Combat Chronology of the US Army Air Forces
September 1944
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT: A-20, Douglas Havoc B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress B-24, Consolidated Liberator B-25, North American Mitchell B-26, Martin Marauder B-29, Boeing Superfortress Beaufighter, Bristol Bf 109, Messerschmitt C-46, Curtiss Commando C-47, Douglas Skytrain UC-64, Noorduyn Norseman F-3, Douglas Havoc F-5, Lockheed Lightning F-6, North American Mustang F-7, Consolidated Liberator F-13, Boeing Superfortress L-4, Piper Cub/Grasshopper L-5, Stinson Sentinel Mosquito, deHavilland P-38, Lockheed Lightning P-39, Bell Airacobra P-40, Curtiss P-47, Republic Thunderbolt P-51, North American Mustang P-61, Northrop Black Widow NOTE: A number in parenthesis after a target name indicates the number of bombers attacking.
FRIDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER 1944
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ALASKA
(Eleventh Air Force): A B-24 bombs Kashiwabara on Paramushiru Island, Kurile Islands during the night of 31 Aug/1 Sep; 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.
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 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 1st Air Commando Group.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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 35th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Fourteenth Air Force, moves from Guskhara, India to Kunming with F-5s. During Sep, the 528th Fighter Squadron, 311th Fighter Group, based at Shwangliu, China with P-51s, sends detachments to operate from Hanchung and Liansshan.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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 missions: 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): HQ IX Troop Carrier Command comes under administrative control of HQ US Strategic Air Forces 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 air forces [i.e. 12th and 21st Army Groups, Ninth AF, and Royal Air Force (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 125th Liaison Squadron, Ninth Air Force (attached to Ninth Army) moves from Erlestokes, England to St Sauveur-Lendelin with L-5s; the 425th Night Fighter Squadron, IX Air Defense Command, moves from Vannes to Le Moustoiris with P-61s; and the 556th, 557th, 558th and 559th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 387th Bombardment Group (Medium), move from Stony Cross, England to Maupertuis with B-26s. During Sep, HQ IX Fighter Command moves from Canisy, France to Charleroi, Belgium.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
In France, the flight of the 72d Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO, operating from Caserta, Italy with L-5s returns to base at Brignoles; and the 121st Liaison 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 16th Reconnaissance Squadron (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
(Fifteenth Air Force):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-51s successfully strafe Debreczen Airfield, Hungary; 16 B-17s evacuate interned US airmen from Rumania; fighters support bombing and evacuation missions.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): In Italy during the night of 31 Aug/1 Sep 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, 62d Fighter Wing, moves from Pomigliano to Rosignano with Mosquitos leaving a detachment at Pomigliano. In France, the 23d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group [attached to 3d Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)] and based at Borgo, Corsica with F-5s begins operating from Le Luc; the 314th and 315th Fighter Squadrons, 324th Fighter Group, move from Le Luc to Istres with P-47s; and the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 64th Fighter Wing, moves from Solonzara, Corsica to Le Vallon with Beaufighters.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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. Fighter- bombers 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 374th Troop Carrier Group moves from Townsville, Australia to Nadzab.
SATURDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER 1944
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 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.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 153d Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command, moves from Maillebois to Sy Cyr with L-5s; the 428th, 429th and 430th Fighter Squadrons, 474th Fighter Group, move from Neuilly to St Marceau with P-38s; and the 508th Fighter Squadron, 404th Fighter Group, moves from Chapelle to Bretigny with P-47s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
The 72d Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO (attached to Seventh Army), moves from Brignoles to Grenoble, France with L-5s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):HQ XV Fighter Command (Provisional) is activated and given control of the 306th Fighter Wing and it's 7 fighter groups; 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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 fighter- bombers 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.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 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 33d Fighter Group moves from Pungchacheng, China to Nagaghuli; and the 4th Combat Cargo Squadron, 1st Combat Cargo Group, arrives at Sylhet from the US with C-47s.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 365th Fighter Group and the 386th, 387th and 388th Fighter Squadrons move from Lignerolles to Bretigny with P-47s; and the 125th Liaison Squadron, Ninth Air Force (attached to Ninth Army), moves from St Sauveur-Lendelin to Rennes with L-5s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):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 306th Fighter Wing moves from Torremaggior to Lesina, Italy.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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 316th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group, moves from Le Luc to Istres with P-47s.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 Bomber Command moves from Los Negros Island, Admiralty Islands to Wakde Island; and the 20th Combat Mapping Squadron, 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, moves from Nadzab to Biak Island with B-24s and F-7s.
MONDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER 1944
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ALASKA
(Eleventh Air Force): 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.
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 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.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 12 B-25s blast sampan, barge, and motor launch concentrations in the Kweiyang area; 6 B-25s, with P-51 support, 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.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 50th Fighter Group moves from Meautis to Orly; HQ 367th Fighter Group and the 393d Fighter Squadron move from Criqueville to Peray with P-38s; HQ 406th Fighter Group and the 512th and 513th Fighter Squadrons move from Cretteville to Le Mans with P-47s; and the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command (attached to Third Army), moves from St Maurice-aux-Riches-Hommes to Marson with L-5s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):HQ 305th Fighter Wing (Provisional) is organized and given control of the 3 P-38 groups of the 306th Fighter Wing. 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, B-25s and B-26s hit several road and railroad bridges and tunnel in the Po Valley while fighter- bombers 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 85th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), moves from Poretta, Corsica to Salon with A-20s; and the detachment of the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, 62d Fighter Wing, operating from Tarquinia returns to base at Rosignano with Mosquitos.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 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.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 3 missions are flown: Mission 605: 739 bombers and 315 fighters are dispatched to SE Germany; 6 bombers are lost; during the missions, a P-51 shoots 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; 1 airman 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 missions: 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 81st Fighter Squadrons, 50th Fighter Group, move from Meautis to Orly with P-47s; the 22d Fighter Squadron, 36th Fighter Group, moves from Brucheville to Le Mans with P-47s; and the 394th Fighter Squadron, 367th Fighter Group, moves from Cricqueville to Peray with P-38s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):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 1 each 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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 23d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group [attached to 3d Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)] moves from Borgo, Corsica to Valence with F-5s (the squadron is operating from Le Luc); the 84th and 86th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), move from Poretta Airfield, Corsica to Salon with A-20s; the 111th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, XII Tactical Air Command, moves from St Raphael to Valence with F-6s; and the 314th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group, moves from Istres to Amberieu with P-47s. The 414th Night Fighter Squadron, 63d Fighter Wing, moves from Alghero, Sardinia to Borgo, Corsica with Beaufighters.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 405th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 38th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Nadzab to Biak Island with B-25s; and the 547th Night Fighter Squadron, Fifth Air Force, arrives at Oro Bay from the US with P-38s and P-61s.
WEDNESDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER 1944
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 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.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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).
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 370th Fighter Group and the 401st, 402d and 485th Fighter Squadrons move from La Vielle to Lonray with P-38s; HQ 474th Fighter Group moves from St Marceau to Peronne; and the 23d Fighter Squadron, 36th Fighter Group, moves from Brucheville to Le Mans with P-47s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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 324th Fighter Group and the 315th and 316th Fighter Squadrons move from Istres to Amberieu with P-47s; and the 35th Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier Group, based at Ciampino, Italy, begins operating from Istres with C-47s.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
(Twentieth Air Force): HQ 498th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) arrives at Isley Field, Saipan Island from the US.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 311th Fighter Squadrons, 58th Fighter Group, move from Saidor to Noemfoor Island with P-47s; and the 71st Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 38th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Nadzab to Biak Island with B-25s.
THURSDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER 1944
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ALASKA
(Eleventh Air Force): In the Kurile Islands, 6 B-25s on a shipping sweep attack a small fishing fleet between Paramushiru and Onnekotan Islands.
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 22 B-24s fly fuel to Kunming, China and many other troop carrier and cargo sorties are flown to numerous CBI terminals.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): In France, bad weather grounds the bombers; fighters provide air cover for the US 8th and 29th Infantry Divisions; the 391st Fighter Squadron, 366th Fighter Group, moves from Dreux to Laon/Couvron with P-47s; and the 392d Fighter Squadron, 367th Fighter Group, moves from Cricqueville to Peray with P-38s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): Weather cancels all flying in France and Italy except for weather reconnaissance by a few P-47s. In France, HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) and the 97th Bombardment Squadron (Light) move from Poretta, Corsica to Salon with A-20s; the 16th and 18th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 64th Troop Carrier Group, based at Ciampino, Italy begin operating from Istres with C-47s; and the 23d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group [attached to 3d Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)] 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.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
(Twentieth Air Force): Ground echelons of the 873d, 874th and 875th Bombardment Squadrons (Very Heavy), 498th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy), arrive at Isley Field, Saipan Island from the US (first mission is 28 Oct).
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 25th Liaison Squadron, 91st Photographic Wing (Reconnaissance), moves from Nadzab to Biak Island with L-5s.
FRIDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 1944
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 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.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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 23d Fighter Group moves from Kweilin to Liuchow.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Twentieth Air Force): 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.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ETO: The first V-2 fired in combat explodes in a Paris suburb; the second strikes a London suburb a few hours later.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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; 11 airmen 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-51s 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): In France, weather prevents bomber missions; 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 366th Fighter Group and the 390th Fighter Squadron move from Dreux/Vermouillet to Laon/Couvron with P-47s; HQ 367th Fighter Group moves from Peray to Clastres; HQ 439th Troop Carrier Group and the 91st, 92d, 93d and 94th Troop Carrier Squadrons move from Upottery, England to Juvincourt with C-47s; HQ 441st Troop Carrier Group and the 99th, 100th, 301st and 302d Troop Carrier Squadrons move from Merryfield, England to Villeneuve/Vetrus with C-47s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
The 72d Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO (attached to Seventh Army), moves from Grenoble to Lons-le-Saunier with L-5s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):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 Air Force (MATAF) C-47s on evacuation missions to Bucharest, Rumania and back to Italy.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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 17th Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier Group, 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 350th Fighter Group moves from Corsica to Tarquinia; the detachment of the 23d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group [attached to the 3d Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)] ceases operating from Le Luc with F-5s and returns to base at Valence.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 673d and 674th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 417th Bombardment Group (Light), move from Saidor to Noemfoor Island with A-20s.
SATURDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER 1944
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ALASKA
(Eleventh Air Force): 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.
CARIBBEAN
(Sixth Air Force): The 29th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), VI Bomber Command, moves from Howard Field, Canal Zone to Rio Hato, Panama with B-24s.
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 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.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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 322d Troop Carrier Squadron, Fourteenth Air Force, is activated at Kunming with C-47s.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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 missions: 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 71st Fighter Wing moves from Rennes to Versailles; the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 10th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), moves from Chateaudun to St Dizier with F-6s; the 96th Troop Carrier Squadron, 440th Troop Carrier Group, moves from Bottesford, England to Reims with C-47s; the detachment of the 112th Liaison Squadron, Ninth Air Force, operating from Valognes with L-5s, returns to base at Jullouville; and the 160th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Group, moves from Azeville to Montrevil with F-6s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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 416th Night Fighter Squadron, 62d Fighter Wing, operating from Pomigliano with Mosquitos, returns to base at Rosignano. In France, the 111th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, XII Tactical Air Command, moves from Valence to Satolas-et-Bonce with F-6s.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 417th Bombardment Group (Light) moves from Saidor to Noemfoor Island.
SUNDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 1944
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ALASKA
(Eleventh Air Force): 6 B-25s fly shipping sweep off Suribachi, Kurile Islands.
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 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.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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 21st Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Fourteenth Air Force, based at Kunming, begins operating from Liuchow with F-5s.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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; 1 airman 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 29-0-1 on 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): Advance HQ, Ninth AF, 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 70th Fighter Wing moves from Versailles to Marchais; and the 153d Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command (attached to First Army), moves from St Cyr to Vuel, Belgium with L-5s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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 fighter- bombers blast communications in the Belfort and Dijon areas, cutting railroads and hitting several trains.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan Island hit Iwo Jima Island and strike shipping near Iwo Jima. Eniwetok Atoll-based B-24s bomb Truk Island.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, moves from Nadzab to Biak Island with F-5s; and the 672d Bombardment Squadron (Light), 417th Bombardment Group (Light), moves from Saidor to Noemfoor Island with A-20s.
MONDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER 1944
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ALASKA
(Eleventh Air Force): 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.
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 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 2d and 4th Combat Cargo Squadrons, 1st Combat Cargo Group, based at Sylhet, India, begin operating from Yunnani, China with C-47s.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
AIRBORNE OPERATIONS
(IX Troop Carrier Command): HQ 440th Troop Carrier Group moves from Exeter, England to Reims.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): Two missions are flown. Mission 623: 1,131 bombers 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; 1 airman 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Group and the 161st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron move from Azeville to Le Mans and Montrevil respectively with F-6s; HQ 368th Fighter Group and the 395th, 396th and 397th Fighter Squadrons move from Chartres to Laon/Athies with P-47s; HQ 370th Fighter Group and the 402d and 485th Fighter Squadrons move from Lonray to Roye/Amy with P-38s; HQ 397th Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from Gorges to Dreux; the 386th and 388th Fighter Squadrons, 365th Fighter Group, move from Bretigny to Juvincourt with P-47s; the 394th Fighter Squadron, 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 506th Fighter Squadron, 404th Fighter Group, moves from Bretigny to Juvincourt with P-47s; and the 510th Fighter Squadron, 405th Fighter Group, moves from Picauville to St Dizier with P-47s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):Bad weather limits operations to supply mission by 54 B-24s to France.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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 66th Fighter Squadrons, 57th Fighter Group, move from Alto, Corsica to Ombrone, Italy with P-47s. The 522d Fighter Squadron, 27th Fighter Group, moves from Salon to Loyettes, France with P-47s.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 110th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group, moves from Tadji to Biak Island with P-40s.
TUESDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER 1944
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ALASKA
(Eleventh Air Force): 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.
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 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.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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 21st Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Fourteenth Air Force, operating from Kweilin with F-5s since Jul 43, returns to base at Kunming; and the 74th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group, moves from Kweilin and Liuchow to Luliang with P-40s and P-51s.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
AIRBORNE OPERATIONS
(IX Troop Carrier Command): 400+ C-47s complete supply and evacuation missions.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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; 1 airman 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 84th Fighter Wing moves from Aillieres to St Quentin; HQ 10th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance) and the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron and the 31st, 34th and 155th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons move from Chateaudun to St-Dizier/Robinson with A-20s, F-3s F-6s and F-5s; the 389th Fighter Squadron, 366th Fighter Group, moves from Dreux to Laon/ Couvron with P-47s; the 393d Fighter Squadron, 367th Fighter Group moves from Peray to Clastres with P-38s; and the 401st Fighter Squadron, 370th Fighter Group, moves from Lonray to Roye/Amy with P-38s; the 405th Fighter Squadron, 371st Fighter Group moves from Beuzeville to Perthes with P-47s; the 428th, 429th and 430th Fighter Squadrons, 474th Fighter Squadron, move from St Marceau to Peronne with P-38s. In Belgium, the 153d Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command (attached to First Army) moves from Vuel to Ham with L-5s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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 57th Fighter Group and the 64th Fighter Squadron 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 417th Night Fighter Squadron, 63d Fighter Wing, arrives at La Valon from Borgo, Corsica with Beaufighters; and the 523d and 524th Fighter Squadrons, 27th Fighter Group, move from Salon to Loyettes with P-47s.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 39th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group, move from Noemfoor Island to Owi, Schouten Islands with P-47s.
WEDNESDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 1944
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 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.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): B-24s claim 3 cargo vessels sunk off the Pescadores Islands near Formosa.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
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, 440th Troop Carrier Group, move from Exeter, England to Reims with C-47s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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; 1 airman 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 Fifteenth AF 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 2d Armored 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 Bombardment Wing (Medium) moves from Little Walden, England to Voisenon; HQ 404th Fighter Group and the 508th and 509th Fighter Squadrons move from Bretigny to Juvincourt with P-47s; the 162d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Group, moves from Azeville to Montrevil with F-6s; and the 392d Fighter Squadron, 367th Fighter Group, moves from Pera to Clastres with P-38s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ALASKA
(Eleventh Air Force): During the night of 13/14 Sep 3 B-24s strike Kurabu Cape shipping and airfield on Paramushiru Island.
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 4 B-25s drop fragmentation- boobytrap bombs on Bhamo; large-scale C-47 operations continue to various points in the CBI.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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 23d Fighter Group moves from Liuchow to Luliang; the air echelon of the 118th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Fourteenth Air Force (attached to 23d Fighter Group), moves from Kweilin to Liuchow with P-51s (ground echelon is at Chengkung; and the 373d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 308th Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Yangkai to Luliang with B-24s.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
AIRBORNE OPERATIONS
(IX Troop Carrier Command): C-47s continue large-scale supply and evacuation missions in France.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 358th Fighter Group moves from Pontorson to Vitry-le-Francois; HQ 405th Fighter Group 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 387th Fighter Squadron, 365th Fighter Group, moves from Bretigny to Juvincourt with P-47s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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; fighter- bombers 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 17th Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from Sardinia to Corsica.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 69th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 42d Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Hollandia to Sansapor; and the 100th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), Thirteenth Air Force [attached to 42d Bombardment Group (Medium)], ceases operating from Hollandia with B-25s and returns to base at Sansapor.
FRIDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER 1944
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 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 1st Combat Cargo Squadron, 1st Combat Cargo Group, based at Sylhet, India begins operaing from Yunnani, China with C-47s; and the 89th Fighter Squadron, 80th Fighter Group, moves from Nagaghuli, India to Myitkyina with P-47s.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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 1 Jun 45.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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 Fighter Wings and the 15 Fighter Groups are reassigned from the VIII Fighter Command to the three Bombardment Divisions as follows: 1st Bombardment Division 67th Fighter Wing: 20th, 352d, 356th, 359th and 364th Fighter Groups 2d Bombardment Division 65th Fighter Wing: 4th, 56th, 355th, 361st and 479th Fighter Groups 3d Bombardment Division 66th Fighter Wing: 55th, 78th, 339th, 353d and 357th Fighter Groups
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 Ninth AF moves from Sunninghill Park, England to Chantilly; HQ 48th Fighter Group and the 492d and 494th Fighter Squadrons move from Villacoublay to Camrai/ Niergnies with P-47s; HQ 50th Fighter Group and the 10th, 81st and 313th Fighter Squadrons move from Orly to Laon with P-47s; HQ 365th Fighter Group moves from Bretigny to Juvincourt; the 365th, 366th and 367th Fighter Squadrons, 358th Fighter Group, move from Pontorson to Vitry-le-Francois with P-47s; and the 597th and 598th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 397th Bombardment Group (Medium), move from Gorges to Dreux with B-26s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
AAFMTO: "A" Flight of the 121st Liaison Squadron, AAFMTO, moves from St Tropez to Lyons, France with L-5s (squadron is based at Pomigliano, Italy).
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): HQ 87th Fighter Wing, 47th Bombardment Group (Light), 57th and 86th Fighter Groups, 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 Ninth AF. In Italy, all medium bomber missions 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 62d Fighter Wing moves from Naples to Antignano; and the 347th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group, moves from Sardinia to Tarquinia with P-47s.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 675th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 417th Bombardment Group (Light), moves from Saidor to Noemfoor Island with A-20s.
SATURDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 1944
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ALASKA
(Eleventh Air Force): 3 B-24s bomb Kataoka naval base on Shimushu Island; 4 B-25s abort a shipping sweep due to weather and mechanical difficulties.
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 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, 1st Combat Cargo Group, based at Sylhet, India, begins operating from Yunnani, China with C-47s.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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 35th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Fourteenth AF, based at Kunming, begin operating from Nanning and Yunnani with F-5s.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 Bomber Command is redesignated 9th Bombardment Division (Medium); the 353d Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, moves from Gael to Orconte with P-47s; the 404th Fighter Squadron, 371st Fighter Group, moves from Beuzeville to Perthes with P-47s; the 493d Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Group, moves from Villacoublay to Cambrai/Niergnies with P-47s; and the 596th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 397th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Gorges to Dreux with B-26s. In Belgium, HQ 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group and the 107th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron move from Toussus le Noble, France to Gosselies with F-6s; the 153d Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command (attached to First Army), moves from Ham to Stree with L-5s; and the 422d Night Fighter Squadron, IX Air Defense Command, moves from Chateaudun, France to Florennes with P-61s;
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):Bad weather cancels bombing operations. 2 P-38s fly weather reconnaissance and 54 B-24s fly supplies to S France.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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 85th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), moves from Salon, France to Follonica with A-20s; and the 526th Fighter Squadron, 86th Fighter Group, moves from Poretta, Corsica to Grosseto with P-47s.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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 Night Fighter Squadron, 7th Fighter Wing, arrives at Hickam Field, Hawaii from the US with P-61s and begins flying patrols over the Pacific.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 42d Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from Hollandia to Sansapor; the 64th Troop Carrier Squadron, 403d Troop Carrier Group, moves from Henderson Field, Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands, to Biak Island with C-47s; and the 418th Night Fighter Squadron, 310th Bombardment Wing (Medium), moves from Hollandia to Owi, Schouten Islands with P-61s.
SUNDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER 1944
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ALASKA
(Eleventh Air Force): In the Kurile Islands, 2 B-24s abort a mission to Suribachi due to weather. 4 B-25s fly an unsuccessful shipping sweep.
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 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.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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 Reconnaissance Squadron, Fourteenth AF, moves from Kunming to Chanyi with F-5s (flights are operating from Nanning and Yunnani).
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
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
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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-51 abort 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 1 Airborne Division (with Polish Parachute Brigade) and US 82d and 101st Airborne 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): No combat bomber missions are flown; weather permits 1 leaflet 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 2d and 5th Armored Divisions and 4th Infantry Division in the Netherlands, and participates in Operation MARKET-GARDEN. In France, HQ 84th and 303d Fighter Wings move from St Quentin and Rennes, respectively, to Vermand; the 507th Fighter Squadron, 404th Fighter Group, moves from Bretigny to Juvincourt with P-47s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):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-51s, evacuate wounded airmen from Czechoslovakia to Italy.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): In France, the US Seventh Army's French II Corps makes contact with the US Third Army's French 2d Armored Division near Bains-les-Bains; and the 314th and 315th Fighter Squadrons, 324th Fighter Group, 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 86th Fighter Group and the 527th Fighter Squadron move from Poretta, Corsica to Grosseto with P-47s.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
(Twentieth Air Force): Ground echelon of HQ 497th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) and the 869th, 870th and 871st Bombardment Squadrons (Very Heavy), arrive at Isley Field, Saipan Island from the US (first mission is 28 Oct).
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 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 2d Combat Cargo Squadron, 1st Combat Cargo Group, operating from Yunnani, China with C-47s returns to base at Sylhet, India.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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 1 freighter 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 529th Fighter Squadron, 311th Fighter Group, based at Pungchacheng with P-51s, sends a detachment to operate from Hsian.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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; 1 airman 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 fighter groups 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 (Medium) moves from Marks Hall, England to Chartres; HQ 371st Fighter Group moves from Beuzeville to Perthes; HQ 387th Bombardment Group (Medium) and the 556th, 557th, 558th and 559th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) move from Maupertuis to Chateaudun with B-26s; HQ 394th Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from Tour-en-Bassin to Bricy; and HQ 409th Bombardment Group (Light) and the 640th, 641st, 642d and 643d Bombardment Squadrons (Light) move from Little Walden, England to Bretigny with A-20s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
AAFMTO: The 72d Liaison Squadron, AAFMTO (attached to Seventh Army), moves from Lons-le-Saunier to Vesoul, France with L-5s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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 47th Bombardment Group (Light) moves from Salon, France to Follonica; HQ 320th Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from Decimomannu, Sardinia to Alto, Corsica with B-26s; and the 525th Fighter Squadron, 86th Fighter Group, moves from Poretta, Corsica to Grosseto with P-47s.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
(Twentieth Air Force): HQ 499th and 500th Bombardment Groups (Very Heavy) arrive at Isley Field, Saipan Island from the US; and the 3d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (Very Heavy), 11th Photographic Group (Mapping), arrives on Saipan Island from the US with F-13s (the squadron will fly photo, electronic and weather recon in the W Pacific, 1 Nov 44-Sep 45).
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 310th Bombardment Wing (Medium) moves from Hollandia to Morotai Island; and the 371st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy), based on Wakde Island with B-24s begins operating from Noemfoor Island.
TUESDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 1944
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ALASKA
(Eleventh Air Force): 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.
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 18 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow and Chengkuing, China. C-47s transports fly 100+ sorties carrying men and supplies to several CBI locations.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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 fighter- bombers particularly concentrate on road transport in the Changsha area and supply dumps, buildings, and trucks near Sintsiang.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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-51s 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 MARKET- GARDEN 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 100th Fighter Wing moves from Le Mans to St-Dizier; HQ 362d Fighter Group and the 379th Fighter Squadron move from Rennes to Prosnes with P-47s; HQ 373d Fighter Group moves from St-James to Reims; and HQ 391st Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from Matching, England to Roye/Amy, France.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):96 B-24s attack railroad bridges at Kraljevo and Mitrovica, Yugoslavia; 70 P-38s provide target area cover.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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 97th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), move from Salon, France to Follonica with A-20s; the 95th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 17th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Villacidro, Sardinia to Poretta, Corsica with B-26s; and the 441st and 444th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 320th Bombardment Group (Medium), move from Decimomannu, Sardinia to Alto, Corsica with B-26s. In France, HQ 64th Fighter Wing moves from St Tropez to Dole.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
(Twentieth Air Force): Ground echelons of the 881st, 882d and 883d Bombardment Squadrons (Very Heavy), 500th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy), arrive at Isley Field, Saipan Island from the US (first mission is 11 Nov).
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 Fighter Group and the 36th Fighter Squadron move from Owi, Schouten Islands to Morotai Island with P-38s; and HQ 347th Fighter Group and the 339th Fighter Squadron move from Sansapor to Middleburg Island with P-38s.
WEDNESDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 1944
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 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.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
AIRBORNE OPERATIONS
(IX Troop Carrier Command): HQ IX Troop Carrier Command moves from Grantham to Ascot, England.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 109th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, 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 406th Fighter Squadron, 371st Fighter Group, moves from Beuzeville to Perthes with P-47s; and the 512th Fighter Squadron, 406th Fighter Group, moves from St Leonard to Mourmelon-le-Grand with P-47s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):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 1 at Gyor and, in Czechoslovakia, bomb Malacky Airfield and the Bratislava oil district.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, the 27th and 79th Fighter Groups 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 427th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth AF (attached to 62d Fighter Wing), departs Pomigliano for India with P-61s. In France, HQ 324th Fighter Group and the 316th Fighter Squadron move from Amberieu to Tavaux with P-47s; the 437th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 319th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Decimomannu, Sardinia to Serragia, Corsica with B-26s; and the 442d and 443d Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 320th Bombardment Group (Medium), move from Decimomannu, Sardinia to Alto, Corsica with B-26s.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 20/21 Sep 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 75th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 42d Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Hollandia to Sansapor with B-25s; the 80th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, moves from Owi, Schouten Islands to Morotai Island with P-38s; the 370th and 372d Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy), based on Wakde Island with B-24s, begin operating from Noemfoor Island.
THURSDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 1944
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 7 B-25s hit Man Mawn and 1 other bombs Indaw; 21 B-24s haul fuel to Liuchow, China. 170+ other transport sorties are flown to various terminal points in CBI.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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 1st Brigade 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 33d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, moves from Toussus le Noble, France to Gosselies with F-5s. In France, HQ 323d Bombardment Group (Medium) and the 453d, 454th, 455th and 456th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) move from Lessay to Chartres with B-26s; HQ 354th Fighter Group moves from Gael to Orconte; the 355th and 356th Fighter Squadrons, 354th Fighter Group, move from Gael to Orconte with P-47s; the 410th Fighter Squadron, 373d Fighter Group, moves from St-James to Reims with P-47s; the 584th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 394th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Tour-en- Bassin to Bricy with B-26s; and the 670th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 416th Bombardment Group (Light), moves from Wethersfield, England to Melun with A-20s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):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 Fifteenth AF personnel from Yugoslavia to Italy.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, bad weather and unserviceable landing grounds cancel all operations; and the 12th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 3d Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), moves from Follonica to Florence/Peretola with F-5s (a detachment is operating from Malignano). In Corsica, HQ 42d Bombardment Wing (Medium) moves from Elmas, Sardinia to Borgo; HQ 319th Bombardment Group (Medium) and the 439th and 440th Bombardment Squadrons move from Decimomannu, Sardinia to Serragia with B-26s; and the 34th, 37th and 432d Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 17th Bombardment Group (Medium), move from Villacidro, Sardinia to Poretta with B-26s.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 13th Troop Carrier Squadron, 403d Troop 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 421st Night Fighter Squadron, V Fighter Command, operating from Wakde Island with P-38s and P-61s, returns to base at Nadzab.
FRIDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 1944
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT: A-20, Douglas Havoc B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress B-24, Consolidated Liberator B-25, North American Mitchell B-29, Boeing Superfortress C-47, Douglas Skytrain F-7, Consolidated Liberator P-40, Curtiss P-47, Republic Thunderbolt P-51, North American Mustang NOTE: A number in parenthesis after a target name indicates the number of bombers attacking.
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 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 Reconnaissance Group, moves from Liuchow to Chanyi, China with F-7s (the squadron is based at Guskhara, India).
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): Mission 645: 661 bombers 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-51s 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): No bomber missions 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 406th Fighter Group and the 513th Fighter Squadron move from Le Mans to Mourmelon-le-Grand with P-47s; the 377th Fighter Squadron, 362d Fighter Group, moves from Rennes to Prosnes with P-47s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): In Italy operating N of the Italian battle area, medium bombers bomb road and rail bridges, while fighter- bombers 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 87th Fighter Wing moves from Furiani, Corsica to Caserta; the 84th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), moves from Salon, France to Follonica with A-20s; the 438th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 319th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Decimomannu, Sardinia to Serragio, Corsica with B-26s.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
(Twentieth Air Force): Ground echelons of the 877th, 878th and 879th Bombardment Squadrons (Very Heavy), 499th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy), arrive at Isley Field, Saipan Island (first mission is 24 Nov).
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy) moves from Wakde Island to Noemfoor Island; the 342d Fighter Squadron, 348th Fighter Group, moves from Wakde Island to Noemfoor Island with P-47s.
SATURDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 1944
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 19 P-47s attack bridges along a line Wanling-Bhamo-Myitkyina destroying 1 bridge; 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.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): 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.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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 82d and 101st Airborne Divisions and the Polish 1st Brigade; the P-38s are flown by Eighth and Ninth AF 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 36th Fighter Group and the 22d Fighter Squadron move from Le Mans to Athis with P-47s; HQ 322d Bombardment Group (Medium) and the 450th and 451st Bombardment Squadron (Medium) move from Rougham, England to Beauvais/Tille with B-26s; HQ 416th Bombardment Group (Light) and the 669th and 671st Bombardment Squadron (Light) move from Wethersfield, England to Melun with A-20s; the 412th Fighter Squadron, 373d Fighter Group, moves from St-James to Reims with P-47s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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 23d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group [attached to 3d Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)], 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.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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 1 on a training mission hits Pagan Island. On the night of 23/24 Sep a B-24 from Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands bombs Wake Island.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 Thirteenth Air Force moves from Hollandia to Noemfoor Island; the 460th Fighter Squadron, 348th Fighter Group, moves from Nadzab to Noemfoor Island with P-47s.
SUNDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 1944
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ALASKA
(Eleventh Air Force): 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.
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, P-47s fly 20 attack sorties against targets in the Mawhun area, including Pinlon; other P-47s fly 13 sorties against targets in the Bhamo area, demolishing a bridge at Manyut and hitting enemy positions at Chayuhkwang. 11 B-24s haul fuel to Liuchow, China. 240+ other C-47 sorties are flown to various points in the CBI.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 26 B-25s bomb Mangshih, Taohsien, and Kuanyang, attack White Cloud Airfield at Canton, and knock out the Dara bridge; 3 others hit targets of opportunity near Changtuikuan and along the Lingling-Siangtan road; 70+ P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance over SW and SE China pound numerous targets of opportunity, especially the town areas and river shipping at Takhing and Sinshih.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): Weather grounds the bombers and fighters. 47 of 53 B-24s fly a TRUCKIN' mission delivering fuel to France.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 Bombardment Wing (Medium) moves from Lessay to Chartres; the 112th Liaison Squadron, Ninth Air Force, moves from Jullouville to Buc with L-5s; the 162d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Group, moves from Montrevil to Dijon with F-6s; the 514th Fighter Squadron, 406th Fighter Group, moves from St Leonard to Mourmelon with P-47s; the 572d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 391st Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Matching, England to Roye/Amy with B-26s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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 3d Photographic Group (Reconnaissance) and the 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron move from Borgo, Corsica to Rosia and Malignano respectively with F-5s; HQ 57th Fighter Group and the 64th and 65th Fighter Squadrons move from Ombrone Airfield to Grosseto with P-47s; the detachment of the 12th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 3d Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), operating from Malignano with F-5s returns to base at Florence/Peretola.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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 28th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Seventh AF, operating from Kwajalein Atoll with F-5s begins a movement to Peleliu Island.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ALASKA
(Eleventh Air Force): 2 B-25s fly a negative shipping sweep.
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 13 P-47s attack the towns of Haungton, Myintha, and Mawlu. B-24s again haul fuel to China, 15 landing at Kunming, 3 at Liuchow, and 1 at Yungning and the Tenth AF flies 220+ other transport sorties to various CBI terminals.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 12 B-25s blast the barracks area at Mangshih; 12 bomb Kweiyang, and 6 hit the town area and railroad yards at Hengyang; 11 B-24s pound Nanking; about 120 P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance over the vast expanses of China S of the Yangtze River attack a large variety of targets of opportunity at numerous locations including troops, buildings, and communications targets in the Paoching area and between Siangtan and Fulinpu.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): No bomber missions are flown. IX Tactical Air Command flies cover for US First Army units in W Germany, dive- bombs rail 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 Bombardment Wing (Medium) moves from Great Dunmow, England to Beaumont; the 378th Fighter Squadron, 362d Fighter Group, moves from Rennes to Prosnes with P-47s; the 449th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 322d Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Great Saling, England to Beauvais/Tille with B-26s; the 585th and 587th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 394th Bombardment Group (Medium), move from Tour-en-Bassin to Bricy with B-26s; the 668th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 416th Bombardment Group (Light), moves from Wethersfield, England to Melun with A-20s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):51 B-24s, with P-51s and P-38s providing target cover and close escort, bomb Piraeus, Skaramanga, and Salamis harbors in Greece.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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 66th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group, moves from Ombrone to Grosseto with P-47s. In France, the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 64th Fighter Wing, moves from Le Vallon to Longvic with Beaufighters.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ALASKA
(Eleventh Air Force): A B-24 flies weather reconnaissance; later 4 B-24s radar-bomb Suribachi Airfield in the Kurile Islands.
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 2 P-47 flights hit targets in the Bhamo-Myothit area, including Sinkin, Momauk, and Nanhlaing; 3 other flights hit targets in the Pinwe-Mawlu area, including the town of Nyaungbintha; 20+ P-47s in 2 flights hit Tingka and in China, hit fuel storage at Chefang and repair shops at Wanting. In China, 9 B-25s blast troop concentrations and stores in Hinlong; and 19 B-24s haul fuel to Liuchow, Yangtong, and Yungning.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 12 B-25s bomb Lungfukwan and Mangshih while several P-40s hit targets of opportunity in same areas; 6 B-25s and 4 P-38s attack and slightly damage the Dara bridge and destroy road machinery nearby; about 50 P-40s and P-51s continue armed reconnaissance over the vast inland areas of S China, attacking troops, buildings, and other targets of opportunity.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Twentieth Air Force): In China, 83 B-29s, staging from Chengtu, bomb Anshan most of them striking the Showa Steel Works with poor results; 15 others bomb Dairen, Sinsiang, and various targets of opportunity; during the night of 26/27 Sep, Japanese aircraft bomb the Chengtu area, damaging 5 B-29s; this attack along with the one on 8 Sep set the pattern for Japanese raids which usually follow B-29 missions and continue until 19 Dec but are of light nature and annoying rather than seriously damaging.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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; 31 airmen 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 Ninth Air Force) 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 361st Fighter Group moves from Bottisham to Little Walden, England.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): No bomber missions 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 370th Fighter Group and the 402d and 485th Fighter Squadrons move from Roye/Amy, France to Florennes/Juxaine with P-38s. In France, the 23d Fighter Squadron, 36th Fighter Group, moves from Le Mans to Athis with P-47s; the 404th Fighter Squadron, 371st Fighter Group, moves from Perthes to Dole/Tavaux with P-47s; the 646th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 410th Bombardment Group (Light), moves from Gosfield, England to Coulommiers with A-20s.
(USSTAF): HQ USSTAF moves from Bushy Park, England to St-Germain-en-Laye, France.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 31st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Wakde Island to Noemfoor Island with B-24s; the 424th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Medium), based on Wakde Island with B-24s, begins operating from Noemfoor Island.
WEDNESDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 1944
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 13 P-47s bomb the area near Katba; 30 P-47s in 5 flights hit ammunition stores and the town area of Myothit, and attack Sinkin, Bhamo, and Ma-ubin; 7 other P-47s damage the approaches to a railroad bridge at Nansiaung, 7 more hit a bivouac area at Pinwe, and 7 B-25s pound Hsenwi. 10 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow and Yungning, China. C-47s fly 200+ sorties to various points in CBI.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 40+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance attack communications targets, river shipping, buildings, and troops in the Kiyang, Lungfukwan, Sungpai, Chuanhsien, Lingling, Paishui, and Paoching areas.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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 5-0-1 on 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 401st Fighter Squadron, 370th Fighter Group, moves from Roye/Amy, France to Florennes/Juxaine with P-38s. In France, the 586th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 394th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Tour-en-Bassin to Bricy with B-26s; the 644th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 410th Bombardment Group (Light), moves from Gosfield, England to Coulommiers with A-20s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 375th Troop Carrier Group moves from Nadzab to Biak Island; the 72d and 394th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), move from Wakde Island to Noemfoor Island with B-24s. HQ 35th Fighter Group moves from Owi, Schouten Islands to Morotai Island.
THURSDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 1944
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 4 P-47s bomb and strafe Mawhun and Nansiaung. 21 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow, Yungning, and Kunming, China.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 26 B-24s pound the town of Samshui; 31 B-25s attack the towns of Taochuan and Shangchiebshou, Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields at Canton, and river and road traffic around Lingling, Siangtan, and Chuchou; 100+ P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s on armed reconnaissance attack numerous targets of opportunity including bridges, town areas, troops, and road, rail, and river traffic throughout inland SE China and, on a smaller scale, in SW China and in French Indochina.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
AIRBORNE OPERATIONS
(IX Troop Carrier Command): In France, HQ 439th Troop Carrier Group and the 91st, 92d and 94th Troop Carrier Squadrons move from Juvincourt to Lonray with C-47s; the 95th, 96th and 97th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 440th Troop Carrier Group, move from Reims to Le Mans with C-47s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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-51s; 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 376th Fighter Squadrons, 361st Fighter Group, move from Bottisham to Little Walden, England with P-51s.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 50th Fighter Group moves from Laon to Lyons/Bron; HQ 410th Bombardment Group (Light) moves from Gosfield, England to Coulommiers; the 645th and 647th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 410th Bombardment Group (Light), moves form Gosfield, England to Coulommiers with A-20s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Fifteenth Air Force):Bad weather cancels bombing operations, limiting missions to weather reconnaissance.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan Island bomb naval installations at Chichi Jima Island. P-47s bomb defenses on Pagan Island.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ALASKA
(Eleventh Air Force): In the Kurile Islands, 2 B-24s bomb Katooka naval base and Kokutan Cape.
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): 11 B-25s attack and damage the main bridge, knock out the bypass bridge and silence adjoining AA positions on the Burma Road near Uambkai, Burma. 18 B-24s haul fuel to Yungning, Liuchow, and Kunming, China.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 11 B-25s bomb Mangshih, 24 bomb Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields at Canton, and 15 hit targets of opportunity around Chuanhsien, Taochuan and Taohsien; about 100 P-51s, P-40s, and P-38s again attack various targets of opportunity throughout the vast expanses of China S of the Yangtze River, hitting road, rail, and river targets, troops, and town areas.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): Mission 654: 5 B-17s and 5 B-24s drop leaflets on the Netherlands, France and Germany during the night.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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, 81st and 313th Fighter Squadrons, 50th Fighter Group move from Laon to Lyon/Bron with P-47s; the 411th Fighter Squadron, 373d Fighter Group, moves from St-James to Reims with P-47s; the 452d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 322d Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Great Saling, England to Beauvais/Tille with B-26s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft, continue to pound Urarom Airfield; other A-20s bomb Faan Airfield.
SATURDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER 1944
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
BURMA-INDIA
(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 50+ P-47s hit various targets in the Myothit and Bhamo areas, attack targets of opportunity at Khalayang, sweep the Anisakan and Nawnghkio Airfield areas, bomb Nansiaung railroad bridge, and hit targets of opportunity on or near the Burma Road between Mangshih and Lashio; 11 B-25s knock out a span of the main bridge and damage 2 bypass bridges at Hsenwi. 18 B-24s haul fuel to Liuchow, Yungning, and Kunming, China.
CHINA
(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 29 B-24s and 12 B-25s bomb Wuchou and Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields at Canton; 6 B-25s hit targets of opportunity S of Lungfukwan; nearly 100 P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance over wide areas of China S of the Yangtze River again hit numerous targets of opportunity, concentrating on river shipping.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
AIRBORNE OPERATIONS
(IX Troop Carrier Command): In France, HQ 440th Troop Carrier Group and the 98th Troop Carrier Squadron move from Reims to Le Mans with C-47s; the 93d Troop Carrier Squadron, 439th Troop Carrier Group, moves from Juvincourt to Lonray with C-47s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
(Eighth Air Force): 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; 1 airman 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.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Ninth Air Force): 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 492d and 494th Fighter Squadrons move from Cambrai/Niergnies, France to St Trond with P-47s. In France, HQ 344th Bombardment Group (Medium) and the 494th, 495th, 496th and 497th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) move from Stansted, England to Cormeilles-en-Vexin with B-26s.
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
The 72d Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO (attached to Seventh Army), moves from Vesoul to Epinal, France with L-5s.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
(Twelfth Air Force): 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 62d Troop Carrier Group moves from Galera Airfield to Malignano Airfield.
PACIFIC OCEAN AREA
(Seventh Air Force): 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/1 Oct a Kwajalein Atoll-based B-24 bombs Wake Island. HQ 494th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and the 864th, 865th, 866th and 867th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) move from Barking Sands, Hawaii to Angaur Island, Palau Islands with B-24s (first mission is 22 Nov).
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
(Far East Air Force): 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 23d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Wakde Island to Noemfoor Island with B-24s.
