humon. 300+ transport sorties are flown to forward areas; the 164th Liaison Squadron (Commando), 1Air Commando Group, moves from Asansol, India to Inbaung with UC-64s and L-5s (first Mission is today) replacing the 166th Liaison Squadron (Commando) which moves from Inbaung to Asansol.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 756: 328 bombers and 45 fighters are dispatched to hit tactical targets (rail and road junctions, rail and road chokepoints and railheads) in the Luxembourg and Ehrang and Koblenz, Germany area to impede the German counteroffensive launched in the Ardennes on 16 Dec using PFF: 1. 144 of 172 B-17s hit 6 tactical targets and 24 hit the secondary target, the Koblenz marshalling yard without loss. 2. 62 of 156 B-24s hit 2 tactical targets and 82 hit the secondary target, the Ehrang marshalling yard; 2 B-24s are damaged beyond repair; 11airmen are KIA. 3. The mission s above are escorted by 37 of 41 P-47s; they claim 7-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 P-47s are damaged beyond repair; 1 pilot is WIA.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): All administrative sections and extra operational equipment of the XXIX Tactical Air Command (Provisional): are moved from Maastricht, the Netherlands to Saint-Trond, Belgium to avert transportation problems should the XXIX Tactical Air Command be subsequently forced into a hasty withdrawal. Weather grounds the bombers. Fighters fly armed reconnaissance in W Germany, escort RAF Lancasters, fly patrols from Belgium to the Rhine River, support the US 1, 2d, 99th, and 106th Infantry Divisions, and 7th Armored Division (N and E of Malmedy and SE and SW of Saint-Vith, Belgium), and fly cover for US Twelfth Army troops and the XII Corps near Verdun and Saint- Avold, France. In Belgium, the 153Liaison Squadron moves from Spa to Olne (the squadron is operating from Liege with L-5s).

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 400+ B-24s and B-17s attack Blechhammer N and S, Germany and Moravska-Ostrava, Czechoslovakia oil refineries; Rosenheim, Germany rail sidings and marshalling yard; marshalling yards at Strasshof, Villach, Klagenfurt, Graz, and Innsbruck, Austria, and Sopron, Hungary; the town of Sternberk, Czechoslovakia; and several scattered targets of opportunity; P-38s and P-51s fly reconnaissance missions and escort the bombers.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather grounds the medium bombers; XXII Tactical Air Command fighters and fighter-bombers, unable to reach the primary targets further N, hit communications N of the battle area but concentrate mainly on gun positions in the La Spezia area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): HQ 7AF is officially opened at Tanapag, Saipan Island. 27 B-24s from Saipan Island and 25 from Guam Island strike Iwo Jima Island. 3 B-24s on armed reconnaissance from Guam bomb Marcus Island. 14 P-38s from Saipan, with 3 B-29s as navigational escort, strafe airfields on Iwo Jima. 4 B-25s from Guam and Saipan carry out 3 snooper strikes against Iwo Jima during the night of 19/20 Dec.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): HQ 505BG(VH),: arrives at North Field, Tinian Island, Mariana Islands from the US.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Negros Island in the Philippine Islands, fighter-supported B-25s bomb Fabrica Airfield, fighters on a sweep over Ponay, and Leyte Islands hit Fabrica, Bacolod, Silay, Dumaguete and Alicante Airfields, and the town of Palompon on Leyte Island; on Luzon Island, B-24s bomb Legaspi Airfield while P-38s hit Batangas Airfield. B-25s, A-20s, and P-38s pound the Kairatoe area on Celebes Island. Other FEAF aircraft on armed reconnaissance, sweeps, and small strikes hit targets of opportunity at many locations throughout the Netherland East Indies and Philippine Islands.

 WEDNESDAY, 20 DECEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): A B-24 flies armed reconnaissance over the Kurile Islands; another B-24 strikes Onnekotan Island installations, while 2 more flying armed photo mission over Kashiwabara, Paramushiru Island, and Katoaka, Shimushu Island also strafe buildings on Onnekotan Island and bomb Nemo Bay. 4 B-25s abort a fighter-decoy Mission due to weather.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 118 P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance over S China and E Burma attack road, rail, and river traffic and other targets of opportunity, mainly in or near Wanling, Mongyu, Monhkong, and Lashio, Burma; and Hochih, Chinchengchiang, Hong Kong, Sinyang, Lohochai, Leiyang, Kweilin, Sintsiang, Siangtan, Paoching, Liuchenghsien, Hengshan, and Hengyang, China. HQ 1Combat Cargo Group moves from Tulihal, India to Tsuyung, China.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 B-25s destroy 3 road bridges at Mongmit, bypass bridges at Tangon and Tantabin, and 3 bridges in N Burma; 3 other B-25s blast the ferry area at Thabeikkyin; 12 P-47s knock out the Hay-ti road bridge and damage the Pa-mao bridge; 12 other fighter-bombers sweep the Irrawaddy River from Sheinmaga to Twinnge, strafing several targets of opportunity; 13 P-47s support ground forces in the Namhkam sector; troops, supply areas, and buildings are pounded at Hseing-kai, Tigyaing, Na-kawnkongnyaung, and Man Hkunhawng. Transport operations to front areas total 284 sorties. The 492BS(H), 7BG(H), based at Madhaiganij, India with B-24s, sends a detachment to Luliang, China to ferry gasoline to Suichwan, China.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): The 859BS(H), 492BG(H), arrives at Brindisi, Italy from Harrington, England with B-24s and C-47s; the squadron is detached to the 15th Special Group (Provisional) and will fly CARPETBAGGER missions in the

MTO - beginning 31Dec.

TACTICAL OPERATIONS 1TAF (Provisional): In France, HQ 371FG and the 404th and 406FSs move from Tavaux Airfield, Dole to Tantonville with P-47s. 9AF: Bad weather prevents all combat operations, except a night intruder

Mission by 2 fighters.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): For the fifth consecutive day, bombers hit Axis oil production; 454 B-17s and B-24s hit the Regensburg, Germany oil refinery, marshalling yards at Linz, Salzburg, and Villach, Austria, and armament works at Plzen, Czechoslovakia; 300+ P-38s and P-51s provide escort; 40+ others fly reconnaissance and reconnaissance-escort missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, continued bad weather limits operations; medium bombers are grounded and overcast prevents fighters and fighter-bombers to reach many targets in the C and E Po Valley however, the Brenner rail line is cut S of Trento and trains are successfully attacked near Padua and Treviso; armed reconnaissance in the W Po Valley accounts for several locomotives, vehicles, and other targets of opportunity, and railroads, bridges, and targets of opportunity are hit in the La Spezia and Genoa areas; during the night of 19/20 Dec, A-20s attack lights at 5 locations in the E Po Valley.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 23 B-24s, based on Saipan Island, pound Iwo Jima Island. During the night of 20/21Dec, 6 B-24s from Guam and Saipan Islands hit Iwo Jima with 5 snooper strikes.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): 150+ B-24s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers pound 10 airfields throughout the C Philippine Islands and 3 on Mindanao Island. In the Netherland East Indies B-24s hit Malang Airfield on Java and B-25s hit Haroekoe Island. Numerous other single FEAF flights and small forces attack a large variety of targets of opportunity throughout the Netherland East Indies and the Philippine Islands. HQ 8th FG and the 35th, 36th and 80FSs move from Morotai Island to San Jose, Mindoro Island, Philippine Islands with P-38s.

 THURSDAY, 21 DECEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 145 P-40s and P-51s fly armed reconnaissance over wide expanses of S China, E Burma and N French Indochina; the fighters attack chiefly troops and river, road, and rail traffic and a variety of targets of opportunity at numerous locations; 9 B-25s bomb Kunlong and Minkiang, China. The 4th Combat Cargo Squadron, 1Combat Cargo Group, moves from Tulihal, India to Chengkung, China with C-47s.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF):

Mission 23: 49 B-29s from Chengtu, China are dispatched to attack Mukden, Manchuria; 19 hit the primary objective (the Manchuria Airplane Manufacturing Company) but it suffers little damage and a nearby arsenal and rail yards are slightly damaged; 8 other B-29s bomb alternate targets and targets of opportunity; they claim 21-6-19 Japanese aircraft; 2 B-29s are lost.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s bomb a supply and personnel area at Magyidon; 13 P-47s damage bridges at Hay-ti, Mong Long, and Pa-mao; rail targets of opportunity from Hsumhsai to Hsipaw are attacked by 12 P-47s; 20+ fighter-bombers hit troop concentrations at several points including Man Ka-lao and the general area E of the Shweli River; 12 P-47s bomb and strafe the Lashio area. 290+ transport sorties are flown to forward bases and frontline areas. The detachment of the 9th Photographic RS, 8(Photo)RG, operating from Chittagong, India with F-5s, returns to base at Myitkyina, Burma. EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO)

TACTICAL OPERATIONS 1TAF (Provisional): In France, the 405th Fighter Squadron, 371FG, moves from Tavaux Airfield in Dole to Tantonville with P-47s (the air echelon is operating from Dijon). 9AF: Operational control of the IX and XXIX Tactical Air Commands is transferred from the 9AF to the RAF Second Tactical AF to operate against the N line of the Bulge. The XIX Tactical Air Command flies armed weather and intruder reconnaissance in the Saarbrucken-Trier, Germany area. Weather grounds all operations.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 84 B-24s bomb the main marshalling yard and railroad sidings at Rosenheim, Germany; 40 P-51s provide escort; 40+ P-38s fly photo reconnaissance and reconnaissance escort missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy during the night of 20/21 Dec, A-20s attack highways, secondary roads, and targets of opportunity in the N and C Po Valley. During the day, bad weather grounds the medium bombers and reduces fighter and fighter-bomber operations of the XXII Tactical Air Command however, aircraft are effective against railroad targets in the Treviso area and damage Ghedi Airfield; trains, vehicles, guns, and buildings are attacked in or near Mantua, Milan, Turin, La Spezia, Padua, and Mestre.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 23 Guam Island-based B-24s hit Iwo Jima Island. During the night of 21/22 Dec, 4 B-24s from the Mariana Islands fly 3 harassment strikes against Iwo Jima.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers pound 10 airfields mostly on Negros Island and elsewhere in the C Philippine Islands; Leyte Island-based fighter-bombers fly 100+ attack sorties; Likanan Airfield on Mindanao Island is also hit by B-24s. In the Moluccas Islands, B-25s pound Goeroea, Anggai, and Lolobata on Halmahera Island. The 311FS, 58FG, moves from San Roque, Leyte Island to San Jose, Mindoro Island with P-47s.

 FRIDAY, 22 DECEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 4 B-25s damage a bridge at Song Hoa, French Indochina and 2 B-25s bomb Yungning, China. 80+ P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance over wide reaches of S China, E Burma, and N French Indochina hit numerous targets of opportunity. Airfields at Heho, Burma and Tien Ho in Canton, China are strafed and several aircraft are destroyed in battles over Canton and Kai Tek Airfield in Hong Kong. Rail facilities, river and road traffic, and other targets of opportunity are hit at several locations including Wanling, Burma; Gia Lam, French Indochina; and Chinchengehiang and the Pingsiang-Yungning, China area.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 B-25s bomb a supply area at Magyidon; 8 P-47s knock out the Namhkai bypass bridge and damage 2 bridges at Kinu and 16 hit targets of opportunity along the Irrawaddy River from Tagaung to Thabeikkyin and along the road E and N to Mongmit; 12 P-47s bomb and strafe a personnel area at Onbauk and bridge at Na-lang. 300+ transport sorties are flown to forward areas. EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO)

TACTICAL OPERATIONS 1TAF (Provisional): In France, the 404th Fighter Squadron, 371FG, ceases operating from Dijon with P-47s and returns to base at Tantonville. 9AF: 3 FGs of the IX Tactical Air Command are transferred to the XIX Tactical Air Command to concentrate air power for cooperation with the US Third Army to which the main effort against the Bulge has been assigned; the groups return to control of the IX Tactical Air Command on 25 Dec. Fighters fly a few strafing, weather reconnaissance, intruder patrol, and alert missions; bad weather cancels all other missions. In Belgium, the 153d Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command (attached to Twelfth Army Group), moves from Olne to Tongres (air echelon operating from Liege with L-5s).

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather restricts operations to reconnaissance, supply dropping, and escort missions over Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Yugoslavia.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy during the night of 21/22 Dec, A-20s hit scattered targets in the Po Valley; clearing weather during the day enables medium bombers to hit bridges at Torre Beretti, Pontetidone, and at Chiari; fighter-bombers concentrate on railway targets, destroying 5 bridges in N Italy and making numerous cuts in rail lines, several on the important Brenner Pass line; motor transport and guns N of the battle area are also successfully attacked.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): During the night of 22/23 Dec, 2 Guam and Saipan Islands-based B-24s make harassing strikes on Iwo Jima Island.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF):

Mission 14: 78 B-29s from the Mariana Islands are dispatched to hit the Mitsubishi aircraft industrial complex in Nagoya, Japan; 48 hit the primary target and 14 hit alternate targets; total cloud cover prevents accuracy, and damage is light; they claim 9-17-15 Japanese aircraft; 3 B-29s are lost.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): On Luzon Island, Philippine Islands, B-24s, with P-47 support, bomb Clark Field while P-40s bomb and strafe Lipa Airfield. On Negros Island, B-24s bomb Carolina Airfield while B-25s, with P-47 cover, hit Fabrica Airfield. On Mindanao Island, B-24s bomb storage and personnel areas while B-25s hit the waterfront at Zamboanga. FEAF aircraft fly numerous shipping searches, armed reconnaissance, and sweeps over Mindanao Island and throughout the Netherland East Indies. In the Moluccas Islands, numerous fighter-bombers pound the Wasile River and Goeroea areas and Hate Tabako Airfield on Halmahera Island. US and RAAF B-24s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers bomb Lolobata and Hate Tabako Airfields on Halmahera Island and the Goeroea area. Units moving from Letye Island to San Jose, Mindoro Island: HQ 417BG(L) and the 672d, 673d, 674th and 675BS(L) from Tacloban with A-20s; the 69th and 310FSs, 58FG, from San Roque with P-47s.

 SATURDAY, 23 DECEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): The weather mission finds squall conditions and is aborted.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 8 B-25s pound points along the Burma Road. 13 B-25s hit town areas, trains, and other targets of opportunity at Vinh, French Indochina, from Dap Cau, French Indochina to Lungchow, China, and from Lang Son, French Indochina to Yungning, China. In China, 3 B-25s and 5 P-40s damage about 50 railroad cars in the area S of the Yellow River; 16 P-51s over Wuchang and Hankow damage 2 ferry ramps and blast 3 oil dumps. 12 P-51s and P-38s damage 2 hangars at Heho Airfield, Burma, and in China, 12 P-51s pound railroad shops at Chenghsien and bomb Houmachen with napalm.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 15 P-47s knock out and damage bridges at Mong Long, Pa-mao, and Man Pwe; 12 B-25s destroy bridges at Tonbo, Saye, Ketka, and Nampawng, and damage several others; 40+ fighterbombers attack storage areas, bivouacs, and enemy-held points at Namhkam, Nyaunggyin, Hseing-hkai, Mongyin, and Kutkai. Transport sorties to forward bases and frontline areas total 353.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): 260 C-47s drop 334 tons of supplies in parapacks on several drop zones inside the besieged American positions at Bastogne, Belgium.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 757: 423 bombers and 636 fighters are dispatched to hit marshalling yards, communication centers and a rail junction in the rear of the battle area; 75-150 Luftwaffe aircraft are encountered and the AAF claims 75-5-23; 7 fighter are lost: 1. 148 of 153 B-17s hit the marshalling yard at Ehrang; 45 B-17s are damaged; 1airman is KIA and 1 WIA. Escorting are 54 of 62 P-51s; they claim 20-0-3 aircraft without loss. 2. 113 B-24s are sent to bomb communication centers at Ahrweiler (48), Junkerath (31) and Dahlem (27); 74 B-24s are damaged; 3 airmen are WIA. Escort is provided by 243 of 254 P-51s; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 3. 152 B-17s are dispatched to hit marshalling yards at Homburg (58) and Kaiserslautern (40) and the rail junction at Homburg; 6 others hit targets of opportunity; they claim 6-4-5 aircraft; 77 B-17s are damaged; 1airman is WIA and 7 MIA. Escorting are 112 of 117 P-51s; they claim 2-0-0 aircraft without loss. 4. 6 of 6 B-17s fly a screening mission. 5. 163 P-47s and P-51s fly a fighter sweep of the Bonn, Germany area; they claim 46-1-15 aircraft; 3 P-47s and 3 P-51s are lost (all pilots MIA). 6. 20 P-51s fly a scouting Mission without loss.

Mission 758: 5 B-17s and 7 B-24s are dispatched to drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night; only 10 aircraft drop leaflets. The 374th, 375th and 376FSs, 361FG, based at Little Walden, England with P-51s, begin operating from St Dizier, France; the 486th and 487FSs, 352FG, based at Bodney, England, begin operating from Asch, Belgium with P-51s.

TACTICAL OPERATIONS 1TAF (Provisional): The 405FS, 371 FG, ceases operating from Dijon, France with P-47s and returns to base at Tantonville. 9AF: In Germany, around 500 B-26s and A-20s attack rail bridges, communications targets, villages, a rail junction and targets of opportunity losing 31bombers; fighters fly bomber escort, armed reconnaissance, and patrols (claiming 100+ aircraft downed and 3 airfields bombed), and support ground forces between Werbomont, Belgium and Butgenbach, Germany along the N battleline of Bulge and the US III, VIII, and XII Corps forces along the S battleline of the Bulge. In Belgium, the L-5s of the 153d Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command (attached to Twelfth Army Group), cease operating from Liege and return to base at Tongres; the 161Tactical RS, 363Tactical RG, based at Le Culot begins operating from Conflans, France with F-6s and P-51s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Bad weather again limits operations to reconnaissance, supply dropping, and escort missions over C and E Europe.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy during the night of 22/23 Dec, A-20s on intruder patrols hit Po River crossings and targets of opportunity; bad weather during the day grounds the medium bombers; fighterbombers operate in the W Po Valley, mainly against railway communications; an airfield near Milan is attacked, and several enemy airplanes destroyed.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 12 B-24s from Saipan Island and 14 from Guam Island hit Iwo Jima Island; 3 others from Guam Island, flying armed reconnaissance mission, bomb Woleai Atoll. During the night 2 B-24s from Guam and Saipan fly harassing strikes against Iwo Jima.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): HQ 313BW(VH), and HQ 504BG(VH), and the 398th and 421BS(VH), arrive at North Field, Tinian Island from the US with B-29s.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s bomb Fabrica and Silay Airfields on Negros Island; P-38s and P-47s provide cover. B-24s bomb Grace Park Airfield in the suburbs of Manila; on Mindanao Island, B-25s pound San Roque Airfield and the Davao and Zamboanga areas. On Halmahera Island, B-25s and fighter-bombers blast Lolobata, Hate Tabako, and the Goeroea area. Again numerous FEAF aircraft fly various small strikes, armed reconnaissance, and sweeps over the Philippine Islands and the Netherland East Indies; fighter-bombers are especially active against targets in the C Philippine Islands and Halmahera Island. The air echelon of the 17RS (Bombardment), 71Tactical RG, moves from Biak Island to San Jose, Mindoro Island with B-25s (the squadron is based at Tacloban, Leyte Island).

 SUNDAY, 24 DECEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 6 B-25s blast the Kunlong ferry area; 3 B-24s claim 1tanker sunk in the S China Sea; 100+ P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance attack targets of opportunity throughout S China, especially river, road, and rail traffic, troops, and buildings around Hengyang, Lingling, Siangtan, and Changsha; also Hong Kong area shipping is pounded (1tanker claimed sunk and other ships damaged) and 30+ enemy aircraft claimed destroyed at Tsinan Airfield; the 16th Fighter Squadron, 51FG, based at Chengkung with P-51s, sends a detachment to operate from Kwanghan (another detachment is at Liangshan).

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 38 P-47s hit troop concentrations and supply areas at Pangkai, Man Namman, Man Om, Mong Nge, and Kyanhnyat; 6 support ground forces in the Si-U sector while 12 hit targets of opportunity along the Sinlum-Nawghkio rail line; and 8 P-47s strafe the Lashio Airfield. 287 transport sorties are flown to forward areas. The detachment of the 6FS (Commando), 1Air Commando Group, operating from Fenny, India with P-47s, returns to base at Asansol, India.

ETO - AIRBORNE OPERATIONS (IX Troop Carrier Command): 160 C-47s drop 160 tons of supplies at Bastogne, Belgium.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 759: 10 of 12 B-24s hit the La Pallice coastal battery in France without loss.

Mission 760: A high pressure front across W Europe brings clear weather and the 8AF launches a maximum effort against airfields and communications in W Germany; this was the largest air strike of WWII; 2,034 bombers and 853 fighters are dispatched; they claim 92-6-21 Luftwaffe aircraft; 12 bombers and 10 fighters are lost: 1. 858 B-17s are dispatched to hit airfields at Darmstadt (189), Frankfurt- Rheine (143), Bilbis (100), Babenhausen (96), Zellhausen (85) and Gross Ostheim (60); secondary targets hit are marshalling yards at Pforzheim (37): and Kaiserslautern (24) and Haildraum (60); 26 targets of opportunity are hit by 37 B-17s; they claim 18-5-1 aircraft; 8 B-17s are lost, 11 damaged beyond repair and 337 damaged; 15 airmen are KIA, 21 WIA and 76 MIA. Escorting are 343 of 358 P-51s; they claim 53-0-6 aircraft; 7 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 2. 542 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Merzhausen air depot (198) and airfields at Giessen (74), Kirchgons (54), Nidda (53) and Ettinghausen (43); secondary targets hit are Koblenz (42), Darmstadt (7), Kaiserslautern (5) and Babenhausen (4); 20 B-17s hit a target of opportunity; 2 B-17s are lost, 9 damaged beyond repair and 109 damaged; 21airmen are KIA, 23 WIA and 18 MIA. Escort is provided by 350 of 368 P-51s; they claim 13-1-13 aircraft; 3 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 3. 634 B-24s are dispatched to hit Euskirchen (62), Wittlich (62), Gerolstein (59), Mayen (59), Ahrweiller (54), Bitburg (35), Eller (32), Pfazel (28), Ruwer (27), Schonecken (26), Rheinbach (25), Daun (24), Wetteldorf (18), and Cochem (11); 75 others hit 18 targets of opportunity; 2 B-24s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 150 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 5 WIA and 20 MIA. Escorting are 87 of 92 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 4-0-0 aircraft without loss. 4. 24 of 24 P-51s fly a scouting mission; they claim 3-0-1 aircraft without loss. 5. 9 of 11 P-51 s escort 9 Spitfires and 8 F-5s on a photo reconnaissance mission over Germany; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): 276 B-26s and A-20s hit rail bridges and communications centers in W Germany; fighters escort the 9th BombardmentDivision, fly armed reconnaissance, and support the US III, VIII, and XII Corps along the S battleline of the Bulge, stretching from Echternach, Luxembourg to the area NW of Neufchateau, Belgium as the 4th Armored Division reaches the enemy's ring around Bastogne. The 160th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 363Tactical RG, based at Le Culot, Belgium with F-6s and P-51s, begins operating from Conflans, France.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Unfavorable weather curtails all but photo and weather reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, weather again holds operations to a minimum however, P-47s carry out very successful raid on Thiene Airfield, causing considerable damage and destroying several enemy airplanes; other missions find little activity and result in the destruction of only a few trucks and trains.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 12 B-24s from Saipan Island and 38 from Guam Island strike Iwo Jima Island and 17 Saipan-based P-38s make a low-level strafing attack on Iwo Jima. 23 other B-24s, based on Saipan, bomb Chichi Jima Island. 2 B-24s on harassment strikes from the Mariana Islands hit Iwo Jima during the night of 24/25 Dec.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF):

Mission 15: 29 Mariana Island-based B-29s are dispatched to attack 2 airfields on Iwo Jima Island; 23 hit the primary targets and 1 hits an alternate target without loss. The 482d, 483and 484BSs(VH), 505BG(VH), arrive at North Field, Tinian Island from the US with B-29s (first Mission is 30 Dec).

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb Clark Field on Luzon Island, Puerto Princesa Airfield on Palawan Island, and Kudat Airfield in Borneo. B-25s and fighter-bombers blast the Goeroea area in the Moluccas Islands, bomb Silay Airfield on Negros Island and on Mindanao Island, hit San Roque barracks, the Zamboanga waterfront, and Davao Bay shipping. Again FEAF aircraft on miscellaneous small operations attack many targets throughout the Netherland East Indies and Philippine Islands.

 MONDAY, 25 DECEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 6 B-25s and 8 fighter-bombers knock out a bridge at Wan Pa-Hsa, Burma. 22 P-51s pound a railroad ferry, damage a tanker at Nanking, China, and hit a nearby airfield, claiming 13 aircraft destroyed. 30+ other P-51s, P-40s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance hit various targets of opportunity around Yungning, Kunming, Kiungshan, and Paoching, China; and Wanling, Man Pong, and Mong Long, Burma. The detachment of the 426NPS, 14AF, operating from Kunming with P-61s, returns to base at Chengtu.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 4 P-47s bomb and strafe troop concentrations and supplies at Mabein; 8 others sweep Burma Road stretches and strafe Lashio Airfield. Transports fly 259 sorties delivering men and supplies to forward bases and frontline areas.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 761: 422 bombers and 460 fighters are dispatched to hit communications centers and rail bridges W of the Rhine River; they claim 49-7-12 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 bombers and 9 fighters are lost: 1. 248 B-24s are sent to hit communications centers at Hallschlag (41), Prum (40), Pelm (37), Murlenbach (33), Pronsfeld (16) and Wahlen (12); targets of opportunity are communications centers at Budesheim (21), Hillesheim (12), Marmegen (11), Nettersheim (10) and Mechernich (9); they claim 3-1-3 aircraft; 4 B-24s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 92 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 4 WIA and 40 MIA. Escorting are 144 of 156 P-51s; they claim 6-0-1 aircraft; 3 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA) and 2 damaged beyond repair. 2. 174 B-17s are sent to hit railroad bridges at Ahrweiler (44) and Bad Munster (9), the Kaiserslautern railroad (38) and the Hermeskeil Simmern communications center and Marscheid railroad bridge (36); targets of opportunity are railroad bridges at Bad Kreuznach (17) and Eller (11) and other (1); they claim 0-0-1 aircraft; 1 B-17 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 36 damaged; 9 airmen are MIA. Escorting are 278 of 294 P-51s; they claim 40-6-7 aircraft; 6 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 3. 10 of 10 P-51s fly a scouting missions without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Nearly 650 B-26, A-20s and A-26s hit rail and road bridges, communications centers and targets of opportunity in W Germany and the breakthrough area; fighters, including an 8AF group loaned to the 9AF, escort the 9th Bombardment Division, fly patrols and armed reconnaissance, and support the US III, VIII, and XII Corps along the S battleline of the enemy salient from Echternach, Luxembourg to NW of Neufchateau, Belgium.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 253 B-17s and B-24s hit the Brux, Czechoslovakia synthetic oil plant and main marshalling yard at Wels, Austria; 145 others bomb marshalling yards at Plattling and Rosswein, Germany; and in Austria, Villach, Hall, Graz, and 2 at Innsbruck and Innsbruck AA position and rail siding; 30+ fighters escort the Brux-Wels- Rosswein-Plattling raids; other P-38s and P-51s fly reconnaissance escort and cover Mediterranean Allied Tactical AF (MATAF) B-25s on a Yugoslav supply run.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, clearing weather in the Po Valley permits fighter-bombers to successfully cut numerous rail lines running N to the Brenner Pass, and lines in the E Po Valley, destroying or damaging several locomotives; HQ 87FW moves from Caserta to Florence.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 12 B-24s from Saipan Island bomb Iwo Jima Island; B-24s from Guam and Saipan Islands continue night strikes against Iwo Jima during the night of 25/26 Dec.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s, with fighter support, bomb Mabalacat Airfield on Luzon Island, Sasa Airfield on Mindanao Island, and Sandakan and Jesselton Airfields in Borneo. B-25s, along with RAAF fighter-bombers, hit the Galela area on Halmahera Island. Other B-25s and fighter-bombers pound Mindanao and Halmahera Islands targets again during several smaller raids throughout the day. The 110th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 71Tactical RG, based at Dulag, Leyte Island, begins operating from San Jose, Mindoro Island with P-40s.

 TUESDAY, 26 DECEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 6 B-25s bomb Wan Lai-Kam, Burma and in China, 5 B-25s hit targets of opportunity in the Formosa Strait, in the Siang-Chiang Valley, and at Ikiawan and Changsha and 12 P-51s attack the Tsinan Airfield. 46 P-51s, P-38s, and P-40s hit railroad targets, shipping, storage and other targets of opportunity at or near Kinkiang, Anking, and Ka-chun, China; Lampang, Thailand; and the Mong Long Valley, and Man Pong, Burma.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 B-25s knock out and damage bridges at Taunggon, Padan, and Kyaukhlebein; 34 P-47s hit troop concentrations at Panghai, Mongyu, Na-hsang, Man Om, and Hpa-lin; 8 others hit stores area and a distributing point at Hsenwi, 11attack supplies at Pangpao, and 2 bomb rafts, boats, and landing points at the Myitson ferry; 4 B-25s fly offensive night reconnaissance against communications lines; HQ 33FG moves from Nagaghuli, India to Sahmaw. 275 transport sorties are flown to forward areas. In India, HQ 4thCCG and the 16th Combat Cargo Squadron move from Sylhet to Agartala with C-46s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 762: Poor weather inhibits operations but 151bombers and 336 fighters are dispatched to hit rail targets behind the Bulge; they claim 11-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 fighters are lost: 1. 74 B-17s are sent to hit the railroad bridge at Neuwied (23) and the Andernach marshalling yard (9); secondary targets hit are the marshalling yard at Neuwied (12) and communications center at Sinzig (12); 1 B-17 hits a target of opportunity, the communication center at Mayen; they claim 0-0-1 aircraft; 30 B-17s are damaged. 2. 77 B-24s are dispatched to hit the marshalling yard at Niederlahnstein (36) and the rail bridge at Sinzig (35) without loss. 3. The bombers are escorted by 249 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 11-0-0 aircraft without loss. 4. 70 of 73 P-51s make a sweep in the Bonn area to support the bombers; they claim 3-0-0 aircraft; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 5. 2 of 2 P-51s fly a scouting Mission without loss.

Mission 763: 3 B-17s and 6 B-24s drop leaflets in the Netherlands and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): The 9th Bombardment Division attacks road junctions, rail bridges, rail head, communications and casual targets in the breakthrough area as the enemy's westward drive ends short of the Maas River; fighters fly escort, armed reconnaissance, sweeps, and support the US III and VIII Corps S of Bastogne, Belgium, as the US 4th Armored Division breaks the ring around the city.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Around 380 B-24s and B-17s bomb Odertal, and Blechhammer S, Germany, and Auschwitz, Poland oil refineries, a railroad bridge at Ora and viaduct at Avisio, Italy, plus scattered targets of opportunity; 26 P-38s bomb railroad bridge at Latisana, Italy; P-38s and P-51s escort the bomber mission s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, good weather permits operations in force for the first time in several days; during the night of 25/26 Dec, A-20s bomb the area between the battleline and Bologna, attack lights, motor transport, and railroads in the Po Valley, and hit Vicenza Airfield; during the day medium bombers concentrate on the Brenner Pass and hit Padua, San Ambrogio di Valpolicella, Ponte di Piave, Dolce, the Pordenone railroad bridge, and 2 dumps in the Bologna area; fighter-bombers bomb railways, especially the Brenner line, bridges in the Po Valley, and NE Italy, support US Fifth Army forces S of Bologna and in the Serchio River Valley where the Germans begin a series of counterattacks, and hit shipping at La Spezia and Genoa.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 13 Guam Island-based B-24s hit Iwo Jima Island. 3 from Saipan Island fly armed reconnaissance and bomb Marcus Island. 2 B-24s from the Mariana Islands strike Iwo Jima during the night of 26/27 Dec.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the Philippine Islands, B-24s pound Clark Field on Luzon Island; on Mindanao Island, B-25s hit Matina Airfield, shipping in the Davao River, and bomb nearby Samal Island; and B-24s hit Libby airfield; the 418NPS, 310BW(M), moves from Morotai Island to San Jose, Mindoro Island with P-61s. On Halmahera Island, B-25s, B-24s, and fighter-bombers hit Galela, Lolobata, and Hate Tabako. Miscellaneous attacks by other FEAF aircraft are flown against targets in N Borneo, NE Celebes, and Halmahera Islands. The 36(Photo)RS, 6th Photographic RG, moves from Hollandia, New Guinea to Biak Island with F-5s (first Mission is 25 Mar 45).

 WEDNESDAY, 27 DECEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 6 B-25s bomb the area W of Kengtung; 2 B-25s and 8 P-40s hit the Ishan area; 29 P-40s and P-51s attack the area S of Puchi; 17 P-51s over White Cloud, Whampoa, and Tien Ho Airfields in Canton, claim 10 airplanes destroyed; 2 P-51s are lost. 40+ P-40s and P-51s hit targets of opportunity at or near Kweiyi, China; Vinh, Yen, and Mong Khong, French Indochina; and Lungan, Mong Long, and Namtao, Burma.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 B-25s attack bridges at Kin and Kyaukhlebein, damaging the former; 28 P-47s hit troop and supply areas at Se-hai, Man Hkam, Mong Yok, and Mong Nge. 285 transport sorties are flown to forward areas. 4 B-25s continue offensive reconnaissance against communications lines during the night of 27/28 Dec. The 9th Combat Cargo Squadron, 3Combat Cargo Group, moves from Moran, India to Warazup, Burma with C-47s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 764: Freezing fog at bases in the UK restrict operations but 641 bombers and 390 fighters are dispatched against rail targets in W Germany in support of the battlefront in the Bulge; they claim 29.5-1-9 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 bombers and 5 fighters are lost: 1. 227 B-17s are sent to hit marshalling yards at Fulda (118) and Andernach (63) and the rail bridge at Neuwied (7); 13 others hit a target of opportunity; 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 45 damaged; 9 airmen are KIA. The escort is 44 of 46 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA). 2. 182 B-24s are dispatched to hit marshalling yards at Neunkirchen (57), Homburg (46) and Kaiserslautern (33) and the rail bridge at Kaiserslautern (19); targets of opportunity are the marshalling yard at St Wendel (9) and the rail junction at Enkenbach (8); 1 B-24 is lost, 5 damaged beyond repair and 60 damaged; 18 airmen are KIA, 11 WIA and 6 MIA. Escorting are 88 of 96 P-51s; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA). 3. 232 B-17s are sent to hit the marshalling yard at Euskirchen (72), the Gerolstein rail junction (58) and rail bridges at Bullay (34) and Altenahr (25); targets of opportunity are Hillesheim (12) and Eckfeld (1); 1 B-17 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 83 damaged; 9 airmen are KIA, 6 WIA and 9 MIA. Escort is provided by 46 of 48 P-51s without loss. 4. 163 P-47s and P-51s fly a fighter sweep and engage about 200 Luftwaffe fighters; they claim 29.5-1-9 aircraft; 2 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA). 5. 15 of 15 P-51s fly a scouting missions without loss.

Mission 765: A night leaflet Mission is flown over Germany.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): The 9th Bombardment Division attacks rail bridges, communications centers, and targets of opportunity in Germany and Belgium; fighters escort the bombers, fly patrols and armed reconnaissance, and support the US 3Armored and 82Airborne Divisions in the Manhay and Trois-Ponts area of Belgium, and the III, VIII, and XII Corps in Saint-Hubert-Bastogne-Martelange area of Belgium. Units moving from Chievres, Belgium: HQ 365FG and the 388FS to Metz, France with P-47s; HQ 368FG and 395th, 396th and 397FSs to Juvincourt, France with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 520+ B-17s and B-24s bomb the Vosendorf oil refinery, Linz ordnance depot, marshalling yards at Wiener- Neustadt, Villach, Klagenfurt, Bruck an der Mur, and Graz, Austria; and Maribor, Yugoslavia and Feldbach, Austria railroad junction; Brenner rail line; Venzone viaduct, and Vipiteno and Bressanone railroad bridges in Italy. 44 P-38s bomb bridges at Latisana and Casarsa della Delizia, Italy. 29 P-51s strafe railroad targets between Vienna and Linz, Austria. Other fighters fly 250+ escort sorties.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, on the night of 26/27 Dec, A-20s bomb pontoon bridges at Ficarolo, road bridges at Ostiglia and Castel Maggiore, San Benedetto Po crossing, Turin Airfield, and several Po Valley roads; medium bombers blast 3 Brenner area routes leading into Austria and Yugoslavia, and bomb 2 supply dumps in the Bologna area; fighter-bombers devote their main effort to support the US Fifth Army in the Serchio Valley area where counterattacks are being successfully halted; other fighterbombers hit communications in the Po Valley and escort medium bombers and C-47s dropping supplies to Italian partisans.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 13 Saipan Island-based B-24s hit Iwo Jima Island while 21more bomb Chichi Jima Island; 35 B-24s from Guam Island also pound Iwo Jima while P-38s strafe the island on which 2 B-24s also make snooper strikes during the night of 27/28 Dec.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF):

Mission 16: 72 B-29s from the Mariana Islands are sent to bomb Tokyo's Nakajima and Musashino aircraft plants; 39 hit the primary targets and 13 attack alternates and targets of opportunity; enemy fighters are active, flying 250+ individual attacks on the B-29s; B-29s claim 21-10-7 fighters; 3 B-29s are lost, 1to fighters and 2 to mechanical difficulties. B-29s and crews of the 313BW(VH), commanded by Colonel John H Davies, begin to arrive on Tinian Island, joining the the 73BW(VH), as the XXI BC's second operational wing.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb San Jose and Talisay Airfields on Negros Island and Matina Airfield on Mindanao Island. Small miscellaneous strikes are carried out over Borneo, Celebes Islands, and the Lesser Sunda Islands. HQ 345BG(M) and the 498th, 499th, 500th and 501BS(M) move from Dulag to Tacloban, Leyte with B-25s.

 THURSDAY, 28 DECEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): In China, 2 B-25s and 16 fighterbombers hit town areas, railroad targets, and gun positions in the Hengyang-Leiyang area. 20 P-51s and P-38s attack Gia Lam Airfield, French Indochina, pounding the barracks area, hangars, shops, and railroad facilities. 40+ other P-51s, P-40s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance over S China and over French Indochina hit targets of opportunity at several locations including areas around Anking, Kinkiang Yungning, Siangtan, and Yuncheng, China; Wanling, Mongyu, Man Pong, and Namtao, Burma; and Hanoi and Lang Son, French Indochina.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 23 P-47s knock out a bridge at Nampawng and damage others at Man Pwe and Hsenwi; 8 B-25s destroy bridges at Kin and Kyaukhlebein, hit an already unserviceable bridge at Padon, damage a bypass road at Lashio and bomb troop concentrations, supplies, and artillery at Mong Hseng, Mong Tat, and Kathe. 297 transport sorties are flown to forward areas. 4 B-25s continue offensive reconnaissance over communications lines during the night of 28/29 Dec. In India, the 5FS (Commando) moves from Asansol to Fenny with P-47s. The 165th Liaison Squadron (Commando), 1Air Commando Group, moves from Asansol, India to Kawlin, Burma with UC-64s and L-5s.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 3 missions are flown.

Mission 766: 1,275 bombers and 606 fighter are dispatched to hit rail and road bridges and several cities in the W German tactical area; 2 bombers are lost: 1. 361 B-24s are sent to hit marshalling yards at Kaiserslautern (123), Homburg (28) and Neunkirchen (18), the Kaiserslautern rail bridge (31) and the bridge at Bullay (20); secondary targets hit are Bierbach (32) and Zweibrucken (20); 12 other hit a target of opportunity; 2 B-24s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 121 damaged; 10 airmen are KIA, 2 WIA and 22 MIA. Escorting are 147 of 161 P-51 s without loss. 2. 535 B-17s are dispatched to hit the rail bridge at Irlich (109); 399 hit the secondary, the Mosel marshalling yard at Koblenz; 2 other hit a target of opportunity; 4 B-17s are damaged; 1airman is KIA. Escort is provided by 236 of 247 P-51s without loss. 3. 379 B-17s are sent to hit marshalling yards at Koblenz/Lutzel (131), Bruhl (75), Sieburg (36), and Troisdorf (11), and the Remagen Bridge (71); 1 B-17s hit the secondary, Sinzig; and 5 hit a target of opportunity; 2 B-17s are damaged beyond repair and 2 damaged; 1airman is KIA and 2 WIA. Escorts are 158 of 168 P-51s without loss. 4. 27 of 30 P-51s fly a scouting mission.

Mission 767: During the night, 7 of 16 B-24s hit de la Colibre, France without loss.

Mission 768: During the night, 2 B-24s drop leaflets in Belgium without loss.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather prevents all combat operations except night-fighter missions.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): 480+ B-17s and B-24s attack Regensburg oil storage and freight yard in Germany; marshalling yards at Zwettl, Amstetten, Kallwang, Hieflau, and Salzburg, Austria; oil refineries at Kralupy nad Vltava, Kolin, and Pardubice and oil storage and sidings at Roudnice nad Labem and the Nymburk railroad bridge at Kammern, Czechoslovakia; the Brenner rail line; and Bressanone and Venzone railroad bridges in Italy; P-38s and P-51s fly 350+ sorties in support of the bombers.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers attack troop concentration at Aulla, a dump at Mirabello Monferrato, 3 rail lines from Austria and Yugoslavia into NE Italy by hitting bridges at Chiusaforte and Bodrez, Yugoslavia, and the viaduct at Borovnica; XXII Tactical Air Command planes support the US Fifth Army in the Serchio Valley, where counterattacks are repulsed, hit roads and bridges, and destroy a number of vehicles, many at a motor transport depot near Aulla which the fighters bomb and strafe; during the night of 27/28 Dec, A-20s bomb lights and motor transport at almost 50 places throughout the Po Valley and Brenner area.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 13 B-24s, flying out of Saipan Island, bomb an airfield on Iwo Jima Island which is hit again during the night of 28/29 Dec when B-24s from Guam and Saipan Islands fly 2 single-plane strikes.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): Units arriving at North Field, Tinian Island from the US with B-29s: HQ 6BG(VH), and the 24th and 39BSs(VH), (first Mission 27 Jan 45); HQ 9BG(VH), and the 1, 5th and 99BSs(VH), (first Mission 25 Jan 45).

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-25s pound airfields at Laha on Ambon Island, Kairatoe on Celebes Island and Haroekoe on Haroekoe Island while fighter-bombers hit Namlea Airfield on Buru Island. In the Soembawa-Flores Island area in the Lesser Sunda Islands, B-24s attack Japanese shipping. FEAF fighters and bombers on numerous small raids hit targets on Palawan, Mindanao, Borneo, Celebes, Halmahera, Timor and Tanimbar Islands, the Lingayen Gulf, and W of Mindoro Island. The 38th Photographic RS, Thirteenth AF [attached to 4PRG], moves from Hollandia, New Guinea to Morotai Island with F-5s (first Mission is 21Feb 45).

 FRIDAY, 29 DECEMBER 1944

ATO - ALASKA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (11AF): 3 B-25s on a fighter decoy Mission abort due to weather; 2 of them are missing on the return flight. A B-24 bombs Katoaka on Shimushu Island in the Kurile Islands.

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 4 B-25s attack targets of opportunity from Dong Hoa to Lang Son, French Indochina; 37 P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance attack Gia Lam Airfield in French Indochina and hit various targets of opportunity E of Man Pong and N of Mongyu, Burma; and at Shanhsien and Hei-Shih Kuan and E of Tsingsinghsien, China.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 B-25s bomb troops and supplies at Panma; 15 P-47s hit the supply area at Twinnge and troop concentration at Wetwun; 4 B-25s continue armed night reconnaissance over communications facilities. Transports fly 289 sorties to forward bases and frontline areas. A detachment of the 166th Liaison Squadron (Commando), 1 Air Commando Group, begins operating from Arakan, Burma with UC-64s and L-5s (squadron is based at Asansol, India).

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF):

Mission 769: 827 bombers and 724 fighters hit communications targets in W Germany; 4 bombers and 3 fighters are lost: 1. 219 B-17s are dispatched to hit marshalling yards at Frankfurt (124), and Aschaffenburg (67); 10 hit the secondary, the Frankfurt S marshalling yard; and 9 hit a target of opportunity; 1 B-17s is lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 101 damaged; 5 airmen are WIA and 12 MIA. Escorting are 267 of 282 P-51s; 2 are lost (pilots MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 2. 304 B-17s are sent to hit the Bingen marshalling yard (144), Bullay rail bridge (74) and communication center at Wittlich (50); targets of opportunity are Grosslittgen (12) and one near Diekirch (13); 2 B-17s are lost and 132 damaged; 11airmen are WIA and 15 MIA. Escorting are 61 of 64 P-51s; 1 is lost. 3. 262 B-24s are sent to hit communications centers at Schleiden (9), Zulpich (31), Stadtkyll (32) and Drum (10), the Irlich rail bridge (51), the Gerolstein marshalling yard (26) and the Remagen Bridge (30); targets of opportunity are Fensbach (19), Duppach (8) and 10 others; 1 B-24 is lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 95 damaged; 17 airmen are KIA and 5 WIA. Escort is provided by 106 of 119 P-51s without loss. 4. 38 B-17s are sent to hit the Lunebach communications center (35); 1 hits the Telm marshalling yard; 23 B-17s are damaged. Escorting are 101 of 104 P-51s without loss. 5. 4 of 4 B-17s fly a screening mission. 6. 81 P-47s and P-51s fly a fighter sweep against rail transportation without loss. 7. 26 of 27 P-51s fly a scouting mission.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather causes the recall of 100+ bombers except for 7 which bomb Saint-Vith, Belgium communications center and Keuchingen, Germany road bridge; the XIX Tactical Air Command flies armed reconnaissance over Belgium and Germany and supports the US III, VIII, and XII Corps in the Neufchateau-Bastogne-Arlon areas of Belgium. In France, HQ 100FW moves from St-Dizier to Metz; the 386FS, 365FG, moves from Chievres, Belgium to Metz with P-47s.

MTO - STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (15AF): Almost 450 B-17s and B-24s attack marshalling yards at Innsbruck and Salzburg, Austria; Passau, Rosenheim, and Landshut, Germany; and 2 at Verona, Italy; the Brenner rail line, and in Italy, the Castelfranco Veneto and Udine locomotive repair depots, and Bressanone railroad bridge. 14 P-38s bomb road a bridge S of Rosenheim, Germany. Around 300 other P-38s and P-51s fly escort and reconnaissance missions.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy during the night of 28/29 Dec, A-20s pound motor transports, ferry crossings, road bridges, rail line, and targets of opportunity throughout NW and NC Po Valley; medium bombers during the day blast the Rovereto bridge and Lavis viaduct, attack several bridges in NE Italy destroying the center span of the bridge at Pordenone, and severely damage the bridge at Motta di Livenza; fighter-bombers concentrate on communications targets in the extreme W end of the battle area, with excellent results on bridges in the Massa Lombarda area and destroy numerous vehicles and several locomotives.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 26 B-24s, based on Guam Island, pound Iwo Jima Island which is bombed again for a 6-hour period during the night of 29/30 Dec, by 9 B-24s, flying at varying intervals.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s bomb Sasa Airfield on Mindanao Island while B-25s and fighter-bombers hit Namlea on Buru Island. Fighter-bombers hit NE Celebes airfields while B-24s bomb Limboeng on Celebes Island. FEAF aircraft fly small strikes against a wide range of targets in N Borneo, the C Philippine Islands, S Luzon Island, and on Timor Island. The air echelon of the 82TRS, 71TRS, begins operating from San Jose, Mindoro Island with F-6s and P-40s (squadron is based on Morotai Island).

 SATURDAY, 30 DECEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 4 B-24s damage a bridge W of Kengtung, China while 2 others NE of Thanh Moi, French Indochina, damage a bridge, railroad tracks, and 40+ boxcars. 40+ P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance attack targets of opportunity at several points including areas around Mong Nawng, Man Pong, and Mong Long, Burma; and Ka-chun, Shanhsien, Ichang, and Shayang, China.

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 12 P-47s knock out and damage bridges at Man Pwe, Ho-hko (2 bridges), and Inailong; 17 B-25s blast a troop and supply area at Kyatpyin; 28 P-47s and P-38s hit troops, supplies, and areas of enemy activity at Myethin, Manna, Nanponpon, Lawa, Sabenago, Hmattawmu, and Hosi. Transports complete 338 sorties to forward areas. 4 B-25s continue a single-plane offensive reconnaissance over communications lines during the night of 30/31Dec.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 770: 1,315 bombers and 572 fighters are sent to attack rail and communications targets in W Germany; 4 bombers and 2 fighters are lost: 1. 526 B-17s are dispatched to hit marshalling yards at Kassel (314) and Mannheim (181); 9 other hit a targets of opportunity; 3 B-17s are lost and 37 damaged; 24 airmen are MIA. Escorting are 301 of 325 P-51s; 2 are lost (pilots MIA). 2. 414 B-17s are sent to hit rail bridges at Bullay (72) and Kaiserslautern (72) and the marshalling yard at Bischoffsheim (35); secondary targets are the marshalling yards at Kaiserslautern (144) and Mainz (45); and 25 hit the city of Kassel; 1 B-17 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 24 damaged; 12 airmen are KIA and 6 MIA. Escort is provided by 144 of 154 P-51s without loss. 3. 369 B-24s are sent to hit rail bridges at Altenahr (61), Auskirchen (91), and Irlich (58), the Irlich rail bridge (58), the Remagen Bridge (57): and the marshalling yard at Mechernich (87); 1 B-24 is damaged. The escort is 63 of 72 P-47s without loss. 4. 6 of 6 B-17s fly a screening mission. 5. 20 of 21 P-51 s fly a scouting mission.

Mission 771: 8 B-24s and 3 B-17s drop leaflet in the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany during the night.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather forces the recall and cancellation of the 9th Bombardment Division and IX Tactical Air Command missions; the XXIX Tactical Air Command (Provisional) flies armed reconnaissance over the battle area and around Wallersheim, Germany and the XIX Tactical Air Command covers large areas of France, Belgium, and Germany hitting numerous ground targets and supports the US III, VIII, and XII Corps in the Saint-Hubert and Bastogne, Belgium and the Diekirch, Luxembourg areas.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy, medium bombers concentrate a major effort on rail line running N to the Brenner Pass, hitting a fill at Dolce and bridges at Calliano, Ala, and Santa Margherita d'Adige, and ammunition dump at Bologna; fighter-bombers blast road bridges, support the US Fifth Army SE of La Spezia, and hit bridges in the Mantua and Modena areas; during the night of 29/30 Dec, A-20s hit targets of opportunity at numerous N Italian locations, including Ghedi Airfield, and a train S of Mantua.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): 14 Saipan Island-based B-24s bomb Iwo Jima Island which is hit again over an almost 7-hour period during the night of 30/31Dec by 9 B-24s singly operating from Guam Island.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): In the principal action of the day, fighter-bombers pound airfields in the C Philippine Islands, N Borneo, and N and SW Celebes Island while B-25s hit a barge anchorage and supplies at Haroekoe Island. Smaller strikes by B-25s, B-24s, and fighter-bombers are flown against shipping, oil targets, airfields, and targets of opportunity throughout the Philippine Islands and the Netherland East Indies. HQ 322Troop Carrier Wing is activated at Hollandia, New Guinea. Units moving from Leyte Island to San Jose, Mindoro Island: HQ 3d BG(L) and the 8th, 13th, 89th and 90BS(L) from Dulag with A-20s; HQ 49FG and the 7th and 9FSs from Tacloban with P-38s; and HQ 58FG from San Roque.

 SUNDAY, 31 DECEMBER 1944

CBI - THEATER OF OPERATIONS - CHINA (14AF): 4 B-24s claim 1freighter sunk and another damaged off Hainan Island. 4 B-25s damage 2 bridges and destroy or damage 5 buildings at Mong Ping, Burma. In China, 35 P-40s and P-51s attack troops, horses, town areas, and railroad targets at or near Hankow, Saiping, Siangtan, Hengyang, Lingling, and Kweilin. 29 other fighters on armed reconnaissance hit targets of opportunity at several points in N French Indochina, E Burma, and S China. The detachment of the 16FS, 51FG, operating from Liangshan with P-51s, returns to base at Chengkung (another detachment is operating from Kwanghan).

CBI - BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 28 P-47s strafe Laihka, Namsang, Aungban, Kunlon, and Heho Airfields; 5 P-47s damage a bridge at Namhkai; a total of 65 P-47s and P-38s hit Japanese Division HQ at Ongyaw and troop concentrations and supply areas at Mongmit, Nawngka, Kawngtawng, Pangnim, Mong Tat, Kutkai, and Man Namman; a few B-25s fly night harassment missions against airfields. About 300 transport sorties are flown to forward areas throughout the day.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 2 missions are flown.

Mission 772: 1,327 bombers and 785 fighters hit both strategic and tactical targets in Germany; they encounter about 150 Luftwaffe fighters, mostly in the Hamburg area, and claim 88.5-11-21 aircraft; 27 bombers and 10 fighters are lost: 1. 526 B-17s are dispatched to hit oil industry targets at Hamburg (68), the Wilhemsburg refinery at Hamburg (92), the Grassbruk refinery at Hamburg (71) and the Misburg refinery (96), and the industrial area at Wenzendorf (62) and Hamburg (72); targets of opportunity are Stade (13) and Nordholz (9): Airfields, Heligoland Island (1) and other (17); they claim 26-8-16 aircraft; 27 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 288 damaged; 5 airmen are KIA, 29 WIA and 248 MIA. 316 P-47s and P-51s escort and claim 59.5-2-5 aircraft in the air and 1-0-0 on the ground; 2 P-47s and 7 P-51s are lost (pilots are MIA). 2. 418 B-17s are sent to hit marshalling yards at Neuss (109) and Krefeld- Urdingen (83), the Kordel railroad at Ehrang (69), communications targets at Buzburg (34), Prum (37), and Blumenthal (34), the Lutzweiler Bridge at Koblenz (48) and the Remagen Bridge (54); 22 hit the secondary target at Monchen-Gladbach; and 2 hit a target of opportunity; 2 B-17s are damaged beyond repair and 29 damaged; 1airman is WIA. Escorting are 162 of 171 P-51s; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft without loss. 3. 371 B-24s are sent to hit bridges at Engers (60) and Irlich (56) and the Gus Rail Bridge at Koblenz (62) and the rail junction and rail bridge at Euskirchen (30); 10 hit the secondary, the Bingen marshalling yard and 36 hit a target of opportunity; they claim 0-1-0 aircraft; 3 B-24s are damaged beyond repair and 49 damaged; 1airman is WIA. Escort is provided by 198 of 211 P-51 s; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA) and 1 damaged beyond repair. 4. 13 of 16 P-51s escort 7 F-5s and 2 Spitfires on a photo reconnaissance of the Berlin area without loss. 5. 32 of 33 P-51s fly a scouting Mission claiming 1-0-0 aircraft.

Mission 773: 8 B-24s and 2 B-17s drop leaflets in France, Germany and Belgium.

ETO - EUROPEAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS (9AF): Weather grounds the bombers; fighters fly sweeps and armed reconnaissance, attacking numerous ground targets; the XIX Tactical Air Command supports the US III, VIII, and XX Corps around Bastogne, Belgium and between the Mosel and Saar Rivers, in Germany in the Merzig area. The 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command (attached to Twelfth Army Group) moves from Nancy, France to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg with L-5s. The 387FS, 365FG, moves from Chievres, Belgium to Metz, France with P-47s.

MTO - TACTICAL OPERATIONS (12AF): In Italy during the night of 30/31 Dec, A-20s again fly intruder missions, bombing a variety of targets, including motor transport, bridges, and railroads in the Po Valley; during the day medium bombers hit the bridge at Bodrez, railroads at Piazzola Sul Brenta and near Padua, and a dump; the XXII Tactical Air Command fighterbombers destroy 5 and damage 2 railway bridges in the Po Valley, cut rail lines at numerous places, destroy several locomotives, and destroy or damage 200+ railway cars.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (7AF): From Guam Island 19 B-24s hit Iwo Jima Island airfields during the day; 10 more B-24s hit the island with individual harassment raids over a 6-hour period during the night of 31Dec/1Jan.

POA - PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (20AF): Brigadier General Haywood S Hansell, Jr, and his XXI BC Forward Echelon HQ staff close the Saipan Island HQ and move to Guam Island where the ground echelon arrived in early Dec.

SWPA - FEAF THEATER OF OPERATIONS (5AF+13AF): B-24s and B-25s bomb airfields in the C Philippine Islands, on Luzon and Mindanao Islands. Other B-24s bomb Ambesia Airfield on Celebes Island, hit Dili on Timor Island, and pound airfields and supply areas throughout Halmahera Island. Fighter-bombers are active against airfields, shipping, AA guns, and various targets of opportunity on Halmahera Island and on N Celebes Island. The 63d TCS, 403TCG, based on Biak Island with C-47s, ceases operating from Noemfoor Island. The ground echelon of the 82d TRS, 71Tactical RG, begins a movement from Morotai Island to Luzon Island (air echelon is operating from San Jose, Mindoro Island with F-6 and P-40s). The 550th Night Fighter Squadron, XIII Fighter Command, based at Hollandia, New Guinea with P-61s, sends a detachment to operate from Middleburg Island.